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Best chapter books of 2025
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Hi Reader, I realized recently that most of the time, I enjoy reading middle grade books more than I enjoy reading books written for adults. There's just something about the blend of sincerity and complexity that makes me love books written for older elementary kids and young teens. In my last blog post of the year, I'm sharing my favorite middle grade books published in 2025, including: ✏️a hilarious book about two 5th grade writing and illustrating rivals, co-written by two of the most popular children's authors who are great frenemies in real life. 🚣🏽♀️an ambitious historical fiction and fantasy blend that transports three Latine cousins to the battle that became known as Cinco de Mayo, where they must deliver a magical sword. ✖️ a spirited and thorough biography of Malcolm X that links present-day racism with his life, work, and evolving views about race. 🍋 a moving novel in verse that imagines what a 12-year-old Mexican American boy experienced in the 1930s when he fought school segregation in his community. (This one is such a good starting point for talking about the oppression immigrants and Latine people are experiencing in the U.S. right now.)
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season (that includes time to curl up with a great book), Rebekah Rebekah Gienapp (she/her/hers) | rebekahgienapp.com | Connect on Instagram | Coffees for Gaza | |
Raising antiracist kids
Are you a parent, caregiver, or educator who wants to help children become brave justice seekers? Subscribe for practical tips, children's book recommendations, and resources for antiracist families and classrooms.
Hi Reader, The right of every child to attend school seems pretty straight forward, right? It's easy to forget how many generations of people had to fight racism, ableism, and anti-immigrant prejudice in order to enroll their children in public school. It's important to honor all the many different groups of people who've fought for their right to education. We shouldn't consider this a fight that's been won once and for all, either. Under the Trump administration, the Education Department...
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Hi Reader, My friends and family know that I love crafting almost as much as I love reading. If there's not a book in my hand, it might be because I'm holding knitting needles. (I also find knitting is great for soothing my ADHD, especially when I have to sit still and listen for long periods of time.) So, why has it taken me so long to create a children's book list of stories that feature knitting, sewing, quilting, and weaving? I had so much fun pulling together this list of picture books...