Special Collections
California Department of Education Recommended Literature List 2023
Description: The California Department of Education (CDE) coordinates the development of Recommended Literature List with the assistance of teachers, teacher librarians employed by schools and public libraries, administrators, curriculum planners, and parents.#CDE
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A Library
by Nikki GiovanniIn this lyrical picture book, world-renowned poet, New York Times bestselling author, and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Nikki Giovanni and fine artist Erin Robinson craft an ode to the magic of a library as a place not only for knowledge but also for imagination, exploration, and escape.In what other place can a child "sail their dreams" and "surf the rainbow" without ever leaving the room? This ode to libraries is a celebration for everyone who loves stories, from seasoned readers to those just learning to love words, and it will have kids and parents alike imagining where their library can take them.This inspiring read-aloud includes stunning illustrations and a note from Nikki Giovanni about the importance of libraries in her own childhood.
Too-Small Tyson
by JaNay Brown-WoodCelebrate diversity, math, and the power of storytelling!Tyson is the youngest-smaller than his four older brothers and always trying to keep up. But when the family's pet gerbil, Swish, goes missing, it's Tyson to the rescue! Tyson uses his knowledge of doubles, triples, and sizes to figure out a clever way to reach his beloved pet. A playful exploration of proportional thinking, featuring an author letter about the ubiquitous nature of math. Storytelling Math celebrates children using math in their daily adventures as they play, build, and discover the world around them. Joyful stories and hands-on activities make it easy for kids and their grown-ups to explore everyday math together. Developed in collaboration with math experts at STEM education non-profit TERC, under a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation.
Tyson, el pequeñito / Too-Small Tyson
by JaNay Brown-WoodCelebrate diversity, math, and the power of storytelling with this bilingual (Spanish and English) edition!Tyson is the youngest, smaller than his four older brothers and always trying to keep up. But when the family&’s pet gerbil, Swish, goes missing, it&’s Tyson to the rescue! Tyson uses his knowledge of doubles, triples, and sizes to figure out a clever way to reach his beloved pet. A playful exploration of proportional thinking, featuring Black characters and an author letter about the ubiquitous nature of math. Tyson es el más joven y el más pequeñito de cuatro hermanos. Siempre está tratando de seguirles el ritmo. Pero cuando Swish, el gerbo de la familia, se pierde, ¡Tyson es el que va al rescate! Tyson aplica lo que sabe sobre dobles, triples y tamaño para planear de forma inteligente cómo encontrar a su mascota. Este cuento es una exploración entretenida del razonamiento proporcional, presentando personajes afroamericanos e incluyendo una carta de la autora sobre la naturaleza ubicua de las matemáticas.The Storytelling Math series shows that all children can be mathematical thinkers. Each book includes ideas for exploring math at home with your children and was developed in collaboration with math experts at STEM education nonprofit TERC, under a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation.
Together We Ride
by Valerie BollingHair Love meets bike rides in this loving portrait of a father-daughter relationship.Learning to ride is no easy feat! But with a little courage, a guiding hand from her dad, and an enthusiastic bark from her pup, one brave girl quickly learns the freedom that comes from an afternoon spent outside on a bike.Experience the fear, the anticipation, and the delight of achieving the ultimate milestone in this energetic, warm story that celebrates the precious bond between parent and child.THE JOY OF LEARNING TO RIDE A BIKE: Who can forget the first time they learned to ride a bike? This book is a nostalgic nod for parents and one they will be eager to share with their young one learning how to ride.A GREAT READ ALOUD: This lyrical, upbeat text is a great fit for story-time in any household.PERFECT GIFT FOR DAD: If you're looking for a Father's Day gift or a birthday gift for dad, look no further! He will love the child/parent relationship portrayed in these pages!Perfect for:• Anyone looking for the perfect Father's Day gift• Anyone approaching the big milestone of bike riding• Grandparents• Parents• Teachers and educators• Librarians
There's a Lion in the Forest!
by Mônica CarnesiEveryone knows there are no lions in the forests of South America . . . or are there?Toucan heard it first. It was deep. It was growly. It was a deep, growly growl. And that can mean only one thing: THERE&’S A LION IN THE FOREST! But how can that be? Everyone knows that lions don&’t live in tropical forests. But the growls keep coming—and now even Capybara and Coati are anxious, especially when they get a glimpse through the trees of a long, terrifying tail and a thick, menacing mane . . . With a rhythmic text that begs to be read aloud, Mônica Carnesi&’s clever tale illustrates the importance of not rushing to conclusions. Young readers will get a kick out of sleuthing along with the forest animals as they try to get to the bottom of this sweetly suspenseful mystery.
