Reviews
Juneteenth
“The series does itself a favor by staying simple; the illustration of a calendar that begins each book will have kids searching for the corresponding date on their own home calendars. A great starting point for discussing these significant celebrations.” … View →
I Want Two Birthdays!
“Ross’ zany cartoon-style illustrations capture the princess’ impulsive, egocentric nature and reveal a subplot regarding a lost locket. Children will identify with the princess’ desire to have more than one birthday per year, and adults will appreciate the… View →
When Lulu Went to the Zoo
“. . .the rhymes are catchy, and the watercolor illustrations add a whimsical touch.” —Booklist View →
Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H. L. Hunley
“She [Walker] really hits her stride, though, in explaining the complex techniques and loving care used in raising the craft, recovering its contents, and even reconstructing models of the crwemembers’ bodies. Thoroughly researched, nicely designed, and well illustrated… View →
Over a Thousand Hills I Walk with You
“compelling. . . an elemental account of perpetrators, victimes, and bystanders. . . this book is an important addition to the Holocaust curriculum.” —Booklist, starred review View →
It's Fall!
“This is the first of four interrelated books on the seasons, designed with the elementary-school nature curriculum in mind. Children can identify with the blue-jean-clad boy who narrates what he sees, touches, smells, and hears in fall. The story expands into what animals do in… View →
More Christmas Ornaments Kids Can Make
“The author of many popular craft books for children returns with. . . 29 Christmas ornaments primary-grade children can make on their own or with just a little assistance from adults. Ranging from the very simple (a plastic lid covered in colored glue and sprinkled with sequins… View →
Tisha B'Av: A Jerusalem Journey
“The latest entry in the Nature in Israel series (Sukkot Treasure Hunt, 2009) explains the origins of Tisha B’Av, a Jewish fast day that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. A young boy narrates as he and other family members visit the View →
“McNish’s suspenseful, fast-paced novel immerses readers in an inventive world featuring distinctly drawn characters and a graceful blending of realism and occasionally spooky fantasy. . . will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next episode.” —Booklist View →
“His vivid, often lyrical prose will engage readers, and his tantalizing conclusion hints at an enemy and a confrontation of massive scale that seem to pave the way for future titles.” —Booklist View →
“On one level, this is a British school story, with cliques and bullies, but McNish goes further; his real accomplishment is melding the gritty ordinariness of everyday happenings with the magnificence of angels. For this, he needed the skills of a conductor, knowing when to play… View →
How Not to Be a Dick: An Everyday Etiquette Guide
“Doherty fires absurd twenty-first-century zingers that happen to be really, really, really funny.”—starred, Booklist View →
An Unbroken Chain: My Journey through the Nazi Holocaust
“This is an extraordinary memoir of one brave individual’s travail during the Holocaust.” —Booklist View →
The Babka Sisters
“This book’s ingredients of wordplay, dessert, and family combine smoothly into a delicious treat.”―starrred, Booklist View →
Nothing Could Stop Her: The Courageous Life of Ruth Gruber
“An insightful profile of a courageous woman who lived through some of the most turbulent periods of the twentieth century…This is an apt tribute to an inspiring Jewish role model.”―Booklist View →
The Blue Glass Heart
“A fanciful vision of global and familial connectedness.”―Booklist View →
Doña Gracia Saved Worlds
“A beautifully illustrated, historical biography of an inspiring Jewish woman.”—Booklist View →
Things That Shimmer
“Tender historical fiction, delving into the time between childhood and teenage years as well as sensitive family issues. Perceptive and engaging, this will be a catalyst for conversations; it belongs in all collections.”—Booklist View →
Violin of Hope
“…this is an uplifting and inspiring tale.” – Booklist View →
The Homework Squad's ADHD Guide to School Success
“A useful guide with appealing graphic-like illustrations for youth with ADHD or for anyone seeking good study techniques.”—Booklist View →
Stitch by Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt
“The book’s descriptions of the actions taken by Jones and others over a long time, with government and society against them, show readers what a struggle it was to gain compassion for victims of AIDS. Foregrounding this struggle is Jones’ experiences of… View →
Accordionly: Abuelo and Opa Make Music
“Genhart pulls from his own childhood growing up in bicultural family in this cheery picture book, which tells of a young boy and how the accordion brought his family together . . . . Music is the universal language . . . . Great for reading aloud and featuring bright, energetic… View →
Ani's Light
“This evocative and wise picture book, written by a psychology professor from India, is for children struggling to cope with the medical treatment of a parent. . . . [W]hen Ani’s gravely ill-looking mother returns from the hospital, light envelopes them both, and her advice… View →
Brilliant Bea
“The teacher’s supportive actions are wonderful to see, but even better is how the tape recorder helps Bea connect with her classmates. Printed in a dyslexia-friendly font, this affirming story about finding your feet and your voice is a lovely confidence booster for young readers, View →