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The Grandfamily Guidebook : Wisdom and Support for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren by Andrew AdesmanProvides guidance to the millions of grandparents who raise their grandchildren because addiction, mental health problems, incarceration, or immaturity leave the birth parents unfit. Offers insights from experts and grandparents about the new family dynamics; difficult birth parents; legal, financial, and medical issues; school and social challenges; and self-care.
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by Gary Garrison
Collects real-life stories from grandparents charged with caring for grandchildren, exhibiting the joys and fears of those who have to put their own plans on hold to raise their children's children.
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Ten Beautiful Things by Molly Beth GriffinLily is moving into her grandmother's farm in Iowa, and she is sad about all the changes necessary in her life--but on the long drive her grandmother challenges her to find ten beautiful things that they can share together. (Ages 4 - 8)
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A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O'LearyWhen a teacher asks the children in her class to think about what makes their families special, the answers are all different in many ways but the same in the one way that matters most of all. One child is worried that her family is just too different to explain, but listens as her classmates talk about what makes their families special. One is raised by a grandmother, and another has two dads. One is full of stepsiblings, and another has a new baby. (Ages 3 - 8)
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Reparenting the Child Who Hurts: A Guide to Healing Developmental Trauma and Attachments by Caroline ArcherAn accessible guide to help foster and adoptive parents understand the neurobiological issues that affect children who have experienced early trauma. It demystifies the science behind child trauma, explains why conventional parenting won't work for these children and provides grounded advice on what will, addressing common parenting dilemmas.
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Can I Tell You About Adoption? : A Guide for Friends, Family and Professionals by Rosy SalamanMeet Chelsea - a young girl who is adopted. Chelsea invites readers to learn about adoption from her perspective and introduces us to two friends of hers who have been transracially adopted. Chelsea and her friends help children understand what it means to be adopted, the experiences that follow the adoption process, and how they can help. (Ages 7 - 11)
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Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee CurtisAn exuberant story about adoption and the importance of a loving family finds a small child asking her parents to tell her again about the night of her birth, demonstrating that it is a cherished tale she knows by heart. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Just Like a Mama by Alice Faye DuncanCarol Olivia Clementine lives with Mama Rose. Mama Rose is everything—tender and sweet. She is also as stern and demanding as any good parent should be. In the midst of their happy home, Carol misses her mother and father. She longs to be with them. But until that time comes around, she learns to surrender to the love that is present. Mama Rose becomes her “home.” And Carol Olivia Clementine concludes that she loves Miss Rose, “just like a mama.” (Ages 4 - 8)
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A Crazy-Much Love by Joy Jordan-Lake"How MUCH is the crazy-much love?" This simple question is answered as two parents recount the journey of adopting their daughter and the many milestone moments that follow. From the child's first bath and first time riding a tricycle, all the way to her boarding that big yellow bus, the crazy-much love grows SO MUCH that it spills out the windows and busts down the doors. A warm, lyrical celebration of the deep love parents hold for their children, and a comforting message for kids about how there can be only one special YOU. (Ages 4 - 6)
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Home For a While by Lauren H. KersteinCalvin has lived in many houses that never felt like home, but Maggie, his new foster mother, helps him deal with his emotions when he misbehaves, and still offers hugs. (Ages 3 - 8)
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Wonderful You : An Adoption Story by Lauren McLaughlinA lyrical and compassionate adoption story tenderly depicts a baby's transition from the care of her birth mother to that of her adoptive parents, helping to create a loving new family. (Ages 3 - 7)
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Our Subway Baby by Peter Mercurio"This is the story of how one baby found his family in the New York City subway." So begins the true story of Kevin and how he found his Daddy Danny and Papa Pete. Written in a direct address to his son, Pete's moving and emotional text tells how his partner, Danny, found a baby tucked away in the corner of a subway station on his way home from work one day. Pete and Danny ended up adopting the baby together. Although neither of them had prepared for the prospect of parenthood, they are reminded, 'Where there is love, anything is possible'" (Ages 4 - 8)
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Caring for Your Adopted Child : An Essential Guide for Parents by Elaine E. SchulteWith knowledge and compassion, Caring for Your Adopted Child offers the wisdom that adoptive parents need to provide the best possible care for their children. Whether a child joins a family through domestic adoption, international adoption, or foster care, he or she may have needs that require additional consideration.
