BOOK MARKED
Family is
All Around Us
16 Books Exploring Our Connection to
Families of All Kinds
BY MIRANDA SCHOPPERT, HEAD OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES AT THE GERMANTOWN
BRANCH OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Families come in all shapes and sizes. They go through ups and downs—periods of immense joy and
moments of deep heartache. What one considers to be “a family” often evolves or changes through-
out one’s lifetime. Whether you are celebrating Father’s Day, welcoming a new member to the family
or just celebrating the love of those around you, may the books below show you the power of being
and reading together.

PICTURE BOOKS
“Adventures with My Daddies”
by Gareth Peter, illustrated by Garry
Parsons Sneaking past dinosaurs, exploring the moon and
fighting dragons are just some of the adventures
one little boy gets up to with his two daddies.

This LGBTQ adoption story centers around love,
adventure and imagination. A perfect read for
families of all shapes and sizes.

“Brand-New Bubbe”
by Sarah Aronson, illustrated by Ariel
Landy When her mother remarries, Jillian isn’t sure she
wants a new grandmother, but her stomach is all
for it. Jillian throws a “super soup celebration”
to show Noni, Gram and her “brand-new Bubbe”
that there is room for everyone in her heart...

and stomach. With recipes included, this picture
book celebrates the joy of blended families and
how food brings us all together.

“Families Grow”
by Dan Saks, illustrated by Brooke Smart
A family may start with a wish, but it grows
with love. This rhyming board book is a celebra-
tion of expectant families. Lightly touching on
pregnancy, adoption and surrogacy, this book
allows even the youngest family members to cel-
ebrate the pending growth of their own family.

At the end of the book, there is a glossary with
simple explanations that can be used to spark
conversation. 32 Washington FAMILY JUNE 2023
“I Love You Because I Love You”
by Mượn Thị Văn, illustrated by Jessica
Love Love can be big. Love can be small. Love is
complex and constantly evolving. Through call-
and-response prose, with stunning illustrations
by Jessica Love, Mượn Thị Văn creates a pic-
ture book that will leave readers with a sense of
peace while they reflect on the love that is all
around them.

“Nell Plants a Tree”
by Anne Wynter, illustrated by Daniel
Miyares Before tree-climbing or pie-making, before run-
ning or laughing—Nell plants a seed. This is the
story of a little girl whose planting of a pecan
tree becomes the heart of an intergenerational
Black family and the love they share. With lyrical
text and beautiful artwork, this book highlights
family past, present and future.

“Our Table”
written and illustrated by Peter H. Reyn-
olds Recently, Violet’s family has gotten very busy
with their TV watching, cell phone talking and
tablet game playing. She remembers a time when
everyone would laugh and tell stories around
the dinner table. Determined to recapture those
fond memories, Violet hatches a plan. Bestsell-
ing author Peter H. Reynolds creates a picture
book about family, tradition and getting back to
the table.




BOOK MARKED
EARLY ELEMENTARY BOOKS
“Mama’s Days”
by Andi Diehn, illustrated by Ángeles Ruiz
A little girl tells the story of a princess, a queen and
a misunderstood dragon in order to process her
mother’s unstable emotions. A thoughtfully told
story, with beautiful illustrations, about the ups
and downs of parental depression. The story is told
without blame and presents a strong little girl, full
of hope for tomorrow.

“Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister?”
by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Jen Kha-
tun Sona Sharma wants to be the very best big sis-
ter she can be, even if she isn’t so sure she wants
a little sister or brother. Regardless, Sona is deter-
mined to pick out the perfect name for her new
sibling’s baby-naming ceremony. Set in India, this
early chapter book is charming and perfect for
older siblings who need a little warming up to the
idea of change.

“Too Small Tola”
by Atinuke
In the busy city of Lagos, Nigeria, Tola lives in
an apartment with her sister, brother and grand-
mommy. She may be tiny, but she is always ready
to help her family and community in big ways.

Written through the eyes of little Tola, with fun
illustrations, simple sentences and clear language,
this book provides enjoyment for readers as they
follow the ups and downs of mighty little Tola.

MIDDLE GRADE
“Lasagna Means I Love You”
by Kate O’Shaughnessy
When Mo’s Nan passes away, she is sent to a fos-
ter home where she finds an old family recipe book.

The book becomes a lifeline for Mo, and as she
starts pulling together her own collection of family
recipes, she starts to realize that some families are
made, not found. A heartfelt, middle grade novel
that deals with mourning a loved one, foster care
and found families.

“New From Here”
by Kelly Yang
When the coronavirus hits Hong Kong, Knox’s
mother decides to move him and his siblings back
to California, while his father stays in China for
work. Now Knox must learn to fit in at a new
school where he is ostracized for being Asian.

This novel is about separation, fear, hate and the
strength of family to pull one through.

“Squished” by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by
Michelle Mee Nutter
For 11-year-old Avery Lee, finding some time to her-
self can be tough, especially with six brothers and
sisters. Longing for her own room, Avery hatches
a plan that might be thwarted when she finds out
her family could be moving. A graphic novel for any
large household about finding your own space and
growing up in a changing family dynamic.

“Tumble” by Celia C. Pérez
Twelve-year-old Addie Ramírez has a tough decision
to make. Is she ready to be adopted by the stepfather
who loves her and is the only father figure she has
ever known? Or should she search out her estranged
biological father who, she discovers, is in the middle
of a comeback as a Mexican luchador? Through this
journey of discovery, Addie learns that family means
more than just showing up. It’s about being real and
working through challenges together.

YOUNG ADULT
“An Appetite for Miracles”
by Laekan Zea Kemp
Two teens come together while trying to reconnect
to their individual families. Sixteen-year-old Danna
Mendoza is determined to bring back her grand-
father’s memories through food. Meanwhile, Raúl
Santos doesn’t know how to feel now that his mother
has been released from prison. This moving young
adult novel, written in verse, explores the hope of
reconnection and the fear of loss.

“¡AY, MIJA!: My Bilingual Summer in Mexico”
written and illustrated by Christine Suggs
In this young adult graphic novel memoir, Christine
Suggs recalls a trip they took as a teen to Mexico to visit
their grandparents. While attempting to adapt to lan-
guage and cultural barriers, Christine comes to see the
generational differences in their family and begins to
explore their mixed world. This bilingual graphic novel
will appeal to teens who are also struggling to embrace
family heritage while being true to themselves.

“Firekeeper’s Daughter”
by Angeline Boulley
When family tragedy strikes, Daunis defers going
away to college to stay home and care for her
mother. After witnessing a murder, Daunis acciden-
tally becomes embroiled in the investigation of a
series of drug-related deaths that seem to lead back
to the nearby Ojibwe reservation. This YA thriller
follows one Native girl who must decide between
those she loves or her tribal community. P
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