A Very Brave Witch by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Harry Bliss (Simon & Schuster, 2006).
This is a cute Halloween book told with speech bubbles like a comic. It's the simple story of a little witch who explains that witches are afraid of humans. On Halloween, she bumps into a human girl dressed as a witch. They become friends and the little brave witch takes the girl on a ride on her brookstick.
Looking online, I see that Weston Woods (now owned by Scholastic) made a video of it which I think works really well. You can see the trailer here.
For more Halloween books, see my Pinterest board here.
Sophie's Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf (Schwartz & Wade, 2013).
This is a really fun book about a girl and her unusual pet, a squash named Bernice. The illustrations are so playful and quirky; they fit the tone of the story perfectly. Ultimately Sophie's pet doesn't last, but she plants her in the ground and come summer she has lots of baby squash for friends.
Random House has some activities to go along with the book here.
Tu Books (an imprint of Lee & Low) is having a writing contest. The New Vision Award is given for a
MG/YA manuscript in the science fiction, fantasy, or mystery genre by an
unpublished author of color. The winner receives a cash prize of $1000 and a publication
contract. An Honor Award winner will receive a cash prize of $500.
The deadline is October 31. This is a great opportunity, so submit and/or spread the word!
I Am Me by Karla Kuskin, illustrated by Dyanna Wolcott (Simon & Schuster, 2000).
This is a fun, colorful book that all kids can relate to. Everyone points out ways the main character resembles her family members, and while the girl says all of those are true, she is also most importantly her own unique self. I love the bright, flowing illustrations.
These are two great books by British author Floella Benjamin, illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain. They are about children with two grandparents from very different cultures, one typically British, and one Trinidadian.
My Two Grannies (Frances Lincoln, 2008)
My Two Grandads (Frances Lincoln, 2011)
For more books about mixed race kids and multicultural families, see my Pinterest board here.
