Special 10th Anniversary Board Book Edition available now

by the teen authors of Reach Incorporated

Washington DC teens take the reader on an exciting alphabet tour of their city using both photographs and words. It's DC like you've never seen it before. D is for Duke Ellington, G is for Go-Go, P is for the Potomac River, and Q is for Quadrants. The reader will learn the alphabet while learning about the city through the eyes of kids just like them! Made in collaboration with Shootback, an organization that empowers young people to tell their own stories through photography and writing.

• ISBN:978-1-950807-75-8

• Age: 1-4

• Page Count: 32

• Originally Published: Fall 2014

• Board Book Edition Publication Date: June 2024

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 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

by Abreona, Kairon, and Cassandra of Reach Incorporated

Every year on the first day of school, Carla’s friends show up wearing the coolest new shoes. But not Carla -- her mom always buys her the Same Lame Boring Plain sneakers. And this year is no different. This time, though, Carla won’t settle for more of the same. With a little advice from her older cousin Josh, a few experiments, and a whole lot of creativity, Carla decides to take a chance and do her own thing. But what will her classmates think of her creation?

• ISBN: 978-1945434068

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 550L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2017

by Makiya, Mikala, and Dartavius of Reach Incorporated

Madison is a first-grader who can’t sit still. She wants to make her teacher like her, but she also wants to jump and scream and play tag with her imaginary best friend, Alex. When Madison accidentally lets her class pet bunny out of its cage during recess, she will have to get creative and form unlikely friendships - and not just imaginary ones - if she wants to prove to her class that a hyperactive little girl can still be responsible.

• ISBN: 978-1945434082

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 520L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2017

by Ashley, De’Asia, and Romel of Reach Incorporated

It’s Amaya’s first month at a new school in a new state, and she's too scared to speak. Amaya has a stutter. At her old school she got bullied for how she talked, but she had finally just started making friends. And then her mom got a new job and moved them to DC, where she had to start all over again! Now Amaya is mad at her mom and scared at school. The only friend she shares her feelings with is her dog, Journey, who can talk back! If Amaya doesn’t start speaking soon, she’ll keep getting in trouble and will never make friends. Can Journey and her classmates help Amaya find her voice?

• ISBN: 978-1945434051

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 500L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2017

by Jonae, Jesse, Layonnie, and Kahliya of Reach Incorporated

Lately, Deena has been getting angry. A lot. She acts out in school and keeps getting in trouble. Everyone is surprised because she used to be very calm, but that was before her mother went to jail. Her dad, her grandma, and her best friend Josey all do their best to help her out, but Deena doesn’t want to talk about it. Will a day at the carnival with her Dad help her open up?

• ISBN: 978-1945434075

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 520L

• Page Count: 40

• Published: Fall 2017

by Abreona, Darrin, Rochelle, and Temil of Reach Incorporated

Closing Day is coming to the animal shelter, and “All Dogs Must Go.” Spanky, who was born with just three legs, is both excited and terrified: Does this mean he will finally be adopted? Spanky’s abandonment as a pup have left him with a deep desire to be loved, and his worries sometimes make him feel hopeless. While Pepper the mean chihuahua tries to tear him down, Dorothy the friendly pit bull tries to cheer him up. Can she help Spanky learn to be his own lovable self and finally get adopted?

• ISBN: 978-1945434013

• Age: 2-4

• Lexile: 530L

• Page Count: 46

• Published: Fall 2016

by Destiney, Kairon, and Aderemi of Reach Incorporated

Kendra the Kangaroo is getting ready for her hockey team’s big game against their rival. The only problem? Her team doesn’t think that kangaroos belong in hockey. And even worse, Kendra is afraid they’ll kick her off the team if they find out that she has asthma. So she keeps a big secret, and tries to prove that she belongs on the ice. Can her friend Rahim the Rabbit convince her to be herself and tell the truth before she puts herself in danger?

• ISBN: 978-1945434020

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 600L

• Page Count: 44

• Published: Fall 2016

by R.E.L., Taijah, and Nasseem of Reach Incorporated

Lions rule the savanna kingdom and are taught to hate hyenas, who compete for the same resources. Then Mya the Lion and Asia the Hyena both get caught by a trapper and have to work together to escape. When they return home, they have to deal with protests and a face-off between their two species, and Mya has to make a tough decision: Should she rest easy in her lion power or speak up for her new hyena friend?

• ISBN: 978-1945434044

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 580L

• Page Count: 42

• Published: Fall 2016

by Dache, Marques, Ericka, and Dartavius of Reach Incorporated

Sherbert is a little sherbet with big problems: he has serious anger management issues, and whenever he gets mad he starts to melt. His friends are getting tired of dealing with his tantrums, and the other treats in the candy shop are worried that his melting will attract unwanted attention from the store’s owner. When Sherbert’s best friend leaves him to fend for himself, he will have to learn how to deal with his anger issues on his own – before he melts away!

• ISBN: 978-1945434037

• Age: 2-4

• Lexile: 580L

• Page Count: 42

• Published: Fall 2016

by Rochelle, Destiney, and Nasseem of Reach Incorporated

An elementary school is moved to a new planet while Earth is under construction. But even their cool new home might not be enough to make up for their awful second grade teacher, Ms. Moody. The students will have to be inventive and work together to stop Ms. Moody and salvage their second grade year-- and learn something about themselves in the process.

• ISBN: 978-0996927420

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 580L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2015

2015 INDIEFAB Finalist: Child Author Book of the Year

by Aderemi, Taijah, and Makayla of Reach Incorporated

Max is a supervillain growing up in a supervillain family-- his mom controls fire and his dad is like a tornado. Max has the power of invisibility, which he uses to wreak havoc and go unseen. Or so he thinks. But Max goes to school with Ronnie, the son of superheroes and a champion of justice who can see in others what no one else can see--even good hearts in misbehaving boys. What happens when these two super-forces square off?

• ISBN: 978-0996927413

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 510L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2015

2015 INDIEFAB Finalist: Child Author Book of the Year

by Daijha, Ashley, and Makayla of Reach Incorporated

Jasmine wants to make a difference in her community, but sometimes she feels like a little girl in a big, big world. She feels helpless in the face of the problems she sees around her, like homelessness and kids skipping school. But when she begins taking small steps to solve these problems, and recognizes the power of her BIG personality, the impact she makes may surprise even her.

• ISBN: 978-0996927437

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 500L

• Page Count: 38

• Published: Fall 2015

by Artrise, Darrin, and Litzi of Reach Incorporated

Cabbage and Spice are two caterpillars who become friends but are forced into different schools and lifestyles when one grows up to be a moth and the other a butterfly. In their insect world, butterflies and moths are taught to hate each other-- butterflies are “spectacular” and loved by humans, while moths are seen as pests. Will the two be able to overcome these barriers and remain friends?

• ISBN: 978-0996927406

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 590L

• Page Count: 40

• Published: Fall 2015

by Ashley, Daequan, and Rico of Reach Incorporated

Story: Da’Monte walks home deflated after watching a friend get bullied. Afraid, he did nothing. Wishing he was braver, he confided in his grandmother, who provided a powerful surprise. With a magical hoodie provided by the family matriarch, Da’Monte becomes brave and bold. The bullies better watch out.

Story Behind the Story: In this fresh take on a superhero story, these teen authors reclaim the hoodie as a symbol not of intimidation or threat, but of courage and selflessness. Hoodie is the new Cape. In the context of continued racial profiling of and violence towards young black men in this country, this reimagining could not be more timely, or more necessary.

• ISBN: 978-0692300787

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 600L

• Page Count: 36

• Published: Fall 2014

by Kyare, Za'Metria, and Litzi of Reach Incorporated

Story: Khalil is tired of hearing his parents fight. As they scream, he retreats to his closet and writes a letter to his future self, dreaming of escape. To his surprise, this future self – called Bruh – shows up to provide support. Together, they visit a fantastical place called Swagtown and learn how families can communicate better.

Story Behind the Story: These teen authors knew that kids need to see themselves and their own struggles represented in the stories they read in order to know they are not alone. They also like things that are outlandish and wacky! This story is a smart and fun combination of both.

• ISBN: 978-0692300800

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 540L

• Page Count: 42

• Published: Fall 2014

by Marc, Darrin, and Makayla of Reach Incorporated

Story: Mariah really wants to take over her parents’ fruit shop one day, but they don’t think she can do it. Why? Because she’s blind. When her parents leave on vacation, Mariah gets her hands on the keys to the store. With the help of her parrot sidekick, Blue, Mariah must find a way to get the job done.

Story Behind the Story: Inspired by the #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign, which promotes diversity not only of race but of religion, orientation, culture, and ability, these teen authors chose to tell an empowering story about a protagonist who was blind.

• ISBN: 978-0692300824

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 600L

• Page Count: 36

• Published: Fall 2014

by Karta, Darne'sha, and Zorita of Reach Incorporated

Story: Meet Princess McKenzie as she shows you around her castle, the Fort Hill Homeless Shelter. McKenzie shows the power of imagination in overcoming difficult circumstances. Missing her mom, Princess McKenzie leaves the shelter in search of the queen and finds something far more important.

Story Behind the Story: In this bold and imaginative story, these teen authors address a challenge they know some of their readers know personally, but that we rarely see represented in children's literature: living in a homeless shelter. They wanted to portray the shelter as a safe and helpful place where families can rebuild and get the support they need, while also exploring the complex relationship issues that can be caused by financial struggle.

• ISBN: 978-0692300763

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 550L

• Page Count: 36

• Published: Fall 2014

by Marc, Sasha, Angelo, and Sean of Reach Incorporated

Teen authors Marc, Sasha, Angelo, and Sean understand one of the most important aspects of childhood: play. But what if play is taken away? In The Airplane Effect, we meet a young boy who struggles with the effects of cancer and dreams of having fun. Frustrated, he throws a paper airplane out the window. What happens next? You'll have to read to find out.

• ISBN: 9780996927475

• Age: 4-9

• Lexile: 600L

• Page Count: 44

• Published: Fall 2013