April 2 is International Children’s Book Day! I thought I’d celebrate with recommendations for a few wonderful children’s books by amazing authors.
“Itzy the spider is tired of being called “Itzy Bitzy.” On his first day of spindergarten, Itzy decides to prove to everyone that he’s a big spider by catching his own lunch. But spinning a web is hard work, and every time Itzy gets close to catching a fly, something gets in the way—whether it’s a girl sitting on a tuffet, an old lady swallowing everything in sight, or a dangerous waterspout. Will Itzy ever get a chance to prove himself and shake his pesky nickname?”
Just Itzy by Lana Krumwiede puts a delightful spin on a childhood favorite. Mother Goose fans will appreciate the cleverness of story, and Itzy’s antics will capture the hearts of preschoolers. The illustrations by Greg Pizzoli are adorable.
“Quirky and funny second grader Ellie May can’t believe her class is allowed to celebrate April Fools’ Day—so long as it’s done in good fun. She absolutely loves the idea of targeting a certain someone—the practically perfect Ava. Practicing on her parents and sisters, Ellie May begins to brainstorm harmless pranks. Soon enough, good intentions turn the classroom and her home upside-down when fake ants, trick tape, and hidden surprises don’t go as planned. Ellie May may not be perfect like Miss-Know-it-All Ava, or calm and rational like her best friend Lizzy, but she’s good-hearted and eventually realizes that the best trick is to make friends genuinely laugh—at no one’s expense.“
Ellie May on April Fool’s Day is part of the Ellie May series by Hillary Homzie and illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler. Ellie May is will steal your heart. The book is laugh-out-loud funny. Educators will appreciate the inclusion of the history of April Fools Day and random bird facts. This chapter book is perfect for early elementary school students to read independently or as a read-aloud. Note: Ellie May also celebrates President’s Day in a different book of the series.
“As the former Colonies struggle for freedom, the American Revolution is in the hands of a brave and resourceful teenage girl. At sixteen, Susanna Bolling is like America in rebellion; she craves independence. While her brothers are off fighting for the Patriots, she longs to do more than tedious household chores and attend spinning bees in sleepy City Point, Virginia. When British General Cornwallis invades her family’s Bollingbrook Plantation, she overhears his secret plan to defeat the Patriots. Much to her shock, she finds herself at the center of the war. Now America’s fight for liberty hinges on her. But can she overcome her mother’s objections, face her own fears, and outwit the famed General and his entire Army? The TRUE story of revolutionary courage and conviction.“
Susanna’s Midnight Ride by Libby McNamee is a novel based on a true story. The men who wrote the history books chose which stories to tell and so often left out the stories of the women in history. Susanna essentially does what Paul Revere did, but gets none of his fame. I love that McNamee has taken Susanna out of obscurity with this novel. For girls grades 4 and up who crave mighty girls in history. If you’re considering buying this as a gift, check out this literary care package idea for American history buffs.
“The year is 1867, the South has been defeated, and the American Civil War is over. But the conflict goes on. Yankees now patrol the streets of Richmond, Virginia, and its citizens, both black and white, are struggling to redefine their roles and relationships. By day, fourteen-year-old Shadrach apprentices with a tailor and sneaks off for reading lessons with Rachel, a freed slave, at her school for African-American children. By night he follows his older brother Jeremiah to the meetings of a group whose stated mission is to protect Confederate widows like their mother. But as the true murderous intentions of the group, now known as the Ku Klux Klan, are revealed, Shad finds himself trapped between old loyalties and what he knows is right.“
Brotherhood by A.B. Westrick is a powerful read. It adds to the racism narrative by humanizing the “bad guy” not to justify or excuse hate crimes, but to remind us that horrible actions are not limited to evil incarnates, that “everyday people” can and have been responsible for terrible acts, and that our sense of morality is in part a product of our community. In true YA fashion, the novel ends with a breath of hope that humanity can do better. This novel is probably best for ages 13 and up, as it requires the reader wrestle with uncomfortable gray areas.
For another YA recommendation, check out this literary care package for teens.