Reviews
A Pocketful of Stars
“The scenes in Kuwait are lovingly rendered, informed by Bushby’s own childhood there and marked by her signature magical touch. Middle-grade readers will relate to Saff’s journey to newfound confidence and the joy of finding friends who love you for who you… View →
Auma's Long Run
The Essentials: When Parents Get Sick By Julia Smith. In recent years, we’ve noticed an influx of books that portray children dealing with having a sick parent. The emotional and practical demands of having a loved one with a mental or physical… View →
Strange Alliances: Book 2
“Nie Jun’s striking gray washes and warm watercolors add to the story’s serious and humorous beats; but more so, they once again invite readers to delve into a unique, dreamy fantasy world ripe with redemption arcs and its own mythology.”—Booklist View →
My Happy Life
“This simply written chapter book tenderly portrays the happiness of a child whose life is in balance, as well as the colossal, unremitting, inconsolable sorrow of one who is suffering loss. . . . The clarity and simplicity of the writing are balanced by the verve and finesse of… View →
Another Band's Treasure: A Story of Recycled Instruments
“Xie’s soft, sketchy artwork nicely captures the atmosphere of the town, and a pop of color for the first homemade instrument emphasizes how life changing it is. A truly inspiring tale, perfect for middle-grade readers.”—Booklist View →
The New God?, Book 1: Volume 1
“Tornager brings freshness to his rendition of Norse mythology by redesigning the pantheon, but he still imbues it with enough familiarity for fans of the classic stories. . . . Tornager masterfully uses solid coloring and coordinating palettes to immerse readers fully in every… View →
Inside the Bermuda Triangle
“[T]his intriguing investigation supplies readers with plenty of sea-crets on which to speculate.”—Booklist View →
Underwater Construction Workers
“The volume works well at helping readers anticipate new sections, providing a thoughtful introduction to chapter books. . . . sure to intrigue many.”—Booklist View →
Indigo and Ida
“Indigo is a relatable and sympathetic character, and the social justice issues she champions at her school are timely and ring true. Readers will be inspired by Indigo’s passion and compelled to read more about Wells, too.”—starred, Booklist View →
I'm Gonna Be a SMITH!, Book 1: Volume 1
“There are a lot of action-packed panels full of life and lots of zoom lines in this fast-paced story of self-discovery and altruism. This might appeal to readers of Fullmetal Alchemist looking for something a little more lighthearted or even fans of Trigun who enjoy… View →
Walls and Welcome Mats: Immigration and the American Dream
“This is history presented through the lens of immigration, and readers learn the basics . . . along with new insights.”—Booklist View →
Detective Gordon: A Case with a Bang
“[T]his book is enjoyable for reading aloud to young children and accessible to transitional chapter-book readers. Nilsson excels at writing imaginative, gently amusing adventures, laced with unpretentious bits of wisdom. Spee’s enchanting illustrations capture the tone of… View →
Notes from a Sickbed
“Brunton’s art is distinct and emotionally evocative . . . The memoir achieves its mission to communicate to readers the isolation of chronic illness.”—Booklist View →
Bo and the Community Garden
“The book’s three short chapters feature cultural touchstones and lively color illustrations. Readers not yet ready for the J.D. the Kid Barber series, by J. Dillard, will find the same Black Boy Joy here.”—Booklist View →
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
“[F]illed with legends, reminiscences, bits of history, sidebars, drawings, and gentle challenges to readers, encouraging them to consider making changes in their actions, beliefs, and values. Truly, a lovely, calming addition for collections.”—Booklist View →
The King of Cheating, Book 1: Volume 1
“Fans of trading-card or video games will love this fast-paced, cinematic comic. Readers will be drawn into the pages by the action-packed illustrations, featuring plenty of fight scenes, superpowered game avatars, and dynamic visual perspectives, and stick around to find out what… View →
Gold Mountain
“An exceptionally told story that will satisfy readers of history, mystery, and adventure while providing food for thought.”—starred, Booklist View →
Glowing Bunnies!?: Why We're Making Hybrids, Chimeras, and Clones
“Divided into five parts, this fascinating, detailed text focuses on how genetic engineering could help animal conservation and the extinction crisis, restore damaged ecosystems, make agriculture more efficient and less polluting, create unusual and useful pets, and fight or… View →
The Mighty T. Rex
“In an oversized, early-reader format, each book uses short sentences of text and accompanying full-page images to describe the dinosaur’s size and weight, physical characteristics, diet, and North American territory. . . . Young dinosaur fans will not be… View →
My Amazing Makeup
“Young readers are encouraged to experiment and try out various looks, eventually determining their own comfortable, unique style. An affirming offering.”—Booklist View →
This Last Adventure
“[W]ill deeply involve—and move—its readers. An important subject and one that, altogether, is well-handled.”—Booklist View →
Rumble and Roar: Sound around the World
“[N]icely complements introductory science units and will also remind readers to slow down, take a minute, and listen.”—Booklist View →
Call Me Miss Hamilton: One Woman's Case for Equality and Respect
“Weatherford introduces young readers to this lesser-known changemaker who challenged the court system for due respect. . . . Lending to this powerful story is mixed-media artwork that blends expressive black-and-white scratchboard illustrations with tinted photos from the time… View →