David Treuer
[isbn]
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee is a sweeping account of Native Americans from pre-"who shall not be named" to present day, and a rich counter-narrative to the myth that Natives are a relic of the past. Instead of the vanishing Indian narrative, Treuer delivers testimonies of resilient people over time, truths about termination policies that continue to this day, and portraits of contemporary Natives continuing to both resist colonial... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Tommy Orange
[isbn]
I’ve spent much of my adult life searching for a Native voice that echoes my own experience as an urban Indian. It was not until I read There There that I finally found a captivating voice who writes about Native life with both precision and power. The novel’s characters capture beautifully the history and truth of being Native in all its nuances, from Dene Oxendene, a documentary filmmaker who honors his uncle’s life by capturing the... (read more)
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Morgan Parker
[isbn]
Morgan Parker’s newest collection is going to shake you to your core. While her work continues to explore black womanhood, this collection is an acute examination of the anger, pain, and rawness that comes from being a black woman in America — not just now, but over time as it has revolved more than it has evolved. This time, Parker turns the lens outward on the societal gaze and influences on black womanhood just as much as she reflects... (read more)
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Peter H. Reynolds
[isbn]
Peter H. Reynolds returns with another tale of sage advice and a call to action for readers young and old. Say Something empowers even the quietest of us to say something with words or actions to spark change in ourselves — and the world around us.
Recommended by Annie
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Eric Carle
[isbn]
A great gift for new and old Carle fans alike, Eric Carle's Book of Many Things is filled with over 200 words and concepts little readers will delight in. Showcasing the colorful collage work synonymous with the author, full spreads feature weather, food, and feelings, with sweet cameos by beloved characters such as the Very Hungry Caterpillar and the Angry Lady Bug.
Recommended by Annie
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Vine Deloria, Jr.
[isbn]
A quintessential read for Natives and non-Natives alike, although Natives will especially appreciate the NDN humor. Vine Deloria's unmistakable wit and candor sears while putting to bed historical and cultural fallacies about Native people, laying bare federal bureaucracy, and calling out pretindians. This was the first book that inspired me to reclaim what it means to be Native.
Recommended by Annie
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Mo Willems
[isbn]
You'll be laughing all the way to the dentist after reading this delightfully sweet tale about losing one's tooth! The first in the Unlimited Squirrels series (there are a lot of squirrels), this hyperactive compendium of stories, silly jokes, and dental information will elicit giggles, good dental hygiene, and the burning desire to yank that wobbly tooth.
Recommended by Annie
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David Yaffe
[isbn]
Like most children of California baby boomers, Joni Mitchell was the soundtrack of my childhood. I had memorized all the songs on Blue by the time I was seven. Needless to say, I was clamoring for David Jaffe's biography on the enigmatic and incomparable songstress. Reckless Daughter — without a doubt — is the quintessential biography of Mitchell: well researched, fair, and shares with us the Joni we rarely see — raw,... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Dylan Thuras and Rosemary Mosco and Joy Ang
[isbn]
The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid is a deeply satisfying book for my budding Gertrude Bell. Spanning 47 countries, this guide includes geographical, cultural, and scientific facts about 100 destinations across the globe in language that is engaging and digestible for even the youngest adventurer (my daughter is four). Each page features wonderful and familiar illustrations from Adventure... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson
[isbn]
Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson, the unparalleled duo behind Last Stop on Market Street, are back with a treasure of a tale. Carmela Full of Wishes is a lovely ode to immigrants and their unwavering hope and bravery in the face of adversity. De la Peña's observant and lyrical storytelling follows Carmela, a young Dreamer, through her vibrant immigrant neighborhood — brought to life through Robinson's careful hands. Warm... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Whitney Gardner
[isbn]
Whitney Gardner takes us on a laughter-filled romp through middle school with AJ, a self-conscious boy starving for Nia's affection (he thinks she’s a vampire). Fake Blood pokes fun at all of the tropes of the vampire genre and proves that — like vampires themselves — coming-of-age stories are anything but dead.
