Authors: Diana, Aniyah, Tamara

lllustrator: Romeo Montero

In this relatable board book written by teen parents, busy families of all kinds look forward to Saturday. Through special outings like the zoo or a festival and everyday routines like grocery shopping and spiritual practice, these families are celebrating what matters most: being together.  For kids with working moms, student parents, and any family with a busy schedule,  A Day Just For Us honors love, rest, laughter, and joy after a long week.

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-87-1

• Age: 1-3

• Format: Board Book

• Page Count: 24

• Published March 2026

Authors: Katie, Celeste, Abby

Illustrator: Shurjo Mukhi

This little book helps children with BIG feelings.
The playground brings fun—and big feelings, too. In this charming board book written by teen parents, children deal with eight different emotions, from excitement to anger to overstimulation. The colorful collages and encouraging words of When You Feel help toddlers develop tools for managing their own emotional experiences.Includes age-appropriate coping strategies—a wonderful resource to start building resilience at an early age.

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-89-5

• Age: 1-3

• Format: Board Book

• Page Count: 24

• Published March 2026

Authors: Andrea, Gracie, Raylin

Illustrator: Ian L. Springer

I love you curls! I love you smarts! 
Through vibrant art and rhythmic language, this delightful board book created by teen parents is packed with positivity. A diverse cast of kids model self-kindness and confidence as they learn to use daily affirmations to celebrate themselves. Perfect for building resilience and self-love at an early age, Every Day We Say teaches children and their parents to be kind to themselves.

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-88-8

• Age: 1-3

• Format: Board Book

• Page Count: 24

• Published March 2026

por Jonae, Jesse, Layonnie, and Kahliya de Reach Incorporated

La conmovedora, pero común historia de una niña tratando de procesar complicadas emociones cuando su madre es encarcelada.

Escrito por cuatro adolescentes, este conmovedor libro ilustrado explora los efectos del encarcelamiento de una madre en una niña. Cuando su madre ingresa en prisión, Deena empieza a portarse mal en la escuela. Su mejor amiga intenta hablar con ella, su abuela intenta consolarla, su padre intenta castigarla... pero nada funciona. En un día en el parque de atracciones con su padre, Deena empieza a procesar sus sentimientos. Ilustrada con emotivos collages, esta historia ayudará a jóvenes lectores a procesar y comprender conversaciones difíciles, el dolor causado por el sistema judicial y cómo las familias perseveran a pesar de todo.

• ISBN: 978-1945434075

• edad: 4-9

• lexile: 520L

• páginas: 40

• publicado originalmente 2017

• fecha de publicación 15 Oct 2024

por London, Riley, and Shirelle of Reach Incorporated

Un niño sensible de piel oscura se enfrenta a un mundo de masculinidad tóxica. ¿Cómo puede Aaron expresar sus emociones cuando todos a su alrededor le dicen que «se porte como un hombre»?

Este motivador libro ilustrado explora los efectos perjudiciales de la masculinidad tóxica en nuestra cultura y en las comunidades de color, y cómo afecta a los niños más sensibles. Aaron es extrovertido, divertido y un genio del kickball. También es compasivo y bondadoso, y ofrece su tiempo para leerles libros a los ancianos en la residencia de ancianos de su vecindario. Es un gran chico, pero tiene un problema: todos lo llaman llorón. Cuando sus amigos hacen trampa en Fortnoche, llora de la rabia. Cuando ve a su amigo Tayshawn lastimar a un perro del vecindario, llora por empatía. Y cuando echa de menos a su hermano mayor, Sergio, que está en la universidad, llora de soledad. Su padre, sus amigos y sus compañeros de clase le dicen que «llorar es cosa de niñas». ¿Cómo puede Aaron aprender a valorar sus sentimientos y a cultivar su sensibilidad en un mundo que le dice «pórtate como un hombre»?

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-05-5

• edad: 4-9

• lexile: 510L

• páginas: 38

• publicado originalmente 2019

• fecha de publicación 15 October 2024

Authors: Yenner Rengifo Chaverra, Mich Hernandez, Jonatan Castillo-Turcios

Illustrator: Yurieli Otero-Asmar

This bilingual story uses whimsy and adventure to explore a challenging subject — migrating by foot to the United States.

Este cuento bilingüe usa la fantasía y la aventura para explorar un tema difícil: la migración a pie hacia Estados Unidos.

Meet Guz, our outgoing Central American protagonist, who transforms an immigration journey into an adventure in this compelling bilingual book, told in Spanish and English. Shortly after leaving home, Guz is separated from their loved ones. With the help of a friendly Torogoz, Goz, they navigate hunger, wild animals, and the strange terrain before reconnecting with their family and continuing the journey. This colorful book, told through the eyes of a young child, shares part of a frightening story that isn’t often depicted in children’s books while making it accessible to young readers.

Conoce a Guz, nuestro extrovertido protagonista centroamericano, que transforma un viaje de migración en una aventura en este cautivador libro bilingüe –contado en español e inglés. Al poco tiempo de abandonar su hogar, Guz se separa accidentalmente de sus seres queridos. Con la ayuda de Goz, un amistoso pajarito torogoz, juntos enfrentan el hambre, animales silvestres y un terreno desconocido, antes de reconectarse con la familia y continuar el viaje. Esta pintoresca historia, contada a través de los ojos de un niño, presenta un aspecto de una experiencia aterradora que no suele contarse en los libros infantiles, de una manera que resulta accesible para los pequeños lectores.

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-65-9

• Age: 4-9

• Page Count: 40

• Publication Date: Oct 2023

Authors: Luisa Orellana-Castillo, Brizel Martinez Cruz, Camila Melany De la Luz Villegas

Illustrator: Romeo Montero

Amidst changes in a gentrifying neighborhood, a young girl must overcome her fears in order to fight for her community and her aunt’s memory in this heart-warming bilingual children’s book.
​​​​​​
En medio de los cambios que atraviesa un vecindario en proceso de gentrificación, una niña debe superar sus miedos para poder luchar por su comunidad y por la memoria de su tía en este conmovedor libro infantil bilingüe.

Written by first-generation Latinx teens, this bilingual book – told in Spanish and English – follows Belinda, a young girl of Mexican and Salvadoran heritage who once loved to sing. But ever since her aunt’s death, Belinda has been afraid to use her voice. When a new owner decides to paint over the mural that was created to honor her aunt, Belinda rallies the entire community together to stop it. Can Belinda lead her community and lift her voice to save Tía’s mural? From the shy reader to the young activist, this endearing story uplifts our future leaders.

Esta historia bilingüe –contada en español e inglés—, escrita por adolescentes latinos de primera generación, narra la historia de Belinda, una niña de ascendencia mexicana y salvadoreña a quien le fascinaba cantar. Desde la muerte de su tía, Belinda siente temor a usar su voz. Cuando un nuevo propietario decide tapar con pintura un mural que se creó en honor a su tía, Belinda congrega a toda la comunidad para detenerlo. ¿Podrá Belinda liderar a su comunidad y elevar su voz para salvar el mural de su tía? Esta adorable historia alienta a nuestros futuros líderes, desde los lectores tímidos hasta los pequeños activistas.

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-64-2

• Age: 4-9

• Page Count: 40

• Publication Date: Oct 2023

Authors: Sol Mundo, Jonathan Lopez, Yasmina Konate

Illustrator: Hee So

A young boy from an immigrant Salvadoran family learns a valuable lesson about money, work, and the sacrifices that his family have made so that he can go to school.

Un niño de una familia inmigrante salvadoreña aprende una valiosa lección sobre el dinero, el trabajo y los sacrificios que ha hecho su familia para que él pueda ir a la escuela.

