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
WashingtonFAMILY.com 33