Readers can also be writers. And all writers should be readers. Here are some wonderful books about books or writing.
Yours in Books, by Julie Falatko, lovely illustrated by Gabriel Alboroza, is the perfect picturebook for all booklovers – both in text and art. Grumpy Owl lives alone and wants peace and quiet to read books. The entire book is an exchange of letters between Owl and Squirrel, who owns a bookshop, all delivered by Snail. The letters start off formal but the two become friends as Owl orders books and Squirrel tries to send him titles he might like. But the noisy neigborhood children keep interfering. Owl doesn’t know what to do when the children keep coming, making a mess of his house and wanting to hear stories. Not only is this a wonderful story of the love of books, but also of making friends and sharing. ISBN 978-1-951836-20-7, Cameron Kids
Biblioburro, a True Story from Colombia, by Jeanette Winter, is the lovely, true tale of Luis who loves books. When his wife tells him that he has enough books in their house, Luis and his two donkeys – Alfa and Beta, start sharing the beloved books with people in remote villages. Now, the people of the hillsides look forward to Luis’ regular visits when they can get more books to read. And people around the world have heard of his mobile library. With simple text and lovely illustrations, this picture book is perfect for younger students. ISBN 578-1-4169-9778-8, Simon and Schuster
Best Wishes – Like A Boss by Sarah Mlynowski and Hena Khan is a fun chapter book. Maya Amir has a hard time making decisions. She really wants to be president of her school’s environmental club. Should she put her hand up? Would they vote for her? By the time Maya makes up her mind, it’s too late. Later that day, Maya receives a mysterious package and finds a beautiful, magical bracelet. With the help of online friends, Maya discovers that the bracelet will grant her a wish. But she has a hard time deciding until she does so inadvertently. Her wish comes true – she becomes a true leader, not just of her environmental club, but of her class, her school and ultimately her country. Could she get world leaders to agree on climate change while she is in charge? A fun read with a bit of magic. ISBN 978-1-5461-0269-4, Scholastic
Two Tales of Twenty-Six, written by Stephanie Simpson McLellan and illustrated by Mike Deas, is an unusual chapter book for beginning readers. One side features Liam and the Letters, a tale about a boy struggling to learn how to read. He wrestles his way through the letters that seem to jumble and jut everywhere. But slowly Liam starts to recognize them: the first letter of his name, the letters in the stop sign and much more. Until one day, when the seasons have changed, he has untangled all 26 letters of the alphabet and can read the entire story about a mouse who sets of on a dangerous journey past cats. Liam is thrilled. And when the story ends, you turn the book around and there…. is the story of the mouse and twenty six cats! In Walter and the World the mouse faces obstacles, too, but by wise observation he too, manages to learn a new skills by the time the seasons change. And at the happy ending of his adventure, you can turn the book around and read the other side again. A clever, endearing story that beginning readers will likely fondly remember for the rest of their life. The text and art form a wonderful coherent whole that jointly tell the story. ISBN 978-0889957466, Red Deer Press
Half Truths, Carol Baldwin
In this excellently written historical fiction novel for teens, Anna Katherine (Kate) lives in North Carolina, in 1950. Her tobacco grower father can’t afford to send her to college but Kate dreams of becoming a newspaper reporter. To achieve her dream in that era, she is even willing to move to Charlotte and stay with her strict grandparents.
The period and setting are reminiscent of To Kill A Mockingbord. As Kate snoops around her grandparents’ house and meets more people, she uncovers many half-truths. The town, too, is torn over unequality between whites and blacks. Do reporters cover things up or do they have a responsibility to report the whole truth?
“Journalists have lots of opportunities to speak the truth. I hope you do it,” her black friend Lilian tells her.
Between forming new friendships, going to a new junior highschool and caring for her goat, Kate has plenty of problems. And while exploring her grandmother’s attic, Kate unearths a secret that rocks her world and her new friend Lillian’s too. The shocking discovery reveals half-truths that threaten the girls’ friendship.
Through a mentorship with a newspaper editor, Kate realizes that journalism requires honesty. But if she reveals what she has learned, what price will she pay?
This book deals admirably with racial discrimination and segregation. The language is historically accurate and depictions of southern towns, segregation, KKK activities and relationships are all depicted based on thorough research. Written with sensitivity and historical accuracy this book encourages critical thinking, empathy, and discussions about past and present social issues. Highly recommended. ISBN-13 : 978-1957656854, Monarch Educational Services
Margriet Ruurs writes books for children and reads nonstop. She conducts author workshops at International Schools and is available for the 2025/26 school year: www.margrietruurs.com