This comprehensive resource offers trusted parenting advice from a leading adoption medicine expert and the American Academy of Pediatrics, focusing on the physical and emotional well-being of adopted children. | |
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Healing Days : A Guide for Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma by Ph.D. Straus, Susan FarberA useful book to read with a parent or therapist, Healing Days emphasizes that children are not to blame for what happened, and that they can get help and look forward to a happy future. Kids will begin to understand their response to the trauma and learn some strategies for feeling safer, more relaxed, and more confident. (Ages 6 - 11)
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My New Mom and Me by Renata GalindoWorrying about how his adoptive cat mom is so unlike him on the outside, a puppy develops an appreciation for his new family's enjoyment of differences as they participate in the same loving and squabbling activities shared by all loving families. (Ages 3 - 7)
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A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza
Choco, a little bird living alone, sets out to find a mother, but he has no luck until he meets the warm-hearted, generous Mrs. Bear and her other children--Piggy, Ally, and Hippy. (Ages 3 - 5) | |
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The Day We Met You by Phoebe KoehlerMom and Dad recount the exciting day when they adopted their baby. (Ages 2 - 5)
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Real Sisters Pretend by Megan Dowd LambertSafe in the knowledge that adoption has made them "forever family," stepsisters Mia and Tayja improvise an imaginary adventure with a joyful homecoming to a real home with their two moms. (Ages 4 - 7)
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Every Year on Your Birthday by Rose A. LewisEach year on the birthday of her adopted Chinese daughter, a mother recalls the moments they have shared, from the first toy to the friends left behind in China, in a heartwarming picture book that captures the richness of both Chinese and American cultures. (Ages 3 - 6)
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A Most Unusual Day by Sydra MalleryCaroline is anxious all day at school, nervous about her newly-adopted sister's arrival from far away. (Ages 4 - 8)
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A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O'LearyAs she listens to her classmates describe the various shapes and sizes of their families, a little girl becomes less worried that her foster family is to different to explain. (Ages 4 - 7)
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In Our Mothers' House by Patricia PolaccoThree adopted children experience the joys and challenges of being raised in a home with two mothers, who teach the children that different doesn't mean wrong. (Ages 6 - 9)
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Home at Last by Vera B WilliamsAfter Lester is adopted from his foster home by Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, he can't fall asleep in his new bed. What will it take to make Lester feel home at last? (Ages 4 - 8)
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Our Gracie Aunt by Jacqueline WoodsonJohnson and his sister, Beebee, seem to be all alone in the world. Their mama has gone away many times before, but something tells them that this time she won't be coming back. Then a social worker comes and takes them to meet their Aunt Gracie. Beebee barely remembers her, and Mama never even told Johnson about her. They wonder where she's been all this time--and why she would want to take care of them. Warily, though, the children begin to trust Aunt Gracie. And in the process, they come to a better understanding of what it means to be a family.. (Ages 5 - 9)
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Little Chick and Mommy Cat by Marta ZafrillaAn imaginative tale that explores themes of diversity, adoption and alternative family life follows the experiences of a little chick who shares a happy relationship with his loving mommy, a cat with soft fur, tickling whiskers and a long beautiful tail. (Ages 3 - 6)
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What's Life Like in Foster Care? by Dwayne HicksThis book shows readers what they might expect when entering foster care. The age-appropriate text provides guidance for dealing with the many emotions that come with a major life event such as meeting a new foster family. The book also touches on what to expect if a foster family situation doesn't work out.. (Ages 7 - 10)
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My Adoptive Family by Julie MurrayFamilies come in all shapes and sizes. Readers will learn all about adoptive families through everyday and relatable situations. They may just find out that an adoptive family isn't so different from their own! (Ages 4 - 8)
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We Belong Together : A Book About Adoption and Families by Todd ParrThe joy of adoption and bringing families together is presented in a charming title with simple verse and bold illustrations. In a kid-friendly, accessible way, this book explores the ways that people can choose to come together to make a family by showing one perspective on the adoption experience. (Ages 2 - 6)
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I'm Adopted! by Shelley RotnerWhy was I adopted? What was it like where I was born? How did you find me? Children have many questions about adoption. With a perceptive text and dynamic photographs, the creators of this book demystify adoption for young children and celebrate the joy that comes with adding to a family. (Ages 4 - 7)
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Adoptive Families by Sarah L. SchuetteSimple text and photographs present adoptive families, including how family members interact with one another. (Ages 4 - 7)
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Foster Families by Sarah L. SchuetteSimple text and photographs present foster families, including how family members interact with one another. (Ages 4 - 7)
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A Different Home : A New Foster Child's Story by John DeGarmoJessie tells us her story of being placed in foster care and the worries she had. The new home is not like her old home, but she begins to see that this different home is kind of nice. (Ages 4 - 10)
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Knock Knock : My Dad's Dream For Me by Daniel BeatyA boy wakes up one morning to find his father gone. At first, he feels lost. But his father has left him a letter filled with advice to guide him through the times he cannot be there. This powerful and inspiring book shows the love that an absent parent can leave behind, and the strength that children find in themselves as they grow up and follow their dreams. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Walk With Me by Jairo BuitragoA little girl imagines a lion taking the place of her father who no longer lives with her family, an animal that keeps her safe on her travels from school to home. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Living With Mom, Living With Dad by Holly DuhigThrough accessible and relatable text, readers are exposed to what it's like to live with a single parent. Topics such as single parenting, separation, and divorce must be handled with care, and this volume addresses these issues with sensitivity and compassion. Readers expand their knowledge of social issues and are made aware of how to handle possible changes in a family dynamic. For readers looking for advice on living with a single parent or looking to better understand different family situations. (Ages 7 - 10)
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When Mama Gets Home by Marisabina RussoPreparing for their mother's arrival home from a busy work day, a young girl and her older sister ready their home by setting the table, peeling vegetables, and preparing to tell her about their own days. (Ages 3 - 6)
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Mama, I'll Give You the World by Roni SchotterAt Walter's World of Beauty, Luisa's secret plans are underway to create a very special birthday celebration for her hard-working, single mother who is employed there as a stylist. (Ages 4 - 8)
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What Happens When My Parents Get Divorced? by Marisa OrgulloUnfortunately, divorce is a common event for many families these days. Children may often feel caught in the middle, but it's important for them to understand that they are loved and not the reason their parents are separating. This book offers readers a look at different situations they might encounter during a divorce, from a parent moving out to spending time in two different homes. (Ages 7 - 10)
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Stepparents by Holly DuhigWhen parents get divorced or lose a spouse, eventually, they may get remarried, and the people they marry can become stepparents. (Ages 7 - 9)
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What's Life Like in a Blended Family? by Grace HouserBeing a member of a blended family is more common today than it was in the past. More children are members of a blended family, and many of them have important questions. This guidance volume helps readers understand the difficulties and joys involved with living in a blended family. (Ages 7 - 10)
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Cat Dog Dog : The Story of a Blended Family by Nelly BuchetA story of a blended family-- from the pets' point of view! Cat and Dog live with their human in a suburban house with a big backyard. Sure, they fight like.... well, cats and dogs, but they're used to one another. Dog-- a different dog-- lives a happy only child life in the city with his dad. He has the bed to himself, he never has to share his toys, and that's the way he likes it. So what happens when the Dog's dad and Cat and Dog's mom move in together? (Ages 5 - 8)
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Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree by Judy Gilliam
Florence and Her Fantastic Family Tree is a celebration of family in all its forms when a family tree assignment gets a bit more complicated with Florence's large blended family. (Ages 5 - 8) | |
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Hannah’s Two Homes by Melodie TegayThis story represents the thoughts of five-year- old Hannah, who splits her life between her Mom’s and Dad’s residences and her two sets of half brothers and half sisters. In the book, Hannah is sharing what she might be thinking if her emotions were “given a voice.” (Ages 3 - 8)
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Love Like Sky by Leslie C YoungbloodEleven-year-old Georgie is still adjusting to leaving Atlanta for a small town, having a stepfather, and being unable to get close to her stepsister when her six-year-old sister, Peaches, suddenly becomes very ill. (Ages 8 - 12)
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My Mother Got Married (And Other Disasters)by Barbara Park
Twelve-year-old Charles experiences many difficulties in adjusting to a new stepfather, stepsister, and stepbrother.
