The Washington area is rich in talented children’s book creators. You may already be familiar with Kwame Alexander (Newbery Medal, The Crossover), Katherine Marshall (National Book Award finalist, The Lost Boy) and Debbie Levy (Green Earth Book Award, Change Is in the Air). Curious about others? Visit the website for the Children’s Book Guild, which includes information on many local authors and illustrators. And look for their books at area libraries and bookstores.
Here are exciting new offerings, perfect for summer reading.
Tots – age 7
Dream Street
By Tricia Elam Walker
Illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Anne Schartz Books, 2021, $17.99
This lovely picture book was created by an award-winning duo, who are cousins. And it was inspired by their childhood neighborhood in Massachusetts, where the illustrator still lives. Maryland author Tricia Elam Walker introduces us to a host of neighbors of all ages and interests. There’s science-loving Belle, the five musical Philips boys and a cheery retired mail carrier who reads on the stoop. Ekua Holmes brings them to vivid life through vibrant collages that convey the friendly spirit of this memorable street. This is a wonderful book to encourage awareness and conversations with your own kids about those around them.
Rumi: Poet of Joy and Love
By Rashin Kheiriyeh
NorthSouth, 2024, $19.95
Acclaimed Iranian-American author/illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh, who lives in Washington, DC, created this beautiful picture book biography for the 750th birthday of Rumi (1207-1273). Her whimsical acrylic paintings and lyrical text introduce this great Persian poet to youngsters at their level. Kids will learn how Rumi, an esteemed Islamic scholar, was inspired by a spiritual teacher to embrace unity and friendship. Filled with this spirit, he began to write the stories and poems that are still beloved today.
Suka’s Farm
By Frances Park and Ginger Park
Illustrated by Tiffany Chen
Albert Whitman, 2025, $18.99
Virginia authors and sisters, Ginger and Frances Park, draw upon their father’s childhood in Japanese-occupied Korea for this tender tale of resilience and hope. In 1941, Kwan and his family often go hungry, even though his parents work very hard. To help, the boy visits a prosperous farm owned by an elderly Japanese man to ask for a job. Initially, stern Mr. Suka sends him away – but then hires him on a trial basis. Kwan devotes himself to the care of the man’s prized goats. When they escape one night, Kwan ingeniously locates them, which cements the friendship between these two very different people.
Tweens
Extra Innings
By Fred Bowen
Peachtree, 2024, $16.99
This latest novel in Maryland author Fred Bowen’s popular Sports Story series is as action-packed and compelling as its predecessors. And it’s every bit as nuanced, with the protagonist grappling with the effect of the game and his choices on his larger life. Mike loves pitching and being a reliable member of his summer baseball team. But his dad feels Mike should take a part-time job, perhaps caddying, to make money and learn responsibility. Will such work cut into Mike’s time for baseball, though? Especially when his team is gearing up for the end-of-season tournament? This conflict between Mike and his dad is one many young readers will relate to. They will turn the pages to see how this familial struggle is resolved – and who wins the big game.
There Flies the Witch
By Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev
HarperCollins, 2023, $18.99
In short, poetically charged chapters, Washington author Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev tells of a girl trying to discover her true home. Is it the mountains where she was raised by the ancient witch Yakaka? Or is it this place by the sea, with people who may be her mother and brother? Where does she belong – and why? Infused with magic and mystery, this enthralling story ends in a way that surprises and deeply satisfies.
Teens
Crashing Into You
By Rocky Callen
Henry Holt, 2024, $20.99
Leti Rivera learned to drive fast from the older brother who practically raised her when her mother passed away. A Latinx scholarship student, Leti is used to being an outlier at her posh, largely white high school. She does connect with Jacob, though, over their dreams and goals. Leti yearns to be a celebrated street racer, Jacob – who is kind, neurodivergent and Jewish – wants to be an astronaut. But then Leti, in desperation, makes a promise she’s not sure she can or should keep. This powerful, coming-of-age novel by Maryland author Rocky Callen immerses readers in a complexly drawn world and situation that will leave them pondering their own decisions and goals.
Mary Quattlebaum lives in Washington, D.C. and is the author of 30 award-winning children’s books, most recently Queen Elizabeth II, an early reader biography. She teaches in the graduate program in writing for children at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, writes frequently for The Washington Post and is a popular school and conference speaker. maryquattlebaum.com
Mary Quattlebaum lives in Washington, D.C. and is the author of 30 award-winning children’s books, most recently Queen Elizabeth II, an early reader biography. She teaches in the graduate program in writing for children at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, writes frequently for The Washington Post and is a popular school and conference speaker. maryquattlebaum.com
