Disability Pride Month Book Recommendations
July is Disability Pride Month, celebrating the American Disabilities Act, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. This is a good opportunity to empower those with disabilities and celebrate the unique experiences and societal contributions of people with differing abilities. Use the books on our list to open a discussion of disabilities and allow children with disabilities to see themselves in a positive light. All of these books are available for purchase at UnionAveBooks.com
Picture Books
Ben and Emma's Big Hit by Gavin Newsom, Ruby Shamir, Alexandra Thompson (Illustrator): An empowering picture book about a young boy with dyslexia who discovers a new way to look at reading.
Can Bears Ski? by Raymond Antrobus, Polly Dunbar (Illustrator): A discovery opens new doors in a tale that will delight kids with deafness and all children learning to navigate their world.
I Will Dance by Nancy Bo Flood, Julianna Swaney (Illustrator): This poetic and uplifting picture book follows a young girl born with cerebral palsy as she pursues her dream of becoming a dancer.
A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey, Mika Song (Illustrator): A heartwarming picture book that explores the experience of autism and the power of friendship.
Best Day Ever! by Marilyn Singer, Leah Nixon (Illustrator): A sweet dog-loves-kid/kid-loves-dog story, in which the kid uses a wheelchair.
I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott, Sydney Smith (Illustrator): When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating in the way he'd like, it takes a kindly father and a walk by the river to help him find his voice.
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Cari Best, Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illustrator): This story about friendship is a great choice for young, blind/visually impaired readers and their sighted classmates.
Lucas at the Paralympics by Igor Plohl, Urska Stropnik Sonc (Illustrator): An introduction to the Paralympics.
Upper Elementary/ Middle Grade
A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold, Charles Santoso (Illustrator): The first book in a funny, heartfelt, and irresistible young middle grade series starring an unforgettable young boy on the autism spectrum.
Roll with It by Jamie Sumner: This big-hearted middle grade debut tells the story of an irrepressible girl with cerebral palsy whose life takes an unexpected turn when she moves to a new town.
Aven Green Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling, Gina Perry (Illustrator): This hilarious chapter book follows Aven Green, a spunky girl born without arms.
El Deafo by Cece Bell: What does it take for a student with hearing loss and a hearing aid to become a superhero?!
Air: A Novel by Monica Roe: An action-packed, empowering middle grade novel about a girl who has to speak up when her wheelchair motocross dreams get turned upside down.
Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly: This middle grade book follows a young deaf girl whose curiosity is piqued by the story of a whale that is unable to communicate with other whales
Aniana del Mar Jumps In by Jasminne Mendez: A powerful novel-in-verse about a 12-year-old Dominican American swimmer who is diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis.
The Storm Runner by J. C. Cervantes: Zane is thrust into an adventure full of dangerous secrets and an all-out war between the gods. To survive, he will have to become the Storm Runner, but how can he run when he can't even walk well without a cane?
Knox County Library Picks for July
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
The Daily Sniff by Jane Cabrera
Ted, a dog who gets his news each day by smelling out "The Daily Sniff," investigates when his town is overcome by an unusual odor, which turns out to be a skunk family. Ages 3-7
Sometimes It's Nice to Be Alone by Amy Hest
A celebration of the joy and comfort to be found in alone time and the joy and comfort that a friend can bring. Ages 3-7
Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca
Unable to find their rhythm, once-close twin sisters Maya and Chaya make a bet: they'll switch places at summer camp and whoever can keep the ruse going the longest will get to make a life-changing decision, which isn't as easy as it sounds. Ages 8-12
Juneteenth Book Recommendations
Juneteenth, June 19th, is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of African Americans who had been enslaved in the United States. According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Juneteenth is a holiday for people to “come together with their families and communities to express pride in Black culture and hope in a more just future. This can be a time to learn about the history of enslaved Africans and African Americans and celebrate with Black communities the uniqueness of their culture and lived experiences in the United States.”
Thank you so much to the Knoxville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc for these recommendations of books filled with diversity and positive affirmations.
Picture Books/ Elementary
Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison: “Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history. Among these women, you'll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things.” - Amazon
We All Belong: A Children's Book About Diversity, Race and Empathy by Nathalie Goss and Alex Goss: “A beautifully written and illustrated children's picture book that recognizes and celebrates the diversity in a caring group of children.” - Amazon
Adventures in the Wood by Eleonora Ferrero and Catriona Carswell: “When Alex and her parents move away from the city, she feels lonelier than ever. Then Rory the dog arrives, and everything changes. A brilliantly fun story about change, feelings, and friendship.” -Amazon
Too-Small Tyson by JaNay Brown-Wood and Anastasia Williams: “Celebrate diversity, math, and the power of storytelling! Tyson may be the smallest and youngest of five brothers, but his math skills make him a giant at saving the day when the family pet goes missing.” -Kirkus
Juneteenth: A Picture Book for Kids Celebrating Black Joy by Van G. Garrett and Reginald C Adams: “A lyrical picture book about our newest national holiday, Juneteenth follows the annual celebration in Galveston, Texas—birthplace of Juneteenth—through the eyes of a boy coming to understand his place in Black American history.” - Amazon
I'm A Little King by Sharifa Brown: “Filled with inspiring, encouraging, empowering, and positive affirmations, this book will help little black and brown boys remain true to themselves while showcasing their greatness.” - Amazon
A Library by Nikki Giovanni and Erin K. Robinson: “A lushly illustrated homage to librarians who provide a welcome and a home away from home for all who enter.” - Kirkus
Ty's Travels: Lab Magic by Kelly Starling Lyons and Niña Mata: “Science exploration, imagination, and play are highlighted in this fun story. When Ty can’t participate in a lab activity because of his age, he uses his big imagination at home. Discovering new things is so much fun!” - Amazon
Cece Loves Science and Adventure by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes: “In this STEM-themed Girls in Science picture book, Cece and her Adventure Girls troop use science, technology, engineering, and math to solve problems and earn their camping pin.” - Amazon
upper elementary
The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles and Dapo Adeola: “In the first Legendary Alston Boys mystery from Edgar Award nominee Lamar Giles, two adventurous cousins accidentally freeze time on the last day of summer, and the secrets hidden between the seconds, minutes, and hours aren't quite the endless fun they expected!” - Amazon
Josie's Hope: A Secret City Revealed by Katatra Vasquez: “A graphic novel written to recognize the historically forgotten African American residents displaced for the development of the top-secret World War II Manhattan Project in the city now known as Oak Ridge, Tennessee.” - Barnes & Noble
The Boy Who Became King: LeBron James by Anthony Curcio: “This fully illustrated picture book biography tells the story of a young boy and his loving, single mother and their struggle to make it on their own. With the help of a coach and his family, LeBron is introduced to the game of basketball.” - Amazon
Pride Book Recommendations
Pride Month is a time to celebrate love, families, and diversity. Celebrate pride and open conversations about LGBTQ+ by sharing a book with your child. Here are our top picks for board books, picture books, middle-grade, and teen books that include LGBTQ+ topics.
Thank you so much to Miriam Davis, Co-Director of the Children’s Diversity & Justice Library at TVUUC for compiling these titles for us. Nearly all these books can be borrowed from the CDJL. For more information, visit https://cdjlibrary.org/borrowcdjl.
Board Books:
Pride Colors by Robin Stevenson: A colorful rhyming book about being loved.
Being You: A First Conversation About Gender by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli: Developed by early childhood experts, this story explains what gender is, how it may change, and how it’s socially shaped.
Love Makes A Family by Sophie Beer: A simple board book showing that no matter what a family looks like, love is what makes it special.
Picture Books:
Plenty of Hugs by Fran Manushkin and Kate Alizadeh: Kirkus Reviews describes it as “ a sweet portrait of parental love.”
'Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McClintick and Juana Medina: Filled with diverse characters, this rhyming book features the excitement and history of a pride parade.
Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution by Rob Sanders and Jamey Christoph: The history of the Stonewall Riots from the point of view of the Stonewall Inn.
When We Love Someone We Sing to Them: Cuando Amamos Cantamos written by Ernesto Javier Martinez, illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez and translated by Jorge Gabriel Martinez Feliciano: A bilingual story following a young boy whose father teaches him about the tradition of using songs to express love.
My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis and Suzanne DeSimone: A story about a boy who is supported and loved by his family even though he doesn’t follow “normal” gender stereotypes.
Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer, illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown: A look at diverse families written through the viewpoint of Stella, A girl with two dads getting ready for a Mother’s Day celebration at school.
Middle Grades & Teen
Other Boys by Damian Alexander: Kirkus Reviews describes this graphic novel as “a sweet, touching, memoir of grief and loss and coming out.”
The List of Things that Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead: A funny, heart-warming story about 12-year-old Bea’s navigation of her parent’s divorce and the creation of a blended family when her dad remarries.
Rick by Alex Gino: An exploration of gender and sexuality through the eyes of a sixth grader who decides it’s time to stand up to his bully of a best friend.
Pride: An Inspirational History of the LGBTQ+ Movement by Stella Caldwell: A nonfiction book exploring the history of pride through a timeline of LGBTQ+ history around the world from ancient cultures to modern times.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz: A coming-of-age story about family, friendship, and self-discovery.
All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto: A powerful memoir exploring the intersectionality of growing up black and queer.
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin: Informative narratives of 6 transgender people from a wide range of backgrounds focusing on the diversity and complexity of gender.
Knox County Library Picks for June
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
The Library Fish Learns to Read by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Library Fish, who calls the library her home, decides it is time to learn to do what everyone around her loves doing--read. Ages 3-7
The Many Fortunes of Maya by Nicole D. Collier
Always turning to her Wheel of Fortunes, a cardboard circle covered with wisdom she's collected from fortune cookies, for answers and a dose of luck, 12-year-old Maya must find the courage to write her own fortune to answer her deep-down questions. Ages 7-12
Evergreen by Matthew Cordell
To deliver her mother's delicious soup to her sick Granny Oak, Evergreen the squirrel must face her fears and make the journey, during which she meets other forest dwellers, including some who want to get their hands on her soup! Ages 4-8
May Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Tiptoe Tiger by Jane Clarke
Help Tara the tiger cub tread quietly through the jungle so that she can make her way home to her mom and settle down for bed. Ages 2-6
Little Red Riding Hood and the Dragon by Ying Chang Compestine
A retelling of the classic story, Little Red lives in a village near the Great Wall, trains in kung fu, and must save her grandmother and village from a mighty dragon. Ages 3-7
Con Pollo: A Bilingual Playtime Adventure by Jimmy Fallon and Jennifer Lopez
Meet Pollo, a friendly little chicken who just wants to play all day in this engaging and hilarious picture book that serves young readers as an introduction to basic Spanish vocabulary. Ages 3-7
April Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
A Library by Nikki Giovanni
This ode to libraries is a celebration for everyone who loves stories, from seasoned readers to those just learning to love words, and it will have kids and parents alike imagining where their library can take them. Ages 3-7
April & Mae and the Tea Party by Megan Dowd Lambert
April and Mae are best friends (and so are their pets), but one day angry words are exchanged and they must find a way to apologize and save their friendship. Ages 5-8
The Real Dada Mother Goose by Jon Scieszka
Mother (Goose) knows best, but sometimes a little nonsense wins the day - classic nursery rhymes we know and love are turned upside-down, backwards, and even into gibberish in this hilarious reimagining inspired by the art movement of Dadaism. Ages 4-10
March Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff retold by Mac Barnett
A fractured version of the beloved story about three goats trying to cross a bridge that is being guarded by a scary troll. Ages 4-7
Stomp! by Stephanie Calmenson
Friends Ziggy the raccoon and Zak the hippo are on their way to see a show in the big city, but they are running very late. Will they make it to the show in time? Ages 4-7
