Our Montessori Bookshelf: Mathematical Thinking

As humans, we are predisposed toward order, exactness, and precision. With this tendency to abstract and imagine, we could be said to have a mathematical mind. Children, young and old alike, are drawn to numbers and mathematical ideas. 

For thousands of years, math has been a part of the human search for meaning. We have long tried to quantify our natural world. From carbon dating artifacts to analyzing voting trends in politics, from understanding traffic patterns to examining climate change, math continues to be an integral part of our search for understanding.

Learning to think in mathematical terms is an essential part of becoming a person adapted to our time and place. Math is such an integral part of our lives and we feel that it’s vital to ensure our children are not only in touch with mathematics but also captured by the beauty and wonder of math in our world. 

With this in mind, we pulled some of our favorite books that promote mathematical thinking for young children through early adolescence. 

Counting Is for the Birds

by Frank Mazzola Jr.

Written in rhyme, this picture book can be used in different ways with young children. Some may just enjoy the story and illustrations, others can clue into the counting aspect of the book, and older children might explore the ornithological details provided on each page. This is the kind of book that you can revisit again and again with your children!

4,962,571

by Trevor Eissler, Ruth Chung, Bobby George, June George

Written by a former Montessori parent, this picture book is a lovely introduction to and extension of the concept of place value. A young boy wants to see how high he can count, so he figures out ways to create groups of numbers so he can count to four million, nine hundred sixty-two thousand, five hundred seventy-one (and beyond!). Plus, anyone who has been in Montessori will appreciate the color coding of the numbers in the title!

How Much, How Many, How Far, How Heavy, How Long, How Tall Is 1000?

by Helen Nolan, illustrated by Tracy Walker 

Children at the end of their primary years or those who have recently transitioned into elementary will definitely appreciate this exploration of the quantity of 1,000. Full of thought-provoking questions, this picture book takes readers on a journey through how a 1,000 can be represented in so many different ways – and how that can change our impression of the size of the number. 

One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale

by Demi

This stunningly illustrated picture book provides both a moral tale and an example of the exponential power of multiplying by two. After a raja in India has hoarded rice for his own benefit, a young girl returns some spilled rice to him and as a reward requests only one grain of rice, as long as the raja doubles what he gave her the day before over the course of 30 days. By the end, she has more than enough rice to share with all the starving villagers, as well as the goodwill to support the raja in continued kindness.  

Anno's Mysterious Multiplying Jar

by Masaichiro Anno, Mitsumasa Anno

For those who love Anno’s Journey, this is a must-read, but this time the illustrations and text take the reader on a mathematical journey through factorials. Then to show what happened mathematically, the Annos (father and son) illustrate the multiplication in a graphic way that fits so well with what children experience with the Montessori math materials. 

Mathematicians Are People, Too: Stories from the Lives of Great Mathematicians, Volumes 1 & 2

by Luetta Reimer, Wilbert Reimer

This collection of short stories dramatizes conversations and lives of mathematicians throughout history and can easily capture the imagination of elementary-aged children who love the power of a good story. The stories can stand alone or be jumping-off points for further mathematical or historical investigations. We love the glossary at the end, the short biography at the start of every story, and the fact that female mathematicians are fairly well represented in these two volumes. 

The Number Devil: A Mathematical Adventure

by Hans Magnus Enzensberger, illustrated by Rotraut Susanne Berner, translated by Michael Henry Heim  

This is the perfect book for older elementary-aged children who aren’t quite sure they want to still love math. A boy meets a number devil in his dreams who leads an exploration of all sorts of fascinating aspects of numbers. The wildly fun and irreverent approach (led by the devil) makes even complicated math feel accessible. The whimsical illustrations certainly help, too! And for those wanting to go back and reference helpful information, there is a “Seek-and-Ye-Shall-Find List” (aka index) at the end of the book. 

Doodle Yourself Smart . . . Math

by Helen Greaves, Simon Greaves

For elementary children and adolescents who like to play around with mathematical thinking, this is a fun activity-style book that appeals to mathematicians and artists alike. Each page offers beautiful space for playing around with the problems (and yes, there are answers in the back for those who just need to know if they got it right!).

The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures

by Malba Tahan

Those who like a good mathematical challenge, combined with a taste of the adventure that comes with travel, will love this series of chapters that form a bit of a novel. Each chapter of this book can stand alone or work as a cohesive whole as the narrator and the “man who counted” move through the Middle East. They encounter a slew of social problems that are solved with a sophisticated level of number sense that feels both mystical and matter-of-fact. 

Click here for a downloadable PDF of this booklist! As always you are also welcome to come visit the school and see how we support mathematical thinking for all ages.

Our Montessori Bookshelf: All About Geography!

In Montessori we love to explore how our language shapes our thinking, so we often explore the etymology of words. The word geography comes from the Greek geo, which means earth, and graphein, which means to write. So, geography can be understood as a description of the earth and all that occurs physically upon it. 

Although we name geography as a distinct subject, in Montessori geography is really woven throughout children’s learning experiences. These are some of our favorite books that support what children are experiencing in their geography explorations and that also encourage their natural curiosity about the world.

Click on the titles to link to the book on Goodreads.

Land and Water

Water Land: Land and Water Forms Around the World
by Christy Hale

This picture book shows the visual relationship between land and water forms by using cut-out portions of the page. Turn the page and a lake becomes an island! The simple yet lovely illustrations of humans interacting with the water and the land are accompanied by one word on each page that states the vocabulary: lake, island, bay, cape, strait, isthmus, etc. This is a perfect book for young children beginning their journey in geography!

Political and Physical Geography

Maps
by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinska

This is the perfect tome for children beginning to learn about continents and countries. The sturdy pages give the book a sense of weighty importance, and each page reveals treasures upon treasures. The book offers an overview of the world, then focuses in on each continent and key countries within the continents. Presented in map form, the pages also illustrate animal and plant life, as well as cultural traditions and interesting facts. Both an amazing reference guide and a key to further exploration, this book is rich in visual appeal as well as in content.

Maps of the World's Oceans: An Illustrated Children's Atlas to the Seas and all the Creatures and Plants that Live There
By Enrico Lavagno and Angelo Mojetta

This illustrated atlas combines an enticing visual overview of the world's oceans with easily digestible bits of information about what is found there. Easily a jumping-off point for a slew of research, this book is a must-have resource for any child interested in history, marine biology, or really just cool facts in general.  

Cultural Explorations

This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World
by Matt Lamothe

Based on seven real children around the world, this book depicts a day in each of their lives. The illustrations and short text of the children’s lives are shown side-by-side, so it’s easy to explore the similarities and differences in how they live: their families, what they wear, their school, what they eat, how they enjoy their evenings, where they sleep, and more. Designed to appeal to a range of ages the book provides large, simple text for each part of the day, as well as short descriptions for more confident readers. Younger children are also fascinated by the pictures of young people engaged in a variety of activities. Best of all, the book offers a delightful reminder of what unites us. 

The Earth

How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World
by Faith McNulty, Illustrated by Marc Simont

Elementary children love this book! The simple illustrations are just enough to spark their imagination as the text takes them on a “what if” journey that starts with finding a soft place to start shoveling. The adventure continues with finding fossils, drilling, perhaps finding oil or a geyser, using a jet-propelled submarine, and eventually resurfacing on the other side of the earth. The best part is that the story perfectly dove-tails with the elementary geography lesson that introduces the layers of the earth. Despite the imaginative aspects of How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World, the book is firmly grounded (pun intended!) in fascinating scientific information presented in just the right way to appeal to elementary-aged children. 

Life Story: The Story of Life on Our Earth from Its Beginning Up to Now
By Virginia Lee Burton

Set as a play, complete with a program detailing the cast and characters, Life Story progresses through scenes from the earth’s beginnings, through the prehistoric eras, to the seasons of human life. This book perfectly illustrates the passage of time and appeals to the elementary-aged child imagining the emergence of the universe and their own place in the story.

Earthshake: Poems from the Ground Up
By Lisa Westberg Peters, Illustrated by Cathie Felstead

These 22 poems offer whimsical yet scientific scenes all about planet earth: from wind to quartz to lava to water. Reading these poems reminds us that we can revel in the love of language while also learning about our world. As a bonus, the endnotes provide a bit more context and information about each of the 22 topics. 

Other Books to Explore

If you and your children are super excited about these titles, here are some other geography books we recommend!

Land and Water: Landforms & Bodies of Water
By Eve Heidi Bine-Stock

Wake Up, World!: A Day in the Life of Children Around the World
By Beatrice Hollyer

Let’s Eat!: What Children Eat Around the World
By Beatrice Hollyer

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
By Wendy Pfeffer, Illustrated by Jesse Reisch

Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor
By Robert Burleigh, Illustrated by Raúl Colón

End-of-Summer Bucket (and Book!) List

In Montessori, we believe that learning isn’t just something that happens at school. Children are naturally curious and want to discover, explore, and learn. By the end of the summer, they are often eager for opportunities to expand their awareness and engage in something meaningful. So why not use these last weeks of summer as an occasion to soak in experiences that will feed your child’s sense of wonder!

To inspire some end-of-summer adventures, this week we are combining the idea of a summer bucket list with our curated book list! 

If your child is older, you can share or post this list and offer a challenge to see how many items they can accomplish before school begins. For younger children, you can use the list as a source of inspiration to enjoy some special time together. 

We’ve included some of our favorite titles under each bucket list item. Heading to the library to gather books on the topic can inspire further exploration or even spark some interest. Although most of the books included are picture books, wordless books, or early readers, even older children can be inspired by a book left out on the kitchen table! Be sure to click on the book title to access the Goodreads description. 

Happy adventuring!

Climb a hill or a mountain. Explore a new hiking trail.

Hike by Pete Oswald

The Hike by Alison Farrell

Walk, bike, or skate along a bike path.

Along a Long Road by Frank Viva 

Canoe or raft on a local river.

River by Elisha Cooper

The Raft by Jim LaMarche

Explore a nature area near your house.

I Took a Walk by Henry Cole

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World by Julia Rothman 

A Walk in the Woods by Christin Couture

Climb a tree.

Just Like Me, Climbing a Tree: Exploring Trees Around the World by Durga Yael Bernhard 

The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green, illustrated by Claire McElfatrick 

Learn how to use a compass and map to find your way.

How to use a compass for kids (and adults too!): Your Little Guide to Becoming an Expert Navigator With a Trusty Compass by Henry D Bridges 

My Heart Is a Compass by Deborah Marcero 

Learn how to pitch a tent, make a fire, and cook breakfast outdoors.

S Is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet by Helen Foster James, illustrated by Lita Judge 

The Kids Campfire Book: Official Book of Campfire Fun by Jane Drake and Mordicai Gerstein, illustrated by Heather Collins

Toasting Marshmallows: Camping Poems by Kristine O’Connell George, illustrated by Kate Kiesler

Make sandcastles on the beach.

A Day for Sandcastles by Jonarno Lawson, illustrated by Qin Leng

Make mud pies.

Mud Book: How to Make Pies and Cakes by John Cage & Lois Long

Mud by Mary Lyn Ray

Search for invertebrates in seaside rock pools or woodland streams.

What's in the Tide Pool? by Anne Hunter

A River by Marc Martin

Build a fort or lean-to in the woods.

