Books like 'Safe Harbor'
Readers who enjoyed Safe Harbor by Padma Venkatraman also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary family animals realistic friendship outdoors bullying poc-mc pollution-climate-change nautical
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Big by Vashti Harrison
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis deeply moving story shares valuable lessons about fitting in, standing out, and the beauty of joyful acceptance.The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal...Categorized as:
realistic children bullying poc-mc children-books fiction mental-illness contemporary -
![The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael Laopez]()
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael Laopez
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsNational Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpre Illustrator Award winner Rafael Lopez have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone. There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.There are many reasons to feel different... -
![The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig]()
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:
bullying children friendship poc-mc realistic children-books contemporary disability -
![Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival]()
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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![Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow]()
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... -
![The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue by Karina Yan Glaser]()
The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue by Karina Yan Glaser
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA New York Times best-selling series! Harlem's favorite family returns in the third installment in the Vanderbeerkers series, wherein the Vanderbeeker kids find themselves racing to save their mother's baking business from city closure. Illustrated with delightful black and white illustrations. For the Vanderbeeker kids of Harlem's 141st Street, spring break couldn't be off to a better start... -
![Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, E.B. Lewis]()
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, E.B. Lewis
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsEach kindness makes the world a little betterChloe doesn't really know why she turns away from the new girl, Maya, when Maya tries to befriend her. And every time Maya asks if she can play with Chloe and the other girls, the answer is always no. So Maya ends up playing alone. And then one day she's gone... -
![Blood Is Thicker by Paul Langan, D.M. Blackwell]()
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... -
![We Are All Connected: Caring for Each Other & the Eearth by Gabi Garcia]()
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]()
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... -
![The Fallen by Paul Langan]()
The Fallen by Paul Langan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMartin Luna's world is crumbling. A fight threatens to end his sophomore year at Bluford High School. But at home, things are even worse. Frankie, the most feared homeboy from his neighborhood, is hunting him. Alone and with time running out, Martin makes a desperate choice... -
![October, October by Katya Balen]()
October, October by Katya Balen
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA classic in the making for anyone who ever longed to be WILD.October and her dad live in the woods. They sleep in the house Dad built for them and eat the food they grow in the vegetable patches. They know the trees and the rocks and the lake and stars like best friends. They read the books they buy in town again and again until the pages are soft and yellow - until next year's town visit... -
![Mackinac Sunsets by Katie Winters]()
Mackinac Sunsets by Katie Winters
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsElise’s life as she knows it is over. Her husband of twenty years had an affair; her children have left the nest; and she hasn’t managed to sell a screenplay in almost ten years. Now, one of the people she loved most in the world—her mother—is dead.“Heartbroken” doesn’t even cover it. She’s never been more lost in her life.Elise and her mother had always lived in Los Angeles... -
![Just a Bully by Gina Mayer]()
Just a Bully by Gina Mayer
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsWhen a big bully starts to pick on Little Sister, Little Critter decides he better stick up for her. The bully then focuses his attention on Little Critter, but with a little help from Little Sister, Little Critter finally learns to stand up to the bully... -
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![Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd]()
Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis joyous and loving celebration of family is the first-ever picture book to highlight Black nighttime hair traditions--and is perfect for every little girl who knows what it's like to lose her bonnet just before bedtime. In my family, when the sun goes down, our hair goes up!My brother slips a durag over his locs.Sis swirls her hair in a wrap around her head... -
![Because by Mo Willems]()
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... -
![Remember by Joy Harjo]()
Remember by Joy Harjo
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMichaela Goade, invites young readers to pause and reflect on the wonder of the world around them, and to remember the importance of their place in it.Remember the sky you were born under, Know each of the star's stories. Remember the moon, know who she is. Remember the sun's birth at dawn, That is the strongest point of time... -
![Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld]()
Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsIn this stunning story from New York Times bestselling creator Cori Doerrfeld, a child and their grandfather take a walk in the woods and discover more about themselves.Finn is in a horrible mood and doesn't want to talk about it. After some persuading, though, they agree to go for a hike with Grandpa... -
![Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin]()
Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThis is the diary . . . of a worm. Surprisingly, a worm not that different from you or me: He lives with his parents, plays with his friends, and even goes to school. But unlike you or me, he never has to take a bath, he gets to eat his homework, and because he doesn't have legs, he just can't do the hokey pokey -- no matter how hard he tries. Oh, and his head looks a lot like his rear end... -
![Surprises According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney]()
Surprises According to Humphrey by Betty G. Birney
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBeing a classroom hamster means having to be ready for anything?but suddenly there are a lot of big surprises in Humphrey's world. Some are exciting, like seeing the playground during a fire drill and getting to roll around in a hamster ball... -
![David Goes to School by David Shannon]()
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... -
![Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes]()
Julius, the Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsThe riotously funny Lilly, last seen in Chester's Way (Greenwillow), thinks her new baby brother, Julius, is disgusting -- if he was a number, he would be zero. But when Cousin Garland dares to criticize Julius, Lilly bullies her into loudly admiring Julius as the baby of the world."Julius is the baby of the world," said his parents. But Lilly, his older sister, disagreed... -
![Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper]()
Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA snowy day, a trip to Grandma's, time spent cooking with one another, and space to pause and discover the world around you come together in this perfect book for reading and sharing on a cozy winter day.One winter morning, Lina wakes up to silence. It's the sound of snow -- the kind that looks soft and glows bright in the winter sun... -
![Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell]()
Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAdrian Simcox tells anyone who will listen that he has a horse--the best and most beautiful horse anywhere.But Chloe does NOT believe him. Adrian Simcox lives in a tiny house. Where would he keep a horse? He has holes in his shoes. How would he pay for a horse?The more Adrian talks about his horse, the angrier Chloe gets... -
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![Si Anak Kuat by Tere Liye]()
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... -
![Arthur Babysits by Marc Brown]()
Arthur Babysits by Marc Brown
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsD.W. volunteers Arthur to babysit the terrible Tibble twins, notorious for their mischief. The situation gets out of control, but Arthur comes up with a great idea to get the twins to behave. Text copyright 2004 Lectorum Publications, Inc... -
![Pieces of You by Tablo]()
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... -
![I Promise by LeBron James]()
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... -
![Taking the Cake! by Lisa Papademetriou]()
Taking the Cake! by Lisa Papademetriou
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsHayley's in another sticky situation . . .Hayley and her little sister, Chloe, have just moved into their grandmother's house with their mom, who recently divorced their dad and now runs the family's tea shop. With her knack for baking, Hayley helps out too, but her newfound talent seems to have cost her her best friend, Artie...Categorized as:
realistic family children friendship middle-grade contemporary children-books young-adult -
![Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O'Neill]()
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... -
![Burlian by Tere Liye]()
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... -
![My Lame Life: Queen of the Misfits by Jen Mann]()
My Lame Life: Queen of the Misfits by Jen Mann
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Jen Mann has written a hilarious and heartwarming story for fans of Meg Cabot and Rainbow Rowell. My name is Plum Parrish, I'm fourteen, and I'm pretty sure I'm invisible. Not like super power invisible, more like loser invisible. There's a big difference... -
![It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! by Nicole Chen]()
It's Boba Time for Pearl Li! by Nicole Chen
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPerfect for fans of Kelly Yang and Jessica Kim, this joyful, moving middle grade contemporary follows a big-hearted Taiwanese American girl as she aims to gain her family’s acceptance and save her favorite boba tea shop by selling her handcrafted amigurumi dolls... -
![All of Me by Chris Baron]()
All of Me by Chris Baron
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratings"Beautifully written, brilliant, and neccesary." --Matt de la Pena, Newbery MedalistAri has body-image issues. After a move across the country, his parents work selling and promoting his mother's paintings and sculptures. Ari's bohemian mother needs space to create, and his father is gone for long stretches of time on "sales" trips...Categorized as:
bullying family friendship outdoors realistic children-books coming-of-age contemporary -
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![Shrink to Fit by Dona Sarkar]()
Shrink to Fit by Dona Sarkar
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLosing weight is the solution to all basketball-star Leah Mandeville's problems, or so she thinks. Getting superthin a) help her jump shotb) make her look like America's Next Top Modelc) get the attention of the high school hottie who ignores any girl with a little junk in the trunkAnd it's working, isn't it? Her boo is now crushing on her. Everyone says how good she looks... -
![My Maddy by Gayle E. Pitman]()
My Maddy by Gayle E. Pitman
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA child celebrates her Maddy, who is neither mommy nor daddy but a little bit of both, like so many things in nature. Includes note to parents... -
![さみしかった本 by Kate Bernheimer, ケイト バーンハイマー]()
さみしかった本 by Kate Bernheimer, ケイト バーンハイマー
