Frederick's Child Magazine
Explore your child’s feelings of belonging and believing with the following books.
Board/Toddlers
‘Mama Loves You So’
by Terry Pierce
Can’t put into words how much you love your little one? This beautiful book will help you do just that. Its rhythmic text will soothe the littlest of ears. This book is one of many within the New Books for Newborns collection by Little Simon publishing.
‘I Love You, Little Moo’
by Tilly Temple
Big animals showing love for their little ones while introducing animal sounds will make this book an instant favorite for all. This interactive, chunky lift-the-flap book will help to engage and capture your little one’s attention during story time.
Picture Books
‘Koala Is Not a Bear’
by Kristin L. Gray, illustrated by Rachel McAlister
Koala has found her place in Bear Cabin on her first day of camp—or so she thinks! Kangaroo comes along to inform Koala that she is not a bear. Find out where Koala belongs in this sweet story of friendship and family. Learn fun facts about marsupials along the way.
‘Away’
by Emil Sher, illustrated by Qin Leng
During their busy days, a single mother and her daughter share their love through sticky notes. The little girl experiences anxiety about leaving home for the first time. Her grandmother and mother assure her that camp will be great. Camp ends up being a wonderful adventure, but nothing is better than coming home. Keep an eye out for Lester the cat in the beautiful watercolor illustrations in this book.
‘Stick and Stone’
by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
A solid friendship is formed between Stick and Stone after Stick rescues Stone from Pinecone’s teasing. This humorous story of kindness and friendship proves why best friends rock. Your family will enjoy the clever puns and important messages.
Young Readers
‘The Day You Begin’
by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez
This heartfelt book is about finding the courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone. “There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you until the day you begin to share your stories.” Recommended for readers ages 5 to 8.
‘The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family’
by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly
This beautiful story of sisterly love takes place on the first day of school when it’s older sister Asiyah’s first day to wear her hijab. The other children have mixed reactions, but family love makes the sisters strong. Recommended for ages 4 to 10.
Middle Readers
‘Camp Average’
by Craig Battle
A group of 11-year-olds arrives to spend six weeks playing sports at Camp Avalon—which they affectionately call Camp Average, because they never win at any sport. That’s the way they like it. This summer, the new camp director Winston—who hates losing—has some ideas about how to improve their performance, whether they want to or not. The boys of Cabin 10 decide to reclaim their summer and revolt. The first book in the new Camp Average series is a smart, funny read featuring a diverse group of realistic characters and a winning storyline. Recommended for readers in grades 3 to 7.
‘Camp (A Click Graphic Novel)’
by Kayla Miller
Olive is sure she’ll have the best time at summer camp with her friend Willow. While Olive makes quick friends with the other campers, Willow finds it hard to make friends and depends on the only person she knows—Olive. Camp is not as fun as either girl thought it would be. Will they be able to patch things up before the final lights out? Recommended for grades 3 to 7.
‘The Friendship Code’ Book 1, (Girls Who Code series)
by Stacia Deutsch
Loops, variables, input and output … Lucy can’t wait to get started with the new coding club at school. Finally, it’s an after-school activity that she’s really interested in. But Lucy’s excitement turns to disappointment when she’s put into a work group with girls she barely knows. All she wanted to do was make an app that she believes will help someone very special to her. When Lucy begins to get cryptic coding messages and needs some help translating them, she discovers that coding—and friendship—takes time, dedication and some laughs. Recommended for grades 3 to 7.
‘The Terrible Two’ Book 1
Series by Mac Barnett and Jory John
Miles Murphy is known for being a prankster, the best prankster his school has ever seen. When his family moves to boring Yawnee Valley, he assumes he’ll be the best prankster at his new school, too. But the school already has a prankster, Niles Sparks, and he’s good—really good. Recommended for readers in grades 3 to 7.
Teens
‘Pride: A Pride & Prejudice Remix’ (Book 1)
by Ibi Zoboi
In this modern retelling of Austen’s classic “Pride and Prejudice,” Zuri Benitez is faced with the gentrification of her New York neighborhood as she navigates the pressures of family and growing up. Things are complicated when the Darcy family moves in across the street. Despite Zuri’s initial poor judgement of Darius Darcy, the two come to discover their common ground. “Pride” is a fresh and modern take on a timeless story.
‘Fangirl’
by Rainbow Rowell
Twins Cath and Wren grew up ensconced within the fictional world of the bestselling Simon Snow series. Online, Cath is a popular Simon Snow fan-fiction writer, but in the real world, she is shy and insecure. As the girls head off to college, Cath struggles with facing the world by herself for the first time while Wren strikes out on her own. A book about growing up, taking chances and being true to yourself, “Fangirl” is a sweet, funny and relatable read packed with amazing dialogue.
These titles have been thoughtfully selected by Frederick County Public Libraries. You can find these books and more by visiting fcpl.org.
