Staff Picks
Great Books for Ages 5, 6, 7 | 2022
- Richland Library
- Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Collection
"Summer feels like the last golden hour of the day drifting into an indigo night." --When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling
Emerging readers are building their skills and developing their comprehension and fluency. They may want to take a deep dive into their interests, read every book in a series or stick with what's familiar as they grow their confidence. If your reader needs support on their literacy journey, you can book an appointment with one of our Reading Specialists who can connect you with materials, community resources or share multisensory reading strategies.
Looking for even more good books? Find more great books for ages 5,6,7 on our 2021 list or check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-929-3434.
I Talk Like a River
Published in 2020
When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating in the way he'd like, it takes a kindly father and a walk by the river to help him find his voice. Through this powerful and uplifting story, poet Jordan Scott uses his own experiences to reveal what it's like to be a child who feels lost, lonely, or unable to fit in. Compassionate parents everywhere will recognize how they, too, can reconnect their children to the world around them.
Run, Mo, Run!
Published in 2020
"Mo Jackson and his friends are competing in a track meet! Can Mo fun fast enough to win the race?"--Page [4] of cover.
Across the Bay
Published in 2019
Carlitos lives in a happy home with his mother, his abuela, and Coco the cat. Life in his hometown is cozy as can be, but the call of the capital city pulls Carlitos across the bay in search of his father.
Noodlehead Nightmares
Published in 2016
Brothers Mac and Mac star in this collection of bedtime tales inspired by folktales about fools from around the world.
Negative Cat
Published in 2021
"Max isn't a typical cat, but his loving owner still sees the best in him"-- Provided by publisher.
My Two Border Towns
Published in 2021
"A boy and his father cross the United States-Mexico border every other Saturday, visiting their favorite places, spending time with family and friends, and sharing in the responsibility of community care"-- Provided by publisher.
Rocket Says Look Up!
Published in 2019
Aspiring astronaut Rocket draws her community together to see a rare appearance of the Phoenix Meteor Showers, hoping especially that her big brother, Jamal, will look up from his phone.
Look What I Found in the Woods
Published in 2021
Open your senses to a world of wonder by taking a walk through the woods! Set off on an outdoor adventure and find natural treasures, from prickly pine cones to swirly snail shells, then learn more about the plants and creatures of the forest in this fact-filled guide to the outdoors.
Ruby's Reunion Day Dinner
Published in 2021
Inspired by the rich tradition of African American reunions, a multigenerational story follows the experiences of young Ruby, who helps loved ones prepare the foods they are bringing while trying to think of a signature dish of her own.
J.D. and the Great Barber Battle
Published in 2021
Eight-year-old J.D. turns a tragic home haircut into a thriving barber business in this hilarious new chapter book series J.D. has a big problem?it's the night before the start of third grade and his mom has just given him his first and worst home haircut. When the steady stream of insults from the entire student body of Douglass Elementary becomes too much for J.D., he takes matters into his own hands and discovers that, unlike his mom, he's a genius with the clippers. His work makes him the talk of the town and brings him enough hair business to open a barbershop from his bedroom. But when Henry Jr., the owner of the only official local barbershop, realizes he's losing clients to J.D., he tries to shut him down for good. How do you find out who's the best barber in all of Meridian, Mississippi? With a GREAT BARBER BATTLE! From the hilarious and creative mind of J. Dillard, an entrepreneur, public speaker, and personal barber, comes a new chapter book series with characters that are easy to fall for and nearly impossible to forget.
J.D. and the Great Barber Battle
Published in 2021
Eight-year-old J.D. turns a tragic home haircut into a thriving barber business in this hilarious new illustrated chapter book series J.D. has a big problem?it's the night before the start of third grade and his mom has just given him his first and worst home haircut. When the steady stream of insults from the entire student body of Douglass Elementary becomes too much for J.D., he takes matters into his own hands and discovers that, unlike his mom, he's a genius with the clippers. His work makes him the talk of the town and brings him enough hair business to open a barbershop from his bedroom. But when Henry Jr., the owner of the only official local barbershop, realizes he's losing clients to J.D., he tries to shut him down for good. How do you find out who's the best barber in all of Meridian, Mississippi? With a GREAT BARBER BATTLE! From the hilarious and creative mind of J. Dillard, an entrepreneur, public speaker, and personal barber, comes a new chapter book series with characters that are easy to fall for and nearly impossible to forget. Akeem S. Roberts' lively illustrations make this series a must-buy for reluctant readers.
J. D. and the Great Barber Battle
Published in 2021
"Eight-year-old J.D. turns a tragic home haircut into a thriving barber business in this hilarious new illustrated chapter book series."--Amazon.com.
A Hat for Mrs. Goldman
A Story About Knitting and Love
Published in 2016
Sophia knits a special hat for her elderly neighbor and knitting teacher, Mrs. Goldman.
Boogie Boogie, Y'all
Published in 2021
Lively and colorful with a read-aloud beat, this picture book celebrates the rich culture of the Boogie Down Bronx, inviting readers to an epic block party!
Calvin
Published in 2022
"A transgender boy prepares for the first day of school and introduces himself to his family and friends for the first time"-- Provided by publisher.
