Book Finder

“Do you want to play?” That’s what Jamie, with her favorite yellow truck, asks new kid Dylan, who only seems to want to line up his cars. This story gently explores learning about others and finding new ways to have fun. One of the most common issues for kids with autism is friendship. Children’s books sometimes depict the neurotypical child as doing their autistic pal a favor by befriending them, often forcing them to change a part of themselves. This story shows us that children with autism are more than capable of making meaningful contributions to relationships, and suggests how neurotypical children can alter their own approach to create a true connection.

Two girls from very different backgrounds each struggle with different issues. But Sara, a Pakistani American, and Elizabeth, whose mother is British and father American, come together in a cooking class. There they discover friendship and more revealed from both girls’ perspectives.

Gina Filomena’s imagination is freed when she meets her new language arts teacher and a mysterious neighbor boy name Antonio. The power of creativity, writing, and friendship are touchingly presented in this short, introspective novel by a Newbery medalist.

Lupe is an ace baseball player who just happens to be Chinese and Mexican. She must get straight A’s to meet her pro baseball player hero — and that includes physical education’s mandated square dancing. Lupe’s voice is authentic and sure to make the reader laugh out loud as she works to get rid of dancing but ultimately succumbs with the help of a bright teacher, making friends along the way.

All friendships have ups and downs and it is no different for Jack, a cantankerous goat, and a blind horse named Charlie. Inspired by actual animals at a sanctuary, this gorgeously illustrated tale will remind readers about the enduring power of friendship.

Daniela and Evelyn are more than neighbors, they’re lifelong friends. How they cope with Evelyn moving away is touchingly presented in Daniela’s realistic but hopeful narration and fetching illustrations. (Also in Spanish, Evelyn Del Rey se muda (opens in a new window))

Detailed, almost delicate illustrations of a diverse cast of characters affirm the joy in differences, all because each and every one matters. The illustrator’s signature style is worth multiple examinations.

All creatures whether furry, slithery, or feathered, show affection. Lush illustration and rhythmic, gently rhyming verse combine to demonstrate just how it’s done. A bit of factual information about animals is included.

A dog remembers earlier days when things were slower, before a baby arrived. But as the child grows, the dog discovers that an old dog and a toddler share a great deal in common, including rolling down a hill and playing in leaves. The warm relationship between an old canine and a young child is warmly presented in illustration and straightforward text.

Several colorful letters are together on a playground. Because they are different (one is too round, another comes from the wrong side of the alphabet), they learn to come together in a very satisfying way. Bold graphic design and limited text create a memorable and easy-to-digest story of acceptance.

Three animals ask the strange creature who drags a large suitcase into their midst what it contains. As he rests, they are humbled by what they learn. This accessible story, simply illustrated, is gently told and sure to evoke a range of emotions in readers — including the importance of treating newcomers with kindness.

Children may see themselves and how they treat a favorite toy in this book. Narrated by a slightly grumpy and overly handled teddy bear named Louis, expressive illustrations and understated humor may make children think about how they treat their toys that love them, nonetheless.

Even though these amphibian friends turned 50 this year, they’re as fresh, fun, and satisfying as when they first appeared. In this commemorative edition, information about the Caldecott Honor book author/illustrator is included, sure to delight readers new and old.

When a young girl moves from the country to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of arts and crafts. Can the girl navigate the changing seasons and failing health of her new friend? Cree-Métis words (defined in a small glossary) add an intimate layer of identity to the child’s narration.

Middle school is never easy but 7th grade becomes particularly tough for Ross when he’s diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer. In spite of his best friend preparing to move and being bullied for the effect of the grueling cancer treatment, Ross finds power in music and friendship — and discovers something about his nemesis. This uplifting, often humorous novel is based on the author’s experience.

Fox and Rabbit, unlikely friends with very different personalities, visit a fair, go to the beach, start a garden, and more in five stories. Charming and gently humorous, this is the first in a new, engaging graphic novel series.

The wind sweeps away the umbrella that elephant uses to shelter himself and other small animals from rain. The same wind carries the umbrella away from other animals until it winds up back where it started. Engaging illustrations and simple narration create a folktale-like story.

When Thomas misplaces the basket of dried fruit he needs to make his seasonal wintercake, friends old and new come together to save the day. This holiday tale is full of surprises and gentle humor, and a book about holiday traditions and why they matter. It’s also a story about making mistakes and how mistakes can sometimes lead to wonderful things!

Can very different girls become best friends? Though both are Chinese-American, Moon and Christine are very different. Christine is cautious, serious, attends Chinese school, and follows rules. In spite of this, Christine and Moon become best friends. Christine wonders if she was a good enough friend when it is discovered that Moon’s celestial visions are caused by an all-too-real problem. Simple cartoon illustrations in full color are expressive and move this notable story to its gratifying conclusion. A note from the author/illustrator reveals the story’s genesis.

Twelve-year-old Lucy lives with her father in Rockport, Massachusetts. Her mother, a marine biologist, died several years earlier. Lucy and her best friend and neighbor with a passion for science are making a field guide about marine animals: Fred writes; Lucy draws. Loss, grief, and healing are deftly handled in this memorable, striking novel in which community, art, science, and love intersect.

Peter and Ernesto and other sloths lose their tree homes — destroyed by a hurricane. Their search for a new home is fraught with danger — alligators, jaguars, and more (oh my!). Finally they find a new home with a surprising roommate. Limited text and cartoons tell a raucous, silly adventure, the second story in this series. (See also: Peter & Ernesto: A Tale of Two Sloths (opens in a new window))

In spite of his canine mother’s assurances, a puppy is mistreated by people and winds up at a shelter. A boy named Patrick and his mother spend the summer — and beyond — at his grandfather’s home. How the dog who lost his bark and a boy with no friends and parents who are separating help each other heal is tenderly told and gently illustrated in this short, moving novel.

Why is the question a small rabbit asks a gentle but imposing bear. Why can’t the bear go into rabbit’s hole? Why did rabbit fall from the tree? Bear patiently answers most of the questions, but for some there are no answers. Expressive art and child-friendly text fuse seamlessly in this moving and evocative book.

A scarecrow guards his fields throughout the seasons; no animal or bird comes. But then something small drops down to forever change the lonely figure in the field. It is a baby crow who stays with the scarecrow, leaves, and then returns with its family. Glowing illustrations change with each season to enhance the touching, rhyming tale.