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My favorite book recs
50
items List of books (both adult or children) that I have personally read. These books are truly an outstanding read!
Sections
6
Children's Books
Harry Potter Book Series
African American
Sports
Holocaust
Dr. Seuss Children Books
Children's Books
Children's picture book about a boy who wants to learn to whistle to call his dog, Willie. Caldecott Medal winner.
Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats
Classic children's book about a young Black boy exploring his snow-covered city neighborhood after the first snowfall, featuring his adventures like making tracks, building a snowman, and trying to save a snowball. Groundbreaking for featuring an Afr...
The Snowy Day - Ezra Jack Keats Book
Beautifully illustrated children's book. Caldecott Medal winner.
The Little House Board Book 9780547131047
Classic children's picture book about a little boy's fantasy about being the king of wild animals. Caldecott Medal award winner.
Where the Wild Things Are - Amazon.com
Story about an African-American folk hero.
John Henry: An American Legend|Paperback
The book, about a young girl and her plain hat, is celebrated for its collage-style illustrations and its focus on childhood imagination.
Jennie's Hat | Paperback
Peter's Chair is a classic children's picture book that explores sibling rivalry, jealousy, and the adjustment to a new baby in the family.
Peter's Chair | Paperback
This story explores themes of childhood friendship, nervousness, and the emotional, often messy, process of expressing affection.
A Letter to Amy | Paperback
This story is celebrated for its vivid, textured collage illustrations and its focus on urban childhood, friendship, and problem-solving.
Goggles! (Caldecott Honor Book) | Paperback
Hi Cat! focuses on themes of friendship, animals, and the unpredictability of daily life.
Hi, Cat! | Hardcover
Harry Potter Book Series
First novel follows Harry's first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as he discovers that he is a famous wizard and begins his formal wizarding education.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Stenciled Edges) (Harry Potter, Book 1)|Paperback
Second novel in the Harry Potter series, it chronicles Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. After several residents of the school are attacked and magically immobilized, Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione inve...
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Stenciled Edges) (Harry Potter, Book 2)|Paperback
Third novel chronicles Harry's third year at Hogwarts and his quest to uncover the truth about his past, including the connection recently escaped Azkaban prisoner Sirius Black has to Harry and his deceased parents.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Stenciled Edges) (Harry Potter, Book 3)|Paperback
Fourth novel follows Harry Potter, a wizard in his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the mystery surrounding the entry of Harry's name into the Triwizard Tournament, in which he is forced to compete.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Stenciled Edges) (Harry Potter, Book 4)|Paperback
Fifth and longest novel in the Harry Potter series. It follows Harry Potter's struggles through his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including the surreptitious return of the antagonist Lord Voldemort, O.W.L. exams, and an ob...
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Stenciled Edges) (Harry Potter, Book 5)|Paperback
Sixth novel in the Harry Potter series, taking place during Harry Potter's sixth year at the wizard school Hogwarts. The novel reveals events from the early life of Lord Voldemort, and chronicles Harry's preparations for the final battle against him.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Stenciled Edges) (Harry Potter, Book 6)|Paperback
Seventh and final novel chronicles the events directly following Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and the final confrontation between the two wizards Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Stenciled Edges) (Harry Potter, Book 7)|Paperback
African American
Learn about the life of this historical figure.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X|Paperback - Barnes & Noble
Oral history of the Vietnam War as told by twenty veterans of that tragic war.
Bloods: Black Veterans of Vietnam War Oral History
Motivational book offering guidance, hope, and practical advice for inmates and their families. This book encourages self-reflection and offers principles for a fulfilling life.
Letters to an Incarcerated Brother: Hope
Barack Obama, prior to becoming president of the United States, shares his thoughts about the nature of politics in this country.
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream|Paperback
Barack Obama explores the events of his early years in Honolulu and Chicago until his entry into Harvard Law School. Obama navigates life as a mixed race child with a mostly absent father. Published years prior to his presidency.
Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance|Paperback
Barack Obama's presidential memoir explores his historic journey to becoming the first African American president.
A Promised Land|Paperback
#1 New York Times bestseller for 22 weeks. Groundbreaking novel tells the story of Kunta Kinte, who is sold into slavery in the United States where he and his descendants live through major historic events.
Roots: The Saga of an American Family|Paperback
MLK's classic exploration of the events and forces behind the Civil Rights Movement—including his Letter from Birmingham Jail in 1963.
Why We Can't Wait | Paperback
Classic essay by Martin Luther King. The Letter from Birmingham Jail explains why MLK believed people had a responsibility to follow just laws and a duty to break unjust ones.
Letter from Birmingham Jail | Paperback
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shares how the power of the Harlem Renaissance led him to become the man he is today—basketball superstar, jazz enthusiast, historian, and Black American icon.
On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey through the Harlem Renaissance|Paperback
Sports
The New York Times bestseller chronicling the careers of Hall of Fame basketball legends Larry Bird and Earvin Magic Johnson.
When The Game Was Ours | Paperback
Comprehensive biography of Michael Jordan that explores the legendary basketball player's life, on and off the court.
Michael Jordan: The Life | Paperback
Biography chronicling Derek Jeter's rise from a Michigan kid to a New York Yankees icon, exploring his career, struggles, and complexities.
The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter | Paperback
Book details Jackson's unique leadership philosophy and his 11 championship wins with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success | Paperback
Motivational book that applies Riley's legendary basketball coaching philosophy to life, business, and personal growth.
The Winner Within: A Life Plan for Team Players | Paperback
The book covers James's journey from a challenging childhood to NBA greatness, highlighting his talent, hard work, and key moments like "The Block" in the 2016 NBA Finals.
LeBron James (Epic Athletes Series #5) | Paperback
Book covers Shaq's rise from being cut from his high school team to becoming a four-time NBA champion, providing a behind-the-scenes look at his fame, personal life, and the discipline that shaped him.
Shaq Uncut: My Story | Paperback
Book chronicles the iconic rivalry between basketball legends Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, exploring how their competition transformed the NBA during the 1960s amidst significant racial and cultural shifts in America.
The Rivalry: Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and the Golden Age of Basketball | Paperback
Book details Reggie's life through his childhood to his baseball career, including his struggles with race and relationships.
Reggie Jackson: The Life and Thunderous Career of Baseball's Mr. October | Paperback
This audiobook is a 2013 memoir by baseball legend Reggie Jackson that details his tumultuous but ultimately triumphant years with the New York Yankees.
Becoming Mr. October: The Revealing Story of Reggie Jackson and the World Champion New York Yankees
Written especially for young readers, Becoming Kareem chronicles how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar become the icon and legend he is today, both on and off the court.
Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court | Paperback
The Greatest covers Ali's life up to the time of its publication, including the first and part of his second reign as World Heavyweight Champion.
The Greatest: My Own Story | Paperback
Holocaust
Anne Frank, who died in a concentration camp, kept a daily diary while hiding from the Nazis prior to her family being betrayed and captured. Diary described everyday life and emotion struggles of the family. Diary was discovered and published by Anne's father, Otto Frank, who survived the holocaust. A definite must historical read!
The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition|Paperback
Night chronicles Elie Wiesel time in the Auschwitz and Buchenwald Nazi concentration camps.
Night | Paperback
Dr. Seuss Children Books
Classic children's book about a baby bird who hatches and immediately sets off to find his mother, asking various animals, "Are you my mother?" Known for its simple vocabulary, bright illustrations, and heartwarming story about the bond between a chi...
Are You My Mother? | Hardcover
Green Eggs and Ham is a classic children's book about the persistent character Sam-I-am trying to convince a skeptical, unnamed character to try a plate of green eggs and ham in various locations and with different companions, ultimately succeeding a...
Green Eggs and Ham | Hardcover
This is a simple rhyming children's book designed for beginner readers. Book is widely praised for its rhythmic language and imaginative characters, which help engage young readers and make early reading enjoyable and memorable.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish | Hardcover
The Cat in the Hat is a classic children's book about a mischievous, tall cat in a red-and-white striped hat who visits two bored children on a rainy day, bringing chaos and fun with his tricks and his companions, Thing One and Thing Two.
The Cat in the Hat | Hardcover
Story concerns the journey of life, its challenges, and joys. It covers themes of potential, setbacks, and perseverance, reminding readers they have the brains and feet to steer themselves in any direction.
Oh, the Places You'll Go! | Hardcover
Dr. Seuss aims to help children learn their ABCs in a fun and memorable way.
Dr. Seuss's ABC|Hardcover
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is a classic children's book about environmentalism, warning against greed and the destruction of nature.
The Lorax | Hardcover
Book follows the Grinch, a cranky, solitary creature who attempts to thwart the public's Christmas plans by stealing Christmas gifts and decorations from people's homes. Due to the response of the people, the Grinch comes to realize that Christmas is...
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! | Hardcover
The fox teaches Mr. Knox a series of tongue-twisters, starting simple and getting progressively more complicated. Story is designed to help beginning readers with phonics and word recognition through fun, repetitive sounds.
Fox in Socks | Hardcover