“New Kid” by Jerry Craft is a graphic novel that shares the drama and experiences of Seventh Grader Jordan Banks. Banks lives in a New York neighborhood. He lives amongst Black youth and enjoys his time with them. When it is time to get back to school, his parents surprise him into enrolling into a private school. This school is in a different neighborhood, and Jordan is even escorted by a wealthy classmate in their limo. As a Black teen, Banks had to adjust to the expectations of his school where his school had predominantly white students. 

He experienced bias, discrimination, and prejudice amongst his peers and teachers. Right away, he just did not fit in with students nor classmates. His teacher said that saying the word “Dawg” is not nice and that he is a human being. Whenever he challenged his teacher, she never saw his side. 

What Jordan realized was that this school required him to play in his first organized school sport. This experience gave him a new experience and insight about his school culture. Over time his attitudes remain the same and some change. This graphic novel visually shares the joys and constraints that this teen lives of living in two different worlds. 

1. New Kid, by Jerry Craft

Below are additional books where teens have to manage transitions, friendships, and self-discovery. 

2. blended, by Sharon M. Draper

3. Twins, by Varian Johnson
A Graphic Novel

4. The Usual Suspects, by Maurice Broaddus

5. Public School Superhero by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
A Graphic Novel

6. Genesis Begins Again, Alicia D. Williams

7. Ghetto Cowboy, by G_Neri
Illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson

8. For Black Girls Like Me, by Mariama J. Lockington

9. Middle School, The WORST Years of My Life,
by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts
A Graphic Novel

10. The Long Ride by Marina Budhos

Our nation is in turmoil and we need to think about the wonderful things that we have. Below is a list of books that builds discussions on acceptance, acts of kindness, gratitude, togetherness, mindfulness, and overcoming challenges for peace. We have listed books for PreK-5th grade readers about Peace. 

Pre-K-2nd Grade

1. Can You Say Peace? By Karen Katz

A picture where you can see the lives of children living in India, Africa, America, and other parts of the world. You learn what the word peace sounds in different countries. You can have a rich discussion on what peace sounds like and looks like in different countries.

2. We Share One World, by Jane E. Hoffelt

Beautiful images demonstrating the environment and lifestyles of children living in different parts of the world. Images are illustrated  to find the beauty in everyone’s community. Book is written to demonstrate how we are all connected on the planet.

3. I Am Human, by Susan Verde
A Book of Empathy

A book of affirmations about a little boy. “I find joy in friendships.” “I am a Human.”

4. Peace is an Offering, by Annette LeBox

Sharing experiences on what peace looks like. Peace can be showing gratitude, caring for insects, words one uses, and even caring for others. Many people want peace, but the author and illustrator simplify those experiences showing that peace occurs through someone’s actions and experiences.

5. All Are Welcome Here, by Alexandra Penfold

Children at school are playing during recess, in the cafeteria, in their own classroom and other parts of their school. The pictures support the message detailing “All are welcome here.” Children are from different cultures, ethnicities, religions, and physical appearances. The message is clear that no matter who you are and where you are from, you are welcome.

6. The Seed of Compassion by 14th Dalai Lam

“There are many simple ways to bring more happiness to this world.” The 14th Dalai Lam shares how he was chosen into his role and the teachings that his mother taught him. This story is for children to apply lessons on their own lives. He teaches that you must protect and nurture your seed (mind).

3rd-5th Grade

7. Grandpa Stops A War, by Susan Robeson

Paul Robeson was an actor, athlete, singer, and activist, April 9, 1898 – January 23, 1976. He was a man who stood over 6 feet tall. Robeson was unafraid to speak against white supremacy. This story demonstrates Robeson’s ability to use his gifts to change the hearts and minds of people living in turmoil. During the Spanish Civil War, Robeson traveled to Spain and visited men on the battlegrounds. On the mike, he sang and soldiers stopped fighting to hear the sound of Robeson. Robeson lived during complicated times, and believed that artists had the responsibility to speak about injustices. He used his gifts to do that.

8. Hiawatha and the Peacemaker, by Robbie Robertson

A rich narrative about an American Indian named Hiawatha. He sought revenge because  an evil Chief desecrated his home and killed his family. One morning,  a spiritual man traveled across the land carried a message called “The Great Law.” He changed the heart of Hiawatha, and he agreed to journey alongside him. Hiawatha spoke this message for the Peacemaker connecting different Nations so that tribes could form peace. Each time they visited different tribes, others joined. Hiawatha proclaimed, “Together we paddled as [one] nation.” On their visit to the evil warriors tribe, Tadodaho, the Peacemaker sought healing over darkness. So he healed Tadodaho’s body, and Five Nations were formed.

9. A Bowl Full of Peace, by Caren Selson

Story based on a true experience where a Japanese family lived before their city of Nagasaki was bombed. Before the war, food was abundant, and families gathered around Grandmother’s bowl. When war struck, food was scarce but Grandmother’s bowl still offered food to warm the family’s heart. When Nagasaki was struck, millions perished. However members  of Sachiko’s family survived and used Grandmother’s bowl to eat ice chips. Unfortunately due to radiation, Sachiko’s family members died. However, the bowl now was used to remember what happened. Despite the hardship, Grandmother’s bowl is a reminder of the times of prosperity, famine, war, and reconciliation. Sachiko tells her story to restore peace.

