Author Profile
Jacqueline Woodson
33 Books
Jacqueline Woodson is a highly acclaimed American author known for her poignant and lyrical books for children and young adults. Her extensive body of work, which ranges from picture books to young adult novels, frequently explores themes of African American history, family, and identity. Notable works include the National Book Award-winning memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, as well as beloved titles like Locomotion and If You Come Softly.
Pecan Pie Baby
Jacqueline Woodson
Early Readers
Handling Big Emotions
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/5
Locomotion
Locomotion
Jacqueline Woodson
Diverse Voices
Emotions
-
/5
The Dear One
Jacqueline Woodson
Diverse Voices
Emotions
-
/5
Miracle's Boys
Jacqueline Woodson
Diverse Voices
Emotions
-
/5
The Other Side
Jacqueline Woodson
Diverse Voices
Emotions
-
/5
Hush
Jacqueline Woodson
Diverse Voices
Emotions
-
/5
Before the Ever After
Jacqueline Woodson
Emotions
Empathy
-
/5
After Tupac & D Foster
Jacqueline Woodson
Emotions
Fiction
-
/5
Remember Us
Jacqueline Woodson
Emotions
Family
-
/5
Harbor Me
Jacqueline Woodson
Courage
Empathy
-
/5
Feathers
Jacqueline Woodson
Disability Representation
Empathy
-
/5
Locomotion
Peace, Locomotion
Jacqueline Woodson
Courage
Emotions
-
/5
Beneath a Meth Moon
Jacqueline Woodson
Emotions
Family
-
/5
If You Come Softly
If You Come Softly
Jacqueline Woodson
Diverse Voices
Family
-
/5
Maizon
Maizon at Blue Hill
Jacqueline Woodson
Diverse Voices
Fiction
-
/5
If You Come Softly
Behind You
Jacqueline Woodson
Diverse Voices
Emotions
-
/5
Brown Girl Dreaming
Jacqueline Woodson
Award Winners
Biography
-
/5
Maizon
Last Summer with Maizon
Jacqueline Woodson
Diverse Voices
Emotions
-
/5
The Book Chase
Jacqueline Woodson
Action
Adventure
-
/5
The House You Pass on the Way
Jacqueline Woodson
Diverse Voices
Family
-
/5
Visiting Day
Jacqueline Woodson
Diverse Voices
Emotions
-
/5
Maizon
Between Madison and Palmetto
Jacqueline Woodson
Cities
Diverse Voices
-
/5
The World Belonged to Us
Jacqueline Woodson, Leo Espinosa
Cities
Diverse Voices
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/5
The Year We Learned to Fly
Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael López
Creativity
Diverse Voices
-
/5
We Had a Picnic This Sunday Past
Jacqueline Woodson, Diane Greenseid
Culture
Diverse Voices
-
/5
Coming on Home Soon
Jacqueline Woodson, E.B. Lewis
Animals
Emotions
-
/5
Each Kindness
Jacqueline Woodson, E.B. Lewis
Empathy
Friendship
-
/5
The Day You Begin
Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael López
Courage
Diverse Voices
-
/5
Sweet, Sweet Memory
Jacqueline Woodson, Floyd Cooper
Diverse Voices
Emotions
-
/5
This Is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration
Jacqueline Woodson, James Ransome
Culture
Diverse Voices
-
/5
Show Way
Jacqueline Woodson, Hudson Talbott
Award Winners
Crafts
-
/5
Guys Read
The Sports Pages
Jacqueline Woodson, Jon Scieszka, Joseph Bruchac, Gordon Korman, Chris Rylander, Dan Gutman, Anne Ursu, Tim Green
Action
Anthologies
-
/5
Flying Lessons & Other Stories
Kwame Alexander, Soman Chainani, Grace Lin, Jacqueline Woodson, Meg Medina, Kelly J. Baptist, Matt de la Peña, Tim Tingle, Ellen Oh
Anthologies
Diverse Voices
-
/5
Gia is completely tired of hearing about the new baby. The baby has not even been born yet, but everyone from her family to her friends seems entirely fixated on it. As far as Gia is concerned, things are perfectly fine just the way they are. She loves her nice, cozy life with her mama and worries that a new sibling is going to ruin their special bond. If everyone is making such a big deal about the baby now, what is going to happen when it finally arrives? Gia must navigate her complicated feelings and figure out where she fits into this changing picture. Slowly, she begins to understand that a new family member does not mean she will be replaced. She might even discover that this new addition is a very sweet surprise.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Locomotion
Locomotion
When Lonnie was just seven years old, a tragic fire took his parents away. Now he is eleven, and the ache of missing them has not faded. To make matters worse, he is separated from his little sister, Lili, who lives in a different foster home because very few families want to take in older boys. Despite the heartbreak, Lonnie refuses to give up hope. Living with his new foster mother, Miss Edna, he slowly begins to find his footing. She knows exactly how to handle him, and his teacher, Ms. Marcus, gives him a powerful new tool: poetry. Through his jumbled and heartfelt poems, you will experience the world exactly as Lonnie sees it. You will feel his deep sorrow over his lost family, his unique view of the bustling world around him, and his fierce love for his sister. Written entirely in beautiful verses, this story follows a determined boy finding his voice and dreaming of the day he can bring his family back together.
9-12 Years
132 Pages
N/A
/5
Twelve year old Feni has her life perfectly arranged in her quiet suburban neighborhood. She already feels like her mother is way too busy with her career, so she is completely baffled when her mother volunteers to take in the fifteen year old daughter of an old college friend. Suddenly, Rebecca, a street smart and guarded girl from Harlem, arrives to spend the final months of her unexpected pregnancy in Feni's home. The culture clash is immediate, and sparks fly as the two girls struggle to understand each other's entirely different worlds. As the weeks slowly pass, the tension in the household builds, forcing everyone to confront their own biases and frustrations. But with the baby's arrival drawing closer every single day, the girls begin to see past their differences. Can Feni, her mother, and their tight knit group of friends pull together to help Rebecca make the most difficult decision of her young life?
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
145 Pages
N/A
/5
Twelve year old Lafayette would give absolutely anything to turn back the clock. He desperately wants life to return to the way it used to be, before his parents tragically passed away and before his older brother Charlie changed into someone he hardly recognizes. Recently released from a juvenile detention home, Charlie is angry, hardened, and unfairly blames Lafayette for the sudden loss of their mother. The warm, protective older brother Lafayette once idolized has completely vanished, replaced by a stranger carrying a heavy burden of resentment. Now, it is up to their oldest brother, Ty'ree, to hold the fractured family together. Lafayette is left grappling with agonizing questions that have no easy answers. Why did their mother have to die? Why does Charlie push him away so fiercely? And how are the three brothers supposed to survive on their own when the odds are stacked so heavily against them? This is a gripping, emotional story about brotherhood, grief, and finding the strength to forgive.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
146 Pages
N/A
/5
In a town cleanly divided by a long wooden fence, the rules have always been clear. Clover, a young Black girl, has been told by her mother never to climb over to the other side because it is simply not safe. On the other side lives Annie, a young white girl, who is given the exact same strict warning by her own family. Day after day, the two girls sit near the boundary, watching each other with quiet curiosity but never crossing the line. But as the long summer stretches on, the unspoken barrier begins to feel silly. Slowly, bravely, the girls decide to sit on top of the fence together. Through shared smiles and simple conversations, a beautiful and defiant friendship takes root. This deeply moving story powerfully demonstrates how the innocence of children can break down the deepest walls of prejudice and division.