His life has become a three-ring circus. Why did his mom have to get remarried anyway? He wants things back the way they used to be—right now! (Ages 9 - 12) | |
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Stepfamily by Jane LaceyWhen a child's parent remarries, that child gains a new parent, and often, new siblings. This can be a wonderful thing, but it can also come with its own unique set of challenges. This informative volume is designed to help readers navigate and learn from these challenges. (Ages 8 - 12)
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Jessica's Two Families : Helping Children Learn to Cope With Blended Households by Lynne HugoLike so many children from divorced families, Jessica finds herself dealing with the pressures and anger that come when both her mother and father remarry and she has two whole new families to live with, each with different rules. She feels angry because nothing is like how it was before. Her new step-parents set down rules that feel unfair, and her new step-siblings don't seem to want her around. Jessica feels lonely because her mother spends time with her new husband, Mike, and her father is busy with two additional children to raise. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Daddy & Dada by Ryan BrockingtonA heartwarming and affirming picture book celebrating all kinds of families introduces a youngster in a family with two fathers who sing songs, read stories and love each other with open hearts. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Twas the Night Before Pride by Joanna McclintickThis joyful picture-book homage to a day of community and inclusion—and to the joys of anticipation—is also a comprehensive history. With bright, buoyant illustrations and lyrical, age-appropriate rhyme modeled on “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” it tackles difficult content such as the Stonewall Riots and the AIDS marches. On the night before Pride, families everywhere are preparing to partake. As one family packs snacks and makes signs, an older sibling shares the importance of the march with the newest member of the family. Reflecting on the day, the siblings agree that the best thing about Pride is getting to be yourself. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Heather Has Two Mommies by Lesléa NewmanWhen Heather goes to playgroup, at first she feels bad because she has two mothers and no father, but then she learns that there are lots of different kinds of families and the most important thing is that all the people love each other. (Ages 3 - 7)
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A Tale of Two Daddies by Vanita OelschlagerA young girl describes how her two daddies help her through her day, including her poppa cooking eggs and toast, her daddy fixing her knee when she is hurt, and both fathers being there for her when she needs love. (Ages 3 - 6)
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A Tale of Two Mommies by Vanita OelschlagerA young boy describes how his two mothers take care of him, from fishing, to coaching t-ball, to comforting him when he is upset. (Ages 3 - 6)
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My Maddy by Gayle E PitmanA child celebrates her Maddy, who is neither mommy nor daddy but a little bit of both, like so many things in nature. (Ages 4 - 9)
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Uncle Bobby's Wedding by Sarah S BrannenFearing that her favorite uncle’s upcoming marriage to his boyfriend will make him less available, little Chloe enjoys a magically reassuring family visit, in a story produced in cooperation with GLAAD. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Love is Love by Michael GenhartTeased for having two fathers, a boy views his friend's traditional family as similar to his own and realizes he can counter the ridicule by taking pride in his fathers and the love that makes them a family. Includes information and resources for both children and adults. (Ages 4 - 8)
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My Two Dads and Me by Michael JoostenAn adorable board book for the babies and toddlers of gay fathers, featuring a variety of diverse, loving families with two dads.
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Donovan's Big Day by Lesléa NewmanFrom the moment Donovan wakes in the morning, he painstakingly prepares for his special role in the wedding ceremony of his two mothers. (Ages 4 - 7)
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And Tango Makes Three by Justin RichardsonAt New York City's Central Park Zoo, two male penguins fall in love and start a family by taking turns sitting on an abandoned egg until it hatches. (Ages 3 - 8)
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Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B SchifferStella brings her two fathers to school to celebrate Mother's Day. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Home at Last by Vera B WilliamsUnable to fall asleep in his new bed after being adopted by Daddy Albert and Daddy Rich, young Lester crawls into his parents' bed every night, challenging the family dog to help him adjust. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Second Dad Summer by Benjamin KlasJeremiah just wants a normal summer with his dad, but it's clear that isn't happening. His dad just moved to an apartment near downtown Minneapolis to live with his new boyfriend, Michael. Michael wears shorts too short, serves weird organic foods, and is constantly nagging Jeremiah to watch out for potholes and to stay hydrated. Worst of all Michael rides the Uni-cycle. Okay, it's a bicycle decorated to look like a unicorn! This is going to be a long summer! (Ages 9 - 13)
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Raising Multiracial Children : Tools for Nurturing Identity in a Racialized World by Farzana NayaniRaising Multiracial Children gives caregivers the tools for exploring race with their children, offering practical guidance on how to initiate conversations; consciously foster racial identity development; discuss issues like microaggressions, intersectionality, and privilege; and intentionally cultivate a sense of belonging. It provides an overview of key issues and current topics relevant to raising multiracial children and offers strategies and developmentally appropriate milestones from infancy through adulthood.
