By Lauren Martino, Head of Children’s Services at Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library
Fathers’ day is coming! Check out these books celebrating fathers, grandfathers and father figures.
PICTURE BOOKS
“THE THING ABOUT BEES: A LOVE LETTER”
Written and illustrated by Shabazz Larkin
Author Shabazz Larkin was terrified of bees. Not wanting to pass this fear on to his sons, he set out to learn everything he could about them. The result is this ode to bees—and to boys—that captures the frightening and loveable sides of both pollinators and progeny. This book is perfect for cozy together time in an armchair as well as for education on bee safety and etiquette. (The last pages feature a guide. )
“A PIZZA WITH EVERYTHING ON IT”
by Kyle Scheele, illustrated by Andy J. Pizza
When a boy asks his father for a pizza with everything on it, he means everything. But once they’ve added a blender, all the contents of a backpack, a wheelbarrow full of penguins and the White House, something goes terribly wrong—they create a pizza black hole! This celebration of paternal silliness would make a good read-aloud for preschoolers and kindergarteners.
“STROLLER COASTER”
by Matthew Ringler, illustrated by Raul the Third and Elaine Bay
When indoors starts to feel too small for a little girl, her father takes her for a ride on the Stroller Coaster! Click-clack up the hill, then down the other side. A bustling and colorful neighborhood reminiscent of Dr. Seuss whooshes by. Parents of overtired children could do worse than reading this book (or even acting it out!) before settling in for some calmer naptime books.
EARLY ELEMENTARY
“THE GOOD GAME”
by Arihhonni David
How little is too little to play? When a boy worries he’s too small for “The Creator’s Game” (lacrosse), his grandfather tells the tale of a mouse and a squirrel who are given wings and use their unique talents to assist their team, and become the first bat and flying squirrel in the process. Written in simple language for beginning readers and including a list of phonetic features plus some words in the Kanienk’keha (Mohawk) language, this story is engaging as well as accessible.
“SALMA MAKES A HOME”
by Danny Ramadan, illustrated by Anna Bron
Salma feels mixed-up when she gets news that’s supposed to make her happy, but it also makes her sad and anxious. Her father is traveling from their old home in Damascus, Syria to join Salma and her mother in Vancouver, Canada. What if Baba doesn’t like Canada and wants to go back to Syria? Details of Baba’s loving character, the obstacles to adjusting to a new country, and drawings subtly charged with emotion paint a poignant, sensitive picture of an immigrant experience for early chapter book readers.
“LOLO’S SARI-SARI STORE”
by Sophia N. Lee, illustrated by Christine Almeda
Sari-Sari means ‘a good variety,’ and that’s what Lolo’s store offers. A young girl reminisces about working there with her grandfather, being part of a community, and taking joy in having just what each person needs. Far away in America she misses Lolo and the sari-sari store, but eventually finds her place by looking out for the needs of those around her. This picture book for younger elementary students features colorful, detailed illustrations of Lolo’s neighborhood to explore and emphasizes community, resilience and adaptability.
MIDDLE GRADE
“THE SECOND CHANCE OF BENJAMIN WATERFALLS”
by James Bird
Benjamin Waterfalls can’t stop shoplifting, and his latest haul earns him a trip to “Indian Bootcamp” at his estranged father’s home. Benjamin expects punishment, not a masked girl who deputizes him as an apprentice healer. He also does not expect to mend the rift with his remarried, sober father (whose dad jokes are a true tour-de-force). Fans of magical realism will appreciate this cleverly voiced tale from James Bird, a screenwriter and director of Ojibwe descent.
“AIR”
by Monica Roe
Emmie and her widowed father share a need for speed and an understanding that even kids who use wheelchairs sometimes fall and get hurt. But when a new principal imposes prohibitions on wheelies, hires an aide to “help” Emmie and launches a publicity-stunt fundraiser for a specialty wheelchair, Emmie learns to advocate for herself—and discovers her father’s unique brand of support. Readers who like spunky entrepreneurs and extreme sports will enjoy learning how Emmie makes her voice heard.
“FROM THE DESK OF ZOE WASHINGTON”
by Janae Marks
On Zoe Washington’s 12th birthday, she receives a letter from her father—her first since he was jailed when she was a baby. The correspondence that follows results in shared baking tips, playlist suggestions and ways to exonerate her dad of his offense—a crime he never committed. Sprinkled with elements of mystery and cupcake inspiration, this book speaks to lovers of baking, social justice and music. Check out the heart-melting playlist on Spotify created from Zoe’s Dad’s suggestions.
TEEN
“THE LIGHTNESS OF HANDS”
by Jeff Garvin
Years ago, Ellie’s magician father bailed on a nationally televised attempt to escape a submerged truck. Now, they reside in an RV and live off amateur magic shows and petty theft. With no insurance or bipolar medication, Ellie’s only way out involves getting her dad to California in time to repeat—and pull off—the trick that ruined their lives. This story is for lovers of semi-romantic tales, supporters of underdogs facing tall odds and readers OK with exploring heavier topics surrounding mental illness.
“CALL ME IGGY”
by Jorge Augusto Aguirre, illustrated by Rafael Rosado
Ignacio “Iggy” Garcia knocks over the urn holding his grandfather’s ashes. Suddenly, he has a 24/7 transparent, foul-mouthed, mustachioed tutor for Spanish, cooking, dancing, relationships and more. Abuelito’s ghost doesn’t have all the answers, though—especially when an undocumented friend disappears following the 2016 presidential election. Iggy’s dead grandfather provides a lively counterpoint to family, school and political conflict for teen graphic novel readers who like their school drama a little spooky.
“BREATH OF THE DRAGON”
by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee
Jun’s one goal is winning the Guardian’s tournament. His father does not consent. (Martial arts have brought them only tragedy.) Jun steals away to compete—to the capital, with a blind flute player and a dancer who bear a secret: that the competition is more dangerous and the stakes higher than Jun knows. Written by Bruce Lee’s daughter and another martial artist, this fast-paced fantasy adventure explores themes of home, relationships and societies divided by politics.