6-8 Years
13-18 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
Evie Thomas is living a life that does not belong to her. Not long ago, her name was Toswiah Green. She had a wonderful best friend, a happy, secure home, and a loving grandmother who lived just down the street. But when her father, a dedicated police officer, makes the brave and difficult choice to testify against a fellow cop in a murder trial, their entire world is completely erased. Forced into the Witness Protection Program, the family must abandon everything and take on new identities in an unfamiliar city. Now, nothing makes sense. Her once lively father spends his days staring blankly out the window. Her mother has abandoned her teaching career to immerse herself in a new religion, and her sister is making secret plans to escape. Stranded in a place where the kids are cold and the streets feel foreign, Evie must figure out how to rebuild her shattered identity and find a way to step out of the shadows.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
145 Pages
N/A
/5
For as long as ZJ can remember, his dad has been a hero to the neighborhood kids and millions of adoring sports fans. Playing professional football made him a star, but lately, life at their house is anything but charming. His dad is having trouble remembering things and seems angry all the time. When ZJ's mom explains that these changes are caused by head injuries his dad sustained during his career, ZJ struggles to accept this new reality. It is hard to understand, and it hurts even more when his own father forgets his name. As ZJ watches his family change, he has to figure out how to hold onto their cherished traditions and the memories of happier times. He wonders what their past amounts to if his father can no longer remember it. This powerful story explores how a family moves forward when their glory days have passed, and asks whether joy can ever be reclaimed when you are aching for the way things used to be.
9-12 Years
178 Pages
N/A
/5
The day D Foster walks into the lives of Neeka and her best friend, their entire world opens up. Suddenly, they are looking beyond their block in Queens and paying attention to everything happening outside their neighborhood. The three girls quickly bond over their shared love for Tupac Shakur and his music, trying to make sense of an unpredictable world while searching for their own purpose in life. They spend their time dreaming about the future and navigating the complexities of growing up. But life shifts again when D's mother abruptly returns to reclaim her, and the tragic news of Tupac's death shakes their community. Left behind, Neeka and her friend must process the sudden emptiness and realize how quickly things can change. They are left with a profound understanding of how even brief connections can leave a lasting mark on your heart. This thought provoking story explores the deep impact of friendship, the pain of unexpected loss, and the importance of finding your identity.
9-12 Years
13-18 Years
168 Pages
N/A
/5
The summer before seventh grade feels like it is going up in flames. Growing up in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood, Sage is watching her community change right before her eyes as house after house burns down, earning her streets the nickname The Matchbox. While the world around her feels uncertain, Sage is also struggling to find her own footing. She would much rather spend her afternoons shooting hoops with the neighborhood boys than trying to fit into the shifting circle of girls she has known since childhood. Just as she feels herself drifting further away from her old friends, she meets Freddy, a new kid who instantly understands her. Together, they navigate the bittersweet pain of growing up, holding onto the good moments in the present while watching pieces of their past disappear. In a summer defined by destruction and change, Sage discovers the profound power of memory. This deeply moving story explores how the things we leave behind shape who we become, and how remembering the past can beautifully light the way toward the future.
9-12 Years
193 Pages
N/A
/5
It all begins when six middle school classmates are gathered together for a weekly chat. Left alone in a room without any teachers or adults to listen in, they are unsure what to expect. They do not think they have much in common, and they fear this unfamiliar setup. But as the weeks pass in the space they dub the ARTT Room, which stands for A Room to Talk, the walls between them start to come down. They discover it is finally safe to share the heavy burdens they carry. From the fear of a father's sudden deportation and the pain of a parent's incarceration, to struggles with racial profiling and a family's changing fortunes, the students slowly open up. By trusting one another, they find a sanctuary where they can express the feelings they hide from the rest of the world. Through their shared stories, these six friends realize they are not alone. Together, they find the courage to heal and grow braver for whatever comes next.
9-12 Years
194 Pages
N/A
/5
Frannie has never thought much about hope. While reading a famous poem about hope being the thing with feathers, she realizes she has too many other things to worry about. Her brother Sean is deaf and faces his own daily struggles, her mother is constantly afraid, and the class bully is always angry. Then, a new boy arrives in her class. He looks completely different from everyone else, yet he is remarkably kind, refuses to fight back, and does not even mind when the other kids give him the nickname Jesus Boy. Nobody knows what to make of him, especially when he claims he is not white despite his appearance. As a long winter brings both good and bad surprises, Frannie begins to see her world from a new perspective. She watches her best friend's deep faith and witnesses the power of looking beneath the surface. Through her connection with the new boy, Frannie discovers the true meaning of acceptance and finally understands her own desire for that elusive thing with feathers.
