All book summaries courtesy of Goodreads.
Jabari Tries - Written and illustrated by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! “It’ll be easy. I don’t need any help,” he declares. But it doesn’t work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all. With the endearing father-child dynamic of Jabari Jumps and engaging mixed-media illustrations, Gaia Cornwall’s tale shows that through perseverance and flexibility, an inventive thought can become a brilliant reality.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read - Written by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora
In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read.
Snail Crossing - Written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor
A determined snail. A plump cabbage. A truly epic journey . . . In a book as cheerful and charming as Snail himself, Corey Tabor tells a winning tale of a slow but steady snail, whose determination and kindness bring him the best reward of all: friendship.
Lift - Written by Minh Le, illustrated by Dan Santat
When Iris's elevator button-pushing is disrupted by a new member of the family, she's pretty put out.
That is, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious new button opens up entire realms of possibility, places where she can escape and explore on her own. But when it becomes a question between going it alone or letting someone else tag along, Iris finds that sharing a discovery with the people you love can be the most wonderful experience of all.
The Bear's Garden - Written by Marcie Colleen, illustrated by Alison Oliver
Inspired by the true story of a community garden in Brooklyn, New York, this picture book is a testament to how imagination and dedication can transform communities and create beauty for everyone in unexpected places. A little girl sees an empty lot in a city and imagines what it can be. She sees a place to grow, a place to play, and a place to love. With the help of her stuffed bear, the girl brings her community together to create a beautiful garden.
Outside In - Written by Deb Underwood, illustrated by Cindy Derby
Outside is waiting, the most patient playmate of all. The most generous friend. The most miraculous inventor. Our connection with nature is not so easily obscured by lives spent indoors.
The Fabled Life of Aesop: The Extraordinary Journey and Collected Tales of the World’s Greatest Storyteller - Written by Ian Lendler, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
Honoring the path of a slave, this dramatic picture book biography and concise anthology of Aesop’s most child-friendly fables tells how a child born into slavery in ancient Greece found a way to speak out against injustice by using the skill and wit of his storytelling–storytelling that has survived for 2,500 years.
Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera - Written by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann
Beginning at birth, the honeybee emerges through the wax cap of her cell and is driven to protect and take care of her hive. She cleans the nursery and feeds the larvae and the queen. But is she strong enough to fly? Not yet! She builds wax comb to store honey, and transfers pollen from other bees into the storage. She defends the hive from invaders. Apis accomplishes all of this before beginning her life outdoors as an adventurer, seeking nectar to bring back to her hive.
In a Jar - Written and illustrated by Deborah Marcero
Llewellyn, a little rabbit, is a collector. He gathers things in jars--ordinary things like buttercups, feathers, and heart-shaped stones. Then he meets another rabbit, Evelyn, and together they begin to collect extraordinary things--like rainbows, the sound of the ocean, and the wind just before snow falls. And, best of all, when they hold the jars and peer inside, they remember all the wonderful things they've seen and done. But one day, Evelyn has sad news: Her family is moving away. How can the two friends continue their magical collection--and their special friendship--from afar?
The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver - Written by Gene Barretta, illustrated by Frank Morrison
When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own. Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George’s love of nature sprouted into something so much more—his future.
I Am Every Good Thing - Written by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James
The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!
Share Your Rainbow - Written and illustrated by various authors and illustrators 
A Ride to Remember - Written by Sharon Langley and Amy Nathan, illustrated by Floyd Cooper