I think it goes without saying that these characteristics will be essential for students and teachers in the 2020-2021 school year! (Updated list)
When Sophie Thinks She Can’t by Molly Bang
Published by Blue Sky Press
Sophie’s teacher shows her how having a growth mindset can help her solve problems instead of giving up. Buy it on Amazon.
Jabari Jumps and Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall
Published by Candlewick
Jabari’s dad and little sister help him find the courage to jump off the high dive and to persist in his efforts to design and build a flying machine. Jabari Tries will be released September 8. Buy it on Amazon.
Golden Threads by Suzanne Del Rizzo
Published by Owlkids
When a battered stuffed fox washes up at Kiko’s house, she and her father repair him like they do broken china, with golden threads. Broken does not mean imperfect, and the fox leads Kiko and her dad to new friendships. Buy it on Amazon.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Published by Schwartz and Wade
Born into slavery in 1848, Mary Walker worked hard her entire life. At age 114, she decided to put her energy into learning to read, and was eventually certified as the oldest student in America. Buy it on Amazon.
Published by Candlewick Press
Joey loves to fold, so when he learns about origami, it seems like it’s right up his alley. It’s not as easy as it looks, though, and he needs persistence to figure out how to do it. Buy it on Amazon.
Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
When Sarah leaves for her first day of school, her pet turtle Truman can’t understand where she’s gone. He decides to go find her, doggedly seeking a way out of his tank and to the front door. Buy it on Amazon.
Published by Roaring Brook Press
Humpty Dumpty got put back together again, but his new fear of heights proves crippling. His determination to overcome his phobia results in a transformation and one of the best picture book endings ever. Buy it on Amazon.
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Published by Kids Can Press
It’s not as easy as it seems to make “the most magnificent thing”. This girl and her dog must keep going when their first attempts fail to create what they want. Buy it on Amazon.
Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Born in Ghana without the use of his right leg, Emmanuel learned to persist in school and sports. In 2006, he rode a bicycle from one end of Ghana to the other to raise awareness about people with disabilities. Buy it on Amazon.
Small Walt by Elizabeth Verdick
Published by Simon and Schuster
Small Walt and Gus team up to clear the streets, holding their own with the bigger, more powerful snowplows. Buy it on Amazon.
A Kids Book A Day 