Planning ahead for summer themes? July offers great opportunities to connect readers with books that celebrate the wonders of nature and the power of identity. This Librarian Prep Post features some spotlight titles and inclusive stories perfect for Shark Week and Disability Pride Month—so you can stock up and be ready to inspire.
Shark Week Reads
My First Book of Ocean Life
From the Series My First Book Of . . .
Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 1
Dynamic illustrations bring lots of famous ocean species to life, as well as some you may not have heard of before! Bite-size text and fun fact files for each creature make this an engaging read for young nature lovers.
Sharks Unhooked
Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 4
From the time Cristina Zenato was young, she loved the ocean and she loved sharks. She grew up to become an advocate for these incredible creatures, diving with them and removing fishing hooks from their bodies.
The Spectacular Lives of Sharks
Interest Level: Grade 2 – Grade 4
Discover the truth about these marvelous, mysterious and misunderstood creatures. Learn about different types of sharks, from the giant whale shark to the tiniest dwarf lantern shark. Uncover their incredible superpowers and what makes them such great hunters. Watch out for . . .
How to Avoid Being Eaten by Sharks . . . And Other Advice
Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 7
How can you avoid being eaten by sharks? Is there a chance you could be abducted by aliens? Are there zombies hiding under your brother’s bed? This hilarious guide relates tried and tested advice for navigating the mysteries of life.
Make a Little Wave
Interest Level: Grade 6 – Grade 8
When shy Savannah discovers her friend’s family is involved in inhumanely killing endangered sharks for profit, she forces herself out of her comfort zone to stand up for the sharks.
Disability Pride Picks
We Are the Scrappy Ones
Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 3
This poetic book is an anthem of belonging, celebrating the wide range of disabled children and affirming their worth, just as they are. Filled with luminous illustrations of children living, learning, and playing, this joyful book is sure to inspire.
Yes I Can!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 3
First-grader Carolyn is in a wheelchair, but she doesn’t let that stop her! She can do almost everything the other kids can, even if sometimes she has to do it a little differently.
Ableism
From the Series Lorimer Deal With It
Interest Level: Grade 4 – Grade 9
Learn to identify, address, and provide solutions to ableism and ableist behavior in this impactful book. Self-quizzes, real-life scenarios, myths, and more help readers deal with ableism in helpful, effective ways.
Dealing with Disorders and Disease
Interest Level: Grade 5 – Grade 12
This detailed and insightful series will provide readers with a thorough understanding of diseases and disorders that affect many young people, and it is also an invaluable source of information for people who live with the conditions.
Looking for more titles? Explore our full catalog of books and series on our website.