Lower School SummerReads
Mrs. Mellin's Favorites
People and Places
Early Fiction Series
Picture Books
Recommended on Audio
2020 Award Winners from the American Library Association
At the Mountain’s Base, written by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre. An American Indian Youth Literature Honor book. These lovely watercolors echo and extend this story of a Cherokee family.
Bilal Cooks Daal, written by Aisha Saeed, illustrated by Anoosha Syed. An Asian/Pacific American Literature Award Honor book. Bilal and his neighborhood friends enjoy preparing the South Asian dish.
When Spring Comes to the DMZ, written and illustrated by Ok-Pae Lee. A Mildred L. Batchelder Award Honor book. Detailed watercolors that evoke traditional Korean painting techniques illuminate this story of a grandfather’s love of his county.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle written by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña. A Pura Belpré Award winner. Our 3rd grade students loved the energetic movement in this story of Daisy’s twilight ride through her California town, and chose it as Pike’s Mock Caldecott winner this year.
The Undefeated written by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. The Randolph Caldecott Medal winner, the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner, and a John Newbery Honor book. Powerful poetry, enriched by lush oil paintings, illuminates the Black experience in America.
A Friend for Henry written by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song. A Schneider Family Award winner. These watercolor and ink illustrations capture small moments of emotion as Henry makes friends.
Hey, Water! written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis. A Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal Honor book. A girl’s engaging “conversation” with water is the vehicle for showing its many forms, supported by bold, textured illustrations.
When Aidan Became a Brother written by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita. A Stonewall Award winner. This is a warm story about an expanding family.
The Book Rescuer: How a Mensch from Massachusetts Saved Yiddish Literature for Generations to Come written by Sue Macy, illustrated by Stacy Innerst. A Sydney Taylor Book Award winner. In this illustrated biography of Aaron Lansky, Macy and Innerst both take inspiration from Jewish culture and heritage.
Going Down Home with Daddy written by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Daniel Minter. A Caldecott Honor Book. A joyous celebration of family reunions.
Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln written by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López. A Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner. The story of Teresa Carreño, a child prodigy.
Stop! Bot! written and illustrated by James Yang. A Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner. A little boy heads out for a walk with his family and his new "bot." Soon everyone is trying to help.
ALA Youth Media Award Summaries
American Indian Youth Literature Award: honoring work by and about American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Asian/Pacific American Literature Award: honoring work about Asian/Pacific American heritage.
Mildred L. Batchelder Award: outstanding book published internationally.
Pura Belpré Award: excellent portrayal of the Latinx experience.
Randolph Caldecott Award: distinguished illustration.
Theodor Seuss Geisel Award: distinguished book for beginning readers.
Coretta Scott King Book Award: appreciation of African American culture.
John Newbery Award: distinguished writing.
Odyssey Award: best audiobook production.
Michael L. Printz Award: literary excellence in young adult literature.
Schneider Family Award: artistic expression of the disability experience.
Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal: distinguished informational book.
Stonewall Award: exceptional merit relating to the GLBT experience.
Sydney Taylor Book Award: authentic portrayal of the Jewish experience.
Ms. Spence's Favorites
Picture Books
Early Fiction Series
Author Spotlight
Nonfiction
Poetry
