The Night Gardener : a scary story by Jonathan Auxier

Irish orphans Molly, fourteen, and Kip, ten, travel to England to work as servants in a crumbling manor house where nothing is quite what it seems to be, and soon the siblings are confronted by a mysterious stranger and secrets of the cursed house. Request this book.

The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Eleven-year-old Corinne must call on her courage and an ancient magic to stop an evil spirit and save her island home. Request this book.

Doll Bones by Holly Black

Zach, Alice, and Poppy, friends from a Pennsylvania middle school who have long enjoyed acting out imaginary adventures with dolls and action figures, embark on a real-life quest to Ohio to bury a doll made from the ashes of a dead girl. Request this book.

Scary Stories for young foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker

A collection of six connected stories that follows a group of fox kits as they fight to survive in an unforgiving wilderness. Request this book.

Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh

Harper doesn’t trust her new home from the moment she steps inside, and the rumors are that the Raine family’s new house is haunted. Harper isn’t sure she believes those rumors, until her younger brother, Michael, starts acting strangely. She knows that the memories she’s blocking will help make sense of her brother’s behavior and the strange and threatening sensations she feels in this house, but will she be able to put the pieces together in time? Request this book.

The House in Poplar Wood by K.E. Ormsbee

The Vickery twins, Lee and Felix, live in a house in Poplar Wood, where, because of the “Agreement,” their mother serves Memory, and their father assists Death, and only Lee is allowed to leave the house, except for Halloween; but when a local girl is murdered, Gretchen Whipple, daughter of the mayor, offers the boys a deal–help her solve the crime and she will help them break the Agreement, and regain their freedom. Request this book.

City of ghosts by Victoria Schwab

Ever since her near-fatal drowning, Cassidy has been able to pull back the “Veil” that separates the living from the dead and see ghosts, not that she wants to, and she was really looking forward to a ghost-free summer at the beach; however her parents are going to start filming a TV series about the world’s most haunted places. Request this book.

Hoodoo by Ronald L. Smith

In 1930s Alabama, twelve-year-old Hoodoo Hatcher is the only member of his family who seems unable to practice folk magic, but when a mysterious man called the Stranger puts the entire town at risk from his black magic, Hoodoo must learn to conjure to defeat him. Request this book.

Nightlights by Lorena Alvarez

When a mysterious girl appears at school and learns of Sandy’s drawings, that she creates from the tiny stars that appear in her room at night, Morfie’s fascination soon turns into something sinister. Request this book.

The Witches : the graphic novel by Roald Dahl

A young boy and his Norwegian grandmother, who is an expert on witches, together foil a witches’ plot to destroy the world’s children by turning them into mice. Request this book.

The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids’ mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals. Request this book.

Suee and the Shadow by Ginger Ly

Meet Suee: twelve years old, wears her hair to the left in a point, favors a black dress, has no friends, and she likes it that way! When Suee transfers to the dull and ordinary Outskirts Elementary, she doesn’t expect to hear a strange voice speaking to her from the darkness of the school’s exhibit room, and she certainly doesn’t expect to see her shadow come to life. Request this book.

Slappy’s Tales of Horror adapted and illustrated by Dave Roman, Jamie Tolagson, Gabriel Hernandez, and Ted Naifeh

A collection of short graphic novels featuring characters from famous “Goosebumps” stories includes “Ghost Beach,” in which two siblings investigate a local legend and discover a terrible secret about their family. Request this book.

Graveyard Shakes by Laura Terry

Katia and Victoria are sisters and scholarship students at a private boarding school. After a big fight, Katia runs away from school. And when Victoria goes looking for her, she accidentally tumbles into the underworld of a nearby graveyard. It’s inhabited by ghosts and a man named Nikola, who’s preparing a sinister spell that’s missing one key ingredient. Request this book.

The Girl from The Well by Rin Chupeco

Okiku has wandered the world for centuries, freeing the innocent ghosts of the murdered-dead and taking the lives of killers with the vengeance they are due, but when she meets Tark she knows the moody teen with the series of intricate tattoos is not a monster and needs to be freed from the demonic malevolence that clings to him. Request this book.

The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass

Sixteen-year-old Jake Livingston sees dead people everywhere. But he can’t decide what’s worse: being a medium forced to watch the dead play out their last moments on a loop or being at the mercy of racist teachers as one of the few Black students at St. Clair Prep. Both are a living nightmare he wishes he could wake up from. Request this book.

Into the Grey by Celine Kiernan

Set in Ireland in the early 1970s, this story stars twin brothers Patrick and Dom Finnerty, who have their world turned upside down when their house and all they possess is burned to the ground. Displaced, the family moves into their summer seaside cottage. Suffering from horrible nightmares, the boys’ bond of brotherly love is put to the test when they discover that the “goblin-boy” is not just a dream. Request this book.

A Taste for Monsters by Matthew J. Kirby

In 1888 seventeen-year-old Evelyn Fallow, herself disfigured by the phosphorus in the match factory where she worked, has been hired as a maid to Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man–but when the Jack the Ripper murders begin she and Merrick find themselves haunted by the ghosts of the slain women, and Evelyn is caught up in the mystery of Jack’s identity. Request this book.

The Ghost Collector by Allison Mills

After her mother’s death, Shelly, who helps lost souls transition into the next world, begins to bring the ghosts home and hide them in her room. Request this book.

Sam & Dave dig a hole by Mac Barnett 

Sam and Dave are on a mission. A mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find . . . nothing. Yet the day turns out to be pretty spectacular after all. Attentive readers will be rewarded with a rare treasure in this witty story of looking for the extraordinary — and finding it in a manner you’d never expect. Request this book.

The buddy bench by Patty Brozo

A school playground can be a solitary place for a kid without playmates; in one survey, 80 percent of 8- to 10-year-old respondents described being lonely at some point during a school day.  Patty Brozo’s cast of kids brings a playground to raucous life, and Mike Deas’s illustrations invest their games with imaginary planes to fly, dragons to tame, and elephants to ride.  Request this book.

Rita & Ralph’s rotten day by Carmen Agra Deedy

Rita and Ralph live on neighboring hills and they are best friends, until a silly accident while goofing around ends up with both of them angry and unhappy–and they both need to find a way to heal the break in their relationship. Request this book.

A day so gray by Marie Lamba

Once you start to notice, colors and reasons for gratitude are everywhere, and that changes everything! Celebrate the hues and comforts of a cozy winter day as a discontented girl at first notices only dull grays and browns in a snowy landscape but is coaxed by her friend to look more closely. Soon she finds orange berries, blue water, purple shadows, and more. Warm friendship and a fresh way of seeing things transform a snow-covered landscape from bleak to beautiful! Request this book.

Julián at the wedding by Jessica Love

Julián and his abuela are going to a wedding. Better yet, Julián is in the wedding. Weddings have flowers and kissing and dancing and cake. And this wedding also has a new friend named Marisol. It’s not long before Julián and Marisol set off for some magic and mischief of their own, and when things take an unexpected turn, the pair learns that everything is easier with a good friend by your side. Request this book.

Evelyn Del Rey is moving away by Meg Medina

Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela’s best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today–not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it’s time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. Request this book.

The day Saida arrived by Susana Gómez Redondo

Two girls forge a forever-friendship by learning each other’s language. The Day Saida Arrived demonstrates the power of language to build bonds beyond borders. Request this book.

Bilal cooks daal by Aisha Saeed

Six-year-old Bilal is excited to help his dad make his favorite food of all-time: daal! The slow-cooked lentil dish from South Asia requires lots of ingredients and a whole lot of waiting. Bilal wants to introduce his friends to daal. They’ve never tried it! As the day goes on, the daal continues to simmer, and more kids join Bilal and his family, waiting to try the tasty dish. And as time passes, Bilal begins to wonder: Will his friends like it as much as he does? Request this book.

Lions & liars by Kate Beasley

Fifth-grader Frederick is sent to a disciplinary camp where he and his terrifying troop mates have just started forging a friendship when they learn a Category 5 hurricane is headed their way. Request this book.

The sky at our feet by Nadia Hashimi

Jason has just learned that his Afghan mother has been living illegally in the United States since his father was killed in Afghanistan. Although Jason was born in the US, it’s hard to feel American now when he’s terrified that his mother will be discovered — and that they will be separated. Request this book.

You go first by Erin Entrada Kelly

Charlotte, twelve, and Ben, eleven, are highly-skilled competitors at online Scrabble and that connection helps both as they face family issues and the turmoil of middle school. Request this book.

Strange birds : a field guide to ruffling feathers by Celia C. Pérez

After Ofelia, Aster, Cat, and Lane fail to persuade a local girls club to change an outdated tradition, they form an alternative group that shakes up their sleepy Florida town. Request this book.

Liar & spy by Rebecca Stead

Seventh-grader Georges adjusts to moving from a house to an apartment, his father’s efforts to start a new business, his mother’s extra shifts as a nurse, being picked on at school, and Safer, a boy who wants his help spying on another resident of their building. Request this book.

Click’d by Tamara Ireland Stone

After spending the summer at coding camp, Allie Navarro is excited to share the app she built with her friends, until it starts to cause problems between them. Request this book.

Save me a seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan

Ravi has just moved to the United States from India and has always been at the top of his class; Joe has lived in the same town his whole life and has learning problems–but when their lives intersect in the first week of fifth grade they are brought together by a common enemy (the biggest bully in their class) and the need to take control of their lives. Request this book.

Harbor me by Jacqueline Woodson

When six students are chosen to participate in a weekly talk with no adults allowed, they discover that when they’re together, it’s safe to share the hopes and fears they have to hide from the rest of the world. Request this book.

Be prepared by Vera Brosgol 

A misfit girl and her brother attend summer camp, where they struggle with primitive plumbing, snobby tentmates, and boys-versus-girls competitions. Request this book.

New kid by Jerry Craft

After his parents send him to a prestigious private school known for its academics, Jordan Banks finds himself torn between two worlds. Request this book.

A hole new world by Pat + Jen from PopularMMOs

An accidental trip into the underworld sends Pat and Jen on an adventure, but their attempts to flee puts them face-to-face with the most evil villain of all, Evil Jen. Request this book.

Click by Kayla Miller

When a school variety show leaves Olive stranded without an act to join, she wonders why all of her friends have already formed their own groups without her. Request this book.

The cardboard kingdom by Chad Sell

Follows the adventures of a group of neighborhood children who create costumes from cardboard and use their imagination in adventures with knights, robots, and monsters. Request this book.

The big break by Mark Tatulli

Russ’s friendship with Andrew disintegrates when Russ gets a girlfriend, leaving the video they are making without an ending, but a close encounter with the legendary Jersey Devil brings them back together. Request this book.

How to spot a sasquatch by J. Torres

Out on a camping trip with the Junior Rangers, Jay feels like the odd one out. He’s determined to get a photo of Bigfoot–but none of his friends believe Bigfoot exists. Meanwhile, Sass the Sasquatch and her curious forest friends are playing practical jokes on the campers. Request this book.

Alien Nate by Dave Whamond

Nate’s on a mission to Earth from the planet Vega. His goal: eat pizza! Luckily, soon after he crash-lands on Earth he meets Fazel, who helps him create a disguise, learn the ways of Earthlings and, most importantly, stuff himself with pizza! Request this book.

Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega

Shortly before Halloween, Lucely and her best friend, Syd, cast a spell that accidentally awakens malicious spirits, wreaking havoc throughout St. Augustine. Together, they must join forces with Syd’s witch grandmother, Babette, and her tubby tabby, Chunk, to fight the haunting head-on and reverse the curse to save the town and Lucely’s firefly spirits before it’s too late. Request this title

Mañanaland by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Twelve-year-old Max, who loves the legend Buelo tells him about a mythical gatekeeper who can guide brave travelers on a journey into tomorrow, sets out on a dangerous quest to discover if he is true of heart and what the future holds, armed with a treasured compass, a mysterious stone rubbing, and Buelo’s legend as his only guides. Request this title.

The Dragon Slayer : Folktales from Latin America by Jaime Hernandez

How would a kitchen maid fare against a seven-headed dragon? What happens when a woman marries a mouse? And what can a young man learn from a thousand leaf cutter ants? Famed Love and Rockets creator Jaime Hernandez asks these questions and more as he transforms beloved myths into bold, stunning, and utterly contemporary comics. Request this title.

Imagine by Juan Felipe Herrera

When Juan Felipe Herrera was very young, he picked flowers, helped his mama feed the chickens, slept under the starry sky, and learned to say goodbye to his amiguitos each time his migrant family moved on. When he grew up, Juan Felipe Herrera became a poet. Request this title.

Lucía the Luchadora by Cynthia Leonor Garza

When the boys on the playground tell her that girls can’t be superheroes, Lucía is discouraged until her abuela reveals to her the power of the luchadoras. Request this title.

Octopus Stew by Eric Velasquez

Ramsey dons his superhero cape to rescue Grandma from the huge octopus she is trying to cook–or is he simply telling a story? Includes author’s note on the story’s origin and a recipe for Octopus stew. Request this title.

Bravo! : Poems about amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle

Musician, botanist, baseball player, pilot–the Latinos featured in this collection, Bravo!, come from many different countries and from many different backgrounds. Celebrate their accomplishments and their contributions to a collective history and a community that continues to evolve and thrive today! Request this title.

Otter goes to school by Sam Garton

When Otter starts a school, Teddy becomes sad because the other students are all good at something and it seems he is not. Request this book.

Mission: back to school : top secret information by Susan Hood ; illustrated by Mary Lundquist

Imagined in the form of a secret agent’s set of instructions, Mason and other children negotiate the first day of school. Request this book.

School’s first day of school by Adam Rex ; pictures by Christian Robinson

It’s the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone’s just a little bit nervous, especially the school itself. Request this book.

I got the school spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison ; illustrated by Frank Morrison

As a new school year begins, a young girl is filled with school spirit as she zips her book bag shut, rides the bus, enjoys her classes, and eagerly anticipates the next day. Request this book.

The pigeon has to go to school! words and pictures by Mo Willems

The pigeon must go to school, but frets about math, learning the alphabet, heavy backpacks, and what the teacher and other birds will think of him. Request this book.

My first day of school by Alyssa Satin Capucilli ; photographs by Jill Wachter

Beginning readers can learn what to expect on the first day of school. What will it be like? You will meet the teacher and new friends. You will sing songs, play, learn, and so much more! Request this book.

Class pet mess! by Dan Gutman ; pictures by Jim Paillot

Alexia is delighted when Mr. Cooper brings in Bob, a hognose snake, as class pet, but when Bob keels over, is Andrea’s toy poodle or Alexia’s neglect to blame? Request this book.

Daniel plays at school adapted by Daphne Pendergrass 

Daniel Tiger and Miss Elaina learn to compromise when they want to do different things while playing together and receive Teacher Harriet’s gentle encouragement to try to fix the problem themselves. Request this book.

Tony Baloney : school rules by Pam Muñoz Ryan ; illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham

It is the first day of school for Tony Baloney, the macaroni penguin, and he wants to follow all the class rules, but Tony has a way of finding trouble. Request this book.

Mouse loves school by Lauren Thompson ; illustrated by Buket Erdogan

Hiding inside a backpack, Mouse spends the day at school, discovering colors, letters, numbers, and his favorite thing–friends. Request this book.

Welcome to unicorn school by Pip Bird ; illustrated by David O’Connell

In Pip Bird and David O’Connell’s laugh-out-loud illustrated chapter book Dave the Unicorn: Welcome to Unicorn School, Mira is excited about attending the school–until she’s paired with a very un-unicorny unicorn. Request this book.

The School for the Insanely Gifted by Dan Elish

Eleven-year-old musical genius Daphna Whispers embarks on a global journey to find her missing mother, only to uncover a shocking secret about the Blatt School for the Insanely Gifted where she is a student. Request this book.

Two dogs in a trench coat go to school by Julie Falatko ; illustrated by Colin Jack

Sassy and Waldo are good dogs, who keep their house safe (from squirrels, mostly), and worry about their boy, Stewart, who always comes home from school smelling of anxiety; so the two dogs come up with a plan to help him–they will dress up in a trench coat and attend school, posing as a new student, to find out just what is bothering Stewart. Request this book.

The fabled fifth graders of Aesop Elementary School by Candace Fleming

Throughout their fifth-grade year, a group of rambunctious students learns fable-like lessons from extraordinary activities, singing hamsters, and eccentric teachers, led by the inimitable Mr. Jupiter. Request this book.

Scary School by Derek the Ghost ; scary pictures by Scott M. Fischer

Describes a year at Scary School, where werewolves, zombies, and humans mingle and the teachers range from dragons to vampires. Request this book.

