Looking for new books to read with your children? Searching for new titles for your partnerships and book clubs? Drawing upon the research of Rudine Sims Bishop, we know that reading is more than decoding words; it's an opportunity for mirrors of reflection and windows into new perspectives. Finding the right books for the readers in your life can ignite passions, curiosity, and imagination. Well-chosen books, shared with care and in community, can help to build a lifelong love of reading (Bishop, 1990).
The launch of Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom: Workshops for Families and Caregivers on September 17, 2025 featured recommendations from the team at Teachers College Advancing Literacy about a variety of ways to support literacy development outside of the school day and recommended new titles across genre and form to appeal to a range of readers. These books can be read aloud to kids or suggested for independent reading with friends and family.
As author Kwame Alexander advises in How to Read a Book, “Don't rush though: your eyes need time to taste. Your soul needs room to bloom.” The notable authors and illustrators of the titles listed below have created books that will encourage readers to take their time and will make their souls bloom. Enjoy!
Picture Books
Bud Finds Her Gift by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Illustrated by Naoko Stoop (Harper Collins 2005)
This story is a beautiful reminder that the world, nature, and humanity all have precious gifts to share. Robin Wall Kimmerer captures a young girl's journey of appreciation for the natural world. Guided by her Nokomis (grandmother), she learns to see these gifts and contribute to a healthy world for all.
A scientist, professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Robin Wall Kimmerer is also the author of the popular adult book Braiding Sweetgrass, which has been adapted for young adults by Monique Gray Smith.
Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem After a Whale Fall by Lynn Brunelle and Illustrated by Jason Chin (Harper Collins 2025)
Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem After a Whale Fall reveals, through beautiful illustrations by Jason Chin and lyrical text by Lynn Brunelle, the ways the lives of other organisms are nurtured and sustained after a whale passes away. It is a powerful reminder of the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all living things on Earth.
Lynn Brunelle is a scientist, former teacher, and writer for the television show Bill Nye the Science Guy. She is passionate about STEAM and nonfiction. Jason Chin is a Caldecott Medalist and author of several nonfiction picture books.
Middle Grade Novels
J vs K by Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander (Little Brown Books for Readers 2025)
Drama unfolds in the middle grade graphic novel J vs K, when J, an artist, competes with K, a writer to win a storytelling competition. The collaborative team of Jerry Craft and Kwame Alexander has created a funny and engaging book that is sure to draw readers into the drama, wondering which form—art or writing—will win?
Jerry Craft is the author of the award-winning graphic novel series The New Kid. Kwame Alexander is the author of many books, including the award-winning novel-in-verse The Crossover.
Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II by Adam Gidwitz (Dutton Books for Young Readers 2024)
From celebrated series author Adam Gidwitz comes the first book in a new duology, Max in the House of Spies. This middle grade historical fiction novel follows a young Jewish boy from Germany to London on the eve of WWII. Determined to return to his family in Berlin, if only Max can convince the British to make him a spy…
Adam Gidwitz is a writer, podcaster, teacher, and dad. He is the author of several series for kids and the creator of the popular podcast, Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest.
Young Adult Literature
Rising from the Ashes: Los Angeles, 1992. Edward Jae Song Lee, Latasha Harlins, Rodney King, and a City on Fire by Paula Yoo (Norton Young Readers, 2024)
This young adult nonfiction book provides a compelling account of the 1992 Los Angeles uprising, following the Rodney King trial. Based on over 100 interviews with families and community members, author Paula Yoo explores the profound impact of the events on both the Korean and Black communities in Los Angeles. Yoo’s beautifully written account not only teaches and engages readers, but also inspires compassion.
Paula Yoo is an award-winning author of several books for young people. As a former journalist, screenwriter, and musician, she brings a deep knowledge of history and research to her writing. Through her work, she shares the lives of important figures, capturing their humanity and community impact.
Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley (Henry Holt and Co., 2025)
New York Times bestselling author, Angeline Boulley, brings to life the journey of Lucy, a teenager placed in foster care after the death of her white father. Across this young adult novel, Lucy learns about herself, as well as her family history and Ojibwe heritage. Readers learn about the Indian Child Welfare Act and the laws intended to protect indigenous children in the United States. If you listen to the audiobook you will be able to hear the Ojibwe language.
Angeline Boulley is an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She has had a long career in Indian education from local to national levels, including serving as the Director for the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education. Boulley’s earlier young adult novels, Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed, are equally beautiful and powerful.
We will continue to share recommendations for Advancing Literacy Beyond the Classroom - including relevant research, practical suggestions for support outside the school day, and additional book recommendations at our upcoming free virtual workshops on October 8, October 22, and October 29. Join us!
This blog post is part of our ongoing commitment to celebrating diverse voices in children's literature. For more resources on inclusive literacy practices: Ten Books Celebrating Black Joy, Great New Biographies for Black History Month, Five Fantastic Chapter Books to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month, Five Picture Books to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, and Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors: Celebrating Arab American Heritage Month Through Literature.
References
Alexander, Kwame, and Jerry Craft. J vs. K. First edition., Little, 2025.
Alexander, Kwame, and Melissa Sweet. How to Read a Book. First edition., Harper, 2019.
Bishop, Rudine Sims. "Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors." Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom, vol. 6, no. 3, 1990, pp. Ix–xi.
Boulley, Angeline. Sisters in the Wind. First edition., Henry Holt and Company, 2025. Good Morning America Book Club.
Brunelle, Lynn, and Jason Chin. Life after Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall. First edition., Holiday House, 2024.
Gidwitz, Adam. Max in the House of Spies: [A Tale of World War II]. Dutton Children’s Books, 2024. Gidwitz, Adam.
Kimmerer, Robin Wall, and Naoko Stoop. Bud Finds Her Gift. First edition, Allida, 2025.
Yoo, Paula. Rising from the Ashes: Los Angeles, 1992 : Edward Jae Song Lee, Latasha Harlins, Rodney King, and a City on Fire. First edition., Norton Young Readers, 2024.