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Maisie's Scrapbook by Samuel NarhMaisie's scrapbook shows the differences between her West African dada and her white mama as well as the love her family shares. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Whoever You Are by Mem FoxDespite the differences between people around the world, there are similarities that join humanity together, such as pain, joy, and love. (Ages 3 - 7)
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Multiracial Families by Hilary W PooleExplores the benefits and challenges multiracial families face in today's society. (Ages 9 - 12)
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by Linda Sue Park
A little dragon with traits inherited from both her Asian dragon father and European dragon mother happily celebrates her mixed heritage while explaining what makes her family special, from bedtime stories to wings that will one day help her fly. (Ages 4 - 8)
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I Am Mixed by Garcelle BeauvaisJay and Nia are the children of two worlds, and as they'll discover, they can enjoy the best of both. From Mommy's jazz beats to Daddy's classical piano, we will dance with the twins through a book that explores what it is to be of mixed ancestry, proving that a child is more than the sum of their parents. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Mixed Me! by Taye DiggsTold in rhyming text, Mike is a mixed-race boy, completely comfortable with his identity and his parents--and his wild, curly hair. (Ages 4 - 8)
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The Moon Within by Aida SalazarEleven-year-old (nearly twelve) Celi Rivera, who is a mix of Black-Puerto Rican-Indigenous Mexican is secretive about her approaching period, and the changes that are happening to her body; she is horrified that her mother wants to hold a traditional public moon ceremony to celebrate the occasion; she must choose loyalty to her life-long best friend who is contemplating an even more profound change of life or the boy she likes. (Ages 8 - 12)
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Clean Getaway by Nic StoneAn 11-year-old boy confronts the realities of race relations past and present and the mysterious agenda of his unconventional grandmother during an unplanned spring break road trip through the once-segregated American South.The adventure quickly turns to uncertainty: G'ma keeps changing the license plate, dodging Scoob's questions, and refusing to check Dad's voice mails. And the farther they go, the more Scoob realizes that the world hasn't always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren't always what they seem (Ages 8 - 12)
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Marvelous Maravilloso : Me and My Beautiful Family by Carrie LaraMarvelous Maravilloso Me and My Beautiful Family is a story from the point of view of a young interracial child about what color means within the dynamics of race, ethnicity, and culture. This sweet simple story blends the colors of the world and the color of the people her life and shares the experience of her culture in a complex multicultural world. (Ages 3 - 6)
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FAMILIES WITH A SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD
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All My Stripes : A Story for Children With Autism by Shaina RudolphZane rushes home to tell his mother about problems he faced during his school day, and she reminds him that while others may only see his "autism stripe," he has stripes for honesty, caring, and much more. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Understanding Sam and Asperger Syndrome by Clarabelle van NiekerkWhen Sam, a young boy who has trouble making friends at school, wanders away from home to the fair alone, his parents take him to the doctor where he is diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Waiting for Benjamin : A Story About Autism by Alexandra AltmanOlder brother Alexander experiences feelings of disappointment, anger, embarrassment, and jealousy when his younger brother is diagnosed with autism, but as time passes and each boy grows, Alexander discovers that Benjamin isn't just his brother --he is also his friend. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Susan Laughs by Jeanne WillisBeing in a wheelchair doesn't slow this youngster down as she spends a busy day playing with her friends, riding a horse, and swimming with her father, showing that disabled children enjoy many of the same activities as everyone else. (Ages 3 - 6)
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Just Because by Rebecca ElliottA younger brother describes all the fun he has with the big sister he loves so much just because. He is enthusiastic about just how loving and special she is, and delights in telling us about all the fun things they do together. Only as his tale unfolds does the reader begin to realize that his sister has special needs and by then the reader just accepts, as he does, all the wonderful things about her. (Ages 4 - 10)
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My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson PeeteA young girl proudly describes her relationship with her autistic brother, evaluating the ways in which he is like other children, the withdrawing behaviors that mark his disorder and the many qualities that make him unique, from his piano talent to his special way with animals. (Ages 6 - 10)
