There’s nothing that screams Halloween quite like witches. Of course, with all the famous witches we know and love (Samantha, Glenda, Sabrina—we’re assuming their names have to end in an “a”), it only makes sense to pull out our pointy hats and striped stockings this time of year. But we also know that little ones may not be into the ultra-scary. Halloween can bring up nerves your babes didn’t even know they had.
To have fun and overcome fears, there’s nothing better than books. And, when it comes to the best Halloween books for kids, witch books are some of our absolute favorites. There are some classics you’ll probably recognize, along with some new kiddo-approved characters. They all include absolutely loveable witches, especially those for the littlest kids. From silly rhyming books to darker (though still age-appropriate) fantasy, we’ve rounded up witch books for all kinds of little pumpkins. Which witch is your favorite?
Sure, you’ve seen a witch and her cat fly together on a broom, but what about a frog, a bird and a dog, too? This popular story of a generous witch will likely result in some serious broom riding up and down your halls. Ages: 2–5
The time has come for the annual Witch Parade, but the threat of rain will ruin the day. So a little witch named Delia saves the day, sorta. She changes the rain to cats and dogs, then to hats and clogs, and finally to bats and frogs. Find out how Delia finally saves the day and the parade in this sweet story. Ages: 2–5
“This is Dorrie. She is a witch. A little witch. Her hat is always on crooked and her socks never match.”
So begins nearly every Dorrie book in the series of twenty that catalog the adventures of a curious little witch (and her cat Gink) who seems to always find herself saving the day. Author-illustrator Patricia Coombs’ detailed pencil drawings are as enchanting as Dorrie herself. The series started in 1962 and they are timeless as ever. Start with "Dorrie and the Blue Witch" and your little imps will relate to the kid that saves the day.
What’s a witch without her broom? This spooky-good counting book is perfect for kiddos learning to read and reinforces early readers with rhyming and beautiful illustrations. Ages: 3–5
The bold drawings and simple text of this classic book will have even your littlest witch squealing with joy. The 40th Anniversary edition was published in 2012 and it's still going strong! Ages: 3–5
While this witch isn’t circling the moon on her broom or cackling in the dead of night, Grandma Witch’s magic pasta pot has been bewitching kids since 1975. Ages: 3–7
From the creator of the NY Times Best Picture Book "From Letter to Letter, " Terri Sloat, and acclaimed artist Rosaline Bonnette, this is a fantastic rhyming book to celebrate the witchy season. Join ten feisty witches and one adorable kitten as they travel from spooky castle to graveyard and beyond. Ages: 4–8.
Poor sweet little Wendy. She just wants to be like her sisters and cast spells and fly her broom. But no one will teach her. Turns out, she’s already got all the magical powers but needs a friend and Halloween magic to prove it. This vintage classic was first pubbed in 1978 and was reissued in 2000 with new illustrations. Ages: 4–8
A charmer of a tale of a little witch whose fear of humans doesn’t outweigh her desire for candy is a super sweet Halloween read perfect for beginning readers. Ages: 4–8
A super cute group of little witches head out on their annual scaring spree, but things don’t go quite as planned. Find out what happens to this not-so-scary group on Halloween night, as told in rhyme. Ages: 4–8
What happens if a witch falls into your garden and leaves her broom? The artwork alone will leave you spellbound and the surprise ending will delight the kids. Ages: 5-9
We can’t swear your kiddos won’t start suspecting their teacher or the nice lady at the grocery store is a witch, but that’s half the fun of this Roald Dahl classic. Read this short-ish chapter book together as a semi-spooky bedtime story. Ages: 7–10.
This funny, cute series follows little Mildred Hubble and her magical misadventures at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches. As you might have guessed, Mildred is not exactly the best at flying on her broomstick without crashing or doing her spells right. And she's also got a Draco Malfoy-like problem: the teacher's pet, Ethel. Your kids will enjoy cheering for Mildred throughout this seven-book series. It's a chapter book, but even younger kids can enjoy it as a read-aloud or read together.
Recommended age: 5–10.
This illustrated chapter-book series is about a group of kids in the little Italian town called Benevento. Inspired by the belief that Benevento, Italy, has long been a gathering place for witches, the marvelously illustrated chapter books follow five cousins—Primo, Emilio, Maria Beppina, and Sergio—on their adventures in and around Benevento as they try to evade local witches. There are currently six books in the series, which can be read as stand-alones or in order. By John Bemelmans Marciano and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Ages: 7–10
Alexandra Overy's clever “fractured fairy tales” type of witchscapade, is a witch book that's out now just in time for Halloween. Told from the point of view of the gingerbread-turned-human-daughter of the witch (Agatha, of course!) in Hansel and Gretel, Maud storms off after a fight with her mother. Upon her return, she discovers that her mother has been pushed into the oven by a couple of nasty witch hunters—Hansel and Gretel. This forces Maud into a quest to find a magical spellbook that will hopefully bring her mother back. Incredibly clever, this would make a delightful autumnal bedtime story to read together. Ages: 8–12.
Tumble through the enchanted forest of this story, written for kids grades 4-6, featuring Ned, a surviving twin and son of a witch. Action-packed, this story is full of rich characters and serious adventure. You’ll get lost in the brambles along with Ned and the Bandit King’s daughter. Ages: 9–14
Jodi Lynn Anderson's fantasy trilogy features a young girl as the heroine, Rosie. She is the caregiver to herself and her mother because a curse is stealing her mom’s memory. Rosie vows to break the curse but must face dark magic and dark things to triumph. Ages: 9–13 or even a little older.
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They’ll learn about RBG, Mary Shelley, Dolly Parton, and other famous women in history
Children learn by example, and when it comes to connecting concepts to reality, books are often the key. Whether it’s Women’s History Month or routine bedtime stories, it’s always a great time to teach your kids about female leaders (like these incredible female scientists) and equality. Here are our favorite women’s history books for kids.
Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist
When Mary Anning was a child, she loved combing the beach for treasures. One day, she finds something that'll change the world forever. This gorgeous picture book tells the tale of one incredible woman who smashed the glass ceiling and helped to create the study of paleontology. A must-read women's history book for any curious kid. Ages: 5-7
Celebrate the life and voice of poet Gwendolyn Brooks with this thoughtful story that combines both Brooks' legacy with her life story. Known for being one of the foremost poets on the Black experience and the role of women in society, Gwendolyn Brooks went from a young child writing all the time to become the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize and authoring 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and one novel. Celebrated author and children's librarian Alice Faye Duncan makes Brooks come to life on the page for the young reader. Ages: 5 and up
Rosalind Looked Closer: An Unsung Hero of Molecular Science
Do you know who first captured the structure of DNA and its double helix form? Or who pioneered the research of RNA? Rosalind Franklin, a Jewish scientist! Highly detailed but written so even the youngest of readers can understand, Lisa Gerin's book is here to educate everyone on the world-changing work of this amazing scientist. Ages: 5-8
Dolly!: The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream
You've likely heard of Dolly Parton, but do you know her origin story? The songwriter and performer, who first sang at the Grand Ole Opry at 13 came from humble roots as one of 12 children in her family. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and determination as she paved the way for women in the industry and beyond. Ages: 4-8
You may have never heard of Elizabeth Stott, Tara Chklovski, or Radwa Rostom but after this book, you'll know exactly who they are. Filled with "solution stories," Catherine Thimmesh explores stories of female entrepreneurs that will inspire the next generation.
Ages: 10+
Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women
At one time, homeless shelters were only for men. Seeing the need for women, Kip Tiernan tirelessly fought to provide them with a place they could find a warm meal, a bed, and no judgment. After years of trying, she opened Rosie's Place in an old supermarket. Christine McDonnell's story shares the world-changing story of Kip and how she changed the face of services for unhoused women forever. Ages: 7-10
Like a Diamond in the Sky: Jane Taylor’s Beloved Poem of Wonder and the Stars
Jane Taylor was a trailblazer for women in poetry, but do you know who she is? The beloved author of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" has an amazing life story of triumph, perseverance, and creativity that only makes the famous lullaby all the more special. Ages: 4-8
The 19th book in the "Ordinary People Change the World" series is all about Marie Curie, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize. A physicist and chemist, Curie is featured in adorable illustrations as she attends the Flying University and begins her science experiments at the young age of 18, to her meeting with the President of the United States. Ages 5-8
Little ones can hear about the Supreme Court justice's greatest moments, hear quotes and parents will enjoy the message at the end (and cool mirror): just be you. Ages: baby to 3
This board book by Chana Ginelle Ewing, the Founder, and CEO of Geenie, a women's empowerment platform, makes learning about concepts like gender, immigration,n and ability accessible to even the youngest of readers. Flip through the colorful pages to find letters like D is for difference or J is for justice explained in a way anyone can grasp. For any parent hoping to teach their child about multiculturalism and acceptance, this book is for you.
Ages: 3+ (as recommended on Amazon but this book is suited for any reader)
"When someone opens a door to you, go forward." Young Frances Perkins spent her life heeding the wise words her grandmother taught her as a little girl. Kathleen Krull's The Only Woman in the Photo tells the story of Frances Perkins, the first woman to ever sit on a presidential cabinet. Perkins became Franklin D. Roosevelt's trusted advisor, and it is Perkins you can thank for such things as child labor laws, unemployment insurance, and social security. Illustrations by Alexandra Bye bring the life and times of this persistent, fearless trailblazer to life.
Ages: 4-8
This picture-book retelling of Gloria Steinem is as inspiring as it is enjoyable to read. The perfect, abbreviated biography written by Jessica M. Rinker is beautifully illustrated by Daria Peoples-Riley and offers kids a summary of the important events that shaped Steinem's childhood and lead her down the path of changing women's rights, and changing the world.
Ages: 4-8
This alphabet book stars women artists including iconic painters like Georgia O’Keefe and Frida Kahlo but also puts the spotlight on lesser-known artists like Mirka Mora, Judith Leyster, and more. Each page has a short explanation of the works that define each artist (for example, legendary photographer Dorthea Lange is X is for EXposure), and if older kids want to learn more, the back pages have extended biographies. Beautiful illustrations complete this lovely picture book that's bookshelf worthy.
