Posts Tagged book lists

Coming of Age Comics:  Seven Diverse Graphic Novels

By on May 20, 2026   /   Book Lists, Fiction  
Nowadays children are confronted with adult issues and decisions daily. Social media influences, families, schools and communities expect young people to grow up fast. For many kids this passage to adulthood is fragmented and difficult. Kids love graphic novels because of the vibrant illustrations, the spot-on humor and the space between the panels which presents them with opportunities to empathize with the character’s journey. The graphic novel format which combines words and pictures is perfect for presenting readers with difficult stories. Young readers can insert their own emotions in the transitional spaces between panels. The graphic novels listed here provide readers with models of kids facing serious challenges, who with the help of supportive friends and/or family acquire adult skills and attributes.
 
 
 
 
 

Mixed Feelings by Sara Amini and Shadia Amin

Being half Iranian and half Columbian leaves Sara feeling like she doesn’t belong anywhere. That, coupled with the fact that her best friend is drifting away and hair is popping up on her legs, leaves Sara untethered. She builds on her love of TV and acting and joins the drama club. This change helps her navigate puberty, overcome her identity challenges, and find community.

 

 

 

 

Curlfriends: Back in Business (sequel to New in Town) by Sharee Miller

When fashionista, honor roll student Nola asks her mother for money for a snazzy outfit to dance in at the talent show, she is surprised to get only twenty dollars. It turns out her mom’s beauty salon is in financial trouble. Nola’s dream of inheriting the family business may never come true. Even though Nora tries to keep her money troubles a secret, The Curlfriends, her sweet, supportive Black girl friends help out in unexpected ways.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Opting Out by Maia Koba and Swat “Lucky”Srikuamar

Saachi bonds over writing and drawing with her best friend Lyla, until Lyla, along with all their other friends, pair off in boy-girl couples. After Saachi gets her perios she has shifting feelings about her gender identity. Readers are privy to her identity exploration through internal monologues, journal entries and poetry. Her parents and sister are refreshingly supportive of Sacchi’s internal journey. After visiting a Hindu temple, her Appa affirms, “change is a part of life.”

 

 

 

 
 

Halfway to Somewhere by Jose Pimenta

Ave’s recent move from Mexicali to Kansas with her mother and brother has her missing her father and sister. Her stress is compounded by the fact that speaking English is a struggle. While coping with separation across family, borders and cultures Ave connects with new friends and reconnects with her faraway family members.

 

 

 

Outsider Kids (sequel to Parachute Kids) by Betty C. Tang

It has been seven months since Anna’s (Feng-Ling’s) parents left her and her siblings alone in California while they returned to Taiwan to await visas. She has begun to get a taste of American life, including trick or treating with friends on Halloween and eating turkey with them on Thanksgiving. But when her cousin Josephine – violin prodigy – comes to stay, Anna’s world is turned upside down. Being underage and undocumented makes Anna and her siblings extremely vulnerable. Resilience and community join forces to support them in their time of need.

 

Fruitcake (Four Eyes series, volume 3) by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza

Set in the 1980’s. It is the beginning of Rex’s eighth grade year and he is feeling excluded while all his friends are pairing up. He remedies the situation when he meets Charlotte, who he begins to date. Meanwhile, he can’t help thinking about his longtime friend Drew – constantly. This novel explores the middle school world of striving to fit in, crushes and poor self-image, Nina, Rex’s cool goth friend helps him to understand his gay identity and inspires him to be proud of who he is.

 

 

 

Weirdo by Tony Weaver Jr. (warning: this novel includes mentions of attempted suicide)

Tony Weaver gets severely bullied at school for being a nerd – to the point where he felt that “disappearing would best for everyone. An end to my pain and theirs.” There are no depictions of Tony’s attempted suicide, or descriptions of method, but his emotional pain is shown on the page. His parents step up to find him a wonderful therapist and a new school. It takes time for Tony to heal, but through the superpowers of new friends in the Literature Club, and the larger than life heroes of his comics books, anime and video games, he learns to embrace his identity.

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STEM Tuesday– Math– Writing Tips & Resources

By on May 19, 2026   /   Math, STEM Tuesday  

MATH (AND WRITING) IS FOR EVERYONE!

As the some of the books in this month’s book list mention, there is a persistent myth that some people are inherently good at math. Others are not. This usually comes hand-in-hand with a narrow idea of what math is and isn’t.

These myths are mirrored in writing. Some people “are writers” while others are not. “Real” writing is serious and lengthy.

But the truth is that math and writing are both skill sets anyone can learn with patience and persistence. Whether we recognize it or not, we all have our own relationships to both math and writing, our own ways of seeing them. And both are EVERYWHERE!

You can find math in the kitchen, supermarket, even the garden: just look at the many patterns of petals beginning to bloom! Writing can be found on signs and in emails, bumper stickers, blogs, and beyond!

This month we’re focusing on finding our way into writing and math through writing about math.

Math is Everywhere

Here are books that demonstrate the ways that math connects with other subjects, as well as the creative ways that different authors present a topic. What might sound like a single topic—math—is actually incredibly diverse, as these books demonstrate. Each author writes about math from their own unique angle, combining subjects and bringing their own writing style to their book.

Cover of "Adventures in Math"

Math and your mind:

Adventures in Math: How to Level Up Your Math Game by Carleigh Wu and Sean Simpson focuses on how our mindset shapes our relationship to math. This math book emerged from the author’s unique background as a teacher and math coach. Following illustrated characters as they venture into the jungle (of math), this colorful book is all about using curiosity and a growth mindset to level up your math game. Punchy, relatable text and an engaging voice weaves together real people doing amazing things with math, inspiring quotes, and exercises that speak directly to readers.

 

 

Cover of "The Book of Math"

Math and social studies:

The Book of Math: Adventures in the World of Shapes and Numbers by Anna Weltman and Paul Boston takes readers on a tour of dozens of moments in math across history and around the globe. Each two-page spread covers a fun and interesting math-related topic using discussion questions, short paragraphs, questions and answers, and other writing styles. Visuals including maps, timelines, labelled diagrams, and illustrations of the concepts complement the words and showcase the writer’s decisions regarding which combination of words and images best conveys each concept.

Cover of "Which One Doesn't Belong?"

Math and play:

Which One Doesn’t Belong? Playing with Shapes by Christopher Danielson shows the creative possibilities and elegant simplicity that arise when a creator selects one concept they’re passionate about and goes deep. This book takes a simple question—which shape doesn’t belong?—and in each spread, offers increasingly challenging sets of shapes. Readers can use their analytical and argumentative skills to decide which shape doesn’t match the others. The limited yet clear and encouraging words in this book show how clarity of thought is more important than verbosity.

Cover of "Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and other animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities"

Math and animals:

Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities by Stephanie Gibeault and Jaclyn Sinquett explores fundamental math concepts through surprising animal behavior and by unpacking the scientific studies that prove humans aren’t the only ones using math. Learn how to design scientific experiments, read interviews with the scientists behind the discoveries, and collect amazing animal facts… all through math! Would it surprise you to learn this author has a background as a biologist, animal behaviorist, and dog trainer?

 

An example from Our Own Kamilla:
Math and a Change Maker: Bringing a mathematician to life

Each of these authors made a personal connection to the material, exploring unique aspects under the big umbrella of math, and writing about it in their own creative and engaging way. By drawing on their own interests and skills, anyone can find a way to write themselves into the world of math.

MARYAM MIRZAKHANI, First Woman to Win the Fields Medal in Mathematics in 2014 by Kamilla Milligan
. Maryam.
Seeker.
Problem-solver.
Devotee of beauty.
 Maryam pursued truth
 from Tehran to Stanford
, in books and proofs,
classrooms,
 conversations, 
doodling on the floor. 
Maryam
 unveiled magical connections 
across the curves of space and time,
 bridging fields 
to win the Fields Medal—
bending the arc of possibility
 for us to follow.

One of us (Kamilla) recently did just this. I drew on my Persian cultural heritage and long-time interest in the accomplished Persian mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani to write a submission to Vivian Kirkfield’s #50PreciousWords children’s writing contest.

