Children's

Senator Sarah McBride is now the first openly transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives!

A nonfiction picture book about Sarah McBride, who dreamed of making a difference as a kid and grew up to become the highest-ranking openly transgender political official in America.

As a kid, Sarah McBride dreamed of running for office so she could help people in her community. When her friends asked for bicycles for Christmas, Sarah asked for a podium. Her friends and family encouraged her to follow this path, but there was one problem: they saw Sarah as a boy, and Sarah knew she was a girl. Every night, she’d replay the day in her head, watching how it would have played out if she was able to live as the girl she knew herself to be.

In college, she finally came out as Sarah, and in 2024 she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, making her the highest-ranking trans political official in the country and a hero to kids everywhere who want to live their dreams and be themselves!

By: Ben Kahn (Author), 2023, Hardcover

Ferris Bueller's Day Off meets Gamer Girl for middle grade in this hilarious, heartfelt story about a non-binary kid trying to figure out who they are at home, at school, and in the fandom that changed their life.

All Elle Campbell wants to do is meet their hero, non-binary icon Nuri Grena. Well, okay, they'd like a bit more than that -- they'd like to learn how to do cat eye makeup, for queen bee Casey to stop critiquing their outfits, and for the finale of Elle's favorite show to have been less terrible. But meeting Nuri means the most of all.

So when Elle learns that Nuri is coming to town for book signing on Saturday, Elle is thrilled. It's the perfect chance to meet their hero! Elle's never been happier since they came out as non-binary, but they have a lot of questions -- questions only Nuri can answer.

But Elle's dreams are dashed when an altercation with a surly substitute teacher lands Elle in Saturday detention. Elle is ready to give up until their two best friends come up with a plan to bust them out of school. A plan so outrageous, it just might work.

Yet that's just step one. The kids also have to make their way across town with no money, no phones... and no driver's licenses. But they refuse to give up -- even if that means "borrowing" scooters from elementary school loan sharks, or winning a laser tag tournament with a cash prize.

Comic-author Ben Kahn makes their middle grade debut with this zany, heartfelt love letter to friendship, John Hughes movies, and the power of accepting who you are . . . even when there's no set map for where you're going.

By: Jodi Dee (Author), 2025, HardcoverMyles is an average thirteen-year-old boy until one day, Sally Munson shows up with purple pants on that look like a Halloween costume. As classmates tease and make fun of her, Myles starts to see these negative words as fireballs of energy being thrown at Sally. He finds himself in the middle of a war zone invisible to everyone but him!

In a suspenseful, supernatural tale of self-discovery and friendship with constant, unexpected twists and turns, Myles tries to understand his newfound superpower. He not only learns about the energy exchange between humans but the energy of all things.

Myles and his friends discover the new ZS phone is stealing people's energy. Follow Myles as he navigates this new reality and works to stop the theft of this energy with the help of his friends.

"A universal delightful tale for young readers that retains the wholesome nature of this vulnerable age, without profane language, sex, or gory violence."

"A creative and unique story that changes the way the reader will see how negative words and actions matter, even to a stranger. A reminder that knowing oneself and kindness matters, and how we are all affected by what others say and do."

"Destined to be a middle-grade favorite, a teacher's middle school pick."

A supernatural, paranormal tale with beings from beyond, superpowers, telekinetics, and more. 

Grades 4th through 8th

Middle school, middle grade, teachers pick

Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body liberation should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud board book series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.

Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven picture book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery to introduce the concept of BODY LIBERATION. This book serves to celebrate the uniqueness of your body and all bodies, and addresses the unfair rules and ideas that currently exist about bodies. It ends with motivational action points for making the world more fair for all!

While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.

These books offer a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.

By: Jason Gruhl (Author), Ignasi Font (Illustrator), 2019, Hardcover, Picture Book

A magical meditation on the powerful idea that we are connected to everything and everyone.

Playful illustrations and funny, rhyming text show readers all of the many ways we are linked to every big, small, hairy, slimy, snuggly, scaly, floppy, flappy, bristly, buzzy, beautiful creature on Earth.