Ages: 3-7
She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein
Written by Lynn Fulton with fab illustrations by Felicita Sala, She Made a Monster pays tribute to Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the literary genius who brought the world Frankenstein. It was 200 years ago when Shelley gave birth to this infamous monster, and this book will let the young audience know not only the significance of writing it but how important it is to follow one’s own dream.
Ages: 4-8
African-Americans didn't have the same rights as others, and Katherine Johnson knew that was wrong. As wrong as 5+5=12. This book tells the story of how Katherine fought for equality as she surpassed her classmates and went on to make history by helping NASA to put America's first manned flight into space and the world's first trip to the moon. Award-winning author Suzanne Slade and illustrator Veronica Miller Jamison tell the story of a NASA "computer" in this delightfully written, richly illustrated book.
Ages: 6-9
This story is based on Malala’s childhood wish to have a magic pencil that would “make everyone happy,” and could “erase the smell of garbage from her city.” As she grew older she learned that she would need more than a magic pencil to initiate change, and this book explores every person's power to change the world through the strength of character and determination. Illustrated by Kerascoët Kerascoët.
Ages: 5-8
This is the sweet story of Parker Curry, a young girl who went to the National Portrait Gallery one afternoon with her mom. She saw a prancing horse, blooming flowers, a bushy mustache... but before she went twirling off toward home, Parker Curry looked up. There on the wall, she saw the magnificent portrait (by Amy Sherald) of Michelle Obama. Parker didn't just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen, a woman with regality, beauty, truth, and self-assurance, a woman who looked like her. This moving story will delight any young dreamer. A great addition to any home library or classroom.
Ages: 4-8
Women in Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired the World
This beautifully illustrated anthology of women artists from Rachel Ignotofsky, author of the New York Times bestseller Women in Science, features 50 pioneering female artists; some you'll recognize (Frida Kahlo, Georgia O'Keefe) and some you'll never want to forget (19th-century African American quilter Harriet Powers and Hopi-Tewa ceramic artist Nampeyo). For any kid out there with a love of art or history or both, this book is a gorgeous addition to any shelf.
Ages: All ages; Probably best for 5 and up
In 1966 Bobbi Gibb changed history by running in the Boston Marathon, despite being told that she couldn’t, because women weren’t allowed. This powerful new book takes you on an illustrated journey alongside brave Bobbi Gibb, from a girl who loved to run to a woman who defied and altered history forever. Written by Annette Bay Pimentel and illustrated by Micha Archer.
Ages: 5-8
The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague
This story introduces readers to Raye Montague, a hidden mastermind who made a huge impact in the U.S. Navy. When she was growing up in the 1940s, Raye decided to become an engineer. A culture of sexism and racial inequality challenged her plans but never deterred her from accomplishing her dream.
Ages: 5-10
Why pick one women's history book when you can have an entire set? This collection for early readers includes biographies about famous women in history like Amelia Earhart, Frida Khalo, Jane Goodall, and more. Ages: 6-9
Greta's Story: The Schoolgirl Who Went on Strike to Save the Planet
This chapter book chronicles the incredibly timely and motivating true story of young Greta Thunberg and the global movement she has inspired. This young readers' (unofficial) biography can also educate adults on the eco-activist and what we can all do to help save the planet. Written by Italian writer Valentina Camerini and translated and illustrated by Morena Givannoni.
Ages: 8-12
Before Hermione and Katniss, there were brilliant queens, clever villagers, and brave girls who were saving the world around them—even if you’ve never heard their stories. Now is their chance to shine in this lovely collection of folktales from China, Russia, Persia, India, France, Germany, and more. These strong protagonists are ideal role models for young girls.
Ages: 9-13
Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Journey to Justice
This graphic novel will enlighten tweens, teens, and grown-ups alike with the story of how RBG grew from a shy little girl to the Supreme Court. Written by NY Times bestselling author Debbie Levy, and illustrated by Whitney Gardner (Fake Blood).
Ages: 10 and up
This historical novel by J. Albert Mann is based on the life of Margaret Sanger, a young activist for women's health and the founder of Planned Parenthood. The novel explores the early years of Sanger's life as she dealt with the adversity of forging her own path: she grew up poor at a time when women had the choice of being wives and mothers, whose career choice was a teacher (and that was usually just until you got married). But Sanger did none of the above and this spirited imaging of what her life was like will encourage children of all genders to go their own way.
Ages: 14 and up
— with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Karly Wood
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Have you ever noticed kids everywhere lose their ability to concentrate during the last couple of weeks of school? Those end-of-school wiggles are inevitable, but the dreaded summer slide that follows doesn’t have to be. There’s a secret antidote to combat summer slide, and it’s easier than you think: graphic novels.
Ask any librarian what one of the best-kept secrets to improving literacy is, and they’ll tell you it’s graphics novels. And if you automatically think graphic novels are for teens and tweens, don’t worry. HarperCollins publishes a variety of graphic novels geared specifically toward early readers ages four to 10. These books feature simple text, easy-to-follow comic paneling, and art that complements the text for a better understanding of the story. Even reluctant readers find themselves unable to put down their favorite graphic novel.
Kids will find familiar characters like Pete the Cat and My Little Pony and be introduced to new favorites, like Friendbots, Sir Ladybug, and Beak & Ally. Before you know it they’ll be begging for the next book in the series.
