2026 Companion Books

Malden Reads is pleased to announce the selection of companion books for young readers that complement the themes of Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng, our 2026 main book selection. These books were chosen by a group of educators, librarians, and other community members offering their support and input.

Relating to Our Missing Hearts, these books reflect these themes:

Civic ideals and the foundations of democracy, and how they are tested when fear and control take hold
Children’s experiences during times of social and political upheaval: their resilience, loss, and capacity for empathy
Revolution, resistance, courage, and the role of ordinary people in standing up to injustice
The power of language and storytelling to resist oppression and preserve truth

Malden Reads is providing the books listed below at no charge to the Malden Public Schools, and will provide resource materials for teachers, school librarians, and literacy coaches. All Malden Reads book selections will be available at the Malden Public Library for Malden families to borrow. Non-profit organizations that are interested in receiving a small amount of these book selections for use with children should email maldenreads@gmail.com.

A selection of these books will also be available for purchase at The Gallery@57 at 57 Pleasant Street in Malden, where a portion of the proceeds will benefit Malden Reads.

Below are the titles and descriptions for the companion books, along with suggested grade levels (which can be adapted based on level of interest and reading level).

Pre-K–Early Elementary

That’s Not My Name by Anoosha Syed (recommended for ages 3–5)

A joyful story about self-expression and identity, this book follows a young child as they explore who they are beyond labels and expectations. Like Our Missing Hearts, it celebrates the importance of being seen, heard, and known for your true self.

I Promise by LeBron James (recommended for ages 4–8)

Through poetic language and powerful imagery, this book encourages children to believe in themselves, care for others, and stand up for what is right. Its message of hope and responsibility mirrors Our Missing Hearts’ belief in resilience and the impact of everyday choices.

Just Help! How to Build a Better World by Sonia Sotomayor (recommended for ages 4–8)

Justice Sotomayor shares how small acts of kindness can grow into meaningful change. This uplifting book reinforces a core theme of Our Missing Hearts: that even in challenging times, individual actions can help create a more compassionate world.

Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman (recommended for ages 4–8)A lyrical call to action, this story reminds children that change often begins with a single voice and a single step. Like Our Missing Hearts, it emphasizes hope, courage, and the belief that speaking up matters, even when it’s hard.

Elementary School

Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne (recommended for ages 6–9)

Traveling back in time, Jack and Annie witness ordinary people making extraordinary choices during a pivotal moment in history. This adventure connects to Our Missing Hearts by exploring how personal bravery and moral choices can shape the future.

She Persisted: Claudette Colvin by Lesa Cline-Ransome (recommended for ages 6–9)

This powerful biography introduces young readers to Claudette Colvin, whose quiet courage helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement. Her story reflects Our Missing Hearts’ focus on overlooked voices and the strength it takes to stand up for justice. Author Lesa Cline-Ransome is a Malden native and has written previous Malden Reads selections, creating a special connection for our community.

Resist! Peaceful Acts that Changed Our World by Diane Stanley (recommended for ages 7–10)

Highlighting moments when people challenged injustice through nonviolent action, this book shows how collective courage can lead to lasting change. It reinforces Our Missing Hearts’ themes of resistance, moral conviction, and the power of standing together.

Elementary School and Middle School

We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices Edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson (recommended for ages 8–12)

This anthology features 50 diverse poets, authors, and illustrators—sharing stories, poems, and art about standing up for justice and using one’s voice to create change. Like Our Missing Hearts, it celebrates the power of words and creativity as tools of resistance and reminds readers that their voices matter in shaping a more just world.

What Was the Boston Tea Party by Kathleen Krull (recommended for ages 8–12)

This engaging history book explores the Boston Tea Party, when colonists stood up against unfair treatment by the British government. Just as the characters in Our Missing Hearts decide how to resist unjust laws, this book shows young readers how ordinary people found the courage to take action for what they believed was right.

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai (recommended for ages 9–12)

Through beautiful verse, this novel follows Hà, a young girl who flees Vietnam with her family and struggles to find a sense of belonging in America as a refugee. Like the families torn apart in Our Missing Hearts, Hà’s story explores the resilience of children during upheaval and displacement, and the strength it takes to build a new home while holding onto one’s own identity.

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill (recommended for ages 9–12)

When a beloved library burns down and a town falls under the spell of a smooth-talking mayor who spreads lies and division, a kind ogress and resourceful orphans work together to restore truth and community. This magical story mirrors Our Missing Hearts’ themes of libraries as sanctuaries, the danger of believing lies, and the power of kindness and truth to overcome fear.

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix (recommended for ages 10–13)

In a dystopian future where the government strictly controls families and Luke must hide his very existence as an illegal third child, this gripping novel explores what happens when fear drives oppressive laws. Like Our Missing Hearts, it asks readers to consider what they would risk to be seen, to matter, and to resist when the government tries to erase people’s humanity.

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson (recommended for ages 10–13)

Six middle schoolers create a safe space to share their deepest fears about immigration raids, absent parents, and feeling different, discovering the power of listening and being heard. Directly echoing Our Missing Hearts’ themes of family separation and children’s resilience during difficult times, this novel shows how storytelling and human connection can be acts of resistance and healing.

Additionally, the following previous Malden Reads companion books are included again in 2026 as a way to highlight the power of the books that connect us and to show the continuity of the program.