The Year We Learned to Fly
by Jacqueline WoodsonJacqueline Woodson and Rafael López's highly anticipated companion to their #1 New York Times bestseller The Day You Begin illuminates the power in each of us to face challenges with confidence.On a dreary, stuck-inside kind of day, a brother and sister heed their grandmother&’s advice: &“Use those beautiful and brilliant minds of yours. Lift your arms, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and believe in a thing. Somebody somewhere at some point was just as bored you are now.&” And before they know it, their imaginations lift them up and out of their boredom. Then, on a day full of quarrels, it&’s time for a trip outside their minds again, and they are able to leave their anger behind. This precious skill, their grandmother tells them, harkens back to the days long before they were born, when their ancestors showed the world the strength and resilience of their beautiful and brilliant minds. Jacqueline Woodson&’s lyrical text and Rafael Lopez&’s dazzling art celebrate the extraordinary ability to lift ourselves up and imagine a better world.
Out of a Jar
by Deborah MarceroThis highly anticipated follow-up to the critically acclaimed and bestselling picture book In a Jar stars one little bunny dealing with some very big feelings.Llewellyn does not like to feel afraid or sad, angry, lonely, or embarrassed. And so he comes up with a brilliant plan: he tucks each of his feelings into jars and hides them away where they won't bother him anymore. But when he gets in trouble in class, Llewellyn finds he needs to put away excitement too. And when joy is quickly followed by disappointment, he decides to get rid of joy as well. After a while, Llewellyn walks around not feeling much of anything at all. And what happens when his emotions refuse to be bottled up any longer? In this richly illustrated and universally relatable picture book, Llewellyn soon discovers that life is more colorful when he sets his emotions free. And only then, by facing and embracing each of his feelings, is he finally able to let them go.
Night Lunch
by Eric FanA delectable picture book about midnight snacks, nocturnal creatures and unexpected generosity, inspired by lunch carts that were the predecessors of today&’s food trucks and diners. For fans of The Night Gardener.Noses sniff the air as mouthwatering smells waft down city streets, luring growling bellies to the Night Owl. Inside this elegant, horse-drawn establishment, a feathery cook works the grill, serving up tasty dishes for shift-workers and operagoers alike: a mince pie for Fox, a ham sandwich for Badger and puddings for little Possums. Mouse, a poor street sweeper, watches as the line of customers swells, ever hopeful that someone will drop a morsel of food — but Owl&’s cooking is far too delicious for more than a crumb to be found. As the evening&’s service winds down, weary Owl spots trembling Mouse. Has he found his own night lunch, or will he invite this small sweeper inside for a midnight feast for two? From the imagination of two acclaimed picture book creators, together for the first time, this dreamlike picture book is a magical ode to Victorian lunch wagons. Evoking the sounds, sights, smells and tastes of the city at night, Night Lunch reveals how empathy and kindness as well as dignity and gratitude can be found — and savored — in the most unexpected places.
Nigel and the Moon
by Antwan EadyFrom debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang comes a glowing tale about the young dreaming big. A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence.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. * A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * Kids' Indie Next List Pick *
Nana, Nenek & Nina
by Liza FerneyhoughNina loves visiting her two faraway grandmas—one in Malaysia and one in England. Spot the similarities and differences between their homes in this cozy and beautifully illustrated picture book!Nina lives in San Francisco with her parents, and she loves visiting her two grandmas across the world. Follow Nina as her two trips unfold side by side: Young readers will love poring over the details of what is the same and what is different at Nana&’s home in England and at Nenek&’s home in Malaysia. In each place, Nina wears different clothes, plays different games, and eats different food. But so much about visiting Nana and Nenek is the same, from warm hugs at the airport to beach days and bedtime snuggles. Nina is equally at home across the world in Malaysia or England, and both of her grandmas love her to California and back.*&”This graceful, meticulously detailed picture book is a loving ode to two cultures . . . Young readers will want to circle back to pore over the precise renderings of each place&’s characteristics and to relive the day with Nana, Nenek, and Nina.&”—BCCB, starred review
My Paati's Saris
by Jyoti Rajan GopalA Tamil boy explores his love for his grandmother and her colorful sari collection in this tale of expressing your true self. Another exciting day with Paati begins with a host of fun activities done in preparation for tonight&’s party; threading flowers into garlands for decoration, going to the market, and helping her in the kitchen with the scent of sambar in the air. Through it all the boy finds comfort in Paati&’s sari, whether he&’s wrapped in its colors for dress-up or clutching its folds for comfort. Each sari holds a story—ones that speak to him, but most important of all they allow him just to be. With joyful text by Jyoti Rajan Gopal and dazzling art by Art Twink, My Paati&’s Sari is a commemoration of how clothing can convey tradition and individuality, and connect us to both our families and ourselves.
