Here's What We Found

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Title: Nigel and the Moon Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books Recommended Grades: 4-8 Where to order: Bookshop Here Published: February 15, 2022 Book Description From debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang comes a glowing tale about the young dreaming big. A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence. When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as...an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too! Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow. Nigel is the most brilliant body in the sky. But it's Career Week at school, and Nigel can't find the courage to share his dreams. It's easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates--especially when he already feels out of place. Thoughts Nigel and the Moon follows Nigel's inspiring journey to find the courage and pride in himself - and his family - to be able to share his dreams with his classmates. "Dream big, Son," Dad says. "And Be proud of who you are," says Mom. Sweet illustrations throughout the story show a little Black boy just being - being a dreamer, being loved, being affirmed, being unsure, being confident - just being a little boy. There's something special about that. We need more of this please! This inspiring story about dreaming big and believing in oneself will leave readers uplifted and ready to take on the world. It should be included on every home, library, and classroom bookshelf! VIDEO READ ALOUD Join Antwan Eady as he read his debut picture book, NIGEL AND THE MOON, an affirming story about a young boy who finds the courage to dream big. (Author) Antwan Eady grew up in Garnett, SC, where he spent most of his days riding four wheelers, fishing, and imagining a world without limitations. Eady is the author of NIGEL AND THE MOON (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins) along with upcoming titles MICAH'S RISE (2023) and THE LAST STAND (Knopf BFYR - 2024). When he isn’t writing, he’s searching for the best Low Country boil in Savannah, GA where he currently resides. Find him here. (Illustrator) Gracey Zhang is a freelance illustrator and animator, she received her BA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. She is the author and illustrator of Scholastic children’s book, LALA’S WORDS as well as illustrator of THE BIG BATH HOUSE, NIGEL AND THE MOON, and THE UPSIDE-DOWN HAT. Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, she has participated in artist residencies in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Angoulême, France. Gracey is now based in New York where she can be found working from her Brooklyn studio.. Find her here. Looking for more great books? Join our community of over 25,000 BOOK LOVERS on Instagram. Tap the phone below to follow and discover great books.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Developing strong social skills is a key part of growing up, and reading can play a big role in shaping how children build healthy relationships. Books about friendship and kindness help young readers explore what positive connections look like, offering them examples of empathy, cooperation, and respect. We’ve gathered a selection of diverse children's books that spark important conversations about how to be a good friend and the many ways we can show kindness to others, helping kids grow into thoughtful and compassionate individuals. For your convenience, we've included publisher's descriptions along with each book. There's nothing in the world like a wonderful friend. Friends are there to laugh with you and ready with a hug when you need one. There are forever friends and brand-new friends. Friends for adventures and friends for cozy days indoors. Friends who are just like you and friends who are nothing like you at all. In this book, celebrate ALL the marvelous ways to be a friend! FIND IT HERE: BO OKSHOP This inspiring picture book, written by TIME 2021 Kid of the Year Orion Jean, invites readers to join in the kindness movement, because when we dream big and work together, we can change the world. From giving meaningful compliments to sharing your snack to donating used clothes, there are so many ways to be kind that it can be tough to know where to start! Luckily, author and fellow kid Orion Jean has some simple steps we can all take to make the world a better place. Race to Kindness shows children ages 4-8: Many different ways to show kindness How much fun taking action can be That even small acts of kindness can have a big impact You're never too young to make a difference Orion's journey from getting involved with his local community to having a nation-wide impact, giving readers a real-life role model? With rhyming, lyrical text, Race to Kindness is the perfect read-aloud book for: Parents and grandparents Teachers and educators Librarians and book events Nonprofits and charities Orion has donated over half a million books to date, but he knows firsthand that even the smallest kind gesture can have a big impact. Solace up your sneakers and join the race to kindness! FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP Written by kindergarten teacher and Instagram influencer affectionately known as the Tutu Teacher, comes a picture book about a class that creates a kindness pledge to ensure that their class is the kindest it can possibly be. It's the first day of Kindergarten and Leo isn't at all ready. Leo is a quiet kid and would prefer to stay home. Over the summer, his new teacher, Ms. Perry sent a letter asking her students to think about how to show kindness in school. She explained that they would be making a kindness pledge, and each student should bring one way to show kindness on the first day. As it turns out, Leo's classmates have lots of ideas about kindness: like raising your hand, never leaving anyone out, and apologizing if you hurt someone's feelings. At the end of the first day, Ms. Perry asks if anyone witnessed something they'd like her to add to the kindness pledge? Lots of hands shoot up in the air. Several classmates say they noticed Leo returning crayons to the box, holding the door for everyone, and helping a friend who fell. Leo smiles as he realizes he really does know a lot about kindness after all. A story reassuringly told by Vera Ahiyya and brought to exuberant life by illustrator Joey Chou, this story about a classroom coming together to make a kindergarten into a KINDergarten is sure to calm the nerves--and offer inspiration--to new kindergartners and the adults in their lives. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP The sequel to the acclaimed New York Times bestseller The Proudest Blue shows the power of friendship and kindness, from Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad. It's picture day and Faizah can't wait to wear her special red dress with matching hair ribbons, passed down from her mother and sister. Faizah's teacher starts the day by asking her students to envision the kind of world they want, inspiring Faizah and her friends to spend the day helping one another in ways large and small. But when it's time for sibling pictures, Faizah realizes that she and her older sister, Asiya, don't match like her classmates do with their siblings. With help from her classmates inspired by Asiya's hijab, Faizah finds that acts of kindness can come back to you in unexpected ways. From Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and fellow bestselling, award-winning creators S.K. Ali and Hatem Aly comes a heartfelt exploration of friendship, faith, and the joy of spreading kindness wherever you go. FIND IT HERE:   BOOKSHOP   From the best-selling author of the hugely popular Kindergarten, Here I Come! , here's a guidebook in verse that shows children how to be kind in the new and exciting world of kindergarten. Small enough to fit in a child's backpack, this collection of short poems--one to a page--spans the entire year of kindergarten, offering sweet and simple tips on how to be your best self--sharing your umbrella with a friend; taking turns on the swings, and inviting someone to join in a game. This is the perfect companion to DJ Steinberg's enormously successful Kindergarten, Here I Come! FIND IT HERE:   BOOKSHOP   Perfect for fans of The Day You Begin and Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away , author Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and illustrator Shahrzad Maydani's Sister Friend is a heartwarming new picture book celebrating the unique joy of cultivating friendships within your cultural community. Ameena feels invisible. It's been that way since she started at her new school. But now there is another new girl in class. Ameena sees her brownness and her hijab, even though the other kids do not. Ameena wants to be her friend, but she can't seem to find the right words or do the right things. Until one day, they find them together: "Assalamu Alaikum, Sister. Welcome." FIND IT HERE:   BOOKSHOP   From award-winning actress and mental-health advocate Taraji P. Henson, You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) shows kids the great things that can happen when we approach others and ourselves with empathy, patience, and love. In this debut picture book from Taraji P. Henson, quirky, stylish and a bit off-the-cuff Lil TJ is ready for her first day of school. But when she gets there, TJ finds that everything she does is a little different than everyone else and she's standing out in all the wrong ways. Once TJ's classmate Beau notices, he relentlessly teases her. TJ is filled with anxiety and doubt until she recalls some important words of wisdom from her Grandma Patsy. When she looks inside to her own creativity and personality, she figures out how to help herself make new friends! --and helps someone else too! You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) is the perfect read for: Easing back-to-school jitters and setting a course for the new school year Helping children ages 4-8 to overcome anxieties and embrace what makes them unique Classroom and library story time, as well as bedtime reading Promoting mental wellness and learning socialization skills, embracing the importance of standing in their own uniqueness, and promoting friendship over bullying. Includes author's note with references for parents and teachers. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP From Newbery Medalist and New York Times best-selling author Meg Medina comes the bittersweet story of two girls who will always be each other's número uno, even though one is moving away. A big truck with its mouth wide open is parked at the curb, ready to gobble up Evelyn's mirror with the stickers around the edge . . . and the sofa that we bounce on to get to the moon. Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela's best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today--not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it's time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness of Meg Medina's beautifully written story about friendship and change is balanced by Sonia Sánchez's colorful and vibrant depictions of the girls' urban neighborhood. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP When We Are Kind celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Celebrated author Monique Gray Smith has written many books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation and communicates an important message through carefully chosen words for readers of all ages. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves. Orca Book Publishers is pleased to offer When We Are Kind in two accessible editions. The audiobook features alternate text descriptions of images, including the cover. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. FIND IT HERE:   BOOKSHOP   When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate wants to make her feel better, wondering: What does it mean to be kind? From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving story explores what kindness is, and how any act, big or small, can make a difference--or at least help a friend. With a gentle text from the award-winning author of Sophie's Squash , Pat Zietlow Miller, and irresistible art from Jen Hill, Be Kind is an unforgettable story about how two simple words can change the world. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP This simple yet powerful picture book--from a New York Times bestselling husband-and-wife team--tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying. The perfect back-to-school read for every kid, family and classroom! Inspired by real events, I Walk with Vanessa explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help. By choosing only pictures to tell their story, the creators underscore the idea that someone can be an ally without having to say a word. With themes of acceptance, kindness, and strength in numbers, this timeless and profound feel-good story will resonate with readers young and old. FIND IT HERE: BOOKSHOP MORE PICTURE BOOKS ABOUT KINDNESS IN OUR BOOKSHOP Looking for more great read aloud ideas? Visit these fabulous book lists: How Oonuh Do? Books fuh Chillun That Celebrate Gullah Geechee Culture Exploring Culture: Children's Books That Celebrate Muslim Culture Exploring Culture: Children's Books That Celebrate Caribbean Culture and History   Libro Love: Spanish Edition and Bilingual Children's Books   Must-Read Indigenous Children's Books by Indigenous Creators     Join our community of BOOK LOVERS  to get book news delivered to your inbox.

