7 terrific new YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters: They’re not just for Pride Month
Happy Pride! It’s been such a joy finding so many terrific YA books with LGBTQ+ main characters for this post. I always turn to books when I am looking for resources to help more kids feel seen and understood — and to help kids see and understand other...
Download this free, printable summer reading list challenge for kids of all ages. (Yes, summer is here!)
When I saw this printable diverse summer reading list challenge for kids over at the Oaxacaborn homeschool group on Facebook, I immediately had to share it. Schools here in Nashville have already dismissed for summer break —I know the rest of the country is...
Broadway’s Ali Stroker on helping kids be proud of their disabilities | Spawned Ep 239
When we talk about diversity and inclusion, people with disabilities are often left out of the conversation. We think about gender, race, sexuality, cultural heritage — but not always disabilities. So was I a wee bit excited to talk to Tony award-winner Ali...
7 outstanding high school or college graduate gift books: On stepping into the arena, dreaming with eyes wide open, and professional troublemaking (in the best possible way)
When my daughter graduated from high school five years ago, the headmaster gifted each graduating senior a book with a personal message inside. Her class received Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. The following year, my niece’s...
12 inspirational books for graduation gifts, beyond Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
While there are so many graduation gift ideas that we could give to this year’s accomplished graduates, from preschool to high school, we love the idea of giving sweet, inspirational books for graduation gifts. Especially when they deliver messages about empowerment,...
Amira’s Picture Day: A lovely children’s book about Eid
For years, we’ve gotten plenty of pitches from publishers for countless children’s books about holidays. And by holidays I mean, generally Christmas. But that’s starting to change, and we’re so thrilled to see more representation of all kinds...
7 must-read children’s books about inspiring Asian-Americans
When it comes to creating empathy and developing a commitment of justice and respect in my children, I tend to turn toward good children’s books. In fact, we’ve shared some of our favorite children’s books about important African American figures,...
The Dolly Parton Little Golden Book we’ve all been waiting for. (“We” being my entire family.)
If you know anything about me and my family, you might have guessed that we’d be marking our calendars for the launch of My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton, which will be added to the Little Golden Book library this coming September. As a Nashville-native,...
Your tweens and teens will love this empowering book series
This is a sponsored message on behalf of Star Stable Entertainment What do you get when you combine magic, friendship, and horses? The answer is… Soul Riders, the popular trilogy from Star Stable Entertainment, the makers of the popular Star Stable Online that...
The Extraordinary Book that Eats Itself: the eco-forward book full of hands-on, earth-saving fun
It’s a clear, gorgeous 65-degree day here today, and it’s the perfect opportunity for me to send my 10-year-old to the back porch with a copy of The Extraordinary Book that Eats Itself — along with permission to do any of the fun eco-friendly...
3 powerful children’s books about grief, to help them process an unimaginable 12 months.
You know we often turn to books when we want to help our children through their struggles and feelings, and this month feels like the right time to share some excellent children’s books on grief and loss. When I think back over the last twelve months of...Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz!
We started Cool Mom Picks in 2006 to help make life cooler, more meaningful, and more fun for parents of all kinds.
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