Summer Reading 2026 The N-Word Is Not Nice

 

The story begins with Lennel in the park with her friends. It is a beautiful day and the kids are laughing and enjoying the playground. But when some older boys come by and one of them calls Lennel the ‘N-word” it ruins their fun. Despite her friends’ efforts to comfort her, Lennel runs home to her grandmother.

Grandma tells her the word has a long, painful history and is “used to make Black people feel less than others.” She explains its roots in the Spanish word negro for the color black and even describes some of the history of the Civil Rights Movement to gain respect and fairness for everyone. Lennel learns that it is important “to always speak up against meanness.” When she gets to school, she shares everything she has learned with her friends.

The book is illustrated in a style like that of animated television shows that children enjoy. The artist has made sure there are a wide range of skin tones among the characters, rather than using a few generic shades. Facial expressions capture the emotions of the different individuals, adding to the weight of their words or actions. And when the hateful word is used, an image of shattered glass over the heads of Lennel and the older boy shows the shock and pain the word causes. 

"School-age children of all cultures often repeat words they hear without fully understanding their meaning or the impact those words can have on others...The message of this book is rooted in an important truth: our words can either heal or hurt." Dr. Kennesha Gill, author of this story, explains her purpose in the author’s note. She has also put together a companion guide with activities, reflection questions, and discussion tools to make the book even more useful. 

This is a helpful book for a child who has been hurt by being called this name. It is also a story to use with the child doing the name-calling to help them see the consequences of their words. It is told simply enough to be used with elementary ages and up.

I received a review copy from the author in return for my honest feedback.

Summer Reading 2026 The World's Best Soccer Book

 

For those kiddos who couldn't get enough of the FIFA World Cup action, you need to put this book in their hands. 240 pages of soccer history, stats, and stars will be at their fingertips. Contents are divided up just like a game. 

The Warmup: Why We Love Soccer - is a quick introduction to both the topic and the players on an imaginary team who appear in short comic book style stories throughout the book. 

The First Half: The Basics - covers the positions on a team (complete with diagrams), the rules, a list of “the most common no-nos in the sport,” the role of the coach, and the top ten skills needed by players.

Halftime: A Beautiful Game - a look at games similar to soccer from around the world and throughout history, “some of the wildest, weirdest, and wackiest soccer trivia from around the globe,” a look at how soccer rules have changed over time, soccer in the United States, and details on some of the most popular teams around the world.

The Second Half: Top of the world - profiles of great players, a review of some major competitions, and a timeline of FIFA World Cup History for Men’s and Women’s teams (including the year, host, and winner), and highlights of famous moments over the years.

Extra Time: Just for Fun - a look at soccer uniforms from different teams, a discussion of the evolution of the soccer ball over the years, alternate ways to play (crab soccer, power soccer, etc.), and even detailed instructions on how to do some of the victory dances of famous players, along with other fun facts about record holders, funny moments, and changes in the game over time.

The comic story follows a team as they get to know each other, develop their skills and teamwork, and make it to their final game of the season. 

Overall, the book is packed with color photos of fan favorites and inspiring moments, lots of information for reference about soccer basics, and amazing facts to share with friends and family. This is sure to stay checked out and keep a waiting list going at the library, so you may want to get a copy for your own soccer enthusiast. Great for ages 8 -12. 

Virtual Book Tour The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School

 

ABOUT THE BOOKS

The Boy and His Higher Self

Written by Ricardo Santa Cruz

Illustrated by Yuko Kondo

Ages: 4-8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-99068-351-8

Publisher's Book Summary: And have you always been here right by my side? I have always been with you, living inside. Have you ever listened to the little voice inside your head? What does it say to you? The Boy and His Higher Self is the story of a boy who discovers and learns to trust his higher self, a presence that has always been with him. Dedicated to the inner child and higher self within young children and adults alike, this book offers guidance and tools to help children overcome feelings of insecurity and sadness and gain self-confidence and positivity.

My First Day of School

Written by Ricardo Santa Cruz

Illustrated by Yuko Kondo

Ages: 4-8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN: 979-8990683501

Publisher's Book Summary: I'm afraid to be myself and don't know if I can. Relax and remember to be yourself. There's no need to try to be someone else. My First Day of School, the second book in a series dedicated to the inner child and higher self, tells the story of a boy on his first day of school. Nervous about making new friends and being accepted by his peers, he confides his insecurities in his higher self. With insight and guidance, his higher self shares with him that having the courage to be your authentic self inspires others to do the same and create a positive environment.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW

As the new school year approaches (or has even started for some with an extended-year schedule), books about school-related anxiety come in very handy. My First Day of School shows one child’s doubts and worries and his inner dialogue with himself about his feelings.