For all the kids who see their family working hard, this uplifting bilingual story – told in Spanish and English – shows how important it is that they have a chance at a better life. Fernando, a young first-generationimmigrant, realizes how hard his Salvadoran family works for the community every day and he wants to help. Follow his adventures around Washington, DC as he tries to surprise his family with a contribution to their “rainy day jar.” But when his ideas don’t work out, Fernando learns that there are other ways for him to make his family proud. Through humor and charming details, this book highlights some of the ways immigrant families show love for each other.

A todos los niños que ven los esfuerzos de su familia, esta inspiradora historia —contada en español e inglés— les muestra la importancia de que tengan la oportunidad de gozar de una mejor vida. Fernando, un inmigrante de primera generación, se da cuenta de lo duro que su familia salvadoreña trabaja a diario por la comunidad, y decide ayudar. Sigue las aventuras que vive en Washington, D. C. en su intento de sorprender a su familia con una contribución para el bote de “los días lluviosos”. Sus ideas no funcionan, pero Fernando aprende que hay otras cosas que puede hacer para que su familia se sienta orgullosa de él. A través del humor y detalles encantadores, este libro resalta algunas de las maneras en que las familias inmigrantes se demuestran su amor.

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-63-5

• Age: 4-9

• Page Count: 40

• Publication Date: Oct 2023

Authors: Sinnah, Chae, Marilyn

Illustrator: Alex Perkins

Showing love for all the different mamas being their unique selves!

If we know one thing for sure, there are many sorts of mamas, and they are all worth celebrating! This inclusive toddler book champions mothers doing their jobs and pursuing their passions, alongside their admiring kiddos. Written by three student parents, this book especially highlights mothers who might not normally appear in the pages of a book. From construction mamas to student mamas to tattooed mamas—there’s no one way to look like a mom!

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-54-3

• Age: 1-3

• Lexile: AD140L

• Format: Board Book

• Page Count: 28

• Originally Published: Nov 15, 2022

Authors: Tayla, Sarah & Sholachauntel

Illustrator: Jordyn Flood

Learn the days of the week with Sebastian and meet his extended family of neighbors!

On Mondays, Sebastian reads poetry with Mr. and Mrs. Howe. On Tuesdays, he plays with parrots at the Iveys! While his mom is at school, Sebastian spends each day at a different home in his apartment building. What happens the rest of the week as he plays the days away? This rhyming book, written by student parents, celebrates the power of community coming together to help raise a child.

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-52-9

• Age: 1-3

• Lexile: AD450L

• Format: Board Book

• Page Count: 26

• Originally Published: Nov 15, 2022

Authors: Araceli, Edith & Juliana

Illustrator: Shurjo Mukhi

Toddlers will love this fun chanting book celebrating Central America!

From swimming in the sea in Panama to smelling abuela’s cafecito in Costa Rica, there are so many things to love about Central America! This fun and rhythmic book, inspired by Brown Bear, Brown Bear, was written by young mothers who wanted to celebrate their Central American heritage with their children. The sweet sayings, fun sounds, and charming collages in a bilingual children’s book will make little ones clap, smile, and learn about the world.

• ISBN:978-1-950807-51-2

• Age: 1-3

• Lexile: AD130L

• Format: Board Book

• Page Count: 22

• Originally Published: Nov 15, 2022

Authors: Emely, Isayana, Daysha

Illustrator: Ian Springer

A whimsical book about imagination that will comfort kids with separation anxiety.

What’s mama doing all day? The student parents who wrote this book know the questions that kids can have when their mamas need to leave for work or school. And they know the power of young imaginations, too! This book reassures them of mama’s love when they’re apart. Whether fighting dragons or earning credits, all these mamas are out making the world a better place in their own way.

