The Best Childrens Books of The Year (2020 Edition)

Bank Street College of Education
Educate
The Center for Children's Literature
4-14-2020
The Best Children's Books of the Year [2020 edition]

Bank Street College of Education. Children's Book Committee
Follow this and additional works at: https://educate.bankstreet.edu/ccl
Part of the Children's and Young Adult Literature Commons
Recommended Citation
Bank Street College of Education. Children's Book Committee (2020). The Best Children's Books of the
Year [2020 edition]. Bank Street College of Education. Retrieved from https://educate.bankstreet.edu/ccl/
10
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by Educate. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Center
for Children's Literature by an authorized administrator of Educate. For more information, please contact
[email protected].
Bank Street College of Education
Educate
The Center for Children's Literature
4-14-2020
The Best Children's Books of the Year [2020 edition]

Bank Street College of Education. Children's Book Committee
Follow this and additional works at: https://educate.bankstreet.edu/ccl
Part of the Children's and Young Adult Literature Commons
Recommended Citation
Bank Street College of Education. Children's Book Committee (2020). The Best Children's Books of the
Year [2020 edition]. Bank Street College of Education. Retrieved from https://educate.bankstreet.edu/ccl/
10
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by Educate. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Center
for Children's Literature by an authorized administrator of Educate. For more information, please contact
[email protected].
The Best
Children’s
Books
of the Year
2020 Edition
Books Published in 2019
BANK STREET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
THE BEST
CHILDREN’S
BOOKS
OF THE YEAR
OF THE YEAR 2020 EDITION
BOOKS PUBLISHED IN 2019
SELECTED BY THE
CHILDREN’S BOOK COMMITTEE
Funding for the print edition of the 2020 edition of The Best
Children’s Books of the Year was supported by a generous
contribution from the Helping Hands Fund in
memory of Rae Lee Thompson
THE CHILDREN’S BOOK COMMITTEE
Jina Miharu Accardo Caren Leslie

Marilyn Ackerman Elizabeth (Liz) Levy
Rita Auerbach Muriel Mandell
Alice Belgray Roberta Mitchell
Jennifer Brown Caitlyn Morrissey
Sheila Browning Kathryn Payne
Miriam Lang Budin Susan Pine
Christie Clark Jaïra Placide
Deborah Cohen Ellen Rappaport
Laura Cohen Martha Rosen
Linda Colarusso Susie Rios
Ayanna Coleman Susie Rolander
Carmen Colón Caroline Schill
Becky Eisenberg Adrienne Schure
Gillian Engberg Elizabeth C. Segal
Margery Fisher Charissa Sgouros
Helen Freidus Dale Singer
Alex Grannis Jo Stein
Melinda Greenblatt Susan Stires
Linda Greengrass Hadassah Tannor
Catherine Hong Jane Thompson
Todd Jackson Margaret Tice
Andee Jorisch Morika Tsujimura
Kharissa Kenner Leslie Wagner
Gloria Koster Caroline Ward
Mollie Welsh Kruger Cynthia Weill
Patricia Lakin Mary Anne Wolpert
Jeanne Lamb Todd Zinn
MEMBERS EMERITI
Margaret Cooper Lisa Von Drasek
MEMBERS ON LEAVE OR AT LARGE
Beryl Bresgi Laurent Linn

Ann Levine Rivka Widerman
TIPS FOR PARENTS
• Share your enjoyment of books with

your child.
• Talk over your reading.
• Continue to read aloud to your child even
after they read independently.
• Encourage your child to choose a book to
read aloud to someone else.
• Broaden your child’s horizons by helping to
select books from a wide range of subjects
• Encourage your child to read whatever
they enjoy, even if it appears to be too easy
or too hard.
• Let your child see your enjoyment of your
own reading
• Find time for your child to visit and browse
in libraries and bookstores.
2020 AWARDS
The Josette Frank Award

for a work of fiction of outstanding literary
merit for young readers in which children or
young people deal in a positive and realistic
way with difficulties in their world and grow
emotionally and morally
When the Ground Is Hard

by Malla Nunn
(G.P. Putnam’s Sons)
The Claudia Lewis Award

for the best poetry book of the year
for young readers
Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc

by David Elliott
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books
for Young Readers)
The Flora Stieglitz Straus Award

for a distinguished work of nonfiction that
serves as an inspiration to young readers
Enemy Child: The Story of Norman Mineta,

a Boy Imprisoned in a Japanese American
Internment Camp During World War II
by Andrea Warren
(Margaret Ferguson Books)
Infinite Hope: A Black Artist’s Journey

from World War II to Peace
by Ashley Bryan
(A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book/Atheneum Books
for Young Readers)
In evaluating books for their literary merit, the
Bank Street Children's Book Committee (CBC)
recognizes the importance of diversity in children’s
literature and acknowledges and celebrates
the voices and cultures of all of our readers.
Diversity encompasses the varied and unique
identities, experiences, perspectives, and cultural
communities of a book’s main and supporting
characters, whose attributes include (but are
not limited to) race, ethnicity, gender, abilities,
sexuality, class, religion, and family structure. All
children benefit from seeing themselves reflected
in what they read, and from seeing characters
with different identities depicted accurately and
without stereotypes in texts and/or illustrations.
The CBC values representations of characters who
are change agents and advocates for social justice,
inclusivity, and equity.
In accordance with the Committee’s goal of

