What are your kids asking you about this month? The insurrection at our U.S. Capitol might have been scary for them. How do you reassure them our government is stable and ready to move forward?
I don’t have the answers, but knowledge is power, and we’ve found books this month to inform your kids about how our government works. We also have books about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to keep his legacy alive beyond a one-day birthday celebration. Also, we have books about animals because reading should sometimes be just for fun. Enjoy!
Superheroes are Everywhere by Kamala D. Harris - This is a picture book written by our new Vice President. Vice President Harris talks about growing up loving super-heroes and learning everyone has the potential to be a hero. For ages 3-7
The Little Book of Presidential Elections: (Children's Book About the Importance of Voting, How Elections Work, Democracy, Making Good Choices) by Zack Bush and Laurie Friedman - This book explains the election process and why it is so important to our democracy. Young readers will learn step-by-step about the process of electing a president. For ages 3-10
The Little Book of Government: (Children's Book about Government, Introduction to Government and How It Works) by Zack Bush and Laurie Friedman - This book gives kids a basic and easy-to-understand introduction to government and the role it plays in our society. The authors explain important concepts like democracy, freedom, and lawmaking and offer an introduction to the role the Constitution plays in our government as well as the three branches of our government. For ages 3-10
The Positive Groundhog by Charlotte Dane – Groundhog’s friends and family are so impressed with his ability to find the positive in every situation. They are surprised when he tells them how a tip from his friend fox changed his way of thinking and allowed him to look for the good in everyone. Kids can put this philosophy into action in their own lives. For ages 3-11
Joey: The Story of Joe Biden by Jill Biden – This is a picture book about the young life of Joe Biden, the 47th Vice President of the United States and the 46th President. It includes family stories about the president-elect and former vice president’s childhood. For ages 4-8
I am Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ordinary People Change the World) by Brad Meltzer – Even as a child, Martin Luther King Jr. experienced discrimination because of the color of his skin and knew he must grow up to stand up for the rights of all African Americans. He decided to peacefully protest and started a powerful movement. This book inspires kids to find and emulate their heroes to create positive change. For ages 5-8
The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.: A Biography Book for New Readers by Christine Platt – This book explores how Martin Luther King Jr. went from being a kid with a dream to an outstanding leader who made America a better place for everyone. For ages 6-9
Black History Matters: Civil Rights Movement Heroes by L.A. Amber – This is a collection of poetry and rhymes of black leaders who fought for what is right and changed history. These stories of overcoming, encouragement, and survival by Martin Luther King Jr. and 19 other Civil Rights leaders will inspire a new generation of leaders to come forward and take up the cause for equity and equality for all people. For ages 8-12
The Fascinating Animal Book for Kids: 500 Wild Facts by Ginger Clarke - This book has full-color pictures on every page. Kids will find weird and wonderful details about Insects, Mammals, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and more. For ages 9-12
Up for Air by Laurie Morrison – Thirteen-year-old Annabelle struggles in school academically and socially, but when in swim class she’s the fastest girl in middle school. After she joins the swim team, she is enjoying her new popularity and her new set of friends. After a prank goes wrong Annabelle can no longer swim and her new friends desert her. Will her old friends come to her rescue? What lessons will Annabelle learn about friendship and self-worth? For ages 10-14
American Democracy Explained for Kids: The English Reading Tree by Keith Goodman – This informative book is packed with information and trivia and authentic images to bring the topic alive. For ages 10-17