Koncocoo

Best Children's Girls & Women Books

Rosie Revere, Engineer
When her great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes for a visit and mentions her one unfinished goal--to fly--Rosie sets to work building a contraption to make her aunt's dream come true. But when Great-Great Aunt Rose shows up for an extended stay sporting a red polka-dotted scarf à la Rosie the Riveter, she regales her niece with stories of her experiences building airplanes during World War II. She wistfully declares, “The only thrill left on my list is to fly!/But time never lingers as long as it seems./I'll chalk that one up to an old lady's dreams.” This is an itch that Rosie has to scratch, so she sets about designing a unique contraption to help her aunt take to the skies.
Reviews
"With an engaging story that kept her attention and illustrations you could look at over and over again, I found myself reading with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes as Rosie battled her fear of failure to do great great things."
"She had fears, had setbacks, lost confidence for awhile, until someone showed her that even her so called “failures” are just opportunities to learn and do things better the next time."
"Rosie the Riveter, the original female who can get the job done and smash gender stereotype is re-introduced in a younger version of a science savvy girl who is equipped to deliver what is needed in today's world."
"And it was worth the wait- she loves this book and the others by Andrea Beaty."
"I bought this for my three year old girls and at first they weren't super interested, but they recently really took notice of all of the neat little details in the book illustrations."
"My little girl loves that the little blond looks like her and we talk about the message of the book each time we read it."
"Such a good lesson for all kids, but especially young girls, and I love that it encourages interest in science and math."
"Illustrations are great, but more importantly, I love the story/message."
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She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World
Chelsea Clinton introduces tiny feminists, mini activists and little kids who are ready to take on the world to thirteen inspirational women who never took no for an answer, and who always, inevitably and without fail, persisted . In this book, Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted. “We cannot wait for the launch of Smart Girl Chelsea Clinton’s new book to help remind kids everywhere that the fearlessness that characterizes the thirteen women in the book is what has emboldened us to constantly strive for progress and justice.” —Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls. “[ She Persisted ] will remind little girls that they can achieve their goals if they don’t let obstacles get in the way.” — Family Circle. “We cannot wait for the launch of Smart Girl Chelsea Clinton’s new book to help remind kids everywhere that the fearlessness that characterizes the thirteen women in the book is what has emboldened us to constantly strive for progress and justice.” —Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls.
Reviews
"However Asian American women are missing from the diversity of the book."
"Jump started the use of the word persisted with our child and ways to work through difficulties."
"Gift for my 6 year old niece... her mom was really happy and thought it was a great book to have."
"My 7 year old daughter loves reading nonfiction and this is the perfect book for her to read about strong women."
"My son is already saying “she persisted” as I read it to him."
"Daughter likes it."
"A great book for girls."
"Great for introducing subjects you've never considered talking to your kids about."
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Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash. Vashti Harrison earned her MFA in Film/Video from CalArts and BA from the University of Virginia.
Reviews
"The delightful illustrations replete with a short biography of 40 trail blazing black women who made great contributions in every sphere: academia; art, economics; entertainment; film; letters; science; social causes and space travel. Oprah Winfrey, known for her long running talk show and her recent acquisition of Weight Watchers as well as her own magazine and TV channel and a plethora of social products such as a school for girls in Africa is also in this book."
"This book needs to be in every child's library, every library and should be shared and shared."
"So excited to share this book with the children in my life."
"Absolutely BEAUTIFUL book."
"Excellent stories about excellent women."
"Great book for young female African American readers."
"Love this. Book!"
"Beautiful illustrations and great information!"
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Best Children's Soccer Books

The Flea - The Amazing Story of Leo Messi
The captivating story of soccer legend Lionel Messi, from his first touch at age five in the streets of Rosario, Argentina, to his first goal on the Camp Nou pitch in Barcelona, Spain. Michael wrote the critically acclaimed The Flea - The Amazing Story of Leo Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo - The Rise of a Winner, Neymar The Wizard, The Pope Who Loves Soccer, and his much anticipated new book, Balotelli The Untold Story to be published by Sole Books in September, 2015.
Reviews
"Bought this for my friend's son for his 8th birthday."
"My nephew doesn't enjoy reading, but I bought this for him and he seemed to actually want to read!"
"Great gift for my boys."
"10 year old boy loved it."
"Purchased as a gift for a very picky nephew."
"13 yo daughter loved it but read it in 2 days."
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Best Children's American History of 1900s

Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History . . . and Our Future! (City Lights/Sister Spit)
"The very first kids' book released by the iconic publishing house City Lights, Rad American Women A-Z navigates the alphabet from Angela Davis to Zora Neale Hurston with colorful illustrations and short, powerful narratives. Like all A-Z books, this one illustrates the alphabet—but instead of "A is for Apple", A is for Angela—as in Angela Davis, the iconic political activist. B is for Billie Jean King, who shattered the glass ceiling of sports; C is for Carol Burnett, who defied assumptions about women in comedy; D is for Dolores Huerta, who organized farmworkers; and E is for Ella Baker, who mentored Dr. Martin Luther King and helped shape the Civil Rights Movement. And the list of great women continues, spanning several centuries, multiple professions, and 26 diverse individuals. There are artists and abolitionists, scientists and suffragettes, rock stars and rabble-rousers, and agents of change of all kinds. By offering a fresh and diverse array of female role models, we can remind readers that there are many places to find inspiration, and that being smart and strong and brave is rad. Pre-school and young children will be captured by the bright visuals and easily modified texts, while the subject matter will stimulate and inspire high-schoolers and beyond. Women need to take radical steps to become feminists, and to be strong to fight for their rights and those of others facing oppression and discrimination. One woman represents each alphabetical letter beginning with Angela Davis, an activist, teacher, and writer, and concludes with Zora Neale Hurston, an anthropologist and writer.
Reviews
"We read a page of this each night before bed."
"I bought this as a christmas gift for my daughter and have loved reading it with her."
"I bought this book for a friend of mine who was expecting a little girl."
"Super fun, colorful, engaging and interesting book for kids who want to learn more about amazing women in history."
"Fabulous book, a great gift idea for women of all ages."
"Wonderful book with great message for girls."
"Fun, interesting book!"
"great gift for a young girl, too bad we didnt learn a more balanced history growing up...this can hellp."
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Best Children's American History of 2000s

Five Epic Disasters (I Survived True Stories #1)
Read their incredible stories: The Children’s Blizzard, 1888. The Titanic Disaster, 1912. The Great Boston Molasses Flood, 1919. The Japanese Tsunami, 2011. The Henryville Tornado, 2012. Gr 2–5—Tarshis retells the stories of five natural disasters, including the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, the Children's Blizzard of 1888, and the Henryville Tornado in 2012, from the third-person perspective of a young person who survived each of the events.
Reviews
"Enjoyed this book and I think my 9 yr old great-nephew will enjoy also."
"We like how they are all in one book instead of having separate books for each story."
"Historical fiction that captures the attention of the elementary reader."
"I know some of the material matter may be dark, or hard, for some kids, but he likes history and learning about others."
"awesome book for my students!"
"My son Carter is 8 years old and we LOVE to read the I survived series together."
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Best Children's American History of 1800s

Locomotive (Caldecott Medal Book)
The Caldecott Medal Winner, Sibert Honor Book, and New York Times bestseller Locomotive is a rich and detailed sensory exploration of America’s early railroads, from the creator of the “ stunning ” ( Booklist ) Moonshot. The substantial text is delivered in nonrhyming stanzas as enlightening as they are poetic: the “smoke and cinders, / ash and sweat” of the coal engine and the Great Plains stretching out “empty as an ocean.” Blasting through these artful compositions are the bellows of the conductor (“FULL STEAM AHEAD”) and the scream of the train whistle, so loud that it bleeds off the page: “WHOOOOOOO!” Font styles swap restlessly to best embody each noise (see the blunt, bold “SPIT” versus the ornate, ballooning “HUFF HUFF HUFF”).
Reviews
"I loved the cadence of this book... it was just the right rhythm to correspond to the rolling rumbling train. The imagery was so wonderful and you really felt like you were there on the long trip. The fact that this book held the attention of my kids despite its length says it all. I do plan to purchase this book... but I wanted to throw my review in the pot immediately!"
"I bought this book for my two year old."
"Yes, some information is beyond his age but he retains and learns it anyway."
"This books exudes quality. To describe the book itself."
"I bought this book for my 3 year old not really knowing the story but knowing that it's an award winning book with great reviews."
"My six-year-old and I had also just read the true and rather brutal story of a pioneer girl who took a wagon train across the country, which made the contrast in travel particularly vivid."
"When he plays with his train set now, he incorporates vocabulary as well as actions that the book uses. Our babysitter thought he was saying words from a song since the passages are so rhythmic."
"It will elicit questions from children about families of the past too."
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Best Children's Western American Historical Fiction

