Children's Books Catalog
Shine Bright
Author: Kheris Rogers
Bursting with inspiration and affirmation, Kheris Rogers’ debut picture book encourages children everywhere to love the skin they are in.
When her confidence is shaken by peers who say they are scared of her because she's "too dark," Imani turns to her sister for a loving reminder that she’s smart, hope, brave, beautiful, strong, and just enough. After embracing what makes her truly special, Imani learns to be fearless!
Inspired by the real-life experiences of Kheris Rogers, the young CEO and designer of the Flexin’ in My Complexion clothing line, this ode to dark-skinned girls will empower many.
A perfect tool to teach children about appreciating both outer & inner beauty, embracing differences, being kind to oneself & others, and the power of reciting affirmations.
Shark Teeth
Author: Sherri Winston
Sharkita “Kita” Hayes is always waiting.
Waiting for her mama to mess up.
Waiting for social services to be called again.
Waiting for her and her siblings to be separated.
Waiting for her worst fear to come true.
But Mama promises things are different now. She's got a good job, she's stopped drinking, stopped going out every night-it's almost enough to make Kita believe her this time. But even as Kita's life is going good, she can't shake the feeling that everything could go up in flames at any moment. When her assistant principal and trusted dance coach starts asking questions about her home life, Kita is more determined than ever to keep up appearances and make sure her family stays together-even if it means falling apart herself.
As the threat of her family being separated again circles like a shark in the water, the pressure starts to get to Kita. But could it be that Kita's worst fear is actually the best thing that could happen to her family . . . and to her?
Shady Baby Feels
Author: Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade
Shady Baby is baking cupcakes, and she has some feelings about the process. From excitement or boredom, Shady Baby expresses nine common emotions. Perfect for the youngest of readers, this book will inspire kids to discuss their multitude of feelings in a kid-friendly, accessible format.
Great for:
- Introducing emotional literacy, self-awareness, and empathy to toddlers!
- Reading sequential yet simple storylines!
- Early childhood development!
- Tiny hands, due to its sturdy pages!
Plus be sure to check out Shady Baby, the New York Times bestselling picture book from Gabrielle Union, Dwyane Wade, and Tara Nicole Whitaker.
Serena Williams: A Little Golden Book Biography
Author: Bria Alston
Get to know tennis legend Serena Williams with this collectible Little Golden Book, which tells her inspiring life story alongside gorgeous full-color illustrations!
Serena changed the world of tennis with her power, strength, and style.
The tennis ace’s story comes to life—from her close bond with sister Venus, to her Olympic gold medals and Grand Slam titles, to her awesome fashion sense both on and off the tennis court. When you’re Serena Williams, you break barriers and inspire others to do the same!
This Little Golden Book Biography is perfect for Serena Williams fans of all ages and families looking for inspiring stories.
Seeds of Change
Author: Nina Laden
Sow seeds of strength,
Ride out the storm.
Sow seeds of compassion,
Make hearts warm.
After seeing an area in her local, Madagascar community devastated from drought, a young girl gets inspired. She should plant a garden―what could be more perfect? She gathers her friends, cooperates to make a plan, and gets to work. But when things go devastatingly wrong, what can they do?
It takes a lot of courage, but with the support of her whole community on her side, this girl won't give up. One way or another, she'll sow the seeds of change she's been dreaming of.
With sweet, lush art from Sawyer Cloud, this lyrical picture book about making the effort to invest in the future of ourselves and our community teaches an invaluable lesson about having the patience to see that, in time, effort will blossom into a more peaceful, loving, and accepting world.
Secret Spell & Dark Tricks: Books 3 and 4
Author: Linda Chapman
This two-in-one book includes Secret Spell and Dark Tricks, books 3 and 4 in the bestselling Star Friends chapter book series. With black-and-white illustrations throughout.
In the Star Friends chapter book series, Mia and her friends Lexi, Sita, and Violet all discover that they are Star Friends—they can communicate with the animals that have traveled from the Star World. The animals show the girls how to use their unique magic abilities to do good. A whole world of magical adventure awaits!
School Day! (Step into Reading)
Author: Candice Ransom
The start of the new school year means new friends and new experiences! It's big sister's first day of 3rd grade, but it will be a cinch for her to show little brother the ropes on his first day of kindergarten. She already knows where all the rooms are, who the teachers are, and where to go and when at their school! It's great to have a sibling to rely on when starting something new!
Save the Unicorns - Royal Sweets
Author: Helen Perelman
Oh, no! The unicorns of Candy Kingdom are sick. Princess Mini and her friends are worried the hot, red horns mean their poor unicorns are in danger. What is making them ill? And can everyone work together to find a sweet cure?
Sarah's Brave Adventure: A Cosmic Kids Yoga Journey
Author: Brooke Vitale
Sarah receives a mysterious letter inviting her to the top of the mountain for a party. But to get there, she'll have to face dark woods, a raging river, and the mountain itself! Can she be brave and make it to the party? Find out in this brand new Cosmic Kids adventure, and practice yoga and mindfulness with Sarah as you read along!
Ryan Hart Paperback Box Set (A Ryan Hart Story)
Author: Renee Watson
Ryan Hart can be and do anything. Her name means "king" and she's determined to keep growing into the name her parents gave her. She is all about trying to see the best in people, to be a good daughter, sister, and friend.But as Ryan enters the fifth grade, it feels like everything is changing. She must learn how to cope with all the changes, like a new (old) house, new friends, new dreams, and even a new family member! Even when it seems like nothing goes her way, Ryan still looks on the bright side and refuses to let anything curb her growth or steal her joy.This box set includes paperback editions of the first three Ryan Hart books: Ways to Make Sunshine, Ways to Grow Love, and Ways to Share Joy.
But when the school loses funding, the students must either pay a hefty tuition at the academy across town or have their magic stripped . . . permanently. Determined not to let that happen, Kyana comes up with a plan to win a huge cash prize in a baking competition. After all, she's learned how to make the best desserts from her memaw. But as Kyana struggles to keep up with magic and regular school, prepare for the competition, and keep her magic secret, she wonders if it's possible to save her friendships, too. And what will she do when, in the first round of competition, a forbidden dollop of magic whisks into her cupcakes?
Ruby René Had So Much to Say
Author: Ashley Iman
“Did you know that flamingos don’t have teeth?” Questions, facts, and dreams—Ruby René could talk for hours. Once she got going, it was hard for her to stop. It didn’t matter if it was history, science, or the lunch menu—Ruby René had so much to say! But when her teacher called home because she found her sharing distracting, Ruby vowed to keep quiet. Until . . . she finds the perfect outlet for her gift of gab.
With charming text by debut author/educator Ashley Iman and colorful illustrations by Gladys Jose, Ruby René Had So Much to Say is a celebration of owning your voice, honing your skills, and turning challenges into opportunities.
Rockin' Rockets - The Adventures of Allie and Amy
Author: Stephanie Calmenson/Joanna Cole
Best, best, best friends Amy and Allie do absolutely everything together. But a new girl has moved to their neighborhood, and she has only one extra ticket for the most exciting concert ever. Which friend will get to go? Allie or Amy?
Robby and Mo, Ready for Action!: Ready-to-Read Level 2
Author: Maria Le
Transformers: EarthSpark is a kids animated series from Nickelodeon and Hasbro introducing the first Transformers bots to be born on Earth, streaming on Paramount+!
Get to know Robby and Mo Malto in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read based on the show!
Meet Robby and Mo Malto! They just moved to a new town and are starting a new school. They also have a big secret: they accidentally sparked the creation of new Earthborn Transformers bots called Terrans!
