{2026 New Release} Greta Green Builds a Submarine by: Sue Fliess, David Elmo Cooper Meet Greta Green: pint-size pioneer of the sea! Greta Green adores the ocean and spends her time cleaning the shoreline with her trusty bird and hermit crab. She can only dream of diving below the surface to discover the wonders hidden beneath…until the day that Greta gets a big idea: She and her pals will build their own submarine! And that’s exactly what they do.

Out Now 'Greta Green Builds a Submarine by: Sue Fliess & David Elmo Cooper' #newrelease #GretaGreenBuildsaSubmarine#SueFliess #DavidElmoCooper #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit

On the Porch with Tykayla Livingston For working families, every dollar has a destination where the system falls short.

"All I want in the world is for my children to have opportunity. To have the chance to succeed in whatever it is they want to do." #nc #ourstoriesmatter #thefrontporch
thefrontporchnc.substack.com/p/on-the-porch-with-tyka...

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{2026 New Release} God, the Great I AM by: Sydney Ann Johnson, Thais Mesquita Silveira Cunha I AM . . . I am the God of gods and Lord of lords, and my love will last forever I created you for a reason, with a special purpose God, The Great I AM is a love letter from God’s heart to yours. Through lyrical language and vibrant imagery, Sydney Ann Johnson invites you and your child to explore who God is, what He does, and how much He cares for you.

Out Now 'God, the Great I AM by: Sydney Ann Johnson & Thais Mesquita Silveira Cunha' #newrelease #GodtheGreatIAM #SydneyAnnJohnson #faith #ThaisMesquitaSilveiraCunha #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit

{2026 New Release} World Soccer Kings by: Charles R. Smith Jr. An exuberant collection of poems about soccer stars around the world crackles with Charles R. Smith’s indomitable wordplay, matched by graphic, dynamic photos of the players in action. Mercurial magician Lionel Messi is on a goal-scoring mission. Erling Haaland earns the nickname Striking Viking (Hat trick! / Off the head / GOAL!). Whether the poems in this book are cheering for the Pennsylvania Pelé, Christian Pulisic; Cristiano Ronaldo, with his record-breaking right; or “Blue Blur” Kylian Mbappé, who torches the net with his afterburn blast, Charles R.

An exuberant collection that features poems in different forms about star soccer players from around the world, with extensive backmatter that delves into why each form was chosen for a particular athlete's style of play. #newrelease #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit #CharlesRSmithJr

{2026 New Release} The Heart of Our Home by: Janelle Washington This author-illustrator debut from Caldecott honor-winning creator Janelle Washington (Choosing Brave) is a timeless ode to one family's kitchen table: stained, scratched, and full of love. The heart of this family’s home beats steadily at the round wooden kitchen table. Every morning, they gather around it for breakfast. In the afternoons, it’s where homework gets done, and where art projects, and sometimes brownies, are made.

Happy Pub Week to Janelle Washington! #newrelease #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit #TheHeartofOurHome #JanelleWashington

{2026 New Release} Hazel’s Best Day : A Story of Community, Accessibility, and Pride in Being Yourself by: Adiba Nelson, DeAnn Wiley From the author of Oshún and Me and the artist of Homegrown comes a joyful picture book that celebrates community and individuality, inspired by real people with disabilities everywhere. Today is the best day of the year: PARADE DAY! It’s the day that Hazel’s city is a little bit shinier, everyone’s a little bit happier, and she gets to wear her sparkliest, coolest gear to celebrate and attend the disability pride parade.

Happy Pub Week to Adiba Nelson & DeAnn Wiley! #newrelease #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit #AdibaNelson #DeAnnWiley #HazelsBestDay

{2026 New Release} While We’re Here by: Anne Wynter, Micha Archer Award-winning creators Anne Wynter and Micha Archer share a mother-daughter tale about delighting in small pleasures throughout the city. Perfect for fans of Oge Mora and Sophie Blackall. Anne Wynter perfectly captures the hurry and hustle of a busy day. But when plans change and a girl and her mother slow down to savor small pleasures, the real celebration begins. …

While We’re Here focuses on a mother and daughter who celebrate small pleasures over the course of a day. When this mother-daughter duo finally stops to slow down, they enjoy the world that awaits them and also revel in each other’s sweet company. #newrelease #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter

{2026 New Release} Mari and the Great Market Swap by: Janelle Springer-Willms, Juliana Eigner JLG Gold Standard Selection When customers can’t reach the weekly market, Mari comes up with a creative solution to help her fellow vendors. “I guess it’s cassava, cassava, cassava for me dis week,” said Wendy. “Here, take some o’ my guava,” giggled Mari. “Thanks. You want a cassava?” That gave Mari the brightest idea of all. Mari loves to help Granny sell their ripe guavas at the weekly market.

