Research shows that rich and sustained literacy experiences in early childhood pave the way for positive thoughts, feelings, and skills in literacy later on. Supporting Literacy Through Engaging Instruction and Materials, the Fall 2021 cluster of articles in Young Children, casts a light on just some of the ways books can nourish children’s minds. They can be mentor texts, windows into transnational lives, and springboards to community engagement. They can ignite curiosity, be “windows” and “mirrors” for marginalized cultures and communities, and provide tools for inclusivity.  

Knowing that readers will want to dive into the rich collection of high-quality titles featured in this issue, Young Children has introduced an online catalogue of the books found in this issue’s articles. These are organized by the broader (and not mutually exclusive) topics related to the cluster and include 

• Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji, by Farhana Zia and Ken Min (Transnationalism and Inclusivity) 
• Alma and How She Got Her Name, by Juana Martinez-Neal (Innovative Design Elements) 
• I Wish you More, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld (Social and Emotional Development) 
• Llama Llama Misses Mama, by Anna Dewdney (Infants and Toddlers) 
• The Relatives Came, by Cynthia Rylant and Stephen Gammell (Mentor Texts) 

The list covers a variety of genres and themes, all designed to support early reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. You can access it in the Fall 2021 issue of Young Children as you think about and select books for a new school year.