The Loyalty 100: KIDS' BOOKS
From gorgeously illustrated picture books to chapter books and graphic novels that will have you cheering, we have the perfect book for all the kiddos in your life!
A beautifully illustrated children's book for all of our little merpeople! -- Malik
Throughout this adorably illustrated picture book there’s a repeated refrain: “We’re looking for a jumbie. We’re going to find a scary one.” Naya’s mother tells her that jumbies come out at night when the moon is bright—but that jumbies only exist in stories. Naya is determined to find out for herself. Walking through the dark, Naya meets a variety of creatures who bear a strong resemblance to the different jumbies she’s heard about in stories, and she invites them to help her keep looking for more. The gentle, sing-song repetition and the gorgeous nighttime scenes make this a perfect bedtime story, especially for any child who loves a silly, sweet, or slightly scary read-aloud. -- Amy
Author-illustrator Ruth Chan offers a new spin on the idea of community helpers in this irresistibly adorable picture book about a young girl and her dog who go for a walk around their Brooklyn neighborhood. The main character says “Hello!” to everyone they encounter, from other humans walking their dogs, parents pushing strollers, small business owners, construction workers, sanitation workers, firefighters, librarians, and mail carriers. But there’s also just the duo’s delight at bumping into familiar neighbors and friends of all ages on their regular walk. Chan adds colorful little details to every page, and offers plenty for preschoolers to find upon repeat readings. -- Sandie
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners is a beautiful and affirming story about a young Taiwanese girl who learns to celebrate and love the shape of her eyes. Her eyes are different from her friends but they are eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea and look like her mother’s, Amah’s, and Mei Mei’s. This is the kind of book I wish I had growing up as a biracial Asian American girl, but I am so thankful that it’s out in the world now. With stunning artwork and lyrical language, Eyes That Kiss in the Corners is a memorable story of self-love and strength. -- Christine
It fell from the sky on a Thursday... It Fell From the Sky is a whimsical and wondrous picture book about what happens when a mysterious object falls from the sky. The community of insects aren’t sure what this mysterious object is or where it came from or even who it might belong to. The Fan Brothers have created a magical story with the most gorgeous illustrations that will delight readers young and old. Plus there’s insects in top hats! -- Christine
Growing up, there was not a lot of representation for brown and black girls when it came to children's books! The Proudest Color gives your children the opportunity to see themselves in young literature which is the best holiday gift that keeps on giving! The Proudest Color follows Zahra's journey at a new school and how brown applies to more than just the crayon in her crayon box. -- Chardai
If you could imagine a street where everyone was seen and celebrated, would that be a dream street? Or would that be the street in your own community? This incredibly beautiful picture book will guide you through what makes your neighborhood and family near and far a full dream-- illustrated by lifelong friends Tricia Elam Walker and her cousin Ekua Holmes, this book will live in your library for generations. -- Hannah
If you, or your kids, loved Stutzman’s Llama picture books you will definitely enjoy this fun, fast paced introduction to two wonderful new sibling characters, who just happen to be ghosts. The story offers both subtle humor as well as more obvious jokes to appeal to “kids” of all ages. A fun, easy read with simple yet pleasing art, Fitz & Cleo presents a sweet, heartwarming story that should establish these characters for many years/books to come. Dat! -- Gene
My favorite graphic novel of 2021! Maggie can’t wait to get a puppy for her birthday, but soon discovers she’s severely allergic to dogs (and many other animals). Maggie desperately tries to find some pet she won’t be allergic to, but she slowly begins to accept that allergies, meds, and shots will be a part of her life going forward, and that animals might not be. Allergic combines everything you expect to see in a graphic novel for children—changing family dynamics, school drama, and shifting friendships—with a realistic and deeply empathetic look at what it’s like to receive a life-changing diagnosis as a young person, something I would have loved to see depicted in a book when I was going through something similar at that age. This charmingly illustrated novel is a wonderful read for any kid experiencing change or uncertainty—which is to say just about every kid. -- Amy
If your family had a history of werewolves, what would you do when the wolf moon comes? This fantastic graphic novel for younger readers is gorgeously drawn and brightly envisioned! A coming of age family drama, you'll cheer for Artie and hope that her growing understanding of the magical world can save the day. -- Hannah
Meg Medina’s Newbery Award-winning Merci Suárez Changes Gears is one of my favorite middle-grade books of the last few years, so when the sequel came out in April, I was afraid it wouldn’t live up to my expectations. Luckily, Medina delves right back into Merci’s middle-school triumphs and challenges. Merci is forced to run her school store with math genius Wilson, who proves not to be as annoying as other boys. They work together to sell tickets to the annual Valentine’s Day Heart Ball, and become good friends, while at home, Merci deals with her beloved grandfather Lolo’s Alzheimer’s progressing. There’s so much humor and heart in the novel, and ideal for anyone who loves funny and sweet multigenerational stories -- even if you haven’t read the first book. -- Sandie
Eighteen stories of Black Boy Joy are truly celebrated in this collection! An essential for your library, kids and adults will have a blast reading these varied tales of the triumphs of Black brilliance. Whether you love comics, poetry, true stories, or adventurous fiction you'll find the perfect tale to hit the spot for every moment of a Black boy's life. Keep it close and grow up with its joy. -- Hannah
I live for an occasionally devastating but ultimately hopeful middle grade novel. If you or your tween feels that way too, this is the book for you. Pluto had a scary mental health crisis at the end of seventh grade that left her summer and her future uncertain. So she comes up with a list of things she needs to accomplish to prove to her worried mom—and to herself—that she’s back to “normal,” to how she was before her new diagnoses of anxiety and depression. With the help of a new (cute) friend with a list of her own, Pluto slowly comes to terms with the fact that there’s no going back to who she was before—only learning how to be who she is now. My heart broke for Pluto and for everyone in her orbit, but by the end this gorgeously written novel put it back together again. -- Amy
Héctor, Sal, and Juliana are three kids who do not belong and find a room that shouldn't be there in this fantastic middle grade novel. This queer community Hector finds with Sal and Juliana when bullies threaten to ruin his joy contains the lasting love of acceptance and the adventures found when you explore the power of your own voice! -- Hannah
I grew up in a multi-generational household, so I'm particularly fond of children's books that explore the bond between kids and their grandparents. Author Ellen Oh's Finding Junie Kim is everything I look for in a good middle-grade story: a main character who experiences a lot of growth; close-knit families with supportive (and present!) parents and grandparents; siblings who are silly but also love each other; and a story that thoughtfully tackles substantive issues with sensitivity and grace. Readers will root for Junie as she stands up to racism at her suburban Maryland school, learns her grandfather's story of surviving the Korean War, and works out differences with her best friends. Love it! -- Sandie
Middle-grade sports tales aren't usually my thing, but Amy Makechnie's hopeful and heart-tugging book is just as much about family and friendship as it is the soccer pitch. The story's protagonist Golden Maroni is short-but-fierce eighth grade soccer lover who hails from a family of soccer greats. He believes that if dedicates 10,000 hours to the sport, he'll be a GOAT like his idol Lionel Messi. But even working toward 10,000 hours can't fix his family's biggest problem -- his beloved dad -- former soccer pro, legendary coach -- has ALS. There's so much to love about this book. It's a touching exploration of sibling dynamics, best friendship (oh how I love Golden's BFFs Benny and Lucy), and striving toward your goals. A perfect pick for Ted Lasso fans who firmly believe "Futbol is life!" -- Sandie
Starfish is a sharp and compassionate middle grade novel in verse about body confidence and standing up for yourself. Ellie has been relentlessly bullied about her weight since elementary school and has developed a set of “Fat Girl Rules” to try to reduce the ridicule from both her peers and her own family. She only feels free in a swimming pool, where she can feel weightless. With the support of her father and a kind new neighbor, Ellie grows to realize that she deserves to take up space everywhere, not just in the pool. This debut novel deftly handles the upsetting aspects of Ellie’s story without shying away from her real pain. I’m still thinking about this one months after reading it. -- Amy
As a middle-school softball veteran, I was delighted to find this novel was everything I dreamed of as a preteen! Nic Stone returns with Shenice Lockwood, a driven, fastball pitching champion to be. Shenice is determined to take her team all the way but has to deal with the foul balls life won't stop throwing her. Stone once again shows us the power of knowing yourself, loving your family, and letting your community in when you're down to your last inning and the title is on the line. -- Hannah
Ever wanted to feel like you're in an epic video game adventure? Then you're going to want to pick up Last Gate of the Emperor, an Afrofuturist adventure about a mythical Ethiopian empire! This is an action-packed story written by Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makkonnen, the great-grandson of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, the last emperor of Ethiopia. This is a fast-paced and thrilling story with fun characters (including a bionic lioness!) and a deep love for Ethiopian culture that's perfect for fans of Tristan Strong and Amari and the Night Brothers. -- Christine