Children's Books Catalog
Juneteenth Is
Author: Natasha Tripplett
Juneteenth is the smell of brisket filling the air. Juneteenth is the sounds of music, dancing, and cheering ringing from the parade outside. It is love. It is prayer. It is friends and relatives coming together to commemorate freedom, hope for tomorrow, and one another.
This book is an ode to the history of the Black community in the United States, a tribute to Black joy, and a portrait of familial love. With poignant text and vivid illustrations, Juneteenth Is offers a window and a mirror for readers, resonating with kids who will see themselves reflected in its pages and those who hope to understand experiences beyond their own.
CELEBRATES BLACK JOY: At its root, this is a story of family and community. Vibrant illustrations capture the warmth and unity of Black families and Black communities in a portrait of beautiful joy.
REMEMBERING A LEGACY: Both a story of celebration and a commemoration of freedom, this book honors a past of struggle, resilience, and triumph. It recognizes Juneteenth not just as a holiday but as a cultural legacy. An author’s note also explains the significance of the color red to Juneteenth—its use as a symbol of African American endurance and the ways Black communities weave the color into modern-day celebrations through food and clothing.
BLACK HISTORY IS AMERICAN HISTORY: Juneteenth marks an undeniable truth of American history and remains a cultural touchstone for many Black Americans, making it important for all Americans to understand. Much-needed in this time of growing representation and discussion about equity and social justice, this book is a strong resource for parents and educators seeking to introduce Black history and encourage respectful conversations.
June Moon
Author: Lynn Becker
Rising moon
Shining moon,
Magic as a June moon.
A story of seasides and summertimes, in June Moon, the rising and setting of the moon mirrors a child’s imaginative play and bedtime routine, all bathed in the natural magic of an evening in June.
With gorgeous illustrations and seamless transitions between reality and the fantasy of a child’s view of the night sky, readers of all ages will reach for this lilting bedtime poem again and again.
Jordan's Perfect Haircut
Author: Sharee Miller
Jordan loves his hair: soft like a cloud, regal like a crown. He doesn't want a haircut to change all that.
Jordan’s friends are getting new haircuts for picture day at school. Shape-ups, low fades, frohawks, and more—there are way too many styles to choose from. But when Mama brings Jordan to the barbershop, he sees everyone’s haircuts are like magic.
Can Jordan find a style that’s just right for him?
With her trademark bright colors and expressive characters, Sharee Miller teaches confidence and self-love through the timeless tradition of school picture day.
Jayylen's Juneteenth Surprise
Author: Lavaille Lavette
This inspiring Little Golden Book tells the story of one young boy's first experience celebrating Juneteenth.
When Jayylen's grandfather, Paw Paw Jimmy, begins preparing for a big Juneteenth celebration, Jayylen has a lot of questions. Most importantly, what is Juneteenth? His mother and Paw Paw Jimmy explain that the holiday marks the anniversary of when enslaved African Americans found out that they were free. Paw Paw Jimmy plays some zydeco for him, which is the type of music they will dance to at the celebration. Jayylen practices every day so that he will be able to play the frottoir (a percussion instrument similar to a washboard) for everyone. But will he be able to pull off an even bigger surprise for the day?
HARDCOVER
Jax Freeman and the Graveyard Forest
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Don't miss the epic conclusion to the Jax Freeman trilogy!
From the award-winning author of the best-selling Tristan Strong trilogy comes a unique magic-school fantasy series packed with Black history, ghosts, friendship, non-stop action, and a lot of heart.
In his first adventure in this series, seventh grader Jackson "Jax" Freeman learned that he's a summoner—someone who can call on the magical powers of his ancestors—and tries to clear his great-great grandfather’s name of a tragedy he didn’t cause. In his second adventure, Jax tests his newfound skills in a tournament against the most skilled summoners in the world while facing a mysterious foe and dangerous cryptids.
In his final adventure, Jax sets out on a secret journey into the spirit realm to rescue his friend Two-Saint. But he unknowingly plays into the hands of the dreaded Wraith Queen who uses this event to escape the spirit world in an effort to defeat Jax for good.