9-12 Years
144 Pages
N/A
/5
Locomotion
Peace, Locomotion
Twelve year old Lonnie is finally starting to feel at home with his new foster family. After a difficult journey, he is surrounded by joy and stability. But because he is living apart from his little sister, Lili, he feels a deep responsibility to keep their bond strong. Lonnie decides it is his job to be the official rememberer for the two of them. He begins writing down everything that happens as they grow up, sending his thoughts to Lili through heartfelt letters. His musings are bittersweet. He is happy they both have safe new families, but his new life also brings unexpected worries. When his foster brother gets deployed in the army, concepts like peace suddenly take on a much heavier meaning for Lonnie. Through his captivating and lyrical letters, Lonnie reflects on family, loss, love, and the true cost of conflict. He must figure out how to embrace his present joy while honoring his past and looking forward to a brighter future.
9-12 Years
148 Pages
N/A
/5
Hurricane Katrina swept away more than just Laurel Daneau's home. It took her mother and her grandmother, leaving a void nothing can fill. Even though Laurel has moved to a new town and started a seemingly perfect new life, complete with a spot on the cheerleading squad and a relationship with the football team co-captain, she cannot escape the lingering pain of her devastating loss. Everything changes when her new boyfriend introduces her to meth. Laurel is instantly seduced by the drug's powerful spell and the temporary relief it provides by erasing her most painful memories. Before long, she is completely hooked and becomes a shell of her former self. She is desperate to feel whole again but lacks the strength to break free from the addiction pulling her under. It will take the intervention of a new friend and the unwavering loyalty of an old one to help Laurel fight back. She must find the courage to confront her past, rewrite her own story, and reclaim her future.
13-18 Years
241 Pages
N/A
/5
If You Come Softly
If You Come Softly
Jeremiah feels at home in his Brooklyn neighborhood, but a scholarship sends him to a Manhattan prep school where he’s one of the few Black students. In the hallway, his eyes lock with Ellie’s, a Jewish girl whose own family carries its own scars. Their connection feels instant, yet the world around them pushes back with whispers, assumptions, and outright hostility. As their relationship deepens, both must navigate the weight of family expectations, cultural identity, and the painful reality of being different in a place that prizes sameness. Woodson’s lyrical prose captures the intensity of first love while probing the larger questions of race, belonging, and the courage it takes to stay true to yourself. A moving, thought‑provoking story for readers ready to explore the complexities of interracial romance and self‑discovery.
13-18 Years
224 Pages
N/A
/5
Maizon
Maizon at Blue Hill
Maizon is about to take the biggest leap of her life. After winning a hard earned scholarship to Blue Hill, a prestigious boarding school, she must pack her bags and leave everything she knows behind. Saying goodbye to her beloved grandmother and her very best friend, Margaret, is incredibly difficult, but Maizon is ready to embrace the challenge. When she arrives at Blue Hill, the campus is beautiful and the classes are rigorous, but the transition is far from easy. Out of all the students, she is one of only five Black girls, and nearly everyone else comes from an incredibly wealthy family. Surrounded by peers who do not understand her background or her experiences, she begins to wonder if she truly belongs in this new environment. Follow Maizon as she navigates the pressures of intense academics and social isolation, searching for her own place in a world that feels completely foreign. This is a powerful story about finding your identity and staying true to yourself.
9-12 Years
178 Pages
N/A
/5
If You Come Softly
Behind You
Miah and Ellie were the best of friends, always together. But then something very, very sad happened, and Miah went away. Now, Miah is not here with his family and friends, and everyone who loved him feels a big emptiness in their hearts. His mom feels so quiet, and his friends aren't sure how to play and laugh like before. Ellie especially wonders how she can ever feel happy again. But guess what? Miah is still close by, watching over everyone. He can see how much they miss him, and he wishes he could tell them he's okay and help them feel better. This special story helps us understand all the different feelings we have when someone we love is not with us anymore, and how we can keep their memory alive in our hearts. It's about remembering kindness and finding ways to feel bright again, even after a big sadness.
