Book Finder

Based on the true story of a boy in Brooklyn who became neighbors and friends with his hero, Jackie Robinson. In 1948, when eight-year-old Steve learns that his African American baseball hero Jackie Robinson — who broke the color barrier in the sport the previous year — will be the new next-door neighbor in his all-Jewish Brooklyn neighborhood, he gains knowledge about respect, friendship, and unity. 

Sharon Robinson shares memories of her famous father in this warm loving biography of the man who broke the color barrier in baseball. Jackie Robinson was an outstanding athlete, a devoted family man and a dedicated civil rights activist. Includes never-before-published letters by Jackie Robinson, as well as photos from the Robinson family archives.

A portrait of the baseball legend, written by his daughter, traces the events that led up to Robinson’s historic signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers and his role in promoting the desegregation of baseball.

A realistic account of what it means to be an activist as a young kid. This memoir follows Sharon, the daughter of color barrier-breaking baseball player Jackie Robinson, as she navigates systemic anti-Black racism in America while being a preteen. This is the story of how one girl finds her voice in the fight for justice and equality.

Resilience, or Res, is a small rover created to explore Mars. By listening, Res comes to know humans, friendship, and emotions. Inspired by the actual Mars rovers, the author has “use[d] fiction to take something true and bring it to life in a unique and exciting way.” This unforgettable book, narrated by Res, is wholly plausible and emotionally powerful.

Even though her mother taught her offspring to avoid dangers of the sea, the young otter encounters all of them. Follow Odder’s experiences in this moving novel in verse, which is loosely based on rehabilitated otters in the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The story, from the 2013 Newbery Medalist, is sure to engage as well as educate. Glossary and additional information are appended.

Two best friends, Peter and Tommy, spend their summer finishing their Discovery Journal, a chronicle of all the wildlife they’ve come across in their native Florida. Can Peter help the manatee they discover in a nearby canal as well as help take care of his grandfather like he promised? The poignant story is both fast-paced and believable, with likeable and relatable characters.

Yolanda (aka Yoly) and her sister Cami live in a world that has been dramatically altered by climate change and run by an authoritarian government. Can they find the solution before it’s too late? A fast pace and smart characters will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the hopeful conclusion.

This handsome presentation for sophisticated readers about the Northern Mockingbird combines history and science along with traditional beliefs about the birds and their role with humans. Readable and fully sourced, this is sure to intrigue budding naturalists and historians. 

Chester likes his routines, but his new friend is the complete opposite. Nonetheless, the pair work together to solve the riddle behind the mysterious notes that Chester thinks are from his father — all while dealing with a bully and trying to prevent his mother from worrying. Likeable characters and an engaging mystery fill this satisfying novel.

When Mac opens his copy of a book by Jane Yolen, he discovers that there are words that have been blacked out with a permanent marker. When he and his friends set out to find out what and who don’t want them to read these words, it begins a journey of true self-discovery and activism. Based on actual events experienced by the author’s son, this remarkable novel is sure to generate important discussion.

Instead of a puppy, Jacob was stuck with the three baby sisters. The impact of triplets on the 9-year-old, his friends, and his family is told in spare but elegant language for a relatable and engaging novel. Black and white sketches appear throughout.

A collection of stories, comics and poems that celebrate Black boyhood from critically acclaimed Black authors including Jason Reynolds, Jerry Craft and Kwame Mbalia.

Tristan, in mourning for his best friend Eddie, attempts to recover Eddie’s story journal and finds himself on a mission to save a world populated with people he knows from stories — African American folk heroes and West African gods. Also available as a graphic novel (opens in a new window).

When bright and spirited Norvia moves from the country to the city, she has to live by one new rule: Never let anyone know you’re Ojibwe. This tender coming-of-age story thoughtfully addresses assimilation, racism, and divorce, as well as everygirl problems like first crushes, making friends, and the joys and pains of a blended family. Often funny, often heartbreaking, the story is directly inspired by the author’s family history.

This chapter book is an action-packed adaptation of India’s great epic, The Ramayana. Follow Rama, the Prince of Fire, and his friends as they defeat the demon king of Lanka and return light to the world. Full-color illustrations throughout vividly bring the story of Diwali to life, while courageous heroes and dastardly villains will engage young readers who loves talesof adventure.

As a young student, Mayor wondered: Is the mythical griffin based on ancient people’s interpretations of dinosaur bones? This biography shares her fascinating efforts to prove her theory correct and reveals other connections between science and human myth as well. (School Library Journal)

Aref flies with his mother from Oman to rejoin his father in Michigan so his parents can attend graduate school. While the boy misses his much-loved grandfather, Sidi, he gradually adjusts to his life and enjoys several surprises. Aref and Sidi were first introduced in The Turtle of Oman, though this book stands alone. The hallmark of both novels is the lyrical language and loving relationships.

Three animals did indeed go up in a hot-air balloon in the 18th century, but not quite the talented sheep, rooster, and duck who propel this funny and clever tale forward. Fact and fiction, cameo appearances by historical figures, and lots of illustrations are used. An author’s note reveals the history, effectively separating real from imagined.

Is hiding who you are worth staying invisible? That’s what Jillian confronts as she navigates 5th grade. Can Jillian break out of her shell as fast as her chick in the classroom experiment? Readers will relate to the plausible characters in a realistic setting in this debut novel.

Two boys, best friends, live next-door to each other. Marco is academically talented and short; Isaac is a basketball whiz but struggles with his studies. How the boys help each other cope with school, parents, and more is realistic, plausible, and totally engaging.

What makes an activist? The assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Tennessee in 1968 so effected young Kathlyn, she started tirelessly working to improve the lives of African Americans and make MLK’s birthday a national holiday. She tells her own story in verse, contextualized by the time in which she lived

Plum is one of the Athensville Zoo’s feathered ambassadors though a jealous, wily rodent thinks it would be better than Plum, a mere peacock. Lively language and jaunty illustrations combine to make a funny, memorable tale with enough tension to keep readers going to the very end.

Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, beautiful Africa, with her large and happy family. The sparkling language echoes the Nigerian author’s storytelling background and reads well independently but also makes a good read aloud. This is the first in a series of realistic stories about Anna and her marvelous family.