Fort-Building Time by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Abigail Halpin

A Kids' Guide to Building Forts by Tom Birdseye

Spend some hours making dams and bridges on little streams.

Streams and Ponds: My Nature Sticker Activity Book by Olivia Cosneau 

All the Water in the World by George Ella Lyon, illustrated by Katherine Tillotson  

Build, Beaver, Build!: Life at the Longest Beaver Dam by Sandra Markle, illustrated by Deborah Hocking 

We're Going to Build a Dam by Gillian McClure 

Try catching frogs.

ribbit by Jorey Hurley

a boy, a dog, and a frog by Mercer Mayer

Try catching fireflies in a jar.

Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe  

Fly, Firefly by Shana Keller, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki 

Learn how to identify a few constellations and how to find the North Star.

Wishing on a Star: Constellation Stories and Stargazing Activities for Kids by Fran Lee  

Glow-in-the-Dark Constellations by C. E. Thompson  

Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton

Once Upon a Starry Night: A Book of Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton

Learn where north, south, east, and west are in relation to your home.

The Compass Rose and Cardinal Directions by Caitlin McAneney

Maps and Globes: A New True Book by Ray Broekel

Maps and Globes by Jack Knowlton, illustrated by Harriet Barton

Watch the Perseid meteor shower (which peaks August 11-12).

Meteor Showers (True Book: Space) by Jane Kelley 

Exploring Meteor Showers (Discover the Night Sky) by Brigid Gallagher

Build a birdhouse (here are some good reasons why!).

Bird House by Blanca Gómez 

Building Birdhouses (How-to Library) by Dana Meachen Rau, illustrated by Kathleen Petelinsek 

The House I'll Build for the Wrens by Shirley Neitzel, illustrated by Nancy Winslow Parker 

Ask your parent or grandparent to teach you how to whittle a piece of wood.

Forest Craft: A Child's Guide to Whittling in the Woodland by Richard Irvine

Whittling Projects for Adventurous Kids by Floris Books 

Be able to name the local birds in your neighborhood (use binoculars, learn to recognize bird songs, etc.).

Backpack Explorer: Bird Watch: What Will You Find? by Editors of Storey Publishing, illustrated by Oana Befort 

Bird Watch by Christie Matheson

My Awesome Field Guide to North American Birds: Find and Identify Your Feathered Friends by Mike Graf 

Have You Heard The Nesting Bird? by Rita Gray, illustrated by Kenard Pak 

Learn the names of the trees on your property or in your area.

Backpack Explorer: Discovering Trees: What Will You Find? by Editors of Storey Publishing 

Trees (Field Guides for Kids) by Andrea Debbink  

Collect something and make a little museum at home (shells, rocks, feathers, postcards of natural wonders, etc.).

What’s in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures by Heather L. Montgomery, illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell: Based on the Childhood of a Great American Artist by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Gérard DuBois

Rocks in His Head by Carol Otis Hurst, illustrated by James Stevenson

Keep a Nature Journal.

The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long

Dig for worms.

An Earthworm's Life by John Himmelman

Yucky Worms by Vivian French, illustrated by Jessica Ahlberg

Go fishing.

Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner

H Is for Hook: A Fishing Alphabet by Judy Young

Go for a night hike with a flashlight.

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd 

Night Walk by Sara O'Leary, illustrated by Ellie Arscott

Pick fresh berries and bake a pie.

Wild Berries by Julie Flett, translated by Earl N. Cook 

Pie for Breakfast: Simple Baking Recipes for Kids by Cynthia Cliff

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Books for Art Lovers

What would our world be without art? We rely on it to record our history, to express our thoughts and emotions, to communicate, to protest, and to pass the time. Flexing our creativity feels good, and admiring the artwork of others has the potential to evoke a range of experiences.

Maybe you already love visual art. Perhaps your child has expressed some interest. Or maybe you’re just looking for some new good books to read together. No matter your reason, we’ve got you covered. As always, we’re including titles for readers of all developmental levels, as well as links to learn more.

Board Books

My Favorite Color by Aarom Becker

Becker is a Caldecott winner, so you already know this book is going to be gorgeous. Kids change their favorite color all the time, and this book celebrates the glorious spectrum of hues with fun semi-transparent segments.

ABCs of Art by Sabrina Hahn

Imagine a classic children’s ABCs book combined with beautiful classic works of art, and that’s what Hahn has created. From Cezanne to Stubbs, with all the Hokusai and Monet we could wish for our infants and toddlers wedged in between, you’ll love this book as much as your little one.

Picture Books

Ablaze With Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Harvey, illustrated by Loveis Wise

Art and creativity had always been a part of Thomas’ life, but it wasn’t until her 60s that she chose to pursue it as a career. This book covers the racial injustices faced by Thomas and her family, as well as the strange and beautiful journeys our lives take.

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh

José Guadalupe Posada, the Mexican artist known to many as Lupe, enjoyed using a variety of artistic mediums for a variety of purposes. From lithography to engraving, political cartoons to the Calaveras drawings he became famous for, art was always a part of his life.

Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal and a Pura Belpre Honor Book.

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michael Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe

Winner of the Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award, Steptoe’s biography of Basquiat highlights the idea that art doesn’t need to conform to be beautiful.

Middle Grade

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Claudia talks her brother into running away with her, and they end up secretly living in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The two then get caught up in solving the mystery of a statue, and eventually realize they’re better off facing their problems at home.

Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler

Georgia stumbles upon a drawing made by her father (a famous artist) before he died. She struggles to find meaning in the drawing, which seems to leave her out. Her quest to discover answers leads her, like the characters in our other middle grade recommendation, to the Met.

Nonfiction

Drawing From Memory by Allen Say

Say is another Caldecott winner, and this book is a fascinating autobiography complete with illustrations and photographs. Artists and their passions aren’t always supported, and we are all sometimes met with challenges that seem insurmountable. Say shares his journey, and how he managed to stay true to his dreams.

Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials: 60 Cool Projects That Reimagine Paper Rolls, Egg Cartons, Jars and More! by Kimberly McLeod

The title says it all. Some of the projects include toilet paper tube owls, 3-D hot air balloons, scrap paper trees, pirate hats, and a castle.

A World of Animals: Learn to Draw More Than 175 Animals From the Seven Continents! by Rimma Zainagova

This book is perfect for animal lovers, geography lovers, and art lovers! Containing interesting factual information about the continents and zoology, there are lots of simple step-by-step drawing instructions that kids will love.

Graphic Novels

Before They Were Artists: Famous Illustrators as Kids by Elizabeth Haidle

A gorgeous anthology of shortened artist biographies, this book explores how artists’ lives during their early years. How is creativity nurtured, and what is it like when an artist is just beginning to discover their passions? Artists include Hayao Miyazaki, Trove Jansson, Maurice Sendak, Yuyi Morales, Wanda Gag, and Jerry Pinkney.

Doodleville by Chad Sell

Drew loves to draw, and somehow her creations actually come to life. This is great, until she draws a monster. She relies on her artistic friends to help her solve this tricky problem.

Young Adult

Making Comics by Lynda Barry

Barry is an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she teaches students about art and discovery. This book is essentially her curriculum; it encourages students to see drawing as a means of expression and communication, and to stop worrying so much about artistic talent.

Drawing Dragons by Sandra Staple

If your teen loves drawing and fantasy worlds, this is the perfect pick for them. Along with specific instructions for learning to draw a variety of dragons, this book gives some very helpful information about drawing techniques in a general sense.

Little Felted Animals: Create 16 Irresistible Creatures with Simple Needle-Felting Techniques by Marie-Noelle Horvath

Your heart might just melt flipping through these pages. Learn to create a felted polar bear, sheep, dalmatian, and much more with detailed instructions and information about the materials needed to get started.

Mending Matters: Stitch, Patch, and Repair Your Favorite Denim and More by Katrina Rodabaugh

Clothing repair and design meets slow fashion meets artistry. Rodabaugh’s book inspires readers to grab their old torn jeans, some contrasting thread, and make something beautiful.

A Pride Book List

Happy Pride Month! June is the month we celebrate the history and contributions of LGBTQ+ folks, and we are thrilled to share this special book list with you all. Whether someone in your family is LGBTQ+ or not, we could all benefit from reading these amazing titles. As always, regardless of your child’s age or reading level, we have tried to include a little something for everyone: from picture books right up through young adult fiction and graphic novels.

We hope you find one or two books to enjoy on this list, and if you have any you think others should know about, please share!

Picture Books

The Little Library by Margaret MacNamara, illustrated by G. Brian Karas

Jake's class is so excited about the new school library…but not Jake. Jake isn’t a huge fan of reading, but he manages to make a connection with the new (nonbinary) librarian, and he discovers something he’s passionate about. Over the course of the school year, Jake’s perspective on reading changes, and he finds a special way to say thank you to Librarian Beck.

Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope by Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

Penelope is named after his grandmother, but nothing feels quite right. He knows deep down that he’s a boy, but everyone else thinks he’s a girl. This makes him angry, and he feels unseen and unheard, until he talks to his mom. His fifth birthday is his chance to tell his loving family, and the next day at school, he confidently walks in with his new (to the rest of the world) identity.

Harriet Gets Carried Away by Jessie Sima

Harriet loves costumes, and she wears them everywhere she goes. As she gets ready for her birthday party, she and her two dads realize they need to run some last-minute errands. Her imagination gets a little carried away, and she finds herself on an adventure with penguins, an orca, and some helpful pigeons.

Children’s Nonfiction

People of Pride: 25 Great LGBTQ Americans by Chase Clemesha, MD

Easy-to-read mini biographies, each accompanied by a photograph, share some of the most influential LGBTQ+ Americans’ lives. Additionally, there is a list of more notable people kids may want to learn about, a historical timeline of relevant events, and a glossary of helpful terms.

Rainbow Revolutionaries: 50 LGBTQ+ People Who Made History by Sarah Prager, illustrated by Sarah Papworth

One of the coolest parts of this book is the colorful world map that shows the birthplaces of each person listed in the book. Prager wrote the book specifically to increase representation for youth: “When I was growing up, I didn’t know that LGBTQ+ people had changed the world, I wrote the book to make sure you never have to think that.”

Children’s Graphic Novels

Wait, What?: A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up by Heather Corinna and Isabella Rotman, colored by Luke B. Howard

Probably best for middle schoolers and up, this title says it all. Comprehensive, body positive, encouraging, and inclusive, this is a must-read as your child gets a bit older.

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

Snapdragon is named after her mother’s favorite flower. She finds herself suddenly helping out the neighborhood “witch” and learns that not everything is as it first seems. Untangling family rumors, characters revealing true identities, and people showing their different sides, this book is magical, sweet, and entertaining. A variety of queer identities are represented.

Middle Grade Fiction

The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy

A Stonewall Honor Book, The Best at It features a diverse cast of characters and exposes readers to different cultures and identities. Rahul is a very relatable and likable character who has set out to figure out just one thing he can be the best at. Motivated by his grandfather’s advice, he is determined to meet his goal, while trying to also stay true to himself.

Birdie and Me

Jack and her brother Birdie are dealing with the aftermath of their mother’s death. Their uncles share the responsibility of caring for the kids, but when they go to live with Uncle Patrick, things begin to change. Uncle Patrick doesn’t accept Birdie’s love for gender-noncomforming clothing, and when Birdie begins being bullied at school, Jack steps into the role of protective big sister.

