James loves superheroes! He dreams of helping them fight bad guys. Unfortunately, he keeps hearing that they are just make-believe. Desperate to get to the bottom of all this crazy talk, he bombards his parents with a long list of questions about superheroes. Will their responses prove to James that Superheroes are real?

Superheroes Here and There is the third book of the "Inspired to be..." Series.

The "Inspired to be..." book series is a collection of children's books inspired by the culture, experiences, and dreams of Black people with the goal of inspiring all children.

This book is meant to inspire children to recognize traits in people that make them stand out as heroes. More importantly, this book is meant to inspire children to be real-life superheroes to others by embodying qualities like courage, kindness, determination, and authenticity. The moral of the story is simply: If you ever want to meet a superhero, you don't have to look very far because they are all around us.

Parents can use this book as an opportunity to talk about vocabulary words and new phrases as well as discuss with their child what a superhero means to them and who in their lives show up as superheroes.

*Ships in 7-10 business days*

The creators of The Old Truck set sail with an old boat and an evocative, intricately crafted exploration of home and family.

Off a small island,

an old boat sets sail

and a young boy

finds home.

Together, boy and boat ride the shifting tides, catching wants and wishes until fate calls for a sea change. Brothers and collaborators Jarrett and Jerome PumphreyÕs newest picture book is a masterfully crafted celebration of the natural world and tribute to the families we make and the homes that we nurture.

Nothing is impossible—not even being brave enough to ice skate again after a fall! With a poetic text and dazzling illustrations, Come Catch a Dream will appeal to every child chasing their dream, and fans of The Snowy Day, Jabari Jumps, and After the Fall.

A young Black child passes an ice rink every day walking home with Momma. Last year, the rink was tricky. It looked clear and smooth, but felt rough and rude after a fall. Brrr! Ouch! Even so, the child hasn’t been able to stop thinking about that rink. The young skater is determined to do something for the first time: a spin on the ice. Because, as Momma says, nothing is impossible.

Award-winning author Brittany J. Thurman’s rich use of language and rhythm makes for a text that is perfect for reading aloud, while illustrator Islenia Mil’s vibrant artwork captures the anticipation and excitement of a winter day at the ice rink. For fans of Gaia Cornwall and Dan Santat.

A celebration of the beauty, power, and faith of the African-American community as reflected in the principles of Kwanzaa, by the author of I Affirm Me: The ABCs of Inspiration for Black Kids.

Kwanzaa is a holiday steeped in ancestral traditions collected over generations of people across the Black Diaspora. Once Upon a Kwanzaa introduces communities of all colors to the interwoven history and lived experiences connected to this time of year when families and loved ones gather to celebrate, share, and reimagine the past, present, and future. Sawyer Cloud's stunning artwork showcases seven different BIPOC families and highlights how different peoples of the Diaspora can celebrate in their communities, from setting the table and lighting the Kinara to sharing meals and gathering at events. The book includes a glossary and pronunciation guide.

Get grooving, moving, and learning with Gracie’s Corner!

Gracie and friends say good morning and get ready for the day! Inspired by the megapopular “Good Morning Song,” kids will love following along with Gracie as she brushes her teeth, fluffs her hair, and starts her day with a BIIIG smile on her face! The perfect get-ready anthem for any—and every—day.

Features a helpful Good Morning guide in the back to break morning routines down into easy-to-follow steps!

* Upbeat and inspirational, this is the perfect picture book to get kids excited for their mornings and to start their days on a positive note!
* First of its kind Gracie’s Corner picture book adaptation is perfect to read (or sing!) along with your child’s favorite Gracie’s Corner YouTube video!  
* Turn everyday routines—like teeth brushing, hair combing, and more!—into fun for kids with this bright and colorful picture book.
* Created by family team Graceyn, Javoris, and Arlene Hollingsworth,Gracie’s Corner focuses on centering children of color in the edutainment industry and making learning a fun, positive experience.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: September 9, 2025

From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Just Ask! comes a sweet and powerful story about being true to yourself and shining your brightest. How will you help people shine?

There once was a little girl who grew up in Puerto Rico with an incredible ability—she was able to make everyone around her shine. She listened, she understood, she worked hard, and she brought out the beauty in each person she met.

In a story inspired by her mother’s ability to help people see their own brilliance, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor shows readers how helping others shine makes the whole world brighter.

With art by award-winning illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara, Just Shine will help readers find their own inner glow—and recognize that glow in those around them.

The Instant NYT Bestselling Bunheads by Misty Copeland gets a second act.

Misty and her bunhead crew are back! And this time, they’re excited to learn the ballet Don Quixote—a wondrous tale about a brave knight search-ing for his Dulcinea, his one true love.

Misty’s best friend, Cat, loves this ballet most of all. She thinks Don Quixote’s quest to find love is romantic, but she also knows the story’s real hero is Kitri, the daughter of an innkeeper, who boldly defies her father to marry for love instead of money.

The class is spellbound as Cat tells them the story, and their teacher agrees Don Quixote is the perfect next ballet for their class to perform.

The bunheads get right to work learn-ing the ballet. Misty hopes to land the role of Cupid, and she knows the role of the strong-willed Kitri could only be played by Cat. But when Cat is injured and unable to perform, she weathers her disappointment with courage and a dose of girl power that would make Kitri proud.

Bunheads, Act 2: The Dance of Courage is an inspiring tale for anyone who’s ever suffered a setback or had a dream deferred.

Setor Fiadzigbey returns to bring Misty Copeland’s bunhead crew to vibrant life with illustrations that will enthrall.

Perfect for kids aged 4-8 comes a stunning picture book about persistence, being creative in the garden, and adapting to a new place.

When Amina moves from the Caribbean to a new snowy home, she misses growing her favorite foods. There are no coconut trees to climb, no gardens full of sweet potatoes and callaloo—only ice and snow. As Amina looks out her frosted window, she sings a traditional children’s song from back home, adding her own twist: “There’s a brown girl in the snow, tra la la la la, where none of her plants will grow.”

Determined to find a way to make her favorite plants grow in a new climate, she comes across a possible solution after discovering a library book about gardening and greenhouses. Perhaps there is a way to grow sweet potatoes, after all!

This stunning picture book written by a Guyanese-born author features:

* An introduction to gardening and greenhouses
* A note from the author about the inspiration behind the story

With gorgeous images by Marianne Ferrer, and moving text by Yolanda T. Marshall, Brown Girl in the Snow is inspired by a traditional Caribbean children’s song and captures a child’s unwavering persistence and passion, as she grows into her new home.

PRE-ORDER.  WILL SHIP ON December 16, 2025

Food, family, love, and laughter make for the perfect recipe in this sweet picture book from acclaimed author Shauntay Grant.

Taking place over the course of a summer day, we follow a young girl as she and her family gather at her nana's house for a get-together where lessons are shared, food is prepared, and lifelong memories are created. Told in African proverbs, Where There Is Love explores the importance of familial bonds and their lasting impact while presenting proverbs to inspire readers long after the story ends. Throughout the book, Nana's house provides a safe space for our protagonist to make mistakes, learn lessons, and most importantly, find and feel love. This gorgeous picture book provides that same comforting space for readers page after page.

PRE-ORDER.  WILL SHIP ON November 18, 2025

A celebration of the many ways we make art, spanning mediums, geography, and resources from author-artist Diana Ejaita.

Art is for everyone! From found objects to sidewalk chalk, from homemade instruments to breakdancing, from building with blocks to molding clay, art is natural and healing. Readers will be encouraged by the invitation to create anything, anywhere, with any materials. Inclusive and expansive, Ejaita portrays a wide cast of characters exploring their own feelings and ideas, accompanied by a poignant, yet easily understood, text. This deceptively simple and stunningly composed picture book offers children a sense of what art can be, and the ways in which it adds beauty to our lives.

PRE-ORDER.  WILL SHIP ON November 11, 2025

From self-taught, award-winning director Morgan Stevenson Cooper comes a heartfelt picture book about a girl on a mission to make her first movie—and lift her grandpa's spirits along the way.

Norah Rose loves movies—action, comedy, drama—you name it! She dreams of becoming a director, but Hollywood feels a long way from home. When her grandpa falls ill, Norah decides to make a movie just for him, because no one loves a good story more than Grandpa. Armed with her mom’s phone, a head full of ideas, and the wide-open backdrop of Kansas City, Norah sets out to write, cast, shoot, and edit her very first film. There’s a lot of work ahead, but Norah’s sure of one thing: her movie is going to shine.

With a spirited how-to approach and lively artwork by Geneva Bowers, Morgan Stevenson Cooper shows young readers how creativity, heart, and a little hustle can turn any dream into a reality.

From the New York Times Bestselling author of Raising Fences and the award-winning illustrator of Mama Africa!, comes a moving and lyrical picture book about a girl navigating her parents' divorce, featuring a Black family, two homes, and whole lot of love.

