100 books like Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet

By Barbara Dee,

Here are 100 books that Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet fans have personally recommended if you like Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet. Shepherd is a community of 9,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

By William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer, Elizabeth Zunon (illustrator)

Book cover of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Christine Ieronimo Author Of A Thirst for Home: A Story of Water across the World

From the list on stories from Africa with strong protagonists.

By Christine Ieronimo Author

Who am I?

I am passionate about writing books for children that create windows to the world, teaching empathy. Children that are empathic grow up to be kind and compassionate adults. I write because I long for a world that is more accepting and compassionate.  

Christine's book list on stories from Africa with strong protagonists

Book cover of Sulwe Book cover of The Best Beekeeper of Lalibela: A Tale from Africa Book cover of Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa Book cover of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Book cover of Mama Panya's Pancakes

Why did Christine love this book?

Drought has hit a Malawi village and everyone’s crops are failing. Fourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba figures out how to bring electricity to the village by building a windmill out of scraps from a junkyard. I love this story because it highlights the importance of education, and along with determination, William was able to build this windmill bringing electricity which helped lift this community up and bring hope. Education is the best way to lift communities up from poverty. Elizabeth Zunon provides gorgeous illustrations that enhance the text.  

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

By William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer, Elizabeth Zunon (illustrator)

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba's tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season's crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family's life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William's windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land. Retold for a younger audience, this exciting memoir shows…

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A Good Kind of Trouble

By Lisa Moore Ramée,

Book cover of A Good Kind of Trouble

Jasmine Warga Author Of The Shape of Thunder

From the list on middle grade with heart and honesty.

By Jasmine Warga Author

Who am I?

I’m a middle grade author, and I believe so much in the power of books to help broker conversations between kids and the adults in their lives, especially if those conversations are about things that are often tricky and tough to talk about. I love how middle grade fiction will fearlessly tackle these difficult topics, but does so well with heart and humor. 

Jasmine's book list on middle grade with heart and honesty

Book cover of Caterpillar Summer Book cover of In the Key of Us Book cover of Those Kids from Fawn Creek Book cover of Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone Book cover of A Good Kind of Trouble

Why did Jasmine love this book?

A Good Kind of Trouble is the beautiful story that follows the main character, Shayla, as she learns to use her voice and speak up for things that matters to her. The book has everything I love in a middle grade novel like humor and heart (Lisa is a master at describing junior high friendships and crushes!), but also engages honestly with the reader about important things like racism and social justice. This book can serve as a fantastic conversation starter for kids and parents and kids and teachers.

A Good Kind of Trouble

By Lisa Moore Ramée,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked A Good Kind of Trouble as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From debut author Lisa Moore Ramee comes this funny and big-hearted debut middle grade novel about friendship, family, and standing up for what's right, perfect for fans of Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and the novels of Renee Watson and Jason Reynolds.

Twelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. All she wants to do is to follow the rules. (Oh, and she'd also like to make it through seventh grade with her best friendships intact, learn to run track, and have a cute boy see past her giant forehead.)

But in junior high, it's like all the rules have changed.…

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The Prettiest

By Brigit Young,

Book cover of The Prettiest

Shelly X. Leonn Author Of The Ghost and the Wolf

From the list on girl MCs who are owning life.

By Shelly X. Leonn Author

Who am I?

My novel choices were part of the Afterschool Literacy & Building Modules for an organization called LitShop. It encourages growth in literacy, making, building, and leadership in girls ages 10-15 in St. Louis, Missouri. I’m honored to lead the writing classes. All of the LitShop books feature strong girls who believe they can make and build their way to a better world, and I aim to include similar characters in my stories. Stories can provide us with motivation, inspiration, and companionship, and all of these books have done just that… for the girls of LitShop as well as myself.

Shelly's book list on girl MCs who are owning life

Book cover of Shadowshaper Book cover of Chirp Book cover of Akata Witch Book cover of My Family Divided: One Girl's Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope Book cover of The Prettiest

Why did Shelly love this book?