Fish and Wave
Readers ages 4 to 8 will love Fish and Wave, a new graphic novel by Sergio Ruzzier featuring a tiny fish and a big wave that keeps getting bigger. Fish isn't sure what to do, but it turns out, it's all about going with the flow.
The Cryptid Club #1: Bigfoot Takes the Field
They'll love the first graphic novel in the new four-book Cryptid Club series from writer Michael Brumm and illustrator Jeff Mack. The Cryptid Club #1: Bigfoot Takes the Field, recommended for readers six to 10, is perfect for fans of The Bad Guys. An unlikely group of kid sleuths has to solve the mystery of why monsters have been sighted around their school.
Crab and Snail: The Invisible Whale
For a perfect kids-only beach, read meet Crab and Snail: The Invisible Whale by New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry and beloved illustrator Jared Chapman. Two BFFs (best beach friends) have to figure out what to do when their big beach day when their plans for fun in the sun get rained on.
Pete the Cat: Making New Friends
Secret Agent Meow, a.k.a. Pete the Cat, takes on a whole new case in this installment of the Pete the Catseries. Perfect for level one readers, this mysterious read from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator duo James and Kimberly Dean as Pete goes on a top-secret mission to make new pals. Your kiddos will love this book, as it introduces them to the world of graphic novel storytelling and visual literacy.
Kids will find tales of friendship, creative problem solving, and plenty of laughs in these early reader graphic novels from Harper Collins, sure to help children have a strong and positive association with reading. All summer long, and all year long.
It’s never too early (or too late) to talk to your kids about racism, diversity and equality. If you’re having a hard time finding the right way to approach the topic, let literature lend a helping hand. From autobiographical picture books to powerful first-person fiction, we’ve carefully curated some of our favorite books that’ll spark conversations about everything from the immigrant experience to Black History to give kids (and parents) perspective. Keep reading and start listening.
Black Girls Unbossed
The famous activists we know today started their journeys when they were young––just like the Black girls highlighted in this new book by Khristy Lauren Adams. These young world changers are starting organizations to help those in need, leading racial advocacy efforts, creating apps to aid in mental health issues and so much more, all born out of their own life experiences.
From activist, professor and father Ibram X. Kendi, this lovely picture book will help you and your kids learn about cultivating a more equitable world by following nine simple steps. We love this new and powerful read; it is filled with thoughtful rhymes and beautiful, bold illustrations.
Little Feminist's 3-board-books geared toward early readers (like babies!) all feature photos of REAL families with poems to build vocabulary & connection. The three books include HAIR which showcases race and ethnicity; FAMILIES which includes families in all their variations and showcases gender and sexuality; and ON-THE-GO which includes many forms of abilities, mobility and bodies
This little book packs a big punch! Featuring forty trailblazing women in African-American history, each entry is accompanied by a beautiful illustration. From pilot Bessie Coleman to crooner Nina Simone to poets, inventors, athletes and more, this book will inspire children of any gender to be bold, beautiful and make history.
Recommended age: 3 & up, but we think you should read it to your baby.
Told with the flow of a Native American narrative, this book tells the tale of those who were usurped, who watched their lands be stripped away and witnessed the enslavement of their people. But, they remembered, found solidarity with other oppressed people and despite all, persisted.
Sesame Street has been teaching kids that diversity is beautiful for over 50 years, so it'll come as no surprise that your favorite muppets star in this great book about racism for kids. Elmo and his friends show us that even though we might look different on the outside, on the inside we all have the same needs, feelings and desires.
Follow two families, one white, one black as they each discuss the shooting of a Black man by the police in their town. It touches on subjects like violence, social injustice, racial profiling and entitlement. The lovely illustrations and positive messaging tackle the tough subject matter in just the right way.
Sometimes the easiest way to get your point across is to just SAY IT. That's what this book by father, thinker and entrepreneur Jelani Memory. With simple text, bold images that explain what racism is, how it makes people feel and how to spot it when it happens, this must-have book lays it all out so that even young kids can start to listen and learn.
Brad Meltzer’s latest release in his Ordinary People Change the World series, we learn the story of Harriet Tubman and her bravery as she fought to abolish slavery. She helped hundreds of African Americans escape slavery and find freedom through the Underground Railroad. This is one book that will inspire your kids to become heroes themselves.
Imagine walking into a room and seeing no one like you? Whether your skin is different, you walk differently, you talk differently, you wear different clothes, there are many reasons to feel different. This lovely rhyming story is all about being inclusive, and it encourages kids to be comfortable in their own skin and savor what is unique about them.
Like the “I Am” series, the Little People, Big Dreams series explores amazing men and women of history, from artists to scientists to activists, teaching kids that one person can make a difference. This book covers the inspiring Maya Angelou’s journey, from a traumatic childhood to one of the world’s best-loved authors. If you thought you knew who Maya Angelou is, you are in for a treat: this book will leave you even more in awe than you already were. Written by Lisbeth Kaiser and illustrated by Leire Salaberria.
