The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless. Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books (yes you can repeat books) before your precious one starts kindergarten.
Click here for more information from the Volusia County Library’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten.
February is African American History month. Share these historical and diverse books with your child to celebrate!
Martin’s big words : the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Doreen Rappaport
A picture-book biography brings to life the message of a gifted and influential speaker by using some of his own words to tell the story. By the creators of Freedom River. A Caldecott Honor Book.
Hidden figures : the true story of four black women and the space race
by Margot Lee Shetterly
Explores the previously uncelebrated but pivotal contributions of NASA’s African American women mathematicians to America’s space program, describing how Jim Crow laws segregated them despite their groundbreaking successes
Mae among the stars
by Roda Ahmed
A picture book story inspired by the first African-American woman to travel in space describes how as a child, a persevering Little Mae dreamed of dancing in space while surrounded by billions of stars. 25,000 first printing.
Let the children march
by Monica Clark-Robinson
Documents the inspirational peaceful protests in 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, combining poetic text and poignant illustrations that celebrate the powerful words of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the resolve of thousands of African-American children to march for their civil rights. 25,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook.
The undefeated
by Kwame Alexander
“The Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover celebrates black American heroism and culture in a picture-book rendering of his performance on ESPN’s “”The Undefeated.”” Illustrated by the Caldecott Honor-winning artist of Henry’s Freedom Box. 75,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook”
Islandborn
by Junot Díaz
A student in a school largely comprised of first-generation immigrants is daunted by an assignment to draw a picture of where her family came from when she cannot remember her Island origins, an effort that is supported with the memories of family and friends who help her take an extraordinary journey of the imagination back to her cultural roots. By the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of This Is How You Lose Her. Simultaneous eBook.
Mommy’s khimar
by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
A young Muslim girl puts on a head scarf and not only feels closer to her mother, she also imagines herself as a queen, the sun, a superhero, and more
The day you begin
by Jacqueline Woodson
The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and author of the Coretta Scott King Award-winning Brown Girl Dreaming combines lyrical, reassuring text with artwork by the award-winning illustrator of Book Fiesta to inspire readers to find the courage to connect with others. Simultaneous eBook
I am enough
by Grace Byers
A lyrical ode to self-confidence and kindness for girls from every background, written by the activist star of Empire, touches on themes of diversity, respecting others and loving oneself. 75,000 first printing.
In your hands
by Carole Boston Weatherford
A black mother lyrically conveys the dreams and prayers she has for her child, in an evocative picture book ideally suited for gift-giving. By the Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator of Duke Ellington. Simultaneous eBook.
