The Best Books of 2020 for Kids
Ages 6 – 8
by Devon A. Corneal
Despite everything that has happened in 2020, and we know it has been a lot, if you look closely, you can still find good things from the past year. That includes the books that were published in 2020. Not even a pandemic could stop talented authors from creating a pile of amazing new stories for growing readers. If you need something to celebrate as the year draws to a close, or if you’re just looking for a few good books to add to your shelves, here are our favorites of 2020.
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I Am Every Good Thing
Available from:A celebration of the many facets of childhood as narrated by a young Black boy, I Am Every Good Thing reinforces the pride children should take in their curiosity, energy, ambition, generosity, vulnerability, resilience, and inherent worth.
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The Seed of Compassion
Available from:In a year marked by political and social division and hostility, The Seed of Compassion is an important reminder of the necessity of compassion and kindness. Using stories from his own life, the Dalai Lama teaches children the value of empathy and thoughtfulness at a time when we need them more than ever.
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She Persisted in Sports
Available from:There is nothing a determined athlete can’t do, and this book is a collection of inspiring stories about female athletes who overcame every obstacle in their way to achieve Olympic glory.
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First Day Critter Jitters
Available from:All the animals in this story are nervous about the first day of school. Sloth is worried he’ll be late, while Mouse is scared that everyone will be bigger than him. But when they get to school and realize that everyone is nervous, including the teacher, they quickly overcome their fears and discover just how fun school can be.
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Danbi Leads the School Parade
Available from:Featuring some of the best illustrations of 2020, this charming picture book tells the story of Danbi, an immigrant from Korea who is very excited to start school in America. But when Danbi meets her new classmates, she isn’t sure she fits in. But it isn’t long before this plucky kid comes up with an idea that will bring her whole classroom together.
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Too Many Jacks
Available from:This hysterical story of a science experiment gone wrong is a perfect book for early readers. Kids will be eager to practice reading when they meet Jack and his host of very naughty robots.
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Late Lunch with Llamas
Available from:The Magic Tree House series is a perennial favorite for good reason. The most recent addition follows Jack and Annie to South America on a mission to find a stolen baby llama. For even more fun, check out Narwhal on a Sunny Night, in which Jack and Annie are transported to Greenland to save a narwhal and meet a famous Viking explorer along the way.
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Unicorn Academy #7: Rosa and Crystal
Available from:The seventh book in the Unicorn Academy series, Rosa and Crystal tells the story of new student Rosa and her unicorn Crystal. When the two get lost in the middle of an adventure, they’ll have to learn to work together in a hurry. Can’t get enough of unicorns? Make sure to get Unicorn Academy #8: Ariana and Whisper, too!
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Purrmaids #7: Kittens in the Kitchen
Available from:If you thought kittens were cute, wait until you meet the purrmaids! Part kitten, part mermaid — they’re all sorts of mischief rolled into one. In this book, the purrmaids take on a cooking challenge, which seems easy enough until they forget to set a timer. But never underestimate a purrmaid – these wannabe cooks are sure to come up with creative ways to fix their recipes.
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Pizza and Taco: Who's the Best?
Available from:This is a constant debate in my house, and after years of discussion there is still no clear winner. Hopefully this new graphic novel will help families across America grapple with this important question, as Pizza and Taco hold an election to decide, once and for all, who is the best.
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The Magnificent Makers #1: How to Test a Friendship
Available from:The Magnificent Makers series sets out to show kids that science is amazing and really, really fun! Violet, Pablo, and Deepak are budding scientists who discover a magical doorway to a world of incredible science adventures. A wonderful new series, parents will also love the inclusion of simple experiments kids can do at home.
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Donut Feed the Squirrels
Belly and Norma are squirrels who really love donuts. I don’t blame them — I really love donuts, too. Thankfully, I can just go to the local bakery and pick one up when I’m hungry. Belly and Norma have to get a little more creative. Their target? A donut truck. Their chance of success? Not good, unless they learn to work together.
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Bug Boys
Available from:What’s better than a treasure map and two friends on an adventure? How about a treasure map and two friends on an adventure in a graphic novel with science thrown in? That’s just what you get with Bug Boys. Come along with Rhino-B and Stag-B as they explore Bug Village and the bugs and insects that live in their world in order to save their honey supply.
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Wreck This Picture Book
Available from:We are trained to take very good care of books – to make sure they never get wrinkled or damaged or smudged. But Keri Smith wants children to really engage with what they’re reading and change not only the stories in her book, but also the book itself. You might be uncomfortable with the results, but your kids will have a ball.
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Speak Up, Molly Lou Melon
Available from:Sometimes the world can be exhausting and we forget that our voices matter. Next time you’re feeling defeated, remember Molly Lou Melon, who uses her very big voice to do very good things, including protecting a new student in her school from some unkind bullies. The world would be a much better place if we were all more like this spunky and brave little girl.
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