Hesson: Children’s Book Reviews of the Month for June

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By Joanna McClintick, illustrated by Juana Medina

(Candlewick Press)

With colorful illustrations and rhyming text, this picture book is an informative look at inclusion and gives a simple history of the birth of Pride Day. It shows a family of four preparing for the parade. This story is a great way to share and create conversations with young readers about rights, the LGBTQ community, different household dynamics, what it means to be a family, and the beauty of being yourself.

Ivy Lost and Found

By Cynthia Lord, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

(Candlewick Press)

Book Buddies is a new series that is perfect for kids who want to start chapter books. It follows the adventures of toys given and lent to the library. In this story, a doll named Ivy is unsure about meeting a new child. Fern is a young girl trying to find her place in a blended family. Lovely illustrations help readers join in their adventures as they help each other fit in. Age-appropriate and fun to read, the next in the series is called Marco Polo Brave Explorer.

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Amy Wu and the warm welcome

By Kat Zhang, illustrated by Charlene Chua

(Simon & Schuster books for young readers)

When Amy tries to talk to her new classmate, he doesn’t say a word. After school, she sees him with his family and realizes that he only speaks Chinese. She then comes up with a plan to reunite their families. His grandmother teaches him to say welcome in Chinese and to make a banner. With cute illustrations and tips on how to support a new friend, this book reminds young and old about inclusion and friendship.

The limitless sky

By Christina Kilbourne

(Dundurn Press)

Rook works as a guard at the HKSAR, scouring the archives and documenting her mundane life in a controlled world. She never believed the outside until she found footage of the first original Chosen arriving. Gage lives a life in a world where the sky is limitless and the hunt for ancient knowledge is constant and dangerous. When the two accidentally communicate, each must convince their people to find out the truth. This riveting apocalyptic adventure blends two dystopian realms and will leave readers yearning for more.