Children's Books Catalog
Not Quite Snow White
Author: Ashley Franklin
Tameika is a girl who belongs on the stage. She loves to act, sing, and dance—and she’s pretty good at it, too. So when her school announces their Snow White musical, Tameika auditions for the lead princess role.
But the other kids think she’s “not quite” right to play the role.
They whisper, they snicker, and they glare.
Will Tameika let their harsh words be her final curtain call?
Not Quite Snow White is a delightful and inspiring picture book that highlights the importance of self-confidence while taking an earnest look at what happens when that confidence is shaken or lost. Tameika encourages us all to let our magic shine.
Not An Easy Win
Author: Chrystal D. Giles
Lawrence is ready for a win. . . .
Nothing’s gone right for Lawrence since he had to move from Charlotte to Larenville, North Carolina, to live with his granny. When Lawrence ends up in one too many fights at his new school, he gets expelled. The fight wasn’t his fault, but since his pop’s been gone, it feels like no one listens to what Lawrence has to say.
Instead of going to school, Lawrence starts spending his days at the rec center, helping out a neighbor who runs a chess program. Some of the kids in the program will be picked to compete in the Charlotte Classic chess tournament. Could this be Lawrence's chance to go home?
Lawrence doesn’t know anything about chess, but something about the center—and the kids there—feels right. Lawrence thought the game was over . . . but does he have more moves left than he thought?
Nina and the Mysterious Mailbox (Secret Society of Rebel Girls)
Author: Rebel Girls / Marti Dumas
"Girls running for office, secret leadership lessons from the past, and a dash of mysterious mailbox magic? Yes please!" ―Kate Messner, New York Times best-selling author of Breakout and the History Smashers series
A school election.
A mysterious mailbox.
And a letter from . . . Cleopatra?
Middle school is so weird.
Nina is determined to help her best friend Maya win the race for 6th grade representative. But when she uses her robotics skills to spy on Maya’s opponent, the girls wind up in detention. There, they are asked to write a letter to a woman from history. Nina pours her heart out to Cleopatra, and instead of throwing the letter away so her parents don’t find it, she slips it into a battered old mailbox she and Maya find in the woods. It was all just a game . . . until a giant scroll arrives at Nina’s house, signed by Cleopatra herself!
Do the girls really have a pen pal from 2,000 years ago? Will their friend Zoe ever speak to them again? Why is their science teacher acting so oddly? And what on Earth is a time taco?
Original story and characters by Anna McCleery
Nikki and Deja: Birthday Blues: Nikki and Deja, Book Two
Author: Karen English
Deja’s birthday is coming up, and she’s been talking about it for weeks. But just before the big day, Auntie Dee gets called away on a business trip and Deja must stay with an elderly neighbor . . . who cooks turnips for dinner and doesn’t even have a color TV!
Worse, the machinations of spoiled Antonia, Deja’s new nemesis, threaten to ruin Deja’s birthday party plans.
Like the first book, this story captures with subtlety and humor all the small betrayals and triumphs of young girls’ relationships. Readers will get a wider view of the girls’ diverse neighborhood and will recognize themselves and their classmates in the colorful, deftly drawn school scenes. A more serious theme is also introduced (with a light touch) in a subplot concerning Deja’s absent father.
Nighttime Symphony
Author: Timbaland
The sounds of the city at night create a lively lullaby in this melodious bedtime story from superstar producer and musician Timbaland, Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator Christopher Myers, and Kaa Illustration!
hey there, darling baby child,
you’re safe in here though the storm is wild
the streetlights glow through dark so deep
but safe in sound you’ll go to sleep
As a little boy gets ready for bed, the sounds of a wild storm echo around him, lulling him to sleep. From the crash of thunder to the pitter-patter of raindrops to the beat of passing cars, the music of the city creates a cozy bedtime soundtrack.
Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy
Author: Angie Thomas
It’s not easy being a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world. Some things are cool—like getting a pet hellhound for your twelfth birthday. Others, not so much—like not being trusted to learn magic because you might use it to take revenge on an annoying neighbor.
All Nic Blake wants is to be a powerful Manifestor like her dad. But before she has a chance to convince him to teach her the gift, a series of shocking revelations and terrifying events launch Nic and two friends on a hunt for a powerful magic tool she’s never heard of...to save her father from imprisonment for a crime she refuses to believe he committed.
