Reading Representation Grades K-2

The books on this list have been curated for grades K-2 by Guilford Free Library and Guilford Public Schools librarians. These titles showcase characters from a wide range of backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities, and family structures, affirming everyone’s presence and value in society while also being good stories that children enjoy! Reading stories from different perspectives inspires empathy, fostering self-love as well as a greater connection with others. This project is also presented by the Guilford Anti-Bias Anti-Racist (ABAR) Alliance, a collaborative partnership of educators, parents, and caregivers who work to further inclusion, equity, and tolerance within Guilford Public Schools. Learn more at www.GuilfordCtABAR.com.
 

Showing 1 - 13 of 13  There are a total of 48 valid entries on the list.

1. Alfie: (the turtle that disappeared)

Book cover for "Alfie"
Star rating for Alfie
Author:
Heder, Thyra
Average Rating:
4 stars
Formats:
Book, Hoopla eBook, OverDrive eBook
Description:
Told from the perspective of both the girl, Nia, and her pet turtle, Alfie, and describes what happens when he disappears on the eve of her seventh birthday to find her a special present.

2. Almond

Book cover for "Almond"
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Author:
Say, Allen
Formats:
Book, Hoopla eBook
Description:
The New Girl at school plays the violin so beautifully that Almond gets lost in the music, but she also feels sad because she does not know if she herself has any talent at all--until the school play, when with the encouragement of her mother, her teacher, and the New Girl, she finds she has a talent for acting.

3. Anna Hibiscus

Book cover for "Anna Hibiscus"
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Author:
Atinuke
Formats:
Book, Hoopla eAudiobook
Description:
Anna, who lives with her parents, twin brothers, and large extended family in Africa, is overjoyed when she learns she gets to go on a beach vacation with her parents, but once away from her aunts and cousins, Anna begins to think that vacations aren't sogreat after all when you can't experience them with everyone you love.

4. Book Uncle and me

Book cover for "Book Uncle and me"
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Author:
Krishnaswami, Uma, 1956-
Formats:
Book, Hoopla eAudiobook, Hoopla eBook, OverDrive eBook
Description:
Every day, nine-year-old Yasmin borrows a book from Book Uncle, a retired teacher who has set up a free lending library next to her apartment building. But when the mayor tries to shut down the rickety bookstand, Yasmin has to take her nose out of her book and do something. But what can she do? The local elections are coming up but she's just a kid. She can't even vote! Still, Yasmin has friends her best friend, Reeni, and Anil, who even has a black...

5. A boy called Bat

Book cover for "A boy called Bat"
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Author:
Arnold, Elana K.
Average Rating:
5 stars
Formats:
Book, CD Audiobook, Hoopla eAudiobook, Hoopla eBook, Media Player, OverDrive eBook
Description:
When his veterinarian mom brings home a stray baby skunk that needs rehabilitation before it can be placed in a wild animal shelter, Bat, who has autism, resolves to prove that he is up to the challenge of caring for the skunk permanently.

6. Evelyn Del Rey is moving away

Book cover for "Evelyn Del Rey is moving away"
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Author:
Medina, Meg
Formats:
Book, Hoopla eAudiobook, OverDrive eBook, Readalong
Description:
Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela's best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today--not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it's time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness...

7. Evelyn del Rey se muda

Book cover for "Evelyn del Rey se muda"
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Author:
Medina, Meg
Formats:
Book, Hoopla eAudiobook
Description:
"Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela's best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today-not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it's time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness...

8. Good luck, Anna Hibiscus!

Book cover for "Good luck, Anna Hibiscus!"
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Author:
Atinuke
Formats:
Book, Hoopla eAudiobook
Description:
"Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa. Amazing Africa. She can't wait to fly across the world and visit her granny in Canada. But can she find enough warm clothes for the cold winter weather? And will her family miss her?"--P. [4] of cover.

9. Hair love

Book cover for "Hair love"
Star rating for Hair love
Author:
Cherry, Matthew A
Average Rating:
4 stars
Formats:
Book, Hoopla eAudiobook
Description:
A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self.

10. Have fun, Anna Hibiscus!

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Author:
Atinuke
Formats:
Book, Hoopla eAudiobook
Description:
"Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa. Amazing Africa. But she is spending Christmas with her granny in Canada. She can't wait to see snow for the first time! And how will it feel to be so far from home?"--P. [4] of cover.

11. Hooray for Anna Hibiscus!

Book cover for "Hooray for Anna Hibiscus!"
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Author:
Atinuke
Formats:
Book, Hoopla eAudiobook
Description:
Set in modern Nigeria, this illustrated chapter book follows Anna Hibiscus, who lives with her large, loving family in a compound in a big city, as she escapes hair-braiding day, plays hide-and-seek during a power outage and learns about spontaneous generosity.

12. Lola Levine is not mean!

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Author:
Brown, Monica, 1969-
Formats:
Book, Hoopla eBook, OverDrive eBook
Description:
Second-grader Lola has a wonderful family, a great teacher, and the best friend ever, Josh, and they all help her feel better after she is teased and forbidden to play team sports at recess for having accidentally hurt classmate Juan during a soccer game.

13. Skateboard party

Book cover for "Skateboard party"
Star rating for Skateboard party
Author:
English, Karen
Average Rating:
5 stars
Formats:
Book, Hoopla eBook, OverDrive eBook
Description:
"Richard can't wait to show off his skills at a friend's skateboard birthday party, but a note home from his teacher threatens to ruin his plans"--