Auset's parents tell her the divorce wasn't her fault, but she got split in two too. Now she has two homes, two rooms, two Christmases, and two birthday parties. It's tough to deal with her parents' divorce, but at least she has the songs of Sweet Honey and the Rock and Bob Marley to help her through. Plus, she has her therapist, and her stuffed animal Dolphie the Dolphin, who is an excellent listener.

With two loving parents doing their best, here is a look at Black families, divorce, and how difficult it is for kids to go through. But with time and support, and everyone doing their best to keep it real, there's healing and strength on the other side.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: November 4, 2025

Caldecott Honorees Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey deliver heart, hope, and holiday cheer in this magical companion to The Old Truck and The Old Boat.

On winter nights, an old sleigh delivers firewood, bringing warmth and light to a small town. But small towns get bigger and families grow. When the old sleigh is overwhelmed, a new sled and a new generation carry on the custom and ensure the town is warm and bright.

This enchanting picture book from the creators of the acclaimed The Old Truck celebrates tradition, community, and simple acts of giving.

full-color throughout

PRE-ORDER.  WILL SHIP ON October 21, 2025.

This dazzling Christmas poem by Maya Angelou is powerful and inspiring for people of all faiths.

In this beautiful, deeply moving poem, Maya Angelou inspires us to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas, so that hope and love can once again light up our holidays and the world. “Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, look heavenward,” she writes, “and speak the word aloud. Peace.”

Read by the poet at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House on December 1, 2005, Maya Angelou’ s celebration of the “Glad Season” is a radiant affirmation of the goodness of life.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: November 11, 2025

The #1 New York Times bestselling picture book by Tiffany Hammond, the creator of the popular Fidgets and Fries platform, invites readers into the life of an Autistic family who communicate without spoken language.

Aidan doesn't talk with words. He uses a tablet, tapping buttons with pictures to show what he means.

When Mama taps “Park . . . now?” Aidan quickly taps back “Yes.” And after Aidan twirls and twirls in the grass until he can no longer stand, he taps, “All done.”

Not everyone understands their family's unique way of communicating, though. Some think that because Aidan doesn't say words, he doesn't know words. But verbal speech isn't the only way we can connect with others. We can use tablets and letter boards, facial expressions, hand gestures, and written words.

With tenderness and heart, A Day with No Words illuminates the many unique ways people can understand each other, even if they don't speak.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: October 21, 2025

Full of color, attitude, and heart, this picture book is a perfect read aloud for all the dancers, move-busters, and boogie-downers in the family! A must-have for Father's Day!

At last, the day of daddy-daughter dance is finally here! To get ready for their special night out, Mona and Daddy transform their entire day into a special dance routine. They boogie, shuffle, and slide to the hair salon, the nail place, and the dress store. Even when Daddy trips, he reminds his baby girl that the groove inside us never stops. But when they arrive, the dance has been cancelled! How will Mona, Daddy, and the other families get their chance to get down?

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: November 11, 2025

This captivating biography chronicles the remarkable journey of fashion legend André Leon Talley–from humble beginnings in rural North Carolina to the pinnacle of the international world of fashion.

Growing up in the Jim Crow South wasn't easy for young André. He escaped into the glimmering worlds he discovered inside magazines like Ebony and Vogue. He fell in love with all things French, and honed his taste for elegance and style in spite of those who judged and bullied him. Standing tall against all odds, André spun his hardships into a fashion fairytale of his own making.

With exuberant prose and luminous illustrations, this picture book biography shares the inspiring story of majestic icon André Leon Talley and his enduring legacy.

In this companion to Bravo!, Margarita Engle's beautiful poetry introduces young readers to lesser-known Latinos from varied backgrounds who have all shown tremendous resilience.

Prepare to be inspired by this empowering collection of poetry that tells a larger story about fortitude and community across Hispanic history. From environmental activists such as Christina Figueres to record breaking athletes like Pelé, each role model featured is a legend in their own right. There’s no better time to champion the accomplishments of this remarkable group of unsung heroes from all across Latin America!

Those profiled in this collection include Anacaona, Martín de la Cruz and Juan Badiano, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua, Simón Bolívar, Mariana Grajales Cuello, Ana Roqué de Duprey, Julio Garavito Armero, Ramón Fonst Segundo, Christiana Figueres, Juano Hernández, Gabriela Mistral, Martín Chambi de Coaza, Marina Núñez del Prado, Noé Canjura, Nicolás García Uriburu, Pelé, and Rigoberta Menchú Tum.

Sam Cooke's legendary and beloved civil rights anthem is brought to life for the first time with stunning illustrations by Nikkolas Smith.

I was born by the river in a little tent.
Oh, and just like the river, I've been a-runnin' ever since.
It's been a long, a long time coming,
but I know a change gonna come. Oh yes, it will.

