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Theme: The Sora App

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The Real Unreal by Ryan Wolf

A novel that blends reality and fantasy, following a protagonist who discovers a hidden world, challenging perceptions of reality. Recommended for High School students.

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Oceans of Plastic by Tracey Gray

Addresses plastic pollution in oceans, its impact on marine life, and ways to reduce plastic usage and protect the environment. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Narwhal's Sweet Tooth by Ben Clanton

Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do love waffles, parties and adventures. In the hilarious ninth book of this blockbuster graphic novel series, Narwhal's sweet tooth leads to some very funny feelings! Recommended for Elementary students.

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Hey, Kitty Kitty! by Brenda Ponnay

Up, down, around and through, this little kitty will do anything to make a friend. This book is sure to charm its way into becoming a bedtime favorite. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Discover your next great read

There are multiple ways to access your Sora account, which can be downloaded for free on any device. You can find the icon through the Google waffle apps that are connected to your ISY email page. Instructions will then ask you to search for a school, type "yangon" and click on our organization. After that you will login with your ISY email address and password. Parents who wish to use Sora will need to contact library@isyedu.org to have a special account created. Happy reading!

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First Night by Jill Keppeler

A novel that blends reality and fantasy, following a protagonist who discovers a hidden world, challenging perceptions of reality. Recommended for High School students.

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Food Jokes by Pam Rosenberg

Don't tell an egg a joke unless you want it to crack up! Food Jokes is the perfect kid-friendly compilation of quips that will keep the entire family giggling at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Perfect Sushi by Emily Satoko

A little girl is determined to make perfect sushi for her grandmother, but her efforts only lead to frustration, until a surprising discovery helps her understand that cooking with love is more important than cooking perfect food. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Claudia and the Bad Joke by Ann Martin

Claudia isn't worried when she hears her newest baby-sitting charge, Betsy Sobak, is a big practical joker. After all, how much harm can one little girl do? Plenty. Claudia breaks her leg as a result of one of Betsy's jokes. Now Claudia is feeling like baby-sitting might be too dangerous and she's talking about quitting the club.Recommended for Middle School students.

Theme: Mental Health Awareness

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Birdsong by Julie Flett

When Katherena and her mother move to a small town, Katherena feels lonely and out of place. But when she meets an elderly woman artist who lives next door, named Agnes––her world starts to change.  Katherena and Agnes share the same passions for arts and crafts, birds, and nature. But as the seasons change, can Katherna navigate the failing health of her new friend? Great for Elementary students.

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The Dark Matter of Mona Starr by Laura Lee

Sometimes, the world is too much for Mona Starr. She’s sweet, geeky, and creative, but it’s hard for her to make friends and connect with other people, and her depression seems to take on a vivid, concrete form. She calls it her Matter. Great for High School students.

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Share Your Smile by Raina Telgemeier

Have you ever thought about telling your own personal story, whether it be true or imagined? Are you interested in writing, illustrating, or both? If the answer is yes, this fun, colorful, and interactive guide is for you! With guidance from Raina herself, brainstorm ideas, make lists, paste in personal photos, and use your insight abilities like never before to share your story. Great for Middle School students.

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Pity Party by Kathleen Lane

There's a story about a mood ring that tells the absolute truth. One about social media followers who literally follow you around. And one about a kid whose wish for a new, improved self is answered when a mysterious box arrives in the mail. There's also a personality test, a fortune teller, a letter from the Department of Insecurity, and an interactive Choose Your Own Catastrophe. Come to the party for a grab bag of delightfully funny and dark stories that ultimately offers a life-affirming reminder that there is hope and humor to be found amid our misery. Great for High School students.

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Heads up by Melanie Siebert

Featuring real-life stories of people who have found hope and meaning in the midst of life’s struggles, Heads Up: Changing Minds on Mental Health is the go-to guide for teenagers who want to know about mental health, mental illness, trauma and recovery. For too long, mental health problems have been kept in the shadows, leaving people to suffer in silence, or worse, to be feared, bullied or pushed to the margins of society where survival is difficult.  Great for High School students.

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A Last Goodbye by Elin Kelsey

How do we say goodbye to a loved one after they die? How do we find the way to deal with grief? This book broaches a difficult topic in a heartfelt way by exploring the beauty in how animals mourn. From elephants to whales, parrots to bonobos, and lemurs to humans, we all have rituals to commemorate our loved ones and to lift each other up in difficult times. Great for Elementary students.

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Awesomely Emma by Amy Webb

Emma has limb differences, but different isn't bad, sad, or strange. It's just different! But when some accessibility problems get in the way at the local art museum, it ruins the fun of a class trip...and then Emma's friend Charley makes things even worse! In the middle of a really bad day, Emma has to call upon her sense of inner awesome to stand up for herself and teach everyone a lesson about the transformative power of feeling awesome in your own skin. Great for Elementary students.

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The End of Something Wonderful by Stephanie Lucianovic

Children love their pets very much—and when the animals die, that loss can be hard to process. This book helps kids handle their feelings when they’re hurting and can’t find all the right words. In a warm, understanding, sometimes funny way, it guides children as they plan a backyard funeral to say goodbye, from choosing a box and a burial spot to giving a eulogy and wiping away tears. Most of all, it reassures them that it’s not the end of everything… and that Something Wonderful can always happen again. Great for Elementary students.

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I Go Quiet by David Ouimet

Here is the story of an introverted girl, hiding in silence in a world that seems overpowering, loud, and hostile. In the power of imagination and the pages of books, she sees possibilities for herself and discovers a place where her words ring loud and true. Great for Elementary students.

Theme: Protecting Nature

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Desert Girl, Monsoon Boy by Tara Dairman

One girl. One boy. Their lives couldn't be more different. While she turns her shoulder to sandstorms and blistering winds, he cuffs his pants when heavy rains begin to fall. As the weather becomes more severe, their families and animals must flee to safety--and their destination shows that they might be more alike than they seem. Great for Elementary students.

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One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul

Plastic bags are cheap and easy to use. But what happens when a bag breaks or is no longer needed? In Njau, Gambia, people simply dropped the bags and went on their way. Isatou Ceesay was that change. She found a way to recycle the bags and transform her community. Great for Elementary students.

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Engineering Solutions for Droughts by Avery Hurt

As global warming intensifies, experts warn of an increase in the number and severity of droughts around the world. This volume uses accessible language and engaging examples to inform middle-grade readers of what drought is and how scientists and engineers are learning ways to predict where it will occur and mitigate its consequences. Great for Middle School students.

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Engineering Solutions for Wildfires by Carol Hand

This revealing volume begins with an overview of the 2018 California fire season. Readers then investigate the causes and effects of wildfires and learn about the methods engineers use to predict including the reliance on computer fire models and satellites. Great for High School students.

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One Earth by Anuradha Rao

One Earth profiles Black, Indigenous and People of Color who live and work as environmental defenders. Through their individual stories, the book shows that the intersection of environment and ethnicity is an asset to achieving environmental goals. Great for High School students.

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How to Catch a Clover Thief by Elise Parsley

All Roy the wild boar wants is to enjoy his precious patch of delicious clover… but every time he turns around, his tasty treasure seems to be shrinking! Who's stealing his favorite meal from right under his snout? Great for Elementary students.

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Floods by Martha London

Vivid photographs and easy-to-read text explore the science behind how floods form, where they most commonly occur, and how people can best stay safe during one. QR Codes in the book give readers access to book-specific resources to further their learning. Great for Middle School students.

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Beehive by Jorey Hurley

Children love their pets very much—and when the animals die, that loss can be hard to process. This book helps kids handle their feelings when they’re hurting and can’t find all the right words. In a warm, understanding, sometimes funny way, it guides children as they plan a backyard funeral to say goodbye, from choosing a box and a burial spot to giving a eulogy and wiping away tears. Most of all, it reassures them that it’s not the end of everything… and that Something Wonderful can always happen again. Great for Elementary students.

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Camp Tiger by Susan Choi

Every year, a boy and his family go camping at Mountain Pond. Usually, they see things like an eagle fishing for his dinner, a salamander with red spots on its back, and chipmunks that come to steal food while the family sits by the campfire. But this year, a tiger comes to the woods. Great for Elementary students.

Theme: Monsoon and Rainy Weather

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The Tempest by William Shakespeare

This retelling of the play The Tempest, originally written by William Shakespeare in 1610, tells young readers the story of an exiled king, who uses his magical powers to plot revenge against his enemies, which in the end leads the characters to consider that forgiveness is better than revenge. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Mina vs. The Monsoon by Rukhsanna Guidroz

Plastic bags are cheap and easy to use. But what happens when a bag breaks or is no longer needed? In Njau, Gambia, people simply dropped the bags and went on their way. Isatou Ceesay was that change. She found a way to recycle the bags and transform her community. Great for Elementary students.

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My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan

This book follows the journey of Earth as it experiences the changing seasons and different elements of nature. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Monsoon by Uma Krishnaswami

This is a day in the life of Chitra, who experiences the arrival of the monsoon rains and discovers the beauty of nature. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Weather Pop-Up Book by Mike Biederstaedt

One Earth profiles Black, Indigenous and People of Color who live and work as environmental defenders. Through their individual stories, the book shows that the intersection of environment and ethnicity is an asset to achieving environmental goals. Great for High School students.

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Sometimes Rain by Meg Fleming

This book explores different types of elements of the weather, including rain, snow, and sunlight, and encourages children to appreciate the beauty of nature and its changes. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Climate Change Eco Facts by Izzi Howell

This fact-based book provides information to young readers about climate change and its impact on the environment, as well as suggestions for how individuals can reduce their carbon footprint. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Monsoon Afternoon by Kashmira Sheth

This is the story of a young girl named Jiva who experiences the monsoon rains and learns to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, like spending a day indoors watching the rain fall. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Rainboy by Dylan Glynn

Wherever he goes, Rain Boy brings wet—which means he's not very popular. Sun Kidd brings sunshine everywhere she goes, so everyone loves her. Only Sun Kidd sees what's special about Rain Boy, and he is about to learn exactly what's so special about what makes him different to the rest. Recommended for Elementary students.

Theme: Imaginative and Curious Minds

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Swatch By Julia Denos

In a place where color ran wild, there lived a girl who was wilder still. Her name was Swatch, and color was her passion. From brave green to in-between gray to rumble-tumble pink, Swatch wanted to collect them all. But colors don’t always like to be tamed... This is an exuberant celebration of all the beauty and color that make up our lives. Great for Elementary students.

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Imagine! By Raul Colon

After passing a city museum many times, a boy finally decides to go in. He passes wall after wall of artwork until he sees a painting that makes him stop and ponder. Before long the painting comes to life and an afternoon of adventure and discovery unfolds, changing how he sees the world ever after. Great for Elementary students.

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Poetree By Shauna LaVoy

The snow has melted, the buttercups are blooming, and Sylvia celebrates winter's end by writing a poem. She ties her poem to a birch tree, hoping that it doesn't count as littering if it makes the world more beautiful. But when she returns, a new poem is waiting for her. Could the tree really be writing back? Sylvia decides to test her theory, and so begins a heartwarming poetic correspondence. Great for Elementary students.

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Humpty Dumpty By Derek Hughes

This classic tale gets a modern twist. This time Humpty is ready for battle, with a secret mission and a touch of mischief. Can all the King's horses and all the King's men help put Humpty together again? Or maybe the mission, no matter how small, is simply to question the point of a wall? Great for Middle School students.

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The Other Ducks By Ellen Yeomans

This Duck and That Duck were best friends. They did everything together but sometimes they wanted more friends to join their adventures. When This Duck declares that he wishes there were Other Ducks around so they could waddle in a line (a very ducky thing to do), That Duck is quite confused. That is until This Duck and That Duck go swimming, look down, and finally meet The Other Ducks. Unfortunately, The Other Ducks never seem to come out of the water!

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Poppy Pickle By Emma Yar

Poppy has the most extraordinary imagination. When she is sent upstairs to clean her room, she just can't help imagining, and suddenly... her imagination literally comes alive. Soon her room is jam-packed with all kinds of weird and wonderful creatures. There are a few problems, though: the mammoth puts his foot through the floor, and the hungry crocodile thinks Poppy would make a tasty snack. Poppy needs to get rid of all these creatures fast. But how? Great for Elementary students.

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This is Sadie By Sara O'Leary

Sadie is a little girl with a big imagination. In her imagination, she has lived under the sea and also raised by wolves. She has had adventures in wonderland and visited the world of fairytales. She whispers to the dresses in her closet and talks to birds. She has wings that take her anywhere she wants to go, but that always bring her home again. She likes to make things -- boats out of boxes and castles out of cushions. But more than anything Sadie likes stories, because you can make them from nothing at all. Great for Elementary students.

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By Nights By John Allison

Home to high school best friends Jane Langstaff and Heather Meadows, Spectrum is a boomtown that’s long since stopped booming, with nothing to show for its former glory but the abandoned Charleswood Estate, its dwindling sprocket millions, and the story of the disappeared industrialist who founded the place… But deep within Charleswood, unbeknownst to anyone, there is a device called the Eidolon, which can open up a doorway to an otherworldly dimension. And Heather and Jane are about to go knocking. Great for Middle School students.

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Quichotte By Salman Rushdie

Inspired by the Cervantes classic, Sam DuChamp, mediocre writer of spy thrillers, creates Quichotte, a courtly, addled salesman obsessed with television who falls in impossible love with a TV star. Together with his (imaginary) son Sancho, Quichotte sets off on a picaresque quest across America to prove worthy of her hand, braving tragicomic perils. Meanwhile, his creator, has equally urgent challenges of his own. Just as Don Quixote satirized the culture of his time, the author takes the reader on a ride through a world facing constant moral challenges. Great for High School students.

Theme: Wild and Wonderful Animals

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Eye by Eye by Sara Levine

What kind of animal would you be if you had eight eyes? Or if your pupils were the shape of the letter W? Keep an eye out for weird and surprising facts in this playful book, which brings together anatomy with guessing games. Great for Elementary students.

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Nature’s Ninja by Rebecca Johnson

Did you know that some animals have natural ninja-like talents? In this book, you'll learn all about them. Geckos can grip almost any surface―including walls and ceilings―with their amazing toes. And when collector urchins are attacked, they release tiny, sharp objects that bear a striking resemblance to throwing stars. Great for Middle School students.

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Becoming a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery

The animals Sy has met on her travels have taught her how to seek understanding in surprising ways, from being patient to finding forgiveness and respecting others. Gorillas, dogs, octopuses, tigers, and more all have shown Sy that there are no limits to the empathy we can find in each other if only we take the time to connect. Great for Elementary students.

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The Line Tender by Kate Allen

Wherever the sharks led, Lucy's marine-biologist mother followed. In fact, she was on a boat far off the coast of Massachusetts, collecting shark data when she died suddenly. Lucy was seven. Since then Lucy and her father have kept their heads above water. But June of her twelfth summer brings more than the end of school and a heat wave, it also brings tragedy. Will she be able to look beyond what she's lost and toward what's left to be discovered? Great for Middle School students.

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The Screaming Hairy Armadillo by Matthew Murrie

What's in a name? This book is jam-packed with creatures notable for their bizarre and funny names. Meet the White-Bellied Go-Away Bird, whose cry sounds like someone screaming, "Go away!" Or the Aye-Aye, whose name means "I don't know" in Malagasy because no one wants anything to do with this bad-luck creature. Great for Middle School students.

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Lone Wolf by Sarah Kurpiel

Maple the husky is a valued member of the team, but strangers always seem to think she’s a wolf! It’s true: Maple can hunt, she can howl, and she can dig, just like wolves can. Oh, no! What if she is a wolf and doesn’t belong with her family after all? Great for Elementary students.

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Beyond the Pond by Joseph Kuefler

Just behind an ordinary house filled with too little fun, Ernest D. decides that today will be the day he explores the depths of his pond. Beyond the pond, he discovers a not-so-ordinary world that will change him forever. Great for Elementary students.

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Nesting by Henry Cole

In this black-and-white picture book highlighted with robin’s egg blue, the reader will follow two robins as they build a nest with twigs and grass. Then mother robin lays four beautiful blue eggs and will keep them warm in the nest until they hatch into four baby robins. Great for Elementary students.

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Lion and Mouse by Jairo Buitrago

One day, the mouse marches into the lion’s den without an invitation. Before the lion can eat him for breakfast, the mouse begs for mercy. “If you let me go, I might be able to return the favor.” The lion laughs at the idea of such a small creature helping him out, until the next day when the mouse frees the lion from a hunter’s trap. Great for Elementary students.

Theme: Sustainability

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Plastic By Susan Frenkel

Plastic built the modern world. Where would we be without bike helmets, baggies, toothbrushes, and pacemakers? But a century into our love affair with plastic, we’re starting to realize it’s not such a healthy relationship. Plastics draw on dwindling fossil fuels, leach harmful chemicals, litter landscapes, and destroy marine life. As journalist Susan Freinkel points out in this engaging and eye-opening book, we’re nearing a crisis point. We’ve produced as much plastic in the past decade as we did in the entire twentieth century. We’re drowning in the stuff, and we need to start making some hard choices. Great for High School students.

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City of Neighbors by Andrea Curtis

Neighborhoods where people look out for each other, eat together, make art and build community are healthier, happier, greener and cleaners. This book explores how people are working together to make their neighborhoods great. Journey around the world to discover how people have been dreaming up new ways to ensure their cities and neighborhoods are creative, inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Follow Your Stuff By Kevin Sylvester

Our cellphones, our clothes, our food: All are everyday things we consider essential, but we seldom think of what and who is involved in making them and getting them into our hands. Using familiar examples, easy-to-follow charts and graphs, and a big helping of humor, the authors introduce young readers to concepts such as relative value and fair wages and how to think critically about our purchasing decisions. Great for Middle School students.

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Most of the Better Natural Things By Dave Eggers

A tiger carries a dining room chair on her back. But why? Where is she going? With just one word per page, in lush, color-rich landscapes, we learn about the features that make up our world: an archipelago, a dune, an isthmus, a lagoon. Across them all, the tiger roams. An enigmatic investigation of our world's most beautiful places from bestselling author Dave Eggers, beautifully illustrated by debut artist Angel Chang. Great for Elementary students.

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Team Trash by Kate Wheeler

What's in a name? This book is jam-packed with creatures notable for their bizarre and funny names. Meet the White-Bellied Go-Away Bird, whose cry sounds like someone screaming, "Go away!" Or the Aye-Aye, whose name means "I don't know" in Malagasy because no one wants anything to do with this bad-luck creature. Great for Middle School students.

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The Energy We Use By Georgia Amson

Introduce young readers to the ways we get energy from the environment, from oil and coal to hydropower and solar farming. Readers will learn that not all energy sources are created equal. Through full-color photographs, dynamic spotlight facts, and "Solve It!" activities, students will learn about the problems with each type of energy production, then think critically about potential eco-friendly solutions for the future. This volume informs readers and engages their problem-solving skills and creativity. Great for High School students.

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Biodiversity By Laura Perdew

This book introduces middle schoolers to the evolution of life on Earth, beginning with the first single-celled organisms that emerged 3.8 billion years ago to the complex, multi-celled organisms that exist today and make up the tree of life. Biodiversity is found everywhere on the planet—on land, in the water, and even in extreme environments such as ice and volcanoes. Biodiversity can also be discovered by looking through a microscope at tiny worlds of organisms that can’t be seen with the human eye. There are whole microbiomes beneath our feet, in puddles, and even in our belly buttons! Great for Middle School students.

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Biodiversity Eco Facts By Izzi Howell

The huge variety of plants and animals that live on Earth is called biodiversity. As ecosystems are destroyed by climate change and human activity, plants and animals are becoming endangered and even extinct. Find out how the loss of biodiversity affects food chains and natural habitats, why it is important to humans, and how its loss threatens the health of all living things on the planet" Great for High School students.

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How is a Building like a Termite Mound? by Walt Brody

Animals build unique and beautiful homes. So do humans. But sometimes human-made buildings harm the environment. Learn how architects use biomimicry to design eco-friendly buildings. Recommended for Middle School students.

Theme: Culture of Myanmar

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I See the Sun in Myanmar by Dedie King

This enchanting book portrays a day in the life of a young Burmese girl and her family, highlighting aspects of the country's culture, traditions, and daily life. Recommended for Elementary students.

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My first Myanmar Alphabet by Cho S.

A colorful book that introduces the Burmese (Myanmar) alphabet, with illustrations and simple sentences to help young readers learn the language.
Recommended for Elementary students.

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Myanmar by Laura Sullivan

A travel guide to Myanmar, providing information on the country's culture, history, geography, and tourist attractions. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Bandoola by William Grill

When a world war comes to Myanmar, one special elephant becomes a hero. As people are forced to leave their home in the Burmese jungle, Bandoola, his keeper Po Toke and war veteran James Howard Williams, aka Elephant Bill, undertake a journey that will test their courage, taking trust, understanding and bravery to the very limit. Together, they lead a group of 53 elephants and over 200 refugees to safety, scaling 6000 foot mountains as they trek from Myanmar to northern India. Recommended for Middle School students.

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M is for Myanmar by Elizabeth Rush

An alphabet book that introduces Myanmar's history, culture, and landmarks, with each letter representing a different aspect of the country. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Little Sid by Ian Lendler

The story of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, in a simple and engaging way, using familiar narrative elements like family life, compassion, love, and nature. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Mantles of Merit by Barbara Fraser

The book explores the tradition of donating robes to Buddhist monks in Myanmar, and the social and religious significance of this practice in the country's culture. Recommended for High School students and Adults.

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The Traffic in Hierarchy by Ward Keeler

This book shows a series of studies of the social and political hierarchies in modern-day Myanmar, and how they affect the country's culture and governance. Recommended for High School students and Adults.

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You’ve changed by Pyae Moe Thet War

Wrestling with the question of who she is throughout, a Myanmar millennial, in these irreverent and vulnerable essays, takes on romantic relationships whose futures are determined by different passports, switching accents in taxis, and other challenges of what it means to be a Myanmar woman today.

Theme: Fantasy

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It’s Not Hansel and Gretel by Josh Funk

Hansel and Gretel will not listen to their storyteller. For one thing, who leaves a trail of bread crumbs lying around, when there are people starving? Not Hansel, that’s for sure! And that sweet old lady who lives in a house made of cookies and candy? There’s no way she’s an evil witch! As for Gretel, well, she’s about to set the record straight―after all, who says the story can’t be called Gretel and Hansel? Great for Elementary students.

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Goddess in the Machine by Lora Johnson

When Andra wakes up, she's drowning. Not only that, but she's in a hot, dirty cave, it's the year 3102, and everyone keeps calling her Goddess. When Andra went into a cryonic sleep for a trip across the galaxy, she expected to wake up in a hundred years, not a thousand. Worst of all, the rest of the colonists--including her family and friends--are dead. They died centuries ago, and for some reason, their descendants think Andra's a deity. She knows she's nothing special, but she'll play along if it means she can figure out why she was left in stasis and how to get back to Earth. Great for High School students.

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The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd

When Tomas discovers a old tree at the bottom of this grandpa's garden, he doesn't think much of it. But he takes the funny fruit from the tree back into the house - and gets the shock and delight of his life when a tiny dragon hatches! The tree is a dragonfruit tree, and Tomas has got his very own dragon, Flicker...
Tomas soon finds out that life with Flicker is great fun, but also very... unpredictable. Yes, dragons are fiery, fantastical and dazzling, but they also set fire to your toothbrush and singe your porridge. Tomas has to learn how to look after Flicker - and quickly. and then something extraordinary happens - more dragonfruits appear on the tree. Tomas is growing dragons...Great for Middle School students.

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Starcrossed by Julia Demos

She was made of blood and bones, and he was made of space and stars. Back in a time when there were still students of the stars, there were two friends, Acamar and Eridani. Eridani was a star pupil studying the night skies, and Acamar... well, he was made of the stuff she studied. In a star-crossed twist of fate, these long-distance friends find they’ve wished themselves into unexpected new worlds. Filled with stardust and moonglow, this cosmic adventure shows us how even the most brilliant wishes can have a mind of their own—and that true friendship can endure, despite time and space. Great for Elementary students.

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Me vs. The Multiverse by S.G. Wilson

It all starts with a note folded into the shape of an origami octopus: “Hi, Me. Yes, you. You’re me, and I’m you.” If you believe this and the other origami notes that follow–which Meade Macon does not–the concept of parallel dimensions is true, and there is a convention full of alternate versions of Meade waiting for his RSVP. It’s got to be a joke. Could the parallel universes be a real thing? And should he go as requested by the Origami Octopus? Great for Middle School students.

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It’s Not Little Red Riding Hood! by Josh Funk

Little Red likes to play by the rules. So when the narrator comes along and asks her to follow the story set out in her fairy tale, she grabs the basket for Grandma and goes. After all, she loves her grandma. But unfortunately, none of the other characters are quite what they’re expecting. As Little Red attempts to follow the narrator’s directions (which, frankly, seem kind of dangerous!), she is beset by fill-in characters, confusing instructions, and even a fierce battle! Will Little Red ever make it to Grandma’s house? And who will she find when she gets there? Great for Elementary students.

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Lightfall by Tim Probert

Will these two unexpected friends find the beloved Pig Wizard and prevent eternal darkness from blanketing their world? Great for High School students.

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The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

Tien and his mother may come from different cultures—she’s an immigrant from Vietnam still struggling with English; he’s been raised in America—but through the fairy tales he checks out from the local library, those differences are erased. But as much as Tien’s mother’s English continues to improve as he reads her tales of love, loss, and travel across distant shores, there’s one conversation that still eludes him—how to come out to her and his father. Is there even a way to explain what he’s going through in Vietnamese? And without a way to reveal his hidden self, how will his parents ever accept him?Great for High School students.

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Catalyst by Sarah Durst

Zoe named the kitten Pipsqueak, because she was so tiny, and promised to always take care of her. Then the kitten grew. And grew. Now she’s bigger than a horse—and talking as well! Fleeing into the woods to escape the curious eyes of the Internet, Zoe and her best friend, Harrison, must keep the giant cat hidden as they desperately search for a way to return her to normal size. If they don’t succeed, Pipsqueak may never be safe again. But why did she grow so large in the first place? Great for Middle School students.

Theme: Arts, Culture, and Creativity

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Pretty Perfect Kittycorn by Shannon Hale

Unicorn is perfect. Everybody thinks so.
He yearns to look the way everyone thinks he should. But when a fumble makes Unicorn feel like a big, ugly goof, he can’t help but wonder: If he’s not absolutely perfect and majestic all the time, will Kitty even want to be his best friend anymore?Recommended for Elementary students.

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Operatic by Kyo Maclear

It’s almost the end of middle school, and Charlie has to find her perfect song for a music class assignment. But it’s hard for Charlie to concentrate when she can’t stop noticing her classmate Emile, or wondering about Luka, who hasn’t been to school in weeks. Recommended for High School students.

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What Will These Hands Make? By Nikki McClure

This lyrical picture book from beloved creator Nikki McClure follows a family through one day and muses in the possibilities that one day holds—from enjoying treats at the bakery, to admiring handmade goods from local artisan shops, to observing the new construction in town. Recommended for Elementary students.

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How Artists See Feelings by Colleen Carroll

This direct, interactive approach to art promotes self-exploration, self-discovery, and self-expression. For children who want to know more about the artists whose works appear in the book, biographies are provided at the end. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Nina by Traci Todd

Nina Simone was a musical child. She sang before she talked and learned to play piano at a very young age. With the support of her family and community, she received music lessons that introduced her to classical composers like Bach who remained with her and influenced her music throughout her life. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Swing by Kwame Alexander

While Walt focuses on his program of jazz, podcasts, batting cages, and a “Hug Life” mentality, Noah feels stuck in status quo.. until he stumbles on a stash of old love letters. Recommended for High School students.

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Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty

Aaron Slater loves listening to stories and dreams of one day writing them himself. But when it comes to reading, the letters just look like squiggles to him, and it soon becomes clear he struggles more than his peers. When his teacher asks each child in the class to write a story, Aaron can’t get a single word down. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Rosie Revere dreamed of becoming a great engineer. Where some people see rubbish, Rosie sees inspiration. Alone in her room at night, shy Rosie constructs great inventions from odds and ends. Hot dog dispensers, helium pants, python-repelling cheese hats: Rosie’s gizmos would astound—if she ever let anyone see them. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Iridescence of Birds by Patricia Maclachlan

If you were a boy named Henri Matisse who lived in a dreary town in northern France, what would your life be like? Would it be full of color and art? Full of lines and dancing figures? Recommended for Elementary students.

Theme: International Poetry Day

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I Wish by Ingrid Godon

This book takes a whimsical approach, presenting a collection of wishes in a poetic and imaginative manner. The illustrations and language combine to create a charming exploration of desire and dreaming. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Sweet People Are Everywhere by Alice Walker

This illustrated book celebrates humanity through poetry. The poem addresses a young boy getting his first passport and the continuation of his journey through a series of countries around the globe where 'sweet people' can be found. Recommended for Elementary students.

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You Don’t Have to Be Everything by Diana Whitney

The poems in this book deliver a comforting and empowering message. It encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves, emphasizing that one doesn't have to meet every expectation and that self-acceptance is a most valuable journey. Recommended for High School students.

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After Dark by David Harrison

This poem paints a vivid picture of the mysteries and enchantments that come alive in the world after the sun sets. It delves into the beauty of the dark night, capturing its magic and allure. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Read! Read! Read! by Amy VanDerwater

This poem by Amy VanDerwater is a joyful celebration of the act of reading. It explores the excitement and wonders that come from engaging with books, fostering a love for literature and storytelling. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Hard-Boiled Bugs for Breakfast by Jack Prelutsky

This playful and imaginative poem takes a whimsical look at the bizarre and humorous side of life, injecting a sense of lightness into the anthology. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Last Straw by Susan Hood

This engaging collection of lyrical nonfiction poems with color illustrations highlights the threat of plastic and the kids who are fighting for change to save our planet. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Write! Write! Write! by Amy VanDerwater

Serving as a companion piece to the first poem, "Write! Write! Write!" encourages the reader to embrace the creative process of writing. Amy VanDerwater inspires a sense of empowerment and expression through the written word. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Giving Alms by Chin Chan Mae Maung

Through reflective verses, it this poetry book delves into the significance of giving and the interconnectedness of humanity, offering insights into the beauty of selflessness. Recommended for High School students.

Theme: Holi & Indian Culture

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The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

Life is harsh in Chennai's teeming streets, so when runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, their prospects look grim. Very quickly, eleven-year-old Viji discovers how vulnerable they are in this dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter--and friendship--on an abandoned bridge. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship by Chitra Soundar

These tales will make readers laugh at how should they handle the case of the merchant who wants to charge people for enjoying the smells of his sweets? Or settle the dispute between a man who sells a well to a neighbor, but not the water inside? Or solve the mystery of the jewels that have turned into pickles?. Recommended for Middle School students.

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The Fantastic Adventures of Krishna by Demi

The Fantastic Adventures of Krishna tells the enchanting tale of the child Krishna, who is sent by the God Vishnu to aid humanity. Hidden amongst the poor cowherds, Krishna uses his miraculous powers to fight an evil demon king who has overthrown the peaceful kingdom of Mathura. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Born Behind Bars by Parma Venkatram

This book tells the story of a child born in a prison in India and follows his journey growing up behind bars. It explores the challenges he faces and his resilience in overcoming them, offering a poignant look at life in unconventional circumstances. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Holi Colors by Rina Singh

A time to laugh, play, visit friends and get messy! Little ones will love exploring the colors of Holi through the vibrant photographs and playful rhymes in this book. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Dadaji Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande

This children's book tells the heartwarming story of a young boy named Kabir and his grandfather, Dadaji, who uses his imagination and creativity to transform everyday objects into works of art. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet

Inspired by the true story of Fauja Singh, the world's oldest marathon runner, this book celebrates resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one's dreams at any age. It follows Fauja's journey from his childhood in India to becoming an international running sensation, inspiring readers to overcome obstacles and persevere. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Thirst by Varsha Bajaj

Set in drought-stricken Mumbai, "Thirst" follows the journey of a young girl named Kavya who strives to bring water to her community. Through her determination and courage, she inspires change and hope in the face of adversity, highlighting themes of resilience and community. Recommended for Middle School students.

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The India Idea by L.K. Sharma

The India idea—an idea which may not always find its origin in a sophisticated lab or a state-of-the-art industrial R&D centre; an idea which may be as unique as the country's identity, ethos and culture; an idea which may be beyond time and space but whose time has definitely come—this evocative book gives a fascinating peep into such ideas and the robust innovation model across India's social and economic spectrum. Recommended for High School students.

Theme: The African Continent

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Akissi: Tales of Mischief By Marguerite Abouet

Poor Akissi! The neighborhood cats are trying to steal her fish, her little monkey Boubou almost ends up in a frying pan, and she's nothing but a pest to her older brother Fofana. But Akissi is a true adventurer, and nothing scares her away from hilarious escapades in her modern African city. Great for Elementary students.

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Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o

Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything. Great for Elementary students.

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The Girl Who Smiled Beads By Clemantine Wamariya

Clemantine Wamariya was six years old when her family began to speak in whispers, when neighbors began to disappear, and when she heard the loud, ugly sounds her brother said were thunder. In 1994, they escaped the Rwandan massacre and spent the next six years migrating through seven African countries, searching for safety— hungry, imprisoned and abused, enduring and escaping refugee camps, finding unexpected kindness, witnessing inhuman cruelty. When she was twelve, she and her sister were granted refugee status in the United States. She seemed to live the American dream: attending private school, taking up cheerleading, and, ultimately, graduating from Yale. Yet the years of being treated as less than human, of going hungry and seeing death, could not be erased. Great for High School students.

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Ariba: An Old Tale About New Shoes By Masha Manapov

Marcus’ joy over his new pair of shoes reminds his grandfather of an old story about a boy named Ariba who has the most unusual relationship with an extraordinary pair of shoes. Because no matter how many times Ariba tries to get rid of his shoes, they always seem to find their way back to him. After all, why would shoes caked, baked and layered with stories ever want to find a new owner? For in life, just as we claim a few precious things as our own, there are also those rare things that claim us. Great for Elementary students.

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Africa, Amazing Africa by Atinuke

A Nigerian storyteller explores the continent of Africa country by country: its geography, peoples, animals, history, resources, and cultural diversity. The book is divided into five distinct sections—South, East, West, Central, and North—and each country is showcased on its own bright, energetic page brimming with friendly facts on science, industry, food, sports, music, wildlife, landscape features, even snippets of local languages. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Gerald the Lion By Jessica Souhami

One day in the dark, dark jungle, a big, bold lion called Gerald sets out in search of adventures. He meets hungry crocodiles, friendly giants and fire-breathing dragons. But then he gets lost! Does Gerald really want to be a big, bold lion? Funny and reassuring, this beautifully crafted picture book is perfect for sharing. Great for Elementary students.

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Long Walk to Freedom By Nelson Mandela

The children's version of Nelson Mandela's autobiography, offers a glimpse into the mind of a great leader, admired across the globe for his dedication to the struggles against apartheid in South Africa. Now the youngest readers can discover the remarkable story of Mandela's long walk from ordinary village boy, to his dynamic leadership of the African National Congress, to his many long years in prison-and, at last, his freedom and astonishing rise to become the leader of his country. Great for Middle School students.

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Serengeti by Leslie Bulion

Using a series of interconnected verses inspired by an East African Swahili poem form—the utendi—the author's cadence and rhythmic lines mimic the web of life in the Serengeti, following the great migration of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals into and then out of the vast short-grass plain. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Princess Arabella Is a Big Sister By Mylo Freeman

Princess Arabella can't wait to have a younger sibling to play with. But what would be most fun- a brother or a sister? Sisters seem great... until she meets Prince Mimoen's sister. A brother then? Princess Ling's brothers seem like too much trouble! Great for Elementary students.

Theme: Ramadan & Islamic Culture

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Once Upon an Eid by Aisha Saeed

This book collection of short stories that celebrate the joy, diversity, and traditions of the Muslim holiday of Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan. Recommended for High School students.

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In My Mosque by M. O. Yuksel

This colorful children's book takes readers on a tour of a mosque, highlighting its features, functions, and the community that gathers there to pray and learn. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Laila's Lunchbox by Reem Faruqi

Laila, who brings her favorite foods from home to school during Ramadan, sparks conversations around cultural differences and friendship. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Arab Arab All Year Long! by Cathy Camper

From January to December, join some busy kids as they partake in traditions old and new. There’s so much to do, whether it’s learning to write Arabic or looking at hijab fashion sites while planning costumes for a local comic convention. With details as vivid as the scent of jasmine and honeysuckle perfume (made to remind Mom of Morocco), children bond with friends, honor tradition, and spend loving time with family. Recommended for Elementary students.

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My First Ramadan by Karen Katz

A friendly and illustrative picture book that introduces young children to the Muslim holiday of Ramadan and its traditions, such as fasting, prayer, sharing, and kindness. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Muhammad by Demi

This book is a richly illustrated biography of the Prophet Muhammad that introduces children to his life, teachings, and how he spread the message of Islam with compassion and courage. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Under My Hijab by Hena Khan

Children are invited to celebrate the diversity of Muslim women who wear the hijab and shows how it is a personal choice and a symbol of faith. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Our Favorite Day of the Year by A.E. Ali

This celebrated book reminds readers of the importance of the diversity of cultures and traditions that come together in a classroom during different holidays. Particularly relevant for diverse communities. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Under the Ramadan Moon by Sylvia Whitman

A tender children's book that introduces young readers to the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, its significance and rituals, such as fasting and sharing. Recommended for Elementary students.

Theme: Stories from Southeast Asia

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Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai

Henry Khoo's family treats him like a baby. He’s not allowed to go anywhere alone. And he definitely can’t take a journey halfway around the world all by himself! But that’s exactly his plan. After his family’s annual trip to visit his father in Singapore is cancelled, Henry decides he doesn’t want to be at home with his overprotective family. Plus, he’s hiding a secret: he’s the creator of an anonymous gossip cartoon, and he's risking getting caught. Determined to prove his independence and avoid punishment for his crimes, Henry embarks on the greatest adventure ever… hoping it won’t turn into the greatest disaster ever. Great for Middle School students.

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The Life of the Buddha by Heather Sanche

This classic tale follows Prince Siddhartha’s journey of truth-seeking and discovery, including his life-altering encounters with human suffering and his realization of the Four Noble Truths. Today, millions of people all over the world follow the Buddha’s teachings on meditation, selflessness, and compassion. Rendered here in exquisite original watercolor illustrations, this inspiring story is brought to life for young readers curious about one of history’s most monumental and influential figures. Great for Middle School students.

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The Food of Myanmar by Saw Lwin

Myanmar has over 130 ethnic groups and has been called a meeting point for peoples around Asia. This diversity is reflected in the various types of foods that are eaten around the country. This unique Burmese cookbook featuring over 60 recipes, collected from all over the country, reveals the treasures of Burmese cooking. Discover a cuisine that is unique yet acknowledges the culinary traditions of its great neighbors: China and India. Stunning photography coupled with detailed information on ingredients, as well as fascinating insights into the culture of this enigmatic land, make The Food of Myanmar the perfect companion for your adventure into Burmese cuisine. Great for High School students.

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Little Sid by Ian Lendler

This charming and accessible picture book offers a heart-warming account of the childhood of the Buddha. A spoiled young prince, Siddhartha got everything he ever asked for, until he asked for what couldn’t be given­―happiness. Join Little Sid as he sets off on a journey of discovery and encounters mysterious wise-folk, terrifying tigers, and one very annoying mouse. Little Sid weaves traditional Buddhist fables into a classic new tale of mindfulness, the meaning of life, and an awakening that is as profound today as it was 2,500 years ago. Great for Elementary students.

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A Brief History of Sports in Myanmar by IFB

This comprehensive guide covers well-known sports like Chinlone and Lethwei, as well as lesser-known board games, children's games, and traditional boat race and combat sports. It also coves sports introduced during the colonial period. The historical photographs that enrich the text were provided by the Myanmar Photo Archive. The book is a bilingual edition (Myanmar/English) and is the latest publication in this field. Recommended for High School students.

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Lizard’s Tale by Weng Wai Chan

It’s Singapore in 1940, war is just around the corner―but 12-year-old Lizard doesn’t know that. He lives in Chinatown above a tailor’s shop, surviving on his wits and hustling for odd jobs. When he steals a small teak box containing a Japanese code book from a Raffles Hotel suite, he finds himself in a dangerous world of wartime espionage. Lizard doesn’t know who to trust. How is the mysterious book inside the box connected to his friend Lili, a girl full of secrets and fighting skills? Can he trust her, or will she betray him in the end? Great for Middle School students.

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Sri Lanka by Lonely Planet

The best travel guide to endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavorful food make Sri Lanka irresistible. Great for High School students.

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Burma by Naomi Duguid

Readers will be transfixed by the splendors of of the gastronomy of an ancient and wonderful country, untouched by the outside world for generations, whose recipes delight and satisfy and whose people are among the most gracious on earth. Recommended for High School students.

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Laos by Lonely Planet

Laos by Lonely Planet is your passport to all the secrets of the land of the Lotus eaters amid the bloated development of its neighbors, a country that brings together the best of Southeast Asia in one bite-sized destination. Great for High School students.

Theme: Friendship

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Pea, Bee & Jay Stuck Together by Brian Smith

Like all peas, Pea loves to roll. So when a no-good strawberry dares him to roll all the way off the farm, he swears he can do it. But along the way, a powerful thunderstorm strikes and bounces Pea off course...and right into two unlikely new buds: a bee named Bee who thinks she knows it all, and a bird named Jay who can’t figure out how to fly. Great for Middle School students.

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Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata

Being a quadruplet can make it hard to stand out from the crowd. Becca's three brothers all have something that makes them...them. Becca is the only one with nothing to make her special.But when she finds a tiny, sick piglet on the side of the road, Becca knows this is it. She names the piglet Saucy and between her own pleading and Saucy's sweet, pink face, Becca convinces her family to take her in. Soon, Saucy is as big a part of the family as anyone else, and getting bigger. Some tough and funny decisions need to be made about Becca's pet. Great for Middle School students.

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The Food of Myanmar by Saw Lwin

Like all peas, Pea loves to roll. So when a no-good strawberry dares him to roll all the way off the farm, he swears he can do it. But along the way, a powerful thunderstorm strikes and bounces Pea off course...and right into two unlikely new buds: a bee named Bee who thinks she knows it all, and a bird named Jay who can’t figure out how to fly. Great for Middle School students.

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Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli

Baloney and friends step into the spotlight and embody all the charm of childhood in three short tales and three mini-comics that invite readers to join the fun! Giggle with Baloney as he performs some questionable magic, give him a boost when a case of the blues gets him down, cheer him on as he braves the swimming pool! Great for Elementary students.

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Sanity & Tallulah by Molly Brooks

It can get pretty dull living on a small, out-of-the-way station like Wilnick SS. Best Friends Sanity Jones and Tallulah Vega do their best to relieve the monotony of every day space life by finding adventures, solving mysteries, and taking turns getting each other into and out of trouble. But when Sanity's latest science project-an extremely-illegal-but-impossibly-cute three-headed kitten-escapes from the lab and starts causing havoc, the girls will have to turn the station upside down to find her-before the damage becomes irreversible! Great for Middle School students.

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Unstoppable by Adam Rex

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Well, what if the answer was: All of them! When a bird narrowly escapes the clutches of a hungry cat, a nearby crab admires the bird's ability to fly, while the bird admits a longtime yearning for claws. And, just like that, they team up. Pretty soon, the team includes every animal in the forest who's ever wanted someone else's special trait. But how will these animals stop humans from destroying the forest for a megamall? It's going to take claws, wings, and Congress together to be truly Unstoppable!  Great for Elementary students.

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Two Dogs on a Trike by Gaby Snyder

Count up to 10 and back down again in this picture book starring 10 traveling dogs and one very tenacious cat! One by one, each dog escapes its yard and joins the adventure in this hilarious counting story. Vehicle-obsessed readers will love seeing all the modes of transportation that the pups use—until the family cat decides to round them all up to go back home. Great for Elementary students.

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Peter and the Tree Children by Peter Wohlleben

Piet the squirrel feels all alone in his forest home. Luckily, Peter the Forester has the perfect plan to cheer him up: a search for tree children. You can’t be lonely in a forest full of friends! As they wander, Peter shares amazing facts about trees, how they communicate and care for each other, and the struggles they endure. Soon, the little squirrel is feeling much better—especially when he realizes he’s helped the tree children grow. Great for Elementary students.

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Alien vs. Bad Guys by Aaron Blabley

The Bad Guys are vanishing! A creature with tons of teeth and way too many butts is stealing them, one by one. Is this the end for the Bad Guys? Maybe. Will it be funny? You bet your butts it will! Great for Middle School students.

Theme: Understanding Disabilities

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Mallko and Dad by Gusti

A diary, journal, and illustrated story all at the same time written by a father about his son, Mallko, who has Down Syndrome. Recommended for High School students.

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Invisible Differences by Julie Dachez

The moving and intimate story of what it's like to live day to day with Asperger Syndrome. Marguerite feels awkward, struggling every day to stay productive at work and keep up appearances with friends. Recommended for High School students.

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Dancing with Daddy by Anitra Rowe

Elsie can’t wait to go to her first father-daughter dance. She picked out the perfect dress and has been practicing swirling and swaying in her wheelchair. Elsie’s heart pirouettes as she prepares for her special night. With gestures, smiles, and words from a book filled with pictures, she shares her excitement with her family. Recommended for Elementary students. Recommended for Elementary students.

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All He Knew by Helen Frost

Henry has been deaf from an early age―he is intelligent and aware of langauge, but by age six, he has decided it's not safe to speak to strangers. When the time comes for him to start school, he is labeled "unteachable." Because his family has very little money, his parents and older sister, Molly, feel powerless to help him. Henry is sent to Riverview, a bleak institution where he is misunderstood, underestimated, and harshly treated. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Show me a Sign by Ann Clare Lezotte

Mary has always felt safe on her beloved island of Martha's Vineyard. Her great-great-grandfather was an early settler and the first deaf islander. Now, over a hundred years later, many people there -- including Mary -- are deaf, and nearly everyone can communicate in sign language. She is proud of her lineage, but a scientist has arrived, hoping to discover the origin of the island's prevalent deafness. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau

People with disabilities are the world’s largest minority, an estimated 15 percent of the global population. But many of us—disabled and nondisabled alike—don’t know how to act, what to say, or how to be an ally to the disability community. Demystifying Disability is a friendly handbook on the important disability issues you need to know about. Recommended for High School students.

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Air by Monica Roe

An action-packed, empowering middle grade novel about a girl who has to speak up when her wheelchair motocross dreams get turned upside down. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Aven Green Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowlin

Third-grader Aven Green has been solving mysteries for a whole month—cracking such cases as The Mystery of the Cranky Mom. But can this perceptive detective solve two cases at the same time? First her teacher’s lunch bag disappears. Then Aven’s great-grandma’s dog goes missing. Fortunately, since Aven was born without arms, all the “arm” cells went to her super-powered brain instead. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Moses Goes to a Concert by Isaac Millman

Moses and his school friends are deaf, but like most children, they have a lot to say. They communicate in American Sigh Language, using visual signs and facial expressions. This is called signing. And even though they can't hear, they can enjoy many activities through their other senses. Today, Moses and his classmates are going to a concert. Their teacher, Mr. Samuels, has two surprises in store for them, to make this particular concert a special event. Recommended for Elementary students.

Theme: Agents for Positive Change

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The Complete Guide to Service Learning by Cathryn Berger

The Complete Guide to Service Learning is the go-to resource in the fast-growing field of service learning. It is an award-winning treasury of service activities, community service project ideas, quotes, reflections, and resources that can help teachers and youth workers engage young hearts and minds in reaching out and giving back. Recommended for adults.

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This Book Will Save the Planet by Dany Sigwalt

This book provides readers with practical insights and actionable steps to address environmental challenges. The book offers solutions and encourages readers to take responsibility for safeguarding the planet by adopting eco-friendly practices. Recommended for High School students.

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Save the People by Stacy McAnulty

Super volcanoes! Asteroids! The sun going dark! Climate change! Are you brave enough to confront perilous possibilities? Get ready to journey from earth’s past through today and beyond, to our questionable future. Who knows? Someday you may hold the key to saving the people. Recommended for Middle School students.

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The Story of Climate Change by Catherine Barr

This informative and accessible book educates readers, especially young ones, about the science and history of climate change. It emphasizes the importance of taking action now at an individual scale to mitigate its effects in our common future. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Me and Marvin Gardens by Amy Sarig

Get acquainted with the fascinating story of a boy who discovers a mysterious and fantastical creature in the woods behind his house. This creature might have the ability to eat plastic, which means it could help all of humanity in its struggle to reduce plastic pollution. Through their friendship, the book explores themes of environmental conservation and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Recommended for Middle School students.

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City of Neighbors by Andrea Curtis

A splash of paint, a place to sit, a popup park or playground bring life and a sense of fun to our cities. Neighborhoods where people look out for each other, eat together, make art and build community are healthier, happier, greener and cleaner. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Unstoppable Us by Yuval Noah Harari

In this book, this acclaimed author explores the challenges and opportunities of the rapid advancement of technology, climate change, and social issues. He discusses how humanity can adapt and thrive in the face of these changes, emphasizing the need for collective action and global cooperation. Recommended for High School students.

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I Love My City by Francis Desmarais

Today, 55% of the global population is urban, and that number is only growing. In I Love My City, readers explore the history, geography, demography, technology, and infrastructure of cities, with fascinating facts about specific urban centers around the world. A particular focus on ecology, green energy, and environmental planning moves readers forward to consider what sustainable development might look like in the future as well. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Last Beekeeper by Pablo Cartaya

To prove that she belongs in a place where only the smartest and most useful are welcomed, twelve-year-old Yolanda learns that her survival rests on the rediscovery of a long-extinct beehive that could be the answer to everything. Recommended for Middle School students.

Theme: Space Exploration

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The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet by Terry Virts

n this exciting book, a former NASA astronaut inspires the next generation of space travelers with answers to all kids' questions on how people become astronauts, how they prepare for space travel, and what it's like to live and work in space. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Good night, Oppy! By James McGowan

This children's book is a touching tribute to the Mars rover Opportunity, which explored the red planet for 15 years before finally shutting down in 2019. It's a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of space exploration and the importance of scientific discovery. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

This inspiring children's book tells the true story of Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel to space. It's a great way to introduce kids to the history of space exploration and the importance of diversity in science. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Rise of the Rocket Girls by Natalia Holt

This book tells the inspiring true story of the women who helped launch the first American satellites and astronauts into space. It's a fascinating look at the history of space exploration and the role of women in science. Recommended for High School students.

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The Fire of the Stars by Kirsten Larson

A poetic picture book celebrating the life and scientific discoveries of the groundbreaking astronomer Cecilia Payne!Astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne was the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Rocket Says Look Up by Nathan Bryon

A comet will be visible tonight, and Rocket wants everyone to see it with her--even her big brother, Jamal, whose attention is usually trained on his phone or video games. Rocket's enthusiasm brings neighbors and family together to witness a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. Recommended for Elementary students.

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When the Stars Come Out by Nicola Edwards

This book is a great introduction to the night sky for children. It covers constellations and planets, and even includes some fun facts about space. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging. Recommended for Middle School students.

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The Asteroid Belt by Bethsy Rathburn

Do you know what lies in the asteroid belt? This nonfiction title takes curious readers on a journey to this rocky part of the solar system. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Rocket to the Moon by Don Brown

"That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong said those iconic words when Apollo 11 landed on the moon. But it wasn’t just one man who got us to the moon—there was a whole team of people, plus centuries of discoveries and technologies that came before, that made it possible. Recommended for Middle School students.

Theme: Lunar New Year

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Playing With Lanterns by Wang Yage

Zhao Di and her friends are excited to go out at night with their paper lanterns and celebrate Chinese New Year. Each holding a unique colorful lantern with a lit candle inside, they admire the breathtaking colors while eating delicious treats. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Lunar New Year by Hannah Eliot

This children's book is a touching tribute to the Mars rover Opportunity, which explored the red planet for 15 years before finally shutting down in 2019. It's a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of space exploration and the importance of scientific discovery. Recommended for Elementary students.

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New Year by Mei Zihan

During Lunar New Year, a father yearns to be with his daughter, who lives in another country. Despite the deep longing, he acknowledges her journey to independence and growth, beautifully portraying leaving home and cherishing distant loved ones on this date. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Nian by Virginia Loh

Mei hates springtime because it's only in the spring that Nian, a fierce dragon, is able to leave his mountain prison to terrorize the village. When the villagers hear the rumblings of Nian's hungry stomach, they know that winter has ended. But this year on the night before the first day of spring, a magical warrior visits Mei in her dreams. He tells Mei that it is her destiny to face and defeat Nian. But she must do it within 15 days or the dragon will be free forever. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Celebrating Chinese New Year by Ann Heinrichs

The Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate renewal and fresh beginnings. Lively illustrations and informative text teach readers about the history and pastimes associated with the Chinese New Year, as well as what they can do to commemorate the day. Additional features to aid comprehension include activities and poetry, informative sidebars, a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, sources for further research, an index, and an introduction to the author and illustrator. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen

She was destined for heartbreak. Then fate handed her love. Val is ready to give up on love. It's led to nothing but secrets and heartbreak, and she's pretty sure she's cursed—no one in her family, for generations, has ever had any luck with love. But then a chance encounter with a pair of cute lion dancers sparks something in Val. Is it real love? Recommended for High School students.

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A New Year’s Reunion by Yu Li-Qiong

Little Maomao, whose father works in faraway places, barely recognizes him when he comes home for his annual visit for Chinese New Year, but she quickly warms to him amidst the excitement of the holiday, and it seems the time passes much too quickly until he must leave again. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The 12 Days to Lunar New Year by Jenna Taylor

It will be very fun to count the days leading up to Lunar New Year along the youngest readers starting to read independently, from one dancing dragon to twelve zodiac animals, using the rhythm of the traditional songs. Recommended for Elementary students.

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PoPo’s Lucky Chinese New Year by Virginia Loh

When her Chinese grandmother comes to visit, a young Chinese-American girl learns of and participates in the customs and beliefs celebrating an authentic Chinese New Year. Recommended for Elementary students.

Theme: Changing Seasons

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Seasons: A Year in Nature by Hannah Pang

Differently-sized pages depict the changing seasons in Europe, Alaska, Western Australia, the Yellow Dragon Valley in China, and Kenya's Maasai Mara, and offer information on the animals and plants typical of each region at differerent times. Recommended for Middle School students.

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The Reason for the Seasons by Ellie Peterson

Follow the steps of this intrepid young scientist as she explores why we have seasons on Earth. This book teaches young readers about Earth's axial tilt in simple terms, and its relationship to the seasonal changes we can all see and experience. Recommended for Elementary students.

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You Are Light by Aaron Becker

Through captivating artwork and simple text, it showcases how light shapes our world, from the glow of fireflies to the warmth of the sun, and how it can evoke various emotions and experiences. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Cycles of the Seasons by Gloria Golkar

This educational book delves into the science of seasons, explaining the Earth's tilt, the equinoxes, and solstices. It helps young readers understand the natural cycles that bring about the changing weather and landscapes throughout the year. Recommended for Middle School students.

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A Tree for All Seasons by Robin Bernard

This book follows the journey of a single tree as it experiences the changing seasons. Through vivid illustrations and poetic descriptions, readers witness the tree's transformations, highlighting the beauty and resilience of nature. Recommended for Middle School students.

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The Tree City by Shira Boss

In this enchanting and informative picture book with environmental themes, a newly planted sidewalk tree transforms the neighborhood as residents nurture it through the seasons. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Zee Grows a Tree by Elizabeth Rusch

A fact-filled story about a little girl and an evergreen tree that grow up side by side. Perfect for anyone who loves the natural world—or wonders about the origins of their holiday tree. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Caterpillars by Kevin McClosney

Is it a worm? Is it a snake? No! It's a caterpillar! and it's on its way to one of the most magical transformations through the seasons in the insect world. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach

Who knew that with a little time, and patience, he could become a beautiful butterfly? But the two-week wait inside his chrysalis feels interminable. His fellow caterpillars all tell him to be patient and let nature take its course, but the waiting is just so hard. Can he do it? Recommended for Elementary students.

Theme: Padauk Awards – Young Adult Books

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The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day

A narrative nonfiction about how the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre, how the robbery made the portrait the most famous artwork in the world--and how the painting by Leonardo da Vinci should never have existed at all. Recommended for High School students.

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Accountable by Dashka Slater

Tells the story of how an Albany High School handled a racist social media incident that caused lasting and devastating consequences. Recommended for High School students.

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Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim

Two sisters, one as beautiful as the moon and the other monstrous, must fight to save each other when a betrothal contest goes wrong. Recommended for High School students.

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The Red Palace by June Hur

While investigating a series of grisly murders, eighteen-year-old palace nurse Hyeon navigates royal and political intrigue and becomes entangled with a young police inspector. Includes author's note. Recommended for High School students.

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All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

A family extending from Pakistan to California, deals with generations of young love, old regrets, and forgiveness. Recommended for High School students.

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Muhammad Najem, War Reporter by Julie Robine

A graphic memoir by young Syrian Muhammad Najem, who rose to international notoriety during the Syrian Civil War due to his on-the-ground reporting using social media. Recommended for High School students.

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A First Time For Everything by Dan Santat

In this feel-good coming-of-age memoir, the best-selling author and Caldecott Medalist shares his life-changing middle school trip to Europe during which he experiences a series of firsts, including first love. Recommended for High School students.

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Save The People by Stacy McAnulty

A book for middle-school-aged children about previous extinctions and possible threats to humans, from volcanoes, to asteroids, to pollution and diseases. Recommended for High School students.

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I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

In a country governed by isolation, fear, and a tyrannical dictator, seventeen-year-old Cristian Florescu is blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer, but he decides to use his position to try to outwit his handler, undermine the regime, give voice to fellow Romanians, and expose to the world what is happening in his country. Recommended for High School students.

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How to Build a Human by Pamela Turner

A science writer draws upon the most recent discoveries in paleoarchaeology and evolutionary biology to present the seven most important steps leading to Homo sapiens. Recommended for High School students.

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Padauk book Award

The Padauk Book Award was initiated in 2024 by ISM, ISY, and YIS with the aim of fostering a love for reading.

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Padauk Book Award – Celebrating a Love for Reading

Who knew that with a little time, and patience, he could become a beautiful butterfly? But the two-week wait inside his chrysalis feels interminable. His fellow caterpillars all tell him to be patient and let nature take its course, but the waiting is just so hard. Can he do it? Recommended for Elementary students.

Theme: Padauk Awards – Middle School Books

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Just a Girl by Lia Levi

The author recalls her experiences coming of age in Fascist Italy during World War II as she, along with her sisters, hid in a convent where she tried to come to terms with her new life while longing to be "just a girl.

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Duel by Jessixa Bagley

Sixth grader Lucy is brand-new to middle school, and when her older sister GiGi--the undisputed queen bee of eighth grade--humiliates her in the cafeteria, Lucy snaps and challenges her to a fenncing duel.

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Attack of the Black Rectangles by Amy Sarig

When sixth-grader Mac discovers several words of his classroom copy of Jane Yolen's The Devil's Arithmetic are blacked out he is outraged, so he, his friends, and his eccentric family set out to do something about the censorship imposed by one teacher and the school board.

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Thirst by Varsha Bajaj

A heroic girl in Mumbai fights for her belief that water should be for everyone. Minni lives in the poorest part of Mumbai, where access to water is limited to a few hours a day and the communal taps have long lines. Lately, though, even that access is threatened by severe water shortages and thieves who are stealing this precious commodity--an act that Minni accidentally witnesses one night. Meanwhile, in the high-rise building where she just started to work, she discovers that water streams out of every faucet and there's even a rooftop swimming pool. What Minni also discovers there is one of the water mafia bosses. Now she must decide whether to expose him and risk her job and maybe her life. How did something as simple as access to water get so complicated?

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Saving H'Non by Trang Nguyen

A fictionalized account of a young conservationist, Chang, who overcomes the odds to save and return an elephant to its natural habitat.

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Packing for Mars for Kids by Mary Roach

What is it like to float weightlessly in the air? What happens if you vomit in your helmet during a spacewalk? How do astronauts go to the bathroom? Is it true that they don't shower? Can farts really be deadly in space? Best-selling Mary Roach has the answers. In this whip-smart, funny, and informative young readers adaptation of her best-selling Packing for Mars, Roach guides us through the irresistibly strange, frequently gross, and awe-inspiring realm of space travel and life without gravity. From flying on NASA's Weightless Wonder to eating space food, Packing for Mars for Kids is chock-full of first-hand experiences and thorough research. Roach has crafted an authoritative and accessible book that is perfectly pitched to inquiring middle grade readers.

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A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner

Hiding himself in baggy jeans and oversized hoodies, Will resorts to increasingly drastic measures to transform his appearance in an effort to win over his crush, until he meets someone who helps him see his body and all it contains as an ever-evolving work in progress.

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The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary Schmidt

Seventh-grader Hercules Beal has to figure out how to fulfill his teacher's assignment of performing the Twelve Labors of Hercules in real life, and discovers important things about friendship, community, and himself along the way.

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Amulet: Waverider by Kazu Kibuishi

After her confrontation with Ikol, Emily finally understands the stone's power and what she must do to defend Alledia from the shadows. As she travels to Typhon to help her mom and Navin, Prince Trellis returns to the Kingdom of the Elves to save his countrymen--and confront the fraud who has seized power in the absence of a king. The threat of darkness follows all Stonekeepers closely, and it will take the strength of both new friends and old foes to conquer it... and survive.

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Jennifer Chan is not Alone by Tae Keller

Mallory Moss knows the rules of middle school. The most important one? You have to fit in to survive. But then Jennifer Chan moves in across the street, and that rule doesn't seem to apply. Jennifer doesn't care about the laws of middle school, then Jennifer goes missing. Using clues from Jennifer's journals, Mallory goes searching. But the closer she gets, the more Mallory has to confront why Jennifer might have run, and face the truth within herself.

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Padauk book Award

The Padauk Book Award was initiated in 2024 by ISM, ISY, and YIS with the aim of fostering a love for reading.

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Padauk Book Award – Celebrating a Love for Reading

Who knew that with a little time, and patience, he could become a beautiful butterfly? But the two-week wait inside his chrysalis feels interminable. His fellow caterpillars all tell him to be patient and let nature take its course, but the waiting is just so hard. Can he do it? Recommended for Elementary students.

Theme: Padauk Awards – Everybody Books

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I am Golden by Eva Chen

This moving ode to the immigrant experience, as well as a manifesto of self-love for Chinese American children, is a jubilant celebration of accepting who you are. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Stone Age Beasts by Ben Lerwill

Provides facts about eighteen prehistoric animals from the Stone Age and describes how humans lived alongside them. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Sour Grape by Jory John

Holding a bunch of grudges, Sour Grape finds the tables turned when a friend holds a grudge against him, making him realize how unfair grudges can be--and how much sweeter life can be with a little compassion and gratitude. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Why Do Elephants Have Big Ears? by Steve Jenkins

Strange, exciting, and interesting facts explore the wonderful world of animals. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Jumper by Jessica Lanan

A nonfiction picture book that follows a day in the life of a backyard jumping spider. Includes information about jumping spiders. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Endlessly Ever After by Laurel Snyder

In this rhyming mash-up of many fairy tales, the reader is invited to follow Rosie down the many possible paths which may lead to a sleeping maiden, a hungry wolf, a girl locked in a tower, or a goose that lays golden eggs, but with some luck, and some smart choices, Rosie may save herself and her fellow fairy tale characters. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Eyes that Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho

A young Asian boy, who notices that his eyes look different from his friends', realizes that his eyes, like his father's, grandfather's, and younger brother's--rise to the skies, speak to the stars, and are visionary. Recommended for Elementary students.

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I'm Trying to Love Germs by Bethany Barton

This book is covered in germs! But to be fair, so are we. Did you know that there are more viruses and bacteria on Earth than there are stars in the known universe? Learn all about the microbes in and on our bodies that help us survive, the ones that don't, and everything in between. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Universe in You by Jason Chin

A book exploring the world of the very small, delving deep into the microscopic spaces just beneath our skin. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Scroll by Hui Li

After learning how to draw Chinese characters, Lulu and her dog Dumpling step into a magical world where the characters come to life. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Padauk book Award

The Padauk Book Award was initiated in 2024 by ISM, ISY, and YIS with the aim of fostering a love for reading.

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Padauk Book Award – Celebrating a Love for Reading

Who knew that with a little time, and patience, he could become a beautiful butterfly? But the two-week wait inside his chrysalis feels interminable. His fellow caterpillars all tell him to be patient and let nature take its course, but the waiting is just so hard. Can he do it? Recommended for Elementary students.

Theme: Dinosaurs

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Everything Awesome About Dinosaurs by Mike Lowery

Discover a wealth of weird, wacky, and wild facts about dinosaurs, told in Mike Lowery's signature comic style with bright and energetic artwork, fresh framing devices, and hilarious jokes. Great for Middle School students.

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Rory the Tea-Rex by Clare Helen Welsh

All of the animals judge Rory the Tea-Rex before they get to know her. When they make a mistake, they must fix it. Children will enjoy reading this engaging text with a lesson to learn. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Small and Tall Dinosaurs by Emily Kington

Meet fascinating dinosaurs sure to be favorites, from the show-stopping Spinosaurus―the largest walking predator from the dinosaur era―all the way to the weird-looking Stegosaurus. Readers will discover what makes each one special, where and when they lived, who they feared, and who they preyed upon. Great for Middle School students.

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The Dinosaur Expert by Margaret McNamara

Join Mr. Tiffin's class as they learn about dinosaurs big and small, feathered and scaly, winged and ocean-dwelling. And root for Kimmy, the dinosaur expert… who might just learn something about herself. Great for Elementary students. Great for Elementary students.

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Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Life written by Anusuya Chinsamy

This collection of amazing dinosaurs, plants, and other prehistoric life will wow children and many adults, too. Showcasing more than 90 remarkable fossils, such as a fearsome Tyrannosaurus skull, delicate fern leaf, and perfectly preserved woolly mammoth, everyone will find something to be captivated by. Recommended for High School students.

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The First Dinosaur by Ian Lendler

Dinosaurs existed. That’s a fact we accept today. But not so long ago, the concept that these giant creatures could have roamed Earth millions of years before humans was unfathomable. People thought what we know as dinosaur bones were the bones of giant humans. Of large elephants. Of angels, even. Great for High School students.

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Dinosaurs Are Not Extinct by Drew Sheneman

The latest research shows that the dinosaurs didn’t all go extinct. They’re still around us now. In fact, you’ve probably seen dinosaurs at the park, eaten dinosaurs for dinner, and maybe even cleaned dinosaur poop off your family’s car. Great for Elementary students.

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Lost Time by Tas Mukanik

Twelve-year-old Evie gets trapped 65 million years in the past and must learn to survive with only her wits, and the pterosaur she befriends. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Chick-o-Saurus Rex by Daniel Jennewein

Little Chick just wants to belong, but the bullies of the barnyard—Little Donkey, Little Pig, and Little Sheep—won’t let him play in their tree house because he is a chicken, and chickens are not strong and brave. Little Chick sees their point: What have chickens done besides invent the chicken dance and cross the road? But when his father shows Little Chick the family photo album, he learns something HUGE: He is related to the Tyrannosaurus rex! Great for Elementary students.

Theme: Remy Lai – ISY Online Author Visit

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Read at Your Own Risk by Remy Lai

Hannah and her friends were just having a bit of fun when they decided to play a game to communicate with spirits of the dead. Little did they know something would answer their call and crawl its way into the pages of Hannah’s journal. Recommended for High School students.

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Pawcasso by Remy Lai

All of the animals judge Rory the Tea-Rex before they get to know her. When they make a mistake, they must fix it. Children will enjoy reading this engaging text with a lesson to learn. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Sunny the Shark by Remy Lai

Sunny the Shark is a fearsome predator. As the oceanic whitetip shark searches for her next meal, a chatty school of pilot fish trails behind, cleaning her in exchange for food crumbs. But when Sunny mistakes a plastic ring for prey and it gets caught around her fin, she soon struggles to hunt. Will she be able to break free and find food before winter sets in? Recommended for Elementary students.

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Rainbow the Koala by Remy Lai

Rainbow the Koala is ready to go off and live on his own―or so his mom says. But Rainbow is scared! The kookaburra bird cackles at him and he struggles to find a tree to call his home. As scorching heat takes hold and Rainbow runs out of water, he'll soon face his most dangerous test: surviving a bush fire. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Meet the Author Remy Lai

This collection of amazing dinosaurs, plants, and other prehistoric life will wow children and many adults, too. Showcasing more than 90 remarkable fossils, such as a fearsome Tyrannosaurus skull, delicate fern leaf, and perfectly preserved woolly mammoth, everyone will find something to be captivated by. Recommended for High School students.

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Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai

When Jingwen moves to a new country, he feels like he's landed on Mars. School is torture, making friends is impossible since he doesn't speak English, and he's often stuck looking after his (extremely irritating) little brother. To distract himself from the loneliness, Jingwen daydreams about making all the cakes on the menu of Pie in the Sky, the bakery his father had planned to open before he passed away. The only problem is his mother has laid down a rule: they are not to use the oven while she's at work. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai

Twelve-year-old Henry Khoo embarks on a forbidden journey from Australia to Singapore to prove his independence to his overprotective family, while working out some problems with friends. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Ghost Book by Remy Lai

July Chen sees ghosts. But her dad insists ghosts aren’t real. So she pretends they don’t exist. Which is incredibly difficult now as it's Hungry Ghost month, when the Gates of the Underworld open and dangerous ghosts run amok in the living world. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Star the Elephant by Remy Lai

Star the Elephant and his herd are searching for a new home. But when Star is separated from his family, he must journey alone into the great unknown. He'll come face to face with giant spiders, the vast ocean beyond his island, and strange humans. Can Star find his way back to his family? Recommended for Elementary students.

Theme: Mysteries

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The House of Madame M by Clotilde Perrin

Are you lost? Come in! You’re in luck―there’s no one here just now. Shhh... Be as quiet as you can, and very, very careful! In The House of Madame M, we explore a strange house: hallway, living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Each room is full of surprises to make even the bravest child shiver. Are we in the house of an ogre? A witch? Something else altogether?Great for Elementary students.

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Beneath the Bed by Max Brallier

What is hiding under the bed? What is scratching at the window? Find out in this scary stories collection. These five spine-chilling stories will have beginning readers everywhere begging to stay up late to read (with the light on!). With authentically scary, easy-to-read text and creepy, full-color artwork throughout, this book is perfect for young children who crave lite scares. Great for Elementary students.

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Mary Anne's Bad Luck Mystery by Ann Martin

Mary Anne should never have thrown away the chain letter she got in the mail. Unlucky things have been happening to the Baby-sitters Club ever since. Then a spooky note demands the Baby-sitters meet at a graveyard. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Gustavo the Shy Ghost by Flavia Drago

Gustavo is good at doing all sorts of ghostly things: walking through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark. And he loves almost nothing more than playing beautiful music on his violin. But Gustavo is shy, and some things are harder for him to do, like getting in a line to buy eye scream or making friends with other monsters. Whenever he tries getting close to them, he realizes they just can’t see him. Now that the Day of the Dead is approaching, what can he do to make them notice him and to share with them something he loves? Great for Elementary students.

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The Good, The Bad, and The Spooky by Jory John

Bad Seed’s favorite holiday of the year is here! But what’s a seed to do when he can’t find a show-stopping costume for the big night? Postpone trick-or-treating for everyone, of course! Recommended for Elementary students.

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Ghost by Illustratus

Featuring the only true ghost stories in existence (as the book itself will tell you), readers discover 13 eerie encounters that are perfect for sharing—if they dare. With tales about a finger against the inside of a mirror, a wooded area where the trees look back, and a basement door blocked by a brick wall so thick it stifles the screams from below, this book is sure to haunt anyone who can't resist a spooky story. Great for High School students.

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Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay

When Mia and Uly are separated from their litters, they discover a dangerous world full of monsters. In order to find a den to call home, they must venture through field and forest, facing unspeakable things that dwell in the darkness: a zombie who hungers for their flesh, a witch who tries to steal their skins, a ghost who hunts them through the snow… and other things too scary to mention. Great for Middle School students.

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A Super Scary Narwhalloween by Ben Clanton

When Mia and Uly are separated from their litters, they discover a dangerous world full of monsters. In order to find a den to call home, they must venture through field and forest, facing unspeakable things that dwell in the darkness: a zombie who hungers for their flesh, a witch who tries to steal their skins, a ghost who hunts them through the snow… and other things too scary to mention. Great for Middle School students.

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Yorick and Bones by Jeremy Tankard

Yorick is a skeleton who was just dug up after a few hundred years of sleep. He speaks like it too. “Forsooth, my joy, I barely can contain!” Bones is the hungry dog who did the digging. Though he cannot speak, he can chomp. What will become of these two unlikely companions? Will Yorick ever find the friend he seeks? Will Bones ever find a tasty treat that does not talk back? The course of true friendship never did run smooth. Great for Middle School students.

Theme: Culture of India

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The Lion Queen by Rina Singh

Never look a lion in the eyes, a mother tells her fearless girl. After a field trip to the Gir Forest, the girl learns all about the rare Asiatic lions of India, and from that day on, she dreams of taking care of them when she grows up. But not everyone thinks a girl has a right to such a dream, and so she stifles what she wishes for most, a roar growing inside her. That is, until the day she comes face-to-face with a lion. Recommended for Elementary students.

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It's a tree by Susan Batori

It is a tree. It is a wall. It is a snake. It is a fan. A zebra, a giraffe, a turtle, and other animals play a party game. In this tale of Indian origin, blindfolded, they guess what's in the room by feeling alone. Could it be a wall? A rope? A fan? No. It's an elephant! This very easy-to-read story, based upon the ancient Indian parable about the blind men and the elephant, teaches point-of-view, and reinforces the simple vocabulary with bright illustrations of the different objects the animals guess. Perfect for new readers to practice on their own! Great for Elementary students.

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Out of the way! By Uma Krishnaswamy

A young boy spots a baby tree growing in the middle of a dusty path in his village. He carefully places rocks around it as the local mango seller rushes past shouting, “Out of the way! Out of the way!” As the tree grows bigger, people and animals traverse the path until it becomes a lane, flowing like a river around the tree — getting out of its way. Over time, the lane becomes a road, and a young man crossing the road with his children remembers the baby tree from long ago. By the time he is an old man, the tree has become a giant. The city traffic continues to rattle past, noisier and busier than ever, but sometimes the great tree works its magic, and people just stop, and listen. Great for Elementary students.

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Binny's Diwali by Thrity Umrigar

Binny is excited to talk to her class about her favorite Indian holiday. But she struggles to find the words.Taking a deep breath, she tells her classmates about the fireworks that burst like stars in the night sky, leaving streaks of gold and red and green. She shares with them delicious treats. And she shows them clay lamps, called diyas, which look so pretty all the children ooh and aah. Great for Elementary students.

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My Incredible India by Jasbinder Bilan

Tour the diverse regions of an incredible country in a vivid, joyful, and visually stunning introduction to the people, places, flora, and fauna of India. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk by Kabir Seghal

This book brings a twist to the beloved nursery rhyme, The Wheels on the Bus, by bringing you aboard a busy three-wheeled taxi in India! Anything can happen as the tuk-tuk rolls through town—from an elephant encounter to a tasty treat to a grand fireworks display. And in the midst of all the action, one thing’s for sure: passengers young and old love every minute of their exciting ride as the wheels of the tuk-tuk go round and round! Great for Elementary students.

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The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, is set in Kerala, on South India's Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning-and in Kerala, water is everywhere. At the turn of the century, a girl from Kerala's long-existing Christian community, grieving the death of her father, is sent by boat to her wedding, where she will meet her forty-year-old husband for the first time. From this unforgettable new beginning, the young girl -and future matriarch, known as Big Ammachi- will witness unthinkable changes over the span of her extraordinary life. Recommended for High School students.

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ASIATIC LION VS BENGAL TIGER

When Mia and Uly are separated from their litters, they discover a dangerous world full of monsters. In order to find a den to call home, they must venture through field and forest, facing unspeakable things that dwell in the darkness: a zombie who hungers for their flesh, a witch who tries to steal their skins, a ghost who hunts them through the snow… and other things too scary to mention. Great for Middle School students.

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Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship by Chitra Soundar

Being a wise and just ruler is no easy task. That’s what Prince Veera discovers when he and his best friend, Suku, are given the opportunity to preside over the court of his father, King Bheema. Some of the subjects’ complaints are easily addressed, but others are much more challenging. How should they handle the case of the greedy merchant who wishes to charge people for enjoying the smells of his sweets? And can they prove that an innocent man cannot possibly spread bad luck? Are the two clever boys up to the challenge? Great for Middle School students.

Theme: Compassion

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Knowing and Doing What's Right by Pamela Espeland

A friendly guidebook that explores moral values. Through real-life scenarios and thought-provoking exercises, the book encourages young readers to think and develop their own sense of right and wrong. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Sanctuary: A Home for Rescued Farm Animals by Julia Denos

This book lovingly illustrates a thoughtful, poetic text about protecting farm animals instead of exploiting them. Accessible to the youngest readers, this picture book gently celebrates compassion for all creatures. Recommended for Elementary students.

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My Heart is a Compass by Deborah Marcero

This book for debuting readers tells us the story of a girl who embarks on an imaginative journey to find her true North. Creativity, self-love, and care will lead her way. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Can I Keep It? by Lisa Jobe

Through colorful illustrations and simple language, the book teaches children about the importance of respecting wild animals and their natural habitats. It encourages kids to appreciate nature, develop empathy and compassion for all living beings, and protect animals in the wild. The central message of the book is that while it's okay to love animals, it's important to let them live freely and protect their homes. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Letters to Live by Lisa Frenkel

Appreciate art, become brave, and choose compassion. Pairing big ideas like generosity, respect, and joy with the letters of the alphabet, Letters to Live By is a beautiful picture book that encourages children to make the most of each day and leave their mark on the world. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Cat Man of Aleppo by Irene Latham

The story of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, who stayed in war-torn Aleppo to care for abandoned cats. Through beautiful illustrations and language, the book shows how Mohammad's love for animals brought hope and joy to a community affected by war. Recommended for Elementary students.

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All the Dear Little Animals by Ulf Nilsson

These three friends start a business burying dead animals. The book uses playful illustrations and gentle humor to explore themes of friendship, empathy, and the balance between life and death. Its central message is that we can find comfort and meaning in the connections we make with others, even in the face of loss and sadness. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Rauf

This accessible story about the refugee crisis highlights the community-changing potential of standing as an ally and reminds readers that everyone deserves a place to call home. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Unselfie by Michele Borba

This bestseller is a parenting book that emphasizes the importance of empathy in children's development and offers practical advice for cultivating empathy in kids from the earliest stages of life. Recommended for adults and parents.

