I’m a children’s librarian, so while I don’t post about many kids’ books on this blog, I read A TON of them. That’s why my TBR goal for 2021 was so high and why I way overshot on that goal – most of the books I read are tiny!
Since I don’t share all of my children’s book reads on this blog, this post is for sharing the ones I read in the second half of 2021. I read way more than “normal” for me this year due to a work project, so I am only sharing 5 star reads. I’ll break things down into the categories of picture books, early and young readers, and middle grade books. I’ll link back to any posts on this blog where I featured these books, too – and, FYI, there are going to be so many more to come in 2022, since I dated many posts for the upcoming months. I’ll also link you directly to the purchase link for my absolute favorites on this list. If you have a child in your life or just like to read books for a younger crowd, this post is for you!
Check out my reads for the first half of the year here.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on and/or purchase from some links, I make a portion of the sale. This helps keep Bitch Bookshelf running.
Picture Books
This category includes books aimed for our youngest readers to enjoy alone or with someone older to read with them. A few of these might also crossover well into the “early and young reader” section, but in the format and tone I read them, I found them to be described best as picture books. I included all nonfiction picture books read during this time frame, too.
From the Tops of the Trees by Kao Kalia Yang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautiful illustrations and story. I did not know much about Hmong refugees and have learned more this year. A really welcome addition to my reading!
The Elephants Come Home: A True Story of Seven Elephants, Two People, and One Extraordinary Friendship by Kim Tomsic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This children’s book beautiful described everything I always have loved about this story! And I didn’t know about the baby elephant coming to their home when it was lost. So cool!
Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope by Jodie Patterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Awesome positive message about a trans child! I would have loved backmatter because I know this is nonfiction but it reads as a fiction picture book. But overall, very good.
A Day for Rememberin’: The First Memorial Day by Leah Henderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Always love Floyd Cooper and WOW! I had no idea about this and want to signal boost this book. So much history doesn’t get taught and this is a really important story truly, IMO.
I Am Smoke by Henry L. Herz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Poetic but factual, great illustrations, solid backmatter
The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love the art. Relates African American history of the seven principles of Kwanzaa but does not have to be a holiday read, great any time of year.
Nina: A Story of Nina Simone by Traci N. Todd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Robinson transcends his usual style (which I love, but is cartoony) to create touching illustrations to accompany this standout biography.
Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist by Evan Griffith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Without Separation: Prejudice, Segregation, and the Case of Roberto Alvarez by Larry Dane Brimner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I like the art. Text is informative and approachable.
My City by Joanne Liu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A mostly wordless picture book with a lot to talk about with the reader!
Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small by Jess Wade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Described a concept that can be difficulty to grasp succinctly and efficiently.
One Million Oysters on Top of the Mountain by Alex Nogués
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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The Big Bad Wolf in My House by Valérie Fontaine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A much-needed picture book about domestic violence told through a child’s eyes and in the form of a fable. Ends on a hopeful note. Resources for Canada (kid-specific) & US on final page.
When Grandfather Flew by Patricia MacLachlan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, an emotional read. Really lovely.
Pumpkin Eye by Denise Fleming
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really love the art in this one. A perfect preschool storyline book. The lines are short but there’s a lot to discuss.
In a Dark, Dark Wood: An Old Tale with a New Twist by David A. Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a Halloween classic with a fun spooky pop-up at the end.
On the Trapline by David Alexander Robertson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Watercress by Andrea Wang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stunning art, great story.
I Dream of Popo by Livia Blackburne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Casually crying at work again no big deal.
This is one of my *favorites*. Buy it on Amazon.
Wishes by Mượn Thị Văn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Moving.
My First Day by Steve Jenkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Awesome book with cute art and excellent backmatter!
The Capybaras by Alfredo Soderguit
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Crying at work again brb
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Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I Know by Brittany Luby
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Wonder Walkers by Micha Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love the art. Really captures the questions and wonder children have for and about the world around them.
We All Play by Julie Flett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Magic Candies by Heena Baek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is trippy. Maybe the art isn’t for everyone but I loved it. I laughed. I cried. Would make an awesome read aloud.
This is one of my *favorites*. Buy it on Amazon.
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My Day with the Panye by Tami Charles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Crying at work again. Such a good book.
Time Is a Flower by Julie Morstad
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Obsessed. Beautiful illustrations, great read aloud.
Families Grow by Dan Saks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very inclusive.
Cookie Count: A Tasty Pop-up by Robert Sabuda
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is just gorgeous.
Early & Young Readers
This category includes those classic early readers you may be familiar with and shorter chapter books. I’ve included graphic novels appropriate for these readers.
Tiny Tales: Shell Quest by Steph Waldo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Young/early reader graphic novel that introduces kids to the comic concept. So cute and fun.
Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom by Matthew Swanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Awesome similes and metaphors! This was a great story. I adored Mrs. Ezra and Ben and Janet’s friendship. This book played like a movie in my head and I wish it was a movie!!
Read my full review here!
Simon B. Rhymin’ by Dwayne Reed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wish I had checked this out on audio but reading was such a good experience.