The child’s inner self is depicted as a fluffy cloudlike presence that can float alongside him or oven wrap its fluffy arms around him. Rhyming text shares the child’s conversation with his inner self as they discuss being authentic, worrying about whether other kids will see him as cool, or looking for opportunities to show kindness. As his inner self reminds him, “When you aren’t true to yourself, It is hard to be truthful to anyone else.” This wiser version of himself also points out that many students who seem to be very confident and assured may be faking it because they are also worried, “So they start to pretend that they have the right stuff.”

Many stories about the start of the school year feature very young children. One thing that stands out about this book is that the child is shown as someone a bit older. He can ride his bike to school without an adult escort, for example. That makes this a good choice to share with a student who has been to school in previous years, but still has some anxious feelings when starting a new grade.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ricardo Santa Cruz currently lives in Xala, located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, a project of which he is a co-founding partner. All proceeds from The Boy and His Higher Self will be given to The Xala Foundation, aimed at helping to educate and bring opportunities to marginalized communities from the region. You can learn more at theboyandhishigherself.com and thexalafoundation.org.

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, August 4, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off for The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School

Thursday, August 6, 2026 The Starlit Path Book Review of My First Day of School

Friday, August 7, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of My First Day of School

Monday, August 10, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School

Thursday, August 13, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School

Friday, August 14, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Book Review of The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School

Monday, August 17, 2026 Me Two Books Author Interview with Ricardo Santa Cruz

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 Life Skills 2 Learn Book Review of The Boy and His Higher Self

Thursday, August 20, 2026 Confessions of a Book Addict Book Spotlight on The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School

Friday, August 21, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Ricardo Santa Cruz

Monday, August 24, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of The Boy and His Higher Self

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Book Review of The Boy and His Higher Self

Thursday, August 27, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Book Review of The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School

This post is sponsored by Ricardo Santa Cruz. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.

Summer Reading 2026 Tiny T.Rex Tries Soccer

Tiny T.Rex is back in another delightful story about our favorite little dinosaur. This time Tiny is ready to join the soccer team. His older brother and sister have played for years and he knows all about the game and has all his equipment. He says, “My jersey is a little too big, but that will not stop me.” 

Even though he has watched his siblings, Tiny has some trouble with the skills during practice. Juggling, dribbling, passing, shooting…nothing seems to be working out right. He sees that all his teammates have skills that help out, so he is determined to find his own special skill. (It is not being the goalie - he is so small that when he blocks the ball he just gets knocked into the net along with it.) 

After a pep talk from his brother and sister, Tiny is even more determined to master all the skills and be ready for when his team needs him. When his big moment comes (yes, even tiny people can have big moments), he is prepared and helps his team just as he has hoped.

A spread at the back of the book offers some helpful tips for first-time soccer players. Spot illustrations accompany pointers such as “Always tie your soccer cleats” and "remember to hold the water bottle the right way!” 

A fun book to share with your favorite little dino (or human) who has caught the soccer bug like so many kiddos after all the recent FIFA World Cup coverage. Chronicle Books also has an activity kit available for download to accompany the book.

Summer Reading 2026 Tiny T.Rex and the First Day Oopsies

You may be familiar with Tiny T.Rex from one of his many adventures - I think my first encounter with him was Tiny T.Rex and the Grand Ta-Da! (Tiny and his friend Pointy enter the school talent show with a magic act). Today was actually registration day for kiddos in my school district and classes start in a week, so back to school stories are especially on my mind and I thought of Tiny and all the oopsies he experiences on his first day of school.

For our brave little dinosaur the oopsies actually begin before he even leaves the house. Tiny is sure he is ready for school because “I already know my 1-2-C’s and my A-B-3’s!” Then he realizes that is not quite right. But he has gotten everything together that he might need in his “special new backpack and…OOPSIE. I am too prepared.” 

Things continue to go that way all day. He is too short to reach the steps of the school bus. When he tries to use the electric pencil sharpener he is so small that it whirls him around and around. The teacher cannot see him when he raises his hand because his arms are so short. 

But he doesn’t give up - and that is what makes Tiny so lovable. He tapes himself to the stool so the pencil sharpener can’t spin him around.  He makes a hand from construction paper and holds it up on the end of a ruler so the teacher can see when he wants to answer a question. He enlists his friend Pointy to ride the seesaw with him so that he isn’t flung into the air by bigger classmates. At the end of the day he is certain that “Teacher was right, too. We all make oopsies!”

This book is a great story to share with your favorite little dino (or human) who is just starting off to school, but it is also a great reminder about accepting mistakes and moving on for any kids starting a new school year. Chronicle Books also has an activity kit available for download to accompany the book.

Summer Reading 2026 This Is a School/Esta Es Una Escuela

 

It seems hard to believe that John Schu’s picture book, This Is a School, has been around for four years now. And last year we received the added treasure of a Spanish language version, Esta Es Una Escuela. As we head into a new school year, I wanted to make sure these titles were fresh in everyone’s memories and on their “read-aloud to the class” stacks.

One of the things I love about the book is how it builds from “This is a kid.” to a class in a hallway, to the school and that all caps “WELCOME!” What a way to make readers feel seen and appreciated. Another plus of this book is Schu’s acknowledgment that “Sometimes we don’t have the answers. Other days we feel stuck.” He lets kids know that it is a normal part of the school-week to sometimes be the one who doesn’t know the answer, and that’s okay. And there is the continuous emphasis on community. The repeated use of we as the subject. “We create. We cheer. We play. We learn.” 

Veronica Miller Jamison’s watercolor and acrylic illustrations feature children and adults of many different racial and ethnic backgrounds all working together, laughing, learning, and supporting one another. Not just at school, but parents at home reading with children or picking kids up after school, bus drivers and crossing guards keeping everyone safe…a community of learners. A couple of my favorite images stick with me even after I close the covers. One is the child with eyes and mouth wide open in excitement as a baking soda volcano erupts. Another is the double-page spread of preparation for the holiday celebration with snowflakes, a menorah, Chinese lanterns, and Diwali diyas. 

Every page of this book has something to offer - an encouragement about the fun and opportunities to be had at school, reassurance that sometimes things do go wrong (but they can be fixed), and best of all the final sentiment “we are all important.” That sentiment is supported by the choice to make the book available in Spanish. Many of the schools in my district (and elsewhere) have students who are just learning English, or who use Spanish at home and are excited at the chance to have books that meet their needs - whether it is to be able to read along in class or to share with a family member who is more comfortable with Spanish text. 

Both versions of the book come with a poster on the reverse of the dust jacket. There is also a teachers’ guide available on the Candlewick website. If you don’t have this title in your classroom library yet, hurry and get it. You will be glad you did - and so will your students.  

Summer Reading Platform Decay (The Murderbot Diaries, 8)

 

Let me be perfectly candid and say - I am a dedicated Murderbot fan. I love all the books. I have reread them multiple times. When I am having a bad day I will play the audiobook versions to cheer myself up. So, of course I was excited at the release of the latest addition to the series.

This adventure takes us away from Preservation and even from the crew of Perihelion (a.k.a.ART), and has our favorite SecUnit attempting a rescue mission on a giant torus. As Murderbot approaches the torus, it is grousing, “Space was okay to look at but not super fun when you were out in it.” It is also aggravated with how finicky ART had been about the choice of armored suit that would be used during the approach. Although MB does add, “I’m not saying using the armor design is not a good idea; I mean, that is some quality paranoid overthinking right there, we all have to agree on that.” As we all know, MB appreciates paranoid overthinking because that is how it has avoided being decommissioned and sold for spare parts.

There are some characters from previous books who are part of the story. Three, the SecUnit liberated from Barish-Estranza in Network Effect, is assisting with the mission. Farai (one of Mensah’s marital partners), and Sophie (one of their children), are also involved along with another family member called Nanna Naja. And much to MB’s disappointment, Supervisor Leonide is part of the situation. She is as happy to see MB as it is to see her. She remarks, “Oh, this is some sort of curse, isn’t it.” 

Completing a successful hostage extraction from a Corporation Rim controlled area is a challenge. Add in details such as Nanna Naja being elderly and needing a mobility device, various corporations having firefights over contract renewals in zones the group needs to traverse, and limited (or no) mass transit options to cover the distances necessary to reach their exit rendezvous, and things start getting rather complicated. What else would we expect, right?

Some new things in this story: 

1. MB has installed a mental health module to help it deal with the aftermath of trauma it suffered on “Hell Plague Planet” (as it refers to the setting for Network Effect). As it explains how the module works, “When my neural tissue started to generate weird chemicals and whatever, it would ping me to "check in with my emotional state.”” Throughout the book there are parenthetical references to the module. “Emotion check: Again? It's been like two seconds.” “Emotion checks suck. How am I supposed to analyze something that has no inherent rationality in the first place?” 

2. MB has to deal with young children, not adolescents like Amena. At one point it offers to carry a child and “she immediately clamped on to me like a tentacled parasite in a horror movie.” Later, MB says the child is “attached to me like she had been welded on.” 

3. MB is also learning to communicate with Mensah’s family and dealing with their preconceptions of what a security unit is like, working with them even though they do not yet trust it like Mensah and “ART’s humans” do. 

Readers who have not read the other books can still enjoy the suspense and the humor, but those who have been following the narrative since All Systems Red will be delighted with the continued character development and growth of Murderbot as a free person. It expands the variety of settings in which the stories take place. It gives us more time with some of Mensah’s family and with Three (okay - and Supervisor Leoinide). Many of the situations the characters encounter in the torus underscore even more how little regard the Corporation Rim has for individuals, or for anything other than the bottom line, which just makes us appreciate Preservation and Perihelion’s crew even more. 

I read an ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.