Books about identity and relationship

Honor Flight

Jeff Gottesfeld
Candlewick, 40 pages

In 2021, Gottesfeld released Twenty-One Steps, a picture book that pays tribute to the sentinel guards who keep vigil over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In Honor Flight he introduces readers to the Honor Flight Network, a volunteer-supported program that brings aging veterans to Washington, D.C., so they can visit the war memorials and receive special recognition. Gottesfeld, who volunteered with the program in 2023, tells the story from the perspective of a veteran facing fears that he will be forgotten. Matt Tavares’ illustrations depict the veteran as he flies with the Honor Flight entourage to the U.S. capital, visiting each of the war memorials and finding camaraderie with those he meets. By trip’s end, he has been reminded why he served and that he will never be forgotten. Ages 7–10

It’s Good To Be a Boy

Champ Thornton
The Good Book Co., 32 pages

This picture book celebrates being a boy while highlighting the special roles God gave men to fill. Thornton begins the book by first looking to Adam for qualities that define godly manhood. The opening refrain proclaims: “Our God made boys for working hard, For growing life and keeping guard. High-five, praise God, and shout for joy, Because it’s good to be a boy!” Thornton then uses additional examples from the Bible—culminating with Jesus—who embody the type of men young boys should aspire to be. The book, which features digital watercolor illustrations by Hsulynn Pang, concludes by affirming the many ways boys can grow up to serve God by using their various strengths “to move toward people and problems in love and wisdom.” Note: Illustrations depict Jesus’ face. Ages 3–7

Navigating Night

Julie Leung
Anne Schwartz Books, 48 pages

A young girl accompanies her Cantonese father as he delivers food from their family’s ethnic restaurant. Angie Kang’s gouache, crayon, and pencil illustrations show the girl marking the map and guiding her father from street to street. But the girl is not happy about the added responsibility and soon vents her frustration. Her father then shares the story of how he came to the United States and the challenges he faced due to the language barrier. The girl gains new appreciation for her father and the unique bond that they share. Leung, who based the story upon her experiences as the child of immigrants, showcases a strong, loving bond between father and daughter that reflects a deep admiration for her own father, who had to learn to adapt in a new country. Ages 4–8

Deep Breath, Little Whisper

Scott James
Zonderkidz, 32 pages

This book encourages children to employ the ancient practice of breath prayers as part of daily heeding the exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray continually. Author Scott James’ simple words remind children that they don’t need to wait for the perfect time or place nor do they need to use fancy words in order to tell God what is on their hearts: “God hears the whispers of your heart. He is always ready to listen to every little word.” Irina Avgustinovich’s colorful illustrations complement the text as it depicts different scenarios in which children can breathe out their prayers in times of need but also in times of wonder and thanks: “Right when you need to, wherever you need to, take a deep breath and whisper out what your heart wants to say.” Ages 4–8