Lerner Publishing Group is proud to celebrate another year of literary excellence in 2023, with our titles receiving 34 starred reviews and numerous awards with even more across our publishers and imprints. Reflecting on a year filled with high-quality nonfiction and fiction for children and young adults, we’re excited to share our list of acclaimed books.
Join us as we showcase these exceptional publications, the cream of the crop in children’s and young adult literature.
From the inspiring titles that kicked off the year to the captivating works that rounded out these twelve months, each of these books represents our commitment to enriching young minds with engaging and informative content.
The Denim Diaries
Interest Level: Grades 8-12
From relationships and makeup to parental divorce and disordered eating, Laurie Boyle Crompton recounts the humor and heartbreak of her coming of age in rural Pennsylvania and New York City during the 1970s and 1980s.
Starred Reviews
“This memoir, enhanced by the author’s sketches, is both original and moving—but not for the faint of heart. In often graphic detail, beautiful turns of phrase quickly become hard-cornered truths, providing a poetic roadmap from self-doubt to self-hate and, finally, self-acceptance. Relatable, visceral, and memorable.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
“Crompton’s free verse gives readers a powerful view of her inner self-loathing until she learns to accept herself as she is. At times, this is a tough read, but Crompton’s candidly honest story will resonate with anyone struggling with self-image issues and difficult family relationships.” — starred, Booklist
Small Shoes, Great Strides
Interest Level: Grades 2-5
A powerful true story about three Black girls—Leona Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost—who courageously integrated a New Orleans school on November 14, 1960. Award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson brings this little-known event in the Civil Rights Movement to light.
Starred Reviews
“Micheaux Nelson and Bostic’s information-packed picture book examines an overlooked story of civil rights . . . Art in browns, purples, and golds juxtaposes saturated portraits of the girls with sepia-tone scenes of protesters.” — starred, Publishers Weekly
“Bostic invokes the school’s brown paper window coverings as a moving background for glorious acrylic portraiture featuring violets and purples that summon feminism and the threesome’s status as civil rights royalty . . . A welcome spotlight on the undersung history of three girls whose bravery and endured torment carved a path for generations.” — starred, Booklist
“An unmissable story about everyday courage whose notes about the importance of overcoming discrimination remain timely.” —starred, Foreword Reviews
To the Ice
Interest Level: Grades 1-3
Ida, Max, and Jack play on an ice floe at the creek one winter’s day and suddenly find themselves floating away—all the way to Antarctica! This epic illustrated chapter book blurs realism and imagination in a thrilling adventure story.
Starred Review
“The story rings with industrious optimism and emotional truth. . . . Adventure-seeking readers will delight in this dramatic escapade that’s sure to spark imaginative exploration, fish balls optional.” —starred, Booklist
All the Things We Never Said
Interest Level: Grades 8-12
Three girls with overwhelming depression meet through a website that binds them in a suicide pact. As they become friends, they realize their struggles aren’t insurmountable with the right support. But breaking the pact won’t be simple.
Starred Review
“Poignantly realistic. Honestly portrays the dark parts of life—and shows that there is hope.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
Rajiv’s Starry Feelings
Interest Level: Grades PreK-3
Rajiv feels angry, and he doesn’t know why. With the help of his father, he sets out on a journey to make sense of his feelings—a journey that will take him all the way to the stars . . .
Starred Review
“An inspiring story that links astral wonders to everyday emotions. . . . A meditative, moving tale that will spur readers to make sense of their own feelings.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
A Pocketful of Stars
Interest Level: Grades 5-8
When Safiya’s mother falls into a coma, Safiya comes to terms with their complicated relationship and discovers more about herself through dreams that transport her to her mother’s childhood in Kuwait.
Starred Review
“Bushby writes with nuance and skill about a mother-daughter relationship fraught with misunderstanding, and Safiya’s eventual realizations are equal parts uplifting and heartbreaking. A poignantly written novel that is hard to put down and even harder to forget.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
The Beasts in Your Brain
Interest Level: Grades 8-12
A clever, approachable, and empathetic read that reminds readers they are not alone in their feelings, teaches them the science of mental illness, and empowers them to quell the brain beasts of depression and anxiety.
