Reviews
The Sunflower Sword
“A ‘knight’ (a kid with a colander on his head) wants to fight dragons using a sword; his mom won’t let him. Her sunflower alternative is met with skepticism until the boy’s imagination takes over. Sperring may have a pacifist agenda, but the preachiness is… View →
Six Sheep Sip Thick Shakes: And Other Tricky Tongue Twisters
“A pleased penguin takes a shower as ‘The water in Flo’s Inn flows in frozen.’ A Christmas elf faces down a menacing dog: ‘Sammy stammered as he told the stray in the sleigh to stay.’ Brightly colored, bold-hued pictures add clarity and humor. An… View →
Sarah Emma Edmonds Was a Great Pretender: The True Story of a Civil War Spy
“Sarah Edmonds, disguised as a man, fought alongside and spied for Union troops during the Civil War. Jones enumerates these feats with touches of humor, and she continues Sarah’s story throughout the war and her subsequent marriage. Oldroyd makes effective use of broad,… View →
From Jazz Babies to Generation Next: The History of the American Teenager
“This informative and entertaining volume recounts the history of American teenagerdom. Originally considered to be ‘young vagabonds,’ American teens defined the culture of their times, from the 1920s Jazz Age to the Digital Age of the 1980s and 1990s. The text… View →
Fortunately, Unfortunately
“Young monkey Milo is called upon to return his grandmother’s umbrella. Unfortunately, he meets one roadblock after another (pirates, space aliens, dinosaurs, etc.), delaying his journey. Fortunately, these encounters are extremely entertaining. Vibrant watercolor… View →
Dino-Basketball
“Play-by-play commentary laced with basketball lingo will score points with fans of both basketball and dinosaurs.” —The Horn Book Guide View →
It's Tot Shabbat!
“While their parents are in services on Saturday mornings, preschoolers enjoy having fun at ‘Shabbat Club.’ They play with toys, listen to stories, hold stuffed-toy Torahs, and say the blessings over a Shabbat snack. Clear photographs of adorable children accompany the… View →
“The narrative presents Marceau’s life in a storybook-like manner and makes the material interesting and accessible to children.” —Bayviews View →
Not a Buzz to Be Found: Insects in Winter
“A lovely way to spin science and literature into a curriculum for youngest readers.” —School Library Journal View →
Fall Apples: Crisp and Juicy
“In a series of books that describe all things about fall, Rustad provides a lively vehicle for extending readers’ vocabulary.” —School Library Journal View →
Lily Renée, Escape Artist: From Holocaust Survivor to Comic Book Pioneer
“Like the comic books that Lily Renée Wilheim drew in the 1940s as a pioneer woman in a male-dominated industry, this biography is a tale of peril and suspense.” —School Library Journal View →
The Shabbat Princess
“Jewish girls who love all things related to princesses, especially fans of Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy, will delight in this endearing story.” –School Library Journal View →
“This science-fiction story adopts a fairly standard mad-scientist premise but ends up coming across just as much a paranormal adventure, with its focus on monsters and telepathy. Lonely Kali’s responses to her new friends add some pathos to the story, but the main focus… View →
Everything I Was
“In Everything I Was, Demas presents a likable narrator trying to negotiate friendships, family, and first love. Although Irene’s social class sets her apart from many readers, her concerns are universal, and she comes across as relatable and accessible. Readers will… View →
The Protectors
“The excerpt from Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Raven’ that opens The Protectors is astutely chosen. Beyond the dark, macabre content that fills the tale, Karlsson weaves a story that is highly readable in one sitting—a quality Poe would appreciate—and a narrative fabric View →
What Can't Wait
" In a heart-wrenching struggle of friendship, family allegiance, and finding love, Marisa discovers what it truly means to leave the expectations of everyone else behind and become an individual who follows after her hopes and dreams. Her genuinely relatable voice and passion allow View →
Lost in the River of Grass
“With the relatable character of Sarah, this novel of suspense with intermittent spurts of humor leads you through the marshes in a way no school field trip ever could.” —The ALAN Review View →
Brooklyn, Burning
“This will appeal to readers who enjoyed David Levithan’s Love Is the Higher Law.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books View →
“As teenage vampires go, Will himself has a world-weary practicality that, while making him far less romantic than some of his more angsty counterparts, feels incredibly authentic for a protagonist who has suffered through plagues, wars, and famine without the relief of death. Fans View →
The Daytona 500: The Thrill and Thunder of the Great American Race
“Pimm effectively blends history, statistics, and NASCAR lore into an engaging, satisfying story of one of the most famous car races in the world. Chapters detail the birthplace of the Daytona 500, memorable wins by Allison, Earnhardt, and McMurray, and… View →
Elmer's Christmas
“McKee’s story sends a strong but friendly reminder of the importance of generosity and goodwill during the holiday season. The playful, vividly colored illustrations complement the book’s cheery tone.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →