Books like 'A Friend for Henry'
Readers who enjoyed A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
realistic children friendship poc-mc
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Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA picture book about the power of kindness.When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate contemplates how to make her feel better and what it means to be kind... -
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... -
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA simple act of kindness can transform an invisible boy into a friend…Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party... until, that is, a new kid comes to class.When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome...Categorized as:
children friendship poc-mc realistic bullying children-books contemporary disability -
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA sensitive and reassuring story about what to do when a worry won't leave you alone. Meet Ruby—a happy, curious, imaginative girl. But one day, she finds something unexpected: a Worry. It's not such a big Worry, at first. But every day, it grows a little bigger... And a little bigger... Until eventually, the Worry is ENORMOUS and is all she can think about... -
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All Because You Matter by Tami Charles
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to black and brown children reminding them how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will, from powerhouse rising star author Tami Charles and esteemed, award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier... -
Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrustrated by a day full of teachers and classmates mispronouncing her beautiful name, a little girl tells her mother she never wants to come back to school. In response, the girl's mother teaches her about the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names on their lyrical walk home through the city... -
Brothers in Arms by Paul Langan
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMartin Luna, a new student at Bluford High, is at the center of this story. Haunted by the tragic death of his little brother, Martin seeks one thing: revenge. But his mother wants more for her only remaining child... -
One by Kathryn Otoshi
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsUsing only colors and numbers, author Kathryn Otoshi puts a subtle voice to a lesson about courage against bullying. Red likes to pick on Blue. But other colors don't know what to do until One stands up. "Red can be really HOT,' but "Blue can be super COOL" Excellent book about accepting yourself... -
Blood Is Thicker by Paul Langan, D.M. Blackwell
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsHakeem Randall can't take it anymore. First he learns that his father is sick and that his parents can no longer afford their home. Then he finds out he has to leave his friends at Bluford High and move in with his uncle in faraway Detroit--where he has to share a bedroom with his moody, secretive cousin Savon... -
Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, Lynne Thigpen
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA little girl longs to see beyond the scary sights on the sidewalk and the angry scribbling in the halls of her building. When her teacher writes the word beautiful on the blackboard, the girl decides to look for something beautiful in her neighborhood. Her neighbors tell her about their own beautiful things. Miss Delphine serves her a “beautiful” fried fish sandwich at her diner. At Mr... -
We Are All Connected: Caring for Each Other & the Eearth by Gabi Garcia
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTeach your child the power of empathy, kindness, and respect. We Are All Connected is a lyrical picture book that reminds kids to celebrate differences, stand up for each other, and work together to make the world a better place.Let’s speak up for others—include and embrace.We all make mistakes. We can give others grace.We have more in common than we may believe.We are all connected... -
I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA modern classic, this whimsical story has been celebrating the beauty of African-American hair for 20 years!In this imaginative, evocative story, a girl named Keyana discovers the beauty and magic of her special hair, encouraging black children to be proud of their heritage and enhancing self-confidence... -
DogZombies Rule (for now) by Liz Pichon, Russell Tovey
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHere's my EXCELLENT PLAN to make DogZombies the BEST band in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD! How hard can it be? (Very.)Right now I'm going to:1. Write more songs (not about teachers).2. Make a SPECTACULAR music video (easy).3. Get some sleep (tricky when you're being kept awake by LOUD NOISES).4. Annoy Delia (nothing to do with DogZombies but always FUN)... -
The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA beautiful lyrical story that introduces the concept of individuality, accepting of others differences, and respect for those around us.This is a tale about conformism and individualism, as Mr. Plumbean's expression of creativity and individuality challenges his neighbor's ideas about the importance of having a “neat street.” By repainting his house to reflect his colorful dreams, Mr... -
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My New Friend Is So Fun! by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsGerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to. Gerald and Piggie are best friends. In My New Friend Is So Fun! Piggie is having so much fun with her new friend... -
Calling Doctor Amelia Bedelia by Herman Parish, Lynn Sweat
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsLearn to read with the classic Amelia Bedelia!Ever since Amelia Bedelia made her debut in 1963, young readers have been laughing out loud at the antics of this literal-minded but charming housekeeper.The doctor is out! But Amelia Bedelia is ready to help a crowd of grouchy patients... -
Listen to My Trumpet! by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsGerald is careful. Piggie is not.Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.Gerald and Piggie are best friends... -
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... -
The Terrible Two's Last Laugh by Mac Barnett, Jory John
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe Terrible Two plan their biggest prank yet in the hilarious conclusion to the New York Times bestselling series by Mac Barnett and Jory John!It’s Miles and Niles’s final year at Yawnee Valley Science and Letters Academy, and the Terrible Two have one an epic prank. Something that will leave a lasting legacy at their school. Which should be easy-peasy for these experts... -
I Walk with Vanessa: A Story about a Simple Act of Kindness by Kerascoët
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThis picture book tells the story of an elementary school girl named Vanessa who is bullied and a fellow student who witnesses the act and is at first unsure of how to help... -
Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe reds, the yellows, and the blues all think they're the best in this vibrant, thought-provoking picture book with a message of acceptance and unity. In the beginning, there were three colors . . .Reds,Yellows,and Blues.All special in their own ways, all living in harmony--until one day, a Red says "Reds are the best!" and starts a color kerfuffle... -
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... -
Because by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMo Willems, a number one New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, composes a powerful symphony of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl's journey to center stage. Illustrator Amber Ren brings Willems' music to life, conducting a stunning picture-book debut... -
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen the local Pet Club won’t admit a boy’s tiny pet elephant, he finds a solution—one that involves all kinds of unusual animals in this sweet and adorable picture book.Today is Pet Club day. There will be cats and dogs and fish, but strictly no elephants are allowed. The Pet Club doesn’t understand that pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like friends... -
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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’... -
What a Wonderful World by Bob Thiele, George David Weiss
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFirst recorded in 1967 by Louis Armstrong, and with sales of over one million copies, "What a Wonderful World" has become a poignant message of hope for people everywhere. Sweet and positive in its message, with bright, beautiful art, this book is sure to be a hit... -
A Letter to My Teacher: A Teacher Appreciation Gift by Deborah Hopkinson
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDear Teacher, Whenever I had something to tell you, I tugged on your shirt and whispered in your ear. This time I'm writing a letter. So begins this picture book about a girl who prefers running and jumping to listening and learning and the teacher who gently inspires her...Categorized as:
realistic children friendship children-books fiction action-adventure epistolary animals -
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:
realistic poc-mc children friendship family children-books fiction cultural-identity -
Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrom debut author Antwan Eady and artist Gracey Zhang comes a glowing tale about the young dreaming big. A perfect story to demonstrate how pride in where we come from can bring a shining confidence.When Nigel looks up at the moon, his future is bright. He imagines himself as…an astronaut, a dancer, a superhero, too!Among the stars, he twirls. With pride, his chest swells. And his eyes, they glow... -
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... -
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... -
My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother by Patricia Polacco
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThere's nothing worse than a rotten redheaded older brother who can do everything you can do better! Patricia's brother Richard could run the fastest, climb the highest, and spit the farthest and still smile his extra-rotten, greeny-toothed, weasel-eyed grin... -
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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. . . -
The Sandwich Swap by Rania Al-Abdullah, Kelly DiPucchio
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLily and Salma are best friends. They like doing all the same things, and they always eat lunch together. Lily eats peanut butter and Salma eats hummus--but what's that between friends? It turns out, a lot. Before they know it, a food fight breaks out... -
Can You Get An F In Lunch? by Nancy E. Krulik
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsBest-selling author Nancy Krulik delves into the mind of a twelve-year-old girl just trying to survive middle school.After spending the night studying the Joyce Kilmer Middle School Handbook, Jenny McAfee feels totally prepared to start sixth grade. But Jenny has another reason to feel confident. She'll have her best friend, Addie Wilson, right there by her side...Categorized as:
children friendship realistic children-books contemporary fiction middle-grade womens-fiction -
Little Blue Truck Leads the Way by Alice Schertle
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsZooom! Wooeeee . . . ! "Make Way!" The big city sure is a speedy, noisy place for a country truck like Blue. Everywhere Blue looks, he sees buses, police cars, taxis, vans, a street sweeper, and even the mayor’s limousine. With everyone pushing to be first, soon there’s a giant traffic jam! But even a wrangle-tangle is no match for Little Blue Truck, who comes to the rescue in true Blue style... -
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 friendship realistic children-books family fiction middle-grade season-summer -
In Every Life by Marla Frazee
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA simple and profound meditation on the many wonders of life from two-time Caldecott Honor recipient Marla Frazee.In every life, there is love and loss, hope and joy, wonder and mystery. With glowing art and spare, powerful text, Caldecott Honor–winning creator Marla Frazee celebrates the moments, feelings, and experiences, both big and small, that make up a life... -
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... -
Madame President by Nancy E. Krulik
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBest-selling author Nancy Krulik delves into the mind of a twelve-year-old girl trying to survive middle school.Jenny McAfee never thought of herself as a leader, but then again, Jenny had also never thought that her best friend, Addie Wilson, would ditch her for the Pops-- the most popular kids in school...Categorized as:
children friendship realistic children-books contemporary fiction middle-grade womens-fiction -
Ruby the Copycat by Peggy Rathmann
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIt's the first day of school, and Ruby is new. When her classmate Angela wears a red bow in her hair, Ruby comes back from lunch wearing a red bow, too. When Angela wears a flowered dress, suddenly Ruby's wearing one, too... -
I Promise by LeBron James
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNBA champion and superstar LeBron James pens a slam-dunk picture book inspired by his foundation’s I PROMISE program that motivates children everywhere to always #StriveForGreatness.Just a kid from Akron, Ohio, who is dedicated to uplifting youth everywhere, LeBron James knows the key to a better future is to excel in school, do your best, and keep your family close... -
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Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMolly and her mom don't always have enough food, so one Saturday they visit their local food pantry. Molly's happy to get food to eat until she sees her classmate Caitlin, who's embarrassed to be at the food pantry... -
Mr. Klutz Is Nuts! by Dan Gutman
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNever before has school been this mixed up--or this much funPrincipal Klutz was hanging upside down from the school flagpole He kissed a pig on the lips and painted his bald head orange And now he wants to bungee jump off the roof of the school dressed as Santa... -
Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom New York Times bestselling author Sherman Alexie and Caldecott Honor winning Yuyi Morales comes a striking and beautifully illustrated picture book celebrating the special relationship between father and son. Thunder Boy Jr. wants a normal name...one that's all his own. Dad is known as big Thunder, but little thunder doesn't want to share a name... -
We're going to be friends by Jack White
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"Possibly the greatest-ever song about childhood BFFs.” — Entertainment Weekly"We're Going to be Friends" is one of The White Stripes most enduring and loved songs. With the help of illustrator Elinor Blake, the perennial favorite feels right at home on the page as a children's book. Join Suzy Lee as she goes to school with her books and pens, looks for bugs, shows and tells, and finds a friend... -
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... -
Little Black, a Pony: Liishzhiin Yazhi [With CD] by Walter Farley
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFor many years, The Black Stallion books by Walter Farley have been among the most popular books with young readers on the Navajo Nation. With this in mind, Salina Bookshelf, working in conjunction with the Black Stallion Literacy Project, offers a new edition of the 1961 children's classic Little Black, A Pony. Translated into Navajo and completely re-illustrated by Baje Whitethorne, Sr...
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