I’ve been thinking about putting together a book list for awhile now for some of my favorite picks from 2019 that I love as giving gifts. They range from everything from raising confident girls, celebrating diversity, kindness to one other, and caring for the environment.
Now, that I’m launching Bearily Bear, I finally have a place to put my first curated list of books that you can give as gifts for this holiday season.
Favorite Books for Empowering Girls:
1. Sofia Valdez Future Prez
The newest picture book from the Questioneers series. The book features a community leader who stands up for what she believes in. It’s a great addition to the Ada Twist, Rosie Reverse, and Iggy Peck series. I also love that it is available in audio for those impossibly long car rides.
Purchase the book or audiobook here on Amazon.
If you’re looking for a great stocking stuffer to go with those books you can get the
Merry Makers Ada Twist Scientist Doll or the Rosier Revere Engineer Doll.
2. HO’ONANI HULA WARRIOR
Another favorite story tells the story of a girl named Ho’onani who dreams of leading an all-male troupe of dancers. This inspiring book is based on a true story, is a celebration of Hawaiian culture, and female empowerment.
Purchase the book here on Amazon.
3. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman
This is one of my favorite stories of perserverence and will and what it takes to achieve greatness. It’s not a new book but always makes an amazing gift.
Purchase the book here on Amazon
Books that celebrate Diversity
4. Sulwe
The beautiful illustrations in this book by Lupita Nyong blew me away. This is my favorite book from my childrens’ book fair. The story focuses on a little girl who addresses colorism and self-esteem within the context of an easy to understand book. She’s just little different than the rest of her family, but eventually finds herself. I have bought these one as a gift for all my friends’ daughters.
Purchase the book on Amazon
5. We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
The word otsaliheliga is used by members of Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. The book explores how we show gratitude for each other, animals, birds, fish, and the land around us and very timely for the holidays.
Purchase the book on Amazon.
6. Fry Bread
This is a sweet story that connects culture and food told from the view of a Native American family. When you are done reading the book, your child will want to try fry bread.
Purchase on Amazon here.
7.The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh
The story focuses on a little boy named Harpreet who had trouble adjusting to life after his family moves to a new city. The story balances colors with emotions and portrays Sikh culture in a beautiful story.
Purchase on Amazon here or my favorite book store, Books of Wonder.
Books on Climate Change:
8. Our House is on Fire: Greta Thunberg’s Call to Save the Planet
Purchase on Amazon here.
9. Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth
Purchase the book on Amazon here or your local bookstore.
New and Noteworthy Reference Books published this year
10. Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island
Purchase the book on Amazon or at your local book store.
11. Anthology of Intriguing Animals
Purchase the book on Amazon or at your local book store.
12. Wonders of Nature
Purchase the book on Amazon or at your local book store.
Books that Celebrate Kindness
13. A Friend for Henry: (Books About Making Friends, Children’s Friendship Books, Autism Awareness Books for Kids)
Purchase the book on Amazon or at your local book store.
14. Be Kind
Purchase the book on Amazon or at your local book store.
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About The Bearily Bear Project.
In 2020 I’ll be launching Bearily Bear, a plush bluetooth connected stuffed animal & Bearily Ever After Stories, updated classic tales for modern times and modern sensibilities.
Want to hear more about The Bearily Bear Project and be the first to know when it launches on Kickstarter? Just sign up for my email list here.
Excellent recommendations! Will definitely put them to good use.
Thank you, Nicole! Glad you enjoyed!
Dear Bearilybear, thank you for this compilation! Your work is critical.
Thank you, Munira! Glad you liked some of the recs!