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My Sister, Alicia May by Nancy Tupper LingOlder sister Rachel tells the story of her relationship with Alicia, her younger sister who is very different and very special because she has Down syndrome. (Ages 6 - 10)
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Not So Different : What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability by Shane BurcawShane Burcaw was born with a rare disease called spinal muscular atrophy, which hinders his muscles’ growth. As a result, his body hasn’t grown bigger and stronger as he’s gotten older—it’s gotten smaller and weaker instead. This hasn’t stopped him from doing the things he enjoys (like eating pizza and playing sports and video games) with the people he loves, but it does mean that he routinely relies on his friends and family for help with everything from brushing his teeth to rolling over in bed. (Ages 6 - 9)
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Perfect by Nicola DaviesA young boy struggles to cope with his disappointment when his new baby sister is different than what he expected. (Ages 4 and up)
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The Black Book of Colors by Menena CottinLiving with the use of one's eyes can make imagining blindness difficult, but this innovative title invites readers to imagine living without sight through remarkable illustrations done with raised lines and descriptions of colors based on imagery. Braille letters accompany the illustrations and a full Braille alphabet offers sighted readers help reading along with their fingers. This title gives young readers the ability to experience the world in a new way. (Ages 5 - 12)
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This Kid Can Fly : It's About Ability (Not Disability) by Aaron PhilipAn uplifting memoir by the 14-year-old creator of the Tumblr blog "Aaronverse" traces his remarkable experiences that demonstrate how his abilities and achievements have defined him more than the challenges of his cerebral palsy. (Ages 8 - 12)
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All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy HoopmannThis book takes a playful look at Asperger Syndrome, drawing inspiration from the feline world. Touching, humorous and insightful, this book evokes the difficulties and joys of raising a child who is different and leaves the reader with a sense of the dignity, individuality, and potential of people with AS. (Ages 7 and up)
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The Night Dad Went to Jail : What to Expect When Someone You Love Goes to Jail by Melissa HigginsWhen someone you love goes to jail, you might feel lost, scared, and even mad. This colorfully illustrated book lets children know that they are not alone in this situation. It offers age appropriate explanations to help with difficult conversations. Told from the experience of a rabbit, this picture book is intended to make a parent's incarceration a little less frightening. (Ages 3 - 7)
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What Happens When My Parent is in Jail? by Frank FeliceDiscusses why people go to jail, describing the things prisoners can do while in prison, how it changes life at home, and how to deal with the feelings that occur. (Ages 7 - 10)
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While Milo and his sister travel to a detention center to visit their incarcerated mother, he observes strangers on the subway and draws what he imagines their lives to be. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Missing Daddy by Mariame KabaA little girl who misses her father because he's away in prison shares how his absence affects different parts of her life. Her greatest excitement is the days when she gets to visit her beloved father. With gorgeous illustrations, this book depicts a little girl's love for her father from whom she is separated because of incarceration. (Ages 4 - 9)
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It's visiting day, and Dad smells like peppermint - yuck! If only he would wear that nice, breezy cologne that smells like hazelnut... So begins one boy's brief weekly visit with his father in prison. Here's a man who gets angry, but beneath that peppermint surface is much to admire, if only you take the time to look. This richly imagined picture book explores the inner life of a boy who struggles to love a father who can be difficult to love at times. Though they may only have brief visits together, it's clear they love each other. This story bravely explores the all-too-hidden world of incarcerated parents. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Lizzie Flying Solo by Nanci Turner StevesonHoping to get through school unnoticed while enduring life in a transitional housing shelter after her father is arrested for a white-collar crime, Lizzie St. Clair bonds with a frightened pony at a local stable while struggling to accept help from new friends. (Ages 8 - 12)
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The Lunch Thief by Anne C. BromleyRafael is angry that a new student is stealing lunches, but he takes time to learn what the real problem is before acting. (Ages 8 - 12)