modeling proper sourcing of nonfiction writing, all
listed information books for children nine and older
must contain supporting references including,
at a minimum, sources, quote attributions, and
photo credits. Book annotations may also include
the term “back matter” to indicate that there is
additional reference material provided.
KEY
Board Book Outstanding Merit
Diversity Read Aloud
Graphic Format (4–6) Age Range
Mature
CONTENTS
UNDER FIVE ...............................................................................1 Biography and Memoir..........................................................40
Concept Books ........................................................................... 9 Ecology.........................................................................................42
Holidays and Religion ............................................................10 Health...........................................................................................42
Poetry...........................................................................................10 History..........................................................................................42
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)..........10 Religion ........................................................................................43
FIVE TO NINE .......................................................................... 12 Sports............................................................................................43
Fiction......................................................................................... 12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)..........43
Adventure and Mystery.........................................................12 World............................................................................................45
Animals.........................................................................................12 TWELVE TO FOURTEEN....................................................... 46
Beginning Readers...................................................................13 Fiction......................................................................................... 46
Coming of Age ..........................................................................13 Adventure and Mystery.........................................................46
Concept Books .........................................................................14 Coming of Age...........................................................................46
Fantasy.........................................................................................14 Fantasy.........................................................................................47
Folklore and Fairy Tales.........................................................15 Historical Fiction .....................................................................48
Historical Fiction .....................................................................15 Magical Realism .......................................................................49
Humor...........................................................................................16 Science Fiction...........................................................................50
Magical Realism .......................................................................17 Today.............................................................................................50
Science Fiction ..........................................................................17 Poetry......................................................................................... 51
Today.............................................................................................18 Information Books.................................................................. 51
Poetry......................................................................................... 22 Biography and Memoir..........................................................51
Information Books.................................................................. 23 Ecology.........................................................................................53
Activities......................................................................................23 Health...........................................................................................53
Arts................................................................................................23 History..........................................................................................54
Biography and Memoir..........................................................23 Law and Justice.........................................................................55
Ecology.........................................................................................26 Reference....................................................................................55
Health ..........................................................................................26 Sports............................................................................................55
History..........................................................................................26 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) .........55
Language......................................................................................27 World............................................................................................56
Law and Justice.........................................................................27 FOURTEEN AND OLDER...................................................... 57
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)..........27 Fiction......................................................................................... 57
World............................................................................................30 Adventure and Mystery.........................................................57
NINE TO TWELVE................................................................... 31 Anthologies and Collections................................................58
Fiction......................................................................................... 31 Coming of Age ..........................................................................58
Adventure and Mystery.........................................................31 Fantasy.........................................................................................60
Animals.........................................................................................31 Historical Fiction .....................................................................61
Coming of Age ..........................................................................31 Magical Realism .......................................................................62
Fantasy.........................................................................................33 Science Fiction...........................................................................62
Folklore and Fairy Tales ........................................................34 Today.............................................................................................63
Historical Fiction .....................................................................35 Poetry ........................................................................................ 65
Humor...........................................................................................36 Information Books.................................................................. 65
Magical Realism .......................................................................36 Arts ................................................................................................65
Science Fiction...........................................................................37 Biography and Memoir..........................................................66
Sports Stories.............................................................................37 Health ..........................................................................................67
Today.............................................................................................37 History..........................................................................................67
Poetry......................................................................................... 39 Law and Justice ........................................................................68
Information Books.................................................................. 40 Reference ...................................................................................68
Activities......................................................................................40 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)..........68
Arts................................................................................................40
UNDER FIVE
12 Lucky Animals: Ball & Balloon
A Bilingual Baby Book by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Helen Yoon
by Vickie Lee, illustrated by Joey Chou (Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster,
(Godwin Books/Henry Holt/Macmillan, $7.99) $17.99) 978-1-5344-2562-0
978-1-250-18424-5 Colorful, spare illustrations accompany this poignant
Friendly digital illustrations introduce readers to the tale of two objects who are envious of one another.
animals of the Chinese zodiac and their traits. Chinese When a child comes along, they each finally learn their
characters and pronunciation included. (2-5) own worth. (3-5)
Ariba: Beep Beep Piip Piip

An Old Tale about New Shoes written and illustrated by Petr Horáček, Spanish
written and illustrated by Masha Manapov translation by Georgina Lázaro Léon
(Enchanted Lion Books, $17.95) 978-1-59270-300-5 (Candlewick Press, $6.99) 978-1-5362-0350-9
Marcus’s delight in his new sneakers leads his Bright pictures and playful sounds describe a family’s
grandfather to share an old story about a boy and his car ride to Grandma’s house. Durable die-cut pages and
footwear adventure. Lively, energetic illustrations. acrylic collage illustrations. (0-3)
(3-6)
The Big, Angry Roar
Astro Girl written and illustrated by Jonny Lambert
written and illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max (Tiger Tales, $17.99) 978-1-68010-129-4
(Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-1-5362-0946-4 Jungle animals offer advice to a lion cub who is very
Astrid, who wants to be an astronaut when she grows angry after his parents have disciplined him. Stunning
up, has fun pretending to go on a space mission. cut-paper illustrations on white background. (3-6)
Textured painterly acrylic illustrations. (3-6)
Black Cat, Yellow Bunny
B Is for Baby written and illustrated by Wook Jin Jung
by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank (Reycraft Books, $17.95) 978-1-4788-6816-3
(Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-1-5362-0166-6 In this nearly wordless book, a chance encounter
B is for Baby and everything else encountered when changes two lives. Mixed-media illustrations in a
Brother bicycles her to visit Baba. Vivid acrylics of graphic format. (5-6)
Baby’s experiences in a small African village. (2-5)
Borrowing Bunnies:
Baby Day A Surprising True Tale of Fostering Rabbits
by Jane Godwin and Davina Bell, by Cynthia Lord, photographs by John Bald,
illustrated by Freya Blackwood illustrated by Hazel Mitchell
(Atheneum BFYR/Simon & Schuster, $17.99) (Farrar Straus Giroux BFYR/Macmillan, $17.99)
978-1-4814-7034-6 978-0-374-30841-4
Gently colored illustrations coupled with spare text Discover how to successfully foster rabbits so that
communicate the diverse emotions and contexts of they thrive, learn to trust humans, and become likely
children attending their first birthday party (1-4) to be adopted. Spot illustrations complement full-color
photographs. (4-6)
Baby Dream/ Soñando con bebé
by Sunny Scribens, Spanish translation by Maria Perez Bruno, the Standing Cat
(Barefoot Books, $6.99) 978-1-78285-737-2 written and translated from the French by
Soothing verses lull an infant to sleep. Bilingual in Nadine Robert, illustrated by Jean Jullien
English and Spanish. Black-and-white photographs. (Random House BFYR/PRH, $17.99)
(0-3) 978-0-525-64714-0
The new cat on Peter’s doorstep proves to be
surprisingly human, complete with a silly sense of
humor and an abundance of love. Bold outlined,
energetic illustrations. (4-6)
1
Bunny in the Middle
Días y días/Days and Days
by Anika A. Denise, illustrated by Christopher Denise
by Ginger Foglesong Guy, illustrated by
(Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt BFYR/
René King Moreno
Macmillan, $17.99) 978-1-250-12036-6
(Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, $16.99)
The joys and challenge of being a middle bunny in
978-0-06-173182-2
the family are vivified by digitally enhanced pencil
Lively detailed pastels depict diverse children engaged
illustrations in soft colors. (3-6)
in seasonal activities. Bilingual in Spanish and English.
(4-6)
By the Light of the Moon
written and illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon
Double Bass Blues
(Templar Books/Candlewick, $16.99)
by Andrea J. Loney, illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
978-1-5362-0810-8
(Alfred A. Knopf BFYR/Random House/PRH, $17.99)
A little frog, singing alone, asks others to add their
978-1-5247-1852-7
voices. Not until the littlest voice joins in is the sound
A talented school musician, Nic, bravely journeys
complete. Large, colorful digital illustrations. (3-5)
to the city to play with his grandfather’s jazz group.
Colorful acrylic illustrations convey joy and motion.
Can I Keep It? Onomatopoeia. (4-6)
written and illustrated by Lisa Jobe
(Page Street Kids/Page Street Publishing, $17.99)
Dragon Night
978-1-62414-696-1
written and illustrated by J.R. Krause
Encouraging empathy, a young boy’s mother helps him
(G.P. Putnam’s Sons/PRH, $16.99) 978-0-525-51424-4
seek a “better” pet for their home. Brilliantly inventive
Georgie is afraid of the dark until one night a dragon,
watercolor and collage illustrations. (4-6)
fleeing a knight, takes him on an adventure. Pen and ink
drawings, colored digitally. (4-6)
Circle
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Duck!
(Candlewick Press, $15.99) 978-0-7636-9608-5
by Meg McKinlay, illustrated by Nathaniel Eckstrom
Evocative watercolor and graphite illustrations
highlight three friends who experience adventure,
Frantically, Duck screams “Duck!” to the farmyard
fear, anger, and forgiveness. (4-6)
animals, who each explain what they are and scold
him for shouting his name. Full-page mixed-media
Daddy-Sitting illustrations. (4-6)
written and illustrated by Eve Coy
(Clarion Books/HMH, $17.99) 978-1-328-48989-0
Felix Eats Up (Felix & Fiona series)
The daughter of a stay-at-home dad describes how she
written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells
“helps” him get through the day. Engaging watercolor
and colored pencil illustrations add to the humor. (4-6)
Guinea Pig Fiona is planning her half-birthday
celebration with Felix, her best friend, but Felix is a
Daniel’s Good Day very picky eater. Watercolor and aquarelle pencil
written and illustrated by Micha Archer illustrations. (4-6)
(Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin YR/PRH, $16.99)
978-0-399-54672-3
Field Trip to the Moon
Daniel questions what makes a good day in his diverse
written and illustrated by John Hare
neighborhood and discovers his own ideas about it.
(Margaret Ferguson Books/Holiday House, $17.99)
Engaging repetitive text and colorful oil and collage
978-0-8234-4253-9
illustrations. (4-6)
In this wordless book, one curious astronaut, who
has been accidentally left behind, befriends moon
A Day for Skating creatures, using the power of crayon. Rich, humorous
by Sarah Sullivan, illustrated by Madeline Valentine illustrations encourage imaginative dialogue. (3-6)
Winter’s here, and a family bundles up and heads out
to the local pond to skate and maybe make some new
friends. Playful digital illustrations. (4-6)
2
Firefighters’ Handbook Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend!
written and illustrated by Meghan McCarthy written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
(A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster, $17.99) (Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99)
978-1-5344-1733-5 978-0-525-55423-3
This comprehensive guide for aspiring firefighters Saying goodbye to someone or something is hard but
is packed with humor. Cartoon illustrations, labeled may lead to saying hello to new people or things. Digital
diagrams, and simple explanations of the profession. ink drawings enhance a poignant text. (4-6)
Back matter includes photographs and interviews. (4-6)
The Goose Egg
Flubby series written and illustrated by Liz Wong
• Flubby Is Not a Good Pet! (Alfred A. Knopf BFYR/Random House/PRH, $17.99)
• Flubby Will Not Play with That 978-0-553-51157-4
written and illustrated by J. E. Morris An ingenious elephant interrupts her peaceful life to
(Penguin Workshop/Penguin YR/PRH, $9.99) mother a gosling. She teaches the baby bird how to
978-1-5247-8776-9 become a goose, with surprising results. Animated,
Captivating colorful cartoon illustrations accompany simple mixed-media illustrations. (3-5)
spare repetitive text to tell the humorous adventures
of a child’s pet cat. (3-6) The Happy Book
written and illustrated by Andy Rash
Ghost Cat (Viking/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99) 978-0-451-47125-3
written and illustrated by Kevan Atteberry Comic-like illustrations depict two friends who
(Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, $18.99) experience a variety of emotions when their friendship
978-0-8234-4283-6 is tested. (3-6)
Muted digital art captures a child’s love for his
departed cat, who leads him to a lovely surprise. (3-6) Hide and Seek
written and illustrated by Polly Noakes
Good Boy (Child’s Play International, $16.99) 978-1-78628-182-1
written and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier A child plays with animal friends while a wolf lurks in
(Atheneum BFYR/ Simon & Schuster, $15.99) the background. Engaging colored pencil illustrations.
978-1-4814-9906-4 (4-6)
A boy and his dog share a day full of adventures
including fetching, traveling by spaceship, and The Home Builders
reading bedtime stories. Comical ink and watercolor by Varsha Bajaj, illustrated by Simona Mulazzani
illustrations. (4-6) (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99)
978-0-399-16685-3
Good Night, Wind Rhythmic, rhyming text and detailed lush art depict
by Linda Elovitz Marshall, illustrated by Maëlle Doliveux woodland animals digging, gnawing, and gathering to
(Holiday House, $17.99) 978-0-8234-3788-7 build dens, lodges, and nests to create homes for their
In this retelling of a Yiddish tale, a whirling, howling young. (4-6)
wind is quieted by two wise children. Powerful, vibrant
cut-paper collage illustrations. (4-6) Hooray for Babies!
by Susan Meyers, illustrated by Sue Cornelison
Good Night, World (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $14.99)
by Nicola Edwards, illustrated by Hannah Tolson 978-1-328-52847-6
(Tiger Tales, $17.99) 978-1-68010-144-7 Babies are everywhere: in the mirror, on the beach,
Children from all around the world get ready for in the water, on mats—playing, dancing, sharing,
bedtime and say “good night” in many languages. eating, and sleeping. Large format with mixed-media
Strikingly bold illustrations echo the lyrical text. (4-6) illustrations. (1-3)
3
I Am a Tiger
How Do You Dance?
by Karl Newson, illustrated by Ross Collins
written and illustrated by Thyra Heder
(Scholastic Focus, $17.99) 978-1-338-34989-4
(Abrams BFYR, $16.99) 978-1-4197-3418-2
Despite his friends’ disbelief, Mouse insists he’s a tiger—
Dancing is a creative, intergenerational, diverse activity,
until he looks at his reflection in the pond. Bright color
but does everyone need to join in? Action-inspired
illustrations highlight the laugh-out-loud silliness. (3-5)
pencil and watercolor illustrations. (4-6)
How Do You Do? I Am Not a Fish

by Larissa Theule, illustrated by Gianna Marino written and illustrated by Peter Raymundo
(Bloomsbury Children's Books, $17.99) (Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99)
978-1-61963-807-5 978-0-525-55459-2
Meeting new friends can take the dullness out of any With help from starfish in an underwater support
day, including a series of hot ones, as Crane and Water group, Edgar, a jellyfish, finally begins to enjoy being the
Buffalo learn. Stunning gouache illustrations. (4-6) creature he is. Comic digital illustrations with speech
bubbles. (4-6)
How Do You Go to Sleep?
by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Sydney Hanson I Love All of Me (Wonderful Me series)
(Alfred A. Knopf BFYR/Random House/PRH, $17.99) by Lorie Ann Grover, illustrated by Carolina Búzio
978-0-525-57944-1 (Cartwheel Books/Scholastic, $9.99)
The sleeping habits of a range of young animals are 978-1-338-28623-6
described in a soothing way, making this a perfect Young children celebrate who they are as they
bedtime story for a human child. Playful mixed-media encounter their worlds. Simple, bright illustrations.
illustrations. (3-6) (1-3)
How to Be a Cat I Want a Dog

written and illustrated by Nikki McClure written and illustrated by Jon Agee
(Abrams Appleseed/Abrams, $8.99) (Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99)
978-1-4197-3499-1 978-0-525-55546-9
Dynamic black-and-white cut-paper illustrations A young girl enters an animal shelter determined to
and action words depict the many adventures of two adopt a dog, but she leaves with a surprising new pet.
kittens. (0-3) Retro cartoon-style watercolor illustrations. (4-6)
Hum and Swish In Every House, On Every Street

written and illustrated by Matt Myers by Jess Hitchman, illustrated by Lili La Baleine
(Holiday House, $18.99) 978-0-8234-4286-7 (Tiger Tales, $17.99) 978-1-68010-172-0
Jamie just wants to work quietly on her art project by A biracial family goes about their day with laughter and
the sea, but people keep disturbing her by asking what love in this sweet celebration of home. Warm digital
she’s making. Acrylic and oil illustrations. (4-6) illustrations. (4-6)
Hungry Jim Jump!

by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Chuck Groenink written and illustrated by Tatsuhide Matsuoka
(Chronicle Books, $17.99) 978-1-4521-4987-5 (Gecko Press, $12.99) 978-1-776572-31-1
Jim wakes up feeling beastly and imagines himself as a A frog jumps, and eight more creatures follow. Can all
lion devouring the town around him. Energetic pencil of them do it? Colorful beautifully composed vertical
illustrations. (3-5) spreads show subjects at rest and (when able) aloft. (2-3)
Hush, Little Bunny Just Because

written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
(Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, $17.99) (Candlewick Press, $17.99) 978-0-7636-9680-1
978-0-06-284522-1 At bedtime, a young child playfully asks questions to
A papa bunny introduces his little one to beauty and delay going to sleep. Black-and-white mixed-media
dangers in the natural world, promising to keep him illustrations with a splash of color. (4-6)
safe. Soft, earth-toned mixed-media illustrations. (3-6)
4
Just in Case You Want to Fly Little Fish and Mommy
by Julie Fogliano, illustrated by Christian Robinson written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins
(Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, $18.99) (Candlewick Press, $8.99) 978-1-5362-0612-8
978-0-8234-4344-4 Little fish explores the ocean environment with
A child is lovingly tucked into bed with tea and music, mommy. Appealing gouache illustrations and hand
giraffes and butterflies, and umbrellas and a cozy lettering. (2-4)
blanket. Stylized paint and collage illustrations. (5-6)
Little Mole’s Wish
Kol Hakavod:
written and illustrated by Sang-Keun Kim
Way to Go!
(Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House/PRH, $17.99)
by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh, illustrated by
978-0-525-58134-5
Sarah-Jayne Mercer
Lonely Little Mole shapes a snowball into a bear. But
(Kar-Ben/Lerner, P $7.99) 978-1-5415-3835-1
what will happen when he takes his new friend indoors?
Good deeds done when no one is looking are praised
Colored pencil pastel and pen illustrations. (3-5)
with this Hebrew phrase. Rhyming text and endearing
colorful watercolor illustrations. (4-6)
Little Taco Truck
by Tanya Valentine, illustrated by Jorge Martin
Lawrence in the Fall (Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House/PRH, $17.99)
by Matthew Farina, illustrated by Doug Salati 978-1-5247-6585-9
(Disney-Hyperion Books, $16.99) 978-1-4847-8058-9 Little Taco Truck is suddenly forced to share the street
Lawrence needs to bring something to school that with other food trucks. A real-life dilemma told simply
he collects for “show-and-tell,” but he doesn’t have and sympathetically. Appealing digital illustrations. (3-6)
a collection. What will he do? Lush, muted color
Lizzy McTizzy and the Busy Dizzy Day
Layla’s Happiness by Sarah Weeks, illustrated by Lee Wildish
by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, illustrated by (Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99) 978-0-06-244205-5
Ashleigh Corrin Lizzy needs to find her matching blue shoe before she
(Enchanted Lion Books, $17.95) 978-1-59270-288-6 can attend the birthday party … or does she? Cheerful
In lyrical prose, Layla shares all the commonplace and bright digital illustrations. (4-6)
things that make her happy. Young readers will be
encouraged to articulate their own joy. Lively, energetic Lola Goes to School (Lola Reads series)
illustrations. (4-6) by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
(Charlesbridge, $15.99) 978-1-58089-938-3
Let Me Sleep, Sheep! Lola prepares for and attends her first day of preschool.
by Meg McKinlay, illustrated by Leila Rudge Gentle full-page drawings of each activity. Also
(Candlewick Press, $15.99) 978-1-5362-0547-3 available in Spanish. (3-5)
Amos is trying to sleep, but the sheep he counts are
crowding his room. Amusing deadpan text and unusual The Love Letter
mixed-media illustrations. (4-6) by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by
Lucy Ruth Cummins
Let’s Have a Dog Party! (Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99) 978-0-06-274157-8
written and illustrated by Mikela Prevost Hedgehog finds a mysterious love letter that is next
(Viking/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99) 978-0-451-48117-7 found by bunny, and then by squirrel. Each one is
Frank prefers a nap in the sun to all the noisy festivities enriched by the message. Charming mixed-media
his friends provide, but he does love the cake! illustrations. (3-5)
Humorous watercolor, acrylic, pencil, and collage
5
The New Neighbors
Mommy Sayang (Pixar Animation Studios
written and illustrated by Sarah McIntyre
Artist Showcase series)
(Penguin Workshop/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99)
written and illustrated by Rosana Sullivan
978-1-5247-8996-1
(Disney Press/Disney Book Group, $16.99)
Neighbors become increasingly biased when they
978-1-3680-1590-5
learn that rats have moved into their building—until
Aleeya’s mother promises to always be there for her.
they meet the actual couple, that is. Action-packed
When mommy gets sick, Aleeya brings her love and
hope. Softly colored digital illustrations. (4-6)
The Most Terrible of All The Night Is Yours

