March 2026 Selections
March is Women's History Month
To access the books on our monthly MPS Reads book lists, visit your school library or local library. You can also go online to Sora* (formerly OverDrive) and log in with your MPS student ID number.
*Not all titles are available through Sora.
To request a designed version of these book selections for print purposes, please contact webmaster@milwaukee.k12.wi.us.
Preschool
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring
by Kenard Pak
As days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again, everyone knows spring is on its way! Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of spring.
Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos
by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits and her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colors. This story recounts pivotal moments in Frida’s life and her beloved pets—two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn.
Primary (Kindergarten–Grade 2)
The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne
by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by John Parra
Seeking truth, justice, and equality, Ethel Payne followed stories from her school newspaper in Chicago to Japan during World War II. It even led her to the White House, where she broke barriers as the only black female journalist. Ethel wasn’t afraid to ask tough questions of presidents or anyone else.
The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share
by Steve Small
Hare is proud of his turnip patch and doesn’t want to share it. When the rabbits move in nearby, they invite Hare for carrot soup, but he’s happier being alone. When a huge boar comes to the woods, Hare feels he should warn his neighbors. Can they find a way to help each other stay out of danger?
Intermediate (Grades 3–5)
Super Interesting Facts for Smart Kid
by Jordan Moore
Check out 1,272 facts covering every subject from science to sport, sea creatures to stars, and kings and queens to reptiles and amphibians, in a wild ride of extraordinary information, guaranteed to surprise and amaze even the smartest kids!
History Smashers: Women’s Right to Vote
by Kate Messner, illustrated by Dylan Meconis
It took millions of women to get the Nineteenth Amendment into law so women could vote. They marched! They picketed! They even went to jail. But in the end, it all came down to a letter from a state representative's mom. Explore the little-known details behind the fight for women's suffrage.
Middle School (Grades 6–8)
Noisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices and Changed the World
by Kazoo Magazine, edited by Erin Bried
Did anyone ever get anywhere by being quiet? Take a look at 25 extraordinary women by comic artists. Meet Eugenie Clark, who swam with sharks, Raye Montague, who revolutionized the design process for ships, Hedy Lamarr, a beautiful actress and brilliant inventor, Julia Child, a chef who wasn't afraid to make mistakes, and more.
The Challenger Disaster: Tragedy in the Skies
by Pranas T. Naujokaitis
Seven astronauts boarded the space shuttle Challenger. All eyes and cameras were on Christa McAuliffe, a high school teacher, who was set to become the first private citizen in space. But then the unthinkable happened. In a far-off future, a group of curious kids investigates the hard questions surrounding the Challenger explosion.
High School (Grades 9–12)
A Land of Permanent Goodbyes
by Atia Abawi
Tareq lives with his big and loving family . . . until the bombs strike. His city is in ruins. And those who have survived have an uncertain future. To stay alive, Tareq's family must leave. As they travel as refugees from Syria to Turkey to Greece, Tareq must find the courage to complete his harrowing journey.
Four-Four-Two
by Dean Hughes
Like many Japanese Americans, Yuki and his family have been forced into an internment camp in the U.S. So Yuki enlists in the army. When he and his friend ship out, they are placed in a regiment made up of Japanese-American soldiers. Yuki faces prejudices, grueling combat, and friendships deeper than he knew possible.
Book in Spanish: Kindergarten–Grade 2
Veinte bostezos
by Jane Smiley, illustrated by Lauren Castillo
Mientras su madre lee un libro a Lucy antes de acostarse, esta da un bostezo y empieza a dormirse. Pero al rato se despierta y ve a su madre dormida con el libro entre las manos. ¿Qué hará para volver a coger el sueño?
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