Old Yeller (Perennial Classics)
When his father sets out on a cattle drive for the summer, fourteen-year-old Travis is left to take care of his family and their farm, and he faces new, unanticipated and often perilous responsibilities in the wilderness of early fronteir Texas. When a novel like Huckleberry Finn, or The Yearling, comes along it defies customary adjectives because of the intensity of the respouse it evokes in the reader.
Reviews
"On the other hand it's a "coming of age" story about a boy who's left in charge of the ranch, while Pa goes on a cattle drive to Kansas, and the stray dog that wanders into their lives and changes everything. Fred Gipson, the author, was born on a farm in the Texas Hill Country where he often worked as a farmer and rancher before attending college for a degree in journalism and becoming a full time writer, as a result much of the narrative is based on his personal, first hand, experience."
"Classic story which will play well with boys, at least from my perspective, but I suspect anyone who has fond memories of life on a farm with a dog as a child will like the book, too."
"I love books about dogs."
"I got this book for my 13 year old son who doesn't like to read books, but when he started reading it, he got hooked on it and loved it."
"Loved the movie and was delighted with the book, it had a few twists I did not know about and made the story great reading."
"My two grandsons loved this and plan on passing it on down to their little sister and other brother."
"Great classsic read."
"Classic movie."
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Best Children's Boys & Men Books

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul
Greg Heffley and his family hit the road in author-illustrator Jeff Kinney's latest installment of the phenomenal bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Will the Heffley family make it home?
Reviews
"We loved this as a family."
"Great series-Introduced it to my teens years ago and passed them down to my 8 year old."
"It really surprised me it is one of the best Diary of a Wimpy Kid books I have ever read."
"My 9 year old really enjoys reading this series."
"Excellent choice for boys or girls between the ages of 8 and 12 depending on reading level."
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Best Children's Emotions Books

The Day the Crayons Quit
Kids will be imagining their own humorous conversations with crayons and coloring a blue streak after sharing laughs with Drew Daywalt and New York Times bestseller Oliver Jeffers. This story is perfect as a back-to-school gift, for all budding artists, for fans of humorous books such as Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Sciezka and Lane Smith, and for fans of Oliver Jeffers' Stuck , The Incredible Book Eating Boy , Lost and Found , and This Moose Belongs to Me. Praise for The Day the Crayons Quit Amazon’s 2013 Best Picture Book of the Year. Move over, Click, Clack, Moo ; we’ve got a new contender for the most successful picture-book strike.” – BCCB , starred review. * “This colorful title should make for an uproarious storytime.” – School Library Journal , starred review. * “These memorable personalities will leave readers glancing apprehensively at their own crayon boxes.” – Publishers Weekly , starred review. The conceit is an enticing one, and although the crayons’ complaints are not entirely unique (a preponderance centers around some variation of overuse), the artist’s indelible characterization contributes significant charm. A final spread sees all things right, as Duncan fills a page with bright, delightful imagery, addressing each of the crayons’ issues and forcing them into colorful cooperation.
Reviews
"That's because I used them to light the fire used to heat all the food you dropped on the floor during dinner and then fed it to your little sister because, as you know, we don't waste food around here. No matter your age, you will identify with the characters, they will probably remind you of your family, your coworkers and your friends. In case you're wondering, some of my other favorites are: The Three Little Pigs, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Small Pig, Where the Wild Things Are, I Want My Hat Back, Pete The Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, We're Going on A Bear Hunt, The Cat in the Hat."
"She loves to have books read to her, but this is one of the only times my short-attention-span kid has asked for the same book twice in a row and the first time a book as inspired such a burst of creativity."
"Our older grandsons have a lot of fun voicing the letters written by "Red", who even has to work on holidays (i.e. coloring Santas, Valentines), "Purple" is going to "completely lose it" if Duncan doesn't start coloring inside of the lines soon, "Beige" (who is "BEIGE and PROUD!"). ), who claims to be very happy with his work, congratulates Duncan on his coloring career, but wants to inform him of the bickering between "Yellow" and "Orange" over who gets to be the color of the sun, with "Yellow" and "Orange" writing separate letters each stating their case along with documented proof, "Blue" is overworked and now just a stub who can't even see over the box railing any longer, "Pink" believes she's experiencing discrimination because she's "a girls' color", while "Peach" is completely unwrapped ("I don't even have any underwear!"). But the amazingly colorful picture Duncan creates - allowing each crayon to stretch beyond their typical usages - ends up earning him an A for coloring and an A+ for creativity!"
"My young one loves it and frequently asks for the "crayon book" but the humor is perfect for older kids and parents too."
"Gave this to my four-year-old great niece who loves to draw, for Christmas."
"Awe a book that is simply close to my heart."
"Great book."
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Best Children's Manners Books

