1 . Flights of imagination take wing with picture books

Room for Everyone (ages 4-8)

Written by Naaz Khan, illustrated by Merce Lopez

Hop on the dala-dala (a kind of minibus taxi) on the way to the blue crystal waters of Zanzibar! Rhythmic language dances across the pages as more and more people and their belongings pile into (挤进) the vehicle on the way to the beach. It seems there can’t possibly be room, but “after some moving around and fun, they make enough room for everyone.” This is a book you will be happy to read again and again because it’s so full of sunlight and energy.

Gladys the Magic Chicken (ages 4-9)

Written by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Adam Rex

It’s a big, sweeping story that’s just right for sharing a belly laugh (捧腹大笑) with the whole family. Set in ancient times, the story centers around a much-celebrated chicken named Gladys. At 48 pages, this is longer than the standard picture book, which helps give it a bigger feeling.

Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey (ages 4-10)

Written and illustrated by Erin Entrada Kelly

Readers might know Erin Entrada Kelly from her Newbery Medal-winning chapter book, “Hello, Universe”. In this start of a series aimed at younger readers, Kelly again creates rich characters, but this time with short chapters and cute line drawings that work perfectly for early independent chapter-book reading.

A Boy Named Isamu (ages 3-7)

Written and illustrated by James Yang

One of the unexpected charms of this book is that it is told in the second person. The lines between audience and character, observer and artist, and reader and listener soften to allow us to explore isolation (孤独) and creativity along with the protagonist (主人公). This book might help everyone understand how one might be “alone but not lonely”.

2 . A Book-list by Trusted Critics

Has your mom ever caught you picking your nose or biting your nails? In this book, bad habits yield complex explanations that justify their very existence.

And really, how hard is it to believe that nose pickers are actually pushing hidden nose buttons that release “cheerful beams” that make everyone happy?

What happens when you have to leave your home where the desert reaches all the way to the sea and 100 butterflies always fill the sky? This picture book about immigration deals with its serious subject matter while keeping heart, humor and family close at hand.

It tells the true story of how the girl and her family moved from one land to another.

Our lives are our stories. In this one Sophie Blackall manages to spin a single sentence capturing the imagined lives of a houseful of children on a farm. The images and story were inspired by the detritus (废弃物) she discovered in an old farmhouse.

The resulting images are sure to delight children and adults alike, while the story is a reminder of what we leave behind.

It’s never easy to explain that a family member is imprisoned, and it can be especially hard for children.

This simple picture book draws on the author’s own childhood to tell the story of a young girl whose brother is in prison. A gentle and hopeful story for kids about very adult situations and complex feelings.

Hardly had I received your letter when I couldn’t help     1    (write) back to you. You truly need correct ways to read successfully. I’m glad to tell you     2    (me) suggestions.

First of all, you’d choose the books     3    are neither too difficult     4    too easy for you. Secondly, the books should not only interest you but also benefit you. Besides, you might     5     (know) before that some books ought to be read    6    (careful), while others should be read roughly. In addition, you are sure to remember more clearly if you read aloud. Last but not     7    (less), remember to make     8    (note) while reading, and you might as well look up new words in a dictionary when necessary. It’s impossible that you’re     9    (blame) for not knowing every word.

Best wishes! If there’s anything I can do     10    you in future, please don’t hesitate to tell me.

5 . While visiting an elementary school library in 2016, 1 noticed there were hardly any science fiction books for readers under 12. This discovery prompted me to spend the next five years researching the shortage of science fiction books for children in this age group.

I reached two big conclusions. First, I found that adults often think that kids can’t understand science fiction—but they can. Second, I found that authors and illustrators (插画家) are not depicting characters from diverse backgrounds in children’s stories about the future.

Diverse representation in science fiction is especially important because these authors are not only imagining futures, but also are the sorts of people who create those futures.

When science fiction authors imagine a wide variety of people like women, people of color and disabled people as the scientists of the future, then they provide models for more children to imagine themselves in those careers. Research has shown that seeing female scientists in media affects whether girls imagine themselves in STEM—science, technology, engineering and math-careers. The first Black female astronaut, Mae Jemison, says that she was able to imagine herself going to space because as a young person she saw Nichelle Nichols playing Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on Star Trek.

An expert on race in science fiction says that science fiction must include a variety of humans rather than a variety of aliens to celebrate the potential of diversity in the future.

Science fiction authors could be leaders in the efforts to diversify children’s books if creators fill the shortage of children’s science fiction with stories that include characters from diverse backgrounds.

The burden is not only on creators, though. Educators and parents also need to seek out science fiction with diverse characters in order to make sure that children’s book collections reflect a future that welcomes everyone.

6 . Best Books for You

Lessons in Chemistry     By Bonnie Garmus     $29

Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant scientist trying to make it in a man’s world in the 1960s. Out of a job when she gets pregnant, she uses her talent for chemistry to land herself in the unlikeliest of places — as the beloved host of Supper at Six, an unusual cooking show with a distinctly feminist point of view. Full of historical details and attractive characters, you’ll cheer on Zott and her unique show sign-off: “Children, set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself.”

The Maid     By Nita Prose     $27

This novel about a hotel maid who discovers a dead guest cuts across the thriller and mystery types with a bit of comedy. The building tension will keep you turning the pages, but above all, it’s hard not to be instantly invested in the strange main character; most readers will find her oddities (古怪) relatable in some form.

Less Is Lost     By Andrew Sean Greer     $31

Arthur Less is the average guy that everyone can root for. Following him on his journeys as he finds love is both calming and reassuring. A wonderful tale about living a fulfilling life without huge fireworks moments. Perfect for anyone who wants to believe an ordinary life can be extraordinary.

Editor, National News     By Janice Hallett     $27

An extraordinary debut (处女作), this crime novel immediately stands out due to its bold style — in the form of emails and letters. Sited in rural UK with an amateur dramatics society at its center, and pretty much everyone up to no good, it interests readers from the first page.