2021 Summer Reading List

Hey Black Child
Author: Useni Eugene Perkins
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
“Hey, Black Child” brings the classic inspirational poem written by Useni Eugene Perkins to life.
This lyrical, empowering poem celebrates black children and seeks to inspire all young people to dream big and achieve their goals.
Ages: 0-2
Price: $7:35

My Heart Fills With Happiness
Author: Monique Gray Smith
Illustrator: Julie Flett
Sun on your face. Something baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This gorgeous picture book reminds us to cherish joyful moments.
Ages: 0-2
Price: $10.07

One Love
Author: Cedella Marley
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
One love, one heart, let’s get together and feel all right: Adapted from one of Bob Marley’s most beloved songs, One Love brings the joyful spirit and unforgettable lyrics to life for a new generation. Readers will delight in dancing to the beat and feeling the positive groove of change when one girl enlists her community to help transform her neighborhood for the better. It’s a testament to the amazing things that can happen when we all get together with one love in our hearts..

A is for Awesome! 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World
Author: Eva Chen
Illustrator: Derek Desierto
Do you know what’s better than one amazing woman? Over two dozen of them.⠀
This book features 23 dynamic women that changed the world. It provides a brief fact and quote by each woman. From Beyonce to Nina Simone and Malala to Wu Zetian, there is inspiration for every young leader.
Ages: 1-3
Price: $7.35

Baby Goes to Market
Author: Atunike
Illustrator: Angela Brooksbank
When mama and baby shop in a very crowded West African food market, curious baby captures the attention of various food sellers and is able to collect items along the way. With each treat he receives, he eats one and puts the rest in mama’s basket, unbeknownst to her. Watch what happens!
This is a great counting and early subtraction book!

Hey Baby! A Baby's Day in Doodles
Author: Andrea Pippins
Follow a baby throughout the day, from napping to snacking to playing–and everything in between! High contrast, lively illustrations combine with gorgeous, colorful photographs to showcase the warmth and tenderness between a mommy and her baby. This affectionate look at babyhood is sure to appeal to new parents and grandparents, who will recognize their own little one in the pages.
Ages: 0-3
Price: $8.27

Follow Your Dreams Little One
Author/illustrator: Vashti Harrison
“Follow your dreams, little one/There’s so much good you can do” The companion book to Dream Big, Little One, Vashti Harrison tells little readers about Black Americans who used their gifts and talents to change the world. From Langston Hughes to Thurgood Marshall, this board book features 18 legends that inspire us all.

Kiss by Kiss: Ocêtôwina: A Counting Book for Families
Author: Richard Van Camp
illustrator: Mary Cardinal Collins
“One kiss, two kiss, three kiss, four”. This dual language (English/Plains Cree) book uses loving families to reinforce counting for little ones.
Ages: 0-2
Price: $9.15

Whose Knees Are These?
Author: Jabari Asim
illustrator: Leuyen Pham
“I’ve searched the world and seven seas. Never have I seen such charming knees.”
This delightful book celebrates a baby’s sweet knees. Enjoy the search to find out whose knees are these.

Antiracist Baby
Author: Ibram X. Kendi
illustrator: Ashley Lukashevsky
Take your first steps with Antiracist Baby! Or rather, follow Antiracist Baby‘s nine easy steps for building a more equitable world.

Solar System With Ellen/El Sistema Solar Con Ellen
Author: Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein
illustrator: Citali Reyes
Text in English and Spanish brings our youngest bookworms on a trip through outer space with Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut.
Ages: 2-3
Price: $9.19

I Love You, Baby Burrito
Author: Angela Dominguez
With a mix of both English and Spanish languages, this book takes you through the act of swaddling a newborn
Ages: 2-5
Price: $17.47

I Love You, Baby Burrito
Author: Julie Flett
This book shows the interconnectedness between kids and nature. Watch animals play throughout the woods and gently be reminded of the actions of kids-kimêtawânaw mîna (We play too). The back features Cree words for each animal.
Ages: 0-7
Price: $16.51