Walter the Farting Dog
A children's beloved classic, this story will have kids rolling on the floor with laughter. When Father reaches the limit of his patience with Walter's flatulence, he decides the pooch is once again pound-bound, despite Betty and Billy's pleading. Poor Walter knows his days are numbered and "He resolved to hold in his farts forever." That very night, two burglars break into Walter's family's house, and (you can see where this is going) Walter gasses the burglars with a "hideous cloud" that forces them to drop their loot and run into the clutches of the police officers, "choking and gasping for air." The next morning Father and Mother discover Walter has saved the day--or at least their silverware and VCR. Fans will be pleased to discover the next book Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale .). Audrey Colman's highly stylized illustrations, imbued with a surreal, Monty Pythonesque collage look, are as absurdly comical as this silly story that is purely powered by natural gas. I was very excited because I was a big fan of Kotzwinkle's (not-for-children) book, Dr. Rat , about the wretched reality of the lives of laboratory animals.
Reviews
"I bought this and the little Walter the Farting Dog stuffed animal and Grandson just loves it."
"This book about Walter's farting, brought one of my patients who felt he had very little to look forward to after a near fatal accident, left us both in hysterical laughter as I attempted to read the book to him."
"I bought this as a gift for my grown children."
"bought this as a gag gift and it was hilarious."
"Gift for my grandson who is almost four."
"Cute story."
"Such a funny book and the whole family loves reading it and getting a good laugh from Walter's adventure."
"Everyone laughs at this one!"
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Best Children's Friendship Books

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Illustrated Edition (Harry Potter, Book 2)
But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike. She has written three companion volumes in aid of charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (in aid of Comic Relief), and The Tales of Beedle the Bard (in aid of Lumos), as well as a film script inspired by Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them . She has received many awards and honors, including an OBE for services to children’s literature, France’s Légion d’honneur, and the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
Reviews
"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"If you're an adult and have not read this series before (even if you've seen the movies), I encourage you to read the books. Whether it's the originals or these, the series is sure to be one of the best you've read and much better than the movies, of course."
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Best Children's Self-Esteem Books

Wonder
Over 6 million people have read the #1 New York Times bestseller WONDER and have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. "Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy . More than that, Wonder touches the heart in the most life-affirming, unexpected ways, delivering in August Pullman a character whom readers will remember forever. Entertainment Weekly: "In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can't help but root for." The New York Times: "Rich and memorable...It's Auggie and the rest of the children who are the real heart of 'Wonder,' and Palacio captures the voices of girls and boys, fifth graders and teenagers, with equal skill." The Wall Street Journal : "What makes R.J. Palacio's debut novel so remarkable, and so lovely, is the uncommon generosity with which she tells Auggie's story…The result is a beautiful, funny and sometimes sob-making story of quiet transformation.”. - Patricia Reilly Giff , two-time Newbery honor-winning author of Lily's Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods. Starred Review, Publishers Weekly : “Few first novels pack more of a punch: it's a rare story with the power to open eyes--and hearts--to what it's like to be singled out for a difference you can't control, when all you want is to be just another face in the crowd.” Starred Review, Booklist : “Palacio makes it feel not only effortless but downright graceful, and by the stand-up-and-cheer conclusion, readers will be doing just that, and feeling as if they are part of this troubled but ultimately warm-hearted community.”. Starred Review, School Library Journal : "Palacio has an exceptional knack for writing realistic conversation and describing the thoughts and emotions of the characters...A well-written, thought-provoking book. ".
Reviews
"I'm a 54 year old grandfather who served in the Marine Corps (just for a little context). Palacio...I can't believe how she so accurately and consistently pegs human nature."
"The most emotional moment for me came toward the end of the book when Auggie's father tells him that he loves the way Auggie looks, because that it exactly how my husband and I feel about our son."
"Author R.J. Palacio writes the book in multiple voices -- Auggie's, some of his friends', his sister's -- and the different points of view are mostly very well-realized and show the inner feelings of the different characters."
"There are so many things we forget that are important and R.J.Palacio gently reminds us as we learn from Angie, his hard-won friends, and his spectacular family."
"I rarely see a movie after I've read the book because the movie is not usually as good."
"He was born with facial defects that have been treated with many surgeries, but he remains obviously and strikingly unusual."
"Awesome book."
"The book is the story of a severely deformed boy told from his perspective, his family members and friends as he tries to make it in the fifth grade in a normal school after years of studying at home."
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Best Children's Special Needs Books