Recommended by Annie
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Yuyi Morales
[isbn]
Caldecott Honoree Yuyi Morales brings us a hopeful, autobiographical story about immigration, dreams, determination, and compassion. Morales perfectly captures the isolating feelings she had in a country where no one spoke her language. Along with her young baby, she finds solace and belonging in a library among a myriad of influential stories — a sentiment that tugs at my heartstrings as a book-loving mama. Like Dreamers themselves, this story... (read more)
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Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López
[isbn]
With lyrical prose, Jacqueline Woodson perfectly captures the feelings of not belonging and of finding courage. Without being didactic, The Day You Begin explores how, at any age, new experiences can make one feel out of place. This book encourages children to recognize their diversity as a strength, and to be brave and find commonality within our differences. Rafael López brings these feelings to life with expressive illustrations... (read more)
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Marcy Campbell, Corinna Luyken
[isbn]
Chloe struggles to understand her classmate, Adrian Simcox — he's relentless, messy, and lies. In Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse, Marcy Campbell eloquently introduces complex themes of class and poverty to children in a tangible way. What Chloe learns is that there is real beauty in Adrian's imagination; that it lifts him out of these unfortunate circumstances and gives him hope. Corinna Luyken's beautifully rendered illustrations... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Camas Davis
[isbn]
I'm Blackfeet and come from a family of hunters and fishermen, so the first thing I learned — before actually using a gun or a fishing rod — was how to show respect for the animal by preserving every part of the animal. In Killing It, Camas Davis embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learning, too, about how to show great respect for the lives that sustain us. Davis learned the old-world craft of butchery in Gascony, France, and in... (read more)
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Emily Winfield Martin
[isbn]
The Littlest Family's Big Day hearkens to picture books of another era with its sweet and simple woodland story of a "little" bear family — and fox baby — wandering through the neighborhood of their new home. Feast your eyes on the rich gouache illustrations featuring the tiniest of details. The board book version even includes a sturdy foldout panorama of the littlest family welcoming their neighbors for a festive housewarming party.
Recommended by Annie
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Crix Sheridan
[isbn]
A slim and endearing tale of the forest's odd couple: the Sasquatch and the lumberjack! Each double-page spread highlights the adventures of this unlikely friendship in one word; "CLIMB" portrays the bearded lumberjack ice-climbing a mountain while towing his paparazzo Sasquatch friend as he snaps pics along the way. A wonderful ode to unlikely friendships and outdoor adventuring.
Recommended by Annie
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Junot Diaz, Leo Espinosa
[isbn]
Bravo to Junot Díaz on his first children's book, Islandborn! Lola and her city dwelling classmates are tasked with creating images from the far-off lands they come from — the only problem is Lola doesn't remember her island. She enlists the help of family, friends, and neighbors, encouraging her community to both reminisce and reckon with memories, both fond and frightening, of their beloved island. Leo Espinosa's vibrant and colorful... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger
[isbn]
Our feminist household happily welcomes this companion to She Persisted. She Persisted Around the World features 13 tenacious, inspiring women from across the globe — from Marie Curie to Leymah Gbowee. I hope that this becomes my daughter's new rally cry: "speak up, rise up, dream big."
Recommended by Annie
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Oliver Jeffers
[isbn]
I don't believe that I've read a picture book as affecting as Here We Are. Oliver Jeffers was inspired to write a book for his son — both poignant and heartfelt — and Here We Are offers the gentle reminder that we are not alone, and that taking care of each other, as well as the planet, is the best way to honor humanity. I treasure sharing this sage picture book with my own children.
Recommended by Annie
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Dan Santat
[isbn]
Mother Goose had it all wrong when it came to Humpty Dumpty. Santat combines this beloved fairy tale character with a fear of heights and a love of birds to create a charming retelling that gives Humpty the wings he needs to soar!
Recommended by Annie
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Chuck D, Shepard Fairey
[isbn]
Leave it to none other than Chuck D, one of the most influential MCs of our time, to bring this much-needed compendium of rap and hip hop milestones into existence. This Day is a chronological history that spans from 1973, when DJ Kool Herc hit the scene with his infamous "Back to School Jam" party, to 2016, when A Tribe Called Quest released their comeback album, featuring vocals from our dearly departed, Phife Dawg. Rap and hip hop... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Foster Huntington
[isbn]
There is no greater feeling than hitting the open road to see where it takes you. Van Life celebrates those who make the open road their home. While we're not van dwellers, my family and I find that adventuring the West in our Dodge Sprinter van is our home away from home. No need to be a fellow van lifer to appreciate the rich photographs and stories in this beautiful collection — just don't be surprised if it converts you into... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Emily Kleinman and Lydia Ortiz
[isbn]
It's never too early to teach your little feminists about the great icons that came before them. Little Feminist Board Book Set is the perfect place to start! Separated into five mini board books that highlight female artists, activists, leaders, and pioneers, each book features a brief bio paired with a vibrant illustration.
Recommended by Annie
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Mark Twain, Philip Stead, Erin Stead
[isbn]
A most intriguing tale brought together by the most unusual collaborators — Philip and Erin Stead and Mark Twain. Twain's unfinished manuscript — and bedtime story for his daughters — comes to life in the capable hands of the Steads. Full of a whimsy and wonder that bring together both a forlorn young boy in the rural Midwest and a fairy tale of magical seeds, talking animals, and a monarch with a Napoleon complex, the story never lacks in... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Dashka Slater, Terry Fan, Eric Fan
[isbn]
An inquisitive fox sets out on the open sea with a ragtag group of animals in search of adventure, friendship, and peace. What they find is that no place can give them those things better than the journey itself. The Fan brothers' lush and classic illustrations pair perfectly with Dashka Slater's wise and charming tale.
Recommended by Annie
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Ayobami Adebayo
[isbn]
Stay With Me is a beautifully rendered novel about the disintegration of a marriage; loss and grief; and the dichotomy of living both a traditional and modern life in Nigeria. Ayobami Adebayo follows in the footsteps of the great storytellers of Nigeria like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Chinua Achebe, who focus on multifaceted characters grappling with a changing Nigeria. Adebayo's two protagonists and narrators, Akin and Yejide, husband... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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John Gorham, Liz Crain
[isbn]
As a longtime Tasty n Sons (and Tasty n Alder) patron, I knew I had to get my hands on John Gorham's new cookbook and ode to global diner fare. Gorham and writer Liz Crain toured DC to Savannah for inspiration for this book — and for both restaurants' menus. These recipes will satisfy your cravings from morning to late night. I'm already planning my next brunch so that I can serve my favorite Tasty recipes: Shakshuka with Baked Eggs and Lemon... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel
[isbn]
How does one tackle the big question of life? Through beautiful yet simple prose, Cynthia Rylant celebrates the one constant to remember: "Life begins small, then grows." Brendan Wenzel's rich brush strokes give life to the magnificent world we live in — even in the darkest hours. Life would make a lovely gift for young readers — as well as a nice celebratory alternative to Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Recommended by Annie
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Sherman Alexie
[isbn]
To preface, I am an unabashed Sherman Alexie fan. His work — featuring Natives who are caught defining their identity in a modern, white world — is so deeply personal to me. Like Alexie, my father was a Rez Indian turned Urban Indian estranged from his mother. I say this because it’s important to understand that Sherman Alexie’s life and heartbreaking stories are not atypical of Native life.
You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger
[isbn]
On the heels of the now-infamous censure of Senator Elizabeth Warren's Senate chamber speech, Chelsea Clinton wrote this empowering picture book for the next generation of persistent young women. She Persisted is a collective biography and picture book of 13 women and girls who shaped America — from Claudette Colvin and Maria Tallchief to Oprah Winfrey and Helen Keller. Alexandra Boiger's illustrations are soft and sweet, yet these young... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Adam Rubin, Daniel Salmieri
[isbn]
Dragons love tacos. Check. Dragons hate spicy salsa. Check. But, what happens to our fire-breathing friends in a Tacopocalypse, where the world has run dry of tacos? Luckily our dragon-loving friend and his trusty dog are on the case — with the aid of a little time travel — to cure the woes of a world without tacos. Because everybody loves tacos. The sequel will have you in stitches — and not from the spicy salsa!
Recommended by Annie
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Sherman Alexie, Yuyi Morales
[isbn]
Already a fan of Sherman Alexie, I was excited to share his first children's picture book with my two-year-old. Verdict: Thunder Boy Jr. is a hit! Adults will appreciate the cultural and personal identity themes found in all of his work — digestible for pint-size readers through the protesting voice of Thunder Boy! Yuyi Morales's illustrations are beautiful and vibrant, keeping little readers glued to each page. My daughter's enthusiasm... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Jonathan Safran Foer
[isbn]
Foer’s most ambitious and deeply personal work yet, Here I Am examines the Blochs, a Jewish-American family struggling to navigate the challenges of modern family life and questions of Jewish identity. Foer is masterful at capturing their chaos and isolation through witty dialogue and candid inner speech.
Recommended by Annie
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Emily Winfield Martin
[isbn]
Winfield fans will delight in another gorgeous book filled with whimsy. The Littlest Family's Big Day hearkens picture books of another era with its sweet and simple woodland story of a "little" bear family — and fox baby — wandering through the neighborhood of their new home. Feast your eyes on the rich gouache illustrations with the tiniest of details — even adults will appreciate the wit of a "snailman"!
Recommended by Annie
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Jo Witek, Christine Roussey
[isbn]
Cleverly tucked between the covers of this delightful picture book is a moral — everyday moments are something special. A girl is gifted a beautiful porcelain box from her grandmother, but what should she keep in it? She soon discovers what she treasures most are not "things" that will fit in her box. Reading All My Treasures with my daughter is surely a treasure I will keep.
Recommended by Annie
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Julie Buntin
[isbn]
Marlena is a bold and electric debut that caused me to reflect on my own shortcomings and angst as a teenage girl. Every page made me both love and hurt for these compelling characters. Bravo to Julie Buntin for this beautifully intimate case study of friendship, family, and self-worth — themes at the heart of every teenager's life.
Recommended by Annie
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bell hooks
[isbn]
I was 19 when I read bell hooks's Ain't I a Woman, and it shook me to my core. It was a groundbreaking work of its time on feminist intersectionality, and I find it no less relevant to the Black Lives Matter movement, nor the demand for inclusiveness in feminist discussions today than it was 35 years ago.
