18 Books in this collection
Teaching Tough Topics with Children’s Literature
The books featured in the "Teaching Tough Topics with Children's Litearture Webinar" help educators, librarians, and families talk about difficult issues with children through relatable characters and storylines. The titles in this collection range from children in grades PreK through 8th grade and contain a variety of themes, genres, and interests. The books in this collection are perfect for examining bias and bullying, what's happening in the news, and how young people can take action.

Themes & Categories
- African / African American / Black / Afro Caribbean
- Biography / Memoir
- Biracial / Multiracial
- Breaking Gender Barriers
- Bullying
- Childhood Experiences / Memories
- Courage
- Discrimination
- Dreams & Aspirations
- Empathy / Compassion
- Families
- Fiction
- Friendship
- History & Civics
- Integrity / Honesty
- Kindness / Caring
- Latine / Latino / Hispanic
- Nonfiction
- Realistic Fiction
- Refugees
- Respect
- Self Esteem / Confidence / Body Positivity / Body Image
- United States History
- English
Books in This Collection
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A House by the River
By William Miller, Ying-Hwa Hu, Cornelius Van WrightPaperback: $10.95
A House by the River
By William Miller, Ying-Hwa Hu, Cornelius Van WrightView DetailsA young girl learns her rickety, old house by the river is stronger than the fiercest storm because it is fortified by love and family.
Ahimsa
By Supriya Kelkar
Ahimsa
By Supriya KelkarView DetailsIn this historical middle-grade novel, Gandhi asks for one member of each family to join the fight for independence from the British, and when Anjali's mother is jailed for doing so, Anjali must step out of her comfort zone to take over her mother's work.
Other editions:
Antonio's Card / La tarjeta de Antonio
By Rigoberto González, Cecilia ÁlvarezPaperback: $11.95
Antonio's Card / La tarjeta de Antonio
By Rigoberto González, Cecilia ÁlvarezView DetailsBilingual English/Spanish. A tender story about a boy struggling to express his love for his mother and her partner in a nontraditional family.
Brothers in Hope
The Story of the Lost Boys of the SudanBy Mary Williams, R. Gregory ChristieHardcover: $20.95
Brothers in Hope
The Story of the Lost Boys of the SudanBy Mary Williams, R. Gregory ChristieView DetailsInspired by the heartbreaking yet inspirational true events in the lives of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Brothers in Hope is a story of remarkable courage, and an amazing testament to the unyielding power of the human spirit.
Chess Rumble
By G. Neri, Jesse Joshua WatsonPaperback: $12.95
Chess Rumble
By G. Neri, Jesse Joshua WatsonView DetailsA story in free verse about a troubled boy who learns to use his mind instead of his fists through the guidance of an unconventional mentor and the game of chess.
Destiny's Gift
By Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, Adjoa J. BurrowesPaperback: $11.95
Destiny's Gift
By Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, Adjoa J. BurrowesView DetailsDestiny loves words, and her favorite place in the world is Mrs. Wade's bookstore, where words abound.
First Day in Grapes
By L. King Perez, Robert CasillaPaperback: $11.95
First Day in Grapes
By L. King Perez, Robert CasillaView DetailsThe powerful story of a migrant boy who grows in self-confidence when he uses his math prowess to stand up to the school bullies.
Friends from the Other Side / Amigos del otro lado
By Gloria Anzaldúa, Consuelo MendezPaperback: $11.95
Friends from the Other Side / Amigos del otro lado
By Gloria Anzaldúa, Consuelo MendezView DetailsHaving crossed the Rio Grande into Texas with his mother in search of a new life, Joaquín receives help and friendship from Prietita a brave young Mexican American girl.
From North to South / Del Norte al Sur
By René Colato Laínez, Joe CepedaPaperback: $11.95
From North to South / Del Norte al Sur
By René Colato Laínez, Joe CepedaView DetailsBilingual English/Spanish. This nuanced picture book tackles the difficult and timely subject of family separation and deportation.
I Am Alfonso Jones
By Tony Medina, John Jennings, Stacey RobinsonPaperback: $18.95
I Am Alfonso Jones
By Tony Medina, John Jennings, Stacey RobinsonView DetailsThe Hate U Give meets The Lovely Bones in this unflinching graphic novel about the afterlife of a young man killed by an off-duty police officer, co-illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist John Jennings.
King for a Day
By Rukhsana Khan, Christiane KrömerPaperback: $11.95
King for a Day
By Rukhsana Khan, Christiane KrömerView DetailsMalik, a Pakistani boy who uses a wheelchair, is excited to compete in the annual kite-flying festival of Basant. Can his kite defeat the bully's and make him "King" of the festival?
Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel
By Anthony D. Robles, Carl AngelPaperback: $11.95
Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel
By Anthony D. Robles, Carl AngelView DetailsIn this bilingual English-Tagalog story set in the US, Lakas, an all-American boy of Filipino descent, helps his new friends fight eviction from their home .
Lend a Hand
Poems About GivingBy John Frank, London LaddPaperback: $11.95
Lend a Hand
Poems About GivingBy John Frank, London LaddView DetailsA collection of original poems centered on giving and spontaneous acts of kindness, which also incorporate larger themes of community, intergenerational relationships, young mentors, and care for the environment.
Malala Yousafzai
Warrior with WordsBy Karen Leggett Abouraya, Susan L. RothPaperback: $11.95
Malala Yousafzai
Warrior with WordsBy Karen Leggett Abouraya, Susan L. RothView DetailsThe inspiring true story of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who has become an international activist for universal education, with beautiful collage illustrations by award-winning artist Susan L. Roth.
Sparkle Boy
By Lesléa Newman, Maria MolaHardcover: $19.95
Sparkle Boy
By Lesléa Newman, Maria MolaView DetailsYoung Casey loves sparkly things, just like his older sister, who does not approve until an encounter with teasing bullies helps her learn to accept and respect Casey for who he is.
The Can Man
By Laura E. Williams, Craig OrbackPaperback: $12.95
The Can Man
By Laura E. Williams, Craig OrbackView DetailsTo earn money, a young boy decides to collect and redeem empty soft drink cans, but ends up giving away his money to help a local homeless man.
Yummy
The Last Days of a Southside ShortyBy G. Neri, Randy DuburkePaperback: $16.95
Yummy
The Last Days of a Southside ShortyBy G. Neri, Randy DuburkeView DetailsA graphic novel based on the life and death of Robert "Yummy" Sandifer, an eleven-year-old gang member from Chicago's Southside who was killed by his own gang members.
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