Starred Review
“A solid, informative guide for parents and teens that is a beacon of positivity, emphasizing the importance of resilience and healing amid the epidemic of mental health issues prevalent today.” —starred School Library Journal
Mysterious Glowing Mammals
Interest Level: Grades 4-8
One night a scientist discovered something surprising in his backyard: a flying squirrel that glowed bright pink! Follow this exciting investigation into mammals that glow when exposed to ultraviolet light, and see it in action by scanning a QR code.
Starred Review
“Young explorers are encouraged to think critically, look at the varying perspectives of a new discovery, and seek out their own observations. A must-purchase for collections serving curious minds, suitable for upper elementary or middle grades.” — starred, School Library Journal
The Knight of Little Import
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Charlie is a young knight who can’t find a single beast to slay. Until . . . she discovers there are monsters all around, and only she knows what to do to help her town of Little Import!
Starred Review
“Batsel’s artwork is a mesmerizing display of extraordinary mixed-media collage using a variety of handmade and purchased paper alongside paints, ink, watercolors, embroidery floss, artificial turf, and painted sawdust. Every page, down to the endpapers, is textured, rich, layered, and lovely. Batsel’s second book as author-illustrator is quite the achievement.” — starred, Booklist
Picnic Planet
Interest Level: Grades 2-5
If you could go anywhere beyond our galaxy for the perfect picnic, where would you go? Take a ride on a spaceship to explore worlds beyond our own and see what kind of strange planets are out there.
Starred Review
“Wonderfully clever . . . . Perfect for fans of space, adventures, and daring picnics.” — starred, Booklist
When Dad’s Hair Took Off
Interest Level: Grades 1-4
One day, Dad’s hair decided it was tired of being brushed. It wanted a life of its own, to see the world. After a mad chase, Dad tries to accept life without hair. A wonderfully absurd story packed with wordplay.
Starred Review
“A father’s balding inspires far-flung, humorous adventures. . . . In the fabulistic chapter book When Dad’s Hair Took Off, harrumphing desperation takes over when a man seeks his wayward hair, tracking it through a bevy of shenanigans.”—starred, Foreword Reviews
The Bodyguard Unit
Interest Level: Grades 8-12
In the early 20th century, the English suffragist group the Women’s Social and Political Union formed an all-women security unit. Trained by Edith Garrud, these “jujitsuffragettes” fought against abuse and arrest while pursuing long overdue rights.
Starred Review
“This engaging and informative graphic biography, which includes historical back matter, about an overlooked yet influential suffragist and martial artist deserves a spot in every graphic-novel collection.” —starred, Booklist
One Summer in Vancouver
Interest Level: Grades 8-12
Tom has run away from his non-affirming parents and lands in Vancouver during the Gay Games! Is it time to come out?
Starred Review
“Enjoy this delightful book not only in the summer but year round.” — starred, Booklist
Period.
Interest Level: Grades 3-6
This graphic novel style nonfiction book embraces everything period-related. Filled with tips, tricks, and “inside” medical information, this humorous guide is inclusive of all genders and body types and backed by the experts at Mayo Clinic.
Starred Review
“This primer on all things period is as delightful as it is informative. Presented in comics format, this accessible and inclusive volume strikes the right balance between snark and earnestness to make it just right for a middle school audience. . . . A nonjudgmental, conversational guide to menstrual cycles that is essential for all collections serving middle schoolers.” — starred, School Library Journal
Stuck with You
Interest Level: Grades 8-12
Stuck with You is a story of queer joy and a playful teen romance, following two frenemies as they fall for each other while stuck in adjacent seats on a day-long train trip.
Starred Review
“A laugh-out-loud hi-lo gay romantic comedy. . . . Highly recommended for hi-lo readers who loved Heartstopper.” — starred, School Library Journal
Any Body
Interest Level: Grades 5-8
Humor combines with accurate, digestible information in this honest comic reference for children and early teens who want to understand and feel at home with their own bodies.
