School's almost out. Summer is approaching. We recommend the following children's books for hours of summer fun! These and more great kids books are available in our
categoryKids and Youth-New and of Note.
I Am Human: A Book of Empathy shows that it’s okay to make mistakes while also emphasizing the power of good choices by offering a kind word or smile or by saying "I’m sorry." At its heart, this picture book is a celebration of empathy and compassion that lifts up the flawed fullness of humanity and encourages children to see themselves as part of one big imperfect family—millions strong. Ages 4–8.
You won’t find any stories of slaying dragons or saving princesses here. In Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different, author Ben Brooks offers a welcome alternative narrative: one that celebrates introverts and innovators, sensitivity and resilience, individuality and expression. It’s
an accessible compilation of 75 famous and not-so-famous men from the past to the present day, every single one of them a stereotype-smasher in his own way. Entries include Frank Ocean, Salvador Dali, Beethoven, Barack Obama, Ai Weiwei, Jesse Owens, and so many more-heroes from all walks of life and from all over the world. Ages 9–12.
In Can We Help? George Ancona celebrates the joy of kids giving back. In one after-school program, middle-school students mentor and tutor younger children. At a community farm, families plant, grow, and harvest produce for soup kitchens and charities. In these and other
examples of volunteering, kids of all ages work together to make a difference in their communities. Young humanitarians reading these accounts will be inspired to find ways that they can help too. Ages 5–8.