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Home by Tonya LippertTwo children learn from their experiences of homelessness and uncertain housing that despite their living circumstances there are aspects of their lives that remain constant. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Still A Family by Brenda Reeves SturgisDue to a common shelter policy, a little girl's dad must live in a men's shelter, separated from her and her mom. Despite these circumstances, the family still finds time to be together. They meet at the park to play hide-and-seek, slide on slides, and pet puppies. While the young girl wishes for better days when her family is together again under a roof of their very own, she continues to remind herself that they're still a family even in times of separation. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Homelessness and Families by Hilary W PooleExplores the issue of homeless families, discussing the history of homelessness and the impact of homelessness on parents and children. (Ages 8 - 12)
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What to Do When Your Family Loses Its Home by Rachel LynetteMoving is stressful anytime, but when a family is forced to move because they cannot afford to pay their mortgage-it is a whole different experience. Kid-friendly text helps young readers make sense of it all. Tough topics such as having to move into a shelter are dealt with in a sensitive and encouraging manner. This book also gives some ideas of what to expect when a family moves in with relatives while they get back on their feet. (Ages 7 - 10)
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Hold Fast by Blue BalliettWhen Early's father disappears, she, her mother, and her brother are forced to flee their Chicago apartment and join the ranks of the homeless--and it is up to Early to hold her family together and solve the mystery surrounding her father. (Ages 8 - 12)
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Fly Away Home by Eve BuntingA homeless boy who lives in an airport with his father, moving from terminal to terminal and trying not to be noticed, is given hope when he sees a trapped bird find its freedom. (Ages 5 - 8)
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Crenshaw by Katherine ApplegateJackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There's no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again. Crenshaw is a cat. He's large, he's outspoken, and he's imaginary. He has come back into Jackson's life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything? (Ages 8 - 12)
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Dear Librarian by Lydia M. SigwarthWhen Lydia was five years old, she and her family had to leave their home. They hopped from Grandma's house to Aunt Linda's house to Cousin Alice's house, but no place was permanent. Then one day, everything changed. Lydia's mom took her to a new place — not a house, but a big building with stone columns, and tall, tall steps - the library. In the library, Lydia found her special spot across from the sunny window, at a round desk. For behind that desk was her new friend, the librarian. Together, Lydia and the librarian discovered a world beyond their walls, one that sparkled with spectacular joy. (Ages 4 - 8)
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No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen-FernlundTwelve-year-old Felix's appearance on a television game show reveals that he and his mother have been homeless for a while, but also restores some of his faith in other people. (Ages 10 and up)
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Stay by Bobbie PyronWhen Piper and her family move into a homeless shelter in a new city, she misses her former life while also finding new friendships at Hope House, including a street dog named Baby, that Piper must protect from being taken away for good when Baby’s person goes missing. (Ages 9 - 12)
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Why Are Some People Homeless? by Emma JonesPresents information about homelessness, including perceptions of homeless people, how homelessness affects children, and how people can help the homeless. (Ages 7 - 10)
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A Place To Stay : A Shelter Story by Erin GuntiThis simple, touching picture book shows readers a women's shelter through the eyes of a young girl, who, with her mother's help, uses her imagination to overcome her anxiety and adjust. Includes factual endnotes detailing various reasons people experience homelessness and the resources available to help. (Ages 4 - 8)
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Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'neillMolly and her mom don't always have enough food, so one Saturday they visit their local food pantry. Molly's happy to get food to eat until she sees her classmate Caitlin, who's embarrassed to be at the food pantry. Can Molly help Caitlin realize that everyone needs help sometimes? (Ages 4 - 7)
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Shelter by Christie MathesonWhile ten-year-old Maya attends an elite private school on scholarship her classmates are unaware that she and her family are living in a homeless shelter, but on one poignant day Maya discovers having a house is not the only way to have a home. (Ages 8 - 12)
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