TRUTH Books

The Smallest Girl In the Smallest Grade, Justin Roberts

(Respect)

Hardly anyone noticed young Sally McCabe.  She was the smallest girl in the smallest grade.  But Sally notices everything—from the twenty-seven keys on the janitor’s ring to the bullying happening on the playground. One day, Sally has had enough and decides to make herself heard. And when she takes a chance and stands up to the bullies, she finds that one small girl can make a big difference.

Grammy-nominated children’s musician Justin Roberts, together with vibrant artwork from award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson, will have readers cheering for young Sally McCabe.

The Rabbit Listened, Cori Doerrfeld

(Understanding)

When something sad happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to act, and one by one they fail to offer comfort. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen . . . which is just what Taylor needs.

With its spare, poignant text and irresistibly sweet illustration, The Rabbit Listened is about how to comfort and heal the people in your life, by taking the time to carefully, lovingly, gently listen.

Maybe, Kobi Yamada

(Tolerance)

You are the only you there ever has been or ever will be. You are unique in all the universe. Just the odds of you being here at this exact place and this exact time are so great and so rare that it will never happen again. Written by New York Times best-selling author Kobi Yamada, this is a story for everything you will do and everything you can be. It’s a story about all the possibilities ahead of you. It’s for who you are right now and it’s for all the magical, unbounded potential you hold inside. With its beautiful visual storytelling and timeless message, Maybe is an inspiring story for kids of all ages.

Be a Good Ancestor, Leona Prince & Gabrielle Prince

(Harmony)

Rooted in Indigenous teachings, this stunning picture book encourages readers of all ages to consider the ways in which they live in connection to the world around them and to think deeply about their behaviors.

Addressing environmental issues, animal welfare, self-esteem and self-respect, and the importance of community, the authors deliver a poignant and universal message in an accessible way: Be a good ancestor to the world around you. Thought-provoking stanzas offer a call to action for each one of us to consider how we affect future generations. Every decision we make ripples out, and we can affect the world around us by thinking deeply about those decisions.

Alma and How She Got Her Name, Juana Martinez-Neal

(Respect)

What’s in a name? For one little girl, her very long name tells the vibrant story of where she came from — and who she may one day be.  If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? As her father tells her the story of her many names, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all!  Alma and How She Got Her Name was a  2019 Caldecott Honor Book.

Just Kidding, Tracy Ludwig

(Understanding)

“Just kidding!”  That’s what D.J.’s friend, Vince, says when he does something to hurt D.J.’s feelings.  It’s supposed to make what he says seem like a joke, but D.J. doesn’t feel Vince’s words are funny.  How can D.J. stand up to Vince’s teasing?

Drum Dream Girl, Margarita Engle

(Tolerance)

Long ago on an island filled with music, there was a rule that girls cannot be drummers. No one questioned that rule--until the drum dream girl.  Although she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós, she had to practice in secret. When at last, her music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream. Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga. Drum Dream Girl is a Pura Belpré Honor book.

Someone Builds the Dream, Lisa Wheeler & Loren Long

(Harmony)

Buildings, bridges, and books don't exist without the workers who are often invisible in the final product. Across the world, jobs are getting done by many hands in many lands. It takes much more than ONE person.  This book explores all the different kinds of work that goes into building our world. It honors those who work tirelessly to bring our dreams to life.

The Little Red Pen, Janet Stevens & Susan Crummel

(Teamwork)

Little Red Pen can’t find anyone to help her complete the very important task of grading papers. When she asks for help, all the other school supplies reply, “Not I!” Poor Little Red Pen works to the point of exhaustion when she rolls into the dreaded Pit of No Return (a.k.a trash can).  Realizing that the papers not being graded could mean the end of the world and a fate worse than the trash can, the school supplies band together to save Little Red Pen. Through their newfound understanding of the power of teamwork, the school supplies work together to grade the papers and ultimately save their world!

I Promise, Lebron James

(Respect)

Just a kid from Akron, Ohio, who is dedicated to uplifting youth everywhere, LeBron James knows the key to a better future is to excel in school, do your best, and keep your family close.

I Promise is a lively and inspiring picture book that reminds us that tomorrow’s success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today.

The Buddy Bench, Patty Brozo

(Understanding)                                  

Having seen what being left out is like, children become agents of change, convincing their teacher to let them build a buddy bench.

A school playground can be a solitary place for a kid without playmates; in one survey, 80 percent of 8- to 10-year-old respondents described being lonely at some point during a   school day.

The Big Umbrella, Amy June Bates

(Tolerance)

By the door there is an umbrella. It is big. It is so big that when it starts to rain there is room for everyone underneath. It doesn’t matter if you are tall. Or plaid. Or hairy. It doesn’t matter how many legs you have.

Don’t worry that there won’t be enough room under the umbrella. Because there will always be room.

Room On Our Rock, Kate & Jol Temple

(Harmony)

There are two ways to read this story.  When read from left to right, the seals believe there is definitely no room on their rock for others.  When the book is read backward, the seals welcome others to shelter on their rock.  A heartwarming story about sharing and compassion.