I remember struggling with body image when I was the age of these characters. (Actually, if we’re being totally honest, I still do.) The main characters in this novel, however, triumph over the physical expectations placed upon young women by finding kinship and support from one another. The characters themselves are diverse, realistic, and smart. It’s difficult not to see yourself or the young people in your life in them.

The Prettiest

By Brigit Young,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Prettiest as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A list appears online, ranking the top fifty prettiest girls in the eighth grade.

Eve Hoffman is disgusted by the grating, anonymous text messages she's been receiving ever since she was ranked number one.

Sophie Kane is sick of the bullying she's endured after being knocked down a peg by the list.

And Nessa Flores-Brady is tired of the outside world trying to define who she is.

Reeling from the rampant sexism and objectification in their school, the three girls attempt to track down the list's creator. But are they prepared for what they might find?

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  • Coming soon!

Omar Rising

By Aisha Saeed,

Book cover of Omar Rising

Bridget Farr Author Of Margie Kelly Breaks the Dress Code

From the list on for kids that want to change the world.

By Bridget Farr Author

Who am I?

I am an author and educator with a passion for justice. I once finished teaching a lesson on peaceful protest thirty minutes before the students at my middle school led a campus-wide walkout. Unlike me, who didn’t attend my first march until I was thirty, they were ready to speak up, following in the steps of the high schoolers from Parkland and the activists on Instagram. Born into the era of the Arab Spring, #MeToo, and Black Lives Matter, they saw the status quo as ripe for the challenge, their voices the anvil to topple it all. The books in this list will be inspiration for any young reader with this same passion for change.

Bridget's book list on for kids that want to change the world

Book cover of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Book cover of Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet Book cover of A Good Kind of Trouble Book cover of Omar Rising Book cover of The Prettiest

Why did Bridget love this book?

This book is both the perfect mirror and window for young readers: it reflects back the typical challenges of adjusting to a new school and meeting the expectations of your family, while also opening up the world of private schools in Pakistan. Aisha Saeed weaves the cultural details into a familiar plot, making this book an excellent choice for building empathy and inspiration. I loved following the friendships of this group of boys who work together to find their place in their school, even when it means breaking the rules. 

Omar Rising

By Aisha Saeed,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Omar Rising as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Irresistibly appealing and genuinely inspiring-a story that helps us to see the world more clearly, and to see ourselves as powerful enough to change it." -Rebecca Stead, author of Newbery Award Winner When You Reach Me

In this compelling companion to New York Times bestseller Amal Unbound, Amal's friend Omar must contend with being treated like a second-class citizen when he gets a scholarship to an elite boarding school.

Omar knows his scholarship to Ghalib Academy Boarding School is a game changer, providing him-the son of a servant-with an opportunity to improve his station in life. He can't wait to…

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Frog and Toad Together

By Arnold Lobel,

Book cover of Frog and Toad Together

Charline Davis Author Of Alou: The Martian Agent

From the list on that capture children’s imaginations.

By Charline Davis Author

Who am I?

I came into the world telling stories. From the age of four you could often find me surrounded by a little cluster of friends, amusing them with a story I was spinning on the spot. When I was nine, I began telling my sisters about a Martian who was living on Earth and who loved his comfy chairs. This Martian eventually became Alou, and it has been such a joy to share his world through my picture book Alou: The Martian Agent and its sequels. One thing I’m passionate about is sparking the potent imagination bottled up inside all our little ones and I hope my books can encourage that. 

Charline's book list on that capture children’s imaginations

Book cover of Journey Book cover of Harold and the Purple Crayon Book cover of The Little Hippos' Adventure Book cover of The Wild Baby Goes to Sea Book cover of Frog and Toad Together

Why did Charline love this book?