Starred Review
“A sense of acceptance and celebration for body differences permeates this joyful read. . . . A whimsical, enlightening, and empowering volume to set readers on the path toward self-acceptance and body positivity.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
Men of the 65th
Interest Level: Grades 6-12
Nicknamed the Borinqueneers, the 65th Regiment was the envy of generals and the pride of Puerto Rico. How could a regiment known for honorable service in two world wars lay down their arms and refuse to fight in the Korean War?
Starred Review
“An excellent choice for those interested in military or Puerto Rican history; a great pick for U.S. history courses or research.” —starred, School Library Journal
The Babka Sisters
Interest Level: Grades PreK=2
Dueling baker sisters Esther and Hester meet their new neighbor Sylvester, who gladly becomes their babka tester, determining which shvester’s (sister’s) Babka is the best. With cat Lester and dog Chester, the new friends enjoy a delicious Shabbat. But whose Babka is the best?
Starred Review
“This book’s ingredients of wordplay, dessert, and family combine smoothly into a delicious treat.” ― starred, Booklist
Indigo and Ida
Interest Level: Grades 5-7
Indigo, an eighth-grade investigative reporter, is torn between fighting a racist school policy and keeping her friends—until she discovers a series of letters written by Black journalist and activist Ida B. Wells.
Starred Reviews
“Indigo is a relatable and sympathetic character, and the social justice issues she champions at her school are timely and ring true. Readers will be inspired by Indigo’s passion and compelled to read more about Wells, too.” — starred, Booklist
“A powerful and climactic contemporary novel.” — starred, Shelf Awareness
Mazal Bueno!
Interest Level: Grade PreK
Parents celebrate baby’s first grin to baby’s first word, and all the milestones in between in this book featuring Ladino words, the language of the Sephardic Jewish community. Mazal bueno! Go, baby go!
Starred Review
“So joyful and welcoming, there will be shouts of ‘Mazal bueno!’ in every preschool.” ― starred, School Library Journal
Patterns Everywhere
Interest Level: Grades K-3
When you take the time to look, you’ll find that nature is full of patterns. Rhyming verse and stunning photographs introduce young readers to patterns throughout the natural world.
Starred Review
“With content that will appeal to a wide range of readers, this beautiful book about patterns is an excellent choice for elementary libraries.” ― starred, School Library Journal
Rise to the Sky
Interest Level: Grades K-4
What are the tallest living things on Earth? Trees! Discover what growing trees need so they can rise to the sky in this poetic look at the tree life cycle.
Starred Reviews
“A well-focused, beautiful, and informative introduction to the arboreal world.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
“Hirsch teaches basic plant biology through the example of the world’s “tallest living thing”—trees—in this awe-inspiring text. . . . Washed in earthy browns and vivid emerald greens, Posada’s expertly rendered cut paper collage provide texture that feels touchable.” — starred, Publishers Weekly
“Varied composition and realistic textures heighten the appeal of Posada’s attractive illustrations. Created with cut-paper collage and watercolor, they capture the trees’ soaring height and dignity . . . Written with clarity and illustrated to help viewers understand the ideas discussed, this handsome book offers an appealing, informative introduction to trees.” — starred, Booklist
“This charming story is a love letter to the tenacity of trees to grow for hundreds or even thousands of years and become the highest they can be.” — starred, School Library Journal
Road to Family
Interest Level: Grades 6-12
Examine—and appreciate—the many ways in which people can create a family. This informative compendium goes beyond the basics of sexual reproduction to examine the diversity of methods people use, including in-vitro fertilization, surrogacy, adoption, and more
Starred Review
“Within each chapter, Ginocchio tells engaging, lengthy stories, based on interviews, of several racially and ethnically diverse parents, from same-sex relationships to individuals who wanted to be parents to heterosexual couples struggling with infertility, and how they brought children into their lives. . . . Supplemental facts and figures as well as enlightening graphics enhance this much-needed and inclusive resource.” — starred, Booklist
Hidden Create Features
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Animals have adaptations to help them survive. But some of those traits can be hard to spot at first glance. Rhyming text and eye-catching photos introduce eight creatures with hidden features.
