Skip to main content

2020- Most Popular International School Books


Searching for the most popular school library books of the year is obviously not as simple as a list of my favourite books from the year. A lot also depends on the kind of narrative the world has to offer. Shifting through the stellar titles and of course, reading, reading, and more reading. But challenge doesn’t even begin to describe the COVID year 2020. And still, we forged on because, more than anything else, books have the ability to heal, empower, and galva- nize. Art can give us a language to interpret the chaos of this world.   We school librarians are writers, editors, book lovers. We wouldn’t read through hundreds of contenders if we didn’t believe this was true.

Most of all, we believe that the most important thing we can give the young people who will read the below titles is the message that there is still hope in these times of uncertainty.  The following selections offer a way to share the message that rings through Tami Charles’s revelatory book: “You, dear child, matter.”

Most Popular Picture Book



ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER by Tami Charles is a poetic tribute to children, specifically those who are marginalized, designed to empower them and affirm that their lives have always mattered. The story follows the early childhood of the main character, a brown-skinned boy. As his parents await his arrival, the concept of "matter" is discussed. The story takes readers on a journey through time and space, from examining our role as people in relation to the larger universe to how our lives are connected to the dreams of our ancestors, and how certain events in life can cause us to question our purpose and self-worth. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this book opens the door to discussing cultural pride and racial injustice with children. 





Book Tags: Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Fiction, Read Aloud, Poem
Topic: People & Places, African Americans
Genre: Fiction
Originally Published: 12 January 2020

Similar Books: 
  1. I am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, Gordon C James
  2. Like Vanessa by Tami Charles
  3. Becoming Beatriz by Tami Charles
*****

Most Popular Chapter Book

ONCE UPON AN EID is a collection of short stories that showcases the most brilliant Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyful holiday of the year: Eid! Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it’s waking up to the sound of frying samosas or the comfort of bean pie, maybe it’s the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it’s the gift giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy. The anthology will also include a poem, graphic-novel chapter, and spot illustrations.




Book Tags: Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Fiction
Topic: Islamic Religion
Genre: Picture Book
Originally Published: 27 April 2020

*****

Most Popular Juvenile Fiction Book

MAYA AND THE RISING DARK by Rena Barron. In this highly anticipated contemporary fantasy, twelve-year-old Maya’s search for her missing father puts her at the center of a battle between our world, the Orishas, and the mysterious and sinister Dark world. Perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the End of Time and The Serpent’s Secret.




The story jumps quickly into action as Maya learns that the forces of the Dark are about to invade the human world and she is the only one with the power to prevent them. Barron’s writing style is quirky and delightful, it pulls you in and keeps you captivated until the very last page. I especially loved that Barron didn’t shy away from exploring and discussing some quite dark themes, despite it being a middle grade book. As the story progresses, Maya comes to see how even heroes can mess up and misuse their powers, how sometimes seemingly heroic deeds come at someone’s expense and have lasting consequences, and how our heroes can also be someone else’s monsters at the same time.

Book Tags: Grade 6, Grade 7, Fiction
Topic: Women Warrior, Myths & Magic
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Originally Published: 22 September 2020

*****

THE RISE AND FALL OF CHARLES LINDBERGH
Written by Candace Fleming  

First human to cross the Atlantic via airplane; one of the first American media sensations; Nazi sympathizer and anti-Semite; loner whose baby was kidnapped and murdered; champion of Eugenics, the science of improving a human population by controlled breeding; tireless environmentalist. Charles Lindbergh was all of the above and more. Here is a rich, multi-faceted, utterly spellbinding biography about an American hero who was also a deeply flawed man. In this time where values Lindbergh held, like white Nationalism and America First, are once again on the rise, The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh is essential reading for teens and history fanatics alike.


Awards and Honors: Booklist Top Ten Biographies

Book Tags: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12, Non-Fiction
Topic: Success & Failures
Genre: Biography
Originally Published: 11 February, 2020

*****

BE GAY, DO COMICS - The dream of a queer separatist town. The life of a gay Jewish Nazi-fighter. A gender reveal party that tears apart reality. These are the just some of the comics you’ll find in this massive queer comics anthology from The Nib. Be Gay, Do Comics is filled with dozens of comics about LGBTQIA experiences, ranging from personal stories to queer history to cutting satire about pronoun panic and brands desperate to co-opt pride. Brimming with resilience, inspiration, and humor, an incredible lineup of top indie cartoonists takes you from the American Revolution through Stonewall to today’s fights for equality and representation. Featuring more than 30 cartoonists including Hazel Newlevant, Joey Alison Sayers, Maia Kobabe, Matt Lubchansky, Breena Nuñez, Sasha Velour, Shing Yin Khor, Levi Hastings, Mady G, Bianca Xunise, Kazimir Lee, and many, many more!
Source: Publisher



Book Tags: Grade 11, Grade 12, Non-Fiction Comics
Topic: Gender Identity, LGBT
Genre: Graphic Novel
Originally Published: 22 September 2020


Please contact for a list of 100 other must have library books from the year 2020.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Jyoti's Popular Posts

Top five movies for kids

Movies can play a surprisingly supportive role in helping kids develop reading habits. Here’s how: Storytelling and Narrative Structure : Movies often introduce kids to complex narratives and storytelling techniques. By watching movies with rich plots and character development, children can better understand story structures, which can translate to better comprehension when they read books. Exposure to New Vocabulary : Films introduce children to new words and phrases in context. This exposure can enhance their vocabulary and make them more curious about the meanings of words, which encourages them to seek out and read more to expand their understanding. Interest in Adaptations : Films based on books (like Harry Potter or The Chronicles of Narnia ) can spark an interest in reading the original source material. Kids might be motivated to read the book to discover more details or to compare it with the movie. Visual Literacy : Movies help children understand the importance of visual ele...
Post a Comment
Read more

Aligning Bedtime Reading with the IB EYP Framework - Jyoti's Recommendation

Bedtime book reading can be highly beneficial for nursery children, and aligning it with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Early Years Programme (EYP) can enhance its impact. Here’s how bedtime reading helps and how you can align it with the IB EYP framework: Benefits of Bedtime Book Reading for Nursery Children Language Development : Reading aloud helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension, and enhance language skills. Children are exposed to new words and sentence structures in context. Cognitive Development : Books stimulate imagination and critical thinking. They introduce children to different scenarios, cultures, and concepts, fostering cognitive growth. Emotional Bonding : Bedtime reading creates a special time for parents and children, strengthening their emotional connection and providing a sense of security. Listening Skills : Regular reading helps children develop better listening skills, as they focus on understanding and processing the story. Routine and Relaxation ...
Post a Comment
Read more

CBSE Grade X Biology Revision by Ms Shiva - Topic: Blood, Blood Vessels & Lymph

Quick revision of CBSE Grade X Biology exam by Ms. Shiva In case of any doubts students can contact the featured teacher directly through the 'Contact' link below the content/video. Click to know about featured teachers
Post a Comment
Read more

Selecting books for bed time stories for children in IB Early Year Programme

Choosing bedtime stories for IB Early Years Programme (EYP) children involves selecting books that support their inquiry-based learning, align with the IB’s transdisciplinary themes, and foster the development of the IB Learner Profile attributes. Here are some excellent bedtime books that fit these criteria and can be particularly engaging for young children: Jyoti's Library Books That Foster Curiosity and Inquiry "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle A classic that explores themes of transformation and growth. It encourages curiosity about nature and life cycles. "The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt This book provides a fun way to explore emotions and perspectives, aligning with themes of self-expression and understanding others. "Ada Twist, Scientist" by Andrea Beaty Encourages scientific inquiry and curiosity as Ada Twist investigates the world around her. It aligns well with the IB emphasis on exploration and questioning. Books That Al...
Post a Comment
Read more

Role of research librarian in IBDP Program

In an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) school, a research librarian plays a pivotal role in supporting students and faculty in achieving academic excellence. Here’s how a research librarian contributes to an IBDP school: 1. Supporting Academic Research Resource Provision : Curate and manage a diverse collection of resources, including books, academic journals, databases, and digital media that support IBDP curriculum needs and individual research projects. Research Guidance : Assist students in developing research skills, including how to formulate research questions, conduct literature reviews, and use academic databases effectively. Citation and Referencing : Provide instruction on proper citation and referencing practices in various styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) to ensure academic integrity. 2. Enhancing Information Literacy Instructional Workshops : Conduct workshops and classes on information literacy, helping students develop skills to evaluate sources, dis...
Post a Comment
Read more