We envision a future where people actively work to dismantle injustices and build a more peaceful, equitable world.

Grades 1-2 Reading List

A list of Jane Addams awarded books aimed at grades 1-2, sorted by Teaching Books.

The Sacred Stone Camp

by Rae Rose and Aly McKnight

(Finalist, 2026)

A Line Can Go Anywhere: The Brilliant, Resilient Life of Artist Ruth Asawa

by Caroline McAlister and Jamie Green

(Finalist, 2026)

Map for Falasteen, A: A Palestinian Child's Search for Home

A Map for Falasteen: A Palestinian Child’s Search for Home

by Maysa Odeh and Aliaa Betawi

(Honor, 2025)

I Heard: An American Journey

I Heard: An American Journey

by Jaha Nailah Avery and Steffi Walthall

(Finalist, 2025)

Last Stand, The

The Last Stand

by Antwan Eady, Jerome Pumphrey, and Jarrett Pumphrey

(Finalist, 2025)

Justice Ketanji: The Story of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

Justice Ketanji: The Story of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

by Denise Lewis Patrick, illustrated by Kim Holt

(Finalist, 2024)

How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee

How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee

by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison

(Finalist, 2024)

My Red, White, and Blue

My Red, White, and Blue

by Alana Tyson, illustrated by London Ladd

(Finalist, 2024)

Going Places: Victor Hugo Green and His Glorious Book

Going Places: Victor Hugo Green and His Glorious Book

by Tonya Bolden, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

(Finalist, 2023)

Mother of a Movement, The

The Mother of a Movement

by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Sam Kalda

(Finalist, 2023)

Ida B. Wells, Voice of Truth: Educator, Feminist, and Anti-Lynching Civil Rights Leader

Ida B. Wells, Voice of Truth: Educator, Feminist, and Anti-Lynching Civil Rights Leader

by Michelle Duster, illustrated by Laura Freeman

(Honor, 2023)

Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge

Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge

by Ray Anthony Shepard, illustrated by Keith Mallett

(Honor, 2022)

We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know

We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know

by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frané Lessac

(Finalist, 2022)

Only Woman in the Photo, The: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America

The Only Woman in the Photo: Frances Perkins & Her New Deal for America

by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Alexandra Bye

(Finalist, 2020)

Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon

Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon

by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Laura Freeman

(Finalist, 2020)

Mother Jones and Her Army of Mill Children

Mother Jones and Her Army of Mill Children

by Jonah Winter and Nancy Carpenter

(Finalist, 2020)

Malala's Magic Pencil

Malala’s Magic Pencil

by Malala Yousafzai, illustrated by Kerascoët

(Winner, 2018)

Mama's Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation

Mama’s Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation

by Edwidge Danticat, illustrated by Leslie Staub

(Honor, 2016)

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation

by Duncan Tonatiuh

(Winner, 2015)

Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers

Dolores Huerta: A Hero to Migrant Workers

by Sarah Warren, illustrated by Robert Casilla

(Honor, 2013)

Peaceful Pieces: Poems and Quilts about Peace

Peaceful Pieces: Poems and Quilts about Peace

by Anna Grossnickle Hines

(Honor, 2012)

Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down

Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down

by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

(Honor, 2011)

Paul Robeson

Paul Robeson

by Eloise Greenfield, illustrated by George Ford

(Winner, 1976)

Rickshaw Girl

Rickshaw Girl

by Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Jamie Hogan

(Honor, 2008)

Delivering Justice: W.W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights

Delivering Justice: W.W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights

by James Haskins, illustrated by Benny Andrews

(Winner, 2006)

Henry and the Kite Dragon

Henry and the Kite Dragon

by Bruce Edward Hall, illustrated by William Low

(Honor, 2005)

Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings

Girl Wonder: A Baseball Story in Nine Innings

by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Terry Widener

(Honor, 2004)

Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart

Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart

by Vera B. Williams

(Honor, 2002)

Molly Bannaky

Molly Bannaky

by Alice McGill, illustrated by Chris K. Soentpiet

(Winner, 2000)

This Land is Your Land

This Land is Your Land

by Woody Guthrie, illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen

(Honor, 1999)

Seven Brave Women

Seven Brave Women

by Betsy Hearne, illustrated by Bethanne Andersen

(Winner, 1998)

Sitti's Secrets

Sitti’s Secrets

by Naomi Shihab Nye, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

(Winner, 1995)

Wednesday Surprise, The

The Wednesday Surprise

by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Donald Carrick

(Honor, 1990)

All the Colors of the Race

All the Colors of the Race

by Arnold Adoff, illustrated by John Steptoe

(Commended, 1983)

Queenie Peavy

Queenie Peavy

by Robert Burch and Jerry Lazare

(Winner, 1967)

How Sweet the Sound

by Kwame Alexander and Charly Palmer

(Finalist, 2026)

Brave

by Weshoyot Alvitre

(Finalist, 2026)

Barrio Rising: The Protest That Built Chicano Park

Barrio Rising: The Protest That Built Chicano Park

by María Dolores Águila and Magdalena Mora

(Finalist, 2025)

Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi's Fight to End Child Labor

Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi’s Fight to End Child Labor

by Srividhya Venkat and Danica da Silva Pereira

(Finalist, 2025)

Dear You, Dream Big!

Dear You, Dream Big!

by Baptiste Paul and Toni D. Chambers

(Finalist, 2025)

Spanish Is the Language of My Family

Spanish Is the Language of My Family

by Michael Genhart and John Parra

(Finalist, 2024)

Hero Like Me, A

A Hero Like Me

by Jen Reid, Angela Joy, illustrated by Leire Salaberria

(Finalist, 2024)

Artivist, The

The Artivist

by Nikkolas Smith

(Honor, 2024)

Until Someone Listens

Until Someone Listens

by Estela Juarez, Lissette Norman, illustrated by Teresa Martínez

(Finalist, 2023)

Because of You, John Lewis

Because of You, John Lewis

by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Keith Henry Brown

(Finalist, 2023)

Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

by Jeanne Walker Harvey and Loveis Wise

(Finalist, 2023)

Highest Tribute, The: Thurgood Marshall's Life, Leadership, and Legacy

The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership, and Legacy

by Kekla Magoon, illustrated by Laura Freeman

(Finalist, 2022)

Opening the Road: Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book

Opening the Road: Victor Hugo Green and His Green Book

by Keila V. Dawson, illustrated by Alleanna Harris

(Finalist, 2022)

Day Saida Arrived, The

The Day Saida Arrived

by Susana Gómez Redondo and Sonja Wimmer

(Finalist, 2020)

Ocean Speaks: How Marie Tharp Revealed the Ocean's Biggest Secret

Ocean Speaks: How Marie Tharp Revealed the Ocean’s Biggest Secret

by Jess Keating, illustrated by Katie Hickey

(Honor, 2021)

Teachers March!, The: How Selma's Teachers Changed History

The Teachers March!: How Selma’s Teachers Changed History

by Sandra Neil Wallace, Rich Wallace, illustrated by Charly Palmer

(Finalist, 2020)

Freedom Soup

Freedom Soup

by Tami Charles, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara

(Finalist, 2020)

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark

by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley

(Honor, 2017)

Lillian's Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965

Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965

by Jonah Winter and Shane W. Evans

(Honor, 2016)

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909

by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

(Winner, 2014)

Each Kindness

Each Kindness

by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

(Winner, 2013)

Mangrove Tree, The: Planting Trees to Feed Families

The Mangrove Tree: Planting Trees to Feed Families

by Susan L. Roth and Cindy Trumbore

(Winner, 2012)

You and Me and Home Sweet Home

You and Me and Home Sweet Home

by George Ella Lyon and Stephanie Anderson

(Honor, 2010)

Storyteller's Candle / La velita de los cuentos, The

The Storyteller’s Candle / La velita de los cuentos

by Lucia M. Gonzalez and Lulu Delacre

(Honor, 2009)

Night Boat to Freedom

Night Boat to Freedom

by Margot Theis Raven, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

(Honor, 2007)

Poems to Dream Together / Poemas para sonar juntos

Poems to Dream Together / Poemas para sonar juntos

by Francisco X. Alarcón, illustrated by Paula Barragan

(Honor, 2006)

¡Si, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can!: Janitor Strike in L.A.

¡Si, Se Puede! / Yes, We Can!: Janitor Strike in L.A.

by Diana Cohn, Paul Mirocha, illustrated by Francisco Delgado

(Honor, 2003)

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez

Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez

by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Yuyi Morales

(Winner, 2004)

Yellow Star, The: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark

The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark

by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Henri Sorensen

(Honor, 2001)

When Sophie Gets Angry...Really, Really Angry

When Sophie Gets Angry…Really, Really Angry

by Molly Bang

(Honor, 2000)

Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story

Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story

by Ken Mochizuki, illustrated by Dom Lee

(Honor, 1998)

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman

by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by David Diaz

(Winner, 1997)

Bein' with You This Way

Bein’ with You This Way

by W. Nikola-Lisa, illustrated by Michael Bryant

(Honor, 1995)

Most Beautiful Place in the World, The

The Most Beautiful Place in the World

by Ann Cameron, illustrated by Thomas Burt Allen

(Honor, 1989)

Natural History

by M.B. Goffstein

(Commended, 1980)

Perilous Road, The

The Perilous Road

by William O. Steele

(Winner, 1958)