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen a wonderful new book arrives at the library, at first it is loved by all, checked out constantly, and rarely spends a night on the library shelf. But over time it grows old and worn, and the children lose interest in its story. The book is sent to the library's basement where the other faded books live... -
![My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano]()
My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA story of first friendship.she is my best friend i think i never had a best friend so i’m not sure but i think she is a really good best friend because when we were drawing she drew me and i drew her... -
![Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields]()
Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA young biracial girl looks around her world for her color. She finally chooses her own, and creates a new word for herself—honeysmoke.For multiracial children, and all children everywhere, this picture book offers a universal message that empowers young people to create their own self-identity...Categorized as:
realistic family children poc-mc children-books fiction social-commentary contemporary -
![The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story by Aya Khalil]()
The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story by Aya Khalil
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThat night, Kanzi wraps herself in the beautiful Arabic quilt her teita (grandma) in Cairo gave her and writes a poem in Arabic about the quilt. Next day her teacher sees the poem and gets the entire class excited about creating a “quilt” (a paper collage) of student names in Arabic. In the end, Kanzi’s most treasured reminder of her old home provides a pathway for acceptance in her new one... -
![Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes]()
Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe third book starring Penny, a brand-new mouse character, in a brand-new series from Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes.From Kevin Henkes, the creator of Lilly, Owen, and Chrysanthemum, comes a brand-new mouse for brand-new readers... -
![Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson]()
Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCelebrate fall with the sweet and charming Fletcher the fox!As the leaves fall from his favorite tree, Fletcher worries that something is terribly wrong. But then winter comes, and with it a wonderful surprise. Do you know what it is? Join Fletcher and find out. . . .Fletcher the fox is concerned about nature and wants to understand the changing of the seasons... -
![Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London]()
Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFroggy's mother knows that everyone's nervous on the first day of school. "Not me!" says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop -- flop flop flop. Froggy's exuberant antics, complete with sound effects, will delight his many fans and reassure them that school can be fun."This is a great read-aloud with sounds and words that encourage active participation... -
![The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill]()
The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsOh, would that all bullying problems could be solved so easily! Mean Jean is the reigning Recess Queen, pushing and smooshing, hammering and slammering the other kids whenever they cross her. And then one day a puny new girl shows up on the playground and catches Mean Jean completely off-guard... -
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![Clementine, Friend of the Week by Sara Pennypacker]()
Clementine, Friend of the Week by Sara Pennypacker
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThis New York Times bestselling chapter book series has been keeping readers engaged and laughing for more than a decade with over one million copies sold! Clementine has been picked for Friend of the Week, which means she gets to be line leader, collect the milk money, and feed the fish... -
![Wonder. El juego de Christopher by R.J. Palacio]()
Wonder. El juego de Christopher by R.J. Palacio
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsAll our books are brand new... -
![A Time to Dance by Michelle Stimpson]()
A Time to Dance by Michelle Stimpson
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMama B thought her life would return to normal, but when her nephew, Derrick, comes knocking on her door, she has to reconsider. Though she's not known for housing marital fugitives, she realizes Derrick is looking for more than a place to stay; he needs help finding his way back to God... -
![Bat and the End of Everything by Elana K. Arnold]()
Bat and the End of Everything by Elana K. Arnold
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBixby Alexander Tam (nicknamed Bat) has been the caretaker for Thor, the best skunk kit in the world... but the last day of third grade is quickly approaching, and Thor is almost ready to be released into the wild.The end of school also means that Bat has to say good-bye to his favorite teacher, and he worries about the summer care of Babycakes, their adorable class pet... -
![Katie and the Cupcake War by Coco Simon]()
Katie and the Cupcake War by Coco Simon
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSydney Whitman, leader of Popular Girls Club has moved away! Does that mean Callie will try to be friends with Katie again? Just when Katie thinks things might get back to normal, Callir announces that the Popular Girls Club is baking cupcakes for this year's school fund-raiser...Categorized as:
realistic children family friendship middle-grade children-books fiction contemporary -
![Little Beaver and the Echo by Amy MacDonald]()
Little Beaver and the Echo by Amy MacDonald
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLittle Beaver s search for a friend he thinks he hears across a pond is perfect for every child who's ever felt lonely."Children old enough to long for friends of their own will nestle right into this appealing story....Ideal for reading aloud at the beginning of the school year of during camp sessions, when there's a little bit of Little Beaver in every kid...
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