The Mythics: Marina and the Kraken by Lauren Magaziner
On her tenth birthday, Marina is nervous about being paired with her familiar, a special animal friend, but she becomes even more anxious when she finds out her familiar is actually a mythical beast rather than an ordinary animal. Ages 7-10
February Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Wake Me Up in 20 Coconuts! by Laurie Keller
Two quirky characters living in an apartment building come together in this picture book that reinforces the importance of asking questions in order to better understand each other and the world around them. Ages 4-7
Miles Lewis: King of the Ice by Kelly Starling Lyons
When his friend RJ bets that Miles will wipe out at the ice rink, he is determined to prove him wrong. Ages 6-10
Bear Has a Belly by Jane Whittingham
Repetitive, rhythmic text celebrates the body parts that humans and animals have in common. Ages 0-3
January Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Set Sail for Pancakes by Tim Kleyn
When Margot and her grandpa discover they don't have the flour, milk or eggs they need to make pancakes, Grandpa has the perfect solution—they'll get on his boat and go to Chicken Island, Cow Island, and Flour Mill Island to get the ingredients. Ages 3-6
Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd
Twelve-year-old Olive, who suffers from brittle bone disease, is attending school in person for the first time in her life, but when she discovers that fitting in is not easy, she hopes the magical wish-granting hummingbird rumored to live nearby will help her. Ages 7-12
Creepy Crayon! by Aaron Reynolds
When Jasper Rabbit finds a purple crayon willing to do his schoolwork for him, he is elated—at first. Ages 4-8
December Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Heart Stones by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
When heart-shaped stones begin to wash up on the shore followed by strange magical events in town, young Gale and Celia try to solve the mystery and heal a broken community grieving after a pair of local sailors have been lost at sea. Ages 8-12
Five Hiding Ostriches by Barbara Barbieri McGrath
Told in rhyming text, five little ostriches enjoy running through the bush, but when a lion comes near they hide. Ages 2-6
Frank and Bean: Food Truck Fiasco by Jamie Michalak
At Food Truck Friday, Bean plans to sell donuts, while Frank wants to sell oatmeal—could the donuts and oatmeal work together just like the friends do? Ages 4-7
November Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
High Score by Destiny Howell
When his best friend is tormented by Lucky, a seventh-grade bully, Darius James, a con artist with a heart of gold, comes up with a plan to save his friend--and maybe the whole school--from Lucky. Ages 8-12
School Day! by Candice Ransom
Although they are in different grades, a brother and sister enjoy their first day of school together. Ages 4-7
I Am a Baby by Bob Shea
Repeating the phrase "because I am a baby," a tiny baby narrator leads readers through scenes of exhaustion, grumpiness, squishy diapers, spilled milk, cowering kittens, and chubby overfed pups (oopsie!), in this humorous story. Ages 3-7
October Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Camp Famous by Jennifer Blecher
When eleven-year-old Abby learns she will be attending summer camp, she is excited at the idea of a fresh start, but when she discovers she is going to Camp Famous, a place exclusively for famous kids like pop stars, princesses, and geniuses, her enthusiasm turns to apprehension. Ages 8-12
Together We Ride by Valerie Bolling
Told in rhyming text, a young African American girl learns to ride a bike, with the help of her father. Ages 2-7
Catastrophe by Sherri Winston
Wednesday and her service dog, Woof, are the best detectives in the whole world--or at least their neighborhood. But can they find Mrs. Winters's missing cat before her big trip? Or will the case of the cat-napped kitty be their first unsolved mystery? Ages 4-8
September Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
A Good Place by Lucy Cousins
Bee, Ladybug, Beetle, and Dragonfly are looking for somewhere to live, but every time they find what seems like the perfect spot, they soon discover it's not quite right, until they finally find a good place. Ages 2-5
Gigi and Ojiji by Melissa Iwai
Gigi can't wait for her Ojiji (Japanese grandpa) to move in, but when her plans don't work out quite the way she'd hoped, she has to find another way to connect with Ojiji. Ages 4-7
Night Frights: The Not-So-Itsy-Bitsy Spider by Joe McGee
Movie night at home turns into a night of terror for twins Tara and Travis when what appears to be a gigantic spider joins the party. Ages 8-12
August Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Moose's Book Bus by Inga Moore
When Moose runs out of stories to tell his family after dinner, he ventures to the town library for books. No sooner is he settled in at home to read them aloud than Bear, Badger, Fox, Hare, Mole, the Three Wild Pigs, and even the Beavers crowd in to listen. Soon everyone is packed in like sardines. What's a clever Moose to do? Ages 3-7
The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck by Matt Phelan
In 1783 France, ten-year-old Emile works as Benjamin Franklin's caretaker, but after he finds himself in the middle of a sinister plot, he helps France's undercover guardians, a sheep, a rooster and a duck save the world. Ages 6-11
It's a Sign by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey
One, Two, Kat, and Four want to form a club so together they figure out how to make a sign saying what their club should be called. Ages 4-8
July Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Cole Champion Is Not Super by Rebecca J. Allen
Cole Champion's lack of superpowers sticks out like a sore thumb at his school for the superpowered, until an accident puts the school in danger and none of the other students' powers can help. Ages 6-9
I Love You More Than Ice Cream by Becky Davies
An entertaining picture book celebration of the love between a child and her family follows a young girl as she is tucked in each night with smiles, hugs, and plenty of humorous comparisons to unicorns, donuts, and dinosaurs! Ages 2-5
Maizy Chen's Last Chance by Lisa Yee
Eleven-year-old Maizy Chen visits her estranged grandparents, who own and run a Chinese restaurant in Last Chance, Minnesota; as her visit lengthens, she makes unexpected discoveries about her family's history and herself. Ages 8-12
June Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Once Upon a Tim by Stuart Gibbs
With no knightly experience but plenty of pluck and an impressive vocabulary, a twelve-year-old peasant, hoping to improve his station in life, volunteers to help a cowardly prince and his not very powerful wizard rescue a princess from an evil, foul-smelling monster. Ages 7-10
Room for Everyone by Naaz Khan
Musa and his sister travel to a Zanzibar beach in a shared minibus which, despite Musa's protests, gets loaded with everything from a man and his bicycle to ten swimmers. Ages 3-7
The Great Mathemachicken: Hide and Go Beak by Nancy Krulik
A chicken hops a ride to school to see what the humans do there all day and unlocks the superpowers of math and science, which she uses to save the coop. Ages 5-8
May Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
The Lock-Eater by Zack Loran Clark
Melanie Gate, a foundling with a peculiar talent for opening the unopenable, agrees to accompany a mechanical automaton named Traveler on his quest to find a home, only to be pursued by the most dangerous wizard in the land and, along the way, discover her true powers. Ages 8-12
Busy Street by Edward Miller
Vehicles and automobiles go down the street with places to go and jobs to complete in this brightly colored book created just for beginning readers. Ages 4-7
No Bunnies Here! by Tammi Sauer
A bunny tries to convince a wolf there are no bunnies around, while bunny after bunny hops into the scene. Ages 2-6
April Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
The Think-Ups by Claire Alexander
On a rainy day, two girls with big imaginations come up with the Think-Ups game, but things quickly get out of hand in this fun lift-the-flap picture book. Ages 2-6
Just Right Jillian by Nicole D. Collier
Fifth-grader Jillian must learn to speak up and break free of her shell to enter her school's Mind Bender competition and keep her promise to her grandmother. Ages 8-12
The Puppy Problem by Laura James
Gizmo the city dog moves to the village of Puddle with his journalist human and helps his new neighbor Jilly find homes for her puppies by starting a dog newspaper. Ages 5-9
March Book Recommendations
This month, we have recommendations from Erin Nguyen, Library Children's Services Manager with the Knox County Public Library. All titles are new at the Knox County Public Library.
Starla Jean: Which Came First: The Chicken or the Friendship? by Elana K. Arnold
When Starla Jean first sees a scrawny chicken wandering around at the park, she just knows they are destined for one another. Ages 4-8
Between the Lighthouse and You by Michelle Lee
Twelve-year-old Alice Jones visits Aviles Island, where her mother disappeared long ago, and forms an unlikely friendship with Leo Mercury, who also wants to use the island's special power to contact a lost loved one. Ages 8-12
The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson
By heeding their wise grandmother's advice, a brother and sister discover the ability to lift themselves up and imagine a better world. Ages 4-8
