BOOK MARKED
We Love Dads!
13 books devoted to fathers
and father-figures
This month on Father’s Day we honor dads of all sorts.

BY AMY K. ALAPATI, HEAD OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES AT THE DAMASCUS BRANCH OF
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES
PICTURE BOOKS
A FATHER’S LOVE
Written by Hannah Holt, illustrated by
Yee Von Chan
Is your father’s love bright like the sun? Maybe it
has deep roots or soothes your hurts. From emus
to seahorses, playful illustrations and rhyming
text explore the different ways animal fathers
nurture their children, just as human fathers do.

Scientific end notes point out traits unique to
each of the nine featured animals, making this
book interesting for older preschoolers as well
as toddlers.

that being a father is a combination of many
professions. Waiter, chauffeur, judge — even
librarian! How many different careers can one
dad have? Readers will be fascinated by the
needle-felted figures and detailed scale-models
that illustrate the book; Wang’s description of
his creative process might inspire resourceful
families to make dioramas of their own.

EARLY ELEMENTARY
A DIFFERENT POND
Written by Bao Phi,
illustrated by Thi Bui
MY PAPI HAS A MOTORCYCLE
In the pre-dawn hours, a boy rises to join his
Written by Isabel Quintero,
immigrant father on a fishing trip to catch their
illustrated by Zeke Peña
evening meal. Along the banks they meet others,
There’s nothing Daisy Ramona enjoys more than watch the stars, recall loved ones from a faraway
adventuring with her Papi, who spends time with place and time, and relish each other’s company.

her even after a long day at work. Safely perched The bond between father and son is tangible,
atop Papi’s motorcycle, they explore their vibrant and while the story has somber notes, the
yet changing community in this jaunty picture evocative illustrations in this Caldecott Honor
book splashed with Spanish. A tribute to the book create a bright, immersive environment for
author’s old neighborhood, it’s also a love-letter readers ages 5-8.

to her father. Daisy’s joy is amplified by award-
winning illustrations that bring her family and INDIAN SHOES
their city to life. Just right for ages 3-8.

Written by Cynthia Leitich Smith,
illustrated by MaryBeth Timothy
DAD BY MY SIDE
Ray, a Cherokee-Seminole boy, trades his favorite
Written and illustrated by Soosh
neon hightops for a pair of old moccasins to give
You can be so brave and learn so much when to Grampa Halfmoon, who is both mother and
your dad is by your side. And sometimes he can father to Ray. The worn leather shoes remind
learn from you, too. Whimsical watercolors set Grampa of home, far from the city where they
the mood for a gentle recounting of all the ways now live. Vignettes of Ray and Grampa’s daily
a big, burly daddy cares for his tiny daughter, and activities are interwoven with gentle humor,
all the ways she helps and cares for him in return. great compassion for others and a deep love for
Young children will find connections to their own one another. Exquisitely written, this gem suits
lives in the day-to-day activities shared by this grades 1-3 or reluctant older readers.

sweet pair.

MY DADDY RULES THE WORLD
GREAT JOB, DAD!
Written and illustrated
Written and illustrated by Holman Wang
by Hope Anita Smith
This dad has a day job, but after work he discovers A working dad enjoys a game of catch when he
32 Washington FAMILY JUNE 2021



gets home. A dad far from home misses his child.

A stay-at-home dad might have the best job of all.

Colorful collage illustrations add spirit to this mix
of fun and observant poems. Good for independent
readers or for reading aloud. Pair with the award-
winning “In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall: African
Americans Celebrating Fathers,” illustrated by
Javaka Steptoe.

dad’s soon-to-be husband, Jesse. As Bea makes big
plans for the wedding, she is most excited about
gaining a sister, but the reality is not quite what she
anticipated. Told in Bea’s authentic voice, this warm
family story simply glows.

YOUNG ADULT
CLAP WHEN YOU LAND
Written by Elizabeth Acevedo
Camino Rios of the Dominican Republic loves her
MIDDLE GRADE
Papi. Yahaira Rios of New York City loves her Papi.

THE CROSSOVER
Neither knows the other exists, but when their
Written by Kwame Alexander,
beloved Papi’s plane falls from the sky, they discover
illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile
Identical twins Josh and JB learned their awesome they are inextricably bound by his astonishing
basketball skills from their legendary dad, whom secret. As the truth unfolds, the sisters must decide
they both love fiercely, but that’s where the how to move forward: alone or together? Mature
similarities end. The boys know the best ways to content makes this novel-in-verse suitable for
hurt each other, and as their talents grow so does older teens.

their feud. When confronted with a devastating
event, they wonder if their love for their father can DARTH VADER AND SON
bring them together. Based on the Newbery Award- VADER’S LITTLE PRINCESS
Written and illustrated by Jeffrey Brown
winning novel-in-verse.

From small child to rebellious teen, these slices of
everyday life show typical kids with their typical
FROM THE DESK OF ZOE
dad — who is also a Jedi Knight-turned-Sith Lord.

WASHINGTON Whether begging for a new toy or the keys to the
Written by Janae Marks
Zoe has never known her dad; he’s been in prison Imperial Shuttle, Luke and Leia must contend
her whole life. So when she gets a letter from him with their dad’s Force-ful powers. Brimming
for her 12th birthday, she’s surprised that he writes with sardonic humor and fractured references to
as if they’ve always been in touch. During their the three original movies, these slim volumes of
ensuing sort-of-secret correspondence, Zoe learns cartoons will appeal to teen and adult Star Wars fans.

something shocking and wonders if she is clever
and brave enough to stand up for what is right. This TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
realistic fiction for readers in grades 5-7 concludes Written by Harper Lee, adapted and
illustrated by Fred Fordham
on an optimistic note.

Integrity. Love. Wisdom. There is one man in
literature who embodies all the qualities we value
THE LIST OF THINGS THAT
in a “good” dad: Atticus Finch, father to Scout
WILL NOT CHANGE
and Gem. This graphic novel retelling of the 1960
Written by Rebecca Stead
Life is change: some good, some not so good, and classic will attract reluctant readers and presents
some just… different. Bea knows that there are a fresh take for those who have already embraced
some constants, and she struggles to cope with the original. Addressing disturbing topics such as
her insecurities by reminding herself of these racism and injustice in the 1930s Deep South, this is
anchors: the love of her mom, her dad and her recommended for mature teen readers. n
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