Whether you’re looking for a book to share with your kids now or thinking ahead about summer reading, don’t forget to check out local authors! Many St. Louisans have written books for children and adolescents. Here are just a few.
Lincoln in Springfield by Jan Jacobi
A follow-up to Jacobi’s award-winning debut, Young Lincoln, this book offers insight into Abraham Lincoln’s time as a young professional and politician in Springfield, Illinois. Young adult readers get a more human portrait of the 16th president as the historical novel follows him from his time as a fledgling lawyer to his first term as a congressman.
Missouri 365: This Day in State History by John W. Brown
If you have a young history buff at home, you definitely won’t want to miss this one. From sports triumphs to political controversies, Brown, a local news anchor at Fox 2, shares the top news stories from the Show-Me State’s history for each calendar day.
The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix
This book is interwoven with handwritten text and art, providing a unique reading experience. Hendrix shares the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor who was part of the German resistance to Nazism and was arrested for his association with plans to assassinate Adolf Hitler.
Zoey Lyndon’s Big Move to the Lou by Michael Anderson
A perfect read for kids interested in STEM, this book follows Zoey as she moves from Philadelphia to St. Louis. Although the transition proves more difficult than expected, Zoey’s love of science allows her to start making connections at her new school. You also can check out the follow-up, Zoey Lyndon and the Sticky Finger Bandit.
Jess Likes to Jump by Georgie Herz
This rhyming picture book features Jess, a rambunctious gender-neutral child
who loves to jump anywhere and everywhere. With a rainbow-colored cast of Jess’s friends and family, the story offers a gentle adventure with diverse characters. Herz also wrote a sequel, Jess Joins Friends and Family.