A crack in the sea by H.M. Bouwman

Pip, a young boy who can speak to fish, and his sister Kinchen set off on a great adventure, joined by twins with magical powers, refugees fleeing post-war Vietnam, and some helpful sea monsters. Reserve this book.

Stella Díaz never gives up by Angela Dominguez

Stella is excited to visit the ocean on her family trip to Mexico, but when she learns that the sea and its life forms are in danger due to pollution, she vows to make a difference in her community. Reserve this book.

Race to the bottom of the sea by Lindsay Eagar

When her parents, the great marine scientists Dr. and Dr. Quail, are killed in a tragic accident, eleven year old Fidelia Quail is racked by grief. But she is forced out of her mourning when she’s kidnapped by Merrick the Monstrous, a pirate whose list of crimes stretches longer than a ribbon eel. Her task? Use her marine know-how to retrieve his treasure, lost on the ocean floor.  Reserve this book.

Fish by Gregory Mone

Eleven-year-old Fish, seeking a way to help his family financially, becomes a reluctant cabin boy on a pirate ship, where he soon makes friends–and enemies–and is asked to help decipher clues that might lead to a legendary treasure. Reserve this book.

A whale of the wild by Rosanne Parry

For Vega and her family, salmon is life. And Vega is learning to be a salmon finder, preparing for the day when she will be her family’s matriarch. But then she and her brother Deneb are separated from their pod when a devastating earthquake and tsunami render the seascape unrecognizable. Vega must use every skill she has to lead her brother back to their family. Reserve this book.

Secret sisters of the salty sea by Lynne Rae Perkins

Alix and her older sister, Jools, have never been to the ocean. When their parents take them to spend a week by the shore, Alix is nervous about leaving home–but excited, too. At the beach, the sisters make friends, go exploring, and have adventures big and small. Reserve this book.

Everything awesome about sharks and other underwater creatures! by Mike Lowery

Uncover a wealth of weird, wacky, and wild facts about sharks and underwater creatures, told in Mike Lowery’s signature, acclaimed comic style with bright and energetic artwork, fresh framing devices, and hilarious jokes. Reserve this book.

Ocean! : waves for all! by Stacy McAnulty

Dude. Ocean is incredible. Atlantic, Pacific, Artic, Indian, Southern–it’s all excellent Ocean! Not part of any nation, his waves are for all. And under those waves, man, he holds so many secrets. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Ocean in this next “autobiography” in the Our Universe series. Reserve this book.

Otis and Will discover the deep : the record-setting dive of the Bathysphere by Barb Rosenstock

A biographical account of engineer Otis Barton and naturalist Will Beebe’s record-setting descent into the deep ocean in their Bathysphere craft, making the men the first humans to witness deep sea creatures in their natural habitat. Reserve this book.

Where are the Galapagos Islands? by Megan Stine

The Galapagos Islands are a chain of volcanic islands located on either side of the equator in the Pacific Ocean. The isolated location of the islands has allowed a vast number of species to develop that are original to each island. Reserve this book.

In the ocean by Jennifer Szymanski

Dive into the waves and under the sea to meet the unique, amazing, and totally weird creatures that call the ocean home! Reserve this book.

The big book of the blue by Yuval Zommer

An animal fact book includes trivia on the creatures of the sea, detailing their physical characteristics, life cycles, and behaviors. Reserve this book.

Little blue house beside the sea by Jo Ellen Bogart ; art by Carme Lemniscates

The little blue house could be overlooking any ocean, and the narrator could be any child anywhere, gazing out over the waters, thinking about all the places she could go and imagining other little blue houses on other shores, with other children gazing back. Reserve this book.

Rocket says clean up! by Nathan Bryon ; illustrated by Dapo Adeola

While visiting her grandparents, who run whale-watching tours in Jamaica, Rocket sees first-hand how plastic is harming ocean creatures, and organizes a crew to clean up the local beach. Reserve this book.

Misunderstood Shark : friends don’t eat friends by Ame Dyckman ; illustrated by Scott Magoon

Bob, host of Underwater World with Bob, is furious with Shark, not only because Shark ate him (admittedly bad manners), but because Shark will not even admit what he did; the ocean may not be big enough for both of them–unless Shark faces up to his bad behavior. Reserve this book.

Off to see the sea by Nikki Grimes ; pictures by Elizabeth Zunon

The faucet flows like a waterfall, the bathroom floor is a distant shore, toy boats sail against the waves. An imagination-fueled adventure on the high seas is just what it takes to get little one clean. Reserve this book.

Boats float! by George Ella Lyon and Benn Lyon ; illustrated by Mick Wiggins

In rhyming text the reader is introduced to all the different kinds of boats floating on rivers, lakes, oceans, and ponds. Reserve this book.

Larry gets lost under the sea by Eric Ode and John Skewes

Larry the lovable pup follows a crustacean toward the sea and is swept out by a wave. He dog paddles around, exploring the plant and animal life before coming face-to-face with an oceanographer who leads him on a thrilling adventure through the four zones of the ocean. Reserve this book.

Krista Kim-Bap by Angela Ahn

Jason has always loved Krista’s Korean family, and particularly her mom’s cooking, but Krista is conflicted about being her school’s “Korean Ambassador”. She’s also worried about asking her intimidating grandma to teach the class how to make their traditional kim-bap. Request this book.

Sassy : the Dazzle Disaster Dinner Party by Sharon M. Draper

To complete a school assignment, Sassy learns about cooking, and decides to host a fabulous dinner party. But almost as soon as Sassy gets this dazzling idea, things start to go disastrously downhill. Request this book.

