Books like 'Special Gifts'
Readers who enjoyed Special Gifts by Cynthia Rylant also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
realistic season-winter friendship children cozy family female-mc
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Cruising Cowboys: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Novel by Hope Callaghan
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratings... -
Rendezvous and Revenge: A Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Novel by Hope Callaghan
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratings... -
Cruising Family Style: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Novel by Hope Callaghan
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratings... -
Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olsen
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratings“Family isn’t always your relatives. It’s the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.”Teachers do so much more than just teach academics. They build a sense of community within their classrooms, creating a home away from home where they make their students feel safe, included, and loved... -
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Making Waves by Meredith Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMaxi’s life is about to change, but not in the way she expects... Maxi Stevens is at a crossroads. Things between her and James haven’t been the same since their kids left the nest. When she finds proof that indicates he may have strayed, she strikes out on her own. James’ infidelity has a silver lining, though... -
The Bad Seed Goes to the Library by Jory John
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe Bad Seed borrows an awesome book from the library in this Level One I Can Read by the #1 New York Times bestselling duo Jory John and Pete Oswald!The Bad Seed is in a good mood...for once. That’s because there’s a really cool book at the library available for checkout. The Bad Seed reads, and reads, until the book can’t be read anymore... -
Silenced in the Sunflowers by Dale Mayer
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHearts start to heal. ... Friendships start to grow, ... just not for everyone!Doreen knows her relationship with the police captain has always been on thin ground. She has helped them solve a lot of cases, but she's quadrupled their work and constantly gets in their way... -
Someday by Alison McGhee, Peter H. Reynolds
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA mother's love leads to a mother's dream—every mother's dream—for her child to live life to its fullest. A deceptively simple, powerful ode to the potential of love and the potential in life, Someday is the book you'll want to share with someone else... today. The perfect gift for Mother's Day, Graduation Day or any day—share a copy with every special person in your life... -
Starfish Cottage by Meredith Summers
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMaddie Montgomery has finally found her slice of heaven - a charming cottage on the sugar-sand beach of Shell Cove, Maine. There’s only one problem, the flow of tourists to Shell Cove dried up years ago and now it’s up to her to bring them back... -
Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen a young girl has to move countries and start at a new school, her fear tells her to be alone and afraid. How can she hope to make friends if she doesn't understand anyone? Surely no one else feels the same way...From the award-winning author and illustrator of The Journey, this insightful and delicately told story shows that we can all find friendship and comfort when we share our fears... -
Pink Is Not a Color by Lindsay Ward
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPink finds happiness right where she always knew it was in this colorful companion to the popular picture book This Book Is Gray . Pink loves her rosy world, from her pink toy dinosaur to her pet flamingo, Phil. But when she sees the Primaries and Secondaries getting ready for the Rainbow Extravaganza, she begins to wonder why she isn’t in the rainbow…and if that means she’s not really a color... -
Little Blue Truck's Christmas by Alice Schertle
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt's the most wonderful time of the year! Little Blue Truck is spreading cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends. Can you help count each green tree from one to five and back again? Don’t forget to save one for Blue! Beep! Beep! With the gentle rhythm and signature illustration style that made Little Blue Truck a household name, Blue's new adventure is full of holiday warmth... -
I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! by Karen Beaumont
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsA New York Times best-selling masterpiece featuring a sing-song rhyming text and humorous energetic illustrations about a spirited child and outside-the-box, creative thinking... -
I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsHigh on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart... -
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Biscuit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSnuggle up at bedtime or anytime with Biscuit, the very first book about everyone's favorite little yellow puppy. It’s time for bed, but Biscuit doesn’t want to sleep! Before Biscuit gets into bed he wants one more snack, one more story, one more kiss... -
Eyes That Weave the World's Wonders by Joanna Ho, Liz Kleinrock
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling Joanna Ho, of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, and award-winning educator Liz Kleinrock, comes a powerful companion picture book about adoption and family. A young girl who is a transracial adoptee learns to love her Asian eyes and finds familial connection and meaning through them, even though they look different from her parents’... -
Evidence in the Echinacea by Dale Mayer
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRiches to rags. ... Controlling to chaos. ... But murder ... well maybe …Doreen’s success at solving murders has hit the newswires across the country, but all Doreen wants is to be left alone... -
What Happened to You? by James Catchpole
