1) Free to Be... You and Me collected by Marlo Thomas

Plot Summary: An inspiring and captivating compilation of poems, songs, and stories celebrating individuality and challenging stereotypes. First published in 1972, this thoughtful collection remains relevant and empowering for children and adults alike in modern day.

Appeal: This work can be enjoyed by children of any age, and is a pleasure for the adult reading it. Due to it's length, it is best enjoyed in excerpts.

Limitations or Weaknesses: While the sentiment of the work remains evergreen, the collection itself would benefit from the inclusion of recent works.

Thomas, M., & Friends. (1972). Free to be...you and me.

2) No World too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change edited by Metcalf, Dawson, and Bradley, illustrated by Bradley.

Plot Summary: This collection follows three activist groups, and twelve young activists as they protect water in Canada, reduce their carbon footprint in Indonesia, plant trees in Uganda, and more. Shared through prose and poems, this energizing story is sure to inspire a climate activist in the reader and the listener alike.

Appeal: Aimed at children ages 5-9, this work is educational, hopeful, and encouraging.

Limitations and Weaknesses: Although important to educate the future generation on the state of the climate they are inheriting, this collection should be read carefully as some of the more challenging concepts could potentially be upsetting to younger readers.

Metcalf, L. H., Dawson, K. V., & Bradley, J. (2022). No world too big: Young people fighting global climate change.

3) Together: A Book About Community. by Elise Gravel

Plot Summary: Follow Together's quirky and colourful monsters as they learn about community, empathy, and inclusivity. This book emphasizes friendship, strong support systems, and helps readers understand the ways in which we can support one another.

Appeal: Aimed at children ages 6-9. The splashy illustrations are exciting to follow, and honour Gravel's internationally renowned artistic style. The theme of this work is timeless, and appropriate for children in any setting.

Limitations and Weaknesses: Although designed to be approachable, this approach to complex social issues may be interpreted as reductive to an older reader.

Gravel, E. (Illus.). (2021). Together: A book about community.

4) Barefoot Helen and the Giants written by Andy Jones and illustrated by Katie Brosnan

Plot Summary: There's a lot to love and laugh with in this exciting tale which includes evil giants, a magical hat, hairy feet, and spunky girls. Barefoot Helen is aware of the evil giant's plan to destroy the land and eat the people, and despite her original plan falling apart, she remains steadfast in her commitment to save the sleeping Princess Antoinette.

Appeal: Aimed at children ages 9-12, this creative folktale story will be sure to keep young readers at the edge of their seat.

Limitations and Weaknesses: While the story and illustrations are evocative and keep the reader interested, they may be overwhelming to some viewers.

Jones, A., & Brosnan, K. (Illus.). (2018). Barefoot Helen and the giants.

5) There's No Such Thing as Little written and illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Plot Summary: This cut-out book isn't quite what it seems as snowflakes, ideas, and fish are revealed to have been more vast and complex than first assumed. Narrated by two children who disagree about their interpretations of ideas and objects, this book helps children grasp the concept of perspective.

Appeal: Aimed at children ages 3-7, this heart-warming and honest story is a straightforward way to help children broaden their worldview and introduces complex thoughts in an approachable manner.

Limitations and Weaknesses: While the cut-out design of this book strengthens the theme of the story, it may distract readers in the younger age range. Secondly, the potential for damage to this book and subsequent lack of impact is increased due to the novelty of the design.

Pham, L. (2015). There's no such thing as little.

6) It Takes A Village written by Hillary Clinton and illustrated by Marla Frazee

Plot Summary: Originally published as an adult book in 1996, this children's book presents Hillary Clinton's ideal vision of America for children. Follow a diverse community as they come together to build a playground. This work emphasizes themes of teamwork and kindness, with a special focus on the importance of nurturing children.

Appeal: Aimed at children ages 4-9, this work is beneficial in introducing children to the importance of teamwork and diversity.

Limitations and Weaknesses: Although impactful in it's themes, this story features sparse text and could benefit from more robust prose. Additionally, this story should be approached with sensitivity as political undertones are featured throughout the plot.

Clinton, H. R., & Frazee, M. (Illus.). (2017). It takes a village.

7) Kazemi, N. (2018). I'm glad that you're happy.

8) Tarpley, N. A., & Bethencourt, R., & Bethencourt, K. (Illus.). (2021). The me I choose to be.