Everything is connected. And since you are part of everything,
you are connected to everything:
 
to pharaohs, Ben Franklin, T. Rex, ancient Greece, to love and to poverty, hunger and peace!

Everything is . . .

MAMA!

Jimmy Fallon, one of the most popular entertainers in the world and NBC's Tonight Show host, was on a mission with his first children's book to have every baby's first word be DADA. And it worked! A lot of babies' first words were DADA. However, everything after that was MAMA.

So take a lighthearted look at the world from your baby's point of view as different animals try to teach their children that there are other words in addition to MAMA for familiar objects and activities.

By: Laura Gehl (Author), Joshua Heinsz (Illustrator), 2019, Board Book

"This book encourages kids to practice self-acceptance and embrace all kinds of play in a lighthearted and cheerful way." --School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

This rhyming picture book encourages children to celebrate their individuality and lets them know that it's okay to play with whatever toys they want to!

Girls perform to fairy songs.
Boys play football all day long.

Boys yell, "Boo!" and run away.
Girls like kittens and ballet.

Except when they don't.

Children are often told by many different people about what toys they're supposed to play with, what interests they should have, and who they should be simply because of their gender. This stereotype-breaking book invites children to examine what they're told "boy" and "girl" activities are and encourages them to play with whatever they want to and to be exactly who they are! This book is published in partnership with GLAAD to accelerate LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance.

By: Melissa Marr (Author), Marcos Almada Rivero (Illustrator); 2024; Hardcover; Picture Book

Celebrate the many wonderful ways families are unique and chickens are adorable!

On the way to school, Little Chick notices all the other kids are traveling with a mom or a dad, a big brother or a big sister. Little Chick doesn’t have a dad or siblings. He has two moms. His friend asks: Want to borrow a bear brother? No! Little Chick likes being an only chick. Although he’s fascinated to see that some families swim together and some fly, some have teeth and some have beaks, he’s happy to be a chicken—and to be right where he’s meant to be—with the family that loves him.

By: Loryn Frantz (Author, Illustrator, Cover Art), 2019, Board Book

Meet Feminist Baby Boy in this follow-up to the New York Times bestseller by two-time Emmy Award-winning author Loryn Brantz!

Feminist Baby shoots for the sky,Feminist Baby knows it's OK to cry!

Feminist Baby Boy loves learning, loves being himself, and knows the importance of being in touch with his feelings. This witty and important board book celebrates the joys of modern childhood while teaching that feminism is for everyone.

By: Jules Machias (Author), 2022, Hardcover

*2023 Rainbow List Book*

Jules Machias, author of Indie Next List Pick Both Can Be True, delivers another inspiring story about how an unexpected friendship transforms the lives of two middle schoolers.

Avery Hart lives for the thrill and speed of her dirt bike and the pounding thump of her drum kit. But after she’s diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a disease that affects her joints, Avery splits her time between endless physical therapy and worrying that her fun and independence are over for good.

Sarah Bell is familiar with worry, too. For months, she’s been having intense panic attacks. No matter how much she pours her anxiety into making art, she can’t seem to get a grip on it, and she’s starting to wonder if she’ll be this way forever.

Just as both girls are reaching peak fear about what their futures hold, their present takes a terrifying turn when their school is seemingly attacked by gunmen. Though they later learn it was an active shooter drill, the traumatic experience bonds the girls together in a friendship that will change the way they view their perceived weaknesses—and help them find strength, and more, in each other

By: Josh Coleman (Author), Shimanto Das (Illustrator), 2024, Hardcover

"Finding My Rainbow: A Journey of Courage, Acceptance, and Pride" is a poignant and uplifting tale set in the small town in Alabama, that follows the journey of a young boy named Josh as he navigates the complexities of growing up, discovering his identity, and seeking acceptance. In a community where certain truths are not openly discussed, Josh grapples with understanding and embracing his sexuality in the face of societal expectations and norms.

