Well, that was fun. This week Mr. Schu and I counted down our Top 20 Books of 2019. Here’s the whole list in one place.
20. Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers by Celia C. Pérez
[Kokila (Penguin) | Grades 4-7]
Because Ofelia Castillo, Aster Douglas, Cat Garcia, and Lane DiSanti are four memorable and distinct characters. -John
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19. The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison
[little bee books (Simon & Schuster) | Grades K and Up]
Because the roots of rap are deep. -Travis
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18. Why? by Adam Rex, illustrated by Claire Keane
[Chronicle Books | Grades K-3]
Because one little question can change everything. -Travis
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17. Noodlephant by Jacob Kramer, illustrated by K-Fai Steele
[Enchanted Lion | Grades K-4]
Because justice can can be delicious. -Travis
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16. Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman
[Viking (Penguin) | Grades K-2]
Because Carl has five capacious and caring hearts. -John
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15. Infinite Hope: A Black Artist’s Journey from World War II to Peace by Ashley Bryan
[Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (Simon & Schuster) | Grades 5 and Up]
Because love, creativity, and art can overcome the darkness of war. -Travis
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14. My Heart by Corinna Luyken
[Dial Books (Penguin) | Grades K-2]
Because my heart wants to give a copy to your heart. -John
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13. Guts by Raina Telgemeier
[Graphix (Scholastic) | Grades 3-7]
Because it talks about a topic that few comics are willing to talk about. -Travis
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12. Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson
[Bloomsbury | Grades 4-8]
Because Amara takes us on an interesting and inspiring tour of Harlem. -John
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11. Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
[Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (Simon & Schuster) | Grades 4-8]
Because self love can be the hardest to find. -Travis
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10. Truman by Jean Reidy, illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
[Atheneum (Simon & Schuster) | Grades K-3]
Because a small journey can still be epic. -Travis
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9. Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
[Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (Simon & Schuster) | Grades 5-9]
Because Jason Reynolds reels you in on the first page and keeps you glued to the book until the last page. -John
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8. Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
[Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan) | Grades K-2]
Because it contains the best endpapers and author’s note of 2019. -John
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7. Stargazing by Jen Wang
[First Second (Macmillan) | Grades 3-7]
Because friendship can come in unexpected ways. -Travis
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6. Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
[Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins) | Grades 3-7]
Because Jude’s poetic voice is powerful, memorable, and stays with you forever. -John
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5. Beverly, Right Here by Kate DiCamillo
[Candlewick Press | Grades 5 and Up]
Because even Beverly Tapinski can open up the suitcase of her heart.
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4. Saturday by Oge Mora
[Little, Brown | Grades K-2]
Because love is bigger than disappointment.
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3. Small in the City by Sydney Smith
[Neal Porter Books/Holiday House | Grades K-2]
Because as soon as you finish this book, you’ll want to begin it again.
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2. New Kid by Jerry Craft
[HarperCollins | Grades 3-7]
Because it’s honest and it’s hilarious – what else does a reader need? -Travis
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1. Another by Christian Robinson
[Atheneum (Simon & Schuster) | Grades K-2]
Because Christian Robinson has created a cinematic experience full of cosmic questions. -Travis & John
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