Moving Words About a Flower
by K. C. HayesWords tumble, leap, and fly in this clever shape poem about a resilient dandelion.The inspiring story of a dandelion that survives against all odds, ingeniously told through shape poems (also called "concrete poems") full of visual surprises. When it rains, letters fall from the sky; and when seeds scatter, words FLY!Each playful page will have readers looking twice. The back of the book includes more information about the life cycle of the humble, incredible dandelion.
Moonlight
by Stephen SavageSoftly, silently, growing ever stronger, something moves across the night. What is it?Moonlight.A bedtime journey of every child&’s most familiar nighttime sight follows the light of the moon as it spans the whole world. With the light, we traverse the globe, as the moonlight reveals itself in stunning, unexpected ways—from jungle to forest, from sea to valley, from faraway to right through your window. At once profound and playful, this mesmerizing story will entrance every reader into a sleep full of beautiful, transporting dreams.
Knight Owl
by Christopher DeniseA determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart.
Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial—a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas.
Full of wordplay and optimism, this surprising display of bravery proves that cleverness (and friendship) can rule over brawn.
New York Times Bestseller
I Did It!
by Michael EmberleyLearning to ride a bike is hard. Can I do it? Yes, I can! A fun comic that kindergarteners and first graders can read on their own.
Can I do it? I can’t do it. I want to do it. I did it!
Simple text that new readers can read by themselves, along with delightful pictures in a comic format, show a little creature trying and trying again as she learns to ride a bicycle. All their friends help with supportive words of encouragement. “You did it!” her friends exclaim.
Comics-lovers can now share the fun with their kids, students, siblings, and younger friends who are learning to read! I Like to Read® Comics are perfect for kids who are challenged by or unengaged in reading, kids who love art, and the growing number of young comics fans. Filled with eye-catching art, humor, and terrific stories these comics provide unique reading experiences for growing minds.
This book has been officially leveled by using the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level GradientTM leveling system.
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
Hot Dog
by Doug SalatiFrom a critically acclaimed creator comes this summery picture book featuring an overheated—and overwhelmed—pup who finds his calm with some sea, sand, and fresh air.
It's summer in the city, and this hot dog has had enough! Enough of sizzling sidewalks, enough of wailing sirens, enough of people's feet right in his face. When he plops down in the middle of a crosswalk, his owner endeavors to get him the breath of fresh air he needs. She hails a taxi, hops a train, and ferries out to the beach. Here, a pup can run!
With fluid art and lyrical text that have the soothing effect of waves on sand, Doug Salati shows us how to find calm and carry it back with us so we can appreciate the small joys in a day.
New York Times Bestseller
Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.
Gibberish
by Young VoBEST OF THE YEARKirkus · Parents · Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association · Chicago Public Library · Washington Post · Evanston Public Library · Los Angeles Public LibraryCharlotte Huck Recommended BookCommon Sense Media SelectionIt’s Dat’s first day of school in a new country! Dat and his Mah made a long journey to get here, and Dat doesn’t know the language. To Dat, everything everybody says — from the school bus driver to his new classmates — sounds like gibberish. How is Dat going to make new friends if they can’t understand each other?Luckily there’s a friendly girl in Dat’s class who knows that there are other ways to communicate, besides just talking. Could she help make sense of the gibberish?P R A I S E“A superb picture book.”—The Wall Street Journal“Masterly. A tender reflection.”—The New York Times★ “The execution is stellar. A visually and emotionally immersive immigration story.”—Kirkus (starred)★ “Delightful. Beginning readers will love this book as the illustrations say it all.”—School Library Connection (starred)★ “Will give hope to kids dealing with a new country and could inspire others to reach out to struggling immigrant children.”—Booklist (starred)
Forever Home
by Henry ColeA heart-tugging story about an abandoned dog who is looking for a forever home -- and a boy who finds him!★ “An exquisitely rendered, touching story of companionship and belonging." – Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "This sweet and touching story will prove a worthy addition to any collection." -- School Library Journal, starred reviewThere is a dog that no one wants. Abandoned and afraid, he must use his wits to survive the city's streets. Sadly, no one comes for him.Meanwhile, not far away, there is a boy who wants a dog more than anything in the world. But his room is a mess. He needs to help more around the house. And his parents tell him he must learn to be more responsible. Little does the boy know, there is a dog nearby longing for a forever home and someone to love him. And that dog has his eye on our boy!Henry Cole masterfully weaves together two tender storylines that result in a hearttugging wordless picture book that celebrates love, kindness, and compassion for animals.
