Starred Reviews
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 →
“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 →
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 →
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 Burnouts
“[A]s a capper to this undersung ‘psycho soap opera,’ it sure does its dirty job.” —starred, Booklist 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 →
If It Rains Pancakes: Haiku and Lantern Poems
“Wonderfully crafted and illustrated: a delightful, effective primer for budding poets.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
The Scar Boys
“Vlahos’s narrative flows easily and rings true….Distinguished in every way.” —starred, School Library Journal View →
The Shibboleth
“This is a dyed-in-the-wool middle book—filled with training, planning, and sinister omens, its chief achievement is to foment excitement for the finale. And in that it succeeds splendidly….This fits uncomfortably in every box in which you’d try to put it—in other… View →
The Other Way Around
“Often frank, other times startling, always filled with the familiar wanderlust most every teen experiences, this book has wheels.” —starred, Booklist View →
A Really Awesome Mess
“[A] journey of self-discovery coupled with humorous teen antics, as well as overcoming personal obstacles. This book touches on relevant teen issues such as cyberbullying, adoption, eating disorders, anger problems, suicide, and depression. It offers hope to those who are facing… View →
Mumbet's Declaration of Independence
“Delinois’s thick layers of paint and vibrant palette infuse even the story’s upsetting moments with hopefulness, and Mumbet herself glows with determination and integrity.” —starred, Publishers Weekly View →
Fly Frenzy
“Though the books are humorous, they are very informative and fascinating with the details about these small creatures.” —starred, Library Media Connection View →
Tillie Pierce: Teen Eyewitness to the Battle of Gettysburg
“This would be a great independent read and a wonderful choice for classroom teachers looking for a nonfiction book to share with their class.” —starred, Library Media Connection View →
Odd, Weird & Little
“Jennings does not skip a beat as he builds realistic relationships and problem-solving around an outrageously funny premise.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →