Best Indie Children's Books of 2021

by Alysia Ssentamu & Michael Ssentamu ; illustrated by Noor Alshalabi

An encouraging tale for young readers with their own fears to face. Full review >

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by Raven Howell illustrated by Anke Rappen

An excellent read-aloud sure to inspire kids to create beauty from their own spills. Full review >

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by Danny Jordan illustrated by Agustina Perciante

First-day jitters, inclusivity, and an engaging superhero tale all in one. Full review >

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by Kathleen Marcath , illustrated by Isaac Liang ; Pardeep Mehra

This bracing and illuminating bilingual tale deftly shows a kid’s love for a favorite truck. Full review >

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by Moses D. Powe ; illustrated by Angelina Valieva

A well-illustrated tale that’s also a great pick to expand libraries’ Black history sections. Full review >

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by Rene Rawls ; illustrated by Brittnie Brotzman

A vividly illustrated and clever work with an accessible moral. Full review >

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by Clayton Marshall Adams ; illustrated by Rohan Daniel Eason

A young, laudable voice tells an indelible story of acceptance and prejudice. Full review >

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by Vikki Young illustrated by Seitu Hayden

A bright and joyful celebration of the kaleidoscope of colors in readers’ families and communities. Full review >

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by Michelle Zivkov ; illustrated by Manka Kasha

A peaceful book of mindfulness exercises. Full review >

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