Wonder
Over 6 million people have read the #1 New York Times bestseller WONDER and have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. "Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy .
Reviews
"I'm a 54 year old grandfather who served in the Marine Corps (just for a little context). Palacio...I can't believe how she so accurately and consistently pegs human nature."
"The most emotional moment for me came toward the end of the book when Auggie's father tells him that he loves the way Auggie looks, because that it exactly how my husband and I feel about our son."
"Author R.J. Palacio writes the book in multiple voices -- Auggie's, some of his friends', his sister's -- and the different points of view are mostly very well-realized and show the inner feelings of the different characters."
"There are so many things we forget that are important and R.J.Palacio gently reminds us as we learn from Angie, his hard-won friends, and his spectacular family."
"Oh well, I have to say that this book will be the best choice for ESL student and people who are hopeless."
"I rarely see a movie after I've read the book because the movie is not usually as good."
"He was born with facial defects that have been treated with many surgeries, but he remains obviously and strikingly unusual."
"Awesome book."
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Best Children's Bullies Issues Books

Wonder/365 Days of Wonder Boxed Set
Over 6 million people have read the #1 New York Times bestseller Wonder— the book that inspired the Choose Kind movement — and have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. -- The New York Times Book Review. Praise for 365 Days of Wonder : She lives in New York City with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.
Reviews
"I'm a 54 year old grandfather who served in the Marine Corps (just for a little context). Palacio...I can't believe how she so accurately and consistently pegs human nature."
"The most emotional moment for me came toward the end of the book when Auggie's father tells him that he loves the way Auggie looks, because that it exactly how my husband and I feel about our son."
"Author R.J. Palacio writes the book in multiple voices -- Auggie's, some of his friends', his sister's -- and the different points of view are mostly very well-realized and show the inner feelings of the different characters."
"There are so many things we forget that are important and R.J.Palacio gently reminds us as we learn from Angie, his hard-won friends, and his spectacular family."
"Oh well, I have to say that this book will be the best choice for ESL student and people who are hopeless."
"I'm a Special Needs teacher and I love how this book teaches "typical kids" to accept someone who looks different in their school; it makes the child who's different feel special as well."
"She loved seeing the movie after she had finished reading the book and she’s already the next book in the series, ”Auggie and Me.”."
"I was very moved by this book, and feel like I want everyone I know (including all three of my kids) to read it."
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Best Children's Peer Pressure Books

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 3: When Nature Calls (Volume 3)
Join 12 year old Zombie and all of his school friends, as they prepare to go on a Spring break "scarecation."
Reviews
"My 9-year old grandson loves this book!"
"Great little series that my 7 year old loves to read more than once."
"Since the 25th my ADHD son has read all three."
"My 7 year old grandson read these out loud to me from cover to cover with enthusiasm!"
"It's difficult to find anything that a 7 year old boy wants to sit still long enough to read."
"Bought this book set for my 13-year old minecraft zombie, and I was highly disappointed in the reading level of the books."
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Best Children's Tolerance

I Am Jazz
The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere "This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. "A terrific and timely book that explains to kids what it means to be transgender and—more importantly—that reminds kids our similarities are much more important than our differences. “ I Am Jazz is honest, inspiring, and beautiful—but its greatest strength is it never apologizes for being different.”—Brad Meltzer, New York Times bestselling author of I Am Amelia Earhart.
Reviews
"She threw “I Am Jazz” into the pile, and like every other book we checkout, I didn’t give it a glance or a thought. What a wonderful introduction into the world of “different but the same.”. Themes of acceptance and self-worth will always be winners in my house."
"Cheers to Jazz, who knows who she is, for her bravery in sharing that truth with those around her, and most of all for sharing that experience with the rest of us!"
"I bought this book for my ftm boyfriend who is also a psychology major and absolutely enjoyed it."
"Not only did my little girl find it comforting that someone else felt the same way, but you also helped her friends and family understand."
"While I Am Jazz is an important book for introducing children to the concept of transgender, I was disappointed to see that "girlness" was equated to princesses, pink, and mermaids in this text."
"Wonderful book!"
"Bought for an advanced/gifted five year old, who occassionally watches the show with her mother."
"As a 68 year old transgender woman I wish books like this were in all classrooms from K to 2."
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Best Children's Social Skills