Researching for this story allowed me to read about her life and mathematical achievements to understand both the technical details and the significance of her mathematical discoveries as well as who she was as a person. While I didn’t fully understand her mathematical work (massive understatement!!), I gained more appreciation for the diversity within mathematics, the creative questions it inspires, and the significance of the Fields Medal.

I played around with many different details from Maryam’s life, creating different versions as I selected key images and themes to frame the significance of her accomplishments. Writing this poem and choosing what elements to include was creatively satisfying and also cemented my curiosity about higher mathematics.

Now You Try!

Take a moment to notice at least 3 examples of where math and writing overlap:

Option 1: Start with Your Heart

  • What do you care about? What matters to you?
  • How does that intersect with math?

Option 2: Look at Your Daily Life

  • Where do math and writing show up in your life?
  • What kinds of math and writing are YOU drawn to?

Note: If you work with students, consider using resources that showcase the broad spectrum of ways that math shows up in our lives, and the diverse people and cultures who have played a significant role in the development and use of math. With encouragement, everyone can find at least one entry-point. And as they explore this personal connection, you may see a shift in how they relate to the discipline of math—a stronger sense of connection, which is as important for success as mastery of any specific concept.

Now write:

Write a 50-word interdisciplinary story about math and (at least) one other subject area.

Use any writing style or approach that works for you and your topic: prose, rhyme, free-verse…illustrated, comic-style, text-only…”silly or serious” (from the #50PreciousWords guidelines by Vivian Kirkfield)–writer’s choice. Look for inspiration among this year’s contest winners.

Bios

Kamilla Milligan is a kidlit writer who explores themes of home, connection with nature, and cultural diversity in her stories. Kamilla has lived in Canada, the southern US, and Russia, and applies her PhD in education to her work in equity and human rights. Outside of reading, Kamilla enjoys gardening, fibre projects, and nature walks. Visit Kamilla online at kamillamilligan.com

Alexandra Millarhouse is a researcher, science communication professional, and writer focused on the intersection of nature, science, and self. Her debut picture book, THE ANIMAL QUEENDOM, comes out in 2027 with Simon & Schuster, followed by an unannounced picture book in 2028. Living in Vermont, Alexandra is often tracking wildlife across a cemetery, or sitting by the water with a sketchbook. Visit Alexandra online at: https://www.foxandindigo.com/

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STEM Tuesday– Math– Book List

By on May 5, 2026   /   Math, STEM Tuesday  

Mathematical tips and strategies, logic puzzles, infographic how-to information, inspirational mathematicians, mathematical reasoning and even animals with amazing math skills are waiting in the pages of books below:

Cover of the book Adventures in Math: How to Level Up Your Math Game

Adventures in Math: How to Level Up Your Math Game, by Carleigh Wu and illustrated by Sean Simpson encourages readers to change their mathematical mindsets. It debunks common misconceptions about math, provides tips and strategies, and reinforces that we can learn to think like mathematicians – belief and effort are what it takes. The book shares this message “Believe in yourself. Work hard. Make mistakes. Keep going. Ask for help. Work with others. Because it all adds up.” This 2026 Mathical Honor Book is a fantastic read and conversation starter and belongs in every upper elementary and middle grade classroom.

Cover of the book Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities

People are not the only mathematical beings. Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities by Stephanie Gibeault and illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett explores the amazing mathematical abilities of five different types of animals: guppies, hyenas, African grey parrots, chimpanzees, and honeybees. This 2025 Mathical Honor Book provides a window into how scientists study animal behavior and number skills. Readers are sure to be fascinated that fish can distinguish between large and small quantities; African grey parrots can represent numbers with symbols; chimpanzees can add; honeybees understand the concept of zero; and hyenas count.

Cover of the Book Hidden Women: The African-American Mathematicians of NASA Who Helped America Win the Space Race

Hidden Women: The African-American Mathematicians of NASA Who Helped America Win the Space Race, written by Rebecca Rissman, introduces readers to the African American women whose mathematical abilities were critical to the success of NASA’s early space missions. The 2019 Mathical Honor Book highlights their contributions, resilience, and the barriers they faced.

