Charming free verse vignettes from the childhood of Jacqueline Woodson draw the reader into a life rich with feelings, scents, sounds, and sensations within an African-American family. Mentions of Rosa Parks, the Civil Rights marches and segregated lunch counters provide great points of discussion. However, the focus is simple family times: catching fireflies, church meetings, Saturday night shamp ...

What does it take for us to understand that deep sorrow, regret, and brokenness are consequences of entitlement? This coming of age illustrated story pits bravery and courage against bullying and entitlement. And when truth comes to light, regret is a powerful teacher. Gently told with powerful impact that may challenge unjust patterns of behavior.

It's a young bear's first autumn, and the falling leaves surprise him. Eventually, he gets sleepy and burrows into the fallen leaves for a long nap. When he wakes up, there are suddenly brand-new leaves all around. Full color.

Beautifully rendered in Lewis's striking, lifelike watercolor illustrations, this story by Woodson is a moving, lyrical narrative told in the hopeful voice of a child confused about the fence that divides the black side of town from the white side. Full color.

Putting a wacky twist on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling," Horowitz tells a story of an ugly pumpkin that doesn't fit in. He leaves the pumpkin patch, and by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, he discovers the truth about who he is. Full color.

Warm collage illustrations perfectly complement the layers of this story. On the surface, two siblings, bored from sitting inside trying to entertain themselves (hinting of quarantine experience to which many young children can now relate), are encouraged by their grandmother to "learn to fly" -- to use their imaginations for escape. On a secondary layer, the grandmother shares the creative fortit ...