by Muon Thi Văn, illustrated by Matt Myers by Abdul-Razak Zachariah, illustrated by
(Margaret K.˙ McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, Keturah A. Bobo
$17.99) 978-1-5344-1716-8 (Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99)
Smugg prides himself on being the most terrible 978-0-525-55271-0
monster of all, until he meets his match in this Amani plays an evening game of hide-and-seek with
humorous Snow White variation. Laugh-out-loud her friends in the glow of the moon. Gentle appealing
acrylic and oil illustrations. (4-6) acrylic illustrations. (4-6)
My Big Bad Monster Night Train:

written and illustrated by A. N. Kang A Journey from Dusk to Dawn
(Disney-Hyperion Books, $16.99) 978-1-4847-2882-6 by Annie Cronin Romano, illustrated by Ileana Soon
A young girl deals with an internal scolding voice that (Page Street Publishing, $17.99) 978-1-62414-657-2
reinforces her feelings of self-doubt. Bright colorful Rhythmic words, repeated sounds, and retro digital
illustrations. (4-6) illustrations evoke a sense of the nighttime journeys of
trains in days gone by. (4-6)
My Forest Is Green
by Darren Lebeuf, illustrated by Ashley Barron Oh, Bear
(Kids Can Press, $16.99) 978-1-77138-930-3 by Melissa Nelson Greenberg, illustrated by
Playful, layered collage illustrations detail one boy’s Ruth Hengeveld
experience exploring in the woods. (4-6) (Cameron Kids/Cameron & Co., $16.95)
978-1-944903-59-6
When Bird rescues Bear’s new yellow kite from a tree,
My Heart Bear finds that the lost balloon leads to an even more
written and illustrated by Corinna Luyken satisfying experience. Simple pastel illustrations. (2-5)
(Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99)
978-0-7352-2793-4
With a minimal color palette and lyrical text, the One Yellow Ribbon
many emotional states of the heart are described, written and illustrated by Marthe Jocelyn
acknowledging sadness but focusing on positive (Orca Book Publishers, $9.95) 978-1-4598-2076-0
perspectives. (4-6) A wordless board book follows the journey of one
yellow ribbon as it transforms into other objects.
Detailed paper collage artwork. (2-4)
My Mommy Medicine
by Edwidge Danticat, illustrated by Shannon Wright
(Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan, $17.99) Our Favorite Day
978-1-250-14091-3 written and illustrated by Joowon Oh
A little girl and her mother share games, treats, hugs, (Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-1-5362-0357-8
and bedtime stories in a quiet celebration of love. The loving and creative relationship between a
Digital illustrations portray an African American family. grandfather and his grandchild is depicted in colorful
(3-6) cut-paper illustrations. (4-6)
6
Paper Mice
Red Sled
by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Phoebe Wahl
written and illustrated by Lita Judge
(A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
(Little Simon/ Simon & Schuster, $7.99)
978-1-4814-8166-3
978-1-5344-4638-0
Two paper rodents, created by a clip and a snip, set out
When a bear discovers a child’s sled, he and his
to explore the night. Lyrical text and layered mixed-
woodland critter friends enjoy a night of sledding fun.
media illustrations. (4-6)
Charming seasonal illustrations. (2-5)
The Perfect Seat Rosie and Rasmus

by Minh Lê, illustrated by Gus Gordon written and illustrated by Serena Geddes
(Disney-Hyperion Books, $16.99) 978-1-3680-2004-6 (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
A father searches for just the right place to sit and read 978-1-4814-9874-6
with his child. Illustrations in watercolor, pencil, crayon, Rosie, a lonely small girl, and Rasmus, a lonely large
and collage. (3-5) dragon, help fulfill each other’s wishes, until they must
part. Soft watercolor illustrations. (4-6)
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School
written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Saturday
(Hyperion Books for Children/Disney, $16.99)
written and illustrated by Oge Mora
978-1-3680-4645-9
(Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, $18.99)
Everyone says the pigeon has to go to school, but he
978-0-316-43127-9
thinks that’s not such a good idea. Simple whimsical
Ava and her mother have big plans, but disappointment
threatens their joy. Will they find a way to save the day?
Mixed-media collages. (4-6)
Pokko and the Drum
written and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe
Say Something!
written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
978-1-4814-8039-0
(Orchard Books/Scholastic, $17.99)
Pokko, a frog, takes her new drum into the woods, and
978-0-545-86503-6
is soon joined by instrument-playing animals. What
Hand-lettered text and a diverse array of characters
a parade! Watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil
encourage readers to express themselves and make
a positive difference in the world. Bold colorful
Pride Colors
by Robin Stevenson
The Second Sky
(Orca Book Publishers, $10.95) 978-1-4598-2070-8
by Patrick Guest, illustrated by Jonathan Bentley
Rhyming text and photographs of children with diverse
(Eerdmans BFYR, $17.00) 978-0-8028-5520-6
skin hues celebrate love, individuality, and the rainbow
A newly hatched penguin, desperate to fly, discovers
flag. Back matter explains Pride Day and the rainbow
what he does best. Textured watercolor and pencil
flag’s meaning. (1-3)
illustrations convey the penguin’s efforts. (4-6)
Raj and the Best Day Ever!

