5 Picture Books about Community

 LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET by Matt De La Pena
Illustrated by Christian Robinson

 
  Opening line:
"CJ pushed through the church doors, skipped down the church steps."

What a cute and educational book. Things are not always what they seem. Being judgemental stops us from seeing more.

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don't own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.



FREEDOM IN CONGO SQUARE  by Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by Gregory Christie


 
 Opening line:
"Mondays there were hogs to slop
mules to train, and logs to chop."

I love books that teach me in the simplest form and this one taught me about a little known piece of history in New Orleans.


Chosen as a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2016, this poetic, nonfiction story about a little-known piece of African American history captures a human’s capacity to find hope and joy in difficult circumstances and demonstrates how New Orleans' Congo Square was truly freedom’s heart.




14 COWS FOR AMERICA by Carmen Agra Deedy
Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

  
 Opening line:
"The remote village waits for a story to be told."

In June of 2002, a ceremony begins in a village in western Kenya. Hundreds of Maasai surround an American diplomat to bestow a gift on the American people. The gift is as unsought and unexpected as it is extraordinary. A mere nine months have passed since the September 11 attacks, and hearts are raw. Tears flow freely as these legendary warriors offer their gift to a grieving people half a world away.






AMERICA'S WHITE TABLE by Margaret Theis Raven
Illustrated by Mike Benny

Opening line:
"It was just a little white table..."
Beautiful story in appreciation of our military men and women.

The White Table is set in many mess halls as a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty. Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit.
As a special gift to her Uncle John, Katie and her sisters are asked to help set the white table for dinner. As their mother explains the significance of each item placed on the table Katie comes to understand and appreciate the depth of sacrifice that her uncle, and each member of the Armed Forces and their families, may be called to give.



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