Unstoppable John: How John Lewis Got His Library Card—And Helped Change History

by Pat Zietlow Miller and Jerry Jordan

(Finalist, 2026)

The One & Only Googoosh: Iran’s Beloved Superstar

by Azadeh Westergaard

(Finalist, 2026)

The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit

by Kelly Crull

(Finalist, 2026)

Let Us March On!: James Weldon Johnson and the Silent Protest Parade

Let Us March On!: James Weldon Johnson and the Silent Protest Parade

by Yohuru Williams, Michael G. Long, and Xia Gordon

(Finalist, 2025)

Freedom Braids

Freedom Braids

by Monique Duncan and Oboh Moses

(Finalist, 2025)

They Call Me Teach

They Call Me Teach

by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome

(Winner, 2025)

That Flag

That Flag

by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith

(Honor, 2024)

Something, Someday

Something, Someday

by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Christian Robinson

(Finalist, 2024)

Walk, The

The Walk

by Winsome Bingham, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

(Finalist, 2024)

Because Claudette

Because Claudette

by Tracey Baptiste, illustrated by Tonya Engel

(Finalist, 2023)

Song for the Unsung, A: Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the 1963 March on Washington

A Song for the Unsung: Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the 1963 March on Washington

by Carole Boston Weatherford, Rob Sanders, illustrated by Byron McCray

(Winner, 2024)

She Caught the Light: Williamina Stevens Fleming: Astronomer

She Caught the Light: Williamina Stevens Fleming: Astronomer

by Kathryn Lasky, illustrated by Julianna Swaney

(Finalist, 2022)

I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story

I Am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story

by Martha Brockenbrough, Grace Lin, illustrated by Julia Kuo

(Finalist, 2023)

Be Strong

Be Strong

by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jen Hill

(Finalist, 2022)

Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued

Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued

by Peter Sís

(Finalist, 2022)

Kamala and Maya's Big Idea

Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea

by Meena Harris, illustrated by Ana Ramí­rez González

(Finalist, 2020)

Black Is a Rainbow Color

Black Is a Rainbow Color

by Angela Joy, illustrated by Ekua Holmes

(Honor, 2021)

Day War Came, The

The Day War Came

by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Rebecca Cobb

(Honor, 2019)

Day You Begin, The

The Day You Begin

by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López

(Winner, 2019)

Steamboat School

Steamboat School

by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Ron Husband

(Winner, 2017)

New Shoes

New Shoes

by Susan Lynn Meyer, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

(Winner, 2016)

We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song

We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song

by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

(Honor, 2014)

We March

We March

by Shane W. Evans

(Honor, 2013)

Ruth and the Green Book

Ruth and the Green Book

by Calvin Alexander Ramsey, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

(Honor, 2011)

Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan

Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan

by Jeanette Winter

(Winner, 2010)

Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad

Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad

by James Rumford

(Honor, 2009)

Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom

Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom

by Tim Tingle, illustrated by Jeanne Rorex Bridges

(Honor, 2007)

Pocket Full of Seeds, A

A Pocket Full of Seeds

by Marilyn Sachs

(Honor, 1974)

Selavi, That Is Life: A Haitian Story of Hope

Selavi, That Is Life: A Haitian Story of Hope

by Youme Landowne

(Winner, 2005)

Village That Vanished, The

The Village That Vanished

by Ann Grifalconi, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

(Honor, 2003)

All in a Day

All in a Day

by Mitsumasa Anno

(Honor, 1987)

Marianthe's Story: Painted Words and Spoken Memories

Marianthe’s Story: Painted Words and Spoken Memories

by Aliki

(Winner, 1999)

Celebrating Families

Celebrating Families

by Rosmarie Hausherr

(Honor, 1998)

Day Gogo Went to Vote, The

The Day Gogo Went to Vote

by Elinor Batezat Sisulu, illustrated by Sharon Wilson

(Honor, 1997)

If I Had a Paka

If I Had a Paka

by Charlotte Pomerantz, illustrated by Nancy Tafuri

(Honor, 1983)

Mrs. Katz and Tush

Mrs. Katz and Tush

by Patricia Polacco

(Honor, 1993)

Journey to the Soviet Union

by Samantha Smith

(Honor, 1986)

Amifika

by Lucille Clifton

(Commended, 1978)

Blue Mystery

Blue Mystery

by Margot Benary-Isbert

(Winner, 1957)

Monkey and the Wild, Wild Wind, The

The Monkey and the Wild, Wild Wind

by Ryerson Johnson

(Winner, 1963)


Every Little Bit Olive Tran

by Phuong Truong

(Finalist, 2026)

The History of We

by Nikkolas Smith

(Finalist, 2026)

Faith Takes the Train

by Kesi Augustine and Mokshini

(Finalist, 2026)

Ceecee: Underground Railroad Cinderella

by Shana Keller and Laura Freeman

(Finalist 2026)

Up, Up, Ever Up!: Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains

Up, Up, Ever Up!: Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains

by Anita Yasuda and Yuko Shimizu

(Picture Book Finalist, 2025)

House Before Falling Into the Sea, The

The House Before Falling Into the Sea

by Ann Suk Wang and Hanna Cha

(Finalist, 2025)

To Boldly Go

To Boldly Go

by Angela Dalton and Lauren Semmer

(Finalist, 2024)

Hidden Hope: How a Toy and a Hero Saved Lives During the Holocaust

Hidden Hope: How a Toy and a Hero Saved Lives During the Holocaust

by Elisa Boxer, illustrated by Amy June Bates

(Finalist, 2024)

Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior

Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior

by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Bridget George

(Finalist, 2024)

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie's Place, the Nation's First Shelter for Women

Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter for Women

by Christine McDonnell, illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov

(Honor, 2023)

When the Schools Shut Down: A Young Girl's Story of Virginia's Lost Generation and the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Decision

When the Schools Shut Down: A Young Girl’s Story of Virginia’s Lost Generation and the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Decision

by Yolanda Gladden, Keisha Morris, illustrated by Tamara Pizzoli

(Finalist, 2023)

Ambitious Girl

Ambitious Girl

by Meena Harris, illustrated by Marissa Valdez

(Finalist, 2022)

¡Mambo Mucho Mambo!: The Dance That Crossed Color Lines

¡Mambo Mucho Mambo!: The Dance That Crossed Color Lines

by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

(Finalist, 2023)

Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress

Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress

by Alicia D. Williams, illustrated by April Harrison

(Winner, 2022)

We Are Water Protectors

We Are Water Protectors

by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade

(Winner, 2021)

Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb

Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb

by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Rachelle Baker

(Finalist, 2020)

Julián is a Mermaid

Julián is a Mermaid

by Jessica Love

(Honor, 2019)

First Step, The: How One Girl Put Segregation on Trial

The First Step: How One Girl Put Segregation on Trial

by Susan E. Goodman, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

(Honor, 2017)

Whispering Town, The

The Whispering Town

by Jennifer Elvgren, illustrated by Fabio Santomauro

(Honor, 2015)

Razia's Ray of Hope: One Girl's Dream of an Education

Razia’s Ray of Hope: One Girl’s Dream of an Education

by Elizabeth Suneby, illustrated by Suana Verelst

(Honor, 2014)

Belle, the Last Mule at Gee's Bend: A Civil Rights Story

Belle, the Last Mule at Gee’s Bend: A Civil Rights Story

by Calvin Alexander Ramsey, Bettye Stroud, illustrated by John Holyfield

(Honor, 2012)

Nicolas, Where Have You Been?

Nicolas, Where Have You Been?

by Leo Lionni

(Honor, 1988)

Sojourner Truth's Step-Stomp Stride

Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride

by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney

(Honor, 2010)

One Thousand Tracings: Healing the Wounds of World War II

One Thousand Tracings: Healing the Wounds of World War II

by Lita Judge

(Honor, 2008)

Place Where Sunflowers Grow, A

A Place Where Sunflowers Grow

by Amy Lee-Tai, illustrated by Felicia Hoshino

(Winner, 2007)

Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing

Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing

by James Rumford

(Honor, 2005)

Hot Day on Abbott Avenue

Hot Day on Abbott Avenue

by Karen English, illustrated by Javaka Steptoe

(Honor, 2005)

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

by Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier

(Winner, 2002)

Band of Angels, A: A Story Inspired by the Jubilee Singers

A Band of Angels: A Story Inspired by the Jubilee Singers

by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Raúl Colón

(Honor, 2000)

Hey, Little Ant

Hey, Little Ant

by Phillip Hoose, Hannah Hoose, illustrated by Debbie Tilley

(Honor, 1999)

Children as Teachers of Peace

Children as Teachers of Peace

by Gerald G. Jampolsky

(Commended, 1983)

Little Fishes, The

The Little Fishes

by Erik Christian Haugaard

(Winner, 1968)

Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky

Aunt Harriet’s Underground Railroad in the Sky

by Faith Ringgold

(Winner, 1993)

Music, Music for Everyone

Music, Music for Everyone

by Vera B. Williams

(Honor, 1985)

The Wheel of King Asoka

by Ashok Davar

(Commended, 1978)

Stick-in-the-Mud: A Tale of a Village, a Custom & a Little Boy

Stick-in-the-Mud: A Tale of a Village, a Custom & a Little Boy

by Jean Ketchum and Fred Ketchum

(Winner, 1954)

Jane Addams Peace Association