Kids’ Picks
Spring is here and that means the sun is out longer and there is more time to play outside! Spring days are meant for bike rides, walks on the beach, and time spent at your favorite playground. Unfortunately, spring can also bring a lot of rain. On the days where you find yourself stuck in the house waiting for the clouds to pass, pick up one of these new books to help you pass the time.
Ages 3-5
“Because” by Mo Willems
It’s clear that most things are the result of a chain reaction. “Because” follows a little girl on the path to her musical vocation. A concert is planned and because one person was sick, this girl was able to get a ticket. The experience is life-changing for her! Told in a way that only Willems can, “Because” celebrates making music while also giving credit to everyone involved in the process. “Because the worker checked the seats…” Kids will enjoy seeing how one action leads to another and how easy is to inspire someone else without even realizing it.
“The Good Egg” by Jory John
Sometimes trying to be good is harder than it seems, especially when everyone else is rotten! When all of the other eggs in the dozen start misbehaving, the good egg cracks from the pressure he puts on himself to be perfect. He decides once and for all that things need to change! “The Good Egg” is an entertaining story with underlying messages of the importance of not putting stress on yourself, self-care and acceptance.
Ages 6-8
“Say Something!” by Peter H. Reynolds
Everyone has a voice, and it would be a shame to waste it. The world could use some support and love right now. If you have something to say, say it! If you have a great idea, share it! This story is perfect for kids wanting to make a difference and kids who need a little encouragement to speak up. You never know, what you have to say just might make a difference.
“Circle” by Mac Barnett
“Circle” is the final book in the Shape Trilogy, and this time Circle is the hero. She coaxes her friends into a game of hide-and-seek but warns them of the hidden dangers in the landscape. Triangle never listens and heads right for the waterfall Circle told him to stay away from. Circle rescues Triangle, but in the water she finds another shape that she can’t really see. At first this unknown shape seems scary. But when she ponders this the next day, she realizes that it could possibly be a new friend. Sometimes it’s worth the risk to face the unknown.
Ages 9-12
“New Kid” by Jerry Craft
Transferring to a new school is hard enough, and being one of only a few kids of color makes it even harder for Jordan Banks. Jordan loves drawing cartoons and dreamed of going to an art school, but his parents had other plans. Now starting over at a private school known for academics, Jordan isn’t sure where he fits in. As time goes on, Jordan finds himself caught between his life at home and his new life at school. How can he stay friends with the neighborhood kids, make friends at his new school, and not lose himself in the process?
“Nikki on the Line” by Barbara Carroll Roberts
Nikki Doyle finally feels like her dreams are within reach when she is invited to play on an elite-level club basketball team. However, these girls are faster, stronger and better, and suddenly Nikki isn’t the best point guard on her team. Even worse, her best friend has been hanging out with another girl on the team instead of her. Homework is impossible to get done since she agreed to babysit her brother so he wouldn’t have to go to childcare and her family could afford the costs of the new team. The stress is just growing by the minute. Will Nikki ever be able compete with this new team?
