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A Guide to Storytime is Reading by 9’s annual bilingual reading guide for parents and educators. It supports young kids as they develop their reading and literacy skills, which are crucial for future academic success.
Leer en Español | Download the 2022 guide | Last year’s guide
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By Kids, For Kids
In this year’s reading guide, Reading by 9 is spotlighting child authors to inspire the next generation of young storytellers. Below are three featured stories, but look out for more throughout our guide (indicated by an asterisk).
By Jazz Jennings
From age 2, Jazz Jennings knew she was a girl. Since then, she has become a spokesperson for trans children everywhere.
At age 13, Jazz published a children’s book about her trans experience.
Penguin Random House
Buy here
By Mattie J. T. Stepanek
Mattie J. T. Stepanek wrote poetry from age 3 until his death at 13. Some of his poems reflect his reality of living with a rare form of muscular dystrophy and the grief of the loss of his three siblings to the same condition. But most of his poetry reflects his hope, wisdom, and light-hearted spirit of childhood.
VSP Books
Buy here
By Marley Dias
In 2015, Marley Dias founded the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign to collect and donate books with Black girl protagonists.
She published this book at age 14 to share her passion for making our world a better place. Throughout the book, Dias offers advice to children on how to become lifelong readers and achieve their dreams.
Scholastic Inc.
Buy here
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Book Recommendations
Babies to Kindergarten
By Juana Martinez-Neal
Alma learns about the family members she was named after. Inspired by their stories, she hopes to someday have her own legacy.
Candlewick Press
Buy here
By Ibram X. Kendi
This picture book teaches young readers the power of antiracism and offers nine steps to build a more equitable world.
Penguin Random House
Buy here
By Benjamin Giroux
At age 10, Benjamin writes that it’s a good thing to be odd and different. His poetry is about self-expression and what it’s like to live with autism.
Schiffer Publishing
Buy here
By Alexandra Alessandri
On Isabel’s first day of school, she learns a new way to communicate with friends. This vibrant picture book validates the experience of English language learners and teaches empathy to young readers.
Sleeping Bear Press
Buy here
By Tania de Regil
In this picture book, which explores creative gender expression, Riley wears clothes that feel right for the occasion, whether it’s a superhero cape to brave a visit to the dentist or a ball gown for an outing with family.
Candlewick Press
Buy here
By Alice Paul Tapper & Marta Kisser
When an 11-year-old realizes the boys in her class speak up more than the girls, she creates a Girl Scout patch to encourage young girls’ confidence.
Penguin Random House
Buy here
1st to 2nd grade
By Saraí González and Monica Brown
When a young girl’s grandparents are forced to move, she hatches a plan to buy their house back.
Scholastic Inc.
Buy here
By Karina Nicole González
A young girl feels at home when the coquí frogs sing to her from her family’s mango tree, but her home is forever changed when a hurricane strikes. This story about community is full of hope, inspired by the rebuilding of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017.
MacMillan
Buy here
By Enioluwanimi Solaru
When Lena Carls moves, she becomes the new girl in a new city. She manages to make friends, but can she get them to like each other?
CaryPress Books
Buy here
By Meg Medina
When Mia’s abuela comes to live with her, they transcend a language barrier through love and patience.
Candlewick Press
Buy here
By Brynne Barnes and Tatyana Fazlalizadeh
This poetic anthem for Black girls celebrates their power and selfhood.
Chronicle Books
Buy here
By Ciara and Russell Wilson
Whether it’s becoming a musician, a scientist or the president, why not you? This story encourages young readers to achieve their dreams, no matter how big they might seem.
Penguin Random House
Buy here
3rd to 4th Grade
By Juan Felipe Herrera
A poem by Juan Felipe Herrera encourages readers to imagine what they might be when they grow up.
Candlewick Press
Buy here
By Dean Robbins
In 1940s New York City, the newly desegregated Palladium Ballroom blends genres of mambo and Latin jazz.
Candlewick Press
Buy here
By Elizabeth Verdick and Elizabeth Reeve, M.D.
This book includes stories from real children and offers strategies for communicating, making friends and succeeding in school.
Free Spirit Publishing
Buy here
By Gordon Korman
In a boy’s boarding school, Bruno and Boots are always in trouble. After being separated by the headmaster, they do everything they can to get their room back.
Scholastic Inc.
Buy here
By Cheryl Hudson
This biographical compilation includes more than 50 extraordinary African American women such as Harriet Tubman and Serena Williams. Discover the remarkable women who paved the way for the next generation of changemakers.
Penguin Random House
Buy here
By Rebecca Balcarcel
Quijana learns what it means to belong as she discovers which parts of herself come together to make her whole.
Chronicle Books
Buy here
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Literacy Programs
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Support Services
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Libraries
This supplement did not involve the editorial or reporting staff of the Los Angeles Times except where noted.
The guide is free to parents, educators and organizations working with children and families. To contact us with comments and questions or to receive more information, email public.affairs@latimes.com.
Los Angeles Times Public Affairs manages philanthropy, community engagement and corporate social responsibility at the nation’s largest metropolitan daily news organization. We broaden perspectives, empower storytellers and inspire our community to question and transform the world around them. For more information, visit latimes.com/readingby9.
A recipient of the nation’s highest honor for library service — the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services — the Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest and most diverse urban population of any library in the nation. Its Central Library, 72 branch libraries, collection of more than 6 million books, state-of-the-art technology accessible at lapl.org and diverse programs provide everyone with free and easy access to information and the opportunity for lifelong learning.