With the backdrop of lush landscapes, from jasmine-scented evenings to the serene hum of cicadas, Josh's story is one of inner turmoil and external pressures, but also of immense courage and the pursuit of self-acceptance. As Josh finds solace in his diary, confides in his supportive cousin Stacey, and eventually opens up to his family, he embarks on a transformative journey that challenges him to confront his fears and embrace who he truly is.

Through Josh's eyes, readers are invited into a deeply personal narrative that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of unconditional love. "Finding My Rainbow" is not just Josh's story-it's a call to action for understanding, empathy, and support for LGBTQ+ youth navigating their own paths to acceptance. This book aims to inspire readers of all ages with its message of hope, reminding us that we all deserve to live our truth and find our rainbow. Suitable for readers aged 8 to 13, this story touches hearts and minds, encouraging a more inclusive and accepting world.

In winter, spring, summer, and fall, Frog and Toad are always together. From sledding in winter to eating ice cream on hot summer days, these two friends have fun the whole year round!

Frog and Toad All Year is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

The beloved classic Frog and Toad stories by Arnold Lobel have won numerous awards and honors, including a Newbery Honor, a Caldecott Honor, ALA Notable Children’s Book, Fanfare Honor List (Horn Book), School Library Journal Best Children’s Book, and Library of Congress Children’s Book. The series has also been adapted into a Broadway Musical and an Emmy-nominated animated series on Apple TV+.

By: Arnold Lobel (Author), 2003, Paperback

Celebrate the power of friendship in these five adventurous stories starring Frog and Toad—a Caldecott Honor Book! 

From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other—just as best friends should be.

Frog and Toad Are Friends is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

New York magazine's The Strategist chose Frog and Toad Are Friends as one of the "Best (Nonobvious) Baby Books to Bring to a Shower." As The Strategist stated: "The stories are just so hilarious and entertaining (and moving) that they really hold the imagination of a tiny tot. The illustrations are incredible, too."

The classic Frog and Toad stories by Arnold Lobel have won numerous awards and honors, including a Newbery Honor (Frog and Toad Together), a Caldecott Honor (Frog and Toad Are Friends), ALA Notable Children’s Book, Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book), School Library Journal Best Children’s Book, and Library of Congress Children’s Book.

A great value! Four complete Frog and Toad stories PLUS a detachable sheet of stickers! 

Celebrate the power of friendship with all four of the beloved Frog and Toad I Can Read stories by Arnold Lobel in one volume—now with a sticker sheet!

This 9x9 hardcover treasury includes the complete art and text from four classics: Frog and Toad Are Friends, Frog and Toad Together, Frog and Toad All Year, and Days with Frog and Toad.

Share the adventures of best friends Frog and Toad as they fly a kite, resist the temptation of cookies, and search for a lost button. No matter what kind of situation they find themselves in, one thing is certain: Frog and Toad will always be together.

The classic Frog and Toad stories by Arnold Lobel have won numerous awards and honors, including a Newbery Honor (Frog and Toad Together), a Caldecott Honor (Frog and Toad Are Friends), ALA Notable Children’s Book, Fanfare Honor List, School Library Journal Best Children’s Book, and Library of Congress Children’s Book.

This compilation was originally published as Frog and Toad Storybook Collection.

The beloved classic about friendship—a Newbery Honor Book!

Frog and Toad are best friends—they do everything together. When Toad admires the flowers in Frog's garden, Frog gives him seeds to grow a garden of his own. When Toad bakes cookies, Frog helps him eat them. And when both Frog and Toad are scared, they are brave together. School Library Journal called this story collection from Arnold Lobel "a masterpiece of child-styled humor and sensitivity."

Winner of the Newbery Honor award, Frog and Toad Together is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

The classic Frog and Toad stories by Arnold Lobel have won numerous awards and honors, including a Newbery Honor (Frog and Toad Together), a Caldecott Honor (Frog and Toad Are Friends), ALA Notable Children’s Book, Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book), School Library Journal Best Children’s Book, and Library of Congress Children’s Book.