Both Can Be True 

Ash is nonbinary. Daniel often feels overwhelmed by his emotions. Somehow they both end up working together to save a dog, but Daniel doesn’t realize who Ash truly is. Their friendship evolves, and they have to figure out how to accept each other - and themselves.

Young Adult

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

We typically try to recommend newer books, but this classic just cannot be left off the list. A sweet story of two teenage boys who meet and become fast friends. Over time, their relationship shifts, although it takes them each different amounts of time to recognize and acknowledge their feelings. They go through tragedies together, navigate major life changes, and depend upon their supportive families as they find their way.

The Girl from the Sea 

A graphic novel that takes classic selkie folklore but  makes it queer-friendly. Morgan meets Keltie, and her whole life begins to change. She faces family upset, environmental problems, and a first love she never anticipated.

Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

This book fills two much-needed niches: Indigenous experiences and asexual experiences. Blending fantasy and reality, this book is well-loved by teens. 

Biographies in Contemporary Children’s Literature

Biography books for children have come a long way from the dull accounts of people’s lives that many of us read when we were young. Today’s young readers are captivated by learning about other people, whether they be major historical figures or not. The art of the memoir has changed how we tell the story of a life, and that style of writing has slipped itself beyond just autobiographies and can be found in mainstream biographies as well.

It’s impossible to list all the amazing books we would like to in this brief article, but please consider them to be a tiny slice of what’s available. As always, we provide links for you to learn more about each title, and we have sorted the books into different categories making it easier to find something suitable for readers of all ages. Enjoy!

Picture Books (primary and lower elementary children)

Picture book biographies are incredible works of art. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the writing grabs the attention and wonder of young children and the adults who read to them.  There are countless beautiful books out there; these are just a few titles that have been recently published.

In these books, children can learn about important human perspectives at a developmentally appropriate level. This includes the tragedy of the Holocaust, thriving with a disability, working hard to achieve one’s goals, preservation of native culture, dedication to social justice, and more.

• Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued by Peter Sís

• Unbound: The Life + Art of Judith Scott by Joyce Scott with Brie Spangler and Melissa Sweet, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

• Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites by Jamie Michalak and Debbie Michiko Florence, illustrated by Yuko Jones

• Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jiménez, Daughter of the Nahua by Gloria Amescua, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

• Song for Jimi: The Story of Guitar Legend Jimi Hendrix by Charles R. Smith Jr., illustrated by Edel Rodriguez

• The Faith of Elijah Cummings: The North Star of Equal Justice by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Laura Freeman

• Ashoka the Fierce: How an Angry Prince Became India’s Emperor of Peace by Carolyn Kanjuro, illustrated by Sonali Zohra

Children’s Biographies (elementary and middle school children)

The first two books in this section of our list are appropriate for lower elementary-aged children, while the rest are middle grade fiction best suited to upper elementary and middle school.

Just as with the picture books above, these cover a wide variety of important and interesting topics. They explore the lives of artists and their inspirations, living with a disability, how animals can make a profound impact on our lives, the complicated experience of living between two cultures, and life as a black child in the Jim Crow South.

• The Story of Frida Kahlo: A Biography Book for New Readers by Susan B. Katz

• Hokusai: He Saw the World in a Wave by Susie Hodge, illustrated by Kim Ekdahl

• Normal: One Kid’s Extraordinary Journey (Young Reader’s Edition) by Magdalena and Nathaniel Newman

• How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals by Sy Montgomery, illustrated by Rebecca Green

• While I was Away by Waka T. Brown

• Defiant: Growing Up in the Jim Crow South by Wade Hudson

Graphic Novels (these particular titles are suitable for elementary children)

As we have mentioned before, graphic novels are appealing to many children, but they open doors for some. Pictures help increase our understanding of context within a story, and graphic novels present literature in easier-to-consume “bites”. Accessibility is important, and getting kids to read, in whatever way works for them, is a great thing.

These three books happen to be about famous figures, but they have a nice way of presenting biographical information to children in an interesting and memorable way.

• Albert Einstein and the Theory of Relativity by Jordi Bayarri

• Wildheart: The Daring Adventures of John Muir by Julie Bertagna, illustrated by William Goldsmith

• Seen: Rachel Carson by Birdie Willis, Rii Abrego, and Kieran Quigley

Young Adult Biographies (high school)

High school students are typically ready to consider heavier topics. They have a deep sense of justice and the motivation to make change. This makes it the perfect time to introduce them to how life is sometimes messy, complicated, and unfair.

Themes include growing up black in America, immigration and war, surviving sexual assault, and being falsely accused and imprisoned. One of the books - Passport - is a graphic novel that details the author’s life growing up with parents who work for the CIA.

• Accused: My Story of Injustice by Adama Bah

• Passport by Sophia Glock

• Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson

• We Are Not Broken by George M. Johnson

• Call Me American: The Extraordinary True Story of a Young Somali Immigrant (adapted for Young Adults) by Abdi Nor Iftin

Books To Cozy Up With This Winter

As winter settles in and we spend a bit more time huddled inside our homes, it makes perfect sense to gather books to read. Whether our young children snuggle up with us as we read to them, or they’re getting a bit older and find a comfy spot to lose themselves in a book, we have titles here for all ages. From board books to YA (and everything in between), we skipped over the books you probably already know and love in an attempt to share some new ones.

Board Books

Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes, illustrated by Laura Dronzek

Henke’s books are always charming and so appealing to young readers; Winter Is Here is no exception. Along with Dronzenk’s beautiful illustrations, the text celebrates the simple joys of the season.

Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Richard Jones

As winter approaches, all the animals have different ways of preparing. Fox doesn’t head south, gather nuts, or change out its coat...so what should it do? We love this sweet tale with a focus on nature.

