Book Finder

Are you Métis like me? A group of children of Métis descent share and explore all the ways they celebrate and experience their heritage — enjoying traditional foods like bannock bread and Saskatoon berries; crafting with beads; sharing stories, dance, music and songs. Each child shares a different way they enjoy honoring their backgrounds and weaving parts of the rich tapestry that makes up Métis culture. One child, though, has grown up disconnected from their history, and can’t join in with the others in the same way. But they soon see it’s never too late to learn, celebrate or become a part of a community in which Métis and non-Métis alike can discover the richness of an often-overlooked culture.

An intimate look at Juneteenth, this story is a warm exploration of a family and a community. 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. 

A picture book biography of world-famous artist David Hockney that celebrates seeing beauty everywhere. “It’s the very process of looking at something that makes it beautiful.” Growing up under the gray skies of England during World War II, David Hockney used art to brighten his world. He discovered that the more he looked and drew, the more he could see beneath the surface to find beauty, possibility, and new perspectives. In the most ordinary things, whether a splash of water, a changing landscape, or the face of a friend, David always found something to love, uniquely capturing the vibrancy and life of his subjects.

An picture book biography about Glenn Burke, the first Major League Baseball player to come out as gay, and the story of how he created the world’s most recognizable handshake, the high five. Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Glenn Burke could do it all ― hit, throw, run, field. He was the heart of the clubhouse who energized his teammates with his enthusiasm and love for the game. It was that energy that led Glenn to invent the high five one October day back in 1977 ― a spontaneous gesture after a home run that has since evolved into our universal celebratory greeting. But despite creating this joyful symbol, Glenn Burke, a gay Black man, wasn’t always given support and shown acceptance in return

Humans could learn a great deal from ants and in fact share many things with humans. They live in families, have different jobs, and do better when they work together. Humorous (bug-eyed) ants and lighthearted text introduce these fascinating critters. 

“Time to make art? Hmm…” begins this engaging exploration of what art is, isn’t, and could be. Childlike illustrations are used to ask and answer questions while introducing a wide range of art and styles from around the world. Brief information about the art and artists concludes this dynamic look at human creativity.

Tardigrades, also known as “moss piglets” or “water bears”, are highly adaptable and durable microscopic creatures. Depicted here as (almost) adorable bug-eyed critters whose mother sets them out to seek their fortune, readers will share an adventure with a large, hairy wolf spider while gaining information about these tiny, eight-legged animals.

From congas to triangle, travel the world through many musical instruments, including voice. The author and illustrator intentionally developed this book to help discovery through sight through lighthearted line illustrations and sound via QR codes that showcase each specific sound with a final musical composition by the author.

From an abandoned empty lot that Nevaeh called haunted, Mr. Tony and the kids from PS175 transform it into a lush garden that produces food to share. Childlike illustrations complement the gradual transformation. An author’s note includes information about Harlem Grown, the community nonprofit, as well as steps to start a garden.

Join children as they enjoy each month, the change of seasons, and the pleasures it brings. Short, rhythmic poems are sure to engage as readers view the simple, colorful illustrations for a satisfying look at a year of changes.

For young José growing up in Spain, cooking “wasn’t just” about food, it was about people. Starting small, his work led to his establishing an NGO to help feed those in need. A fluid narration and lush illustrations present this renowned chef. Backmatter concludes this hopeful, brief biography. Also available in Spanish: Un plato de esperanza (opens in a new window).

Aspiring pilots and airplane enthusiasts will enjoy the brief, clearly illustrated introduction to the many types and uses of planes. Similarly, sturdy pages are used in the companion volume, Helena Harštová’s Submarines (opens in a new window) for children interested in sea explorations (from the All Aboard! series).

George was four years old when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Now 87 years old, he tells the story of his family and their internment which is also a story of resilience and hope. Black and white photographs and further information complete the evocatively illustrated, touching biography.

A tender tale of a boy and his grandfather taking their produce to sell at the last market stand. When the older man is too tired to go, the boy delivers the produce to their regular customers who in turn, bring a meal made with the produce to the farm. Descriptive language is enhanced by colorful, effective illustration created by handmade stamps.

History and food combine in an attractive, illustrated, and family friendly cookbook. Additional activities are suggested including a playlist of music to which to dance! Additional information and resources about Juneteenth are included.

The lasting friendship between Indigenous people and people in Ireland started in the mid-19th century, continued through the pandemic, and endures to this day. This little-known piece of history is told through straightforward language and images that evoke the periods, places, and peoples. Backmatter includes timeline, resources, as well as author and illustrator notes. 

A child finds a book that thinks it’s invisible. The book does not realize it is a tale told in Braille. Textured colors begin to emerge on white pages as the story comes to life under the fingers of its reader. A note about Braille concludes this special title.

Dan and Aki live different lives — one here on land, the other lives there at sea. While they may seem unalike, when they come together, they discover more than similarities. They find friendship and community, shown on a double gatefold complemented by warm-toned, slightly abstract illustrations.

Rosetta left her family and farm to join the Union Army. She cut her hair, practiced a lower voice, and become Lyons Wakeman. This fascinating examination of life in the 19th century is well-told, incorporating quotes from Rosetta’s letters. Colored scratchboard illustrations evoke the period, enhancing the accessible narrative. Additional information about Rosetta, the war, and a note from the author are included.

Boxes of books are loaded from a handcart to a truck and onto a shipping container where a four-week journey starts. The format highlights the length of the container ships that travel from there to here finally getting books into a bookshop. A range of ideas are simply presented coupled with a more detailed description of the travel creating a book that can be read on two levels cleverly augmented by simple but effective illustrations.

Although two-thirds of the world is covered by oceans, a mere five percent of them have been explored. Readers are invited into the history of diving through engaging, realistic illustrations and informative narration, from ancient times to the present.  An author’s note and additional backmatter conclude this attractive book.

Meet Coretta Scott King, a woman who continued her husband’s critical work after his death, through her own words gracefully edited for young readers. Stunning mixed-media illustrations complement the thoughtful and touching memoir.

Like children often do, this dog and cat take a most circuitous route home, encountering lots to see, smell, and hear along the way. Brief rhythmic, sometimes rhyming text accompanies this familiar adventure. Readers familiar with the author’s Inside Cat and They All Saw a Cat may recognize the styles and critters in this volume.

They’re beautiful in so many ways, tall or small, leafy or spiky, and can be found around the world. Short, varied poems introduce a range of trees from across the globe, encouraging readers to care for them. Colorful illustrations will help young readers to identify specific trees.