10. Seeds of Change by Jen Cullerton Johnson

Wangari is taught to enjoy the delicious fruits in her Kenyan Village. Wangari is a part of the Kikuyu people. During Wangari’s childhood, many girls did not attend school. However, her parents gathered the money to enroll her. When it was time for Wangari to attend secondary school, she had to leave the village and attend school in the city. Her family told her to remember the mugumo tree and to protect it. Wangari loved science and studied photosynthesis. She ended up migrating to the states to further her studies. After graduation, Wangari went back to Kenya to do something for her village. Villagers laughed at her for empowering women to work and educate themselves. However, Wangari did not stop calling her work the “Green Belt Movement.” Wangari’s movement threatened a corporation so she was jailed. Luckily her supporters on the outside fought for her freedom. Wangari eventually became a minister of the environment and continued planting trees.

11. Girl Rising: Changing the World One Girl at a Time by Tanya Lee Stone

A book about young women across the world. These girls are speaking out, protesting, and fighting for the rights to give other girls an equitable future. The author and photographers documented their stories in person to show how they live. These girls have inspiring stories that are pushing to challenge the tremendous challenges in their communities. If any of these girls solve problems, peace and hope can impact our future.

Hanukkah is a holiday celebrated in December for 8 days. The start date might change which begins each year on the 25th day of the Jewish month. This day is also spelled Chanukah. For centuries, Jewish people have had to fight for their religious freedom. Hanukkah is such a special time because they can reflect and remember the story of the Maccabees. These warriors stood up for their religion. 

Today families all across the world celebrate this holiday with food cooked with oil, light the Menorah, play games, gather, and enjoy the blessings they have. These children’s books below are a window into this celebration.

Light the Menorah!, A Hanukkah Handbook by Jacqueline Jules

A nonfiction picture book explaining what occurs on each night and what happened historically on each night of Hanukkah. This story provides a holistic explanation on why and how Jewish members celebrate during this time. Book also has recipes and crafts to celebrate this holiday. 

Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas by Pamela Ehrenberg

A family celebrates Hanukkah with dosas, mango lassi, and the Menorah. A boy’s younger sister is a climber. While the family prepares for their celebration, his little sister climbs and climbs. To get his sister’s attention, he signs a song, and she climbs down. On the day of Hanukkah, the boy and his family were locked out of their home. He was able to sing a song to his sister and she climbed into the small opened window to let them in, saving Hanukkah. 

A Hanukkah with Mazel, by Joel Edward Stein

Misha is a poor artist. One day a cat was found in his barn. Misha cared for the cat and named her Mazel. Misha did not have enough candles to light up for Hanukkah so he painted the menorah and candle lights each night of Hanukkah. Mazel became his good friend where they ate Latkes and Mazel drank milk. Misha, the artist, enjoys his Hanukkah with his new friend Mazel.

Little Red Ruthie, A Hanukkah Tale, by Gloria Koster

This treasured story of Little Red Riding Hood is written to celebrate Hanukkah. Ruthie had to take a stroll to her grandmother’s house to make Latkes for Hanukkah. On her walk, a wolf threatened to eat her, but she tricked the wolf that he could eat her after she was stuffed 8 days later after her Hanukkah meals. The wolf ended up pretending to be Ruthie’s grandmother, just like the original story. However at the end, Ruthie tricked the wolf and he was too stuffed from her latkes to eat her. 

Meet the Latkes, by Alan Silberberg

Latkes are potatoes that are grated down and fried that families eat during the Hanukkah celebration. A fictitious family of Latkes discuss the origins of Hanukkah. A grandfather tells his family why it is important to decorate the house, why he says Chanukah over Hanukkah, and most importantly why Hanukkah is celebrated. It is celebrated to commemorate the Maccabees who fought for religious freedom from a dubious king. The menorah is burned for 8 days, because the Jews who won against the king witnessed their oil lamp burning for 8 days when they did not have enough oil for 8 days. This was considered a miracle and that is how Hanukkah began. 

All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah, by Emily Jenkins

A story inspired from other books by Sydney Taylor. 

It is 1912 in New York’s Lower East Side. Gertie’s four sisters and mother prepare the meal for Hanukkah. Gertie is four and she wants to help in the kitchen. However, when everyone is stirring, grating, whipping, and mixing, Gertie watches with delight. Gertie tries so hard to help, but Mama takes her out of the kitchen because she knows Gertie cannot help. Even though Gertie is sad, she listens to her sisters preparing. When Papa gets home he surprises her and lets Gertie light the first candle on the menorah. 

The Missing Letters, A Dreidel Story by Renee Londner

Dreidels are a cultural element to the celebration of Hanukkah. Dreidel letters are personified. These letters live in a dreidel makers shop. When they are made they think that Nobody likes them because the dreidel does not stop on them. So the next day the dreidel maker discovers the letters on each dreidel are missing. To comfort his helper, he discusses why the dreidel is so significant during Hanukkah. Once the missing letters discovered their importance, they changed their minds and reappear on the dreidels. 

Hanukkah, by Rachel Grack

A nonfiction text describing how Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday. Story explains the significance of lighting the menorah, whey eating foods made with oil is significant, and more. You can get a glimpse into this wonderful celebration.