13-18 Years
128 Pages
N/A
/5
Growing up between the lively streets of New York and the quiet warmth of South Carolina, Jacqueline always felt like she was only halfway home in either place. Born in Ohio but carrying the deep southern roots of her family, her childhood is a rich tapestry of different worlds. Set during the 1960s and 1970s, this incredibly moving memoir invites you into the mind of a young girl trying to understand her place in history. Through vivid and accessible poems, you will experience what it was like to grow up as an African American child surrounded by the remnants of Jim Crow and the rising energy of the Civil Rights movement. As she navigates physical, emotional, and spiritual growth, she discovers a profound love for storytelling. Watch as a young reader with a jumbled imagination slowly finds her own powerful voice through writing. This is a deeply personal and beautifully crafted journey of self discovery that will leave you thinking about your own family history.
9-12 Years
353 Pages
N/A
/5
Maizon
Last Summer with Maizon
Margaret and Maizon are inseparable best friends, doing everything together and sharing all their deepest secrets. But the summer Margaret turns eleven, her entire world is suddenly turned upside down. First, she suffers a devastating tragedy when her father unexpectedly passes away. While she is still struggling to cope with her immense grief, she receives another painful blow: Maizon has been accepted into an expensive, faraway boarding school and will be leaving the city they both call home. For the very first time in her life, Margaret is forced to navigate her days without the one person who truly understands her heart and her dreams. As the summer stretches on, Margaret must learn how to rely on herself and figure out who she is when her best friend is not right by her side. This is a deeply touching story about dealing with painful losses, discovering your own inner strength, and learning how to grow up when everything around you is changing.
9-12 Years
144 Pages
N/A
/5
A seemingly ordinary family reunion takes a sudden and mysterious turn when a cherished artifact vanishes without a trace. An old, worn book belonging to the Jenkins family has been stolen right from under their noses. To the outside world, it might look like a simple dusty volume, but to the Jenkins family, the secrets hidden inside its pages are far more valuable than gold. Now, it is up to the Ghostwriters to track down the thief and uncover the truth. You will follow the team as they dig through scattered clues, interview suspicious guests, and try to piece together the puzzle of the missing heirloom. As the investigation deepens, they begin to realize that the history held within the book might be the key to understanding why it was taken in the first place. Step into a fast paced mystery filled with unexpected twists, clever detective work, and a thrilling chase to recover a priceless piece of family history before it is lost forever.
13-18 Years
104 Pages
N/A
/5
Thirteen year old Staggerlee used to go by the name Evangeline, but she needed a much fiercer name to match the complexities of her life. She has always felt completely set apart from everyone else around her. Her isolation stems from her parents interracial marriage, her family's intentional retreat from the outside world, and the tragic loss of her grandparents in a devastating civil rights bombing years ago. But this particular summer brings a completely new reason for her to feel entirely different. She is quietly struggling with confusing, unspoken feelings for her close friend Hazel, leaving her unsure of who she is or where she fits in. When her outgoing cousin Trout arrives to spend the summer with them, everything begins to shift. Trout pushes her to look beyond the protective walls her family has built, offering her a clear glimpse of her possible future. This beautifully written story explores the delicate journey of self discovery, hidden desires, and the courage it takes to figure out your true identity.
13-18 Years
160 Pages
N/A
/5
Today is a very special day. A young girl and her loving grandmother wake up early, put on their best clothes, and pack up a basket full of delicious food. They are getting ready for Visiting Day, the one day of the month they get to take a long bus ride to see her father. Even though her father is far away in prison, the love between them is stronger than ever. The journey is filled with a mix of excitement and quiet anticipation as they travel alongside other families making the exact same trip. When they finally arrive, the room fills with warm hugs, happy tears, and shared meals. For a few precious hours, nothing else matters except being together. This touching and gentle story shows that no matter the distance or the difficult circumstances, the powerful bond of family love can never be broken.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
N/A
/5
Maizon
Between Madison and Palmetto
Margaret and Maizon are finally reunited back on Madison Street, but things are not quite the same as they used to be. After spending time apart, their once unbreakable bond has shifted. Margaret finds herself needing much more time alone to process her changing world, and the dynamic between the two girls is further complicated by the arrival of Caroline, a new neighbor and classmate who quickly becomes a central part of their daily lives. Navigating a friendship as a trio brings its own set of challenges, jealousy, and miscommunications. However, these everyday growing pains suddenly feel minor when an unexpected event threatens to change Maizon's life forever. As the girls confront serious issues unfolding in their Brooklyn neighborhood, they must figure out how to support each other through the turbulent transition of growing up. This compelling story takes an honest look at the evolving nature of childhood friendships, community changes, and the complex realities of race and identity.
