Ghost is a powerful and relatable story about Castle "Ghost" Cranshaw, a young boy who discovers that running track may give him a chance to change his life. After years of carrying anger and trauma from his past, Ghost learns that being part of a team requires trust, discipline, and believing in himself. Author Reynolds creates a realistic, authentic character whose voice and emotions will resonate with young readers. This novel reminds readers that there are people who want them to succeed, that the choices they make matter, and that their past does not define who they are or who they can become. For many kids, life can feel like it is controlled by others, and Ghost shows how discovering a passion, setting goals, and working hard can create opportunities and a brighter future. It is an encouraging story about resilience, personal growth, and taking control of your own path.
Anzu and the Realm of Darkness is a fantasy graphic novel that follows Anzu, a young Japanese American girl struggling to feel accepted after moving to a new town. During the Obon Festival, while grieving the loss of her grandmother, Anzu leaves the celebration and soon after a stray dog steals her grandmother's necklace, a treasured keepsake. Chasing the dog, she accidentally enters Yomi, the Japanese underworld. With the help of a guardian spirit dog, Anzu embarks on a journey to rescue trapped souls, find her way home, and reconnect with her family, heritage, and sense of self. Blending Japanese mythology, folklore, fantasy, and adventure, the engaging anime-inspired artwork brings the story to life.
Show Me a Sign is a historical fiction novel that follows Mary Lambert, a Deaf girl living on Martha's Vineyard in the early 1800s. Inspired by the real history of a community in Martha's Vineyard, where Deafness was a natural part of everyday life, the story is set in the town of Chilmark, where as many as 1 in 25 residents were Deaf. Both Deaf and hearing community members communicated using sign language, creating a uniquely inclusive society where Deaf individuals were valued members of the community.
The novel opens with a chilling prologue that immediately captures the reader's attention. As the story unfolds, the community experiences growing tensions over land disputes between English settlers and the Wampanoag people while also facing the arrival of a young scientist determined to uncover the cause of Deafness on the island. Viewing Mary as an object of study rather than as a person, he kidnaps her to experiment on her, forcing Mary to rely on her intelligence, courage, and resilience.
One of the most powerful themes in Show Me a Sign is the idea that being different can make someone vulnerable, especially during a time when there was widespread ignorance and fear surrounding what people did not understand. Mary's experience demonstrates how differences can be misunderstood and exploited when society chooses not to value the humanity behind them. Although the story takes place in the early 1800s, this theme continues to resonate today as people with disabilities show more and other differences still face discrimination, assumptions, and barriers created by a lack of understanding and acceptance. As a Schneider Family Book Award winner, Show Me a Sign offers authentic disability representation while exploring identity, belonging, resilience, prejudice, and the importance of respecting different ways of communicating. show less
The novel opens with a chilling prologue that immediately captures the reader's attention. As the story unfolds, the community experiences growing tensions over land disputes between English settlers and the Wampanoag people while also facing the arrival of a young scientist determined to uncover the cause of Deafness on the island. Viewing Mary as an object of study rather than as a person, he kidnaps her to experiment on her, forcing Mary to rely on her intelligence, courage, and resilience.
One of the most powerful themes in Show Me a Sign is the idea that being different can make someone vulnerable, especially during a time when there was widespread ignorance and fear surrounding what people did not understand. Mary's experience demonstrates how differences can be misunderstood and exploited when society chooses not to value the humanity behind them. Although the story takes place in the early 1800s, this theme continues to resonate today as people with disabilities show more and other differences still face discrimination, assumptions, and barriers created by a lack of understanding and acceptance. As a Schneider Family Book Award winner, Show Me a Sign offers authentic disability representation while exploring identity, belonging, resilience, prejudice, and the importance of respecting different ways of communicating. show less
The Empty Pot is a traditional Chinese folktale about a boy named Ping who is given the opportunity to grow a beautiful flower for the emperor in a contest to determine who will become the future emperor. Ping loves gardening, especially growing flowers, and the emperor shares his passion. As he grows older and prepares to choose a successor, the emperor announces a competition: every child in the kingdom will receive a seed, and after one year they must return with the flower they have grown. When the year is over, Ping sadly brings his empty pot to the palace, surrounded by children carrying magnificent flowers. As the emperor walks among the children, he appears disappointed until he reaches Ping. He asks why Ping's pot is empty, and Ping honestly explains that he did everything he could, but the seed never sprouted. The emperor then reveals that all of the seeds had been cooked and were incapable of growing. Ping was the only child who had been honest, and because of his integrity and courage, the emperor chose him to become the next ruler. I think the story's message is clear, meaningful, and easy for children to understand. It teaches that honesty is more important than success achieved through dishonesty and reminds readers that even when everyone around us seems to be doing something different, we should stay true to ourselves. I think this is something kids can easily relate to. Trying to be honest amongst the pressure of peers and the fear of failure or show more disappointing an authority figure.
The illustrations are beautiful and complement the story well. Having lived in China for many years, I especially enjoy sharing Chinese folktales. They not only teach timeless values but also provide an opportunity to explore Chinese culture and appreciate stories from different traditions. show less
The illustrations are beautiful and complement the story well. Having lived in China for many years, I especially enjoy sharing Chinese folktales. They not only teach timeless values but also provide an opportunity to explore Chinese culture and appreciate stories from different traditions. show less
Words Can Fly is a beautiful collection of poems that celebrates mindfulness, kindness, imagination, and the uniqueness of every child. The title perfectly reflects what this book does by reminding us that words have the power to lift off the page and spark our thoughts, feelings, and imagination.
One of my favorite aspects of this collection is how naturally it mirrors the way children think. The poems move effortlessly between thoughtful reflections and laugh-out-loud silliness, just like kids do in everyday conversations. One moment you're reading a gentle reminder about self-worth, and the next you're having a laugh. It's a perfect blend of humor and heart.
The poems feel approachable and conversational, making this an excellent introduction for young readers who may find poetry intimidating. Rather than focusing on complicated language or rigid forms, the collection invites children to simply enjoy words, wonder about the world, and appreciate what makes them unique.
This would make a wonderful read-aloud in classrooms and libraries or a comforting book to revisit at bedtime. A thoughtful, uplifting collection that reminds readers of all ages that words really can fly.
One of my favorite aspects of this collection is how naturally it mirrors the way children think. The poems move effortlessly between thoughtful reflections and laugh-out-loud silliness, just like kids do in everyday conversations. One moment you're reading a gentle reminder about self-worth, and the next you're having a laugh. It's a perfect blend of humor and heart.
The poems feel approachable and conversational, making this an excellent introduction for young readers who may find poetry intimidating. Rather than focusing on complicated language or rigid forms, the collection invites children to simply enjoy words, wonder about the world, and appreciate what makes them unique.
This would make a wonderful read-aloud in classrooms and libraries or a comforting book to revisit at bedtime. A thoughtful, uplifting collection that reminds readers of all ages that words really can fly.