Books & Kids Books
I have a degree in Library Science. I co-host a book club. I read books. Lots of books. I borrow books from the library. I download books on Libby. I listen to books on Audible, (particularly on car rides with my kid. See below for suggestions!) I subscribe to publishers directly so I can get a book a month. I buy used books from www.abebooks.com, library book sales, used book stores and thrift stores. I buy new books from www.bookshop.com and my local indie bookstores.
And children’s books have gotten so, so good. Really. Much better than when I was kid (b. 1975). So much more variety in terms of content and form. So I get my kid lots of books on ecology, the environment, real-life heroes (including kids heroes and animal heroes), law, civil rights, science and art. And I am always seeking out books that highlight the accomplishments of women, BIPOC and members of the LGBTA+ community. I hope you enjoy my list and please send me recommendations and favorites!
Reading, Bookstores & Places to Read
KidLit.Tv at https://www.kidlit.tv/ - a website of reviews and book trailers about children’s books. Use video as a gateway drug to reading!
Ruby’s Books - A bookstore right in the center of Historic Downtown Folsom, CA, this store has a beautifully curated collection of children’s books, one of the finest I have ever seen and an equally impressive collection of adult books. You can walk in and out in 20 minutes with half a dozen fantastic books. Just what a busy person needs! Also, Ruby is a dog and she’s there with the owner during the week. Did I mention that this store is close to ice cream? Several ice creams? Now ya know!
Capital Books on K - A bookstore right in center of downtown Sacramento, CBK (yes, “capital” not “capitol”) has, of course, an amazing collection of adult and children’s books, otherwise I would not recommend it! Their particularly expansive selection of graphic fiction, science fiction and board games is now it’s own “mini-store” downstairs, dubbed Another Universe. It’s a gem on K Street, which as otherwise struggled during the pandemic shutdown.
As if Capital Books on K couldn’t get any better, they had to go and open a sci-fi themed cafe There and Back Again where you can also rent board games, just around the corner in Cathedral Square. The decor is cute as hell, the food is delish and adorably presented and yes, there is coffee.
Odd Cookie - Odd Cookie is a woman-owned bakery, restaurant and bar at 1015 9th Street in Sacramento. But it’s just two blocks from Capital Books and a terrific complement to a day of book shopping. Don’t be put off by the bar - this place is totally kid-friendly. And the cocktails are great.
Beers Books - An easy walk or drive from downtown Sacramento and close to the cute shopping of the R Street District, Beers Books carries mostly overstock and used books, with some hot new titles in the front.
Kids Books / All Ages
Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress Hardcover – Picture Book, June 1, 2021 by Alicia D. Williams (Author), April Harrison (Illustrator). I learned so much about this icon from this detailed, yet succinct book. An important message and part of Shirley’s story is that she was a feminist and woman, first. She wasn’t afraid to challenge men, including African-American men in the civil rights movement, and accept that male representation was sufficient or all that mattered. Especially interesting and appropriate for ages 8 - 12.
The true story of living legend environmentalist, feminist and entrepreneur Isatou Ceesay from The Gambia, her story is an inspiration for your whole family. A living example of the words attributed to Ghandi, First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
This is just a small sample of the Baylor / Parnell collaborations. These books of poetry about desert life (the spirits of plants, animals and indigenous communities) and simple values (family, community, art) are making a comeback at Southwest-themed hipster boutiques from Moab to Joshua Tree to Sacramento. But those hipsters aren’t wrong about about these lyrical, timeless books. Appropriate for ages 2 to 102 (Bryd Baylor died only recently, when she was 90+ years old!)
Who knew that ER wrote a children’s books about civics? Updating ER’s text with lively, colorful drawings this gem of a book doesn’t get nearly enough plaudits. Explains government from the local to the federal level, including all that stuff that you forgot from 5th Grade. Great read for 8 - 12 year olds.
Something wonderful about the modern moment is that I can say: “There are so many children’s books about Wangari Maathai to choose from, but this is one my favorite.” Don’t forget to check our her memoirs for yourself or the older teen in your life.
I remember the 2016 U.S. Republican candidate Presidential debate when the candidates (all men by that point) were asked to suggest women who should appear on U.S. currency. Several suggested their wife or mother. In other words, they couldn’t name a single, prominent American woman. Don’t let that be you. Read about prominent women (from all over the world.) Be able to recite a few names across all vocations and sectors, from history and today. If you can’t do that yet, read these books and books like them until you can. Inspire your daughters and teach your sons. Be the freaking change. This isn’t politics. This is knowledge and education.
I particularly love this readable, visually pleasing series by author Rachel Ignotofsky, widely available at all good libraries or bookstores. Makes a great gift!
“Can a robot survive in the wilderness? From bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Peter Brown comes a heartwarming and action-packed novel about what happens when nature and technology collide.” Part 1 of a 3 book series. Also excellent on Audible - this story kept my 8 yo engaged for a 6 hour car ride.
TWO books about Marjory Stoneham Douglas, pioneer of the Florida Everglades National Park. For adults, check out her seminal text, The Everglades: Rivers of Grass.
I laughed, I cried, it was better than Cats. Thanks for carrying this amazing book Ruby’s Books (Folsom, CA)!!! It makes the joys and hardships of having a Mommy Lawyer relatable to our kids. We work late, we miss school stuff sometimes, but we love you always. We swear! Molly Bowen took the bar while 9 months pregnant and now has three boys, as a practicing litigator. Check her out at https://mollybowen.com/.
This 2021 title is by Magination Press, an imprint of the American Psychiatric Association. Their books teach children about important topics, like understanding their emotions, interpersonal relationships and kindness. Here, we learn that boys do lots of things - like express their feelings and cooperate. A must-read for parents or teachers of young boys.
Ben Brooks tells the true stories of historic and modern heroes from around the world - daring adults and remarkable kids. I guarantee you don’t know all or even most of these people, but you should! Makes a great gift.
Plant colors are determined by what type of pollinator they need to attract - butterflies, moths, birds. Each one has colors that they can and can’t see. Feel smart with your kiddos by pointing to a flower and naming its target pollinator.
Rock by Rock: The Fantastical Garden of Nek Chang by Jennifer Bradbury, ill. Sam Boughton (2021). The true story of artist and activist Nek Chand, who resisted a road and up-cycled discarded parts to build a sculpture garden in Chandigarh, India.
Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail by Jennifer Thermes. The true story of Emma Gatewood, the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail - and she did it at at 67! In 1955! An inspirational story about not giving up, believing in yourself, and not being afraid to try new things. Additional, detailed information about Emma and history of the Appalachian Trail in the last pages. The illustrations include maps, so also a great resource for teaching children about U.S. geography.
The Boy Who Grew A Forest by Sophia Gholz, ill. Kayla Harren (2019). The true story of Jadav Payeng, a boy from India’s Brahmaputra River Region, who on his own initiative reforested 1300 acres to create more habitat for local native species.
The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa by Julia Finley Mosca. Short, rhyming sentences make this an easy read for 4 - 7 yo olds. Ellen Ochoa was the first Latina American woman in space and the first woman to run the Kennedy Space Center. She was also a musician, among other talents.