Shhh! The Baby's Asleep
Author: JaNay Brown-Wood
Baby is finally asleep. But everyone is much too loud! Can Mom, Daddy, Grammy, Pop Pop, Shae, Dante, Rover the dog, and even the neighbor keep quiet? Just when they think they can rest—oh no. The baby's awake. One savvy little narrator knows just the way to make his baby sister fall back asleep: by reading her a good book!
A hilarious cast of characters will keep readers laughing throughout this amusing celebration of early literacy and intergenerational family relationships.
Sharing The Dream
Author: Shelia P. Moses
Agnes can hardly contain her excitement! She’s headed to the March on Washington. Sitting on her father’s shoulders, she’s awed by the sea of people—people of every color, gathered together to be a part of the fight for equal rights for Black people. She soaks in the words of John Lewis and Josephine Baker and is mesmerized by Mahalia Jackson’s singing. Then Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gives a speech about his dreams for his children—for all children. On the bus ride home, Agnes has her own dream: that the words of Dr. King would be heard and embraced by the whole world.
Shady Baby
Author: Gabrielle Union-Wade & Dwayne Wade Jr
*AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*
*A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER*
Shady Baby keeps it real in this picture book collaboration by New York Times bestselling duo actress and producer Gabrielle Union and NBA superstar and businessman Dwyane Wade.
Based on their famous baby girl, Kaavia James:
After a long morning of being fabulous, Shady Baby heads to the park for a relaxing play session. But what does she find?! Some not-so-nice kids picking on others.
Shady flashes them a look—her famous side eye—and teaches them that it’s better to play nice. But when her feelings are hurt, will anyone stand (or crawl) by her side?
Find out in this upbeat picture book that teaches kids to speak their minds and stand up for what they believe in. Perfect for fans of The Boss Baby and Feminist Baby!
Self-Love for Kids: 100+ Activities to Help Your Child Develop Self-Love
Author: Keri K. Powell
Teach your kids to be confident, independent, and happy with over 150 easy, fun activities you can do with your children to encourage everything from body positivity to positive self-talk.
It’s more important than ever to make sure your child develops a strong sense of self-love, even at a young age. But how do you make sure you’re building up their confidence while keeping them safe and exposing them to even greater challenges? Introduce some self-love into your daily routine with over 150 activities specifically designed to keep your child (and their friends) entertained, all while giving them a positive self-view.
In Self-Love for Kids, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how self-love, self-esteem, and a growth mindset develop in children and what you can do to support that development. From there, you’ll find games for both a group setting and for some one-on-one time to encourage self-love, such as asking your child to share what they are most proud of and problem-solving activities that will boost their confidence.
So, whether you’re looking for new activities to entertain a few friends during playtime, searching for fun (but educational) games you can play with your child yourself, or even interested in ways to include virtual interactions, this book has all the tools you need to help your child build their self-love for a happy, healthy, confident life.
See Marcus Grow
Author: Marcus Bridgewater
Grandma's favorite place is her garden. It seems like she could stay there forever! Marcus wants to know why--so they set about exploring it together. From shells protecting seeds (like Marcus's helmet protects his head!) to a small seed eventually growing into something big (also just like Marcus!), there are so many amazing connections to be made in this wonderful place. Day after day, Marcus delights in realizing how much he has in common with the plants--he drinks water every day, too, and he gets haircuts just like the plants get pruned. As his grandma says, there's a whole world to explore in a garden, and Marcus likes thinking about it as a playground for all the snails, birds, bugs, and worms. And one of its many beauties is the bounty they are rewarded with after all the love and care they pour into it!
School Trip
Author: Jerry Craft
Jordan, Drew, Liam, Maury, and their friends from Riverdale Academy Day School are heading out on a school trip to Paris. As an aspiring artist himself, Jordan can’t wait to see all the amazing art in the famous City of Lights.
But when their trusted faculty guides are replaced at the last minute, the school trip takes an unexpected—and hilarious—turn. Especially when trying to find their way around a foreign city ends up being almost as tricky as navigating the same friendships, fears, and differences that they struggle with at home.