Set on the island of Barbados in the Caribbean and introduces the market, a mainstay of many cultures around the world and source of fresh, local produce. Encourages problem solving, creative solutions, and bartering. #newrelease #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit #Barbados #Caribbean

#blackwomenhistory #blackhistory365 #ourstoriesmatter #recytaylor youtube.com/shorts/egGLo... via @YouTube

{2026 New Release} Milkshake the Disappearing Milk Snake: A Graphic Novel by: Akeem S. Roberts In this funny supernatural graphic novel series, eight-year-old Carter solves mysteries with the ghost of his former class pet—a naked mole rat named Mr. Pebbles! This time, the unlikely duo investigates the disappearance of another class pet. The pet snake from the class next door is missing! Carter and his ghost detective sidekick, Mr. Pebbles, are back, and there’s a new mystery to solve at Creek Elementary.

A funny school story sprinkled with supernatural elements, a light whodunit, and adorably weird class pets, all centering a young Black boy as our (reluctant!) hero. #newrelease #MilkshaketheDisappearingMilkSnake #AkeemSRoberts #Comics #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit

{2026 New Release} The Big Green: A Story About the Great Green Wall of Africa by: Ken Wilson-Max In an upbeat story with bright, welcoming illustrations, Ken Wilson-Max conveys the excitement and hope created by a vast, community-powered project to bring more trees to sub-Saharan Africa. It’s another hot day in Mali, at the edge of the desert, and Mariam and Issa know something special is about to happen. As they play in the shade and make clapping rhythms with their hands, Mum and Dad make their own kind of music with shovels, poking holes in the dry earth.

Happy Pub Week to Ken Wilson-Max! An approachable way to discuss climate resiliency with children who want to make a difference to the Earth’s future. #newrelease #TheBigGreen #KenWilsonMax #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit

{2026 New Release} As You Are : A Hope for Black Sons by: Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle, David Wilkerson A mother’s love. A son’s light. A message the world needs to hear. Every Black mother sees her son as brilliant, worthy, and full of promise. But as he grows, she worries the world may not always see him the same way. As You Are: A Hope for Black Sons is a touching picture book for kids ages 4–8 that reminds every Black boy he is loved, powerful, and enough just as he is.

As You Are Affirms Black boys' value and worthiness and encourages self-love and self-acceptance. #newrelease #AsYouAre #KimberlyAGordonBiddle #DavidWilkerson #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit

{2026 New Release} The Nature of Change : Lessons of Determination, Resilience, and Hope from the Outside World by: René Marsh, Pumudi Gardiyawasam From CNN national correspondent and children’s book author René Marsh comes a poetic and heartfelt book about two siblings who learn how to navigate a difficult life change while still holding on to hope. The Nature of Change is perfect for any reader ages 4 to 8 who needs encouragement and wisdom in the face of a challenge, big or small.

Happy Pub Week to René Marsh & Pumudi Gardiyawasam! The book's theme acknowledge that change can be hard and scary, but good things can come from it. #newrelease #TheNatureofChange #René Marsh #PumudiGardiyawasam #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit

{2026 New Release} Harlow’s Harmonica by: Crystal Rae and Robert Paul WARNING: Pay the Piper or pay the price! Houston has a problem. Rats! And these aren't your normal rats. These are big, mean, nasty, bite your pinky toes off in the middle of the night and eat them with hot sauce, Bonnie and Clyde kind of rats! H-Town's only hope is a blues singing, left- hook swinging, harmonica playing, stranger with a secret as big as Texas. Release: 3/10/26Ages: 8 to 12Get the Book: (Own It Today)

Happy Pub Week to Crystal Rae & Robert Paul! #newrelease #HarlowsHarmonica #CrystalRae #RobertPaulJr #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit

{2026 New Release} Ramadan Rain by: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Aliaa Betawi In this heartwarming celebration of family and faith, join Haneen and her Momma as they celebrate Eid and the end of Ramadan with prayers made on a rainy day. Haneen's Momma says that during Ramadan raindrops bring blessings and answer prayers. As they travel through the streets on a slow bus ride, rain drips down the window, and Haneen prays for new shoes and bright dresses--gifts she really, really wants to receive for Eid.