Shaped by Her Hands
Potter Maria Martinez
Published in 2021
"The most renowned Native American Indian potter of her time, Maria Poveka Martinez learned pottery as a child under the guiding hands of her Ko-ōo, her aunt. She grew up to discover a new firing technique that turned her pots black and shiny, and made them--and Maria--famous. This inspiring story of family and creativity illuminates how Maria's belief in sharing her love of clay brought success and joy from her New Mexico Pueblo to people all across the country"-- Provided by publisher.
The Grandmaster's Daughter
Published in 2021
At her father's dojang, Sunny and her friends practice Tae Kwon Do, defend the school against magical creatures, and make peace over shared persimmons.
Saving American Beach
The Biography of African American Environmentalist MaVynee Betsch
Published in 2021
"A biography of MaVynee Betsch, an African American opera singer turned environmentalist who worked to preserve American Beach, Florida as a historical landmark"-- Provided by publisher.
Josie Dances
Published in 2021
As she prepares for her first powwow, an Ojibwa girl practices her dance steps, gets help from her family, and is inspired by the soaring flight of Migizi, the eagle.
When Langston Dances
Published in 2021
Inspired by watching a performance of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, a young black boy longs to dance and enrolls in ballet school.
Ty's Travels
Beach Day!
Published in 2021
"Ty turns an ordinary day in the sandbox into a fun beach day. He wiggles his toes in the sand, finds seashells, builds a castle, and splashes in the ocean. When his neighbor's beach ball flies into his backyard, Ty learns that a beach day is even better with a friend"-- Provided by publisher
The Big Bath House
Published in 2021
Soon after a young girl arrives in Japan, she, her grandmother, her aunties, and some cousins celebrate cultural traditions together while visiting a bath house.
Coquí in the City
Published in 2021
"When Miguel and his parents move from Puerto Rico to the U.S. mainland, Miguel misses their home, his grandparents, and his pet frog, Coquí, but he soon realizes that New York City has more in common with back home than he originally thought"-- Provided by publisher.
A Sky-blue Bench
Published in 2021
"A young Afghani amputee matter-of-factly removes her own barrier to education, building a bench from discarded wood so that she and her “helper-leg” can sit through school in comfort"-- Provided by publisher.
¡Vamos! Let's Cross the Bridge
Published in 2021
Little Lobo and Bernabé are bringing supplies to the big celebration in the country across the bridge -- but everyone else seems to be going, too! During the long delay, they see all kinds of people on the bridge for different reasons and speaking different languages, but when someone has a grumpy moment, they all come together to make the wait as good as can be.
The Party and Other Stories
Published in 2018
Fox and Chick are unlikely friends, but somehow they seem to get along together, even though Fox is calm and thoughtful, and Chick has is hyperactive and flighty.
Bilal Cooks Daal
Published in 2019
Bilal and his father invite his friends to help make his favorite dish, daal, then all must wait patiently for it to be done.
I Talk Like a River
Published in 2020
When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating in the way he'd like, it takes a kindly father and a walk by the river to help him find his voice. Through this powerful and uplifting story, poet Jordan Scott uses his own experiences to reveal what it's like to be a child who feels lost, lonely, or unable to fit in. Compassionate parents everywhere will recognize how they, too, can reconnect their children to the world around them.
Hablo Como El Rio
Published in 2021
¿Qué ocurre cuando las palabras se quedan atascadas y echan raíces den-tro de tu boca cada vez que intentas hablar? Quizá sea necesario un cambio de perspectiva para que las palabras fluyan. Esto es lo que vive el protagonista de Hablo como el río: "Me despierto cada mañana con los sonidos de las palabras a mi alrededor. Y no puedo pronunciarlas todas." Un día, su padre lo recoge de la escuela, y juntos ca-minan por la orilla de un río, desde donde observan cómo el agua ondula, forma remolinos y choca contra las rocas. Allí, con la ayuda de su padre, el pequeño encontrará su propia voz y descubrirá que el río también tarta-mudea. No es una cura mágica, pero cuando las palabras se le presentan difíciles, solo tiene que pensar en la bravura del río para sentirse mejor. El poeta canadiense Jordan Scott ha escrito, desde su propia experiencia, un libro poderoso, con un lenguaje poético que destila autenticidad para describir lo que se siente como tartamudeo, significativo también para cualquier niño que se sienta solo o incapaz de encajar. Las acuarelas de Sydney Smith envuelven al lector en un crisol de emociones: desde la ansiedad claustrofóbica de un aula, en la que se convierte en el centro de atención sin desearlo, hasta la belleza sobrecogedora de los destellos naturales sobre el agua. -- Publisher's description.
I Talk Like a River
Published in 2020
When a child has a "bad speech day" at school, his father gives him a new perspective on his stuttering.
What I Am
Published in 2021
A young narrator describes herself as many things at the same time - a girl, a granddaughter, Indian, American, both selfish and generous, mean and kind - and these seeming contradictions are precisely what makes her a unique individual.
When Lola Visits
Published in 2021
"For one young girl, summer is the season of no school, of days spent at the pool, and of picking golden limes off the trees. But summer doesn't start until her lola--her grandmother from the Philippines--comes for her annual visit. When Lola visits, the whole family gathers to cook and eat and share in their happiness of another season spent together"-- Provided by publisher
Sunrise Summer
Published in 2020
Each summer, a young girl and her family travel to remote Egegik, Alaska, where they join a salmon fishing crew.
Fox at Night
Published in 2021
Fox overcomes his fear of monsters when he meets real nocturnal animals.