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.
2026 booklist
These books are from the 2026 booklist.
Preschool
Miguel’s Community Garden
By JaNay Brown-Wood
Young Miguel searches for sunflowers to throw a party with his community garden friends. In his search for sunflowers, he is immersed in a vibrant exploration of gardening and healthy eating.
If You Plant a Seed
By Kadir Nelson
The story follows the journey of a mouse and a rabbit as they learn how to grow a garden and also how a seed of kindness can bear sweet fruit.
All Are Neighbors
By Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
A joyful picture book about a neighborhood welcoming a new family, celebrating diversity and the spirit of community.
I Walk with Vanessa
By Kerascoët
In the heartfelt picture book, Vanessa struggles to fit in at her new school and faces bullying, until one classmate’s act of kindness inspires the entire community to come together in support.
Grades K – 2
Alice Waters Cooks Up a Food Revolution
By Diane Stanley
As part of her quest to make delicious food, Alice Waters sought out small, local farmers to provide the meat, dairy, and produce. The restaurant made her famous, but it did much more than that – it started a food revolution.
She Persisted in Sports
By Chelsea Clinton
Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
This empowering book highlights female athletes who overcame challenges and excelled in their sports through unwavering perseverance.
Finding My Dance
By Ria Thundercloud
This autobiography follows Ria Thundercloud’s journey to becoming a professional dancer and how it helped her embrace and take pride in her Native American heritage.
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
Mexikid
By Pedro Martín
A graphic memoir follows Pedro, a Mexican American boy, as he embarks on an adventure-filled road trip with his family to bring their abuelito home from Mexico, discovering the richness of his culture and heritage along the way.
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.
My Thoughts are Clouds: Poems for Mindfulness
By Georgia Heard
A collection of poems designed to teach children to slow down, be present, and navigate difficult emotions using meditation and affirmation techniques.
Areli Is a Dreamer
By Areli Morales
This powerful story follows Areli’s journey after immigrating from Mexico to the United States as a young child, highlighting her resilience as she adjusts to a new language, culture, and community.
Grades 6 – 8
Iveliz Explains It All
By Andrea Beatriz Arango
The novel focuses on a preteen Latina girl who navigates mental health challenges while finding her voice and advocating for the help she needs and deserves.
Same But Different
By Holly Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete, and RJ Peete
This powerful, non-fiction book explores the realities of living with autism through the lens of teenage twins as they uncover tolerance and love.
Before the Ever After
By Jacqueline Woodson
This novel follows the story of ZJ learning to cope with his father’s personality changes after a sports-related head injury while holding on to family traditions and memories.
In the Key of Us
By Mariama J. Lockington
The coming-of-age novel focuses on the friendship of two girls who become connected through their shared experiences of grief, loss, identity, and love for music and art.
Grades 9 – 12
Caste
By Isabel Wilkerson
An adaptation for young adults that explores how unspoken social hierarchies shape societies.
Notable Native People
By Adrienne Keene
This book beautifully illustrates the stories of 50 notable Indigenous people, celebrating their lives, achievements and impacts.
Wild Dreamers
By Margarita Engle
In this stirring novel, love and conservation intertwine as two teens embark on a transformative journey that celebrates the power of overcoming personal struggles to make a lasting impact.
We are Okay
By Nina LaCour
A young adult novel about grief, love, and friendship as a college student adjusts to life after a major family loss.
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.
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Lunch at the Library
Through the Lunch at the Library program, children and teens can access meals over the summer at their local library.
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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.