When debut author Angela Joy set out to teach her children their first Black History lesson she was not expecting her preschooler to say, "But Mama, we're not black, we're brown." It was then that she realized that she wanted her children, and all children, to understand that being Black was about culture as much as color. Vibrant, stained-glass like artwork by Coretta-Scott King Award-winning illustrator Ekua Holmes accompanies Joy's poetic text as we join a little girl on a journey to discover all the wonderful things that Black is. Includes a suggested playlist as well as an expanded explanation of the historical references in the text to allow parents to explain Black history to their kids. It's an exceptionally designed, written and thoughtful new book appropriate for kids of all ages and ethnicities.
Recommended age: Suggested age, 4-8, but we think even older kids can benefit from this book due to the important historical talking points in the back of the book.
Celebrate the life and voice of poet Gwendolyn Brooks with this thoughtful story that combines both Brooks' legacy with her life story. Known for being one of the most foremost poets on the Black experience and the role of women in society, Gwendolyn Brooks went from a young child writing all the time to become the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize and authoring 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies and one novel. Celebrated author and children's librarian Alice Faye Duncan makes Brooks come to life on the page for the young reader.
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist
Amazon
Audrey was arrested! Cynthia Levinson brings this true tale of the youngest known child to be arrested at a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama. Kids will cheer for Audrey, equality and the rights of all children. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton.
Written by President Barack Obama as a letter to his own daughters, this is the story of 13 key players in American history. From Jackie Robinson to Georgia O’Keefe to George Washington, Obama illustrates how his own children—and all kids—have these heroic traits in themselves. Uplifting and encouraging, your kids will gain an understanding of the history of the United States and know that “yes!” they can. Illustrated by Loren Long.
The summer of 1963 was an important time in America. Not only did Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington take place, but the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Maryland became desegregated and open to everyone. As the first African-American child to ride the carousel at the park that day, co-author Sharon Langley shares her story in this new book all about how a community came together for positive change.
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
Amazon
If you want to talk about Black History with your kids, this book will take you back to the beginning. Told from the point of view of a 100-year-old African-American woman, Heart and Soul takes kids on a journey through the history of slavery to Jim Crow laws to the quest for equality and freedom in our schools and beyond. It teaches them about the reality and the inspiring truth: the men, women and children of all colors who rallied to change education laws and end segregation and who fight still for truth, justice and the true American way. Kadir Nelson is an award-winning author and illustrator, whose honors include the Coretta Scott King Author and Illustrator Award.
Who was Katherine Johnson? This book will tell you: she is said to be one of the greatest minds of all time! She worked in the 1950s for the NASA space program and was such a brilliant mathematician that she figured out the math needed to send a rocket to the moon in her head. She didn't even use a computer or a calculator. This book will teach kids about her early life as a child growing up in a small town in Virginia that didn't even have a high school for African Americans (schools were segregated then), how her family moved to a town with a high school she could attend, and about her incredible career as a scientist and mathematics marvel.
Did you know the first success school desegregation case took place in Southern California? 23 years before the historical Brown v. Board of Education case there was the little-known case of Roberto Alvarez v. the Board of Trustees of the Lemon Grove School District. This lovely bilingual storybook tells the tale of one immigrant community and its fight for equal rights.
Mia Yang has a few secrets: she lives in a motel, her parents clean the motel rooms and hide immigrants, and she wants to be a writer, not a mathematician. Loosely based on author Kelly Yang's childhood, this powerful story addresses poverty, systemic racism, stereotypes and more. Although this story takes place in the '90s, many of the heartbreaking stories told here remain true for immigrants and minorities today.
Afro-Puerto Rican immigrant and hero Aturo Schomburg was a law clerk with a passion: he collected books, letters, art and music from Africa and the African diaspora. When the collection got too big for his own shelves, he turned to the New York Public Library where, in 1905, he curated a collection known then as the "Negro Division." Not only does this book take you through the life and times of the amazing Arturo Schomburg, but it also details critical and often overlooked African Americans and African American history throughout major events in the forming of the United States of America, including revolutionaries, the woman who wrote poems in praise of George Washington, the powerful writings of Frederick Douglass and the whitewashing of African history. A must-read for kids from all walks of life.
42 Is Not Just a Number: The Odyssey of Jackie Robinson, American Hero
Candlewick Press
Jackie Robinson was an all-star from a young age: baseball, basketball, football, he excelled at them all. With talent like that, it seemed likely he'd go pro except for one thing: the color of his skin. So Jackie joined the Negro Leagues, setting records and impressing the manager of the major league team, the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1946, Jackie became the first African American EVER to play in MLB. He faced cruelty, protests and violence. But he persisted: he displayed courage, determination, restraint and an incredible ability to win the game. This detailed chapter book will help parents and kids alike to remember never give up.
This Newbery Award-winning book follows Katie and her family as they leave Iowa and move to Deep South Georgia in the 1950s. One of only 31 Japanese-American families in town, Katie, her older sister Lynn and hard-working parents will encounter racism at school and at work and when tragedy befalls the family, Katie must stay strong for everyone. A sobering historical fiction tale worth reading.
This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work
Quarto
New in January of 2020, author Tiffany Jewell aims to dismantle racism by helping readers understand the origins of racism, current racism in our society and how to stand up against racial oppression. Each chapter builds on the previous one as you learn more about yourself and racial oppression and it includes 20 powerfully effective activities to get you thinking and help you learn and grow.
Recommended age: The publisher list ages 11+ but we think every family should own a copy of this and read it together.
Loving vs. Virginia: A Documentary Novel of the Landmark Civil Rights Case
Chronicle Books
This book for older readers tells the story of a landmark civil rights case. Richard and Mildred Loving met in 1955 in Caroline County, Virginia, during a time when segregation, prejudice, injustice and cruelty were the norm. They fell in love and their love was at the heart of the Supreme Court case that legalized marriages between races.
In this Newbery honor book, you'll meet 12-year-old Jude, who has left her seaside home in Syria to escape the country's brutal civil war. She and her mother leave her father and brother behind as they head for Cinncinati to stay with relatives. Jude will experience being labeled as "Middle Eastern" for the first time, but she'll also discover new friends, a school musical that's worth taking the risk and finally understand that home can be in more than one place.
16-year-old Starr Carter is constantly trying to find the balance between the fancy prep school she attends and the poor neighborhood in which she lives. When she witnesses the death of her childhood friend at the hands of the police, that balance is shattered. The protests, the hate and the confusion that follow are achingly similar to current events. A heartbreaking tale, this poignant first-person narrative is a great way to start or continue a conversation with your tween about the Black Lives Matter movement.
From Newbery Award-winning novelist Mildred D. Taylor comes the end of the Logan family saga that began with Song of the Trees and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. In All the Days Past, Cassie Logan is all grown up and trying to find her place in the world. Her journey takes her to Toledo, California, law school in Boston and finally, back to Mississippi in the '60s to help with voter registration. She will be witness to the rise of the civil rights movement, which is preceded by racist American white society, and the often violent confrontations that bring about historical change.
In case you hadn’t noticed, the past couple of years have marked the beginning of a brave new world in education—for students as well as parents. And while the case can be made for many things that have gone (horribly, painfully) wrong, one major winner from all of this emergency innovation in education (and increased delivery of classwork content on computers and learning pads) are the new fonts for kids (and adults) with dyslexia.
Both the Dyslexie Font and OpenDyslexic help readers with dyslexia by having letters and symbols that are thicker on the bottom than on the top, which forces the eye to focus. This not only encourages older children to read (because who wants to do something that’s hard, anyways?), but it helps keep early readers from falling behind their classmates by instilling confidence—a hard-earned attribute for children who can sometimes feel like they’re masters of none when it comes to reading and writing.
Dyslexie is available on Kindles and ebook readers, which gives your dyslexic reader access to every e-book you buy on Amazon. Read that again. Every. Book. On. Amazon. To use it on a handheld device, you must purchase an app.
One day you’re reading board books to your baby (while he or she simultaneously tries to chew on them). The next thing you know, that little one has grown into a big kid who’s ready to read independently. Scholastic’s early reader line, Acorn, is perfect for children ages 4-7. Here’s why kids (and their parents!) love them:
The Format Is Fun!
Each book contains three to five short stories about endearing characters. Kids can read the stories in a row or in any order they’d like. FYI: Giving kids this simple choice in how they read creates a sense of accomplishment. In addition, each page contains vibrant full-color illustrations—making them inviting and accessible (not intimidating!)—and text is easy to read and its humorous tone is a crowd-pleaser for silly kiddos. Some of the books have color-coded speech bubbles, just like graphic novels. This feature helps introduce dialogue, making reading aloud even more entertaining.
They Build Confidence
It can be a challenge to find early chapter books that kids actually enjoy. Acorn make them feel confident in their reading abilities and encourage them to keep going! Activities at the end of each book maximize the reading experience with “how-to-draw” instructions and writing prompts (hello, future authors and illustrators!). These extension activities give kids additional ways to engage with the characters, while offering parents insight into their reading comprehension.
There’s a Series for Every Reader
There are 12 series in the Acorn line, with more in the works. From friendship to magic, the wide array of genres makes it simple to find a just-right read for your kiddo. There’s even a “horror-lite” series on the list for kids who like spooky stories, called Mister Shivers! The Dragon series by Dav Pilkey (author of Captain Underpants and Dog Man) is a fan favorite. BFFs Unicorn and Yeti are great for those who love magical creatures. Princess Truly is an empowering series about a young girl. And Hello, Hedgehog is an adorable friendship series focused on achieving big childhood milestones and helping pals overcome fears.
No Levels, No Problem.
Kids are used to seeing levels on their books. Not on these! Although books align with leveling guidelines, Acorn doesn’t put levels on the covers to keep kids from feeling pigeon-holed. They meet kids right where they are on their reading journey.
They’re Educator Approved.
Acorn executive editor Katie Carella was a teacher herself! She saw how difficult it was to find high-quality, interesting early readers for her students, which inspired her to create this line. Teachers across the country are big fans—making sure their classroom bookshelves are stocked with Acorn essentials! “The format made it feel similar to the higher-level books they see their older siblings reading, such as Captain Underpants and Dog Man, so they were excited to read it by themselves,” says a first-grade teacher, Sharon.
Who’s happier to ditch real school for summer fun, you or your minis? We’ve curated a list of tactile learning activities to keep the kiddos off screens and out of the summer slide. Read on for 15 creative learning ideas that’ll give those golden afternoons a little brain boost.
