May Book of the Month

Summary:  A young Indian-American girl named Anjali who learns to embrace her unique name and identity. When Anjali can't find a personalized license plate with her name, she's initially upset and wants to change it. However, after her parents explain the meaning and origin of her name, she realizes the beauty and power of her identity and decides to celebrate her differences. The book emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and appreciating what makes each individual special. 

April Book of the Month

A young girl who is a transracial adoptee learns to love her Asian eyes and finds familial connection and meaning through them, even though they look different from her parents’. Her family bond is deep and their connection is filled with love. She wonders about her birth mom and comes to appreciate both her birth culture and her adopted family's culture, for even though they may seem very different, they are both a part of her, and that is what makes her beautiful. She learns to appreciate the differences in her family and celebrate them.

January Book of the Month

Long ago on an island filled with music, girls cannot be drummers,  no one questioned that rule―until the drum dream girl. In her city of drum beats, she dreamed of pounding congas and bongós. But then at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream. Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere.

December Book of the Month

When a young boy realizes the scope of inequities in the wider world, he's seized with the urge to do more. He decides to bring together the different parts of himself—the artist and the activist—to become an Artivist. After his mural goes viral, he sets out to change the world one painting at a time. A call to action for young readers to point out injustice in their lives and try to heal the broken bones of the world through their art.

November Book of the Month

A picture book adaptation of the renowned poem that encourages readers to reflect on family, nature, and their heritage. Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, urges readers to pay close attention to who they are, the world they were born into, and how all inhabitants on earth are connected. 

October Book of the Month

By Monica Brown

Illustrated By Rudy Gutierrez

This bilingual picture book teaches about the man who revolutionized the sport of soccer. This biography about Pelé, recognizes the first man in the history of the sport to score 1,000 goals and to become a living legend. The book details his life from the poverty-filled streets of Brazil in his youth to the packed stadiums of the World Cup.

September Book of the Month

By Vashti Harrison

Big is the story of a young girl who dreams big. As she grows she receives positive reinforcement about her growth. But one day, the word “big” is used with a negative connotation. People continue to comment on the girl’s size until one day, she stands up to their criticism. While their words sting, the little girl realizes that their words do not define who she is. She embraces her size and beauty and redefines what “big” means to her.