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThis accessible, funny, and groundbreaking story addresses the questions children often ask, as well as a disabled child's choice not to answer.What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar? A lion? Did it fall off? A boy named Joe is trying to play pirates at the playground, but he keeps being asked what happened to his leg... -
Home is in Between by Mitali Perkins
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsShanti misses the warm monsoon rains in India. Now in America, she watches fall leaves fly past her feet. Still, her family’s apartment feels like a village: Mama cooking luchi, funny stories in Bangla, and Baba’s big laugh. But outside, everything is different – trick-or-treating, ballet class, and English books.Back and forth, Shanti trudges between her two worlds...Categorized as:
family realistic children friendship children-books fiction poc-mc cultural-identity -
David Gets in Trouble by David Shannon
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhen David gets in trouble, he always says . . . "NO! It's not my fault! I didn't mean to! It was an accident!"Whatever the situation, David's got a good excuse. And no matter what he's done "wrong," it's never really his fault. Soon, though, David realizes that making excuses makes him feel bad, and saying he's sorry makes him feel better... -
My Mouth Is A Volcano by Julia Cook
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTeaching children how to manage their thoughts and words without interrupting.Louis always interrupts! All of his thoughts are very important to him, and when he has something to say, his words rumble and grumble in his tummy, they wiggle and jiggle on his tongue and then they push on his teeth, right before he ERUPTS (or interrupts)... -
Jillian Jiggs by Phoebe Gilman
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJillian Jiggs-- who spends most of her time making up games and playing dress-up-- is much too busy to clean her... -
The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist's perspective. Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades... -
Sophie's Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsOn a trip to the farmers' market with her parents, Sophie chooses a squash, but instead of letting her mom cook it, she names it Bernice. From then on, Sophie brings Bernice everywhere, despite her parents' gentle warnings that Bernice will begin to rot. As winter nears, Sophie does start to notice changes... -
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Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAs everyone knows, nothing is sweeter than tiny baby fingers and chubby baby toes. . . -
One Last Thing Before I Go by Michele Brouder
Rated: 4.70 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe retired librarian from Hideaway Bay, Carol Rimmer, has been handed a terminal diagnosis. As she looks over the course of her life, she decides she must do one more thing before she goes. But she’s going to need help and who better to ask than Thelma Schumacher. Despite their history, she puts aside any dislike she has for the woman and asks for help in her last task... -
In Little Stars by Linda Green
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn a divided northern England, love and hate are about to collide . . .Sylvie and Donna travel on the same train to work each day but have never spoken. Their families are on different sides of the bitter Brexit divide, although the tensions and arguments at home give them much in common... -
Murder at the Chateau Madrigal by Dianne Harman
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBeing hired to cater a wedding in Provence provides an incredible opportunity to see and explore the area.And the who’s who in France will be attending it at the enchanting Chateau Madrigal outside of Marseilles... -
Campfire Mallory by Laurie B. Friedman
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIt's summertime and the Wish Pond Road gang is getting ready to go to Camp Blue Lake. Mallory's not so sure she wants to go. What if she gets homesick or none of the other kids like her? Her best friends, Mary Ann and Joey, convince her how fun it will be to go swimming, boating, and roast marshmallows over a campfire. But when Mallory arrives at camp, nothing goes as planned...Categorized as:
children family friendship realistic children-books fiction middle-grade season-summer -
Jewels in the Juniper by Dale Mayer
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRiches to rags. ... Chaos is still present. ... Memories are fading, ... but not for everyone!The problem with notoriety is unfair expectations. When Mack’s mother, Millicent Moreau, requests Doreen’s help with a small problem she’s kept hidden for decades, Doreen feels obligated to help... -
David Goes to School by David Shannon
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsNo, David!David's teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David's high-energy antics fill each school day with trouble—and are sure to bring a smile to even the best-behaved reader... -
Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsFancy Nancy celebrates a decade—that's fancy for ten years!—in this special anniversary edition of the first Fancy Nancy picture book by the New York Times bestselling team of Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser. This extra-fancy edition features a link to a free downloadable song from Fancy Nancy the Musical and includes a sheet of lyrics to the song in the back of the book... -
Anni Dreams of Biryani by Namita Moolani Mehra
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAnni’s on a mission to YUM!The café across the street from Anni’s home in Little India makes the best biryani in the world. Fluffy and fragrant, spicy and succulent—Anni could eat it every day. In fact, Anni loves that biryani so much that she’s determined to uncover the secret to the recipe. She has so many questions for Uncle, the grumpy chef and owner of the café... -
Sweety by Andrea Zuill
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsAn Indie Next List Top 10 Pick! From the author of WOLF CAMP comes the story of a charming, mushroom-loving, headgear-wearing, totally awkward naked mole rat who is looking for like-minded peeps. Sweety is awkward, even for a naked mole rat. She has protruding front teeth, thick glasses, and some very unusual hobbies, including interpretive dance and fungus identification... -
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Oh, Valentine, We've Lost Our Minds! by Dan Gutman
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA.J. and the gang from My Weird School star in this series of after-school, holiday-themed chapter books featuring all-new hilarious stories and thirty-two pages of games, puzzles, and more.It's the week of Valentine's Day, and A.J.'s class is getting a foreign exchange student! His name is Pierre, and he's from France. But what happens when Pierre challenges A.J... -
What Riley Wore by Elana K. Arnold
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGender-creative Riley knows just what to wear for every occasion during a busy week with family and friends in this sweet and timely picture book from Elana K. Arnold and Linda Davick.Riley wears whatever clothes feel right each day. On Monday, Riley feels shy and wears a bunny costume to school. On Tuesday, a scary trip to the dentist calls for a super hero cape... -
Night Tree by Eve Bunting
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBy moonlight in the quiet forest, a young boy and his family decorate their favorite tree with popcorn, apples, tangerines, and sunflower-seed balls as a gift for the animals of the woods. “Sure to become a Christmas favorite, this beautifully illustrated story of a family’s unusual tradition brings to life the true spirit of Christmas... -
Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratings#1 New York Times Bestselling children's book author Sherri Duskey RinkerA new toddler book and Christmas classic: VROOM and ZOOM into the holidays with this new Christmas classic from the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and Mighty, Mighty, Construction Site!Construction toys and construction joys: The trucks are gearing up for Christmas by... -
Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsJamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell, the New York Times bestselling team behind Today I Feel Silly and I’m Gonna Like Me, bring us a tender and funny picture book for every parent and child. Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born is a special celebration of the love and joy an adopted child creates for a family... -
Si Anak Kuat by Tere Liye
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAmelia, si bungsu, anak yang paling kuat. Buku pertama sekaligus terbit terakhir dari Serial Anak-Anak Mamak."Kau anak paling kuat di keluarga ini, Amelia. Bukan kuat secara fisik, tapi kuat dari dalam. Kau adalah anak yang paling teguh hatinya, paling kokoh pemahaman baiknya. Kau menyayangi sekitar, dan sungguh-sungguh mau membantu orang lain... -
Bird Hugs by Ged Adamson
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBernard isn’t like other birds. His wings are impossibly long, and try as he might, he just can’t seem to fly. He’s left wondering what his wings are good for…if they’re even good for anything at all. But a chance encounter with a dejected orangutan leads Bernard to a surprising discovery: that maybe what makes him different is actually something to be embraced... -
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are by Maria Dismondy
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLucy is teased by a boy at school because she is different. She has the courage to be true to herself and to make the right choice when that same boy needs her help... -
Pieces of You by Tablo
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsEpik High leader Tablo's short stories weave together the secrets and anxieties of youth, whispering words of solace to a lost generation... -
Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAt last—here from the team behind the beloved international bestseller comes a companion to Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site... -
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School's First Day of School by Adam Rex
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIt's the first day of school at Frederick Douglass Elementary and everyone's just a little bit nervous, especially . . . the school... -
Burlian by Tere Liye
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsBurlian, anak kampung dengan segala keriangan keluarganya. Bercita-cita ingin naik kapal besar keliling dunia. Buku 2, dari Serial Anak2 Mamak. Buku 3, PUKAT terbit Februari 2010, Buku 4, Eliana direncanakan terbit Oktober 2010, Buku 1, Amelia direncanakan terbit Februari 2011... -
Cousins by Aurora Venturini
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsCousins, widely regarded as Venturini’s masterpiece, is the story of four women from an impoverished, dysfunctional family in La Plata, Argentina, who are forced to suffer through a series of ordeals, including illegal abortions, miscarriages, sexual abuse, disfigurement, and murder, narrated by a daughter whose success as a painter offers her a chance to achieve economic independence and help... -
Christmas by Peter Spier
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIllustrations without text follow the activities of three young children and their parents as they prepare for, and finally celebrate, Christmas... -
Outbound Train by Renea Winchester
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn 1976, memories from a night near the railroad tracks sixteen years earlier haunt Barbara Parker. She wrestles with past demons every night, then wakes to the train’s five-thirty whistle. Exhausted and dreading the day, she keeps her hands busy working in Bryson City’s textile plant, known as the “blue jean plant,” all the while worrying about her teenage daughter, Carole Anne... -
Skin Like Mine by LaTashia M. Perry
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom the Creators of Hair Like Mine, Skin Like Mine, the second book in the Kids Like Mine Series, is a fun, easy-to- read for beginners as well as advanced readers. An entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children. Guaranteed to make you smile and a bit hungry...
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