First Partner’s
Book Club
Launched in partnership with the California State Library, the First Partner’s Book Club is an initiative to encourage children to read all year long.
When we read with our children early and often or encourage young readers to dive in and explore a new book on their own, we instill in them a life-long love of reading.
Booklist
The First Partner’s Book Club recommends books hand-picked by the First Partner and librarians across the state for kids from preschool through high school. This initiative is aimed at getting more kids in libraries and reading to promote early literacy, combat learning loss during school breaks, offer an alternative to time on devices, and improve their mental health.
2025 booklist
These books are from the 2025 booklist.
Preschool
Berry Song
By Michaela Goade
On an island at the edge of a wide, wild sea, a girl and her grandmother gather gifts from the earth. Salmon from the stream, herring eggs from the ocean, and in the forest, a world of berries.
Big
By Vashti Harrison
This book traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal.
From Park to Playa: The Trails that Connect Us
By Nell Cross Beckerman
Illustrated by Sophie Diao
Follow along as families from all over the city set out and connect on a trail that begins inland and winds its way through diverse neighborhoods, playgrounds and parks, all the way to the beach at dusk.
Here Are The Seeds
By JaNay Brown-Wood
Illustrated by Olivia Amoah
This delightfully rhythmic story follows two children as they grow a garden from seeds.
Hike
By Pete Oswald
Follow a father and son duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest.
Summer Is Here
By Renée Watson
Illustrated by Bea Jackson
This beautiful ode to all the season’s sensations follows one girl’s perfect day in an exploration of joy, family, friendship, sunshine, and wonder.
My Daddy is A Cowboy
By Stephanie Seales
Illustrated by C. G. Esperanza
A young girl and her father share an early morning horseback ride around their city.
Grades K – 2
Another
By Christian Robinson
In this exhilarating picture book, a girl and her cat enter a portal to a geometric world where they encounter, among other things, their doppelgängers.
The Last Stand
By Antwan Eady
Illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey
Saturday is for harvesting. And one little boy is excited to work alongside his Papa as they collect eggs, plums, peppers and pumpkins to sell at their stand in the farmer’s market.
Ride, Roll, Run. Time for Fun!
By Valerie Bolling
Illustrated by Sabrena Khadija
This energetic picture book celebrates community and friendship, following children as they play their way through their vibrant neighborhood.
Thank a Farmer
By Maria Gianferrari
Illustrated by Monica Mikai
Infused with jubilance and warmth, this luminous, lyrical picture book celebrates the people and the work that put food on our tables.
Grades 3 – 5
Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series
By Traci Sorell
Illustrated by Arigon Starr
The true story of John Meyers and Charles Bender, who in 1911 became the first two Native pro baseball players to face off in a World Series.
Gamerville
By Johnnie Christmas
A video gamer’s championship aspirations are dashed when his parents send him to Camp Reset, where electronics are forbidden and you’re forced to socialize, eat healthy, and spend time outside.
How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee
By Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by Frank Morrison
This story is a deeply affecting portrait of determination against discrimination: the story of young spelling champion MacNolia Cox.
Grades 6 – 8
Front Country
By Sara St. Antoine
This heartfelt, exciting novel is about one girl’s growing awareness of herself, the world, and the relationship between the two.
In the Key of Us
By Mariama J. Lockington
This story is a lyrical ode to music camp, the rush of first love, and the power of one life-changing summer.
The Summer of June
By Jamie Sumner
Twelve-year-old June sets out to overcome her anxiety over the course of one life-changing summer, alongside her Mom.
Grades 9 – 12
Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed
By Dashka Slater
A propulsive and thought-provoking true story about the revelation of a racist social media account that changes everything for a group of high school students and begs the question: What does it mean to be held accountable for harm that takes place behind a screen?
Ash’s Cabin
By Jen Wang
A book that will prompt deep conversations about how best to support one another and our environment, at a time when the future is uncertain and peace can be hard to find.
Wild Dreamers
By Margarita Engle
In this stirring novel, love and conservation intertwine as two teens go on a “transformative journey celebrating the power of overcoming personal struggles to make a lasting impact.
Libraries for All Families
Local libraries are a great place to find a new book as well as a vibrant hub of community activity with programs and services designed to meet the needs of their surrounding communities. Through programs like bilingual storytime, Lunch at the Library, and the California State Library Parks Pass, libraries are essential to building healthy, connected communities.
-
Lunch at the Library
Through the Lunch at the Library program, children and teens can access meals over the summer at their local library.
-
California State Library Parks Pass
Check out a California State Library Parks Pass at your local library to receive free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating California state parks.