Follow Jax as he discovers what it truly means to form a community and that home is where you choose to plant roots.
Jada Jones - Book #6 -Nature Lover
Author: Kelly Starling-Lyons
Jada is thrilled when she gets to go on an outdoor class field trip with her Pop Pop, a nature lover, as a chaperone. She can't wait to show him off to her friends--and show him what she knows. But the trip has some twists along the way, including a soaring zip line she's not sure she wants to try. What happens when Jada's shining moment starts to lose its luster?
Jada Jones - Book #4 -Dancing Queen
Author: Kelly Starling-Lyons
When the student council decides to host a dance as their next fundraiser, Jada feels nervous and queasy. She's excited to give back, but she can't dance! Still, she's determined to help the cause and show she cares. She practices her moves, gets help from friends, and even does research at the library to prepare--but will it be enough to help her create change in her community?
Jada Jones - Book #2
Author: Kelly Starling-Lyons
Fans of Princess Posey and Ivy and Bean will enjoy rooting for Jada Jones as she runs for student council in this easy-to-read chapter book.
As a candidate for class representative, Jada is ready to give the campaign her all. But when rumors start to fly about her secret fear of public speaking, she isn't sure who she can trust. And the pressure to make promises she can't keep only adds to her growing list of problems. Is winning even worth it when friendships are on the line?
This easy-to-read story—with plenty of pictures and a charming, relatable cast of characters—is a sure winner. The early chapter book bridges between leveled readers and chapter books for fluent readers adjusting to the chapter book format. At about 5,000 words, with short chapters and two-color art on almost every page, it will appeal to this unique reader. The two-color art throughout will help readers transition from the familiar four-color art of leveled readers and ease them into black-and-white chapter books.
Jackie Wins Them All
Author: Fabian E. Ferguson
Whether Jackie wins or loses, she is still amazing. This book helps guardians and parents open up the discussion with kids on how to win and lose gracefully.
Jackie Wins Them All?is an unforgettable coming-of-age picture book for children. It tells the story of a gifted sixth grader, Jackie J. Spade, who has a knack for winning everything she's tried her hand at. Science fairs, spelling bees, swimming, and skating, and just about anything you can imagine!
But Jackie is about to take on her biggest challenge, the big city track meet! Will she win the trophy or will she win something even better?
J.D. and the Great Barber Battle (J.D. the Kid Barber)
Author: J. Dillard and Akeem S. Roberts
Eight-year-old J.D. turns a tragic home haircut into a thriving barber business in this hilarious new illustrated chapter book series
J.D. has a big problem--it's the night before the start of third grade and his mom has just given him his first and worst home haircut. When the steady stream of insults from the entire student body of Douglass Elementary becomes too much for J.D., he takes matters into his own hands and discovers that, unlike his mom, he's a genius with the clippers. His work makes him the talk of the town and brings him enough hair business to open a barbershop from his bedroom. But when Henry Jr., the owner of the only official local barbershop, realizes he's losing clients to J.D., he tries to shut him down for good. How do you find out who's the best barber in all of Meridian, Mississippi? With a GREAT BARBER BATTLE!
From the hilarious and creative mind of J. Dillard, an entrepreneur, public speaker, and personal barber, comes a new chapter book series with characters that are easy to fall for and nearly impossible to forget. Akeem S. Roberts' lively illustrations make this series a must-buy for reluctant readers.
J vs K
Author: Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft
A New York Times and IndieBound bestseller!
Created by real-life rivals and #1 New York Times bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft this hilarious illustrated story features two talented fifth graders going head-to-head in a competition for the ages.
J and K are the most creative fifth graders at Dean Ashley Public School (DAPS). J loves to draw and his wordless stories are J-ENIUS! K loves to write and his stories are K-LASSIC!! Both J and K are determined to win the DAPS annual creative storytelling contest or at least get in the top five. And when they find out that they are both entering The Contest, it's the beginning of one of the most intense rivalries the world has ever seen.