Picture Books

Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Campher, illustrated by Kenard Pak

Lina can’t wait to wake up and help her grandmother make stuffed grape leaves, but when she gets up, she discovers a blizzard has covered her city with snow. On the walk over, she thinks about how her grandmother can’t see very well, and she tries to listen to the sounds snow can make. This is a story everyone can enjoy and is sprinkled with Lebanese heritage and tradition.

Before Morning by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Beth Krommes

Fans of Krommes’ Caldecott winning The House in the Night will adore this gorgeous book. Some winter mornings feel almost magical, and what could be better than a big snowstorm to keep a traveling parent home a bit longer than expected? Full of rich text and cozy illustrations, this is a perfect book for this time of year.

Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Constance R. Bergum

Some of the best picture books blend masterful storytelling with factual information. Children of this age are eager to learn about their world, and often, especially, about animals. While humans enjoy their time above ground during winter, countless creatures are surviving beneath the surface.

Snow by Uri Shulevitz

Grownups, the radio, and the television all say there won’t be snow, but the boy with the dog knows better. One flake becomes two, then three, then more, as the town transitions from an eerie grey into a beautiful blanket of white. Snow is a Caldecott Honor book.

Early Readers and First Chapter Books

A Snowy Day (Ana & Andrew) by Christine Platt, illustrated by Sharon Sordo

A brother and sister enjoy a wholesome winter day together, filled with bundling up to play outside, making a snowman, eating “snow cream”, having grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch, and imagining how their cousins in Trinidad might enjoy the weather.

Henry And Mudge And The Snowman Plan by Cynthia Rylant, illustrations by Suçie Stevenson

If your child enjoys this book, it is just one in a fantastic series! Henry and his dog Mudge hear about a snowman-building contest at the local park. When Henry runs home to tell his dad about it, he finds him painting a green chair and covered in green paint himself. This is hilarious, but it also gives Henry an idea...

Caterflies and Ice (Zoey and Sassafras) by Asia Citro, illustrations by Marion Lindsay

One book in another great series, Zoey always seems to find herself helping out magical creatures. While caterflies may be completely fictional, the way Zoey approaches her problem-solving is anything but. Readers learn how to think like scientists, ask questions, and learn about real topics.

Juvenile and Middle Grade Fiction

The Reindeer Girl by Holly Webb

Another fantastic fiction title that gives readers factual and interesting information! Young Lotta has always enjoyed her Norwegian great-grandmother’s stories. Somehow, one evening, she finds herself immersed in and actually living one of these stories, and she’s suddenly responsible and caring for reindeer. She always hoped for her own adventures, but never dreamed they would be quite like this.

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Two main characters - Hazel and Jack - have always been best friends. As we all know, growing up means friendships change, and that transformation can be hard. The pair are now eleven years old, and while it’s common for boys and girls to go their own separate ways at this age, Hazel believes there is more to the story. While she searches for the answer, the two find themselves in a world of fantasy and fairy tales.

Young Adult

Into the Blizzard: Heroism at Sea During the Great Blizzard of 1978 [The Young Readers Adaptation] by Michael J. Tougias

In 1978 a massive blizzard struck New England with a force that has been unmatched since. During the storm a large oil tanker found itself in trouble and called for help. The heroes who rushed to meet them marched straight into the storm, and straight into danger. One book in a series of true rescue stories, this title will keep teens on the edge of their seats while teaching them a bit about history and the power of nature.

Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World by Andrea Pitzer

William Barents was a sixteenth-century Dutch explorer, who, along with his team, made multiple trips to the Arctic. One of these trips resulted in the crew losing their ship and being forced to spend an entire year attempting to survive on their own in an unforgiving landscape. A perfect pick for lovers of danger and adventure.

Graphic Novels (ages 6-18)

Graphic novels are having a moment. There was a time not long ago when it was easy for most adults to view them as “not real” books. Today we know that couldn’t be further from the truth. Many graphic novels are of very high quality; the plots and characters are well developed, and they are recognized for the important contribution they make to youth literature. They can motivate reluctant readers and increase reading comprehension. And what’s even better? There are great options out there for readers of all ages.

Whether your child is 6 or heading off to college soon, check out our list for suggestions. Many of these are part of a series, so it’s easy to get hooked on one title and feel eager to reach for the next. Suggested ages are listed below each title (but we will fully admit that we loved reading each and every one).

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton

(6-9 years) One day, a narwhal and a jellyfish meet - neither one believing the other is real. They decide to be friends anyway, and embark on many silly adventures, with some amazing science facts sprinkled in. Narwhal and Jelly love to use their imaginations...about as much as they love waffles.

Arlo & Pips: King of the Birds by Ben Clanton

(6-10 years) Arlo, a crow of many talents, meets a tiny yellow bird named Pips. Together, they wander around the city, delighting readers with incredible information about crows (did you know they give gifts to people they like?) and plenty of jokes.

Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of YOU by Rachel Brian

(6-10 years) If we could recommend just one book on this list, it would be this one. The information on these pages is critical for all children to read, and the illustrations and text are presented in such a way that will keep them interested. Sitting and reading this one together with your child will provide opportunity for some important conversations.

Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires

(ages 7-10) Binky is an indoor house cat. He loves the large and small humans that live with him, but he fears for all their safety because he believes there are space aliens just outside the door. The only logical thing to do is to become a certified space cat, build a spaceship, and do everything he can to protect those he loves. This book is fantastically ridiculous.

Noisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices & Changed the World

(8-12 years) From the makers of Kazoo (an amazing magazine for kids), this collection is graphic novel meets Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls. Information on each woman is clear and accessible, and teaches readers about influential women. Included are figures such as fossil hunter Mary Anning, ballerina Maria Tallchief, detective Kate Warne, and explorer Jeanne Baret.

Science Comics: Coral Reefs: Cities of the Ocean by Maris Wicks

(9-13 years) Packed with fascinating information (like radial symmetry, life cycles, animal classification, ocean salinity, reef formation, and the water cycle), science-loving kids will really enjoy this book. Coral reefs, the creatures that live within them, and their effect on other living systems are more complex than one might think. Bright illustrations and a friendly fish narrator keep readers turning the pages.

Seen: True Stories of Marginalized Trailblazers: Rachel Carson By Birdie Willis, Rii Abrego, and Kieran Quigley

(11-16 years) This one might be a little trickier to track down; we found our copy at our local library, but it’s also sold at comic book stores. Definitely worth the extra searching, this book tells the true story of a girl who grew up loving nature and writing, and eventually found a way to put both talents to good use. Rachel Carson changed the way the people looked at the environment, and the role we play in caring for it.

The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

(12-18 years) Morgan is 15, and her life isn’t exactly what she wants it to be. Her parents just got divorced, her little brother is being rude, and she’s hiding a pretty big secret. She’s realized she likes girls, but she doesn’t feel like she can tell anyone until she goes off to college in a few years. Then she accidentally falls into the ocean and is saved by a beautiful girl named Keltie - who turns out to be a selkie with the heart of an environmentalist. Morgan’s summer - and life - is about to change.

Constitution Illustrated illustrated by R. Sikoryak

(13-18 years) Everyone living in the United States should read through the constitution at some point, and with the recent major shifts in our nation, even adolescents are becoming more interested in learning about politics and our history. This book contains the original text...accompanied by some entertaining illustrations. Characters like Calvin and Hobbs, the Peanuts, Spongebob, and senators and congressmen stylized like superheroes grace the pages, making reading the text more relatable to young people.

Run by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by L. Fury and Nate Powell

(13-18 years) “First you march, then you run.” Co-authored by former Congressman Lewis and released this past August, Run details what it’s like to work against oppressive systems, and how that work can span decades. Covering some of the most influential moments of the civil rights movement, Lewis emphasizes that those powerful events were the beginning of a long and challenging journey.

Animal Books For Lower Elementary Children (and Kindergartners, too!)

It’s no secret that most children of a certain age are completely enamored with animals. This love starts when they are quite young but grows to a fever pitch somewhere between ages five and nine. Luckily, the Montessori curriculum caters to this passion and provides many zoology lessons and activities.

In case your child is experiencing this fantastic phenomenon and you’d like to support that learning at home, we have curated a small list of amazing books you may not have heard of before. Take a trip to your local library or bookstore, or we have provided links here for ordering or more information.

The Frog Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta, illustrated by Ralph Masiello

If your child ends up enjoying this book, know that Pallotta has created many alphabet books on a range of subjects, many of them animal-related. Although alphabet books generally tend to be created with toddlers in mind, these books are most definitely for older children and appeal even to third graders. With beautiful illustrations and interesting factual information, each page highlights a different frog or amphibian, ranging from the ichthyostega (the very first amphibian which is now extinct), to the goliath frog (the world’s largest frog), to the brightly-colored blue-legged strawberry frog. 

Lifetime: The Amazing Numbers in Animal Lives by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

“In one lifetime, this caribou will grow and shed 10 sets of antlers.” “In one lifetime, this alligator will build 22 nests and lay 550 eggs.” “In one lifetime, this female red kangaroo will birth 50 joeys...So many hoppy birthdays!” Schaefer combines elementary-aged children’s love of animals with their simultaneous love of math and numbers in this incredible book. After gathering available data and determining averages, she shares fascinating facts on each page, with more detailed information about the animals and math for interested readers at the end of the book.

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Globe

“There was a girl in the village who loved horses. She would often get up at daybreak when the birds were singing about the rising sun. She led the horses to drink at the river. She spoke softly and they followed. People noticed she understood horses in a special way.” This Caldecott medal winner beautifully honors native American tradition while telling the tale of a girl who was so connected to the horses she loved that she eventually became one of them.

Crab Moon by Ruth Horowitz, illustrated by Kate Kiesler

Horseshoe crabs are ancient creatures that continue to grab the attention of children, adults, and scientists even today. While on a beach vacation with his family, young David’s mother tells him how the horseshoe crabs come ashore each year to lay their eggs, and she promises to wake him in the middle of the night so that he may experience this wonder for himself. This book does such a lovely job of explaining the experience, readers will almost feel like they are right there with the crabs. As with so many wonderful children’s books today, there is additional factual information at the end of the story. As an additional bonus, learning about horseshoe crabs connects nicely with children’s history work in their lower elementary Montessori classroom, especially regarding the Timeline of Life material.

Inky's Amazing Escape: How a Very Smart Octopus Found His Way Home by Sy Montgomery, illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford

This is a true story of an octopus found near reefs in New Zealand. Readers learn a bit about how young octopuses get their start in the world, what may have happened to cause Inky’s injured arms, and how he came to stay at the National Aquarium in Wellington. His caretakers at the aquarium took excellent care of him, and children will delight at hearing about how he enjoyed playing with Legos and Mister Potato Head in his enclosure. Octopuses are curious and adventurous, however, and Inky eventually snuck out of his tank, found his way into the building’s plumbing, and then back into the ocean.  

Andre the Famous Harbor Seal by Fran Hodgkins, illustrated by Yetti Frenkel

Today there are laws that protect the safety of wild seals by prohibiting humans from even touching them without special permits. This was not always the case, however, and this story tells the tale of how one seal became a pet, a famous local performer, an honorary harbormaster, and an ambassador for his species. Over the years, Andre spent time living with a family of humans, swimming in the local waters near his Maine home, wintering at the New England Aquarium in Boston or the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, and spending stretches of time freely roaming the waters along the coast of Massachusetts, New Hamphsire, and Maine. A lovely statue of Andre remains today, overlooking the harbor in Rockport, Maine.  

