Want more book suggestions for young readers? Find Global Reading Challenge book lists from previous years. The book is so good, we dare you to be able to put it down halfway. The book is so long, you only have to read the first half for Global Reading Challenge.
Why did we pick it? This is a whole new magical world to explore, and Amari is everything you could want in a hero. AlstonĪmari’s summer is about to be full of the most amazing things she never expected, and possibly some answers about what happened to her missing brother. If you don’t like a fright, you might skip it, but if you enjoy that sense of relief that comes from a good scare that ends when you close the cover, we highly recommend it. Why did we pick it? Some of us like to read scary books, and this one is terrifying! Ellen Oh also does a tremendous job weaving traditional Korean beliefs from her heritage into the book and telling a story that you just don’t want to put down. What terrifying things will Harper find there? It’s too bad her grandmother, a Korean Shaman known as a Mudang, can’t see through the darkness that hangs over the island. Harper Raine is back, and her family is going on a special Caribbean vacation. Spirit Hunters: Island of Monsters, by Ellen Oh Great representation for people who have been here from early settler times. We also loved that Mei is Chinese American and is more interested in girls than boys. We loved the Pacific Northwest connection to the logging camp and that the book tackles the hardships caused by the Chinese Immigration Act. Why did we pick it? Imaginative, empowering historical fiction does not come around that often. The camp is sent into an uproar when racist pressure from the logging company forces the camp director to fire her dad. Set in the Sierra Nevadas in 1885: Chinese American Mei tells amazing stories, has a crush on her best friend, Maggie, and works as a cook with her father at a logging camp. Historical fiction/legends, graphic novel, 290 pages Tip! The e-book and e-audiobook versions of this book are available for instant download! The Legend of Auntie Po, by Shing Yin Khor Stef does a lot of soul searching to decide what matters to her rather than caring about her image at school. Why did we pick it? So much heart! We loved Stef’s family and we loved Tía Perla. The City is putting in new restrictions on food trucks, and Stef must help her Papi navigate them, or decide to let Tía Perla go. Stef has a love-hate relationship with her family’s taco truck, Tía Perla. Stef Soto, Taco Queen, by Jennifer Torres This book is set in Britain, so it’s also a peek into a different culture. Why did we pick it? Great illustrations that remind us of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” and Omar, like Zayd Saleem and J.D., has a great sense of humor. Omar’s big imagination helps him makes friends when his Muslim family moves to a new neighborhood, and he starts a new school. Planet Omar, Accidental Trouble Magnet, by Zanib Mian
We loved his adventures on the court and in the orchestra. Why did we pick it? Zayd is hilarious, and so is his loving family. (This was previously a Global Reading Challenge title.) Zayd Saleem struggles to sneak in basketball practice when he should be at orchestra in his contemporary Pakistani American family. We also loved the illustrations! Power Forward, by Hena Khan
J.D.’s strong opinions on hairstyles and fearless use of the clippers to help his friends is inspiring. Why did we pick it? It’s funny, empowering, and based on a true story. teaches himself how to create great hair and begins an entrepreneurial adventure. In a semi-autobiographical story set in Mississippi, third grader J.D. The author is known for promoting Indigenous viewpoints in video games and that comes through very clearly. Why did we pick it? We loved the mash-up of traditional Anishinaabe stories and Alice in Wonderland, and we loved Aimée’s bright, brave spirit. On a field trip for Indigenous youth, they fall through into another dimension. Rabbit Chase, by Elizabeth LaPensée Rabbit Chaseįantasy/Anishinaabe culture, graphic novel, 108 pagesĪimée is experiencing bullying for their nonbinary and Anishinaabe identities in school. And three of the books are available in Spanish.įind out more about the Global Reading Challenge at spl.org/GRC. Global Reading Challenge books will also be distributed at participating Seattle Public Schools, so check with your school librarian. You can also check out digital copies with your Library Link account. We’ve included links to the books in our catalog, so you can easily put a hold on a copy with your Library card.