It’s artist vs. writer with plenty of shady double crosses as J and K plot their way to the top. This epic match-up from Newbery medal winners Kwame Alexander (The Crossover) and Jerry Craft (New Kid) celebrates comics, creativity, and the magic of collaboration.
Island Snow (Isla of Adventure)
- Author: Dela Costa
In the sixth Isla of Adventure chapter book, a chilly breeze comes to the island of Sol!
Cool winds are sweeping through Sol, and everyone is loving the change in weather! Well, everyone except for Isla’s friend and neighbor Tora. Being from La Ciudad, Tora is used to celebrating this time of year a bit differently, with steaming mugs of hot cocoa, fashionable scarves, and—most important of all—snow! Luckily, if there’s one thing Isla knows, it’s how to show off the unique wonders Sol has to offer!
Isaiah Dunn Saves The Day
Author: Kelly J. Baptist
Things are looking up for super kid Isaiah Dunn. He and his little sister, Charlie, are getting used to staying with Miz Rita, and Mama's feeling better. Isaiah's poetry business with Angel is taking off, and his best friend, Sneaky, always has a new hustle. Plus, Isaiah has his dad's journals for a story or if he needs advice....
Like maybe now, because starting middle school is hard. Especially when his mentee Kobe won't stop making trouble. Isaiah knows something is up, but to get to the bottom of Kobe's secret, he'll have to rely on every hero he knows--including himself!
Juneteenth (Celebrate the World)
- Author: Hannah Eliot
On June 19th each year, we celebrate Juneteenth! On this special day, we celebrate freedom for Black people in America. We honor the day with family, food, and fun, and we reflect on African American history. From barbecues to parades, Juneteenth flags to signs and displays, there are many ways to celebrate and support this holiday. Learn all about Juneteenth and its traditions in this celebratory board book.
Joyful, Joyful: 20 Stories by BRILLIANT Black Creators from Around the World
Author: Dapo Adeola
A hugely entertaining, fully color-illustrated collection celebrating joy, perfect for children age 8 to 12 (and beyond!). Curated by Laugh Out Loud Awards winner Dapo Adeola, with a foreword by the acclaimed Patrice Lawrence. Joyful, Joyful is a book to sing about!
A large hardback packed full of colourful illustrations, Joyful, Joyful: Stories Celebrating Black Voices is the perfect gift to spread joy.
Featuring both exciting new talents and globally renowned creators – every poem and story is individually illustrated by an amazing artist.
With stories featuring a mythical whale, a message from the future, a Halloween dance competition, a talking book, a miraculous discovery in a moment of lost hope, the joy of jollof rice and so much more. The creators hail from around the world, from the UK and US, to Uganda, the Netherlands, Nigeria and more.
Colorful and beautifully illustrated, with artwork from an array of talented illustrators including Ken Wilson Max, Dapo Adeola, Dorcas Magbadelo, Odera Igbokwe and Denzell Dankwah, alongside stories and poems by the likes of Malorie Blackman, Alex Wheatle, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Dorothy Koomson.
Contributors include: Adejoké ‘Joké’ Bakare, Alex Wheatle, Arantza Peña Popo, Ashley Evans, Awuradwoa Afful, Camilla Sucre, Camryn Garrett, Charis JB, Dapo Adeola, Denzell Dankwah, Dorcas Magbadelo, Doreen Baingana, Dorothy Koomson, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Funmbi Omotayo, Hannah Lee, Jeffrey Boakye, Jess Nash, Kelechi Okafor, Ken Wilson-Max, Kofi Ofosu, Koleka Putuma, Lewis James, Maame Blue, Malorie Blackman, Matilda Feyisayo Ibini, Michael Kennedy, Nathan Bryon, Odera Igbokwe, Ojima Abalaka, Olu Oke, Patrice Lawrence, Rahana Dariah, Robyn Smith, Rosaline Tella, Sharna Jackson, Snalo Ngcaba, Terrence Adegbenle, Tomekah George, Tracey Baptiste, Trish Cooke, Yasmin Joseph and Zaïre Krieger.
Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom
- Author: Jessixa Bagley
In her town full of witches, Jazzy’s always been a little bit different. She’s not excited about magic. She forgets the steps to spells. And even though her parents run the town’s broom shop, she doesn’t want to fly.
Then, one day, she discovers what she was born to do: cycling! Now she just has to find a way to get a bicycle…and learn how to ride it. But will her new passion come between her and her best friend—and possibly get her in big trouble?
Jax Freeman and the Tournament of Spirits
Author: Kwame Mbalia
All Aboard! The sequel to Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek is now available in paperback!
From the award-winning author of the best-selling Tristan Strong trilogy comes a magical series about a special boy who is granted summoning powers from his ancestors.
Seventh grader Jackson “Jax” Freeman recently learned two important facts: one, he’s a summoner—someone who can call on the magical powers of his ancestors to help him do amazing things—and two, he isn’t the only person with this ability.
After much training, Jax and four of his summoner classmates from DuSable Middle school in Chicago are thrust into a competition called the Tournament of Spirits where they’ll face the most skilled summoners from around the world.
But while everyone is focused on winning, Jax is given a special side quest by the elders of the four magical families: he has to spy on each of the competitors—including his own teammates—in order to uncover who is releasing endangered, and very dangerous, cryptids into the arena.
Can Jax take the top spot in the tournament and save himself and his friends from a mysterious foe?
Kwame Mbalia’s incredible imagination and world-building talents are on full display in this thrilling adventure that’s packed with magic, friendship, non-stop action, and a lot of heart.
Jaden Powers and the Inheritance Magic
Author: Jamar J. Perry
Jaden and Elijah have been best friends since they were born. They're so close that Jaden doesn't even mind that he's constantly living in talented, high-achieving Elijah's shadow-well, he doesn't mind much.
But then Elijah disappears, leaving behind nothing but a cryptic note asking for Jaden's help. The next day, Jaden is invited to attend Elijah's fancy private boarding school. Only, it turns out it's not a boarding school at all. It's a school for magic! Somehow, before Elijah vanished, he used his note to transfer part of his own magic into Jaden-a feat that is supposed to be impossible.
Determined to find his friend, Jaden agrees to attend the school and learn to control his new powers. But a sinister force is threatening to destroy the whole magical world. And if Jaden doesn't stop it, he'll be the next to disappear.
Jada Jones - Book #5
Author: Kelly Starling-Lyons
Jada Jones is back for the fifth book of this popular, celebrated series perfect for STEM fans!
"Readers who love Ivy and Bean or Katie Woo will want to meet Jada Jones." --School Library Journal
Jada is excited to do a school project about her hero Dr. Mae Jemison, a former NASA astronaut and the first Black woman to travel to outer space. She even gets to pretend to be her for the presentation in front of her teacher, parents, and friends! But when Jada's research reminds her how accomplished her hero truly is, she suddenly feels like she's made a mistake. How can she portray someone who seems to have everything together when she feels like she's falling apart?
Praise for Jada Jones: Rock Star
"Fast-paced, with supersimple vocabulary and a smattering of earth science to spark interest in young rock collectors everywhere." --Kirkus Reviews
Jada Jones - Book #3
Author: Kelly Starling-Lyons
Jada Jones is back for the third book of this popular, celebrated series perfect for STEM fans!
Jada is hosting her first sleepover, and she has lots of cool scientific activities planned: kitchen chemistry, creating invisible ink, and even making slime! But when her friends get tired of the lessons and just want to hang out, can Jada figure out the formula for fun and save the sleepover?
Praise for Jada Jones: Rock Star
"Fast-paced, with supersimple vocabulary and a smattering of earth science to spark interest in young rock collectors everywhere."--Kirkus Reviews
Jada Jones - Book #1
Author: Kelly Starling-Lyons
Fans of Princess Posey and Ivy and Bean will enjoy engaging with science-loving Jada Jones in this easy-to-read chapter book.
