Reviews
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
The Beatles: Music Revolutionaries
“Readers will come away not only with a greater knowledge of the subjects, but also with an understanding of their places in their respective industries. Relevant images and engaging sidebars enhance the presentation.” —The Horn Book Guide 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 →
Ancient Transportation Technology: From Oars to Elephants
“Each volume focuses on a different type of technology used by ancient world civilizations. After an informative overview section, chapters discuss particular civilizations and their specific technologies. The texts successfully show both the uniqueness of and similarities among… 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
“Gauthier’s softly colored line drawing perfectly capture the gentle spirit of Marcel Marceau, both off and on stage.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
Brooklyn, Burning
“A moving, personal story of friendship, loss, and love, Brezenoff’s novel is also a tender tribute to all LGBTQ youth.” —The Horn Book Magazine 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 →
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 →
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 →
“Fans of adult-oriented urban fantasy should enjoy this as much as teens looking for a contemporary Buffy.” —Publishers Weekly View →
Spielman’s language in this book soars, even poetic when describing what Marceau could do through mime. And the art is outstanding, very expressive and using the page space gorgeously through color, placement, and design. Gauthier fits the palette to the prose, making for a very… View →
The Knife and the Butterfly
“Like Ashley Hope Pérez, I have been a teacher in inner-city Houston and a writer of young adult fiction. I am in a perfect position to watch in awe as she completely nails our students’ experiences in her harrowing, heart-rending, and ultimately hopeful The… View →