Starred Review
“High marks for presentation and showy cast alike.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
Nearer My Freedom
Interest Level: Grades 5-12
Explore Olaudah Equiano’s life story—his childhood in Africa, enslavement, liberation, and life as a free man—through “found verse,” a creative approach to primary source analysis. The authors selected excerpts from Equiano’s autobiography to create the poetic retelling, adding annotations to deepen understanding.
Starred Reviews
“Without losing the source text’s emotional heft, Edinger and Younge’s visceral poems respectfully provide an effective entry point into the seminal work.” — starred, Publishers Weekly
“In this unique work of nonfiction, Edinger and Younge transform the words of Olaudah Equiano’s 1789 autobiographical slavery narrative into found-verse poetry. . . . An absorbing, singular creation.” — starred, Booklist
“Monica Edinger and Lesley Younge—former fourth grade co-teachers—brilliantly transform the autobiography into ‘found poems’ by cutting and rearranging Equiano’s original into verse . . . Their deft transformation of Equiano’s odyssey is well-equipped to inspire and empower new generations.” — starred, Shelf Awareness
“The story makes for compelling reading that moves quickly. . . . This important and unique work introduces this pivotal man to a new audience and will make for interesting classroom discussions.” — starred, School Library Journal
“This flawless and well-composed performance is an invaluable addition to youth collections, giving listeners the important story of a truly remarkable man.” — starred, Booklist, audio book published by Listening Library
“Highly readable as well as informative. An excellent way to understand a remarkable individual and his times.” — starred, Kirkus Reviews
Never Give Up
Interest Level: Grades K-4
This picture book biography introduces Hungarian American biochemist Katalin Kariko, who played a critical role in developing the mRNA vaccine for COVID-19. Follow the journey of Katalin (Kati) Kariko from her childhood in rural Hungary.
Starred Review
“Bright, beautiful illustrations are rendered in pencil and finished digitally. . . . Informative as well as inspiring, this book shows how Karikó’s tenacity is proof to never give up. A first purchase for all biography collections.” — starred, School Library Journal
The Big Backyard
Interest Level: Grades 8-12
Deep space holds materials left over from the formation of the solar system. Astronomers have been making exciting discoveries on the outermost fringes and the New Horizons spacecraft brings new insights into the origins of the sun and planets.
Starred Review
“Hugo award-winning author and illustrator Miller brings his experience illustrating for NASA to this engaging book, taking curious readers on a fact-filled tour of the outer reaches of our solar system. . . . packed with information but also thoroughly entertaining.” — starred, School Library Journal
Stars of the Night
Interest Level: Grades 2-5
Discover the powerful and sensitively told true story of the Czech Kindertransport, which rescued 669 children from Nazi persecution on the eve of World War II.
Starred Reviews
“[Q]uiet but immediate. . . . The in-the-moment text combines with emotional acrylic, colored-pencil, and collage illustrations in Alko’s signature style to create a dreamlike atmosphere.” — starred, The Horn Book Magazine
“A necessary and inspirational book about a little-known light amid a dark period of history, this book should find a home in all libraries.” — starred, School Library Journal
The Bear and the Wildcat
Interest Level: Grades K-3
When the little bird dies, bear is inconsolable. How will he face life now? This two-color picture book shows a way through paralyzing grief and simultaneously tells the story of a hopeful new friendship.
Starred Review
“Elegant, understated spreads over scumbled black backdrops by Sakai divide the story, the first half dark with Bear’s misery, the second half dawning with light. Hirano’s fine translation renders Bear’s transition in simple, natural-sounding English, and Yumoto’s sensitive characterization makes the story a touchstone for talking about loss.” — starred, Publishers Weekly
Check out all our recent stars and awards at lernerbooks.com!