When Jada Jones's best friend moves away, school feels like the last place she wants to be. She'd much rather wander outside looking for cool rocks to add to her collection, since finding rocks is much easier than finding friends. So when Jada's teacher announces a class project on rocks and minerals, Jada finally feels like she's in her element. The only problem: one of her teammates doesn't seem to like any of Jada's ideas. She doesn't seem to like Jada all that much, either. Can Jada figure out a way to make a winning science project and a new friend?
The early chapter book bridges between leveled readers and chapter books for fluent readers adjusting to the chapter book format. At about 5,000 words, with short chapters and two-color art on almost every page, it will appeal to this unique reader. The two-color art throughout will help readers transition from the familiar four-color art of leveled readers and ease them into black-and-white chapter books.
J.D. and the Hair Show Showdown (J.D. the Kid Barber
Author: J. Dillard and Akeem S. Roberts
Eight-year-old kid barber J.D. takes his talent to an Atlanta hair show in this illustrated chapter-book series.
At only eight years old, J.D. the Kid Barber has already won a barber battle and appeared on local TV. Now he’s the youngest barber to be invited to the Beauty Brothers Hair Expo in Atlanta! J.D. gets the VIP treatment—he takes his first flight, rides in a limo for the first time, and gets gifts from the show’s sponsors. At the show, there are hair classes to take, product samples to try, and some of J.D.’s favorite hair influencers to meet. And, of course, there’s his own demo alongside kid hairstylist, Isabel Is Incredible. But what J.D. is most excited about is snapping a pic with eleven-year-old rap sensation Li’l Eazy Breezy, which is harder than it sounds! The world of hair and beauty is so much bigger than J.D. could’ve imagined, and he’s ready to step up his game.
Check out the other chapter books in the J.D. the Kid Barber series:
J.D. and the Great Barber Battle
J.D. and the Family Business
J.D. and the Family Business (J.D. the Kid Barber)
Author: Akeem S. Roberts
Eight-year-old kid barber J.D. joins forces with his sister, who has beauty shop dreams, in this hilarious illustrated chapter book series.
J.D. is a barber battle champion. He's graduated from home haircuts to having a regular chair at the neighborhood shop, Hart and Son, and he's making enough money to keep his candy jar stocked and his comic book collection growing. And yet, J.D. knows it's time for his next challenge. He doesn't just want to be the best barber in Meridian, Mississippi—he wants to be the best barber in the state . . . and maybe the country! When his older sister, Vanessa, starts to gain a following online for her hair tutorials, the kids decide that to truly level up, they must join forces. How do two siblings with big personalities, big ambitions, and competitive spirits work together (or not) to take over the hair world?
Check out the other chapter books in the J.D. the Kid Barber series:
J.D. and the Great Barber Battle
J.D. and the Hair Show Showdown
Izzie Miracle Wish
Author: Patricia E. Sandoval
In the North Pole, Christmas Eve is a very big deal. All the elves gather around Santa Claus and wish him good luck as he leaves to deliver his many gifts. As soon as the sleigh bell rings, the elves stare at the Christmas star way up high, hoping that someday the bright, shining star will grant them a Christmas Eve wish. Izzie is an elf baker known for her delicious cookies, and she longs for the star to grant her wish. Izzie wants to deliver Christmas presents with Santa, but beyond the gifts in his bag, Izzie plans to bring gifts of her own: angels who will sing carols on top of every child's Christmas tree! Something amazing happens when Miracle Star arrives, ready to grant a wish. Is this Izzie's chance to make all her holiday dreams come true? This could be her one opportunity to bring peace, hope, and cheer to families all around the world.
Isaiah Johnson and the Big Game
Author: Esau McCaulley
Isaiah Johnson's baseball team has made it to the championships, and he's up to bat! Most of the Johnson family is in the stands cheering him on . . . but someone is missing: Isaiah's dad.
When Dad finally shows up, he apologizes for his absence and asks for Isaiah's forgiveness. But Isaiah is still hurt and isn't sure if he can forgive.
As a dad who's made plenty of mistakes himself, Esau McCaulley has crafted a biblically informed story that offers plenty of avenues for discussion on the power of forgiveness.