Kick Off Summer with a Great Book: Teen Reading Ambassadors’ Favorite Reads for Kids

by Jonathan Fenske
Ages 4–6
Recommended by Walaa A., Chatham Square Library

Follow a silly boy as he tries to answer the question: What will fit a dinosaur? This book is filled with swamp bathrooms, dino-lamps, and buckets worn as shoes! As the boy searches for the right fit, he realizes it’s harder than he thought. What will he wear? Can he find anything that will fit? And what will Mommasaurus say when she finds out he’s up late at night? Check out Nothing Fits A Dinosaur by Jonathan Fenske to find out!

written by Leonarda Carranza; illustrated by Rafael Mayani
Ages 4–7
Recommended by Annabelle G., Morrisania Library

Abuelita and Me tells the story of a grandmother and her granddaughter’s adventure-filled day. Open this beautiful book to discover how the pair spends a day together. This book showcases the value of fun family time, while also depicting Hispanic culture and heritage. This book teaches the importance of loving others and standing up for anyone who is mistreated.

written by NoNieqa Ramos; illustrated by Paola Escobar
Ages 4–7
Recommended by Angelina M., Bloomingdale Library

From the moment Beauty was born, her family taught her how to celebrate her Puerto Rican heritage. She loved waving the Puerto Rican flag and dancing in parades with her family and neighbors. But when Beauty hears hurtful words about people that look like her family and friends, she feels confused about her Boricua pride. How will Beauty once again be confident in her identity? Beauty Woke is filled with beautiful colorful illustrations and sprinkled with Spanish words and phrases.

written by Dan Gutman; illustrated by Jim Paillot
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Fatama C., Mosholu Library

My Weird School Goes to the Museum is a creative story filled with wonderful illustrations. A.J. and Andrea can’t wait for their school trip to the museum. But when the museum guide warns them that someone might misbehave, they spend the day trying to figure out who it will be. Join A.J. and Andrea on their hilarious, and weird, field trip to the museum! 

by J. E. Morris 
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Melissa T., Bronx Library Center

Flubby, Kami’s opinionated cat, is hard to please. Kami tries desperately to find a toy that will make Flubby happy, but Flubby does not enjoy any of Kami’s new toys! Every toy seems to make Flubby sad or scared. Will Flubby ever find a perfect toy to play with? Read Flubby Will Not Play with That by J. E Morris to find out!

written by Jessica Young; illustrated by Marie Vanderbemden
Ages 5–8
Recommended by Ava H., Chatham Square Library

Have you ever wanted to go on a fun adventure with magical fairies? If you have, this book is for you! In Full Moon Party, Miss. Goldwing takes her fairy friends to a magical party where they have tons of fun. At the Full Moon Fairy Fest, the fairies play games, have a dance party, go on adventure rides, and more. Read this enchanted story to find out how the fairies use their magical powers at the Fairy Fest!

by Rachel Elliott
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Walaa A., Chatham Square Library

Riley Mayes does not fit in with her fifth grade class. Unlike the rest of her classmates, she hasn’t been able to make many friends. The “boyz” don't find her jokes funny and the girls only want to talk about their crushes. Riley’s afraid no one will ever understand the “real Riley Mayes.” One day, Riley’s teacher asks the class to write letters to people they admire. Riley chooses Joy Powers, her favorite comedian. As she writes her letter to Joy Powers, Riley begins to find classmates who just might understand her after all. Join Riley on her journey of self-discovery through fifth grade. This title is featured on NYPL’s Best Books for Kids 2022!

by Jane Kuo
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Alexia H., Stapleton Library

Have you ever been scared of a new experience? Gone to a new school? Or moved to a different house? In this beautiful book in verse, 11-year-old Anna ventures into a brand new world when she moves with her family from Taiwan to California. Anna works hard to adjust to her new life: She tries to learn English, make new friends, and adjust to her parents' new restaurant. Anna thought California was going to be all about the beaches, but it turns out life in a new country is more challenging than she thought. 

by Karina Yan Glaser
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Willow D., St. George Library Center

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like if your whole life turned upside down? Eleven-year-old June doesn’t have to wonder. After her dad dies and her mom stops talking, June finds herself responsible for her little sister Maybelle as her family moves into a homeless shelter. At first, June feels out of place; the building looks scary and there are so many rules! But as June gets to know the other families at the shelter, she starts to feel a strong connection to her new home. With the help of her trusted viola and her new friends Tyrell and Jeremiah, June finds herself happier than she’d been in a long time. A Duet for Home has it all: two hilarious pranksters, long school bus rides, classical music, adorable dogs, and even a three-legged hamster!