Reviews
No Crystal Stair: A Documentary Novel of the Life and Work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller
“An extraordinary, inspiring book to put into the hands of scholars and skeptics alike.”—starred, The Horn Book Magazine View →
The King Who Wouldn't Sleep
“Singleton uses a traditional fairy tale structure in an altogether new and funny story, great for reading to groups, who will early spot the green-suited farmer watching from a distance before he makes his first trip in with a wiggling bag of animals. Bright, simple watercolor and View →
“[A] wise and funny book.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
Manon Gauthier’s softly colored line drawing perfectly capture the gentle spirit of Marcel Marceau, both off and on stage." -The Horn Book 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 →
“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 →
Sarah Emma Edmonds Was a Great Pretender: The True Story of a Civil War Spy
“Oldroyd makes effective use of broad, rough-hewn brush strokes, particularly in creating an impressionistic background that frequently allows a detailed illustration of Sarah to take center stage.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
Swish: The Quest for Basketball's Perfect Shot
“This book explores basketball’s shooting stars and the development of hoop shots from the two-handed set shot to the dunk. The text also explains how the twenty-four-second rule transformed a largely defensive sport into a fast-paced, high-scoring offensive game. Especially… View →
Touchdown: The Power and Precision of Football's Perfect Play
“There are lots of facts for fans to play with in this straightforward look at football’s top-scoring play. After a brief history, the book describes spectacular touchdowns, famous footballers who scored with special flair, and unforgettable fumbles and wrong-way runs. The… View →
Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed
“Walker investigates the scientific mysteries of Antarctica with her characteristic depth and insight…. Despite conveying lots of technical information, Walker’s narrative remains lively and engaging.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
The Freak Observer
“A strong narrative voice and a wave of tragedies define this character-driven first novel. . . . The bold cover photo of a human heart suggests the dark and sometimes graphic nature of the story. Those readers drawn inside will be won by the vivid characterization and fresh… View →
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
“Accentuated with a palette knife, Christie’s sharply textured paintings create an impressionist background of an unformed land as well as detailed portraits of this multi-dimensional individual, his bold black hat conveying unmistakable authority.” … View →
Looking Like Me
“[E]ven the more curmudgeonly among us might appreciate the message when it’s dressed up as fine as it is in this picture book by Myers pére et fils.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
Fine Print: A Story about Johann Gutenberg
“. . .the book provides young readers with a sense of history in the making.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
The Winter Solstice
“Nicely illustrated with lush, decorative artwork.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
Little Wolf's Book of Badness
“This is a delicious, laugh-out-loud revisionist view of the fairy-tale cad as reported by his nephew, Little Wolf, in animated letters home from Cunning College.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
“. . .this will be welcome wherever conflict resolution is discussed.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
Why the Crab Has No Head
“The appealing tale is simply told and well presented. . . Brilliant.” — The Horn Book Magazine View →
Apple Cider Making Days
“The autumnal palette gives a warm and welcoming tone to the topic. ‘Cider Lore’ is appended.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
Kinaaldá: A Navajo Girl Grows Up
“. . .the text is spare but clear, with sufficient detail to inform general readers; the photographs are crisp and well composed.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
“Collard’s profiles of selected species skillfully highlight significant behaviors or physical features that are adeptly captured in the sharp-focused color photographs.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
Love and Roast Chicken: A Trickster Tale from the Andes Mountains
“The plot twists and turns energetically; in the end, Cuy saves himself from being dinner by fooling Tio Antonio once again. Knuston’s robust prints, characterized by heavy black lines and subdued colors, are remarkably effective in conveying experessions and humor. "… View →
Danger at Sand Cave
“Ransom effectively conveys Arly’s frustration but refrains from turning his foolhardy act into a dramatic rescue and sticks with the historical conclusion of the event. Schofield’s watercolor illustrations on each page reflect the action and convey a strong sense of… View →