Lights, Camera, Cook! by Charise Mericle Harper

Follows Tate, Rae, Caroline, and Oliver, ages nine to eleven, both on and off-camera as they compete in a televised cooking competition. Includes cooking tips. Request this book.

The Doughnut Fix by Jessie Janowitz

When his family moves to tiny Petersville, eleven-year-old Tris stops focusing on his perfect sister, Jeanine, by using his cooking expertise to revive a town tradition of chocolate cream doughnuts. Request this book.

A Dash of Dragon by Heidi Lang & Kati Bartkowski

Lailu Loganberry is an expert at hunting dangerous beasts and she’s even better at cooking her specialty… monster cuisine. This entertaining novel that combines all of the best ingredients– fantasy, humor, adventure, action, cute boys, and a feisty heroine! Request this book.

Cooking With Bear : a Story and Recipes From the Forest by Deborah Hodge

When Bear decides to cook a meal after hibernating all winter, Fox smells the delicious food and asks Bear to teach him to cook, so the two travel the forest asking their friends what their favorite foods are so that everyone can share in the feast. Request this book.

Monkey With a Tool Belt and the Maniac Muffins by Chris Monroe

Chico the monkey has to step in and save the day when his friend Clark the elephant’s cooking nearly destroys their town. Request this book.

Food Truck Fest! by Alexandra Penfold

A family prepares for a day at the food truck festival, while at the same time, the food truck crews get ready for the same event, checking recipes, starting to cook, and driving to the festival site. Request this book.

Summer Supper by Rubin Pfeffer

Follow the creation of a family meal from the farm to the picnic table on a warm sunny day. Told entirely in words beginning with S, this lively book will help children appreciate where their food comes from. Request this book.

Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed 

Bilal and his father invite his friends to help make his favorite dish, daal, then all must wait patiently for it to be done. Request this book.

The Big, Fun Kids Cookbook by editors of Food Network Magazine

Gives young food lovers everything they need to succeed in the kitchen. Each recipe is totally foolproof and easy to follow, with color photos and tips to help beginners get excited about cooking. Request this book.

Cooking Class Global Feast! : 44 recipes that celebrate the world’s cultures by Deanna F. Cook

Kids gain practical kitchen skills through preparing breakfasts, drinks, snacks, dinners, and desserts from around the world. Request this book.

Kid Chef Junior : my first kids’ cookbook by Anjali Shah

A cookbook for children teaches the basics of cooking and includes such recipes as lasagna roll-ups, burrito boats, kale chips, and tricolor ice pops. Request this book.

Super Good Baking for Kids by Duff Goldman

Teaches budding young bakers how to make dozens of crazy delicious concoctions–from confetti snickerdoodles to unicorn cupcakes to amazing dessert pizzas.  Request this book.

The Young Chef : recipes and techniques for kids who love to cook by The Culinary Institute of America, Mark Ainsworth

Aspiring chefs turn to The Culinary Institute of America for top-tier training–and now younger cooks can too. Coauthored by chef-instructor (and parent) Mark Ainsworth, this book is for kids ages ten to fourteen who love to cook or who want to learn how. Request this book.

Mrs. Bibi’s Elephant by Reza Dalvand

When Mrs. Bibi is told her pet elephant has to go, she reluctantly packs her bags and heads off somewhere where they can live together in happiness. But what they both leave behind is far bigger than the other people in the town could have ever imagined. Request this book.

Let’s Scare Bear by Yuko Katakawa

Mouse, Fox, Snake, and Spider try to frighten Bear, the biggest, loudest, bravest, strongest–and possibly trickiest–animal in the forest. Request this book.

The Big Five by Bella Makatini

Danny spends a week with his Grandpa, who tells Danny about one animal from his homeland each day that he is there. Request this book.

Unstoppable by Adam Rex

When a bird and a crab team up to combine the advantages of flight and claws, it gives them an idea: why not expand the team to include other animals who have a special trait — and soon they all set out to rescue their lake from development, because united together they are unstoppable. Request this book.

Kitties on Dinosaurs by Michael L. Slack

They’re adorable! They’re daring! They’re kitties who love to climb things! And they won’t give up until they’ve achieved their ultimate climbing dream: scaling the dinosaurs on nearby Dinosaur Island. Request this book.

Agent Lion by David Soman

In an upside-down mystery filled with laugh-out-loud moments, twists and turns, and more zany animals than one can count, David Soman and Jacky Davis have crafted the perfect picture book for curious minds who enjoy a good detective tale. Request this book.

Jack at the Zoo by Mac Barnett

Jack, Rex, and the Lady visit the zoo. But when Jack gets hungry, he sneaks into a koala’s cage to steal some snacks. In a case of mistaken identity, the Lady takes the koala home and leaves Jack stuck in the cage. Request this book.

I Want to be a Veterinarian by Laura Driscoll

Explains what a veterinarian is and what their responsibilities are, including helping animals who are sick or hurt. Request this book.

Otter: What Pet is Best by Sam Garton

On her next adventure, Otter–the irrepressible character sure to be adored by fans of Llama Llama–tries to choose the perfect pet for her and Teddy. Request this book.

Float, Flutter by Marilyn Singer

Illustrations and simple, rhyming text portray animals of all kinds hurrying to a very special destination. Request this book.

Fox the Tiger by Corey Tabor

Fox decides to become a tiger because they are fast and sneaky, and soon, his other animal friends are joining in. Request this book.

Goat in a Boat by Janee Trasler

When Goat appears wearing a raincoat and invites all the animals to go for a boat ride on a sunny day, Dog declines but as heavy rain falls, Dog needs a boat, too. Request this book.

Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier

One day eight-year-old Auggie Pound, the caretaker of the rare animals in the Fabled Stables, ventures into the swamp to save a new rare creature, the wisp. Request this book.

Lily to the Rescue by W. Bruce Cameron

Lily meets a crow with a broken wing, so she and Maggie Rose take the crow home to Mom. But when the crow starts to become too tame, some unexpected problems arise. It’s Lily to the rescue! Request this book.

Lety Out Loud by Angela Cervantes

Lety Muñoz’s first language is Spanish, and she likes to take her time putting her words together. She loves volunteering at the Furry Friends Animal Shelter because the dogs and cats there don’t care if she can’t always find the right word. When the shelter needs a volunteer to write animal profiles, Lety jumps at the chance. But grumpy classmate Hunter also wants to write profiles–so now they have to work as a team. Request this book.

The Creature of the Pines by Adam Gidwitz

After encountering a Jersey Devil while on a field trip to the Pine Barrens, Elliot and his new friend Uchenna help their weird teacher Professor Fauna rescue the mythological creature from a pair of greedy billionaire brothers. Request this book.

Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata

When eleven-year-old Becca, a quadruplet, finds a sick piglet on the side of the road, her life is changed forever. Request this book.

A Whale of the Wild by Rosann Parry

A young orca whale must lead her brother on a tumultuous journey to be reunited with their pod. This gorgeously illustrated animal adventure novel explores family bonds, survival, global warming, and a changing seascape. Includes information about orcas and their habitats. Request this book.

Even More Lesser Spotted Animals by Martin Brown

 No king-of-the-jungle, fancy-pants, hair necked lions here — we’ve got the magnificent maned wolf instead. No blue whales either, we’ve got beaked whales — and lorises and dingisos and dibatags and many, many more. Request this book.

The Truth About Dolphins by Maxwell Eaton

Did you know that baby dolphins are usually born tail-first? Did you know that each dolphin has a unique whistle (like a human’s fingerprints) that makes them instantly recognizable to their friends? Did you know that killer whales are actually a kind of dolphin? Request this book.

Hawk Rising by Maria Gianferrari

A father red-tailed hawk hunts prey for his family in a suburban neighborhood in this thrilling, fierce, and gorgeous nonfiction picture book. Request this book.

Bringing the Wolves Back by Jude Isabella

An unintended experiment in Yellowstone National Park, in which an ecosystem is devastated and then remarkably rehabilitated, provides crucial lessons about nature’s intricate balancing act. Request this book.

Baby Elephant Joins the Herd by Benjamin Richmond

Meet a baby elephant and see how she grows, from birth to adulthood. Developed with the American Museum of Natural History, this accessible nonfiction picture book features beautiful nature photography and an engaging narrative that will appeal to animal-loving kids. Request this book.

Can we be friends? by Erica Sirotich

This book tells about five unlikely animal friendships in sanctuaries and zoos, from around the world: Kenya’s Owen the hippo and Mzee the tortoise; South Africa’s Themba the elephant and Albert the sheep; California’s Koko the gorilla and her kittens; Virginia’s Kumbali the cheetah and Kago the dog; Ireland’s Ben the dog and Duggie the wild dolphin. Request this book.

Laxmi’s Mooch by Shelly Anand

After Laxmi’s friend Zoe points out the hairs on her lip, Laxmi is very self-conscious until her East Indian parents help her to accept and celebrate her appearance. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Request this title.

I dream of Popo by Livia Blackburne

When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. She misses her popo every day, but even if their visits are fleeting, their love is ever true and strong. Includes author’s and illustrator’s notes detailing their personal experiences, and glossary of Chinese words connected to the story. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Request this title.

Ho’onani : hula warrior by Heather Gale

Based on a true story, Ho’onani: Hula Warrior is a celebration of Hawaiian culture and an empowering story of a girl who learns to lead and learns to accept who she really is – and in doing so, gains the respect of all those around her. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Request this title.

Eyes that kiss in the corners by Joanna Ho

This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes, in the spirit of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, and is a celebration of diversity. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Request this title in print or electronic format.

The many colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar

Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion, from pink for dancing to bhangra beats to red for courage. He especially takes care with his patka–his turban–smoothing it out and making sure it always matches his outfit. But when Harpreet’s mom finds a new job in a snowy city and they have to move, all he wants is to be invisible. Will he ever feel a happy sunny yellow again? Recommended for ages 3 and up. Request this title.

Drawn together by Minh Lê

When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens – with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Request this title.

Let Me Finish! by Minh Lê

A young boy wants to read his favorite books without interruption, but the creatures around him keep spoiling the ending! Recommended for ages 5 and up. Request this title.

Ohana means family by Ilima Loomis

In this cumulative rhyme in the style of “The House That Jack Built,” a family celebrates Hawaii and its culture while serving poi at a luau. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Request this title.

Grandpa grumps by Katrina Moore

When Daisy’s grandfather, or Yeh-Yeh, visits from China, she does everything she can think of to make him smile and finally finds a way. Includes glossary of Chinese words and recipe for fried rice. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Request this title.

Goodbye winter, hello spring by Kenard Pak

Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. Recommended for children ages 4 and up. Request this title.

A different pond by Bao Phi

As a young boy, Bao Phi awoke early, hours before his father’s long workday began, to fish on the shores of a small pond in Minneapolis. Unlike many other anglers, Bao and his father fished for food, not recreation. Between hope-filled casts, Bao’s father told him about a different pond in their homeland of Vietnam. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Request this title.

Hello, mandarin duck! by Bao Phi

On their way to a May Day parade, twins Hue and Hoa spy a confused-looking duck and try to help it reach the pond, while neighbors from many countries offer help and greetings in different languages. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Request this title.