9-12 Years
128 Pages
N/A
/5
The heat is rising, the school doors are closed, and someone just opened the fire hydrants. It is officially summer in the city, and the streets are yours to explore. Stepping out into a vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood, you are immediately swept up in the absolute freedom of a long summer day. From the moment the sun comes up until your mother calls you home for dinner, the entire block is your ultimate playground. You will join a lively group of kids jumping double Dutch, playing intense games of hide and seek, building incredible forts, and racing to catch the ice cream truck before it turns the corner. With rhythmic words and a joyful spirit, this story perfectly captures the magic of those endless summer days where anything feels possible. Experience the pure joy of running free with your friends, knowing that when tomorrow comes, you get to wake up and do it all over again because this neighborhood belongs to you.
9-12 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
It is a dreary, rainy day, and a brother and sister are stuck inside feeling completely bored and restless. But their grandmother knows exactly what they need to do. She tells them to use their brilliant minds, close their eyes, and simply believe in something greater. Following her advice, the siblings discover that their own imaginations have the magic to lift them up and carry them far away from their dull living room. Later, when an angry quarrel breaks out between them, they use that same special skill to rise above their frustrations and leave their anger behind. Their grandmother explains that this extraordinary ability to dream and escape is a powerful tool their ancestors used long before they were even born. With dazzling artwork and soaring words, this beautiful story celebrates the incredible strength, resilience, and magic hidden right inside your own mind.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
33 Pages
N/A
/5
There is nothing quite like the joyful chaos of an annual family gathering. For Teeka, the perfect Sunday means heading out to the park to celebrate with all her eccentric relatives. Through her keen and observant eyes, you will get a front row seat to the vibrant energy of a family coming together to share stories, laughter, and an absolute feast of homemade dishes. As each relative arrives, they bring their own unique personality and their signature dish to the picnic tables. You will meet a colorful cast of aunts, uncles, and cousins who bicker, joke, and show their deep love for one another the only way they know how. From the mouth watering smells of roasted chicken and sweet pies to the loud, echoing laughter spreading across the grass, the afternoon is entirely unforgettable. This delightfully humorous story captures the beautiful, messy, and deeply comforting reality of family traditions and the unforgettable food that ties everyone together.
13-18 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
With the country deep in World War II, many men have gone to fight, leaving jobs empty. To help support her family, Ada Ruth's mother must make the difficult decision to travel to Chicago for work. Ada Ruth stays behind with her loving grandmother, but the house feels incredibly empty. As the cold winter snow begins to fall, the two of them stick to their daily routines, drawing comfort from each other. Even a stray kitten shows up at their door to keep them company, but nothing can truly fill the deep ache of missing Mama. Every single day, Ada Ruth waits and watches the road, hoping for a letter promising that her mother is coming on home soon. This timeless story beautifully captures the quiet strength of waiting and hoping for a loved one's return.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
When a new girl named Maya arrives at school wearing worn clothes, Chloe and her friends decide to look the other way. Every time Maya approaches them with a smile and asks to play, they refuse to include her. Eventually, the quiet rejections take their toll, and Maya stops coming to school altogether. One afternoon, Chloe's teacher drops a stone into a bowl of water, showing the class how the ripples spread far and wide. She explains that every small act of kindness ripples out into the world in the exact same way. Suddenly, Chloe is struck by a deep sense of regret. She realizes too late the incredible opportunity she missed to be a good friend. This beautifully illustrated story reveals how our choices impact others and why even the smallest moment of kindness truly matters.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
There will be times when you walk into a room and feel like no one there is quite like you. Maybe it is the way you look, the way you talk, or the food you bring for lunch. When Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself to his new class, some of the other students laugh. It is never easy to take those first brave steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet. But as Rigoberto meets Angelina, they both discover that they are not the only ones who feel like outsiders. This beautiful and heartening story reminds us how brave it is to be yourself. You will see that when you finally find the courage to share your own unique story, others will be happy to meet you halfway. Celebrate the power of connection and the joy of discovering exactly who you are!