Giraffes Can't Dance
But an encouraging word from an unlikely source shows this glum giraffe that those who are different "just need a different song," and soon he is prancing and sashaying and boogying to moon music (with a cricket accompanist). With this rhyming, poignant (in a cartoonish way) tale, Giles Andreae, author of Rumble in the Jungle , and numerous other picture books, shows insecure young readers that everyone can be wonderful, even those that march to the beat of a different cricket.
Reviews
"And I want him to be able to see that it's possible too, because I know sometimes it can be hard, especially when you're in therapy all the time and therapy is all about what's not going well and what's not going like normal, so I truly think this book has great value especially for kiddos who may struggle to do things the way other people "normally" do."
"I first read this book in a toddler book club when I was a nanny, I now read this book to my own children."
"It's a good 'moral of the story' type book (being that sometimes you just have to find your own groove) but I wasn't a fan of how they got there."
"I think this book is fun and I enjoy reading it."
"The rhymes are lovely (except for a slight break in rhythm on the very last one), the pictures are fun and full of great detail, and the story about finding oneself and not succumbing to peer pressure and stereotypes is great and important! And here I think the book misses a great opportunity to emphasize the value of friendship, empathy, and helping others."
"Adorable story, and love it in the smaller board book version as it is much easier for a young child to hold."
"Being a board book it will withstand a toddlers demands to have it read to them over and over or being looked at by your favorite little boy or girl by themself."
"My kids like this story."
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Best Children's Books on First Day of School

Llama Llama Misses Mama
But then it’s time for Mama to leave. Will Mama Llama come back? Activities for Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney. Her passion for creating extended to home and garden and she lovingly restored an 18th century farmhouse in southern Vermont.
Reviews
"We started reading "Llama Llama Misses Mama" after my daughter had a bad first day at preschool to facilitate a conversation about her feelings. She loved the story, but FIVE WEEKS into preschool she was still crying (loudly) for an HOUR each day. She was making friends and said that she liked preschool, but her crying was so disruptive that we were getting to the point that we needed to remove her from school. Everyday she followed the exact same pattern as Llama. Eventually, she started eating snacks with the kids too and now she is a totally happy preschooler. Make the bed and find some clothes. Brush the teeth and blow the nose. (skip the crying pages). Llama's teacher is so proud! At preschool llama never needs to fuss. ... and keep the rest of the story :). I hope this helps anyone who is having the same trouble as us!"
"I only wish it came in board book format since my toddler isn't exactly old enough to be careful with paper pages yet."
"I had read him a number of books about what to expect at school but had neglected the emotional aspect of it."
"I bought these books for my daughter 12 years ago and have gifted them to every child for baby showers, birthdays, holiday presents, ANY TIME I can."
"This book really helped during my daughters first year of preschool."
"Also deals with an issue lots of kids have of being left by their mom at school."
"These books are so cute!"
"After I read the book to my daughter she walked around the house saying "I hate this, and I hate that" because in the book it says, "llama llama hates that book!""
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Best Children's School Issues

Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7)
And most recently, The New York Times called Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows the “fastest selling book in history.” This is the ultimate Harry Potter collection for Harry Potter fans of all ages! Newbery Medal winner Nancy Willard has written numerous beloved books for children and adults, including poetry, picture books, and novels.
Reviews
"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"If you're an adult and have not read this series before (even if you've seen the movies), I encourage you to read the books. Whether it's the originals or these, the series is sure to be one of the best you've read and much better than the movies, of course."
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Best Children's Multiculturalism

I Love My Hair!
This whimsical, evocative story about a girl named Keyana encourages African-American children to feel good about their special hair and be proud of their heritage. Carolivia Herron's Nappy Hair (Knopf, 1997) and Alexis De Veaux's The Enchanted Hair Tale (HarperCollins, 1991) treat the same subject well, but this book has a simpler text that can be used both as a read-aloud to a group or on a mother's lap. ?Judith Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Reviews
"I love these type of books for my 8 year old!"
"Very good book for young little girls of color!"
"Daughter loves this book great self confidence builder...."
"My daughter loves this book and so do I we could both relate to it !"
"I read it in my daycare,the kids loved the story."
"Excellent read my granddaughter love this book."
"So much meaning in just the title alone!"
"As the mother of a two year old black girl I know I have to start early with the lessons on unconditional self love & this book is a great start."
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