Starred Reviews
The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist
“Appealing and playful . . . A family engages in cheerful criminality while their youngest makes vain efforts to tell the truth in the delightful caper novel The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist.”—starred, Foreword Reviews View →
A Better Best Friend
“Demonstrates the value of a best friend—or two.”—starred, Foreword Reviews View →
The Rock in My Throat
“A heartfelt story that teaches children about diversity and reflects difficulties with being different, understood, and accepted.”—starred, Booklist View →
Just Another Story: A Graphic Migration Account
“With delicacy and grace, Salvadoran cartoonist Saade crafts a resonant and distinctive graphic novel debut . . . Each panel is a testament to individual resilience, culminating in an expansive story of human beings triumphing against unspeakable odds.”—starred,… View →
The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions
“An amusing approach to a traditional field guide, displaying intricate illustrations. Clarkson’s environmental book is well suited for developing naturalists as well as curious observers. It deserves a place of honor on every library shelf and will be a valuable asset in… View →
Just Another Story: A Graphic Migration Account
“Powerful vignettes weave the epic odyssey of one family’s migration while highlighting the risks and sacrifices undertaken daily by migrants searching for the American dream. The striking illustrations deftly convey complex emotions and poignant symbolism.”—starred,… View →
Best Believe: The Tres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good
“The sisters’ fiery spirit runs through the text, which frankly calls out disparities and celebrates the Tres Hermanas’ many victories as they passionately defended the rights of Puerto Rican Americans and lifted up their culture. . . Illustrations channeling the… View →
Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to School Equality
“[B]rutal, enlightening, hopeful, and realistic. An important piece of history, the book is a treasure and will require classroom discussion.”—starred, School Library Journal View →
The Color of Sound
“Isler crafts an exceptionally honest portrayal of complicated mother-daughter dynamics, and a protagonist whose independence and kindness is a stunning solo. . . a perfect book club pick and a reminder to all that patience and understanding can change lives.”—starred,… View →
The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions
“[T]his book will have readers sharpening their senses in no time. A charming work sure to spark a lifelong habit of looking closely at the natural world.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
The Color of Sound
“Intricately entwining interpersonal growth with each character’s relationship to their Jewish faith and culture, Isler highlights the role of family history in identity formation through metaphorical time travel. Color-centric imagery rendered in immersive prose translates… View →
A Ramadan to Remember
“This lovely picture book shares the specifics of the Ramadan holiday with readers of all backgrounds, while illustrating the very real emotions of one boy who feels alienated from his peers. . . . [A] heartfelt and detailed book to share with all children, whether or not they… View →
Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to School Equality
“Bostic’s evocative illustrations add tenderness to a narrative of real terror. . . An important addition to civil rights movement literature with which readers can connect on a human level.” —starred, The Horn Book Magazine View →
The Beasts in Your Brain: Understanding and Living with Anxiety and Depression
“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 View →
Imani Picks Up the Pieces
“Written in flowing sentences ideal for practicing readers, this title celebrates Black history, hearth, and hair, and makes any reader feel like they are special and worthy. . .Vivid illustrations paired with a relatable story equals a must-have for any library.” –starred,… View →
Pangu's Shadow
“This dual-perspective tale maintains a vivid connection to each narrator’s voice while keeping up an exciting pace and unfurling a satisfying mystery. Hard to put down: A strongly written work that pulls no punches while providing much-needed representation.”—starred,… View →
The Denim Diaries: A Memoir
“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… View →
Rise to the Sky: How the World's Tallest Trees Grow Up
“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 View →
To the Ice
“[T]he 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 View →
Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to School Equality
“[A]n unmissable story about everyday courage whose notes about the importance of overcoming discrimination remain timely.” —starred, Foreword Reviews View →
Nearer My Freedom: The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano by Himself
“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 View →
Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to School Equality
“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 View →
Small Shoes, Great Strides: How Three Brave Girls Opened Doors to School Equality
“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… View →
The Denim Diaries: A Memoir
“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,… View →