Did you know that in some states children start taking standardized tests as early as first grade? Here are some facts about testing from the American Test Anxieties Association: The majority of students report being more stressed by tests and schoolwork than by anything else in their lives. About 16-20% of students have high test anxiety, making this the most prevalent scholastic impairment in our schools today. 18% of students are troubled by moderately-high test anxiety. Students who suffer from test anxiety perform about 12% lower than their peers As you can see, test taking anxiety is real, but there are things parents can do to help. Here are 7 tips for parents to help reduce test anxiety. But remember....don't hesitate to seek professional help when needed. 1. USE YOUR RESOURCES Gather all of the information you can find out about the test: dates your child will be tested, which tests he or she will take this year, the duration of the tests, etc. Once you know what’s happening, you can help your child feel ready for what’s ahead. 2. COMMUNICATE Talk to your child about why he or she is feeling nervous. Children who learn how to own and express their feelings are often able to easily overcome conflict and difficult situations later in life. Use this situation to teach your child skills that will help them become successful emotionally intelligent adults. Related reading: 25 Motivational Reading Quotes For Kids that Encourage and Inspire 3. DO A PRACTICE RUN Speak with your child’s teacher about the getting a sample copy of the test that can help familiarize your child with the test. Use the materials to help reduce fears of what the test might look like. That will be one less thing for your child to worry about and every little bit helps. 4. HEALTHY HABITS Tests can be long and boring. Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest the night before the test. It’s equally important that you child eats a healthy breakfast the morning of the test. If the school allows for water bottles, make sure your child has one to sip on throughout the test. Sipping water can feel like a mini-break to kids. 5. LEAD BY EXAMPLE Tests do have some level of importance, but they are just one measure of how a child is performing. Be mindful in how much emphasis you put on the importance of the test. 6. STAY POSITIVE Remind your child that, no matter what happens with any test, he or she is a wonderful, beautiful, worthwhile individual who is deeply cherished and loved. If you stay positive, your child will probably stay positive too. 7. GET HELP If you find that your child’s anxiety is not weaning, seek help. Talk to your child’s teacher, guidance counselor, or doctor to help your child overcome this anxiety. In the end, what matters is that your child is loved and supported as he or she develops into a happy and productive adult. Download a FREE printable version of this checklist and post it where you can easily find it when test taking stresses arise. #Standardizedtesting

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links In 1994, the National Family Literacy Center (NFLC) worked with Congress to declare November 1 as National Family Literacy Day. While one celebratory day is great, why not celebrate the entire month? (And for us, the entire year). NFLC is inviting everyone to celebrate family literacy for the entire month of November and we're excited to participate. "Once you learn to read you will be forever free." Frederick Douglass Here are Seven Fun Ways to Celebrate Family Literacy: 1. Listen to audio books in the car. 2. Read just 15 mins each day. 3. Keep books visible around the house. 4. Make regular visits to your local library. 5. Start a book swap at your child's school. 6. Donate books to organizations that serve families. 7. Find books that have been made into movies. Read the book, then watch the movie during family movie night. "Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family." ~Kofi Annan Visit the Helping Kids Rise Bookshop for ideas of great books to add to your home library.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links It's time to start kindergarten, and you know what, kid? You got this! It's your time to shine and be the King of Kindergarten! Title: The King of Kindergarten Author: Derrick Barnes Illustrated by: Vanessa Brantley Newton Grades: Pre-K and up Purchase it: Here About the book: Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day. Thoughts: Award winning author Derrick Barnes is back with another beautiful book featuring a little Black boy with a regal theme. His most recent book, Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, has been embraced by children everywhere and The King of Kindergarten is no different. The gorgeous illustrations by THEE Vanessa Brantley-Newton bring the book to life. You can feel the pride and confidence of this little King oozing from the pages. This book is perfect for any home, school, and classroom library and great for story time anytime of the year. MORE AFFIRMING CHILDREN'S BOOKS IN OUR BOOKSHOP: Fan of our book coverage? Tap below to see all the Helping Kids Rise Happenings! #childrensbooks #TheKingofKindergarten

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Title: Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander Publisher: Jimmy Patterson Books Recommended Grades: 3-7 Where to order: Bookshop Here Amazon: Here Book Description From two heavy-hitters in children's literature comes a biographical novel of cultural icon Muhammad Ali. Before he was a household name, Cassius Clay was a kid with struggles like any other. Kwame Alexander and James Patterson join forces to vividly depict his life up to age seventeen in both prose and verse, including his childhood friends, struggles in school, the racism he faced, and his discovery of boxing. Readers will learn about Cassius' family and neighbors in Louisville, Kentucky, and how, after a thief stole his bike, Cassius began training as an amateur boxer at age twelve. Before long, he won his first Golden Gloves bout and began his transformation into the unrivaled Muhammad Ali. Fully authorized by and written in cooperation with the Muhammad Ali estate, and vividly brought to life by Dawud Anyabwile's dynamic artwork, Becoming Muhammad Ali captures the budding charisma and youthful personality of one of the greatest sports heroes of all time. Thoughts Disclaimer: we're currently reading Becoming Muhammad Ali, but so far, we're loving it. The words jump off the page, drawing the reader in with each page. I love that we get to see a side of Muhammad Ali that we usually don't see. The human side. He was such a larger than life person, it can be hard for us to relate to him, but this middle grade book shows that he faced many of the same obstacles we all face. Know who you are, Cassius And whose you are. Know where you going and where you from. Much of Ali's life was shaped by Jim Crow Laws that ruled during his childhood. Despite the obstacles he faced, Ali was determined to make a life for himself. He believed in himself and he leaned on the support of family and friends. We haven't finished the book yet, but we're already inspired. We'll share our final thoughts over on our social media pages, so make sure you're following us. Add Becoming Muhammad Ali to your to be read (TBR) list today. This book publishes October 5, 2020. Ordering is available now. Resources The publishers of Becoming Muhammad Ali have created an Educator's Guide for the book. Click the link below to download it for free. Visit the publisher's page (here) to read an excerpt of the book and find other valuables resources. Download Here Looking for more great books? Join our community of almost 20,000 BOOK LOVERS on Instagram. Tap the phone below to follow and discover great books.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links It takes just 15 minutes to increase reading ability. Whether you're looking for a site to supplement school work or just want a little reading fun, these sites can help. Please review the sites before introducing them to the children in your life to make sure the content is appropriate for the child. 1. ABCya! - http://abcya.com 2. Starfall - http://starfall.com 3. Storynory - http://www.storynory.com 4. Oxford Owl - http://www.oxfordowl.co.uk 5. Storyline Online - http://www.storylineonline.net 6. National Geographic Young Explorers http://ngexplorer.cengage.com/ngyoungexplorer/index.html 7. FunBrain - https://www.funbrain.com/books 8. International Children’s Digital Library - http://en.childrenslibrary.org/ 9. PBS Reading Games - https://pbskids.org/games/reading/ 10. ReadThinkWrite - http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/ ***Bonus: Your local library probably offers access to books online. Check them out! Looking for great books to add to your home library? Visit the HKR Online Bookstore Looking for more great books? Join our community of almost 20,000 BOOK LOVERS on Instagram. Tap the phone below to follow and discover great books. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We make a small advertising fee from any purchases made through these links. (at no additional cost to you.)

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Title: Red Shoes by Karen English, Illustrated by Ebony Glenn Publisher: Scholastic Recommended Grades: Preschool-3rd Where to order: Here Book Description Red shoes glowing- Perched on a pedestal in the shop window as if on a throne. "I want those, Nana," Malika says, as they pass the shop. "We'll see," Nana says with a wink. "Looks like you could use a new pair. Malika is delighted when Nana surprises her with a beautiful new pair of red shoes! And with a click-clack-click and a swish, swish, swish, Malika wears her wonderful new shoes everywhere she goes. But one day, the shoes begin to pinch Malika's toes. And alas, they don't let her forget that her feet have grown! Soon Malika and Nana are off to the Rare Finds Resale Shop, where the shoes can be resold -- so another little girl can enjoy them! Who will be the next to wear the red shoes? Malika wonders. Then Inna Ziya buys the shoes, and readers follow the shoes all the way across the world to Africa, where Amina, another little girl, who has fasted her first time for Ramadan is about to get an amazing gift! Thoughts First of all, this book is gorgeous! Ebony Glenn's bright and colorful illustrations draw readers into this sweet story. I like how the story connects families from two different continents and cultures with something as simple as a pretty pair of red shoes. Representation matters and it's great to see Black characters being the highlight of a story as special as this one. Ramadan is also mentioned in the story, which allows children who participate and those who may have never learned about it, to see it represented in a story book. Add Red Shoes to your to be read (TBR) list today! This book publishes September 15, 2020. Ordering is available now.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Title: Saving American Beach: The Biography of African American Environmentalist MaVynee Betsch by Heidi Tyline King, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes Publisher: Penguin Kids Recommended Grades: Preschool-3rd Where to order: Here Book Description This heartfelt picture book biography illustrated by the Caldecott Honoree Ekua Holmes, tells the story of MaVynee Betsch, an African American opera singer turned environmentalist and the legacy she preserved. MaVynee loved going to the beach. But in the days of Jim Crow, she couldn't just go to any beach--most of the beaches in Jacksonville were for whites only. Knowing something must be done, her grandfather bought a beach that African American families could enjoy without being reminded they were second class citizen; he called it American Beach. Artists like Zora Neale Hurston and Ray Charles vacationed on its sunny shores. It's here that MaVynee was first inspired to sing, propelling her to later become a widely acclaimed opera singer who routinely performed on an international stage. But her first love would always be American Beach. After the Civil Rights Act desegregated public places, there was no longer a need for a place like American Beach and it slowly fell into disrepair. MaVynee remembered the importance of American Beach to her family and so many others, so determined to preserve this integral piece of American history, she began her second act as an activist and conservationist, ultimately saving the place that had always felt most like home Thoughts American Beach was one of the few places Black people could go to swim or just to have a good time without being mistreated or looked down on during Jim Crow times. Sad, but true. After integration, people forgot about the importance of places like American Beach and it fell into disrepair. MaVynee "The Beach Lady" Betsch, remembered how important the beach had been to her family and many others. She made it her mission to save it. She's a legend. The Beach Lady was an international opera singer, historian, activist, and environmentalist. Queen Quet of the Gullah Geechee Nation told me that The Beach Lady was also a part of the Gullah Geechee Wisdom Council Circle of Elders. This book publishes April 13, 2021. I'm excited to share this picture book and The Beach Lady's story with kids. Visit the American Beach Museum website to learn more about the history of American Beach.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Title: LOVE IS POWERFUL by Heather Dean Brewer, Illustrated by Leuyen Pham Publisher: Candlewick Press Recommended Grades: Kindergarten-3rd Where to order: Here Book Description A little girl carries a big message—and finds it thrillingly amplified by the rallying crowd around her—in an empowering story for the youngest of activists. Mari raised her sign for everyone to see. Even though she was small and the crowd was very big, and she didn’t think anyone would hear, she yelled out. Mari is getting ready to make a sign with crayon as the streets below her fill up with people. “What are we making, Mama?” she asks. “A message for the world,” Mama says. “How will the whole world hear?” Mari wonders. “They’ll hear,” says Mama, “because love is powerful.” Inspired by a girl who participated in the January 2017 Women’s March in New York City, Heather Dean Brewer’s simple and uplifting story, delightfully illustrated by LeUyen Pham,is a reminder of what young people can do to promote change and equality at a time when our country is divided by politics, race, gender, and religion. Thoughts We love the summary of this book and look forward to reading it. Have you read it yet?

Grandma's Purse by Vanessa Brantley-Newton Spend the day with Mimi and her granddaughter in this charming picture book about the magic found in Mimi's favorite accessory, perfect for readers who love How to Babysit a Grandma! When Grandma Mimi comes to visit, she always brings warm hugs, sweet treats... and her purse. You never know what she'll have in there--fancy jewelry, tokens from around the world, or something special just for her granddaughter. It might look like a normal bag from the outside, but Mimi and her granddaughter know that it's pure magic! In this adorable, energetic ode to visits from grandma, beloved picture book creator Vanessa Brantley Newton shows how an ordinary day can become extraordinary. The Vanessa Brantley-Newton dedicated Grandma's Purse to the Gullah Geechee people in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Read along with Vanessa Brantley-Newton on KidLit TV Looking for more book recommendations? Join us on Instagram by clicking here #childrensbooks #grandma #Gullah #GullahGeecheeHeritageCorridor #Geechee #southcarolina