Starred Reviews
When Lunch Fights Back: Wickedly Clever Animal Defenses
“This is an outstanding way for readers to meet scientists at work in both field and lab…. Thrilling reading for budding biologists.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
Up for Sale: Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
“This slim volume makes clear the grinding reality of the cheapest labor and presents a welcome chance to act.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
The Whispering Town
“This slim volume is highly recommended for its fine read, for its introduction to sound historical fiction and for its gentle look at a difficult past that cannot be ignored.” — Jewish Book World View →
Every Body's Talking: What We Say without Words
“A must-have for classroom libraries in classes requiring oral presentations, this book may well help students faster than any teacher encouragement…. Display in public and school libraries; gift a copy to your child or child’s teacher; help this extraordinary resource… View →
The Patchwork Torah
“Through its serene, oil-painted illustrations and warm language, The Patchwork Torah demonstrates the importance of cycles in Judaism – the cycle of the reading of the Torah ending and beginning on the holiday of Simchat Torah, the cycle of the generations and… View →
Chasing the Storm: Tornadoes, Meteorology, and Weather Watching
“A fascinating composite of text, photos, charts, and maps … Descriptions model energetic composition featuring precise active verbs and straightforward observation, both useful to students learning to write nonfiction.” —starred, VOYA View →
Knockout Games
“[T]he author’s meaty ideas and exciting action sequences blend together perfectly. . . . Harsh and relentless, a tough but worthy read.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
The Whispering Town
“Both author and illustrator do an excellent job of bringing both the horror and humanity of this story to a level younger children can understand, and there is much of both: Nazis pounding on doors; Carl giving Anett his most prized possession, a heartshaped stone, a last gift… View →
Ick! Yuck! Eew!: Our Gross American History
This is a colorful and entertaining look at the grosser aspects of American history. . . . It will be an excellent addition to any collection!"—starred, Library Media Connection View →
“Readers will feel unmoored until the last few pages of Oblivion, and that’s all right; so does the story’s narrator, Callie.” —starred, Booklist View →
Don't Spill the Milk!
“[A] beautifully illustrated West African story. . . . There is so much to be learned about rural Nigeria through the colorful folk art illustrations.”—starred, Library Media Connection View →
The Burnouts
“[A]s a capper to this undersung ‘psycho soap opera,’ it sure does its dirty job.” —starred, Booklist View →
If It Rains Pancakes: Haiku and Lantern Poems
“Wonderfully crafted and illustrated: a delightful, effective primer for budding poets.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
The Shibboleth
“This is a book like no other…. Jacobs is a master of the supernatural story, leading readers along dark and winding paths containing secrets, evil, and unimaginable power.” —starred, VOYA View →
The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim
“Johnston has created a whip-smart, witty, and utterly inventive alternate history. If this stellar debut is any indication, hers looks to be a bright, long-burning career.” —starred, Quill & Quire View →
Water Can Be . . .
“[A] contemplative and thought-provoking ode to the forms water takes and the functions it serves, both practical and whimsical.” —starred, Publishers Weekly View →
The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim
“Johnston’s masterful book is a refreshing blend of alternative history, high fantasy, and contemporary teen life. Johnston has done careful research for her intricate world building, and the result is strikingly original and believable.” —starred, Booklist View →
Secrets of the Sky Caves: Danger and Discovery on Nepal's Mustang Cliffs
“The book design is attractive and accessible and includes quality photographs and clearly labeled map. The book will enlighten young readers to one of the most fascinating explorations and discoveries happening today. . . . This well-executed narrative envelopes readers in a… View →
Water Can Be . . .
“Dabija’s illustrations, created with a combination of traditional and digital techniques and filled with simple shapes and vivid, vibrant colors, are misty, scratchy, sometimes-impressionistic, always atmospheric—in a word, beautiful….Kids of all ages will gain a new… View →
A Matter of Souls
“Shocking, informative and powerful, this volume offers spectacular literary snapshots of black history and culture.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
Handle with Care: An Unusual Butterfly Journey
“Crisp, full-page photographs capture each impressive stage of the butterfly’s journey….This fascinating topic, rarely featured for a young audience, offers an accessible, visual delight.” —starred, School Library Journal View →
The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim
“Siobhan’s narration sings thanks to her dry wit, intelligence, and ability to see the inherent musicality of life, while also commenting on the unreliability of history (and storytelling) and the power of a community to rally to save itself.” —starred, Publishers… View →
The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim
“Humor, pathos and wry social commentary unite in a cleverly drawn, marvelously diverse world.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →