Starred Reviews
Detective Gordon: The First Case
“This involving, thought-provoking chapter book is utterly charming. Nilsson…creates endearing characters and a childlike sensibility through writing that is clean, precise, and amusing. A wonderful choice for independent reading, particularly for kids who become accomplished View →
I Remember Beirut
“This spare memoir humanizes families trapped in war zones, and their experiences should resonate with young adult audiences. Highly Recommended.”―starred, Library Media Connection View →
The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats: A Scientific Mystery
“Students who are fascinated by bats will definitely be drawn to this high-interest book….[A] must-have for any school library…brimming with useful information that science teachers will be able to utilize…..Highly Recommended.”―starred, Library Media… View →
Rita's Rhino
“Ross’ playful, ink-and-watercolor illustrations bring to mind Quentin Blake or Sempé’s urban New Yorker covers, but with a bulky rhino at center-stage. Sure to charm….”―starred, Booklist View →
New Month, New Moon
“This book is well done and filled with facts that will integrate the holiday of Rosh Chodesh with the teaching of astronomy. In addition, children will develop an appreciation of the earth’s environment. This can be a perfect addition to a classroom unit on Israel or Rosh… View →
An Ambush of Tigers: A Wild Gathering of Collective Nouns
“…Rosenthal and Jago’s collaboration stands out for the sheer inventiveness they bring to the subject….Witty delights abound.”―starred, Publishers Weekly View →
Transgender Lives: Complex Stories, Complex Voices
“Cronn-Mills has written an admirably informative and respectful book….This book should be on the shelf in all middle, high school, and public libraries where patrons could be seeking understanding and/or affirmation of the complexities of gender….Highly… View →
Arctic Thaw: Climate Change and the Global Race for Energy Resources
“Adding this title to a collection will help bring new excitement to the debate on climate change….[W]ell-balanced and well-designed read….Highly Recommended.”―starred, Library Media Connection View →
Terrorist: Gavrilo Princip, the Assassin Who Ignited World War I
“[Rehr] succeeds brilliantly, following Serbian nationalist Gavrilo Princip’s long journey toward the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand with penetrating sensitivity, without glorifying his deed….[A] work of power and force, one that will stay with readers long after… View →
An Ambush of Tigers: A Wild Gathering of Collective Nouns
“Cleverness abounds in Rosenthal’s latest….The tongue-in-cheek text never falters in its rhythm and rhyme….The illustrations are a perfect match for the text’s wit….Collective nouns have never been this much fun…or memorable.”―starred,… View →
“The gentle narration and the wolf’s semi-clothed state create a sense of security, which makes the book’s last-page twist . . . hit its mark perfectly, delivering a just-scary-enough jolt to surprise and delight.”—starred, Publishers Weekly View →
An Ambush of Tigers: A Wild Gathering of Collective Nouns
“This crash course in juxtaposition and imagination should be celebrated with a peal of bells. An inspiring addition to any poetry collection.”—starred, School Library Journal View →
You Can Do It, Bert!
“Konnecke’s (Anton and the Battle) single-plane vignettes are gems of minimalist visual humor. . . . It’s a smart lesson for readers.”—starred, Publishers Weekly View →
Prairie Fire
“Grand, heartbreaking, ennobling and unforgettable.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
The Bunker Diary
“Brooks’ latest is not an easy novel, but it’s one that begs for rereading to suss the intricacies of its construction of plot, character development and insight into the human condition.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
The Bunker Diary
“A unique choice that will get teens talking.” —starred, School Library Journal View →
One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
“Simple but lyrical text conveys this beautiful, thought-provoking tale of ecological awareness and recycling. . . . An inspiring account.”—starred, School Library Journal View →
The Bunker Diary
“[The Bunker Diary] is for everyone, playing just as well as can’t-stop-reading entertainment as it does an allegorical passage into darkness.” —starred, Booklist View →
Chernobyl's Wild Kingdom: Life in the Dead Zone
“Johnson paints a picture so vivid, readers will probably light up a Geiger counter after reading it. . . . [A]n informative, unsettling reference that captures the fallibility of humanity and the resilience of life.”—starred, VOYA View →
Lark Ascending
“Teens looking for a well-written dystopian adventure with steampunk elements in the magical machines created by the Architects will enjoy spending time with Lark and her companions.” —starred, VOYA View →
Goldie Takes a Stand: Golda Meir's First Crusade
“This is a lovely addition to the biography shelf for the youngest readers” — starred review, Jewish Book World View →
My Heart is Laughing
“Salty and sweet, this is umami for the emerging reader.” —starred, The Horn Book Magazine View →