Baltimore's Child Baltimore's Child
Discover 10 books about babies and building life experiences this summer.
Board Books
“Daddy, Papa, and Me”
by Lesléa Newman
Filled with charming illustrations and rhythmic text, two fathers and their child have fun with activities such as painting, baking, flying paper, sewing and getting tucked into bed.
“We’re Having a Baby”
by Marion Cocklico (illustrator)
This simply worded book offers a lift-the-flaps experience. The book presents questions to discuss with a child: Where will mom go to deliver the baby? Who will stay with a sibling while mom is at the hospital? What happens when the baby comes home?
Picture Books
“Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures”
by Tricia Springstubb
Khalil lives in the apartment upstairs, and Mr. Hagerty lives downstairs. To escape the noisy, hot apartment, Khalil begins to spend time with Mr. Hagerty in his garden. A friendship develops between them as they tend the garden and discover treasures.
“Brick by Brick”
by Heidi Woodward Sheffield
This book tells the story of Papi, a bricklayer, and his son, Luis, who is proud of his father. Papi’s work and his son’s play are juxtaposed on facing pages. Luis’s dream comes true when his father takes him to their new house that he built from bricks. Spanish words are inserted in the text and in the illustrations to promote bilingual
language development.
Young Readers
“Jake the Fake Keeps His Cool”
by Craig Robinson and Adam Mansbach
Jake is in middle school and aspires to be a comedian. Unfortunately, he gets some shocking news. His mother is expecting a baby. He is not happy about being a middle child or having a baby in the house. With many comic situations and hilarious graphics, this book will keep you laughing aloud.
“Creature Campers: Surprise Under the Stars” (Book 2)
by Joe McGee, illustrated by Bea Tormo
The camp director, a furry gnome, embarks on teaching the campers how to use a map and compass. This instruction is only the beginning of many antics in this silly adventure book. Who tied the compass to the frog’s back? Is there someone out there trying to jinx their electromagnetic
field? This title is the second book in the “Creature Camper” series.
Middle Readers
“Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers”
by Celia C. Pérez
A group of four girls, all with vastly divergent backgrounds and ethnicities, team up to request that their local Scouting group change an outdated tradition. When the group won’t, the girls form their own club and find adventure, sisterhood and the
summer of a lifetime.
“What Stars Are Made Of”
by Sarah Allen
Twelve-year-old Libby was born with Turner syndrome, but it does not stop her from being awesome at science. Her big sister Nonny helped take care of Libby through her surgeries, and Libby is filled with anxiety when Nonny’s pregnancy develops complications. Libby makes a bargain with the universe to enter a science contest. If she wins, she’ll use the proceeds to make things right for the baby. This heartwarming middle-grade story explores the values of loyalty and resilience.
Teens
“Camp Spirit”
by Axelle Lenoir
Elodie is new to summer camp, nature, kids and everything to do with them. But she ends up counseling at a camp the summer before college. When strange things start happening, she finds that the difficult and obnoxious group of girls in her care isn’t the only thing to be worried about at the camp. This appealing teen graphic novel is the
perfect summer read, offering a quirky blend of humor and fantasy and a bit of supernatural mystery.
“With the Fire On High”
by Elizabeth Acevedo
Emoni has a daughter and a grandmother who rely on her. She is also a high school senior. Even with the responsibilities she carries, she still has dreams, and she finds inspiration in the kitchen. How far will her talent and drive carry her?