The immortal lyrics of Sam Cooke's inspiring civil rights anthem are among the most powerful in music history. Written as an ode to the struggles and joy of Black Americans living under the oppression of Jim Crow, "A Change Is Gonna Come" became a rallying cry for justice and equality when it was shared in 1964. Now, more than sixty years later, the fight for freedom continues, and these sweeping lyrics remain as important and soul stirring as ever.

Alongside Sam Cooke's inspiring words, Nikkolas Smith's breathtaking art guides young readers through pivotal moments in American history. The award-winning illustrator of The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, powerfully references civil rights milestones and Black freedom fighters, empowering all of us to continue the mission of change.

Includes a QR code link to Sam Cooke's iconic recording.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: November 11, 2025

In this fourth and final book in the beloved Stella picture book series, Stella and Roger reflect on their favorite things about living in Chicago and try to devise a plan to stop an impending out-of-state move.

Stella and Roger face their scariest challenge yet when Stella’s parents announce they’re moving—and not just out of Chicago, but to a whole new state! Stella doesn’t want to move away from her favorite park or any of the other things she loves about the only home she’s ever known. Stella and Roger begin a campaign to convince Stella’s parents that leaving Chicago is a big mistake. But is this change really as scary as they think?

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: October 14, 2025

In this endearing picture book by superstar chef and beloved TV host Carla Hall, Carla’s grandmother helps her turn things around when a game of dress-up leads to a fancy tea party gone wrong.

Carla and her sister Kim love visiting their grandparents’ home, where they can always count on having something fun to get into, like Granny’s old chest full of treasures! Dressed up in mounds of beautiful dresses, sparkling jewels, and fancy gloves, Carla decides the day wouldn’t be complete without a tea party for the girls’ special guests, Granny and Doc.

But when Carla accidentally ruins her grandmother’s favorite quilt and famous pound cake, she fears that all the fun is spoiled. How can Carla and her family have a proper tea party without an elegant set up and delicious food? Then Carla’s grandmother steps in, sharing her recipe for a special cake. Will the secret ingredient help Carla save the day?

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE: November 4, 2025

A stunning, poetic debut picture book from Pasha Westbrook about honoring one’s roots and the unbreakable bond of familial love, brought to life with enchanting illustrations by Madelyn Goodnight.

Father braids my hair, just like his,

scented of coconut oil, the familiar tug of fingers on my scalp,

love in every twist...

As a young girl’s father lovingly yet painstakingly braids her hair, he weaves a story about the strength and resilience of their ancestors, Freedmen who walked the Trail of Tears from Mississippi to Oklahoma.

In this enchanting picture book, past and present come together in a tale about endurance, history, and love. With beautiful, sweeping illustrations by Madelyn Goodnight and debut author Pasha Westbrook's lyrical writing, Braided Roots tenderly explores the unwavering love between a father and daughter.

PRE-ORDER: ON SALE DATE:December 2, 2025

Explore the wonders of the universe in this mesmerizing, poetic ode to trailblazing astronaut Mae Jemison, from Coretta Scott King Honor author Charles R. Smith, Jr.

How far to the stars?

This is what a little girl named Mae Jemison wonders as she peers through her telescope and dreams of space. Someday she will make it there, but for now she wonders, learns, and is inspired by the vastness of the universe.

Astronaut, physician, and engineer Mae Jemison's passion would eventually lead to her becoming the first Black woman in space!

Through the Telescope focuses on what first inspired a young Mae Jemison to reach for the stars. Charles R. Smith, Jr. is the award-winning author of the Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Twelve Rounds of Glory, and many other popular and acclaimed titles. His gorgeous text places a spotlight on an American trailblazer who inspires kids everywhere to follow their dreams. Debut illustrator Evening Monteiro's captivating portrayal of a young Mae Jemison is sure to grab young readers' attention!

Perfect for kids who love space exploration and for readers of Hidden Figures and The Undefeated.

An inspiring and profoundly moving story about speaking up for yourself and creating healthy spaces from acclaimed CEO, author, and activist Bellen Woodard, creator of the More than Peach project.

Bellen Woodard adores ballet and always looks forward to reaching new heights. Though as she moves through dance, she begins to notice that pink leotards, pink shoes, and pink or white tights ― often referred to as ballet pink ― are synonymous with ballet. But what about brown tights and shoes? When her dance studio doesn’t act, Bellen takes matters into her own hands and creates a way for all of us to see the “many beautiful colors of dance” ― and she names it ballet brown.