• ISBN:978-1-950807-53-6

• Age: 1-3

• Lexile: AD450L

• Format: Board Book

• Page Count: 26

• Originally Published: Nov 15, 2022

Authors: Tseganesh Chala, Joy Ugwu

Illustrator: Joy Ingram

In Joy-Grace and the Dress Dilemma, authors Joy and Tseganesh wanted to write a book about the challenges--and the beauty!--of having a multicultural identity. Joy-Grace is a fashionista, and this week is her school’s culture day. She wants to bring in a garment to reflect her background, but there’s only one problem: her family is from Nigeria, Jamaica, AND Ethiopia! Will Joy-Grace be able to find the perfect dress to celebrate all of who she is in time for culture day?

En Joy-Grace y el dilema del vestido, las autoras Joy y Tseganesh quisieron escribir un libro sobre las dificultades —y la belleza— de tener una identidad multicultural. Joy-Grace es una fashionista, y esta semana es el día de la cultura en su escuela. Quiere llevar un vestido que refleje sus raíces, pero solo hay un problema: su familia es de Nigeria, Jamaica y Etiopía. ¿Podrá Joy-Grace encontrar el vestido perfecto a tiempo para celebrar todas sus culturas?

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-39-0

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: AD570L

• Page Count: 40

• Published: Fall 2021

Authors: Andy Pina, Antonia Marisol Garcia, Pedro Reyes, Yunior Jose Garcia

Illustrator: Ian L. Springer

In Jasmín Pictures Home, Andy, Marisol, Pedro and Yunior wanted to write a book that explores what it’s like to be different in a new country. In this book, a group of friends are the only kids in their school who are not from the same town. These four best friends are all immigrants --from four different countries!--and they all speak Spanish. Though they bond over their shared language and their shared love of soccer, it’s not always easy being different from everyone else. The newest arrival, Jasmin, is having the hardest time and she spends all her time drawing. Hector, Manolito, and Jorge don’t like seeing Jasmin struggle. Can they work together to help Jasmin see the beauty in being different?

En Jasmín ilustra su hogar, Andy, Marisol, Pedro y Yunior quisieron escribir un libro que explorara cómo es ser diferente en un país nuevo. En este libro, un grupo de amigos son los únicos en la escuela que no son del mismo pueblo. Estos cuatro mejores amigos son inmigrantes —de cuatro diferentes países— y todos hablan español. Aunque forman lazos a través de su idioma compartido y su amor hacia el fútbol, no siempre es fácil ser diferente a los demás. A la recién llegada, Jasmín, es a quien más le cuesta, y pasa todo su tiempo dibujando. A Héctor, Manolito, y Jorge no les gusta ver a Jasmín sufrir tanto. ¿Podrán trabajar juntos para ayudar a Jasmín a ver la belleza de ser diferente?

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-41-3

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: AD580L

• Page Count: 40

• Published: Fall 2021

Authors: Deyssy Mosso, Yenner Rengifo Chaverra

Illustrator: Fatima Seck

In Perla’s Magical Goodbye, Deyssy and Yenner wanted to write a book that reflects the experience of leaving home to move to another country. Perla has been friends with Pablo and Genesis for as long as they can remember. But now that Perla is moving away from her hometown of San Unicornio to the US, she is sad about leaving them. After making a wish at the town’s unicorn fountain, Perla and her friends are visited by a magical creature who helps them spend one last beautiful day together. How can Perla and her friends learn to hold onto these magical memories and say goodbye?

En El adiós mágico de Perla, Deyssy y Yenner quisieron escribir un libro que reflejara la experiencia de dejar su hogar y mudarse a otro país. Perla ha estado con sus amigos Pablo y Génesis desde que tiene memoria. Pero ahora que Perla se va a mudar de su pueblo natal, San Unicornio, hacia los EE. UU., está triste por dejarlos. Después de pedir un deseo en la fuente del unicornio del pueblo, Perla y sus amigos son visitados por una criatura mágica que los ayuda a compartir un último y hermoso día juntos. ¿Cómo aprenderán Perla y sus amigos a preservar estas memorias mágicas y decir adiós?

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-40-6

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: AD550L

• Page Count: 40

• Published: Fall 2021

Authors: Mario Serrano, Jamileth Brito

Illustrator: Yurieli Otero-Asmar

In Searching for Sancocho, Jamileth and Mario wanted to write a book that celebrated the deep connection of family recipes and honored their lost loved ones. Aurora misses her abuela, who recently passed away. Neighbors and friends in D.C. keep bringing dishes to the house to help her family mourn, but all Aurora wants is Abuela's famous sancocho. After finding a magic pink bike that flies her all the way to the Dominican Republic, Aurora visits all Abuela’s old favorite places in hopes of finding the recipe. Will Aurora be able to find the secret ingredient and keep Abuela’s famous sancocho alive?

En En busca del sancocho, Jamileth y Mario quisieron escribir un libro que celebrara la conexión íntima de las recetas familiares y honrara a los seres queridos que han perdido. Aurora extraña a su abuela, la cual falleció recientemente. Sus vecinos y amigos en D.C. llevan comida a la casa para ayudar a su familia a pasar el luto, pero lo único que quiere Aurora es el famoso sancocho de Abuela. Después de encontrar una bicicleta rosada mágica que la vuela hasta la República Dominicana, Aurora visita todos los lugares favoritos de Abuela con la esperanza de encontrar la receta. ¿Podrá encontrar Aurora el ingrediente secreto y mantener vivo el famoso sancocho de Abuela?

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-38-3

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: AD530L

• Page Count: 40

• Published: Fall 2021

by Danya, Joseph, and Samaria of Reach Incorporated

Danya, Joseph, and Samaria were inspired by their experience of being in lockdown with family: both the joys and the challenges. Shayla loves to draw and be creative. But during the shutdown, she's having a hard time finding a place to do what she loves. Her big, multigenerational family seems to always be in the way. Mom and dad are video-chatting. Her brothers and sisters are doing schoolwork. And her little cousins are making messes all over the place. Frustrated, Shayla goes to her Aunties for help. Will she be able to figure out how to make space for herself in a very crowded house?

Want all four titles from this year’s amazing Reach Incorporated authors? Buy the set!

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-13-0

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 580L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2020

by Diarou, Riley, and Anthony of Reach Incorporated

Anthony, Diarou, and Riley wanted to write a story, inspired by co-author Diarou, about immigrating to the U.S. and forging friendships despite differences in language. Diarou is starting her first week in a new school, in a new country, speaking a new language... and she feels completely alone. She moved to the U.S. from Guinea over the summer and is determined to make friends, but with her limited English, she's having trouble communicating with her classmates. Just when she thinks she might be on her own, she meets another new student who’s struggling too. Can Diarou find a way to connect across language barriers to make a true friend?

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-11-6

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 530L

• Page Count: 36

• Published: Fall 2020

by Daveena , Geralyn, Jocktavious, Shatiya of Reach Incorporated

Daveena, Geralyn, Jocktavious, and Shatyia wanted to create a story that both speaks to the history of racial injustice, and honors the young people who are (and have been) fighting for change. They wanted to create a story that said the names of those who we have lost to police brutality. For this reason, they named the protagonist "Breonna" after Breonna Taylor. Breonna is an 8-year-old time traveler living in Southeast DC. As she watches 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, she sees her once-vibrant community wilt into sadness and anger. She is filled with questions about what is going on and why — and she’s determined to do something about it. Breonna travels back in time and then sees the future in order to learn about the power of speaking out. Can a visit with a youth activist from the past inspire her to bring change to the present day?

Want all four titles from this year’s amazing Reach Incorporated authors? Buy the set!

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-07-9

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 570L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2020

Top Ten Books for 2022 In The Margins Book Award

by Damarco, Emilie, and Japan of Reach Incorporated

Damarco, Emilie, and Japan wanted to write a story about how friends can disagree and move through disagreements about important issues. Cody and Nene are best friends, and they have been all their lives. But when the Black Lives Matter protests erupt in response to police violence, they realize they may not be so alike after all. While Nene defends cops like her uncle — “Not all cops are like that!” — Cody gets more and more upset about injustice. This movement will put their friendship to the test, and may push them into separate corners just when they need each other most. Can they learn to hear each other out and mend their friendship?

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-09-3

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 540L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2020

by Camal, Japan, and Dameona of Reach Incorporated

Camal, Japan, and Dameona are good kids, but struggling students. They’ve decided homework is pointless, and they’d rather just play their video game. One night when the kids refuse to stop playing, they are sucked into the world of The Pharaohs, where now they must complete challenges in their weakest subjects in school to make it out. Characters (and readers!) must solve hieroglyphic word puzzles, find their way through science-related mazes, and complete math mysteries on their path to earning their Pharaoh crowns and returning to the real world. Can they challenge themselves and learn to ask for help in time to make it out of the game?

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-06-2

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: GN530L

• Page Count: 42

• Published: 2019

by Jock, Jailah, Victoria, and Jesse of Reach Incorporated

Georgia is having a hard time. A really hard time. Her best friend, Sienna, has passed away. She’s shutting down in school, ignoring texts from her friends, and won’t even eat her Chicken Alfredo (her favorite!) for dinner. Her mother knows she’s hurting and takes her to an overnight at the zoo to cheer her up. That night, the zoo animals visit her in a dream and talk to her about their experience with loss. Can these thoughtful animals help Georgia open up about her grief and start to find a path forward?

Want all four titles from this year’s amazing Reach Incorporated authors? Buy the set!

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-03-1

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 520L

• Page Count: 42

• Published: Fall 2019

by London, Riley, and Shirelle of Reach Incorporated

Aaron is outgoing and funny and a whiz at kickball. He’s also compassionate and kind, reading books at the old folks home down H street. Basically, he’s pretty great. But he’s got a problem: everyone calls him a Crybaby.

When his friends cheat at Forknife, he cries out of anger.
When he sees his friend Tayshawn hurt a neighborhood dog, he cries out of empathy.
And when misses his oldest brother, Sage, who’s away at college, he cries out of loneliness.
His dad, his friends, and his classmates tell him to “Leave that crying for the girls.”
How can Aaron learn to value his feelings and nurture his sensitivity in a world telling him to “Man up”?

Want all four titles from this year’s amazing Reach Incorporated authors? Buy the set!

Man Up! is included in the DC Kids Book Gift Set!

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-05-5

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 510L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2019

by Talik, Anaya, and Dewan of Reach Incorporated

Marcus isn’t the coolest kid in school. The other kids make fun of his old clothes and raggedy backpack, but at least he has one true friend, Taylor, who likes him for who he is. But when Marcus finds a winning lottery ticket on the ground on the last day of school, his whole world changes! Now, with a backpack full of money, everything is possible--and Marcus goes on the spending spree to show it: never-ending arcade games, all-day Chipotle, and all the best elementary school bling. Marcus’s classmates flock to him and shower him with praise, and he is feeling good, spending money on his “new friends.” In the meantime, Taylor is shrinking further and further away. Will Marcus get caught up in the world of money and fame or will he learn to stay true to himself and remember his real friend?

Want all four titles from this year’s amazing Reach Incorporated authors? Buy the set!

• ISBN: 978-1-950807-04-8

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 570L

• Page Count: 40

• Published: Fall 2019

by the teen artists and writers of Next Wave Muslim Initiative

With a foreword by award-winning author Hena Khan

• “Captivating and uplifting.” — Starred review in Kirkus Reviews + named a Best Book of 2019

• “Get it soon… It would be difficult to ignore or forget these voices.” — Rich in Color Reviews

• Included on the “2020 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List for Ages 0-18”

During an era characterized by both hijabi fashion models and enduring post-9/11 stereotypes, ten Muslim American teenagers came together to explore what it means to be young and Muslim in America today. These teens represent the tremendous diversity within the American Muslim community, and their book, like them, contains multitudes. Bilal writes about being a Muslim rocker. Noor reflects about speaking in multiple tongues. Samaa creates her own cartoon Kabob Squad. Ayah responds to online hate. Through poems, essays, artwork, and stories, these young people aim to show their true selves, to build connection, and to create more inclusive and welcoming communities for all.