Sheep Dog and Sheep Sheep
written and illustrated by Sebastien Braun
written and illustrated by Eric Barclay
(Templar Books/Candlewick, $16.99)
(Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99) 978-0-06-267738-9
978-1-5362-0570-1
Who is watching out for whom in this humorous romp
Raj and his dad plan an outing, but when Dad discovers
about friendship and finding one’s purpose? Entertaining
he forgot his wallet, they use their imagination and find
pencil and Photoshopped spot illustrations. (4-6)
fun things they can do for free. Strongly colored mixed-
media illustrations. (4-6)
Side by Side: A Celebration of Dads
written and illustrated by Chris Raschka
(Phaidon, $18.95) 978-0-7148-7866-9
In exuberant watercolors, fathers and children enjoy
and learn from each other. Minimal, poetic text. (3-6)
7
Sign Off Three Cheers for Kid McGear!
written and illustrated by Stephen Savage by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by AG Ford
(Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, $17.99) (Chronicle Books, $17.99) 978-1-4521-5582-1
978-1-5344-1210-1 Kid McGear wants to be on the construction crew,
What if symbols and figures jumped off road signs and but is turned away. Kid earns her way onto the team.
took their places in the real world? Bright graphics Illustrations are in Neocolor wax oil crayons. (5-6)
convey this playful story without words. (4-6)
Trains Run!
Skyscraper by George Ella Lyon and Benn Lyon,
written and illustrated by Jorey Hurley illustrated by Mick Wiggins
(A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster, $17.99) (A Richard Jackson Book/Atheneum BFYR/Simon &
978-1-4814-7001-8 Schuster, $17.99) 978-1-4814-8202-8
Active verbs accompany spare graphic prints of the A rhythmic text captures the dynamism and variety of
machines used to build a skyscraper. Double-page- modern railroads. Colorful digital illustrations. (4-6)
spread illustrations capture the activity. Glossary
included. (1-3) Treasure
by Mireille Messier, illustrated by Irene Luxbacher
So Big! (Orca Book Publishers, $19.95) 978-1-4598-1734-0
written and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka Two children go looking for a treasure—something shiny
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, $17.99) and mysterious. They are overwhelmed by their find.
978-1-5476-0079-3 Graphite, watercolor, and acrylic illustrations. (4-6)
Two friends face their first day at a really big school.
Rhythmic, repetitive text and appealing full-color Tropical Terry
acrylic and gouache illustrations. (4-6) written and illustrated by Jarvis
Thank You! Terry longs to be flashy and play with the other tropical
by Charo Pita, illustrated by Anuska Allepuz, translated fish. He makes a dazzling costume that brings about
from the Spanish by Pip Manley unexpected consequences and teaches him important
(Eerdmans BFYR, $16.99) 978-0-8028-5524-4 lessons. Bright appealing illustrations. (4-6)
Not all questions need to be answered! Endearing,
colorful illustrations of Isabella, her grandmother, and Two for Me, One for You
nature. (4-6) written and illustrated by Jörg Mühle, translated from
the German by Catherine Chidgey
This Beach Is Loud! (Little Senses series) (Gecko Press, $17.99) 978-1-776572-39-7
written and illustrated by Samantha Cotterill This is the dilemma: there are three mushrooms and
(Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $16.99) two hungry friends. Who gets the extra one? Humorous
978-0-525-55345-8 color illustrations. (3-5)
Eager to go to the beach, a boy becomes overwhelmed
by the noise, activities, and sand. Father saves the day. The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon
Colorful block print, ink, and charcoal art. (4-6) by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Fiona Woodcock
(Alfred A. Knopf BFYR/Random House/PRH, $16.99)
This Is the Construction Worker 978-0-399-55662-3
by Laura Godwin, illustrated by Julian Hector This clever, humorous account of the changing moods of
(Disney-Hyperion Books, $17.99) 978-1-3680-1817-3 two friends is portrayed with lively mixed-media
Challenging gender stereotypes, this portrayal of the illustrations. (4-6)
workers and work at a busy building site features
a female crew member. Rhyming text and vivid Vroom!
illustrations. (3-5) written and illustrated by Barbara McClintock
(Farrar Straus Giroux BFYR/Macmillan, $17.99)
978-1-62672-217-0
Annie’s off on a zooming adventure in her speedy sports
car, ending up full circle back home. Large, colorful
spreads make the words take off. (3-6)
8
What’s Next?
How to Two
by Timothy Knapman, illustrated by Jane McGuinness
written and illustrated by David Soman
Baby Badger explores his world at night—and then in
978-0-525-42784-1
the daytime. Large mixed-media illustrations. (0-3)
Count as, one by one, a diverse group of children come
together to play and explore. Colorful, energetic mixed-
Where Did You Go Today? media illustrations. (4-6)
written and illustrated by Jenny Duke
(Child’s Play, $16.99) 978-1-78628-201-9 Huggy Kissy
A young child recalls her time at the local park through written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli
imaginative stories. Paint, print, and collage illustrations (Candlewick Press, $7.99) 978-0-7636-3246-5
played with digitally. (3-6) Toddler and parent affection is expressed in many ways
in these boldly outlined and vibrant acrylic illustrations.
Where Is My Balloon? (0-3)
by Ariel Bernstein, illustrated by Scott Magoon
(A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster, $17.99) I Can Only Draw Worms
978-1-5344-1451-8 written and illustrated by Will Mabbitt
Bold digital illustrations enhance the humor and the (Penguin Workshop/Penguin YR/PRH, $14.99)
emotions clearly depicted when two friends share 978-1-5247-8822-3
favorite objects. (4-6) Ten worms in bright neon colors are enhanced by
humorous text. (4-6)
Wild Baby
written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld The Imperfect Garden
(Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99) 978-0-06-269894-0 by Melissa Assaly, illustrated by April dela Noche Milne
Orangutan baby takes off on a jungle romp, and Mama (Fitzhenry & Whiteside, $19.95) 978-1-5545-5408-9
gives chase until her patience gives out. Will Mama Gardening, harvesting, and shopping help a young
forgive? Amusing illustrations use digital ink. (4-6) child learn that fruits and vegetables don’t have to look
perfect to be delicious. Ink and watercolor illustrations.
The Word Pirates (4-6)
by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Steven Kellogg
(Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, $18.99)
Little Juniper Makes It BIG
978-0-8234-4359-8
written and illustrated by Aidan Cassie
Word-eating pirates make storytellers shudder until
(Farrar Straus Giroux BYR/Macmillan, $17.99)
the Word Wizard proves that the pen is mightier than
978-0-374-31045-5
the sword. Humorous illustrations in colored ink, pencil,
Juniper finds everything at her house too big, but after
watercolor, and acrylic. (4-6)
a visit to a small friend’s home, it becomes just right—
almost. Humorous, expressive illustrations. (4-6)
Concept Books Mary Had a Little Lamb:

Let’s Learn Our Colors
Bear Is Awake!:
written and illustrated by Jarvis
An Alphabet Story
written and illustrated by Hannah E. Harrison
Eight colors appear in a twist on the classic nursery
rhyme. Humorous, mixed-media illustrations. (2-4)
978-0-399-18666-0
In this alphabet story, bear wakes up too early. A little
girl shares an adventure and then helps him go back to One Dark Bird
sleep. Fun-filled gouache illustrations. (3-5) by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon
(Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
978-1-5344-0443-4
Vivid hand-drawn and digital art accompany this
engaging rhymed counting book about starlings that
swoop over a diverse neighborhood. (3-6)
9
One Fox:
A Counting Book Thriller
Holidays and Religion
written and illustrated by Kate Read
(Peachtree, $16.95) 978-1-68263-131-7 Pumpkin Orange, Pumpkin Round
Count along and find out what happens when a hungry by Rosanna Battigelli, illustrated by Tara Anderson
fox unexpectedly arrives at a henhouse. Striking mixed- (Pajama Press, $17.95) 978-1-77278-092-5
media illustrations with textured collage and painting. A family of cats pick a pumpkin to celebrate Halloween.
(3-5) Told in rhyme with mixed-media illustrations. (1-3)
One Is a Piñata:
A Book of Numbers Poetry
by Roseanne Greenfield Thong,
illustrated by John Parra I See the Moon:
(Chronicle Books, $16.99) 978-1-4521-5584-5 Rhymes for Bedtime
Engaging verses and lively, colorful illustrations illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
highlighting Mexican American culture teach children (Nosy Crow/Candlewick, $16.99) 978-1-5362-0579-4
how to count in both English and Spanish. (3-5) Colorful, cheerful mixed-media illustrations depicting
children of multiple ethnicities are the perfect
Roar Like a Dandelion accompaniment to this collection of bedtime poems.
by Ruth Krauss, illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier (3-6)
This alphabet book charms with its unusual way of
referring to initial letters. Pen-and-ink and watercolor STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Bloom Boom!
Sounds (Discovery Concepts series) written and photographed by April Pulley Sayre
written and illustrated by Katie Wilson (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
(Flowerpot Press, $9.99) 978-1-4867-1649-4 978-1-4814-9472-4
Learn the sounds made by a variety of instruments, Brilliant full-color photographs and concise verse
from cymbals to flute! Colorful illustrations. (1-3) depict blooming plants and small animals in a variety
of flowering springtime landscapes. Extensive
Trucker and Train informational back matter. (3-6)
by Hannah Stark, illustrated by Bob Kolar
(Clarion Books/HMH, $17.99) 978-0-544-80181-3 Caterpillar and Bean: A First Science Storybook
A big, tough semi becomes jealous of a bigger, more by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Hannah Tolson
powerful train. Is it better to be feared or appreciated? (Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-1-5362-0170-3
Jaunty mid-century style illustrations. (4-6) The stages of growth of both a bean and a caterpillar
are clearly explained. Colorful mixed-media
Up, Up, Up, Down! illustrations enhance the text. (3-5)
written and illustrated by Kimberly Gee
(G.P. Putnam’s Sons/PRH, $16.99) 978-0-535-51733-7 Hello, I’m Here!
Delightful digital pencil illustrations follow a baby and by Helen Frost, photographed by Rick Lieder
father through a day filled with opposites. (2-4) (Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-0-7636-9858-4
Vivid photographs and rhyming text follow the
A Visit to Grandad: An African ABC development of two sandhill cranes as they peck open
by Sade Fadipe, illustrated by Shedrach Ayalomeh their eggs, walk, swim, and fly. Back matter. (3-6)
(Cassava Republic Press, $16.95) 978-1-911115-81-6
Lush watercolors depict a multitude of alphabetical
objects as Adanah goes to visit her grandfather in a
Nigerian village. (4-6)
10
Nine Months: Señorita Mariposa
Before the Baby Is Born by Ben Gundersheimer, illustrated by
by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Jason Chin Marcos Almada Rivero
(Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, $18.99) (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99)
978-0-8234-4161-7 978-1-5247-4070-2
Realistic gouache and watercolor illustrations of the Follow the extraordinary journey monarch butterflies
growing fetus pair with rhyming text to celebrate a take annually from Canada to Mexico. Rhymed text and
family preparing to welcome a baby. Extensive back colorful mixed-media illustrations. Bilingual in Spanish
matter. (4-6) and English. (3-5)
An Owl at Sea We Love Babies!

by Susan Vande Griek, illustrated by Ian Wallace by Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Sydney Hanson
(Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press, $19.95) (National Geographic Children’s Books, $17.99)
978-1-77306-111-5 978-1-4263-3748-2
Lost at sea, an owl takes refuge on an oil rig. Poetic text Minimal text and inviting photographs introduce a child
and gentle watercolor illustrations. (4-6) to all types of animal babies. Perfect for sharing. Also
available in Spanish. (2-5)
Sea Bear:
A Journey for Survival Whose Footprint Is THAT?
written and illustrated by Lindsay Moore by Darrin Lunde, illustrated by Kelsey Oseid
(Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, $17.99) (Charlesbridge, $16.99) 978-1-58089-834-8
978-0-06-279128-3 Seven tracks are paired with their animal’s identity,
Poetic text and muted color illustrations convey the locomotion, and habitation in this guessing game by a
effects climate change has on the life of a polar bear as renowned mammalogist. Colorful gouache illustrations
warming causes the ice to melt. (4-6) reinforce page-turner format. (4-6)
11
FIVE TO NINE
FICTION The Powwow Thief
by Joseph Bruchac, illustrated by Dale Deforest
(Reycraft Books, $17.95) 978-1-4788-6868-2
Marie and Jamie, Native American twins, find the
Adventure and Mystery feathered thief who stole their grandma’s beaded
necklace from their powwow sales table. Brightly
Across the Bay colored digital illustrations. (7-9)
written and illustrated by Carlos Aponte
(Penguin Workshop/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99) Song of the River
978-1-5247-8662-5 by Joy Cowley, illustrated by Kimberly Andrews
In Puerto Rico, a young boy sets out to find his father, (Gecko Press, $17.99) 978-1-776572-53-3
then comes to appreciate the home and family he has. A child from the mountains follows a trickle of water
Appealing colorful illustrations. (5-8) that leads to a creek, then a river, and finally to the sea.
Unusual, mysterious illustrations. (5-7)
Along the Tapajós
written and illustrated by Fernando Vilela, translated
from the Brazilian Portuguese by Daniel Hahn
(Amazon Crossing Kids, $17.99) 978-1-54200-868-6
Animals
Two Brazilian siblings, forced to leave their flooded
riverbank Amazon home every rainy season, return The Fisherman & the Whale
to rescue their pet tortoise. Engaging, boldly colored written and illustrated by Jessica Lanan
scenes. Back matter. (5-7) (Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-5344-1574-4
Evocative watercolor and gouache illustrations capture
the agony of a magnificent whale entangled in fishing
Camilla, Cartographer
lines. Author’s note illuminates this wordless book. (4-7)
by Julie Dillemuth, illustrated by Laura Wood
(Magination Press/American Psychological Assoc.,
$16.99) 978-1-4338-3033-4 Max Attacks
Fortunately, Camilla loves maps. When her neighbor by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Penelope Dullaghan
can’t find a familiar path because of a snowstorm, (Atheneum BFYR/ Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
Camilla maps their efforts. Full-page illustrations, 978-1-4814-5146-8
including the map. Author’s note. (5-8) Max wants to get his paws on the fish in their bowl but
is easily distracted from his mission. Catchy rhythm and
spare mixed-media illustrations. (5-8)
Explorers
written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell
(Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, $18.99) Mr. Scruff
978-1-250-17496-3 written and illustrated by Simon James
On a museum visit, an ”escaped” flying toy brings two (Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-1-5362-0935-8
diverse families together. Whimsical mixed-media Rescue dogs and their new owners find companionship.
illustrations tell this nearly wordless story. (5-7) Rhymed text. Ink and watercolor illustrations. (5-7)
Olive & Pekoe:

Old Man of the Sea In Four Short Walks
by Stella Elia, illustrated by Weberson Santiago by Jacky Davis, illustrated by Giselle Potter
(Lantana Publishing, $17.99) 978-1-911373-54-4 (Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, $17.99)
An elderly sailor tells his grandchild about his 978-0-06-257310-0
adventures and love for the continents he has visited. Two good friends—playful puppy Pekoe and older
Watercolor illustrations digitally enhanced. (5-8) and wiser Olive—enjoy four adventures in the
park. Expressive watercolor, ink, and colored pencil
12
The Thing about Bees: Smell My Foot! (Chick and Brain series)
A Love Letter written and illustrated by Cece Bell
written and illustrated by Shabazz Larkin (Candlewick Press, $12.99) 978-0-7636-7936-1
(Readers to Eaters, $17.99) 978-0-9980477-9-9 Polite but naive Chick almost becomes Spot the dog’s
A father explains to his sons that although bees sting lunch until he is saved by his friend Brain. Watercolor
and can be scary, their role in pollination makes them and ink comic-book panel illustrations. (5-7)
necessary and important. Original mixed-media
illustrations. Back matter. (5-7)
This Is My Fort! (Monkey & Cake series)
by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Olivier Tallec
Wild Honey from the Moon (Orchard Books/Scholastic, $9.99) 978-1-338-14390-4
written and illustrated by Kenneth Kraegel Cake builds a ”no-monkey” fort, but Monkey has an
(Candlewick Press, $17.99) 978-0-7636-8169-2 idea about how to reunite with Cake. Wry political
How far will a mother go to help her ailing child? To the overtones. Humorous illustrations and speech balloons.
moon, of course. This early chapter book is illustrated in (5-7)
watercolor and ink. (5-7)
Where Is Mommy? (I Like to Read series)
written and illustrated by Pat Cummings
Beginning Readers (Holiday House, $15.99) 978-0-8234-3935-5
A young girl loses her mother in the house. Where can
Bruce’s Big Fun Day (World of Reading series) she be? Digital artwork created with watercolor pencils
written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins and pastels. (4-6)
(Disney-Hyperion Books, $14.99) 978-1-3680-1577-6
Humorous illustrations show exactly how little fun
Bruce is having during a day out planned by his friend
Nibbs. (5-7)
Coming of Age
Birdsong
Harold & Hog Pretend for Real! (Elephant & Piggie written and illustrated by Julie Flett
Like Reading series) (Greystone Kids/Greystone Books, $17.95)
written and illustrated by Dan Santat, with Mo Willems 978-1-77164-473-0
(Disney-Hyperion Books, $9.99) 978-1-3680-2716-8 Young Katherena and her mom move and befriend
Harold and Hog decide they’ll be perfect playing the elderly Agnes, a potter, in this tender cross-
roles of Elephant and Piggie, but self-discovery proves generational story of friendship and artistic creation.
otherwise. Collaborative cartooned illustrations. (4-7) Gentle pastel and pencil illustrations. (5-8)
The Quiet Boat Ride and Other Stories (Fox and

Dear Abuelo
Chick series)
by Grecia Huesca Dominguez, illustrated by
written and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier
Teresa Martinez
(Chronicle Books, $14.99) 978-1-4521-5289-9
(Reycraft Books, $15.95) 978-1-4788-6799-9
Two very different personalities encounter three
Juana moves to New York City and chronicles every
separate situations, and their reactions generate
part of her new life in letters to her beloved grandfather
laughter and empathy. