South Brunswick Reads for Social Awareness
 
2023
 
We will read and come together to:
Develop empathy and show respect for our differences
Discover what we stand for and use our self awareness to inspire action
Celebrate our community and identify and utilize the supports that can lift us
 
Visit our South Brunswick Reads site to learn more about what is happening in our schools and libraries. Please join us as we read for social awareness.
 
South Brunswick Reads for Social Awareness-Picture Books
Woke baby
by Mahogany L. Browne

"For all the littlest progressives, waking up to seize a new day of justice and activism. Woke babies are up early. Woke babies raise their fists in the air. Woke babies cry out for justice. Woke babies grow up to change the world. This lyrical and empowering book is both a celebration of what it means to be a baby and what it means to be woke. With bright playful art, Woke Baby is an anthem of hope in a world where the only limit to a skyscrapper is more blue."--Publisher's description
Tanna's owl
by Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley

When her father finds an abandoned owl, Tanna, who is not eager to take care of the needy bird, must wake up early to catch food, feed, and clean up after it
Thank you, neighbor!
by Ruth Chan

This adorable picture book invites readers to join the narrator and her dog on their daily walk through their neighborhood as they greet, help and talk to everyone along the way. 35,000 first printing. Illustrations.
Oscar's tower of flowers
by Lauren Tobia

Staying in his Nana’s apartment while his mother is away, young Oscar helps tend a thriving flower garden that he then shares with neighbors in his community. By the illustrator of the Anna Hibiscus series. Illustrations.
The little house of hope
by Terry Catasús Jennings

Arriving in the U.S. from Cuba, Esperanza and her family rent a little house that, though small, becomes a home for other immigrant families in need of a safe place to stay in a new land. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
This is a school
by John Schu

A librarian and former ambassador of school libraries shares a touching celebration of schools and the people who make up the communities within them. Simultaneous eBook Illustrations.
My two border towns
by David Bowles

"A boy and his father cross the United States-Mexico border every other Saturday, visiting their favorite places, spending time with family and friends, and sharing in the responsibility of community care"
The little things : a story about acts of kindness
by Christian Trimmer

A little girl returns a washed-up sea star to the ocean, inspiring a neighbor to adopt a homeless dog with his grandson, who in turn helps an elderly woman clean up her yard, until each sequential gesture of kindness builds toward a heartwarming conclusion. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
Keeping the city going
by Brian Floca

The Caldecott Medal-winning creator of Locomotive presents a heartfelt thank-you to the essential workers who have kept their communities safe, running and supplied throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 50,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
Together we grow
by Susan Vaught

A poignant celebration of inclusivity, acceptance and the importance of community rebuilding in the aftermath of disaster follows the experiences of a lonely fox family that searches for safety when a storm drives nearby farm animals indoors. 25,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
The power of one : every act of kindness counts
by Trudy Ludwig

The bullying expert and author of The Invisible Boy presents the story of a child who reaches out to a lonely classmate, triggering a chain reaction of kindness that ripples through her school and community. Illustrated by the award-winning creator of the Little Elliot series. Illustrations.
Our little kitchen
by Jillian Tamaki

"A crew of resourceful neighbors comes together to prepare a meal for their community. Includes a recipe and an author's note about the volunteering experience that inspired the book"
Hattie & Hudson
by Chris Van Dusen

Exploring the lake near her home, young Hattie befriends a mysterious lake monster who terrifies everyone else and who inspires her to teach her community about prejudging others. By the creator of The Circus Ship.
When you look out the window : how Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin built a community
by Gayle E Pitman

Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, one of San Francisco's most well-known and politically active lesbian couples describe the landmarks that can be seen out their window and how they worked to change their neighborhood for the better
You are my favorite color
by Gillian Sze

A lyrical story of parental love that celebrates and takes pride in the many shades of brown skin is told through warm and vivid poetry that empowers as it embraces. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
The Rainbow Parade
by Emily Neilson

A girl recounts her first time marching with her two moms at a Pride Parade
The talk
by Alicia Williams

Told in an age-appropriate fashion, this picture book follows a young boy who just wants to be a kid, as he has The Talk?—?a conversation that could mean the difference between life and death in a racist world. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.
Kind
by Alison Green

A heartwarming and visually diverse celebration of the fundamental value of kindness gathers creative contributions by nearly 40 illustrators, inviting children to imagine and then help create a world where everyone is kind. Illustrations.
Counting kindness : ten ways to welcome refugee children
by Hollis Kurman

Follow the journey of immigrant and refugee children from a leaky boat to a new country, a new school, and new friends in this simple counting book
Dear Librarian
by Lydia M. Sigwarth

With nowhere to call home, Lydia finally finds a place she belongs when she visits the library and befriends the librarian who introduces her to a world beyond their walls. 50,000 first printing. Illustrations.