Read my full review here!
Anthony and the Gargoyle by Jo Ellen Bogart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely adorable.
Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love both of these creators and they’ve combined to make something really special with this one.
This is one of my *favorites*. Buy it on Amazon.
Kraken Me Up by Jeffrey Ebbeler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second early reader graphic novel I’ve read and I am really loving this age group/genre combo! Silly and wholesome!
Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister by Chitra Soundar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Such a sweet, fun read!
Middle Grade Books
Finally, my favorite category – “big kid” chapter books! “Middle grade” is a sort of ambiguous term that refers to the grades before and kind of including middle school. These readers aren’t on young adult books yet, but have graduated past young readers. I think a solid middle grade collection has books with content appropriate for children ages eight to 14, and adults, of course, can enjoy them too!
Katie the Catsitter by Colleen A.F. Venable
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a fun read!! A vegetarian who barely eats vegetables, a super villain fighting for animal rights… Obsessed.
Read my full review here!
Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a poignant, lovely book told in prose. Loved the 80’s references and really related to a lot of Reha’s story.
Read my full review here!
This is one of my *favorites*. Buy it on Amazon.
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Elle McNicoll lends a strong, authentic voice to Addie’s story. I loved that this book showed adults can be bullies too. Keedie, Addie’s big sister, is such a memorable character.
Salt Magic by Hope Larson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I adored this book. Leans on the YA side of middle grade. Lovely art and such a good read.
This is one of my *favorites*. Buy it on Amazon.
While I Was Away by Waka T. Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Not sure I have ever read a children’s memoir written by someone who wasn’t super famous. What a great read. I really admired and related to Waka. I loved that she developed a relationship with her Obaasama but also knew she did not have to forgive her for being cruel when she didn’t apologize, and that her difficult upbringing was no excuse for being hurtful to Waka.
Read my full review here!
This is one of my *favorites*. Buy it on Amazon.
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Black Boy Joy by Kwame Mbalia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Favorite stories were:
• There’s Going to Be a Fight In the Cafeteria on Friday and You Better Not Bring Batman
• The McCoy Game
• The Legendary Lawrence Cobbler
• Extinct
• The Gender Reveal
• But Also, Jazz
• Our Dill
• Percival and the Jab
• Embracing My Black Boy Joy
Read my full review here!
This is one of my *favorites*. Buy it on Amazon.
Deadman’s Castle by Iain Lawrence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A psychological, domestic thriller for kids. Greatly enjoyed.
How to Find What You’re Not Looking For by Veera Hiranandani
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I simply adored this second person middle grade novel that put me right in Ari’s shoes. Tackles so much and does it so well!
This is one of my *favorites*. Buy it on Amazon.
Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela Rivera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I adored this story with an important message about consent, emotional vulnerability, and empathy.
Read my full review here!
This is one of my *favorites*. Buy it on Amazon.
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Hollow Chest by Brita Sandstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ohhh my goodness, what an emotional fantastic read! Such a great metaphor for mental illness/PTSD. I didn’t feel the illustrations added anything other than some possible kid appeal, but the story itself was gorgeously written and so memorable.
Read my full review here!
Chasing Bats and Tracking Rats: Urban Ecology, Community Science, and How We Share Our Cities by Cylita Guy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The format of my eARC was not so good, but the content in this one is STELLAR!!
African Icons: Ten People Who Built a Continent by Tracey Baptiste
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Excellently researched and gorgeous illustrations.
Black Hole Chasers: The Amazing True Story of an Astronomical Breakthrough by Anna Crowley Redding
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such an approachable and interesting read!
Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such a fun read and brought me back to middle school.
Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great story. Teen characters and a very romantic storyline, but I think middle grade fans of the author and middle grade readers who enjoy a little romance or are looking for positive LGBTQ+ representation will love this too.
This is one of my *favorites*. Buy it on Amazon.
Maya and the Robot by Eve L. Ewing
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This STEM-focused book touches on so many topics and does it so organically!
The Monsters of Rookhaven by Pádraig Kenny
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Love the themes in this one. Emotional vulnerability defeats hatred.
Burying the Moon by Andrée Poulin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautiful illustrations and very important info.
Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a garlic-loving, witchy vegetarian with anxiety, I couldn’t NOT vibe with this book. A short, fun read.
This is one of my *favorites*. Buy it on Amazon.
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Another Kind by Trevor Bream
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Has this X-Men-ish story been done before? Sure. But that doesn’t make it any less engaging. I loved all of the characters and devoured this story about found family. Kids will too.
The Ghoul Next Door by Cullen Bunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Adored the creepy art in this one. Miles is a personal favorite. All around fun read.
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Simply WOW. I don’t even like sci fi and could not put this one down.
This is one of my *favorites*. Buy it on Amazon.
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Pencilvania by Stephanie Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Quick read. Love the “realistic for a kid” illustrations. Great story about processing grief.
Read my full review here!
Ophie’s Ghosts by Justina Ireland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely awesome, loved the personification of the house, railway, etc.
Read my full review here!
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
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