Frozen Wild: How Animals Survive in the Coldest Places on Earth by Jim Arnosky

Perhaps one of the most interesting elements of this book is the fold-out pages with extended illustrations; children enjoy the novelty and appreciate interacting with the book in a different way. They will learn, through factual text and detailed illustrations, about all sorts of ways animals survive in the cold. Topics range from beavers in the winter, the various animals that call the arctic and antarctic regions home, how animals stay warm in the winter, and more.  

Even More Lesser Spotted Animals by Martin Brown

A follow-up to the original Lesser Spotted Animals, this great book aims to highlight some of the animals we don’t hear about all the time. Lions, giraffes, and grey squirrels are great, but have you ever heard of the dingiso, rufous sengi, tamandua, or altai argali? Humor peppers every page, along with relatable size descriptions (“about the size of a one-year-old toddler with a tail”), what we know about each animal, where they live, what their current status is, and any other information that kids will find amazing and interesting. With a goal of encouraging conservation and preservation, Brown believes that to care about saving animals people need to know about them, and this includes the underdogs we don’t often hear about.

What other books has your animal-loving child enjoyed that you think other families should know about? Feel free to share your recommendations with us!

Books That Celebrate Asian Heritage and Culture

Over the past several months, there has been a disturbing increase in hateful actions toward people of Asian descent. Most of us watch the news in horror, and while we disagree with what’s happening, it can be hard to know what actions to take.

We believe one of the most powerful social justice actions parents can take is to instill positive values in our children. Kids are never too young to learn about acceptance, equity, and the beauty in humanity’s differences.

This is why we would like to share this very special book list: A Celebration of Asian Heritage and Culture. Children’s books should be both a reflection of who they are and their life experiences, but also an illuminating peek into the lives and experiences of others. No one explains this better than children’s author Grace Lin.

Hush! A Thai Lullaby by Minfong Ho, illustrated by Holly Meade

A Thai mother and her gentle exasperation plead with various animals to please stay quiet as her baby sleeps. They stomp and shriek past her home, and she meets each one in turn asking them to hush. Finally, as the moon rises above them, she falls asleep with her head resting on the windowsill, with (of course) her smiling and wide-awake baby beside her.

Round is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Thong, illustrated by Grace Lin

Round, square, rectangle...young children love to notice shapes around them in their everyday lives. The main character in this book is no exception. A beautiful blending of her family’s heritage and their modern life, she notices shapes in traditional Asian items as well as everyday ones that we are all familiar with.

We Are Inspiring: The Stories of 32 Inspirational Asian American Women by Angel Trazo

Author/illustrator Angel Trazo created this book to celebrate Asian heritage while being accessible to multiple age groups. Perfect for upper elementary students to read on their own, it can also be used as a read aloud book for younger children.

Suki's Kimono by Chieri Uegaki, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch 

Suki is so excited to wear her new kimono on the first day of school. It was given to her by her obāchan and she has such fantastic memories attached to it! Besides, it’s beautiful and it shows who she is. With her sisters admonishing her choice of attire and pretending they don’t know her the whole way to school, and with some of her classmates teasing her, Suki holds her head high and takes an opportunity to tell the story of her kimono. Her bravery and strength pay off in the end, and Suki dances her way home after school.

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

Unhei and her family have just moved to the United States from Korea. After an embarrassing moment on the schoolbus involving a boy making fun of her name, she tells her classmates that she doesn’t have a name and needs to choose one. They all get to work helping her decide on one, until one girl discovers Unhei’s real name. The class works together to learn to pronounce it correctly, and Unhei is finally able to feel comfortable as her true self.

The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

A perfect book for upper elementary-aged children, The Year of the Dog is the first in a three-book series that follows Pacy, a Chinese American girl. She navigates many typical coming-of-age events that are faced by most children, while simultaneously figuring out her identity that is often stretched between two worlds.

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord

Young Bandit lives in China with her mother, cousins, grandmother, aunts, and uncles. The only one missing is her father, who has traveled abroad to seek out his fortune. One day, he sends for Bandit and her mother, who leave the family behind and make the long journey to Brooklyn. Before leaving, Bandit is asked to choose a name, and she chooses to call herself Shirley Temple. In Brooklyn, she can’t speak English and feels lost and out of place - until she discovers Jackie Robinson. Her new hero doesn’t exactly fit in either, but he inspires her to thrive in her new home.

Green Lantern: Legacy by Minh Le, illustrated by Andie Tong

This is a great option for graphic novel lovers! There are elements of adventure, superheroes, honoring ancestors, and figuring out one’s place in the world. What could be more perfect for upper elementary and early middle schoolers?

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhà Lai

Told in gorgeous lyrical poetry, Inside Out and Back Again is based on Thanhhà Lai’s own childhood. She and her family lived in Vietnam during the war, and were eventually forced to flee, moving across the world to Alabama in the United States. But being in a new country, with her father missing in action, is the type of challenge no child should have to face. Sadly, it is the tale of many refugees around the world and throughout history, and an important story for us all to learn from. A National Book Award Winner and a Newbery Honor book, both upper elementary and middle school students would appreciate reading this.  

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

Lucy is a Chinese American girl who is headed into the sixth grade and loves basketball. With her sister Regina heading off to college soon, Lucy is eagerly anticipating the day she can have a room to herself...until it doesn’t quite work out that way. Regina (who speaks perfect Chinese and adores every aspect of her family's customs) does leave, but their grandmother’s friend comes for an extended stay - in Lucy’s room. She expects her year to be completely ruined, but readers can expect a few surprises.