Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke

[We like this whole series]

Tippy Lemmey by Patricia C. McKissack

[Short and memorable]

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

[Gorgeous writing, moving story]

Chester Cricket’s New Home by George Selden

[Funny characters, insightful meditation on community and home]

The Bears on Hemlock Mountain by Alice Dalgliesh

[A simple story with a satisfying story arc]

Franklin Endicott and the Third Key by Kate DiCamillo

[A sweet story especially good for overthinkers]

The Great Cake Mystery by Alexander McCall Smith

[A good story, an earnest and relatable protagonist]

My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

[Quirky characters and plot line, excellent story telling]

Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales by Nelson Mandela

[A favorite of the 32 tales: “Fesito Goes to Market”]