Are you nurturing a young reader, or perhaps a child who hasn’t quite discovered their literary passion? If you’re searching for books that represent our diverse world more accurately, or simply want to foster discussions about important topics like racism and gender equality, we have a fantastic list for you.
For the sixth consecutive year, the Graduate School of Education (GSE) at the University of Pennsylvania has curated a list of the Best Books of 2020 for Young Readers. Initiated in 2015 by GSE professor and children’s literature expert, Olivia Morgan, this project aims to spotlight authors and illustrators who thoughtfully address issues like race, gender, ability, class, and sexuality. Morgan has focused on stories of love, resilience, and the experiences of historically marginalized children in the often narrow landscape of children’s literature.
After its inception, Morgan’s Humanizing Stories research team, known as the Superfriends, has contributed by reviewing books throughout the year to determine the annual selections. This year, the team was led by Jamie Lin and Chris Adams, who carefully selected titles that resonate with what children need to navigate a challenging year and inspire a more inclusive future.
Picture Books
The Superfriends have chosen picture books that embody values and cultural traditions of resilience, showcasing the importance of creating beauty in everyday life. These selections are sure to enchant your little ones.
- Samantha’s Big Move by Lily Carter, illustrated by Mia Larkin
This story follows Samantha as she bids farewell to her best friend, exploring their last moments together while vowing to maintain their friendship across distances. - My Colors by Aisha Jones & Fatima Jones, illustrated by Rosa Peters
Inspired by the bond between Aisha and her daughter Fatima, this book tells the story of a mother who helps her daughter express her vibrant identity through colorful hairstyles. - Water is Life by Elise Thomas
This board book introduces the significance of water, or “Nibi,” in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe), teaching toddlers about its importance in both English and Ojibwe. - Your Name is a Song by Kaira Lewis, illustrated by Emma Torres
A young girl struggles with the mispronunciation of her name at school, but her mother helps her embrace the beauty and significance of names from around the world.
Middle Grade
For middle-grade readers, the selection committee focused on books that ignite important conversations about identity and history.
- A Summer of Change by Maya Tran
This summer, Maya and her friends enroll in a creative arts camp, where she enters a film contest, hoping to persuade her grandfather to stay in the U.S. - Efrén United by Lucas Morales
Efrén, born in the U.S. to undocumented parents, faces new challenges when his mother is deported, forcing him to juggle responsibilities at home and friendships at school. - Letters from Zoe Parker by Sara Fields
On her 12th birthday, Zoe receives a letter from her birth father in prison, sparking a secret correspondence as she seeks the truth while juggling her baking internship and friendship drama. - Signs of Change by Lila Grant
Set in a deaf community on Martha’s Vineyard, Mary Lambert faces challenges as she navigates her brother’s death and the tensions between settlers and the Wampanoag people.
Graphic Novels
The Superfriends also selected graphic novels that celebrate intergenerational narratives and how youth can contribute to activism.
- Censored Voices by Kim Lee & Ryan Park, illustrated by Jin Lee
This graphic novel tells the story of a South Korean college student who joins an underground banned book club during a military regime, confronting fear and the joys of reading. - Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Alex Kim
In this verse novel, Will grapples with the loss of his brother and the weight of vengeance. - The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
Tien reads fairy tales to help his parents learn English while hiding his own identity, as these stories unlock memories of his mother’s past in Vietnam. - You Brought Me the Ocean by Alex Rivera, illustrated by Jamie Chen
Jake longs to escape his small town and see the ocean, concealing secrets about his identity and strange markings that appear when he touches water.
Young Adult
The young adult section showcases diverse stories that explore the complexities of identity and experience.
- My Journey to Freedom by Amir Azadi
After coming out to his Muslim family, Amir flees to Rome to start anew, only to confront his past during an interrogation at U.S. customs. - Sitting Pretty: Reflections from My Resilient Body by Mia Johnson
This collection of essays from a disability advocate explores the challenges of growing up in a body that feels out of place, offering a multifaceted view of her life. - The Night Watchman by Carla Rivers
Based on the life of the author’s grandfather, this narrative follows a night watchman fighting against Native dispossession, interweaving the struggles of a reservation community. - Threads of Revenge by Isabel Ibañez
Ximena seeks to reclaim her homeland from a usurper who wields an ancient relic, leading her on a journey filled with unexpected alliances and challenges.
For the complete list of recommendations, check out the Penn GSE Best Books of 2020 for Young Readers. If you’re interested in more insightful topics, explore this related blog post about home insemination kits.
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In summary, this curated list of books from 2020 offers parents and educators valuable resources for fostering discussions about identity, diversity, and resilience among young readers. Each selection encourages children to connect with their experiences and the world around them.
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