Are you nurturing a young reader or perhaps a reluctant book lover? If you’re seeking stories that resonate with today’s diverse world or wish to encourage discussions about vital topics like racism and equity, you’re in luck!
For the sixth consecutive year, the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education has curated a list of the Best Books of 2020 for Young Readers. This initiative, started by Professor Lila Johnson, aims to highlight authors and illustrators who authentically portray themes of race, gender, and more. The selection committee, led this year by Ava Chen and Jordan Lee, focused on books that can help children navigate the challenges of a complicated year, sparking hope for a more inclusive future.
Picture Books
The Superfriends chose picture books that celebrate cultural traditions and encourage resilience and beauty in everyday life. Here are some standout selections:
- Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Maxine Reyes, illustrated by Sonia Lane
This touching story follows Daniela as she bids farewell to her best friend, Evelyn, sharing heartfelt promises of friendship. - My Rainbow by DeShanna Johnson and Trinity Johnson, illustrated by Art Twink
Inspired by the true story of a mother and her transgender daughter, this tale showcases a mother’s love in creating a special rainbow wig for her daughter. - Nibi is Water by Jessica Thompson
This board book introduces babies to the concept of water, emphasizing its significance in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe). - Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
A girl learns to embrace the beauty of her name after facing mispronunciations at school, thanks to her mother’s comforting words.
Middle Grade
The committee selected books addressing complex issues and highlighting underrepresented stories:
- Any Day with You by Sofia Martinez
Kaia hopes to win a filmmaking contest to convince her great-grandfather not to relocate to the Philippines. - Efrén Divided by Samuel Rivera
Efrén navigates the challenges of middle school while managing the sudden deportation of his mother. - From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Mia Jacobs
Zoe starts a secret correspondence with her father in prison, juggling her baking internship and friendship dilemmas. - Show Me a Sign by Clara Keene
Set in a close-knit deaf community on Martha’s Vineyard, Mary faces personal and societal challenges in a time of conflict.
Graphic Novels
The graphic novels selected showcase intergenerational stories and activism:
- Banned Book Club by Kim Min-Jung and Ryan Estrada, illustrated by Hyung-Ju Ko
This story follows a South Korean student who joins a secret book club during a military regime, blending the joy of reading with the danger of censorship. - Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds
In verse, this graphic novel explores grief and the weight of seeking vengeance through the protagonist Will. - The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
Tien uses fairy tales to connect with his parents while grappling with his own identity. - You Brought Me the Ocean by Alex Rivera, illustrated by Julie Maroh
Jake dreams of the ocean despite not being able to swim and faces challenges of identity and acceptance.
Young Adult
This year’s YA selections reflect a diverse range of experiences:
- How It All Blew Up by Arvin Ahmadi
After coming out to his family, Amir escapes to Rome, only to find himself in a customs interrogation. - Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig
A collection of essays from a disability advocate reflecting on growing up with a disability. - The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
Based on her grandfather’s life, this tale delves into the fight against Native dispossession. - Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez
Ximena seeks revenge against a usurper using her mystical abilities intertwined with her heritage.
For a full list of these remarkable books, visit the Penn GSE Best Books of 2020 for Young Readers. Discovering literature that resonates with children today is crucial, and these selections can help foster understanding and empathy.
If you’re interested in home insemination and want to learn more, check out our blog post on terms and conditions for helpful insights. You can also explore BabyMaker’s home intracevical insemination syringe kit combo for practical resources. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit ASRM’s excellent resource.
Search Queries:
- Best children’s books of 2020
- Diverse literature for young readers
- Picture books about friendship
- Middle grade books addressing social issues
- Young adult novels with intersectional identities
In summary, this curated list of the best books from 2020 offers invaluable resources for parents and educators seeking to introduce children to diverse narratives and important societal themes.