#20-16 | #15-11 | #10-6 | #5-1

15. Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean -Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe [Little, Brown | Grades 2-5]

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

Because it shows the artist as a child but doesn’t sugarcoat.

14. Pax by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Jon Klassen [Balzer + Bray | Grades 3-6]

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

Because the world is a complicated place, but the love for a pet can sometimes be all that matters.

13. Shy by Deborah Freedman [Viking | Grades K-2]

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

Because it takes what could have been a novelty and turns it into something beautiful.

12. Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet [Houghton Mifflin Harcourt | Grades 3-6] 

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

Because it’s a staggeringly beautiful tribute to one of the greats of literature.

11. Leave Me Alone! by Vera Brosgol [Roaring Brook Press | Grades K-3]

Click here for additional resources from Watch. Connect. Read.

Because, I love you, but these g.d. sweaters aren’t going to knit themselves.