Farmhouse
by Sophie BlackallA farmhouse where twelve children grow up holds evidence of their stories long after they are gone.
Dadaji's Paintbrush
by Rashmi SirdeshpandeOnce, in a tiny village in India, there was a young boy who loved to paint. He lived with his grandfather, who taught him to paint with his fingers, to make paints from marigolds and brushes made from jasmine flowers. Sometimes, the village children would watch them painting together, and the boy's grandfather would invite them to join in.They didn't have much, but they had each other.After his grandfather dies, the boy notices a little box wrapped in string with a note that read: "From Dadaji, with love," with his grandfather's best paintbrush tucked away inside. But he feels he will never want to paint again.Will the boy overcome his grief and find joy in painting and his dadaji's memory again?From Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane comes a lushly illustrated tale of love, art, and family.
Circle
by Mac BarnettCircle is playing hide and seek with Triangle and Square when Triangle goes behind the waterfall and Circle follows to find her.
Bird Show
by Susan StockdaleWelcome to the Bird Show! Award-winning author-illustrator Susan Stockdale offers a front-row seat to a vibrant fashion show starring the world's most diverse and spectacular birds.Just like people, birds contribute to our beautiful world, made more vibrant by their diversity. Readers will marvel at the unique "clothes" worn by eighteen familiar and exotic birds in Susan Stockdale's colorful book. With feathers both plain and fancy, spotted and striped, birds' magnificent differences are celebrated in her stunning portraits and lyrical, rhyming text. Future ornithologists and fashionistas will marvel at the book's color and style, and an afterword provides more information about each species as well as an entertaining pattern matching game.
Baby Squeaks
by Anne HunterA baby mouse says their first word, and their second, and then many, many more in this hilarious and relatable parenting moment by Geisel Honoree Anne Hunter. Baby mouse has learned to squeak. And now it&’s squeak, squeak, squeak all day long. Baby chats with new friends and old friends, big friends and little friends, and sometimes just chats with no one at all. Poor Mama needs a break . . . but when Baby wanders off, Mama knows what to do: follow the squeaks! Little readers will love this chatty baby mouse, and big readers will find Mama&’s reactions very familiar . . . Anne Hunter&’s delicate and lovely illustrations highlight the humor in this delightfully funny tale.
An American Story
by Kwame Alexander#1 New York Times Bestselling and award-winning author of The Undefeated, Kwame Alexander, pens a powerful picture book that tells the story of American slavery through the voice of a teacher struggling to help her students understand its harrowing history. From the fireside tales in an African village, through the unspeakable passage across the Atlantic, to the backbreaking work in the fields of the South, this is a story of a people's struggle and strength, horror and hope. This is the story of American slavery, a story that needs to be told and understood by all of us. A testament to the resilience of the African American community, this book honors what has been and envisions what is to be. With stunning mixed-media illustrations by newcomer Dare Coulter, this is a potent book for those who want to speak the truth. Perfect for family sharing, the classroom, and homeschooling.
Also
by E. B. GoodaleAn ode to the way memories allow us to be in many places at once, Also is a powerful exploration of being present as well as looking back. Perfect for Mother&’s Day, birthdays, or graduation, this modern classic is by Ezra Jack Keats Honor–winner E. B. Goodale.A moving story that follows one family through generations of time spent together and shows readers that memories allow us to connect to the past, the present, and also each other. This gorgeously illustrated book explores the power of memory, teaches children subtle lessons about the passing of time, and celebrates the cherished bonds we share with those we love. Perfect for reading together every day, or for giving on occasions like graduation, Mother's Day, and birthdays.