Fatima’s Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq

Excitedly joining her family for an outdoor camping trip in a Midwestern state park, Fatima Khazi helps set up a tent, build a fire, and fend off a daddy longlegs before settling down to sleep surrounded by the near-magical sounds of the forest. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Request this title.

Ojiichan’s gift by Chieri Uegaki

A young girl finds a way to give the gift of a traditional Japanese garden back to her beloved grandfather and accept a difficult change. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Request this title.

The Nian monster by Andrea Wang

Tong tong! The legendary Nian monster has returned at Chinese New Year. With horns, scales, and wide, wicked jaws, Nian is intent on devouring Shanghai, starting with Xingling! The old tricks to keep him away don’t work on Nian anymore, but Xingling is clever. Will her quick thinking be enough to save the city from the Nian Monster? Recommended for ages 4 and up. Request this title.

The year of the book by Andrea Cheng

Follows a young Chinese American girl, as she navigates relationships with family, friends, and her fourth-grade classroom, and finds a true best friend. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Request this title.

Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi – BOOK SERIES!

Meet Yasmin! Yasmin is a spirited second-grader who’s always on the lookout for those “aha” moments to help her solve life’s little problems. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Request this series.

Jasmine Toguchi by Debbi Michiko Florence – BOOK SERIES!

Eight-year-old Jasmine Toguchi is a flamingo fan, tree climber, and top-notch mess-maker! Recommended for ages 6 and up. Request this series.

Book Uncle and me by Uma Krishnaswami

An energetic, funny and quirky story that explores the themes of community activism, friendship, and the love of books. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Request this title.

Alvin Ho by Lenore Look – BOOK SERIES!

Alvin, an Asian American second grader, is afraid of everything—elevators, tunnels, girls, and, most of all, school. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Request this series.

Cilla Lee-Jenkins : this book is a classic by Susan Tan

Priscilla Cilla Lee-Jenkins has just finished her (future) bestselling memoir, and now she’s ready to write a Classic. This one promises to have everything: romance, adventure, and plenty of drama like Cilla’s struggles to be more Chinese, to be the perfect flower girl at Aunt Eva’s wedding, and to learn how to share her best friend. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Request this title.

Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani

Priyanka “Pri” Das, attempts to reconnect with her mother’s homeland through a magical pashmina shawl. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Request this title.

See you in the cosmos by Jack Cheng

Eleven-year-old Alex Petroski, along with his dog, Carl Sagan, makes big discoveries about his family on a road trip and he records it all on a golden iPod he intends to launch into space. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Request this title.

Aru Shah and the end of time : a Pandava novel by Roshani Chokshi

Twelve-year-old Aru stretches the truth to fit in at her private school, but when she is dared to prove an ancient lamp is cursed, she inadvertently frees an ancient demon. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Request this title – available in print and electronically.

The night diary by Veera Hiranandani

Shy twelve-year-old Nisha, forced to flee her home with her Hindu family during the 1947 partition of India, tries to find her voice and make sense of the world falling apart around her by writing to her deceased Muslim mother in the pages of her diary. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Request this title.

When you trap a tiger by Tae Keller

When Lily, her sister Sam, and their mother move in with her sick grandmother, Lily traps a tiger and makes a deal with him to heal Halmoni. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Request this title.

Stand up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim

When eleven-year-old Yumi Chung stumbles into a kids’ comedy camp she is mistaken for another student, so she decides to play the part. Recommended for ages 9 and up. Request this title.

I’m Ok by Patti Kim

Ok, a Korean American boy, tries a get rich quick scheme of starting a hair braiding business and winning the school talent competition to hide the fact that he is struggling with the loss of his father and the financial hardships he and his mother must now bear. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Request this title.

The best at it by Maulik Pancholy

Twelve-year-old Rahul Kapoor, an Indian-American boy growing up in small-town Indiana, struggles to come to terms with his identity, including that he may be gay. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Request this title.

Other words for home by Jasmine Warga

Sent with her mother to the safety of a relative’s home in Cincinnati when her Syrian hometown is overshadowed by violence, Jude worries for the family members who were left behind as she adjusts to a new life with unexpected surprises. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Request this title.

Front desk by Kelly Yang

Recent immigrants from China and desperate for work and money, ten-year-old Mia Tang’s parents take a job managing a rundown motel in Southern California, even though the owner, Mr. Yao is a nasty skinflint who exploits them; while her mother (who was an engineer in China) does the cleaning, Mia works the front desk and tries to cope with demanding customers and other recent immigrants–not to mention being only one of two Chinese in her fifth grade class, the other being Mr. Yao’s son, Jason. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Request this title – available in print and electronically.

The Ocean Calls By Tina Cho

Wanting to follow in the footsteps of her free-diving haenyeo grandmother, a young Korean girl dutifully consumes her grandmother’s strength-building abalone porridge and practices her breath control before suiting up and overcoming fears to make remarkable discoveries. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Request this title.

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating and Marta Alvarez Miguéns

At 9 years old, Eugenie Clark developed an unexpected passion for sharks after a visit to the Battery Park Aquarium in New York City. At the time, sharks were seen as mindless killing machines, but Eugenie knew better and set out to prove it. Despite many obstacles in her path, Eugenie was able to study the creatures she loved so much. From her many discoveries to the shark-related myths she dispelled, Eugenie’s wide scientific contributions led to the well-earned nickname “Shark Lady.” Recommended for ages 4 and up. Request this title.

by Kyo Maclear

Presents the life of the influential illustrator and author, including her childhood, her love of drawing, her family’s internment during World War II, and her groundbreaking work in children’s literature. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Request this title.

Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Describes the popular street cook’s life, including working in his family’s restaurant as a child, figuring out what he wanted to do with his life, and his success with his food truck and restaurant. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Request this title.