Recommended by Annie
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Yaa Gyasi
[isbn]
In her stunning debut novel, Yaa Gyasi illustrates the emotional turmoil individuals face when their fate rests in circumstances beyond their control. Gyasi’s novel brings forth the painful history of racism and its impact on family, dreams, and self-identity in a striking, vivid way.
Recommended by Annie
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Mark Sundeen
[isbn]
Sundeen's curiosity and affection for his subjects are infectious as he shares captivating stories from those who have decided to abandon all materialism and consumerism for the good of all. While I'm not ready to shed all of my modern creature comforts, I'm more than inspired to purge the luxuries and live more consciously.
Recommended by Annie
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Louise Erdrich
[isbn]
This is Erdrich's most compelling novel yet. As an Urban Indian, LaRose speaks to me in a very personal way about the struggles of surviving life's trials in modern-day society while being true to native traditions. However, everyone will appreciate Erdrich's lyrical storytelling about the human heart’s power to endure. Both haunting and inspiring, these characters and their journey to overcome grief has stayed with me.
Recommended by Annie
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Emily Fridlund
[isbn]
History of Wolves is a sage debut. Fridlund’s powerful prose and constant foreboding keep the story moving forward like a freight train, until suddenly it crashes and we are left feeling shock and awe over what just happened. Her characters are still haunting me.
Recommended by Annie
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Sarah Knight
[isbn]
Knight made me reconsider all the hang-ups that I have with "self-help" books, but still gave me all the tools I need to take charge of my life. Expect plenty of quips, sarcasm, and profanity with zero hand-holding — just what I needed to get my sh*t together!
Recommended by Annie
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Chris Santella
[isbn]
You don't need to globe trek to appreciate the suggestions in this guide — you may find many of the locations in your own backyard. From Alabama to Zimbabwe, sprawling five continents, regional beer experts give you the insider tips on what to drink for your next cold one — and where to do it! Bonus: this handsome guidebook filled with beautiful photography will fit nicely on your coffee table — or bar for that... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Lucy Burningham
[isbn]
If you've ever wondered more about what's in your glass — you're not alone! Follow journalist and beer writer Lucy Burningham's thirst for beer knowledge to become Cicerone certified. Burningham is utterly honest and funny about unmasking the romanticism of her drink of choice — and yet your taste buds are more tantalized than when you started. Pro tip: Burningham has included tasting, evaluation, and resource guides to help you learn your... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Mary Oliver
[isbn]
So many times before I have been lost in the words of Mary Oliver — consumed by her delicate and precise prose of the natural world. This newest collection of essays was no different in captivating my heart! Lovers of Emerson, Shelley, Whitman, and Wordsworth rejoice! Oliver pays her deepest gratitude to these masters of the pen and their influence over her work. Part meditation on the discipline of the creative mind, part tribute to nature and... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Marisa Silver
[isbn]
Little Nothing is a peculiar allegory and story of love following the magical transformations of Pavla and the boy who loves her, Danilo. I was totally engrossed by Silver's flawless prose and ease at weaving fable and folklore with tragic and heartbreaking characters who feel honest and real. So strange. So haunting and such a mesmerizing experience.
Recommended by Annie
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Caroline Leavitt
[isbn]
Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and the Manson murders (much like The Girls by Emma Cline), Cruel Beautiful World captures the polarizing feeling of naïveté and responsibility felt by sisters Charlotte and Lucy — but also that of an entire generation. It is a thrilling, haunting, and emotional novel of grief and loss, but also the unmistakable bond of sisterhood and the great lengths we will go through for love —... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Emily Winfield Martin
[isbn]
Day Dreamers is the perfect companion to Emily Winfield Martin's Dream Animals — filled with rhythmic storytelling, lush illustrations, and fantastical creatures like unicorns, griffins, and the infamous jackalope. Prepare to be enchanted and encouraged to dream beyond the waking world!
Recommended by Annie
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Joy Williams
[isbn]
True to her name, Williams’s slim collection is a joy to read and will leave you puzzling over the absurdity of man and the divinity of God — or even God’s existence. Every story, be it a few sentences or a few pages long, is well-crafted and filled with the hilarity, wit, and thoughtfulness we’ve come to expect from Williams. The slenderness of the collection may inspire you to devour it all in one sitting — don’t! These are tales meant to be... (read more)
Recommended by Annie
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Isabel Allende
[isbn]
A delicious summer read from one of my favorite storytellers — The Japanese Lover spans several generations and a cast of characters reckoning with self-reflection, societal expectations, trauma, and aging. Allende is an expert at weaving together the colorful cast of characters and unmasking their secrets with each turn of the page.
Fans of The House of Spirits and other Allende works will recognize the themes of... (read more)
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