There is something so charming about these two best friends. I remember pouring over their quirky tales as a small child. I loved it so much! Arnold Lobel’s masterpiece is perfectly woven with immersive watercolor pictures and hilarious, yet simple text, that even our littlest readers can grasp. It introduces the concept of personality vividly in the differences between Frog and Toad, and all in all, is one of the best ever for capturing a young imagination.

Frog and Toad Together

By Arnold Lobel,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Frog and Toad Together as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An Essential Picture Book Classics this book contains five engaging, warm and very funny stories about Frog and Toad.

A collectable classic picture book that every child should read and own. Julia Donaldson says "I hugely admire and envy Arnold Lobel; he is my hero".

Once upon a time there were two good friends, a frog and a toad...

From writing letters to going swimming, telling stories to finding lost buttons, Frog and Toad are always there for each other - just as best friends should be.

The Frog and Toad stories from Arnold Lobel have been loved by generations.…

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Frog and Toad Are Friends

By Arnold Lobel,

Book cover of Frog and Toad Are Friends

Will Hillenbrand Author Of The Voice in the Hollow

From the list on igniting the imagination of young readers.

By Will Hillenbrand Author

Who am I?

Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, my dyslexia made reading a challenge. However, my close encounters with books led to a meaningful and expressive life. From my family's barbershop, I absorbed colorful conversations and tall tales, fueling my imagination. Expressing those narratives through drawings at my kitchen table granted me solace. Driven by a desire to bring stories to life, I leaped and pursued an education in art. In a picture book art class, my calling as an author and illustrator became clear. Transforming words into vivid illustrations and breathing life into children's literature became my heartfelt pursuit. With over 75 books now in my repertoire, I am truly fortunate.

Will's book list on igniting the imagination of young readers

Book cover of The Glorious Flight: Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot July 25, 1909 Book cover of Frog and Toad Are Friends Book cover of Where the Wild Things Are Book cover of The Snowy Day Book cover of The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Why did Will love this book?

Upon reading this story, I found myself laughing and gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of friendship. It became clear to me that friendships have their ups and downs, just like the two anthropomorphic creatures in these short tales, Frog and Toad.

As I delved into their amusing adventures, I realized that despite their differences, these unlikely friends were brought together by their love for one another. Frog, with his cheery and relaxed demeanor, stood taller and green. Toad, on the other hand, was shorter and stout, with a brown shade. Though more serious and uptight, he was equally caring and friendly.

Through their attempts at flying kites, cleaning houses, and exploring the reasons for isolation, I was reminded that even the most diverse beings can be bound by a deep connection. It's a testament to the incredible power of friendship, where laughter and understanding can bridge the gaps…

Frog and Toad Are Friends

By Arnold Lobel,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Frog and Toad Are Friends as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This beautiful commemorative picture book edition of the Caldecott Honor title Frog and Toad Are Friends is the perfect way to celebrate Frog and Toad's 50th anniversary!

This handsome edition features matte paper, remastered artwork, and a green ribbon book marker. It makes a lovely gift for collectors, fans of children's literature, and anyone and everyone who loves Frog and Toad!

First published in 1970, Frog and Toad Are Friends was the first of the four beloved Frog and Toad books. This special edition contains all of the original stories-from the story about going swimming, to finding lost buttons!

This…

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Frog and Toad

By Arnold Lobel,

Book cover of Frog and Toad: A Complete Reading Collection

Jeffrey Brown Author Of Star Wars: A Vader Family Sithmas

From the list on for parents and kids to read together.

By Jeffrey Brown Author

Who am I?

I came to write books for children somewhat by accident – my first Star Wars book, Darth Vader and Son, was intended to be for adults, but kids decided the book was really for them. One of the most satisfying things as an author has been hearing from parents whose children have them read the book to them over and over. I’ve loved being able to read to my sons, introducing them to books I loved at their age, and discovering others I haven’t read before. The books I love most to read with them, though, are the ones we both laugh out loud at. It’s one of the best feelings in the world.

Jeffrey's book list on for parents and kids to read together

Book cover of Frog and Toad: A Complete Reading Collection Book cover of The Phantom Tollbooth Book cover of Pippi Longstocking Book cover of Nicholas Book cover of Winnie-the-Pooh

Why did Jeffrey love this book?

There may not be a simpler book that paints a more complex picture of friendship as Frog and Toad. The chapters would be the perfect length for bedtime reading if the two amphibians weren’t so engrossing that both you and your young one will keep deciding on “just one more” until you’ve read them all. Frog and Toad are clever, and naïve, and sweet, and always funny.

Frog and Toad

By Arnold Lobel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Frog and Toad as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of beloved bestselling characters Frog and Toad! 

Frog and Toad are always there for each other—just as best friends should be! From sledding in winter to eating ice cream on hot summer days, these two friends have fun together the whole year round! 

This box set with a green handle and Velcro closure includes all four classics: the Caldecott Honor Book Frog and Toad Are Friends, Newbery Honor Book Frog and Toad Together, Frog and Toad All Year, and Days with Frog and Toad.

This reading collection is a Level Two I Can Read, geared toward…

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  • Coming soon!

Birdsong

By Julie Flett,

Book cover of Birdsong

Nancy Bo Flood Author Of Walking Grandma Home

From the list on loss, grief, and healing.

By Nancy Bo Flood Author

Who am I?

Nancy Bo Flood earned her Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology and Child Development at the University of Minnesota and has authored a variety of award-winning books. Walking Grandma Home came from her own experience as a child, as a counselor, and as a daughter. She has lived and taught on the Pacific island of Saipan, where she worked with teachers and parents to create resources and programs for students with disabilities, and for the past twenty years, she has taught in the Navajo Nation. With Native educators, she co-founded an early-literacy nonprofit, Read at Home, which encourages parents to read regularly with their children.

Nancy's book list on loss, grief, and healing

Book cover of Sitting Shiva Book cover of Birdsong Book cover of Dance Like a Leaf Book cover of The Pond Book cover of The Boy and the Gorilla

Why did Nancy love this book?

With few words and simple images, we journey with a child as she becomes friends with an elderly neighbor who also loves birds, nature, the changing seasons, and expressing that love through art. But as the change of seasons continues, the girl’s elderly friend becomes fragile in health and strength. Even with an ache in her heart, the child discovers the comfort of remembering special times together and gathering together the drawings they shared. At night, while watching the rising of the full round “frog moon,” the child bundles up close to her mother and “My hands feel warm, and the covers feel soft, and I think of my friend until I fall asleep.”

Birdsong

By Julie Flett,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Birdsong as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, KIRKUS, HORN BOOK, QUILL & QUIRE, GLOBE AND MAIL

WINNER OF THE TD CANADIAN CHILDREN'S LITERATURE AWARD

FINALIST FOR THE GOVERNOR GENERAL'S AWARD

AN AMERICAN INDIAN YOUTH LITERATURE HONOR TITLE

A BOSTON GLOBE--HORN BOOK HONOR BOOK

When Katherena and her mother move to a small town, Katherena feels lonely and out of place. But when she meets an elderly woman artist who lives next door, named Agnes--her world starts to change.

Katherena and Agnes share the same passions for arts and crafts, birds, and nature. But as the seasons change,…

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When Green Becomes Tomatoes

By Julie Fogliano, Julie Morstad (illustrator),

Book cover of When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons

Matt Forrest Esenwine Author Of Flashlight Night

From the list on children’s poetry collections about nature.

By Matt Forrest Esenwine Author

Who am I?

Ever since my parents gave me a copy of Dorothy Aldis’ The Secret Place and Other Poems, I have enjoyed a lifelong love of poetry. Now, as a traditionally-published children’s author, I have had numerous books and poems published over the years, including books that began as poems, like Flashlight Night (Astra Young Readers, 2017) and Once Upon Another Time (Beaming Books, 2021). My poems can be found in various anthologies including The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry (National Geographic Children's Books, 2015).