This second inspirational picture book from Bellen Woodard is all about standing up for what you know is right, even if the right decision is a difficult one.

Acclaimed artist Erika Lynne Jones's author-illustrator debut picture book! A young girl named Zara would rather say she doesn't know what she wants than choose between her two grandmothers' ideas.

Zara loves living next door to her Grandma Jane and Granny Gladys, but sometimes it’s tough being stuck in the middle of them! Both her grandmas think they know what’s best for her, and Zara is worried she might upset them if she says what she really wants.

Find out what it will take for Zara to speak up for herself in this multigenerational story about finding your voice and the strength of family.

On Saturday walks with her grandfather, a young girl connects with her Cabo Verdean heritage while learning about the true meaning of home in this moving debut picture book.

Papa always speaks of someday bringing his granddaughter back home to Cabo Verde. But the young girl has never set foot on their ancestral island’s faraway shores. And each time Papa urges her to speak Kriolu, the Portuguese creole native to the West African country, the girl’s tongue betrays her, and she stumbles over her own words. If she can’t even get the language right, can her grandfather’s home ever truly be hers, too?

But each Saturday afternoon when she helps guide her sight-impaired grandfather through their close-knit Massachusetts community, the girl swears she can smell, hear, feel Kriolu. And each Saturday she comes closer to discovering where home truly lies.

In this New York Times bestselling classic, Caldecott Medal-winning artist Kadir Nelson tells the incredible story of baseball's unsung heroes -- perfect for celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Negro Leagues!

Winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award and Robert F. Siebert Award as well as a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor

Featuring nearly fifty iconic oil paintings and a dramatic double-page fold-out, an award-winning narrative, a gorgeous design and rich backmatter, We Are the Ship is a sumptuous, oversize volume for all ages that no baseball fan should be without. Using an inviting first-person voice, Kadir Nelson shares the engaging story of Negro League baseball from its beginnings in the 1920s through its evolution, until after Jackie Robinson crossed over to the majors in 1947.

The story of Negro League baseball is the story of gifted athletes and determined owners, of racial discrimination and international sportsmanship, of fortunes won and lost; of triumphs and defeats on and off the field. It is a perfect mirror for the social and political history of black America in the first half of the twentieth century. But most of all, the story of the Negro Leagues is about hundreds of unsung heroes who overcame segregation, hatred, terrible conditions, and low pay to do one thing they loved more than anything else in the world: play ball.

An extended family enjoys a day at the beach filled with sand, sun, splashing, sandwiches, swimming and, of course, sunblock, in an intergenerational tribute to family, friendship, new experiences and summertime fun. Illustrations.

In this happy, vibrant tribute to Rock Your Mocs Day, observed yearly on November 15, author Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian) and artist Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw) celebrate the joy and power of wearing moccasins—and the Native pride that comes with them. A perfect book for Native American Heritage Month and all year round!

We’re stepping out

and kicking it up.

Wearing beauty on their feet—

as art, as tradition,

with style, with pride—

kids from different Native Nations know

every day is a day to ROCK YOUR MOCS! 

This book contains an author’s note with additional information about moccasins and Rock Your Mocs day, for readers curious to learn more about intertribal pride and the joy found in different Native identities.

An American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award Honor Book!

Celebrate a Black boy's first haircut in this joyful book from the creator of the popular Princess Hair and Don't Touch My Hair!

Jordan loves his hair: soft like a cloud, regal like a crown. He doesn't want a haircut to change all that.

Jordan’s friends are getting new haircuts for picture day at school. Shape-ups, low fades, frohawks, and more—there are way too many styles to choose from. But when Mama brings Jordan to the barbershop, he sees everyone’s haircuts are like magic.

Can Jordan find a style that’s just right for him?

With her trademark bright colors and expressive characters, Sharee Miller teaches confidence and self-love through the timeless tradition of school picture day.

Discover what it means to become a US citizen and how the process unfolds in this illuminating picture book about immigration and naturalization.

What does US citizenship look like? Some of us are citizens by birth. Some of us are born beyond the United States and gain citizenship through immigration and naturalization. With lyrical prose and luminous mixed-media artwork, this nonfiction book outlines the process by which some of us—spanning every age and background—travel to the United States to live, work, study, and contribute to the fabric of our new communities. After years, without relinquishing who we are or where we came from, if we are fortunate, we can choose to become naturalized citizens. We can become American.

This insightful story honors the many different paths to citizenship and celebrates all people who enrich our country by striving to participate in our democracy. This book belongs with classrooms and parents who love: Grace for President, Areli Is a Dreamer, and What Can A Citizen Do?

May/June Kids' Indie Next List 2025