Welcome to Dr. Odom’s Bookshelf, a monthly series featuring book recommendations for readers of all ages from Literacy Mid-South Literacy Initiatives Manager, Dr. Sam Odom. Each month, Dr. Odom shares a new collection of titles centered around a timely theme, from picture books and young adult selections to novels, nonfiction, and more. The series is designed to introduce readers to new stories, voices, and perspectives while celebrating the power of reading to help us learn, connect, and better understand one another.
November’s Theme: Gratitude, Generosity, and the Joy of Giving
Dr. Odum's Bookshelf celebrates the power of reading to inspire, encourage, and connect us. This November, we're highlighting African American authors whose stories remind us that gratitude is more than saying thank you. It's about appreciating our blessings, showing kindness, and finding meaningful ways to give back. These six selections encourage readers to recognize the good around them and discover how even small acts of generosity can make a lasting difference.
Check out October’s reading series: Celebrating Hispanic Voices
Check out September’s reading series: Memphis in America’s 250th
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
Reading Level:
Pre-K–Grade 1
Omu has made a delicious pot of stew, and the smell is so good that everyone in the neighborhood wants a taste! Being the kind person she is, Omu shares with everyone who knocks on her door. But when it's finally time for her to eat, there's nothing left. Just when you think Omu's kindness has gone unnoticed, her neighbors have a wonderful surprise. I love how this story shows children that generosity isn't about having a lot. It's about having a giving heart, and kindness has a beautiful way of coming back around.
What Is Given from the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack
Reading Level:
Grades 1–4
James Otis and his mother have been going through some difficult times, and they don't have much to spare. When they learn that another family has lost everything in a fire, James wonders what he could possibly give. What I love about this story is the lesson that unfolds as he discovers that the most meaningful gifts don't always come from a store. Sometimes the greatest gifts come straight from the heart. This touching story reminds readers that no matter what our circumstances may be, we all have something valuable to give.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Reading Level:
Grades 9-12
Sometimes we don't fully appreciate our journey until we look back at the people and experiences that shaped us. In Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline Woodson shares memories of growing up in South Carolina and New York through beautifully written poetry. From family traditions to the people who encouraged her love of storytelling, she reminds us that even ordinary moments can leave extraordinary impressions. I appreciate how this book encourages readers to value their roots, recognize the people who have poured into their lives, and find gratitude in their own stories.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Reading Level:
Grades 9-12
Basketball may be what brings twin brothers Josh and Jordan together, but family is what makes this story so meaningful. As the brothers navigate competition, friendships, and growing up, they begin to discover that some things in life are more important than winning. I love how this novel uses poetry and basketball to tell a story about love, loyalty, and appreciating the people closest to us. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes we don't realize how much someone means to us until life changes.
The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours by Marian Wright Edelman
Reading Level: Adult
We often measure success by our careers, accomplishments, or how much we've achieved, but what about the lives we've touched along the way? Marian Wright Edelman shares heartfelt lessons about family, responsibility, kindness, and the importance of serving others. What I appreciate about this book is how it challenges us to think beyond ourselves and consider the legacy we're creating. It's a meaningful reminder that true success isn't just about what we gain in life, but also about what we're willing to give.
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama
Reading Level: Adult
Life has a way of reminding us that we can't do everything on our own. In The Light We Carry, Michelle Obama shares personal stories and practical lessons about finding strength during difficult times. One of the messages I appreciate most is the importance of recognizing the people who support us and finding ways to offer that same encouragement to others. This book reminds us to be grateful for the relationships, experiences, and lessons that help us grow, even during life's most challenging seasons.