Story Cubes are a creative way to practice putting together stories, and your sidekicks won’t know that they’re learning. Roll the dice and use the results in a tall tale. These are a great way to pass the time on car trips. For the smallest fry, use three dice. For older scribes, use all nine and split the words up between the beginning, middle, and end of their stories.
Penpals! The kids can practice their fine motor skills while sending a little sunshine to a friend or relative. Or you can take the love up a notch and write to seniors in care homes. Contact your local senior residence, or check out one of these programs.
What’s better than learning to read with cookies? Nothing. Use this alphabet cookie cutter set to bake words in the ultimate tactile reading game. Spelling has never been more delicious.
How many words can your wordsmiths make with the sentence ‘Learning from home is fun?’ Take Anna Whiteley's idea a step further and create summer-themed sentences such as ‘Hot days are perfect for popsicles,’ and ‘Our family loves the beach.’
Get the crew reading and moving with one of our indoor/outdoor-friendly scavenger hunts. Early readers can use the pictures to puzzle out the words and avoid the summer slide. Veteran readers can solidify their spelling skills.
Activities to Promote Numeracy
Count the Beans
Teresa Douglas
Teaching math concepts is a snap when you use tactile learning aides like beans or grains of rice. Your minis will intuitively understand division if you swap the beans for candies and tell them to split the candies fairly.
Make Patterns
Teresa Douglas
Collect rocks, sticks, and other treasures from outside to make creative patterns. Your crew can learn to make patterns that repeat, grow, or spiral. The Artful Parent has beautiful photos for inspiration.
Take a math detective walk. Give your budding Sherlock a notepad and pencil and get outside. How many birds can your little spot? Pick different themes for each walk, or spend the week focused on just one.
Keep those measurement skills burning all summer long with the cookbook How Many Ways Can You Cut a Pie? If your crew prefers cookies, this three-ingredient oatmeal cookie is quick, easy, and healthy enough for breakfast!
Turn an ordinary deck of cards into a creative learning experience. We Are Teachers serves up math-tastic ideas for reviewing addition, subtraction and fraction concepts in spades.
Who’s bigger, your mini or a dolphin? Could you have a tiger over for tea? Would either fit in a chair? Whip out Wasecabiomes Animals of the world Measuring Tape and help your budding biologist find out!
Explore Science
Melissa Heckscher
Make some bouncy balls with ingredients you can find at the grocery store. The fine folks at The STEM Laboratory walk you through the activity and even explain the science behind it. Hint: You’ll never look at spaghetti the same way again.
Get Some Sun
Teresa Douglas
Practice the first step of the scientific method by measuring the amount of sunlight in a garden. This activity is a great excuse to get the kids outside. Every hour the littles mark whether the plants are in the shade, partial sun, or full sun. Give your scientist a clipboard for added pizzazz.
Engineer a Little Fun
Teresa Douglas
Introduce your engineer-in-training to Snap circuits, a tactile way to learn about electricity and closed circuits. As a bonus, your engineer will also learn to follow plans and problem solve.
Your little scientists will love learning about DNA through the magic of strawberries. Each strawberry cell has eight copies of DNA, which means you can see them without a microscope in this fun experiment. Slide over to Little Bins for Little Hands to see how it’s done.
“Alexa, let’s read!” Now your favorite AI helper has one more trick up her sleeve: reading with your child. Amazon’s new Reading Sidekick might help shape the future of literacy and it’s available for families everywhere by Friday.
The Sidekick works on both the Amazon Kids-enabled Echo device or the Amazon Kids+ app on a tablet and supports hundreds of books, both physical and digital. Once your child says the prompt, Alexa will ask how much they want to read: a little, a lot or taking turns. From there, Alexa will either read most of the pages, let the child read most of the pages, or alternate paragraphs or pages.
To keep the fun going, Alexa will offer support, like “Way to stick with it!” or “Amazing job!” And if your child gets stuck on a word, she can fill in the blank, too. The product is designed to complement the time you spend reading with your children and to support independent reading.
You’ll need to purchase an Amazon Kids+ subscription to get started, which is $2.99 a month. But you can start with a one month free trial to make sure it’s a fit for your family. Reading Sidekick offers a wide range of books, from early readers to chapter books. It’s one more way to bring your favorite stories to life and develop an essential skill!
As if Michelle Obama’s new Netflix show wasn’t exciting enough, Random House Children’s Books and Clarkson Potter have just announced the pair will launch a publishing program based on Waffles + Mochi! Under the program, three children’s titles will be released this year.
First up, Follow That Food! ($12.99), written by Christy Webster and illustrated by Sarah Rebar with an introduction written by Michelle Obama, releases on Mar. 2, 2021.The picture book best friends Waffles and Mochi search all over the world for the perfect recipe to make a special treat for the friends.
photo: Random House Children’s Books
This summer, early readers can get their hands Pickle Party! ($5.99), a “Step Into Reading” format book which launches on Jul. 13, 2021. In addition, young artists will love Rainbow of Flavors, a deluxe paint box book with stickers.