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
34 Pages
N/A
/5
Whenever Sarah and her grandfather worked together in his lush, beautiful garden, he always told her that the earth is constantly changing. He promised her that, just like the garden, some part of us never truly dies, and that everything and everyone goes on and on. But now that her beloved Grandpa has passed away, those words feel very hard to believe. Sarah is overwhelmed by sadness and simply cannot imagine how her life can keep going without him by her side. However, as the summer warmth slowly fades into the crisp air of fall, her family and friends gather together to celebrate the garden's harvest. Sitting around the table sharing a sunset supper, they begin telling funny, heartwarming stories about Grandpa. Through the laughter and the tears, Sarah realizes just how much he meant to everyone. This gentle, comforting story beautifully shows how the memories of the people we love keep them alive in our hearts forever.
9-12 Years
32 Pages
N/A
/5
A little girl in South Carolina finds a simple piece of rope under a tree one summer. She has no idea that this ordinary rope will become a lasting part of her family history. For three generations, this very same rope is passed down from one hands to the next. You will see it used for joyful jump rope games, then later to tie suitcases tightly to a car for a huge move north to New York City during the Great Migration. Decades later, it even makes an appearance at a family reunion where that first little girl is now a grandmother. Follow the journey of one family adapting to big changes, holding tightly to their past while warmly embracing the future.
6-8 Years
34 Pages
N/A
/5
Long ago, when reading and writing were forbidden for enslaved people, they found a secret way to share messages and guide each other to freedom. They created Show Ways, beautiful, intricately stitched quilts that doubled as hidden maps to the North. This powerful true story follows the remarkable generations of women in one family who kept this artistic tradition alive. From great grandmothers working in the fields to mothers raising their daughters in freedom, the knowledge of the needle and thread was carefully passed down through the years. You will see how these strong women used patches of cloth to tell their history, honor their ancestors, and point the way to a better life. Discover a beautiful tale of courage, creativity, and the unbreakable bonds of family that stitch together the past and the future.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
N/A
/5
Guys Read
The Sports Pages
By:
Jacqueline Woodson
,
Jon Scieszka
,
Joseph Bruchac
,
Gordon Korman
,
Chris Rylander
,
Dan Gutman
,
Anne Ursu
,
Tim Green
Step up to the plate, hit the court, and race to the finish line with this ultimate collection of athletic adventures. Curated by Jon Scieszka, this action-packed anthology brings together ten thrilling short stories written by some of the biggest names in children's literature, including Gordon Korman, Jacqueline Woodson, and Dan Gutman. Whether you are a die-hard fan of baseball, basketball, football, or even mixed martial arts, there is a story here to get your heart pounding. Experience the intense pressure of a tie game, the rush of scoring the winning goal, and the quiet determination it takes to push past your own limits. Each unique tale captures the highs and lows of competition, the power of teamwork, and the sheer joy of playing the game. Perfect for young athletes and sports enthusiasts, these fast-paced stories deliver all the sweat, strategy, and triumph of a championship match. Grab your gear and dive into a book where every page is a winning play.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
256 Pages
N/A
/5
Growing up is an adventure filled with wild dreams, embarrassing family fiascos, first crushes, and the challenge of navigating new neighborhoods. In this incredible collection of short stories, ten of the most brilliant authors writing today come together to celebrate exactly what makes every young person both unique and universally connected.
You will meet a boy who just might possess magical powers, told entirely in rhythmic verse. You will read about an unbreakable friendship that survives against all odds, and follow a girl who uses wet paint to vividly color the world around her. Each distinct voice brings a fresh perspective to the struggles and triumphs of finding your place in the world.
Whether you have ever felt like you did not quite fit in or you simply love a great tale of discovery, these bold stories will challenge and inspire you. Grab this anthology to experience a soaring journey through the beautiful, diverse tapestry of everyday life.
9-12 Years
240 Pages
N/A
/5