• ISBN: 978-1945434938

• Age: 12+

• Lexile: 830L

• Page Count: 192

• Published: 2019

Proceeds from book sales go to a Ballou HS scholarship fund and to empower new authors.

This book, the fifth volume of The Ballou Story Project, was initiated by these young people in response to a challenging year for the community. They wanted to illuminate the Ballou not often represented in the media--one full of love, hard work, and transformation. They set their mission: to change the story about their school and the people who call it home. To combat stereotypes and assumptions. To motivate the next generation to persevere, and to believe in themselves, no matter what.

Most importantly, these young people wanted to speak for themselves, not to be spoken about. They remind us that there are many sides to every story, and that all voices should be valued and heard. “This is our last line of defense,” they write. “These are our stories. This is the Ballou We Know.”

The Ballou We Know is the fifth volume of The Ballou Story Project, a program that provides a platform for these students to tell their own stories and act as leaders in their community. Learn more.

• ISBN: 978-1945434914

• Age: 12+

• Lexile: 760L

• Page Count: 72

• Published: 2018

by Talik, Synia, Jada, and Temil of Reach Incorporated

Tyrell loves his neighborhood -- the park with the swing set, the library with the puppet shows, the restaurant with the star-shaped spaghetti. But the neighborhood has been changing a lot lately, and one day Tyrell comes home to learn that his building has been bought and everyone must move. It seems like the worst news ever, but Tyrell’s cousin Breonna has a plan for making the most of it. How can Tyrell learn how to move on and be OK?

This heartfelt story about dealing with change is both sweet and smart, coming from teen authors who know the realities of handling transitions -- and about changing neighborhoods in Washington, DC.

• ISBN: 978-1-945434-95-2

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 510L

• Page Count: 42

• Published: Fall 2018

by De’Asia, India, Essence and Malik of Reach Incorporated

Rahim loves his dog Mumbo, and Mumbo loves himself some Mumbo sauce. :-) The two are best friends, but lately Rahim has been getting frustrated by all the chores that come along with taking care of a dog -- especially the ones that get in the way of him playing basketball. On the day before his big tournament, Rahim’s dad makes him take Mumbo out, but he’s running late for practice, so he tries to multi-task… and when practice is over, Mumbo is gone. Can Rahim figure out how to find his beloved dog AND play in the big game?

• ISBN: 978-1-945434-96-9

• Age: 2-4

• Lexile: 490L

• Page Count: 42

• Published: Fall 2018

by Trevon and Kahliya of Reach Incorporated

Where can you go to grill half-smokes, captain pirate ships, shoot hoops, feed ducks, and watch the sun set magnificently over the river? Welcome to historic Anacostia Park, in Southeast Washington, D.C. Join us on an adventure through this local landmark through the eyes of D.C.’s youngest residents, and feel the ordinary become extraordinary.

• ISBN: 978-1-945434-94-5

• Age: 2-4

• Lexile: 500L

• Page Count: 32

• Published: Fall 2018

by Brittany, Dartavius, and Don’Nayah of Reach Incorporated

Every day, Tiffany hears that her smile is so bright it lights up the room. But on the morning of her ballet recital, something goes very wrong: Tiffany's two front teeth fall out. Tiffany doesn't want anyone to laugh at her new crazy smile or make fun of her lisp. But how can she avoid attention on the day she’s on stage in the spotlight?

• ISBN: 978-1-945434-97-6

• Age: 2-4

• Lexile: 500L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2018