Windows & Mirrors: 10+ Realistic Fiction Titles for Ages 3-7

Summer is here! And that means loads of time for kids to experience books in all their glory. This is also a great time to encourage kids to read the books they choose (without having to worry about school assignments) and to try out new genres that they might be interested in learning more about. This series will offer titles for toddlers to teens and include a variety of formats. Each week will focus on a different genre and will follow the same format:

• Mondays – Titles for Ages 3-7
• Tuesdays – Middle Grade Titles for Ages 8-12
• Wednesdays – Young Adult Titles for Ages 13+
• Thursdays – Nonfiction pairings
• Friday – Recap of the Week

Picture Books
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
“What’s in a name? For one little girl, her very long name tells the vibrant story of where she came from — and who she may one day be.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
A picture book not just about being kind, but ways in which you can show kindness in the world around you!

Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
“While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a periwinkle curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself?” (Taken from Goodreads)

My Family Four Floors Up by Caroline Stutson
A rhyming story about a young girl and her father who live in an apartment as they go about their day.

Easy Readers
Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same! by Grace Lin
“Ling and Ting are two adorable identical twins, and they stick together, whether they are making dumplings, getting their hair cut, or practicing magic tricks. But looks are deceiving–people can be very different, even if they look exactly the same.” (Taken from Goodreads)

Max Finds an Egg by Wiley Blevins
Max takes care of an egg he found, hoping it turns out to be a dinosaur egg!

Chapter Books
Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
“Anna Hibiscus lives in amazing Africa with her mother, her father, her baby twin brothers, and lots and lots of her family. Join her as she splashes in the sea, prepares for a party, sells oranges, and hopes to see sweet, sweet snow.” (Taken from Goodreads)

EllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken by Sally Warner
8 year old EllRay is constantly getting picked on by class bully, but always ends up in trouble for it! But, if he stays out of trouble for one week, his Dad said they could go to Disneyland? Will EllRay make it a whole week before getting into trouble?

Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko Florence
Jasmine’s Japanese-American family blend tradition from both cultures, but what happens when Jasmine wants to try a family tradition that’s not something girls typically do?

Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina
Juana loves a lot of different things, but one thing she doesn’t love – is learning to speak English. But when her grandparents plan a trip where Juana will need to use English, will she make it happen?

Ruby Lu, Brave and True by Lenore Look
Ruby is an elementary school age girl navigating her life in school and at home as she balances homework with Chinese school on Saturday, a new cousin staying at her home and trying not to get into too much trouble.