Books We Love
We work with lots of amazing books and love to take the opportunity to highlight our favorites. Each month, our literacy team selects a few of our favorite books to share with our community. We will be sharing amazing books for a wide age range. We will also use this space to highlight the voices and stories of those from historically marginalized groups. You can donate any of these titles - and previous Books We Love - using our Book Wish List.
December
Ada’s Rainy Day
by Daishu Ma (Author/Illustrator), Candlewick (Publisher)
It’s raining hard, and little Ada and her pals are stuck inside. Until, that is, she spies some puddles and needs to put them to the test. “One, two, three . . . jump!” she cries. “One, two, three . . . kick! One, two, three . . . splash!” Soon Mouse, Duck, Monkey, and Lion want a go, too—and so does Elephant. “One, two, three . . . WATCH OUT!” Luckily, toweling off and snuggling under the covers is also fun! Bright colors, camaraderie, and amusing expressions make for a cozy bedtime read—one, two, three . . . good night!
Weiwei’s Winter Solstice: A Dongzhi Story
by Michelle Jing Chan (Author/Illustrator), Bloomsbury Children’s Books (Publisher)
It's Dongzhì, the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. Weiwei's family has moved to a new place, where instead of hummingbirds, palm trees, and chrysanthemum bushes, all she sees is a blanket of snow. This frozen place feels nothing like home.
But Dongzhì is all about finding warmth through togetherness, even in the depths of winter. With her family by her side, maybe Weiwei can do more than just endure the cold.
Like the chickadees that sing and the méihua that bloom, can she open her heart and embrace the season?
Informational back matter provides further context about the holiday and its history, along with a recipe for tang yuan, a traditional Dongzhì treat.
Good Old-Fashioned Korean Spirit
by Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada (Author), Amanda Lafrenais (Illustrator), Penguin Workshop (Publisher)
Acclaimed creators Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada are back with a lightly creepy yet hilarious young adult graphic novel about first love and friendship—perfect for fans of Huda F Cares and Pumpkinheads.
A World Worth Saving
by Kyle Lukoff (Author), Dial Books (Publisher)
A NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST • A groundbreaking, action-packed, and ultimately uplifting adventure that intertwines elements of Jewish mythology with an unflinching examination of the impacts of transphobia, from Newbery Honor winner Kyle Lukoff.