Here are some recommendations of my favorite ways to explore the world without going far from home. 

Books- I love owning books but I will always recommend checking books out of your local library first! If you want to find your local branch, look for books, or sign up for a card in Philadelphia, please go to the Free Library of Philadelphia or ask me for help. 

Early Years and Beginning Readers: It is recommended that your child hear at least 30,000 words a day! That sounds like a lot but it's easy to get those words in by reading to them early and often. 

The Ready to Read I Live In...series  and re-told fairy tale board books by Chloe Perkins 

Snake Charmer by Ann Whitehead Nagda

The Children of... books by Jules Hermes or Frank J. Staub, published by Carolrhoda Books

Middle Years:  Growing up, I always had my nose in a book (and a hand in the popcorn bowl) and was encouraged to read anything that grabbed my attention. 

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord 

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry 

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhaa Lai

Around the World by Matt Phelan

Teen/Adult: Reading isn't just for kids! We can learn so much about the world around us through books. And if you don't like it, try another one. There are too many good books to waste our time! 

High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America by Jessica B. Harris 

On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome, With Love and Pasta by Jen Lin-Liu

Trust No Aunty by Maria Qamar 

An Age of License: A Travelogue by Lucy Knisey 

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche (or anything else by her. She is the best!) 

Around the Bloc and Mexican Enough by Stephanie Elizondo Griest