Finally, Clarkson Potter will publish Waffles + Mochi: The Cookbook ($17.99) for children ages 3 to 7 in Nov. The book will feature dishes from the show and more fun family meals for from author, recipe developer and New York Times cooking writer Yewande Komolafe.
Chris Angelilli VP & Editor-in-Chief & Director, Licensed Publishing Random House Children’s Books says “We’re thrilled to be working with Netflix and Higher Ground to bring these fun new characters and stories to families. Waffles + Mochi’s message about exploration and trying new things is sure to excite and help expand kids’ horizons.”
If you can sneak a little learning into your kids’ afternoon while avoiding the dreaded flashcard drill, it’s a total parenting win. We’ve rounded up 10 awesome, entertaining word games that boost vocabulary, encourage sight word recognition and exercise literacy skills. You’ll find word games for on-the-go adventures, rainy days and even outdoor play. Scroll down to check out our favorite word games for kids, and find one you and your future spelling bee champion can play today!
Printable bingo cards from Growing Book by Book give us a chance to use one of our favorite words: free! Plus, these bingo cards are picture based, making them great for kids who aren't quite reading yet, or who might be a little reluctant. Playing rounds of bingo will boost kids' rhyming muscles and help them exercise the pre-literacy skills that are super-important for early reading. Download the rhyming bingo cards, plus find loads of other word games and tips for young readers, at Growing Book by Book.
We love The Ankle Biter's Sight Word Bowling game because it makes sight word practice ten times more fun than flashcards. Plus, it's active and great for kids who are always on the move. It's easy to make your own set with a plastic bowling set or even, as blogger Britney smartly suggests, with paper towel rolls. Get your bowling shoes on and slide down to The Ankle Biters to find out how you can make your own set and get tips on sight word games.
Cover a baking sheet with shaving cream for lots of tactile literacy-boosting fun. Your little reader can practice writing her name, sight words, or the ABCs and XYZs. It's super easy and, if you'd like, you can even add a drop of food coloring in his fave shade to the shaving cream for an extra colorful boost. Don't have any shaving cream? You can also use play sand for sensory word game fun, or take it to the next level by putting shaving cream in squeeze bottles that your kiddos can use to write out their favorite words on contact paper. Check out Fantastic Fun and Learning's shaving cream tips.
Take your family game night to the next level by giving Jenga a dose of sight word power. Simply write sight words or vocabulary words on each block in a Jenga set. Then, take turns removing the blocks one by one, reading the word written on the block you grab out loud, and stacking them back on the top of the tower. The game is over when the tower collapses! To get more tips and tricks for Sight Word Jenga, check out the expert teacher advice at The First Grade Diaries.
Gather up the leftover plastic Easter eggs and give them new life as a word game. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed bloggers have loads of egg-centric ideas for you: You can write the same sight word on the two halves of each egg, take all of your sight word eggs apart, and challenge your little bunny to make matches. Or, you can use this free printable packed with pictures and beginning consonant-vowel-consonant words. Cut up the letters and pictures, and pack them inside of an egg. Your kiddo can then crack open each egg and rearrange the letters in the right order. It's word game F-U-N!
You'll be the parent of the year when you make your kid a custom word search. Discovery Education's Puzzlemaker is an easy-to-use free word search building site. You can fill your word search with words connected to your upcoming vacation—beach, starfish, and swimsuit—or with your kiddo's spelling words. Hop on over to Discovery Education and make your own!
What kid doesn't love a treasure hunt? With uKloo, you can send your early readers out to find a treasure of their own easier than you can say yo, ho, ho. The game comes equipped with a stack of cards, each one written with a clue like, "Look in the sock drawer!" Simply pick a few clues, set them up around your house, and send your mini out to read their way to treasure hunt victory. The early reader edition is equipped with a picture-covered poster to help kids decipher any tricky words, and a few blank cards so you can write custom clues. Word game fun ahoy!
My First Bananagrams is the perfect beginning word game for future spelling bee champions. The lowercase tiles include double letters like sh, making it a snap for beginning readers to flex their word knowledge. The handy green bag is easy to take on the go, and when you're done playing a full game, you can use the tiles to practicing spelling words and sight words.
Your (ADJECTIVE) childhood word game, (NOUN), is still EXCLAMATION! Introduce your kids to the crazy world of Mad Libs and get ready for endless giggles. Mad Libs Junior books are great for younger readers and writers, with simple stories, large print, and a list of suggested words kiddos can use to fill in the blanks. Older kids will get a kick out of the themed books, whether they love dogs, Frozen, or even Diary of a Wimpy Kid. There's a Mad Libs for practically everything! Bonus: if you're not sure your kids will catch the Mad Libs bug, you can download one of the free printables to give your kids a little taste before shelling out the cash for a full book.
What happens when a bumblebee meets the moon? We're not sure, but we know it'll make for an interesting tale! Rory's Story Cubes is a set of nine six-sided cubes with a different image on each side. Roll the cubes, and take turns with your kiddo making up imaginative stories based on the images you get. These cubes boost creativity, build vocabulary, and encourage kids to take charge. Because it's so open-ended, Story Cubes is a word game adults love, too! The magnet box holding the cubes snaps shut, keeping the magical die safely stored for your next storytelling adventure.
