Starred Reviews
Notes from the Blender
“[T]his light-hearted novel will prove popular.” —starred, VOYA View →
Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed
“All of Walker’s impressive writing talents are on display in this book on the frozen continent. . . . With its superb design and Walker’s gripping prose, this book will draw readers in and keep them involved.” —School Library Journal View →
Ruth and the Green Book
“The realistic illustrations are done in oil wash on board, a self-described ‘subtractive process.’ The picture is painted, then erased to ‘paint’ the final product. Overall, there is a sepialike quality to the art, giving the impression of gazing at old… View →
Draw the Dark
“Bick has created a likable teen protagonist whose unique ability is completely believable in the author’s skilled hands. The novel brilliantly strikes a compelling balance between fantasy and contemporary fiction. Readers will be on the edge of their seats waiting to find… View →
Journey into the Deep: Discovering New Ocean Creatures
“This strikingly illustrated book takes its readers on a series of research voyages exploring the ocean from its shallow edges to unfathomable depths during the recently completed ten-year International Census of Marine Life. . . . Rich, revealing and rewarding.”… View →
Stephenie Meyer: Dreaming of Twilight
“The Lifeline Biographies series, which is produced with access to USA Today‘s archives, does a fantastic job of creating biographies that are both informative and eye-catching. Moreover, their subjects are of substantial interest to… View →
Sneaky Sheep
“Rocky and Blossom’s wide googly eyes exude mischievousness, especially compared to the wedged snout of the vicious wolf who chases them to a cliff’s edge in the story’s climax. Both the text and artwork celebrate disobedience, and those looking for a cautionary… View →
Benno and the Night of Broken Glass
“[W]hat truly distinguishes this book is the striking multimedia artwork composed of paper, fabric, and drawn images in hues of olive, brown, and red. Interesting angles, textures, and patterns add to the visual effect throughout. . . . [T]he message of terror and sadness that… View →
Are You Ready for Spring?
“This series deserves to be in every school and early childhood classroom. Both books are winners.”—Library Media Connection View →
The Meeting: Book 1
“Quality translation and art production, along with a hardcover binding that lies flat, are details that suggest this book can be a popular mainstay in collections for a long time. A delight on many levels, it is also big enough to share with small groups and detailed enough to… View →
Looking Like Me
“The rhyme and repetition flow naturally, capturing the rhythms of everyday conversation and the hip-hop beats many children hear daily….This book is an excellent introduction to verse, for it vividly demonstrates how poetry is a vital part of daily life.” —starred,… View →
Wish You Were Dead
“This thriller will be popular and passed from one reader to another.” —starred, VOYA View →
Looking Like Me
“Students will enjoy the jazzy rhythm and upbeat message of the poem….Highly Recommended.” —starred review, Library Media Connection View →
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
“Accentuated with a palette knife, Christie’s sharply textured paintings create an impressionist background of an unformed land as well as detailed portraits of this multi-dimensional individual, his bold black hat conveying unmistakable authority.” … View →
Looking Like Me
“This very contemporary work is encouraging, energetic, and inspired.” —starred, Booklist View →
Looking Like Me
“This vibrant synthesis of poetry and pictures is a natural for classrooms and family sharing.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
Punished!
This lighthearted fantasy would be an excellent classroom read-aloud. The language concepts are deftly explained and the clever, wordplay-filled dialogue provides numerous examples. . . . The short text and lively cover art will attract young readers, who will howl at the atrocious… View →
The Button Box
“Both the modern and medieval characters are presented in emotionally charged language as unique individuals with strong personalities.” —Kirkus Reviews STARRED View →
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
“With lively language and anecdotes, Nelson (Juneteenth) chronicles the life of African-American lawman Bass Reeves in a biography that elevates him to folk hero. . . It’s an arresting portrait of a man who rose from escaped slave in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) View →
The Steel Pan Man of Harlem
“Bootman (Fish for the Grand Lady) triumphs with this gorgeously moody, thoroughly cinematic retelling of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, ingeniously set during the Harlem Renaissance and starring a mysterious musician from the Caribbean. . . With text that beautifully… View →