Back-to-School Book Bonanza

by Tammy Fortune; illustrated by Joanna Jarc Robinson

“5.0 out of 5 stars We had a blast reading this! 👌 I would recommend to anyone with a mini hot head . Fun read, really entertaining for the wee one for he has a few things in common with this alpaca...” —Kyla York, Amazon Reviewer

In this whimsical alpaca book for kids, Apollo the alpaca has a story to tell about something that made him feel very angry. When he tried to express himself, nobody believed him, so he got more and more upset…until his farmer friend stepped in and taught him how to deal with feelings in a safe, and easy way. Find out how Apollo learns to express his tough emotions appropriately, communicate effectively, and rebuild friendships. A great story about anger management for kids. Teach kids to handle their feelings and emotions with this book that builds social and emotional skills. Best of all, see how Apollo finds the value of forgiveness and friendship!

ISBN: 978-1734694925

Page Count: 32 pages

Target Ages: 5 to 10 years

by Once Upon a Dance; illustrated by Stella Mongodi

“5.0 out of 5 stars. An imaginative story about the strength and beauty found in our differences…Educators and families alike will appreciate being able to incorporate movement into their storytime efforts, and children will love reading the book…” —Riverdancer, Amazon Reviewer

Belluna is a basketball player, sister, and daughter with one remarkable feature. While on a family outing, a storm sweeps Belluna up on a wild ride. As she is tossed about by the wind, Belluna discovers she can overcome her fear and embrace her uniqueness to take control of her movement and her mind. Ballerina Konora joins each page with suggested actions to get kids moving alongside Belluna in her tale of level-headed tenacity and a celebration of individuality. Each Dance-It-Out! story is a movement-based children’s one-act ready for the imagination stage.

ISBN: 978-1955555081

Page Count: 40 pages

Target Ages: 4 to 7 years

by Rachel Woolsey

This is a clean, adventurous story about a doll named Betty Ann. It's a real attention-grabber. Even though it's a children's horror story, it's more of a mystery. In the book different children have different encounters with Betty Ann, eventually solving the mystery.

ISBN: 979-8711618232

Page Count: 82 pages

Target Ages: Middle Grade to Young Adult Readers

by Tammy Fortune; illustrated by Pieter Els

“… both a fun book and a great learning tool that imparts just the right positive message to help young children to overcome their learning challenges.”

Join Dusty and Danny on a humorous adventure as they learn to train their brains, understand dyslexia, and tackle their learning challenges. The story, which is told by Danny's best friend, Dusty the dog, gives kids a fun yet realistic look at some of the struggles associated with dyslexia and other learning challenges—like frustration, low self-esteem, and negativity.

ISBN: 978-1734694901

Page Count: 24 pages

Target Ages: 5 to 10 years

Awards: Mom's Choice Award; Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, 1st Place, School Issues, 2nd Place, Special Needs/Disability Awareness, Honorable Mention, Picture Book Ages 6 & Older and New Author: Fiction; Story Monsters Approved, School Life, Health, Wellness and Medicine and First-Time Author; Independent Author Network Book Award Finalist

by Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz

“…Joanne captures every beat of what makes high school musical theater so dramatic and hilarious at the same time! … a heartfelt dream come true from start to finish!…” —Michael Buckley YouTube Personality/Bestselling Author

The fall musical lead and a romance with her leading man are a dream come true. 15-year-old Joey Ricco is a theater geek with stars in her eyes, but will a crisis in her tight-knit Italian American family, a stage rival, and a painful goodbye show Joey where her dreams really lie?

ISBN: 978-1681113708

Page Count: 184 pages

Target Ages: Pre-Teen Young Adult Crossover Novel

Awards: 2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, 1st Place, Music/Movies/TV, 2nd Place, Middle Grade Fiction, Performing Arts, and Romance categories, Honorable Mention, Young Adult Fiction; 2021 Story Monsters Approved, Tween Novels (Ages 10-14) Fiction, Cultural Diversity, and Family Matters categories; 2021 Independent Publisher Book Awards Bronze Medal Winner, Multicultural Fiction— Juvenile-Young Adult

Compiled by Raven Howell

“Budding poets here! These magnificent kids tell us who they are from that place where their inner and outer worlds meet—the seat of the imagination.” —Brian Gene Olson, Children’s Poet and Songwriter

A vibrant showcase of poetry and artwork by students that celebrates their joyous nature and magnificence. The collection of poems, varying in form, features subjects such as baseball, dragons, classroom Zooming, and friendships. An art gallery of “magnificent” self-portraits rounds out the anthology. Writers and artists are from diverse backgrounds, including special education classrooms.

ISBN: 978-1589852013

Page Count: 36 pages

Target Ages: 8 years and up

by Cynthia Kern OBrien; illustrated by Rosemarie Gillen

“… a delightfully magical story with a diverse cast of characters that allows me to engage my students in conversation about the challenges and emotions that they experience in their own lives. This is definitely a story I will use again and again to help smooth the transition to a new grade level and all the changes that come with it.” — Leanne Olson, Elementary School Teacher

Good things can come from new experiences! As with any new experience, the first day of school can be scary. Parents can share the Fairy Queen’s “Get-To-Do” list with reluctant Preschoolers and Kindergartners to jumpstart the adventure of learning and meeting new friends. This book addresses the fear and anxiety children may have about going to school in a fun and playful way with the “Get to Do List.”

ISBN: 978-1734507560

Page Count: 48 pages

Target Ages: 3 to 5 years

Awards: Independent Press Award, Distinguished Favorite; Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, 1st Place, Parenting, Honorable Mention, Picture Books 5 & Younger; Purple Dragonfly Awards, 2nd Place, School Issues, Honorable Mention, Picture Books 5 & Younger; Story Monsters Approved, School Life Category; 5 Star Readers Favorite Award; American Book Fest Parenting and Family Recommended

by Raynelda A. Calderon; illustrated by Donna Wiscombe

“Great book to know about historical female figures; the often forgotten Sheroes. Great read for children programming at my library!” —Amazon Review

Anthology of Hispanic women and the impact they made in the world. Some of the women featured in this book are iconic figures such as ballet dancer Alicia Alonso; others are less known heroines such as indigenous leader Dolores Cacuango, founder of the first bilingual school in Ecuador. The book also teaches children key Spanish definitions; beautiful illustrations help bring these inspiring women to life.

ISBN: 978-1733139243

Page Count: 64 pages

Target Ages: 8 to 12 years

by Lindsay DeRollo; illustrated by Denny Denny Poliquit

“5.0 out of 5 stars. So sweet! This story was very beautiful. I love the fact that the grandmother gave such a great explanation of guardian angels. This book would be a great gift for families.” —Suzan Johnson, Amazon Reviewer

My grandma has always loved guardian angels. She taught me how special they are because they protect and guide us through life and are God's messengers. She also taught me how we have additional angels in our earthly lives who act in similar ways. Who is your special guardian angel? I certainly know who mine is.

ASIN: B08V95T6QZ

Page Count: 26 pages

Target Ages: 3 to 8 years

by Zoe Dawson

“5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! Not to be missed. Sublime.” —Amazon Reviewer

Fearless and bold photojournalist, Dana Sorenson never backed down from a fight or to showcase her dedication to reporting on the human condition. That’s what she thought until she meets Ruckus and big, bad, and tough takes on a whole new meaning. Gratitude for saving her ass gets lost in his demanding orders and fighting for her life takes a back seat to falling for this alpha male who’ll risk everything to see her safe.

ISBN: 978-1722787387

Page Count: 254 pages

Target Ages: 18+

by Elizabeth Jurado; illustrated by Davey Villalobos

“It's engaging, original, and embraces sub-themes of self-acceptance, courage, loyalty, and friendship which elevate it beyond an adventure tale alone.” —D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Joseph would love nothing more than having his snore-inducing, no drama life back, but that will never happen. Saygar the Ant believes he's a real superhero which causes a whole mess of trouble for them. They find themselves facing down ancient curses, avoiding the school bully, and dealing with other wacky problems!

ISBN: 978-1735634807

Page Count: 188 pages

Target Ages: 8 to 12 years

Awards: Readers' Favorite Five Stars

by Conrad J. Storad; illustrated by Jeff Yesh

“…This book presents an enlightening history of storytelling and story tellers. I particularly enjoyed following the historical characters through the ages and their ways of storytelling, the brightly colored images, and the ‘four-eyed monster’ who turns monsters into friends…” —Isabel Erickson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Team Leader of Educational Programs for Children, Verde Historical Society and Clemenceau Heritage Museum

Storytelling is an integral part of all human teaching and learning and this book captures the essence of that message in a concise, time-traveling fashion. Young readers are sure to be inspired by this lively tale spanning nearly 50,000 years of storytelling history.

ISBN: 978-1589852426

Page Count: 44 pages

Target Ages: 9 years and up

by Maria Luisa Salcines and Maelia Salcines; illustrated by Maria Ballarin

“… uses vivid, person-centered, age-appropriate language to describe the physical and emotional challenges brought on by depression….And the tips at the end of the book remind parents and caregivers of the importance of self-care for both themselves and their child.” —Dr. Kimberly Corson, PhD, CFLE Developmental Psychologist and Wellness Coach for Individuals and Families

Chickadee usually loves to play outside, but recently, she's been feeling discouraged and sad. But through the help of her family and friends, Chickadee and others who face depression can begin to overcome their mental illness by taking one step, two steps, three steps, four! The book is a wonderful educational opportunity for children, teachers, and school counselors, and a helpful tool to normalize the topic and begin the conversation.

ISBN: 978-1645436881

Page Count: 38 pages

Target Ages: 3 to 9 years

Awards: Mom's Choice Award Gold Recipient; Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, Honorable Mention in Family Matters, School Issues, Picture Books 6 & Older

by Marta Villegas; illustrated by Mónica Carretero

“Nice energy in the narrative. Authors piece together a legend with several important lessons, and the smart illustrations go a long way in elevating the narrative.”

Womagis inspires kids to create their own language, an entire Universe of their own, developing their creativity and imagination while they play. Learning about the diversity that the world has to offer, teaching them alphabets and words from different places, connecting them with other kids, learning together and growing together in acceptance and friendship.

ISBN: 978-1088636695

Page Count: 54 pages

Target Ages: 5 to 9 years

Awards: International Latino Book Awards 2020: Best Children's Fiction Picture Book - Bilingual; American Fiction Awards 2020: Children's Picture Book - Softcover Fiction / Finalist