Happy Pub Week to Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow & Aliaa Betawi! Haneen quickly learns that being thankful for family and community is the greatest gift of all. This timeless and evergreen message resonates no matter who you are. #newrelease #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit #Ramadan #Muslim

{2026 New Indie Release} For Always, Grandma Maria: Amara’s Prayers for Grandma Maria by: Candy McQueen For Always, Grandma Maria is a heartfelt children's story about love, faith, and remembering those we hold close in our hearts. When young Amara misses her beloved Grandma Maria, she learns that love never truly leaves us. Through family moments, prayer, and treasured memories, Amara begins to understand that Grandma Maria’s love will always be with her. This gentle story helps children navigate feelings of loss while reminding them of the comfort of faith, family, and lasting love.

Out Now 'For Always Grandma Maria by: Candy McQueen' #newrelease #CandyMcQueen #ForAlwaysGrandmaMaria #Prayer #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit

{2025 New Release} Pushing Hope : An Illustrated Memoir of Survival by: Raymond Santana, Keith Henry Brown One of the Central Park Five reflects on his wrongful conviction—and tireless fight for his 2002 exoneration—in this moving young adult illustrated memoir. Raymond Santana’s story is an example to teens of the power of hope and resilience—and the importance of fighting injustice to stand up for what’s right. When Raymond Santana was just 14, he was accused of a crime he didn’t commit.

The message of the book is the power of hope and the determination to push through despair and injustice offering young adults a sense of reassurance about how to handle personal hardships and life-threatening situations. #WeNeedDiverseBooks #PushingHope #RaymondSantana #OurStoriesMatter #YoungAdult

{2026 New Release} Deep Breath, Little Whisper : Praying Every Little Word Your Heart Wants to Say Scott James, Irina Avgustinovich Help your child discover the importance of talking to God during all types of situations with this picture book that explores the use of breath prayers. Throughout, kids will learn that each of their direct praises, quick thanks, and whispered requests can bring them peace and build a stronger relationship with their heavenly Father. God loves it when His children talk to Him—and connecting with God can be as easy as using a simple word or phrase.

Deep Breath, Little Whisper shows children how prayer can bring peace and comfort in various circumstances, helping them manage their emotions and turn to God for support. #newrelease #faith #kids #ScottJames #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #KidLit #IrinaAvgustinovich

{2025 New Release} The Six Triple Eight : A True Story of the Black Woman Battalion of World War II by: Tonya Abari, Lance Evans A powerful and vibrantly illustrated account of the resilience and dedication of the unsung Black heroines who played a major role in World War II. Perfect for fans of Hidden Figures, Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free, and Tyler Perry’s blockbuster film The Six Triple Eight. In 1944, the United States was facing a unique wartime crisis—too much mail!

Abari’s picture book is both a celebration of the resilience of the Black women who served during World War II and an empowering story teaching young girls that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. #newrelease #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #KidLit #TonyaAbari #LanceEvans

{2026 New Release} Trouble At the Hair Salon by: Tanya Wright, Ashley Evans Hip, hip, hooray! It's Fri-yay! With her parents out of town, Hairiette gets to spend the whole weekend with Aunt Zelda and her cat Olive! They have their Fish Fry Friday, watch movies, and dance around the house. But this Friday is even more special: Hairiette learns how to use her Magic Nation to be an entrepreneur and help her family's hair salon business.

Happy Pub Week to Tanya Wright & Ashley Evans! Hairiette is a wonderfully fun character to introduce to kids how they can use their imagination to become an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is approached in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. #newrelease #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter

{2026 New Release} Aku: Journey to Ibra by: Micah Johnson, Durk van der Meer Blast off into a sci-fi adventure in this electrifying debut novel starring Aku—the groundbreaking 3D character who graced the cover of TIME Magazine. "The plot is compelling and fast paced, with nonstop adventure....An entertaining sci-fi romp with grounded, real-world tween struggles."—School Library Journal Aku has always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. It’s easier to picture life among the stars than deal with the bully at school—or the pain of his grandfather’s mysterious disappearance.

Happy Pub Week to Micah Johnson & Durk van der Meer! #newrelease #MicahJohnson #DurkvanderMeer #Aku #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #KidLit @durkatwork @micah_johnson3

{2026 New Release} Planting Hope by: Frederick Joseph, Paul Kellam A child discovers a secret ingredient for nurturing plants—and for helping ailing loved ones, too—in this tender story by a two-time New York Times best-selling author celebrating the power of hope. Everyone in Henry’s family loves plants and gardening. So why can he never get his little plant to grow, no matter how hard he tries? His mom has been able to grow anything since she was young, and even cultivated a whole orchard to help feed people who were hungry.

Happy Pub Week to Frederick Joseph & Paul Kellam! #newrelease #PlantingHope #FrederickJoseph #PaulKellam #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #KidLit

{2026 New Release} Maya’s Big Question (Ambitious Girl, 3) by: Meena Harris, Marissa Valdez A young girl is determined to celebrate the women in her community and beyond in this inspiring book by #1 New York Times bestselling author of Ambitious Girl, Meena Harris. Maya is proud of who she is: a curious kid who loves to ask questions. When her class takes a trip to Washington, DC, and only visits monuments dedicated to men, Maya asks: “Where are all the women?” With help from a park ranger who knows that asking questions is one of the most powerful things you can do, Maya decides to celebrate the women in her community with a monument of their own.

Happy Pub Week to Meena Harris & Marissa Valdez! #newrelease #MayasBigQuestion #MeenaHarris #MarissaValdez #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #KidLit @meena @marissaarts #Ambitious #WomensHistoryMonth #AmbitiousGirls #Empowerment

{2026 New Release} Put Your Records On by: Corinne Bailey Rae, Gillian Eilidh O’Mara Inspired by Corinne Bailey Rae's award-winning hit song, this picture book celebrates music's unique power to soothe or energize us when we need it most. "Today I'd like to do something I've never done before," Bea tells her great aunt Portia during one of their Sunday visits. And before she knows it, she's being led upstairs to an attic room she didn't know existed—a wonderful haven full of Portia's cherished items, including shelf after shelf of records.

"Put Your Records On" centers on the relationship between Bea and her warm, supportive great aunt Portia. #newrelease #PutYourRecordsOn #CorinneBaileyRae #GillianEilidhOMara #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit

{2026 New Release} A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van by: Daniel Bernstrom, Brandon James Scott Hungry as always, Bear finally feasts on DONUTS in his third picture book adventure. With delightful art, perfect rhyme, and the series’ indelible screwball appeal, A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van will have everyone in stitches and demanding repeat readings! Everyone’s favorite hungry bear is back! This time Bear discovers a van full of donuts—YUM! Bear climbs in the van, but the unsuspecting donut man doesn't see what's going on.

Out Now 'A Bear, a Man, and a Donut Van by: Daniel Bernstrom, Brandon James Scott' #newrelease #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #kidlit #ABearaManandaDonutVan #DanielBernstrom #BrandonJamesScott

From the Underground Railroad to Queen & Slim, Black stories have always been about escape, survival, and the pursuit of freedom, even when the road is uncertain. 🚗💨

Drop a ✊🏾 if you’re still walking in the legacy of those who ran before us.
#BlackHistory #QueenAndSlim #OurStoriesMatter

{2026 New Release} Where They Gather by: Teresa Rodrigues, Jamiel Law As a tree grows, so too does a strong and loving Black family over generations in this gorgeous and lyrical picture book spanning centuries of persistence and hope. Roots take hold and settle in,creeping far and free.They stake their claim in barren ground—a dream of what will be.Here, they hope together. A newly freed Black couple plant a pecan tree.

Where They Gather centers a Black family and important moments in African-American history, and it's told in such a way that feels as if it could be the universal story of any family enduring and thriving through various seasons of change. #NewRelease #WeNeedDiverseBooks #OurStoriesMatter #history

{2026 New Release} Maya’s Journey : A Story of Two Great-Grandmothers by: Marcella White Campbell, Olivia Smith From Essie and Martha to Maya—three girls, two journeys, one unforgettable story. When young Maya sets out to tell a family story, she uncovers the courage, laughter, and dreams of her great-grandmothers—and discovers the powerful story she was always meant to tell. Maya loves to make up stories—big, bright, and full of imagination. But when her teacher asks for a true family story, Maya is stumped.

Based on the author’s real family history, this story addresses immigration, racism, and antisemitism with honesty and age-appropriate sensitivity. #NewRelease #MayasJourney #MarcellaWhiteCampbell #OliviaSmith #immigration #WeNeedDiverseBooks #Black #OurStoriesMatter #Jewish #socialjustice

Our stories are our power - and together they’re harder to ignore.

If you feel the pull to speak out, you won’t be doing it alone.

👉 Share this with someone who might want to speak out. Or go to bushfiresurvivors.org/joinus to get involved.

#BushfireSurvivors #ClimateAction #OurStoriesMatter