Ryan always tries to make her parents proud, but her fourth grade year is a difficult one. Her family has to move to a new, smaller house. Her older brother doesn't want her around. She doesn't know how to show off her talent of cooking onstage in a talent show. And even her best friends present their own challenges. Despite it all Ryan finds ways to rise above and bring sunshine to even the stormiest of days.

This charming story follows a young girl struggling with, and ultimately triumphing over the kind of setbacks many kids can relate to. It's easy to root for Ryan in this slice-of-life story that is sure to please young chapter book readers and would make a great read-aloud with plenty of springboards for further discussion. 

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson

Erica's Picks
3rd - 5th grade
tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, friendship, People of Color

When Ada Ru's parents tell her they're moving to Scotland for the whole summer, she is not thrilled. But before long she's swept up in a local mystery. The city is by a lake, and not just any lake: Loch Ness, home of the fabled Loch Ness Monster. Ada Ru teams up with a fellow American transplant and a local Nessie enthusiast nick named Hammy Bean to find definitive proof that the monster exists. What follows is a summer that she'll never forget.

I loved this story, and not just because it's set in Scotland (although that certainly didn't hurt). There's a great sense of adventure as they embark on their quest and plenty of humor as well. All of the characters are great from the skeptical but loyal Ada Ru, the cool, guitar-playing Dax, and the always optimistic, blind Hammy Bean. (Not to mention Hammy's dog, Mac-Talla.) This is a perfect story of summer adventure and new friendships.

Nessie Quest by Melissa Savage
Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th grade
​tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, disability, friendship, global perspectives, humor, mystery, summer vacation

When Louie's father brings home a sickly, newborn mini donkey Louie makes it his mission to care for the pitiful creature. Everyone thinks that he won't last more than a day or two. His friend Nora thinks the baby isn't worth the heartache. But Louie won't be dissuaded. When the donkey defies everyone's expectations there's a new problem: keeping a loud donkey on a residential street.

This is a sweet story of triumph over impossible odds and not being afraid to risk your heart by loving. Of course the main attraction is  the adorable baby mini donkey. But Louie and Nora's friendship shines through as another highlight. A quick read with short chapters perfect for sensitive young souls.

Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech
Erica's Picks
3rd - 5th grade
​tags: animals, character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, friendship, SEL

When Sunflower is orphaned, the poorest family in the village adopts her. They may not have much, but they shower sunflower with love and work hard to give her the best they can. No one is more excited to have her join the family than her new brother, Bronze. He has been mute ever since a horrible fire, but communicates with sign language. The two of them are inseparable, but when the crops are devastated by locusts they are forced to make hard sacrifices to survive.

It's easy to tell why this story is so beloved in China and I'm glad it was finally translated into English. Even though Sunflower and her family go through serious hardships, their love shines through so strongly and the simple joys of childhood are depicted so clearly that the ultimate effect is a sweet, heart-warming story. The language is simple but vivid and displays great wisdom through accessible stories and languages as the very best children's books do. Highly recommended.

Bronze and Sunflower by Cao Wenxuan
Erica's Picks
4th - 6th grade
tags: 

Pepper may seem like she has it all, but her life is falling apart. Her parents' divorce created huge cracks in her family and now her older sister isn't talking to her mother. Her parents' fast food chain has gone national and she lives in a swanky apartment with her mother in New York City and secretly runs the company's twitter account while trying to keep up with school, college applications, and being the new captain of the swim team. Her only bright spot is the anonymous chat app where she's slowly falling in love, the problem is she has no idea who the person she's chatting to is. Jack has problems of his own. His family's small deli is struggling to get by and his more popular twin brother leaves him with all the work but none of the credit. When their signature sandwich is stolen by a big chain restaurant, he calls them out on twitter. What ensues is a messy conflict that has people all over the country picking sides and egging them on. Who will win the twitter war, and what will happen when the anonymous chat app reveals their secret identities?

This is a rom-com at its best. It's light and funny but still has a heart. The trope of enemies falling in love anonymously is well-trod from movies like You've Got Mail and The Shop Around the Corner to the musical She Loves Me (a favorite of mine). But there's a reason why this story keeps getting retold and that's because it's so satisfying. This update captures the current world of social media and is sure to capture plenty of fans as well. 

Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
Erica's Picks
6th - 8th grade
Tags: character driven, contemporary fiction, family life, humor, romance, school stories

Far away in the north pole lives a polar bear named Duane. He loves icicle treats, naps, adventures, and making new friends. There's C.C. the wise owl who lives on a sunken ship. Magic the playful arctic fox who loves playing tricks. Handsome the vain musk ox who loves his own reflection. Major Puff the puffin who comes from a long line of military heroes. Twitch the energetic rabbit who loves to dig. Boo the shy reindeer and Sun Girl who goes everywhere with her pack of wolves. Join Duane and his friends and soon they will be your friends too.

I adored this book which reminded me of Winnie-the-Pooh in the very best way. All the characters have their own unique quirks and the way they learn to work together is both endearing and insightful. Perfect for a read-aloud with even the youngest of children, this book is sure to become a beloved classic.

The Very, Very Far North
by Dan Bar-el, illustrations by Kelly Pousette
Erica's Picks
1st - 4th grade
​tags: animals, character driven, friendship

Edie never imagined that when she went into the attic with her friends looking for popsicle molds, she would uncover a mystery that would change her life. Edie's mother is Native American, but she was adopted by a white couple and claims to know little of her native roots. Which is why Edie is shocked when she uncovers letters and photographs of a native woman from the past who looks like her and shares her name. Who is this woman? Did her mother name her after this other Edith? Why have her parents kept this all hidden? As she investigates the mystery with her friends, Edie will learn who she can really trust and the secret history of her family.

This is a sweet, gentle story about a girl uncovering her family past and navigating friendships. I loved learning about Coast Salish Indians along with Edie. The premise is unique, but the basic themes of finding out who your true friends are, standing up for yourself, and learning how to have hard conversations with your family are all universal. A great story for young readers.

I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day
Erica's Picks
3rd - 6th grade
​tags: 

First impressions can be deceiving. When Zuri first met the wealthy family that moved into the new mini-mansion across the street in her gentrifying neighborhood, she instantly hated the stuck-up Darius. Her sisters and mother fell all over themselves swooning over the handsome boys, but she knew they were nothing but trouble that her family and her neighborhood did not need. But when fate throws them together Zuri starts to question if she judged Darius fairly.

Even if you've never heard of Pride and Prejudice, you can enjoy this modern romance that tackles issues of identity, authenticity, and gentrification. But if you are an Austen fan, there's even more to delight in. The parallels Zoboi creates makes me appreciate both even more and she adds such rich details to this new setting while deftly weaving in more modern issues alongside the timeless themes. Strongly recommended.

Pride  by Ibi Zoboi
Erica's Picks
7th & 8th grade
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