New Kid: A Newbery Award Winner
Author: Jerry Craft
Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature!
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft.
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.
As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?
This middle grade graphic novel is an excellent choice for tween readers, including for summer reading.
Neecy and Nay Nay and the Tangled, Hairy Mess (Neecy and Nay Nay #1)
- Author: Syrone Harvey / Simone Dankenbring
Neecy and Nay Nay always have the most twin-tastic ideas! Their latest is to open up a salon called Neecy and Nay Nay's House of Style. They want to style their friends' hair, paint their nails, and give them facials. But, it turns out, the twins are not as good at being stylists as they think! Can Neecy and Nay Nay work together to fix the hair-raising accidents?
Neecy and Nay Nay and the Glitter Girls (Neecy and Nay Nay #2)
- Author: Syrone Harvey / Simone Dankenbring
Neecy and Nay Nay love being part of the Glitter Girls Club. This month, the girls are working toward earning their Make a Difference badges. The twins want to help local resident Mr. Otis by getting him a new pair of dentures so he can enjoy all his favorite foods. But raising money is not as easy as looking under couch cushions! Will Neecy and Nay Nay be able to make a difference for Mr. Otis and earn their badges?
Natural Me
Author: MzVee
I love my hair,
I love my nose.
I love myself from head
to toes.
I act with kindness and
with love,
and this is what I’m
most proud of . . .
Inspired by her hit song “Natural Girl” and featuring charming watercolor illustrations, this joyful picture book from award-winning musician MzVee and debut illustrator Lisbeth Checo is an ode to young girls on their journey to self-empowerment, sisterhood, and embracing their natural selves. With a message that speaks to beauty inside and out, Natural Me invites readers to celebrate all the ways in which they are special.
A perfect gift for special occasions, including Mother’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and more!
Nana Akua Goes to School
Author: Tricia Elam Walker
It is Grandparents Day at Zura's elementary school, and the students are excited to introduce their grandparents and share what makes them special. Aleja's grandfather is a fisherman. Bisou's grandmother is a dentist. But Zura's Nana, who is her favorite person in the world, looks a little different from other grandmas. Nana Akua was raised in Ghana, and, following an old West African tradition, has tribal markings on her face. Worried that her classmates will be scared of Nana--or worse, make fun of her--Zura is hesitant to bring her to school. Nana Akua knows what to do, though. With a quilt of traditional African symbols and a bit of face paint, Nana Akua is able to explain what makes her special, and to make all of Zura's classmates feel special, too.
My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World
Author: Malcolm Mitchell
Henley hates to read.
When Henley is supposed to be reading before bed, he builds a castle with his sheets.
Henley hates reading so much, he took a wagon full of books to the town swimming pool to find out how well they could swim.
When the daunting task of finding his favorite book is assigned at school, Henley is at a loss. He goes to the library and the bookstore. He looks at so many books of all shapes and sizes, but none of them have made Henley excited enough to read more.
After a fruitless search, Henley returns home, but defeat quickly turns to triumph with one exciting discovery: his mother kept all the books that he wrote when he was younger. That is when Henley gets an idea.
At school the next day, Henley is just as excited as his classmates. And he shares the new book he wrote, The Book Boy. Because there is a book for everyone, even if you have to write it.
My Rainy Day Rocket Ship
Author: Markette Sheppard
A stormy afternoon and an order from Mom to stay inside are no match for this little dreamer, who uses everyday household items—a rocket chair, a cardboard box, an old dish rag, and a super-duper imagination—to whip up a trip around the universe he won’t soon forget.
My Rainy Day Rocket Ship is a high-spirited, engaging salute to the imagination of Black boys who use their beautiful minds to transform the mundane into the extraordinary, dream out loud, and boldly go where their sky is the only limit.
Not Quite Snow White
Author: Ashley Franklin
Tameika is a girl who belongs on the stage. She loves to act, sing, and dance—and she’s pretty good at it, too. So when her school announces their Snow White musical, Tameika auditions for the lead princess role.
But the other kids think she’s “not quite” right to play the role.
They whisper, they snicker, and they glare.
Will Tameika let their harsh words be her final curtain call?
Not Quite Snow White is a delightful and inspiring picture book that highlights the importance of self-confidence while taking an earnest look at what happens when that confidence is shaken or lost. Tameika encourages us all to let our magic shine.
No Way, Wash Day
Author: Adrienne Thurman
An exuberant debut picture book about a little girl trying to outmaneuver her mama to avoid wash day for her hair—and all the laughs and love her antics inspire—illustrated by Coretta Scott King Honor winner Kaylani Juanita. The perfect next read for fans of Hair Love and Don’t Touch My Hair.
Nina Belle loves everything about her hair. Everything . . . except wash day.
Wash day is painful! Wash day is boring! She won’t do it this week . . . no way!
Nina Belle has plans to get out of the weekly routine, but Mama knows her way around wash day too—and maybe even the secret to enjoying it.
No Way, Wash Day is a cheeky and heartfelt look at a cultural touchstone and the time-honored tradition of trying and failing to thwart it.
Nina and the Keeper of the Keystone: Secret Society of Rebel Girls
Author: Rebel Girls / Marti Dumas
An after-school job.
A sinister superintendent.
And advice from…Ruth Bader Ginsburg?
Growing up is getting complicated!
Now that the Three Musketeers (and Kai) are best friends again, this is going to be the best year ever! But Nina’s friends all seem to want her to take charge when all she wants to do is blend in. And on top of all that pressure, she’s keeping two fluffy little secrets from her moms...
When the school’s new superintendent ignores what the kids want, bringing in uniforms, shutting down clubs, and getting the best teachers in trouble, it’s time for action! Luckily, Nina and her friends can turn to the mysterious mailbox for answers, and soon they have Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s advice in hand. Will it be enough to save Ada Lovelace Middle School and Ms. Jupiter? And will Nina finally feel ready to be a leader?
Nikki and Deja
Author: Karen English
Meet Nikki and Deja, who live next door to each other and are best friends.
They do everything together—watch Saturday morning cartoons, play jacks, jump double dutch at recess, and help each other with their homework for Mrs. Shelby's third-grade class.
But when an arrogant new girl arrives and Nikki and Deja form a club that would exclude her, the results are not what they expect.
This warm, easy-to-read chapter book from an award-winning author captures all the joys and complexities of elementary school life—particularly friendships and cliques—with finesse and humor.
Nigel and the Moon
Author: Antwan Eady
When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too!
Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow. Nigel is the most brilliant body in the sky.
But it’s Career Week at school, and Nigel can’t find the courage to share his dreams. It’s easy to whisper them to the moon, but not to his classmates—especially when he already feels out of place.
Nic Blake and the Remarkables
Author: Angie Thomas
All of Nic’s dreams have come true. After years of living in hiding as a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world, she now has everything she’d ever wanted: certified hero status, a big family and a real home in the hidden city of Uhuru, and a chance to develop her Gift at a school for young Manifestors like her.
So life is perfect, right?
Not quite. Her-favorite-author-turned-vengeful-outcast wants to destroy her. Then there’s the terrifying secret prophecy that still threatens Nic’s future, and the dangerous new power she seems to have—one she cannot control. And that’s all before she encounters a cult of mysterious Manifestors who threaten to reveal the truth about her power and prophecy unless Nic delivers to them a legendary artifact, the Book of Anansi. There’s just one small complication: No one knows if it still exists, or where it could be hidden.
Nic now has only her twin brother, Alex, and her best friend, JP, to rely on as she makes a desperate attempt to uncover one of the Remarkable world’s oldest mysteries—and hold on to the home and family she has been searching for her entire life.
New Kid Sketchbook: A Place for Your Cartoons, Doodles, and Stories
Author: Jerry Craft
Jordan Banks, the New Kid, loves to draw. That’s why he always has his sketchbook with him—in case he sees something cool or has a good idea he wants to remember.
So author Jerry Craft created this sketchbook for kids like Jordan who want to draw. There’s lots of room for practicing all kinds of drawing styles, manga, cartoons, comic strips, sketching, and doodling, plus some tips on how to get better at it.
Because drawing panels and speech bubbles by hand can get wobbly, there’s a ruler you can tear off in the front to make straight lines, and some speech bubble stencils on a panel in the back that you can tear off and trace onto your cartoons.
One thing Jordan knows is: the more you draw, the better you’ll get. So pick up your pencil, start drawing, and remember to have fun.
Neecy and Nay Nay and the Mystery Sleepover (Neecy and Nay Nay #4)
- Author: Syrone Harvey / Simone Dankenbring
Neecy and Nay Nay's best friends are coming over for a mystery sleepover! They'll play detective games, have a disguise contest, go on a mystery scavenger hunt, and even watch episodes of their favorite TV show, Snoop Diggity Detective. But when they discover their neighbor Jamila's foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, acting suspicious, they begin to think they have a real life mystery on their hands! Can the twins complete the mystery scavenger hunt and solve Jamila's mystery before their friend finds out?
Naturally Me at the Confidence Salon
Author: Gabrielle "Gabby" Goodwin
Grow in confidence, embrace natural beauty, and imagine possibilities with girl inventor, entrepreneur, and hair salon owner Gabrielle "Gabby" Goodwin in this story about being your authentic self and chasing your dreams.
In this uplifting story, Danica visits Confidence Salon. What special natural hair style will make her feel fresh and proud? Braids? No. Cornrows? Uh-uh. Bubble twists? Nah. As Danica experiences premium wash day pampering along with the love and affirmation of her stylist, she opens up about her insecurities and discovers that the stylist is Gabby herself. As Miss G shares how she found courage and confidence through designing an innovative hair bow and launching a successful female- and Black-owned business, Danica gains confidence in her own beauty and value, and finds boldness to express herself and do hard things.
Naturally Me at the Confidence Salon encourages readers to
- carry themselves with poise as they learn to love themselves;
- embrace their innate value and natural beauty;
- be creative problem solvers and daring dreamers; and
- have self-assurance in their own ideas and abilities.
Readers will come away from their visit to Gabby’s Confidence Salon with their own transforming inside-out makeover as they feel valued, discover their own passions, and dare to imagine and pursue their own dreams. Encourage self-esteem, self-love, and bold leadership with this empowering Own Voices story from a real kidprenuer!
Nana's New Soul Food: Discovering Vegan Soul Food
Author: Will Power
Can healthy food be delicious food, too? A young boy helps us discover that yes, it can! Nana's New Soul Food follows this energetic boy on an adventure with his mom to find healthy food in his neighborhood. Motivated by his love for his nana, who has to change the way she eats because of her health, the boy rediscovers his neighborhood while finding tasty vegan soul food.
Award-winning playwright, pioneer of hip-hop theater, and performer Will Power injects masterful rhythm into this uplifting story of family and community, which teaches us that healthy food can be a joy. The pages are graced with beautiful, vibrant illustrations from Coretta Scott King Award Honor and Caldecott Honor illustrator R. Gregory Christie, who captures the loving relationships within a family as they connect through their mission to make better eating choices. Back matter includes a fun recipe for Mango-Coconut-Lime Ice Pops courtesy of Chef Bryant Terry, along with a letter from Will Power.
Naming Ceremony
Author: Seina Wedlick
Today’s the day! It’s Baby Sister’s naming ceremony, and big sister Amira could not be more excited. She has the perfect name picked out . . . or, at least, she hopes it’s the perfect name.
One by one, friends and family arrive. As Amira greets them, she asks what name they have brought to give to Baby Sister. Each is more beautiful than the last—Shakira, Akahana, Uhwe. And each has its own special meaning—thankful, red flower, moonlight. Amira knows that Baby Sister will love these names. But will she love the name Amira has chosen? Is it special enough?
Written by Seina Wedlick and beautifully illustrated in full color by Jenin Mohammed, Naming Ceremony is a story about rich traditions and the unique bond between sisters, celebrating a multigenerational Nigerian family and Black joy.
My Two Granddads
Author: Floella Benjamin
Aston's Grandad Roy played in a steel band and Grandad Harry played the trumpet in a brass band. Aston always enjoyed going to visit them and listen to them practise. But soon he wanted to join in. So he asked Grandad Roy to teach him to play the steel drums and then he asked Grandad Harry to teach him to play the trumpet. He loved practising both instruments. Then the school needs a band to play at the school fair, and both grandads want their own band to play. Finaly Aston had an idea - both bands join together to make one big band, and Aston joins in first on steel drums and then on trumpet. This delightful story of a mixed-race family reconciling their very different cultures is a wonderful celebration of diverse cultures. Written by one of Britain's foremost campaigners and media personalities and illustrated by a highly regarded illustrator, this book is sure to build on the success of My Two Grannies.