Matt's book list on children’s poetry collections about nature

Book cover of When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons Book cover of Dear Wandering Wildebeest: And Other Poems from the Water Hole Book cover of After Dark: Poems about Nocturnal Animals Book cover of Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold Book cover of Forest Has a Song: Poems

Why did Matt love this book?

This is a very unique and beautiful book, all the way through. The poems are uniquely written. They present a unique perspective on their subjects. And the entire book is structured to read almost as diary entries – quite unique! Julie’s concept and execution are brilliant, with unusual wordplay and imagery (in springtime, “rushing daffodils / wished they had waited” and birds poke “a tiny hole / through the edge of winter”) and the varying tone of her poems – from joyful to contemplative to eager – keeps the collection fresh and keeps the pages turning. 

When Green Becomes Tomatoes

By Julie Fogliano, Julie Morstad (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked When Green Becomes Tomatoes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

december 29
and i woke to a morning
that was quiet and white
the first snow
(just like magic) came on tip toes
overnight

Flowers blooming in sheets of snow make way for happy frogs dancing in the rain. Summer swims move over for autumn sweaters until the snow comes back again. In Julie Fogliano's skilled hand and illustrated by Julie Morstad's charming pictures, the seasons come to life in this gorgeous and comprehensive book of poetry.

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Froggy's Sleepover

By Jonathan London, Frank Remkiewicz (illustrator),

Book cover of Froggy's Sleepover

Julie Fortenberry Author Of Darcy's First Sleepover

From the list on picture books about sleepovers.

By Julie Fortenberry Author

Who am I?

One of my favorite childhood memories is of kindergarten painting time. The teacher let us use thick tempera paint on big sheets of paper and actual easels! My abstract paintings have been in the Whitney Museum of American Art. But for the last 17 years, I’ve been painting for preschoolers and kindergarteners. My own stories are often inspired by my children and tend to be about leaving the comfort of home for the first time. I’m the author and illustrator of Darcy's First Sleepover, Pearl Goes to Preschool, The Artist and the King, and Lily’s Cat Mask which received a Kirkus starred review and was added to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. My next book, Grandpa and Jake, will be out in March of 2022.

Julie's book list on picture books about sleepovers

Book cover of Thank You and Good Night Book cover of Froggy's Sleepover Book cover of Sleepover with Beatrice and Bear Book cover of Ira Sleeps Over Book cover of Crystal Is My Friend

Why did Julie love this book?

First off, I love Jonathan London’s illustration style. Froggy is a goofy, energetic animal character with his own series. In this story, he’s fired up and packing for a sleepover at Max’s house. But bedtime is different at Max’s, where Froggy’s comfy routine is upended. When Max starts telling ghost stories, Froggy wants to go home. And so, they decide to sleep over at Froggy’s instead. Then it’s Max who feels out of place and wants to go home. So, it’s back to Max’s. Then back and forth between houses until morning, when, finally, they fall asleep at Max’s. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable to be away from home--a common feeling told with humor.

Froggy's Sleepover

By Jonathan London, Frank Remkiewicz (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Froggy's Sleepover as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Froggy is sleeping over at Max’s house for the first time! He packs his sleeping bag, his pillow, his pajamas, and even his toothbrush. Now, he’s ready to flop flop flop off to Max’s house. But then Froggy decides it would be a good idea to go back to his own house. So off they go—shloop! Then Max gets a tummy ache and wants to go back to his own house. So off they go—shloop! Back and forth they go between the two houses. Froggy’s Sleepover is sure to dissolve any sleepover worries into giggles as Froggy and Max delight…

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5 book lists we think you will like!

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The best books to inspire action to solve the climate crisis

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