Theme: Graphic Novels for All

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The Scarlet Shedder by Dav Pilkey

After an encounter with a skunk, Dog Man, now scarlet red after being dunked in tomato juice, is exiled but must find a way to save those who shunned him when an all-new, never-before-seen villain unleashes an army of A.I. robots. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Lilla the Accidental Witch by Eleanor Crewes

The story follows Lilla, a young girl who discovers by accident that she has magical abilities. As she navigates her newfound powers, the book explores themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and embracing one's unique qualities. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Alterations by Ray Xu

In this graphic novel, cartoonist and animator Ray Xu tells an autobiographical tale, with gorgeous, painterly coloring and expressive, manga-like cartooning that captures the poignancy and humor of being a 10-year-old entering middle school. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Into the Heartlands by Roseanne Brown

Told within the Black Panther universe, the story centers on a young girl's quest to save her family from a mysterious curse that threatens their land. Filled with elements of magic and folklore, the book explores themes of family, courage, and self-discovery in a richly imagined world. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Batcat by Meggie Ramm

Batcat loves being all alone up in their tree house, they pass the time playing video games and watching TV. But when Batcat suddenly finds themself haunted by an annoying, ice cream-stealing ghost, they visit the local Island Witch for a spell to remove their ghastly guest permanently! Recommended for Elementary students.

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Too Pig To Fail by Rob Harrell

Hamlet, a clever and business-savvy pig, embarks on a comical quest to save his family's struggling farm from financial ruin. The book blends witty humor with themes of determination, friendship, and the importance of family bonds. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Invisible by Christina Diaz

And they’re stuck together when they’re forced to complete their school’s community service hours. Although they’re sure they have nothing in common with one another, some people see them as all the same... just five Spanish-speaking kids. Recommended for Middle School students.

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The Flamingo by Guojing

The story follows the heartwarming journey of a young girl who befriends a lost flamingo. Through breathtaking illustrations, the book conveys the magic of their bond, emphasizing themes of friendship, kindness, and the beauty of the natural world. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Making Comics by Lynda Barry

This book instructional book looks into into the art of creating comics and graphic novels. Have fun while learning the basics of comic creation, from storytelling and character development to the creative process itself, making it a valuable resource for aspiring comic creators and amateurs. Recommended for High School students.

Theme: Moon Festival

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Mooncakes by Wendy Xu

Nova Huang knows more about magic than most people. She works at her grandmothers’ bookshop, where she helps loan out spell books and investigate any supernatural occurrences in their New England town. One fateful night, she follows reports of a white wolf into the woods, and she comes across the unexpected: her childhood crush, Tam Lang, battling a horse demon in the woods. As a werewolf, Tam has been wandering from place to place for years. Pursued by dark forces eager to claim the magic of wolves and out of options, Tam turns to Nova for help. Their latent feelings are rekindled against the backdrop of witchcraft, untested magic, occult rituals, and family ties both new and old in this enchanting tale of self-discovery. Great for Middle School students.

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The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling by Wai Chim

Anna Chiu has her hands pretty full looking after her brother and sister and helping out at her dad's restaurant, all while her mum stays in bed. Dad's new delivery boy, Rory, is a welcome distraction and even though she knows that things aren't right at home, she's starting to feel like she could just be a normal teen. But when Mum finally gets out of bed, things go from bad to worse. And as Mum's condition worsens, Anna and her family question everything. Great for High School students.

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Feather by Cao Wenxuan

This book tells the story of a feather who is swept away on a journey of discovery and belonging. Encountering a variety of birds, from a kingfisher to a magpie, Feather is hopeful of meeting the bird she belongs to. Again and again, she is dismissed or ignored. Only when she sees that there is also beauty in being close to the earth does fate offer a reunion. Great for Elementary students.

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Invitation to a Banquet by Fuchsia Dunlop

Chinese was the earliest truly global cuisine. When the first Chinese laborers began to settle abroad, restaurants appeared in their wake. Yet Chinese has the curious distinction of being both one of the world's best-loved culinary traditions and one of the least understood. For more than a century, the overwhelming dominance of a simplified form of Cantonese cooking ensured that few foreigners experienced anything of its richness and sophistication, but today that is beginning to change. Recommended for High School students and Adults.

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My Day with Gong Gong by Sennah Yee

May isn't having fun on her trip through Chinatown with her grandfather. Gong Gong doesn't speak much English, and May can't understand Chinese. She's hungry, and bored with Gong Gong's errands. Plus, it seems like Gong Gong's friends are making fun of her! But just when May can’t take any more, Gong Gong surprises her with a gift that reveals he’s been paying more attention than she thought. This charming book shows how shared moments of patience and care—and a dumpling or two—can help a child and grandparent bridge the generational and cultural gaps between them. Great for Elementary students.

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The Great Race by Christopher Coor

This fun and colorful book relates how the Jade Emperor chose twelve animals to represent the years in his calendar. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Ancient Chinese by Sarah Eason

From getting buried alive with the emperor through breaking bones while building the Great Wall of China, daily life in ancient China was pretty deadly! Dig up the past and find out just how shocking it was in this journey through ancient China's history". Recommended for Middle School students.

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Have you Eaten Yet? by Cheuk Kwan

An intrepid travelogue of grand vistas, adventure and serendipity, Have You Eaten Yet? charts a living atlas of the global Chinese migration, revealing the synergies of politics, culture and family. Recommended for High School students and Adults.

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A Big Moon Cake for Little Star by Grace Lynn

This lively Chinese-American family prepares with excitement the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Each member of the family lends a hand as they prepare a moonlit picnic with mooncakes, pomelos, cups of tea, and colorful lanterns. And everyone sends thanks and a secret wish up to the moon. Great for Elementary students.

Theme: Mindfulness

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I Am a Peaceful Goldfish by Shoshana Chaim

When we are overcome with emotions, our breath—and a bit of imagination—can bring us back to a peaceful place. In I Am a Peaceful Goldfish, two children learn how to settle their difficult feelings with imaginative breathing techniques, pretending they are elephants, flowers, and even dragons. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Too Many Bubbles: a Story About Mindfulness by Christine Peck

Through vibrant illustrations and light interactivity, Too Many Bubbles encourages kids to take a mindful deep breath when they have too many thoughts overshadowing their day. It can help with anxiety relief for kids and is a great choice for social emotional learning. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Sometimes All I Need Is Me by Juliana Perdomo

This approachable book is profound exploration of self-discovery, underscoring the significance of self-reliance as the protagonist navigates the complexities of life, offering readers insights into personal growth. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Attention, Hijacked by Erica Marcus

This non-fiction book delves into the pervasive impact of contemporary distractions as smart phones, streaming, and Artificial Intelligence on our ability to concentrate. The book provides a thoughtful examination of how individuals can reclaim their attention in a world inundated with digital stimuli, offering strategies for fostering focus. Recommended for High School students.

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Stickler Loves the World By Lane Smith

Stickler Loves the World encourages awareness and mindfulness with a joyous and lighthearted touch. The award-winning illustrator of bestsellers including Penguin Problems and Giraffe Problems brings imagination and humor to a story that features a delightful and original character. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Teacher, Take Care by Jennifer Lawson

Teaching can be a highly satisfying profession, but it can also be overwhelming. Stress management. Self-care. Mental well-being. Mindfulness. These words have become all too familiar, but what do they actually mean for you? And how can they help without adding to your to-do list? Recommended for Adults.

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Heads Up by Melanie Siebert

This nonfiction book for teen readers is a guide to understanding mental health and coping with mental illness, trauma and recovery. It features real-life stories of resilient teens and highlights innovative approaches to mental-health challenges. Recommended for High School students.

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I Am Stuck By Julia Mills

Turtle is flipped over on his shell and can't get un-stuck. Duck suggests wiggling his feet, Kangaroo wants him to wag his tail, and Armadillo says rolling into a ball always does the trick. But Turtle is still stuck. Is there anyone who can help? Recommended for Elementary students.

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Alphabreaths : The ABCs of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard

In Alphabreaths, children will learn their ABCs and the basics of mindfulness through playful breathing exercises. Recommended for Elementary students.

Theme: ISY Strategic Themes – Belonging

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A Place to Belong by Cynthia Kadohata

A Japanese-American family, reeling from their ill treatment in the Japanese imprisonment camps, gives up their American citizenship to move back to Hiroshima, unaware of the devastation wreaked by the atomic bomb in this piercing and all too relevant look at the aftermath of World War II. Recommended for High School students.

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The Girl Who Speaks Bear by Sophie Anderson

Thia is a children's novel that tells the story of a girl named Yanka who sets out on a journey to discover her true identity, with the help of a magical talking bear. Recommended for Middle School students.

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Am I Even a Bee by Felicity Muth

Am I Even a Bee? is the story of Osmia, a solitary bee, decidedly green and unquestionably un-fuzzy. Osmia has always believed she is a bee, (her mom told her so), but recent run-ins with people, and even other insects, leave her wondering, “Am I even a bee?!”. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo

Nima doesn't feel understood. By her mother, who grew up faraway in a different land. By her suburban town, which makes her feel too much like an outsider to fit in and not enough like an outsider to feel like that she belongs somewhere else. At least she has her childhood friend Haitham, with whom she can let her guard down and be herself. Until she doesn't.Recommended for High School students.

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Mina Belongs Here by Sandra Niebuhr

Mina is worried about starting a new kindergarten in her new country. The classroom is full of laughter, friendly faces and fun things to do, but the only word Mina can understand is her name. As she listens to stories and songs, chatter and instructions, Mina's understanding steadily grows. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Night Walk by Marie Dorleans

Mama opened the bedroom door. 'Wake up, you two,' she whispered. Excited, the sleepy family step outside into a beautiful summer night. The world is quiet and shadowy, filled with fresh smells and amazing sights. Is this what they miss when they're asleep? Together, they walk out of their sleeping village. What will they find in the dark landscape? Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Midnight Children by Dan Gemeinhart

When lonely Ravani Foster discovers his new friend Virginia and her six mysterious runaway companions are in danger, he must fight to keep them safe, or lose the only person who has ever understood him and made him feel like he belonged. Recommended for Middle School students.

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I Can Be All Three by Salima Alikhan

On Multicultural Day at school, a young girl cannot decide whether to showcase her father's Indian heritage, her mother's German heritage, or her American identity, then realizes she can highlight all three. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Train Home by Dan-ah Kim

A young girl who wishes for a place to call her own, imagines a train that takes her through the city and beyond, and she explores different places until she discovers the place she truly belongs. Recommended for Elementary students.

Theme: Back to School

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On the First Day of First Grade by Tish Rabe

From choosing books to read to building things with clay to performing in a play, there are many exciting firsts to look forward to. Saying good-bye to mom and dad can be hard, but when the school bus pulls up, it’s time for some first-grade fun! Great for Elementary students.

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All Are Welcome: Welcome Back! by Alexandra Penfold

This book continues the celebration of diversity as students return to school after a break, emphasizing the joy of reuniting and the importance of inclusivity. Recommended for Elementary students.

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The Crayons Go Back to School by Drew Daywalt

This fun story features The Crayons as they experience the excitement and anxieties of returning to school, focusing on self-expression and camaraderie. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Ali the Great by Saadia Faruqi

Chronicles the adventures of Ali, a young boy who tackles various challenges with determination and creativity, emphasizing growth and the value of friendship. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Gibberish by Young Vo

The book portrays a boy’s experience with a new, unfamiliar language and his journey to understanding and making friends as he adjusts to his new school. Recommended for Elementary students.

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How to Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst

A humorous story about the challenges of getting an octopus ready for school, focusing on patience and creative problem-solving. Recommended for Elementary students.

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All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

This picture book celebrates diversity and inclusion as children from various backgrounds enjoy a day at school, highlighting that everyone is accepted and valued. Recommended for Elementary students.

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Kid Confident Book 3 by Silvi Guerra

This book provides middle school students with strategies to manage stress, build resilience, and achieve success both academically and socially through interesting and colorful illustrations and instructions. Recommended for Middle School students.

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The Little Bear by Nicola Killen

The night before her first day of school Ollie has a dream of a magical schoolhouse in the woods with her Little Bear friends. Recommended for Elementary students.

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