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New September Books 2023
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for driving a sleigh! ’Tis also the season—for driving a sleigh! Oh, and joy to the—driving a sleigh! The Pigeon has made a list and checked it once. Can his holiday dream come true? Or will The Pigeon be left out in the cold?
Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman
Sometimes the world feels broken. And problems seem too big to fix. But somehow, we all have the power to make a difference. With a little faith, and maybe the help of a friend, together we can find beauty and create change. Something, Someday reveals how even the smallest gesture can have a lasting impact.
Artivist by Nikkolas Smith
When a young boy realizes the scope of inequities in the wider world, he’s seized with the urge to do more. He decides to bring together the different parts of himself—the artist and the activist—to become. . . an Artivist. After his mural goes viral, he sets out to change the world one painting at a time.
The Artivist is a call to action for young readers to point out injustice in their lives and try to heal the broken bones of the world through their art.
Who I Am by Susan Verde
We all have rough days: tough times when we feel down and an unkind voice in our mind can make us feel disappointed in ourselves. But we can talk back to that unkind voice; we can find the voice that will lift us up instead. We can tell ourselves words that are positive, supportive, and true.
Who I Am: Words I Tell Myself is a collection of positive affirmations, helping us to understand that we are human, we are enough, and we are deserving of all kinds of love—especially our own.
Swimming Toward a Dream by Reem Faruqi
Growing up in Damascus, the pool was Yusra Mardini’s happy place. She learned to swim before she could walk. And with swimming came a dream―to compete in the Olympic games.
But when war came to Syria, Yusra’s home―and her pool―were no longer safe. Yusra and her sister set out on a harrowing journey, crossing the sea in search of safety.
Full of hope, Yusra’s story encourages readers to pursue their own dreams, revealing how she met waves of danger with strength and perseverance. One breath at a time.
Harlem at Four by Michael Datcher
This striking story spans decades as it shares two unique viewpoints. Initially, readers meet a fierce young girl named Harlem who spends the day exploring her neighborhood with her father. Then, the story jumps back in time to the development of the Harlem neighborhood. This poetic story is truly breathtaking.
I’m From by Gary R. Gray Jr.
Early morning wakeups and homemade pancakes, raucous bus rides and schoolyard games, family games and bedtime rituals…
These are the small moments that shape a child’s day. I’m From is an invitation into the vivid world of one small boy, a poetic account of all the people and places and things that shape who he is and define where he is from. For fans of Last Stop on Market Street!
Babo by Astrid Kamalyan
Little Tato sneaks a few cherry plums before racing off to help Bábo—her grandmother—with a favorite chore. Each year Tato looks forward to washing the family rugs. With bubbles and suds floating like clouds and snowflakes, Tato and her siblings help Bábo scrub the rugs clean.
Astrid Kamalyan brings her charming childhood memories to life by inviting young readers to spend a day full of fun and love with an Armenian family.
Building a Dream by Darshana Khiani
With engaging soccer scenes and atmospheric images of southern Thailand, this inspiring book follows a group of boys who became a team long before they had jerseys or even a field. Plank by plank, they built their dream.
See You on the Other Side by Rachel Montez Minor
Simple, rhyming text offer comfort to children who may be grieving, or coming to terms with the idea of loss or change. The message opens the door to our collective healing, and the connection of love.
Actress, dancer, and singer Rachel Montez Minor wrote this book to help children and their families process big life changes.
Say My Name by Joanna Ho
Names reveal generational ties and histories, weaving an intricate tale of the past. Names—and correctly saying them—are important. Each one carries the hopes, dreams, and traditions of those who came before us. Say My Name explains how saying a person’s name is the only way we can truly know another.
Thankfully, there are so many new September books! Students will love when it is time to enjoy a fantastic read-aloud while learning all about life!
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