Will Jordan and his friends embrace being exposed to a new language, unfamiliar food, and a different culture? Or will they all end up feeling like the “new kid”?
Saving Kenny
Author: Corinne Gaile
An age-appropriate, safe conversation starter presented with alluring prose and sensitive treatment of complex issues.
Twelve-year-old Kenny Reed is a scholarship student at a private school across the river from his apartment in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, which he shares with an older brother and sister and their abusive mother. He has always lived in the shadow of his siblings' success, but when he watches a performance of the opera Aida, Kenny discovers costumes and decides to become a costume designer.
In the midst of tumultuous family dynamics and domestic violence, the three siblings find themselves achieving their dreams and breaking the cycle of violence in this coming-of-age story.
Saturday Morning at the Shop
Author: Keenan Jones
Spend Saturday morning at the barbershop in this upbeat picture book celebration of the spaces and places that bring communities together.
It’s Saturday morning. We hop in the car. Mom’s heading to work, and I’m geeked to go spend the day at the ’shop!
The barbershop is a sound booth, an art gallery, a playground, a classroom, and so much more. It’s a place for artistry and comradery and, most importantly, community. Come spend the day feeling all the style and wisdom and joy at the ’shop!
Salon Saturday
Author: Janelle Harper
Today is the day!
A little girl’s first trip to the salon is a rite of passage, but choosing a new hairstyle is feeling like an impossible task! There are so many styles to choose from—bobs, buns, coils, fros, and more. And according to Grandma, Momma, and Sissy, choosing the best one means thinking about ease, lifestyle, and personality…It’s A LOT to think about!
When the options seem overwhelming, the young girl decides to search for what feels right today, and that there’s always a future salon visit to try something new. While admiring the three loving women who have guided her through this big day, she finally sees it…her own kind of beautiful!
From coils and long locs to waves and braids, Salon Saturday offers a vibrant portrayal of Black hairstyles, cherishing them as both a ritual and an ever-evolving journey of self-expression.
Ruin Road
Author: Lamar Giles
Sometimes a little fear is a good thing...
Cade Webster lives between worlds. He’s a standout football star at the right school but lives in the wrong neighborhood--if you let his classmates tell it. Everywhere but home, people are afraid of him for one reason or another. Afraid he’s too big, too fast, too ambitious, too Black.
Then one fateful night, to avoid a dangerous encounter with the police, he ducks into a pawn shop. An impulse purchase and misspoken desire change everything when Cade tells the shopkeeper he wishes people would stop acting so scared around him, and the wish is granted...
At first, it feels like things have taken a turn for the better. But it’s not just Cade that people no longer fear--it’s everything. With Cade spreading this newfound “courage” wherever he goes, anything can happen. Fearless acts of violence begin to escalate in both his neighborhood and at school. With the right moves, and brave friends, Cade might have one -- and only one -- chance to save all he loves. But at what cost? After all, the devil’s in the details.
Ruby René Always Gets Her Way
Author: Ashley Iman
Ruby René had so much to say…so she got her own segment on the school's morning announcements. But now Ruby’s got a co-host! After an unexpected sick day, Ruby René returns to someone new sitting in her anchor chair–Yanin Luray. Ruby reluctantly agrees to a shared show and is surprised that she loves having an assistant to bounce ideas off of.
But when Yanin refuses to come back to do the show, Ruby René is forced to reflect on how it’s not only important to share her voice, but her ears, too. As the girls learn to listen and talk in equal measure, they discover how to both get their way, as co-hosts.
Rocket Says Look Up!
Author: Nathan Bryon
A comet will be visible tonight, and Rocket wants everyone to see it with her--even her big brother, Jamal, whose attention is usually trained on his phone or video games. Rocket's enthusiasm brings neighbors and family together to witness a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. Perfect for fans of Ada Twist, Scientist and Cece Loves Science--Rocket Says Look Up! will inspire readers of all ages to dream big as it models Rocket's passion for science and infectious curiosity.