Best Children's Books 2017Like this list

25 items

• Out of Wonder

  Poems Celebrating Poets

  Alexander, Kwame

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  Twenty poems celebrate twenty legendary poets in their own style; vibrant collage illustrations add to the book's joyful tribute to the power of poetry. Ages 8 - 12.

• Wishtree

  Applegate, Katherine

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  Narrated by the neighborhood oak tree, this tender, graceful story follows Muslim immigrant Samar as she wishes for a friend to ease her loneliness. Ages 8 - 12.

• Grand Canyon

  Chin, Jason, 1978-

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  A father-daughter hike through the Grand Canyon provides the backdrop for this fascinating look into the region's geology and natural history. Spectacular, photo-real illustrations make the information easily digestible. Ages 7 - 12.

• She Persisted

  13 American Women Who Changed the World

  Clinton, Chelsea,

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  Delicate watercolors accompany short, engaging profiles of thirteen American women, from activist Rosa Parks to pioneering physician Virginia Apgar and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Ages 4 - 8.

• Big Cat, Little Cat

  Cooper, Elisha,

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  A big cat welcomes a little cat to the family, teaching him "how to be." When the big cat has to go and doesn't return, the little cat and family share their grief. Bold, simple illustrations accompany this gentle, moving story. Ages 3 - 5.

• Wolf in the Snow

  Cordell, Matthew, 1975-

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  In this nearly wordless book, a child and a wolf cub are separated from their families during a blizzard. Cordell fills his sketchy pen and ink drawings with detail and emotion. Ages 4 - 8.

• The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors

  Daywalt, Drew,

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  Renowned warriors Rock, Paper, and Scissors seek opponents who can equal them in this hilarious, bombastic origin story. Rich colors, expressive faces, and comic book-like text combine for a perfect read-aloud. Ages 4 - 10.

• Star-crossed

  Dee, Barbara,

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  When Liam drops out and Mattie takes his place as Romeo in the middle school's production of Romeo and Juliet, she develops a crush on the girl playing Juliet. A sweet, breezy middle school romance with just a hint of star-crossed love. Ages 9 -13.

• The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!

  Deedy, Carmen Agra,

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  In the too-quiet village of La Paz, a rooster sings in the face increasingly serious punishments. Colorful mixed-media illustrations showcase the rooster's irrepressible joy. Ages 4 - 8.

• Windows

  Denos, Julia,

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  On an evening walk, a child observes life going on in the illuminated neighborhood windows. Luminous, detailed illustrations depict the busy variety of urban life. Ages 3 - 6.

• Moto and Me

  My Year as a Wildcat's Foster Mom

  Eszterhas, Suzi,

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  Wildlife photographer Eszterhaus documents her year fostering a baby serval at a bush camp in the Masai Mara. The text is both informative and tender, but the incredible photos of Moto growing up make Moto and Me irresistable. Ages 5 - 10.

• When's My Birthday?

  Fogliano, Julie,

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  A rhythmic, playful text wonders "when's my birthday/where's my birthday?" Whimsical collage illustrations play with scale and perspective, capturing just how large birthdays can loom. Ages 2 - 6.

• Scar Island

  Gemeinhart, Dan,

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  When the sadistic staff at the Slabhenge Reformatory School for Troubled Boys are struck by lightning, the students run wild until another brutal authority emerges. Fast-paced adventure paired with a story of redemption. Ages 8 - 12.

• Real Friends

  Hale, Shannon,

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  Hale's graphic memoir about bullying and friendship is nuanced and sympathetic - even to the bullies. Pham's cheerful, expressive illustrations add another layer of emotion. Ages 8 - 12.

• The Good for Nothing Button!

  Harper, Charise Mericle,

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  Red Bird, Yellow Bird, and Blue Bird play with a button that does nothing - or does it? A smart and silly book for beginning readers. Ages 4 - 7.

• Egg

  Henkes, Kevin,

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  Four eggs hatch to reveal three birds and one surprise. A pastel palette and simple but unexpected text make for a gentle but thoughtful read. Ages 3 - 8.

• All's Faire in Middle School

  Jamieson, Victoria,

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  Homeschooler Imogene is starting middle school but growing up at the local Renaissance Fair hasn't prepared her for classes, cliques, and crushes. Cartoon art and a painfully real depiction of adolescence star in this warm-hearted tale. Ages 9 - 13.

• Shark Lady

  the True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist

  Keating, Jess,

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  Bright and energetic illustrations enliven this inspiring biography of scientist Eugenie Clark, who overcame discrimination and doubt to become a pioneering ichthyologist. Ages 5 - 9.

• Lost and Found Cat

  the True Story of Kunkush's Incredible Journey

  Kuntz, Doug,

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  A refugee family and their beloved cat are separated during the family's flight from Iraq and reunited thousands of miles later. Based on a true story, this is a hopeful and heartwarming introduction to the refugee experience. Ages 4 - 8.

• Train I Ride

  Mosier, Paul,

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  On a cross-country train trip to stay with a great-uncle she's never met, green-haired, cynical, almost teenaged Rydr grapples with her harrowing past and bonds with a cast of memorable characters. Ages 10 and up.