Cover of the book How to Survive Middle School Math: A Do-It-Yourself Study Guide

How to Survive Middle School Math: A Do-It-Yourself Study Guide by Concetta Ortiz and Matt Fazio, focuses on what students need to know to thrive in the middle school math classroom. Part of the series currently of five books, How to Survive Middle School, this math book can also be used as a homeschooling resource. The book is colorful, divided into manageable sections, and is an important middle school companion.

Cover of the book Do the Math!: Challenging, Fun Math Puzzles for Kids

Do the Math!: Challenging, Fun Math Puzzles for Kids, by Steven and Jessica Clontz, provides a plethora of puzzles for the reader to complete while working on core math skills. Through clear instructions and a variety of activities, the reader develops logical thinking skills while solving different types of puzzles one chapter at a time.

Cover of the Logic Workbook for Gritty Kids

Choose different levels of fun puzzles and games to develop spatial reasoning, math skills, and focus in the Logic Workbook for Gritty Kids series. In each book, the puzzles grow in level of difficulty to ensure motivation. The Hardest Logic Workbook for Gritty Kids: Spatial Reasoning, Math Puzzles, Word Games, Logic Problems, Focus Activities, Two-Player Games, by Dan Allbaugh and Anil Yap was published in 2024. Other books in this collection include the Logic Workbook for Gritty Kids, Another Logic Workbook for Gritty Kids, and Brainteasers and Riddles for Gritty Kids.

Cover of the book Perfectly Logical!: Challenging Fun Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles for Smart Kids

Another book of logic puzzles, Perfectly Logical!: Challenging Fun Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles for Smart Kids was written by Jenn Larson, a school teacher for over 20 years.  The games focus on developing skills such as abstract reasoning and processing speed.

Cover of the book Show and Tell! Great Graphs and Smart Charts: An Introduction to Infographics

Show and Tell! Great Graphs and Smart Charts: An Introduction to Infographics written by Stuart J. Murphy and illustrated by Teresa Bellón is an excellent introductory guide that shows how information can be collected and displayed using eye-catching, easy to interpret, line graphs, bar graphs, pictographs, and pie charts. It’s perfect for children interested in surveys, organizing and interpreting data, and visually representing their findings for others.

Cover of the Book of Math by Anna Weltman

The Book of Math by Anna Weltman, 2021 delves into many interesting and perplexing mathematical questions. It looks at the math in nature, space, art, sports calculations, construction, and coding. It explores unsolved math problems, too. This 2023 Mathical Honor Book is full of appealing graphics, timelines, charts, puzzles, games and activities.

Cover of The Fallacy Detective: Thirty-Eight Lessons on How to Recognize Bad Reasoning

 
The Fallacy Detective: Thirty-Eight Lessons on How to Recognize Bad Reasoning by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn is a bestselling book about logic and fallacy. Illustrated by Rob Corley and Tim Hodge, the funny cartoons and easy-to-follow writing style keeps the reader engaged. Written for ages 12 and up, children can learn on their own or alongside their adult.

Cover of the book Which One Doesn't Belong?

In Which One Doesn’t Belong? author Christopher Danielson says, “I made this book to spark conversations, thinking, and wonder.” The book accomplishes all these goals. Its colorful pages show collections of four shapes, each of which might correctly answer the question “Which one doesn’t belong?” This 2017 Mathical Award winning book provides opportunities for readers to focus on properties attributes, and on rich geometry-focused conversations. It’s likely to appeal to readers of almost every age.

This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:

Picture of Bev Schellenberg and her daughter

Bev Schellenberg is an author (A Prince Among Dragons; A Princess Among Dragons), as well as a writer of creative nonfiction, poetry, and picture books. She’s an advocate of STEM who was a science fair national winner and high school robotics club sponsor, and passionate about young people discovering, following the passion inside them and flourishing. She’s taught grades kindergarten to grade 12 and is currently an academic advisor, careers teacher, and armchair futurist. Learn more about Bev at BevSchellenberg.com.

Picture of Carolyn Pfister and her goats.

Carolyn Pfister is a STEM Content Developer, writer/illustrator, and coordinator of the California Early Math Project. She is interested in encouraging family and community STEM opportunities and maintaining children’s early love and success with math and science. Carolyn writes a monthly Substack on behalf of the California Early Math Project – https://carolynpfister.substack.com/. Learn more about Carolyn at Carolynpfister.com

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