“Crossing Bok Chitto, a Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom” by Choctaw storyteller, Tim Tingle, tells the story of Martha Tom – a young Choctaw girl and Lil Mo – a slave child who live on opposite sides of the Bok Chitto river in Mississippi and come together to help Lil Mo’s family to freedom.

“The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse” by Charlie Mackesy is a story of inspiration and hope in uncertain times – a beautiful story finding unlikely friends who share their greatest fears and discoveries and on the way find kindness and friendship.

In “I Dissent”, a biographical picture book about the Notorious RBG, author Debbie Levy tells the justice’s story through the lens of her many famous dissents, or disagreements.

Read by retired Rockford Judge, the Honorable Rosemary Collins, who brought the character of RBG to the International Day of Peace in 2018

Bully by Patricia Polacco, has these themes: bullying, friendship, problem solving and courage. In this story, Lyla is a new girl at a new school, trying to find her place and fit in.  As you listen to Lyla's story, think about what makes a good friend. Why did Lyla want to be friends with the “popular girls”? And what makes Jamie a loyal friend to Lyla throughout the story? Let's read to find out!

Mr. Lincoln’s Way by Patricia Polacco, has these themes: racial prejudice, developing self-esteem, principal student relationships, bullying and environment. In this story you will hear about a special principal and a seemingly not-so-special bully named Eugene Eserhause.  Other students call Eugene “Mean Gene”. Do you think miracles can happen?  Listen to this story and find out how Mr. Lincoln deals with Eugene’s behavior and helps him to get out of trouble.  Who knows, maybe you will even get a few ideas of your own!

In “Someone New”, author Anne Sibley O'Brien shows the challenges of three new students as they navigate their first days of school and explores with current students how to be a welcoming community to the newcomers. Though Maria, Jin, and Fatimah come from different cultures, the students soon find that they all share many similarities. Whether readers are new themselves or meeting those who are new, there are lessons to be learned here about perseverance, bravery, and inclusion, and O'Brien's lessons are heartfelt and poetically rendered.

“The House That Jane Built” by Tanya Lee Stone tells the story of a wealthy, young woman named Jane Addams who, in 1889, moved into a lovely, elegant house. But instead of moving into a lovely, elegant neighborhood, the house she picked was in the middle of one of the filthiest, poorest parts of town. Why would a wealthy, young woman do this when she could have lived anywhere?"

Jane Addams was one of the most influential women of the 20th century. Learn how the Hull House neighborhood she cultivated in Chicago changed that city and set an example for the nation. 

“Say Something”, read by author Peter Reynolds. This picture book explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. Each of us, each and every day, have the chance to say something: with our actions, our words, and our voices. Perfect for kid activists everywhere, this timely story reminds readers of the undeniable importance and power of their voice. There are so many ways to tell the world who you are... what you are thinking... and what you believe. And how you'll make it better. The time is now: SAY SOMETHING!