Big Ideas, Big Adventures: 6 Books to Grow School-Age Imaginations

By Maribeth Boelts, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones

Best for: ages 5-9

All Jeremy wants is a pair of the cool shoes all the other kids at school are wearing. When his grandma says they can’t afford them, Jeremy notices the things he has – a loving family, warm boots and a chance to help a friend – might be worth more than the things he wants.

This witty and wise picture book blends themes of childhood embarrassment and disappointment with those of generosity and kindness, getting right to the heart of want vs. need in a way kids can truly understand.

After you read:

Ask, “What’s something you wanted that you didn’t get, and what do you already have that’s more important?” Then, share a personal story of your own.

By Helena Ku Rhee, illustrated by Pascal Campion

Best for: ages 5-8

When his babysitter is unable to come, Daniel joins his parents for their shift as nighttime office cleaners. To keep his boredom at bay, Daniel’s mother and father tell stories to turn the deserted office building into a magical kingdom filled with dragons, kings and paper.

“The Paper Kingdom” is a layered, loving tribute to family, imagination and the sacrifices parents make for the sake of their children’s futures.

After you read:
Ask, “What does mommy or daddy do at work?” Then, imagine your own kingdom – what would your everyday world look like if it became enchanted?

by Oge Mora
Best for: ages 4-8

Ava and her mom have only one day off together each week – Saturday. Together, they set out with high hopes and expectations for their Saturday adventures. But when one thing after another goes wrong, they learn what matters most isn’t what we do, but who we do it with.

“Saturday” is a heartfelt story that acknowledges disappointment, resilience and the joy of personal bonds. Oge Mora’s construction-paper styled artwork shines in this emotional story about meeting life’s challenges head on.

After you read:

Ask, “What would your ideal Saturday look like?” Then, make your own Saturday plan together.

by Yangsook Choi
Best for: ages 6-9

Being the new kid at school is difficult enough, but it’s even harder when nobody can pronounce your name. After Unhei moves to a new school from Korea, she decides to choose a new American name from a glass jar. She thinks about being a Suzy , Laura or Amanda – but with the help of her classmates, she realizes her real name has a special story that’s worth keeping.

“The Name Jar” is a beautiful introduction to culture, identity and belonging. It’s a simple, universal story about the desire to fit in and finding the courage to be yourself.

After you read:
Ask, “How do you feel about your name?” Then, talk about what they mean, where they come from and why they were chosen. Invite your child to make an illustrated “name story.”

by Jessica Love
Best for: ages 4-8

When riding the subway home from the pool, Julián notices three women dressed spectacularly as mermaids. Their billowing hair, colorful dresses and radiant energy stick with him all day, inspiring him to create a mermaid costume of his own. With the support of his abuela, he finds joy in his creative project as well as the confidence to be himself.

“Julián Is a Mermaid” is a joyful celebration of self-expression. The story opens a door to conversations about identity, creativity and belonging.

After you read:
Ask, “If you could be anything, what would you be?” Then, play dress-up. Encourage your child to create a costume or character that expresses who they are or who they’d like to be.

by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
Best for: ages 6-10

A young Indigenous girl learns a “black snake” is coming – an oil pipeline that threatens the water, the land and her people’s way of life. Guided by stories from her grandmother and the deep cultural knowledge of her community, she joins others in the fight to protect the river.

Inspired by real-life Indigenous movements, “We Are Water Protectors” uses poetic narration and vibrant illustrations to craft a story of urgency, reverence and hope.

After you read:
Ask, “What should our family work hard to protect?” Then, discuss opportunities like picking up litter, planting something or using less water for a week.