Incredible Informational Books 

Not only are these books informational, but important and entertaining too! 

Unspeakable

Boston Weatherford, Carole, and Cooper, Floyd. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre. Carolrhoda Books, 2021.$13.24. 32 pages. ISBN 1541581202. 

he word “unspeakable” is the only way to describe what happened during the Tulsa Race Massacre. In this almost narrative form of a dream, Weatherford and Cooper touch our heartstrings with the happiness of the booming city, and then take us through the absolute massacre of the people and the town, making our hearts drop into our stomachs. The importance of knowing history shines through this book in an accessible way for children to not only hear and comprehend a story, but know its impact on our world today. Illustrations were never too scary for kids, but still left its mark of importance. With its shift in colors in scenes and the beautiful painting work, this whole book is nothing but something to speak about. 

A Land of Books 

Tonatiuh, Duncan. A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexhcah Word Painters. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2022. $11.19. 48 pages. ISBN 1419749420. 

In this beautifully illustrated story, Tonatiuh takes us through what it was like in the world of word painters. Long before printing presses, there was a need to document stories, and the Mechcah people were some of those to make not only the story, but the paper and inks as well. Tonatiuh does a great job of turning something so sacred and informational into an accessible story for children. The illustrations speak of the demonstrations of how these word painters worked. In a longer form picture book, this story is one that will intrigue older ages, but also let younger ages follow along with its wonderful illustrations. 

Not So Different 

Burcaw, Shane. Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask About Having a Disability. Roaring Book Press, 2017. $10.67. 40 pages. ISBN 1626727716. 

In this question and answer, yet also memoir-like, book, Shane Burcaw tells us all. From his appearance to how to get around, Burcaw holds nothing back. His light-heartedness makes talking about big things easy for kids to get on the same page as him. With plenty of cracked jokes and fun pictures and speech bubbles, this book is surely one to pick up to learn more about the disabled community. 

Hey, Water! 

Portis, Antoinette. Hey, Water! Neal Porter Books, 2019. $7.59. 36 pages. ISBN 0823452581.

Beginning as a sweet picture book with lyrical prose, this wet masterpiece makes you ponder all that water is. The story is short and sweet. It could be read to babies and still feel fun! It flows very nicely into each body of water, then into where else in the world it could be. Illustrations are block-like with cool colors that ease the reader into the brisk waters. The explanation of different water sources is smooth and accessible, but if you need a little more information, there is an infographic breakdown of the water system and how rain flows through it.  A book that has range in age and can be used in many different ways inside and out of the classroom.