GOOD READS

  • BUDDHA BOY by Kathe Koje

    by: Kathe Koja - (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003) 128 pages.

    In this young adult novel, Jinsen is bullied because of his dragon T-shirts, shaved head, and his religious lifestyle. Justin becomes his partner in a class project and starts to see Jinsen differently. Standing up for Jinsen complicates Justin’s life and his position in the social hierarchy of high school.

    Perfect for: Kids who like realistic stories with a message.

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  • READ IN COLOR Diverse Book Lists from the Free Library

    Looking for a list of diverse books? You’re in the right spot! Little Free Library’s Diverse Books Advisory Group and others put together lists of multicultural and inclusive books for all age levels—think of the lists below like a diverse book finder! Each list contains recommendations for all age levels. Whether you’re trying to find diverse books for kids, teens, or adults, you’ll find options below. These recommended reading lists are part of our Read in Color® diverse books program. Have you taken the Read in Color pledge yet?

    SEE THE LISTS

  • BEYOND MAGENTA

    by: Susan Kuklin - (Candlewick, 2014) 192 pages.

    This book profiles six real transgender teens — three female-to-male and three male-to-female — each telling their stories in their own voices. The teens come from a range of backgrounds — some very violent and troubled, others more conventional — but all must deal with the complications of shifting their identities in a world that is anything but understanding. Kuklin takes pains to portray these teens, in words and photographs, with respect and care.

    Perfect for: Teens curious about gender identity issues.

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It has been shown that the act of reading itself is what promotes a change in individuals. “Reading fiction enables people to understand other better.” ~ Keith Oatley, Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto