We are so excited to present our #ReadYourWorld Book Jam 2019 in conjunction with Children’s Book Council! This year we have 10 amazing authors with unique book lists to share. Each author is also doing a book giveaway!
Please welcome Vita Murrow with her list of Diverse Trailblazers: On the Quest of Self-Discovery children’s books. We are giving away 10 copies of her book, Power to the Princess. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below.
Diverse Trailblazers: On the Quest of Self-Discovery
Power to the Princess by Vita Murrow, Illustrated by Julia Bereciartu
What if princesses didn’t just grow up to marry princes? What more can we imagine for them? In this treasury of princess fairy tales, that’s just what emerges. Time old characters, magic, and discovery turn over a new leaf with contemporary values. The plot and ambitions of these princesses drive them to be strong leaders, role models, and friends. [advanced picture book in chapters, ages 5 and up]
Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu, Illustrated by Erin McGuire
This was one of the first times I saw characteristics of my own life reflected on the pages of a book. The story reinvents the Snow Queen with a modern point of access. It is a journey of heartbreak and bravery, friendship and discovery, and an exploration into how to claim one’s own narrative. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett, Illustrated by Brett Helquist
This is one of my favorite books to recommend to school age readers. I fell in love with it the moment I first read it. An adventure and mystery set against a dramatic, picturesque and moody backdrop. Readers who enjoy From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and The Westing Game will be drawn in by the realistic and diverse characters, cunning plot and a kind story of friendship. [middle grade, ages 9 and up]
Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani
I discovered this title while browsing in the library and devoured it immediately. It walks a fun line between magical fantasy and realistic fiction. It is the story of one family’s immigration story as it moves from one generation to the next. The voice, art, and color all work tougher to capture the nuance and depth at the heart of this experience. [graphic novel, ages 10 and up]
Sanity and Tallulah by Molly Brooks
If your friends describe you as funny and goofy, this book is for you. Full of whimsy, this goofball adventure features a duo that can’t be beat. These two friends go above and beyond for one another, literally. And celebrate the spirit of collaboration in new and inventive ways, illustrating how much better we can be together. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]
Bat and the Waiting Game by Elana K. Arnold, Illustrated by Charles Santoso=
A unique tale that challenges the idea of “Typical.” With a protagonist and set of friends that redefine and recast the school drama. This story impeccably balances a message of acceptance, in equal measure with a concrete tale of identity and friendship. [chapter book, ages 6 and up]
The Life and Times of Benny Alvarez by Peter Johnson
A tender story that unveils the ebb and flow of friendships as we grow. With a sweet and word obsessed protagonist. This journeyman navigates both a mythical landscape and his own social world, on a quest to answer new ponderings and new feelings. [middle grade, ages 8 and up]
Gabby Garcia’s Ultimate Playbook: Gabby Garcia, Book 1 By Iva-Marie Palmer, Illustrated by Marta Kissi
This book follows a star athlete in the making. Gabby is a confident and driven teammate. Eager to earn her place on the field. But there is more to that challenge, and to Gabby, than meets the eye. What stands out about this book is the natural and approachable sports motif suitable for any reader! [middle grade, ages 8 and up]
Power to the Princess 10 Book GIVEAWAY!
We are giving away 10 copies of her book, Power to the Princess. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below. We can only mail to U.S. addresses.
Vita is the director of a city wide literacy program in Boston where we live with our two kids. Watch us discuss our process and influences in this Candlewick Press Interview or check out Picture Book Makers great feature on us.
The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine, Wolf Mark by Joseph Bruchac, The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk.
I look for activity exposing my daughter to women that are empowering
“What are your favorite diversity books on self discovery or empowered princesses?” I learned only this past week about the nonfiction books “Tough Mothers” and “Rejected Princesses” by Jason Ponrath, and I have to look them up because they are stuffed with interesting bits of history we should all know about but don’t!
I love Shannon Hale’s Book of 1000 Days for a story of self-discovery and insights into whom we should admire and wish to emulate.