Grades 4 - 6: Nathan has his own reasons for wanting to spend the summer with his grandmother on Navajo lands, instead of going to Las Vegas with his father and his father’s girlfriend. He doesn’t realize that befriending a sick water monster in the desert will lead him on a journey beyond the world he knows. Along the way spiritual challenges interact with family, social and environmental issues, in a story that continually chooses hope over despair.

It’s the hottest day of the hottest month in Los Angeles and one boy is on a mission to get a tasty paleta (ice pop) from his favorite street vendor - Paletero José. Along the way readers may notice some familiar places in Los Angeles and the wide variety of vendors that make up our city’s lively street vending culture. This book teaches the value of kindness and friendship through bright illustrations and lyrical text (there’s even a song version, so you can sing along). Just be sure to have a paleta ready to enjoy with your little one after reading. Recommended for ages 4+.

Fun fact: Michoacán, Mexico is considered the birthplace of the paleta. It even features a statue of a paleta with a globe coming out of it (the countries on the globe are made of more paletas).

Grades Pre-K - 2: A young boy races down 8th Street to buy an icy sweet paleta (popsicle). A celebration of the sights, sounds, community, and flavors of downtown Los Angeles.