Matt de la Peña

Lucas lives in two very different worlds. At his school, everything feels absolutely perfect. He gets perfect grades and fits right in. But when he returns to his bustling neighborhood, life is far from flawless. His dad's work truck is always breaking down, his mom works exhausting hours at a diner, and Lucas has to share a cramped room with his baby sister. One night, a mysterious light guides Lucas away from his home and into a dazzling place where all the perfect people live. It is beautiful and without flaws, but the longer he stays, the more he questions what perfection really means. Does being perfect mean never making a mistake? Does it mean leaving behind the messy, chaotic love of his hardworking family? This uplifting story follows one boy as he discovers that the best place to be is exactly where you belong, flaws and all.

Home is much more than just a roof over your head or the walls that surround you. It is the soothing lullaby of late-night traffic outside your window and the distant sounds of a riverboat passing by. It is the warm feeling of safety, the daily gestures of love from your family, and the comforting support of a community during difficult times. This deeply moving exploration takes you on a journey to discover the many beautiful ways we experience a sense of belonging. From bustling city apartments to quiet natural refuges shared with living creatures, you will see how home is truly where you feel most loved and true to yourself. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, this tender celebration reminds us of the universal pull that connects us all to the places and people we hold dear. It is a gentle, poetic reflection on finding comfort in the world around us.

Music is everywhere, if you just know how to listen. For a young boy named Miguel, the world is filled with beautiful sounds, and his heart beats to the rhythm of a grand harmony. Even when his family tells him that music is forbidden, the melodies continue to call out to him, urging him to follow his true passion. Guided by the spirit of music itself, Miguel embarks on a colorful and emotional journey to prove that a song has the power to heal old wounds and bring loved ones together. Along the way, he discovers that the most important tune is the one that comes from within. This beautifully told story captures the magic of following your dreams and the deep connections that tie families across generations. It is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the universal language of music and the courage it takes to share your voice with the world.

Carmela has been waiting for this day for what feels like forever. It is finally her birthday, which means she is officially old enough to tag along with her big brother on his weekend errands. Bursting with excitement, she follows him through the vibrant streets of their neighborhood. Together, they pass the crowded bus stop, the busy repair shop, and the sweet-smelling bakery. When they finally reach the laundromat, Carmela spots something magical: a lone dandelion growing stubbornly through a crack in the concrete. Just as she prepares to blow the white fluff into the air, her brother stops her—she needs to make a wish first. But with so many hopes in her heart, how can she choose just one? This stunning and evocative story is a beautiful ode to dreamers, family bonds, and the quiet magic found in everyday life.

Love is the very first sound you hear when you are born, and it follows you everywhere you go. It is in the soft hum of a cab driver's radio as you bounce through the busy city streets. It is found in the comforting shadow of a parent watching over you, and even in the quiet moments of darkness when you need a reassuring hand. This tender and moving story explores the many beautiful ways we experience love throughout our lives. From the shared joy of a family gathering to the unspoken comfort during tough times, it shows how love connects us all in a powerful, unbreakable bond. Perfect for reading together, this heartfelt celebration reminds us that love is always present, guiding us from childhood and beyond. It is a comforting embrace in book form that will resonate deeply with every reader.

Every Sunday after church, young CJ and his loving nana board the city bus for a ride across town. But today, CJ is feeling a little frustrated. He wonders why they have to wait in the pouring rain, why they don't have a car of their own, and why they always get off in a neighborhood that looks so rundown. With gentle wisdom, his nana patiently answers every question. Instead of focusing on what they lack, she opens CJ's eyes to the everyday magic surrounding them. She points out the incredible beauty of the bustling city streets, the spontaneous music played by their fellow passengers, and the vibrant spirit of the community they are traveling to serve. This award-winning, heartwarming tale celebrates the special bond between a grandparent and grandchild while offering a beautiful lesson in gratitude. It is a gentle reminder that if you look closely enough, you can find joy, kindness, and wonder in the most unexpected places.

Milo is settling in for a long subway ride with his older sister. To pass the time, he becomes an observer of the world, studying the faces on the train and drawing pictures of their imagined lives. He sketches a man with a crossword puzzle living in a messy apartment, and pictures a boy in a crisp suit returning home to a grand castle. But when that same boy in the suit gets off at Milo's stop and walks to the exact same place as Milo, everything changes. Milo quickly realizes that the stories he dreamed up might not match reality at all. This poignant story shows us that you can never truly know someone just by looking at them. It is a heartfelt reminder to look closer and approach everyone with kindness and an open mind.