Picture Books About Courage

Some books are mirrors, reflecting characters that readers can relate to, while others are windows, offering a view of someone else's world. These inspiring picture books reveal real life acts of courage. 

The Proudest Blue, a Story of Hibab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad 

Before she became the first Muslim American woman in hijab to compete for the United States in the Olympic Games, Ibtihaj Muhammad’s middle school classmates questioned her custom of covering her hair with a headscarf. The Proudest Blue explains the hijab as a meaningful rite of passage for young Muslim women and illustrates the strong bonds between sisters. Young children will love the colorful illustrations by Hatem Aly in this beautiful picture book about family and resilience. 

Picture Books for Young Artists

 

Some books are mirrors, reflecting characters that readers can relate to, while others are windows, offering a view of someone else's world. Aspiring young artists may see themselves in these richly illustrated picture books.

Drawn Together by Minh Lê; illustrated by Dan Santat

Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat’s dynamic artwork transports readers to a dragon-filled fantasy world in Drawn Together by Vietnamese-American author Minh Lê. This imaginative book uses vivid imagery to reveal a tender story of a boy and his grandfather who overcome generational and language barriers and bond over their mutual love of art. 

Friends of the Library Book Recommendations: Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks

 

Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks

Yes, you read that right. That is indeed the name of the short story collection written and read by actor, Tom Hanks. I didn't quite know what to expect when I first chose to dip my toes into the audio version of this book. I am happy to report that it was time well spent, whether I had it to accompany me during a walk, running errands, or driving somewhere. 

The book is a collection of sixteen short stories that encompasses themes of relationship, nostalgia, human nature, trauma, technological advancements, and immigrant experiences. Although these stories can be enjoyed independently to an extent, I would recommend reading them in order.

There are a multitude of repeated characters that are woven into some of these stories. My personal favorite, and the one that made me forget that this is a fictional story and not a memoir has to be: “Three Exhausting Weeks”, the first story in the collection. It is upbeat, funny, and keeps you hooked.