Sky high : the true story of Maggie Gee by Marissa Moss

Based on the true adventures of a girl not bound by gravity, Marissa Moss’s stirring story and Carl Angel’s brilliant illustrations depict what determination, bravery, and boundless possibilities look like when dreams are allowed to soar sky high. Recommended for ages 9 and up. Request this title.

Queen of physics : how Wu Chien Shiung helped unlock the secrets of the atom by Teresa Robeson

When Wu Chien Shiung was born in China 100 years ago, girls did not attend school. But her parents named their daughter “Courageous Hero” and encouraged her love of science. This biography follows Wu as she battles sexism at home and racism in the United States of America to become what Newsweek magazine called the “Queen of Physics” for her work on how atoms split. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Request this title.

Wonder walkers by Micha Archer

Two curious children go for a walk, asking imaginative questions about the natural beauty that surrounds them. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Junkyard by Mike Austin

Munching Machines enter a huge junkyard and consume all of the waste, then smooth the ground, plant trees and flowers, create a lake and playground, and much more. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

The curious garden by Peter Brown

Liam discovers a hidden garden and through his care, he spreads color throughout the gray city. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Call me tree by Maya Christina Gonzalez

A bilingual poetic tale that follows one child/tree from the depths of Mami/Earth to the heights of the sky, telling a story about being free to grow and be who we are meant to be and honoring our relationship with the natural world. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Here we are : notes for living on planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers

In this salutation from Earth, the chronicler gives a tour of the planet and introduces those who call it home. Request this title. Recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Blue floats away by Travis Jonker

Little Blue is very close to his iceberg parents so when he suddenly breaks away from them, he promises to return and, after traveling far and undergoing big changes, he may succeed. Request this title. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

We are water protectors by Carole Lindstrom

Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all… When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 3 and up.

The tree in me by Corinna Luyken

Through text and illustrations of children reveling in nature, explores the various ways we as human beings are strong, creative, and connected to others. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

Zonia’s rain forest by Juana Martinez-Neal

Enjoying days spent with animal friends near her home in the Amazon, young Zonia wonders what to do on a day when the rainforest calls out to her for help, in a lushly illustrated story that is complemented by back matter about the Asháninka community. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

We planted a tree by Diane Muldrow

Simple text reveals the benefits of planting a single tree, both to those who see it grow and to the world as a whole. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 5 and up.

Every color of light by Hiroshi Osada

Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text depict nature darkened by a brief rainstorm then, at sunset, colors brighten, rain drips like crystals, and the bright white moon shines as we fall asleep. Request this title. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

Compost stew : an A to Z recipe for the earth by Mary McKenna Siddals

A rhyming recipe explains how to make the dark, crumbly, rich, earth-friendly food called compost. Request this title. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

Penguins don’t wear sweaters! by Marikka Tamura

When an oil spill prevents penguins from doing the things they love to do, Big Boots come and dress them in sweaters until they–and the water–can be cleaned. Includes facts about penguins and why dressing them in sweaters is not always a good idea. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Watercress by Andrea Wang

Embarrassed about gathering watercress from a roadside ditch, a girl learns to appreciate her Chinese heritage after learning why the plant is so important to her parents. Request this title. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

Don’t let them disappear : 12 endangered species across the globe by Chelsea Clinton

Profiles twelve endangered species around the world, including giraffes, gorillas, giant pandas, and polar bears, and describes why it is important to save each animal from extinction. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

Ada’s violin : the story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Hood

The extraordinary true tale of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, an orchestra made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

The last straw : kids vs. plastics by Susan Hood

There’s no doubt about it-plastic is in almost everything. From our phones and computers to our toys and utensils, plastic is everywhere. But the amount of plastic we throw away is hurting the health of our planet. With The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics, readers will be fascinated as they learn about the growing plastic problem and meet just a few of the young activists who are standing up and speaking out for change. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

The wisdom of trees : how trees work together to form a natural kingdom by Lita Judge

A lyrical and informational nonfiction picture book that tells the story of trees and the hidden ecosystems they create. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 5 and up.

Saving American Beach : the biography of African American environmentalist MaVynee Betsch by Heidi Tyline King

A biography of MaVynee Betsch, an African American opera singer turned environmentalist who worked to preserve American Beach, Florida as a historical landmark. Request this title. Recommended for children ages 4 and up.

The bee book by Charlotte Milner

Introduces the honeybee and its social and industrious nature, emphasizes its importance in the environment, and describes what people can do to protect its habitat. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 5 and up.

One plastic bag : Isatou Ceesay and the recycling women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul

The inspiring true story of how one African woman began a movement to recycle the plastic bags that were polluting her community. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 5 and up.

Wangari Maathai : the woman who planted millions of trees by Franck Prévot

Wangari Maathai received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her efforts to lead women in a nonviolent struggle to bring peace and democracy to Africa through its reforestation. Her organization planted over thirty million trees in thirty years. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 6 and up.

Butterfly for a king : saving Hawaiʻi’s Kamehameha butterflies by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore

A combined history of the Hawaiian islands and the native Kamehameha butterfly up to and including current-day efforts of Hawaiʻi’s Pulelehua Project, a group of professional and citizen scientists working to restore the butterfly’s declining habitats and population. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 8 and up.

What happens to our trash? by D.J. Ward

People in the United States make more trash per person every day than people in any other country. What do we throw away, and where does it go? How can we reduce, reuse, and recycle? Request this book. Recommended for children ages 7 and up.

Wangari’s trees of peace : a true story from Africa by Jeanette Winter

This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman’s passion, vision, and determination inspired great change. Request this book. Recommended for children ages 3 and up.