Spring is a time of new beginnings, new adventures, and new books! Peruse our March titles and find the perfect story for readers of every age.
New in Picture Books
The Rock in My Throat by Kao Kalia Yang, Illustrated by Jiemei Lin
- Interest Level: Grade K – 4
In this moving true story, Kao Kalia Yang shares her experiences as a Hmong refugee child navigating life at home and school in America while carrying the weight of her selective mutism.
Praise for The Rock in My Throat
★”A heartfelt story that teaches children about diversity and reflects difficulties with being different, understood, and accepted.” — starred, Booklist
“Yang’s poetic prose sings in perfect unison with Lin’s gorgeously textured illustrations, rendered in earthy tones . . . A powerful window into the perspective of a young immigrant.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Tenderly told in first person, Yang’s lyrical autobiographical picture book depicts her childhood struggle with selective mutism. Her descriptions of how selective mutism presents at school are vivid and authentic. . . Lin’s earth tones and muted colors reflect Kalia’s affinity with the natural world.” — The Horn Book Magazine
Dino-Earth Day by Lisa Wheeler, Illustrated by Barry Gott
- Interest Level: Grade K – 3
What do dinosaurs do on Earth Day? They care for the planet! They ride bikes and scooters, clean up a park, plant an urban garden, visit a recycling center, and more.
If I Were a Fungus by Gaia Stella
- Interest Level: Grade K – 3
If you were a fungus, what would you do? Would you live in the mountains or the city? Or on some cheese? Discover more in this colorful introduction to these surprisingly fascinating life-forms!
Praise for If I Were a Fungus
“The phenomenal capabilities of fungi star in this lightly informative and humorous profile. . . In bold-hued digital and marker art, geometric shapes lend Stella’s spreads a blocky, elementary vibe that suits the kid-centric text.” — Publishers Weekly
“[U]seful as an introduction to a little-known or understood subject.” — School Library Journal
All Aboard for Noah’s Ark! by Elana Azose and illustrated by Monica Garofalo
- Interest Level: Grade PreK – 1
Noah is building an ark and Lionel and Dolores, a pair of hedgehogs, are there to make sure the plan goes off without a hitch. Luckily for Noah, the two hedgehogs have thought of everything.
Praise for All Aboard for Noah’s Ark!
“This new take on the Noah story will be welcome for its freshness and flashes of modern humor.” ― Kirkus Reviews
“Heroic hedgehogs demonstrate to young readers that even though they may be small in size, their contributions can be large and important. This new take on the biblical story is both original and charming.”—Jewish Book Council
Sophie’s Monster Goes to Shul by Sandy Asher and illustrated by Alexandra Colombo
- Interest Level: Grade PreK – 2
There’s an imaginary monster in Sophie’s closet, and he follows her everywhere, even to shul. When she uses her imagination to write a story about him, everyone can see him and he isn’t scary anymore.
New in Graphic Novels
Coding Camp Chaos: Book 3 by Podoal Friend and illustrated by Hong Jong-hyun
- Interest Level: Grade 4 – 8
In the third book of The Robot Makers series, the robot soccer crew and their rivals are both at coding camp. But when the camp ends, only one club will be left standing! This manhwa graphic novel explains coding basics such as algorithms and the binary system.
Praise for Coding Camp Chaos
“This story delivers a vibrant graphic novel adventure for young readers, seamlessly weaving together summer camp fun with the introduction to essential coding concepts.”—Children’s Literature
Next-Level Competition: Book 4 by Podoal Friend and illustrated by Hong Jong-hyun
- Interest Level: Grade 4 – 8
The fourth book in The Robot Makers series finds La Ion and his friends at coding camp. All of them wake up to an unusual lesson: how to make breakfast with coding! As one team member plays robot, the makers must program their way to a meal. Translated from the original manhwa.
Praise for Next-Level Competition
“The characters are relatable and the plot is exciting, making this a book that kids will enjoy from start to finish. . . a great book for kids who are interested in coding, robotics, or just looking for a fun and exciting read. Reviewer Rating: 5″—Children’s Literature
New in Middle Grade
The Color of Sound by Emily Barth Isler
- Interest Level: Grade 6 – 8
Musical prodigy Rosie stops playing the violin, upsetting her ambitious mother but making room in her life for new experiences, including a glitch in space-time that lets her meet her mom as a twelve-year-old.
Praise for The Color of Sound
★”Intricately entwining interpersonal growth with each character’s relationship to their Jewish faith and culture, Isler highlights the role of family history in identity formation through metaphorical time travel. Color-centric imagery rendered in immersive prose translates Rosie’s synesthesia in this salient celebration of family, music, and neurodiversity.” — starred, Publishers Weekly
★”Isler crafts an exceptionally honest portrayal of complicated mother-daughter dynamics, and a protagonist whose independence and kindness is a stunning solo. . . a perfect book club pick and a reminder to all that patience and understanding can change lives.” — starred, School Library Journal
“A moving and pensive read. . .” — Booklist
Eating My Words: And 128 Other Poems by Brian P. Cleary
- Interest Level: Grade 4 – 8
A playful and punny illustrated poetry collection from Brian Cleary that’s perfect for middle grade readers. Includes quick tips about poetic forms and poetic devices that teachers can use in poetry lessons.
Praise for Eating My Words
“The poet’s apparent preference for shorter forms may encourage reluctant readers to stay the course and inexperienced writers to stretch their language skills. The illustrations, which are likewise drawn from the earlier series, add comical cartoon spot art or riffs featuring a racially diverse cast of, mostly, children in various predicaments.” — Booklist
New in Nonfiction
Nature Spy Guide by Shelley Rotner
- Interest Level: Grade PreK – 3
What can you find in nature? Use all five senses to explore the outdoors. This book is full of tips and activities to encourage close observation and foster connection with nature!
The Great Wolf Rescue: Saving the Red Wolves by Sandra Markle
- Interest Level: Grade 4 – 6
Red wolves had been hunted until only fourteen survived in the wild. So scientists hatched a daring plan—capture all of the wild red wolves and breed them in captivity. Discover the story of their recovery.
Praise for The Great Wolf Rescue
“A fascinating story of the human efforts to save red wolves.”—Booklist
“Markle efficiently weaves information about animals and their importance to their ecosystems into her clear description of humans rescuers and the effects of their actions. . . A convincing introduction to human efforts to save animal species.” — Kirkus Reviews
Votes of Confidence, 3rd Edition: a Young Person’s Guide to American Elections by Jeff Fleischer
- Interest Level: Grade 6 – 12
In this newly updated 3rd edition, author Jeff Fleischer explains how the US election process has evolved throughout history and into the present, why understanding it matters, and how young adult citizens can get involved.
Check out these titles and more at lernerbooks.com!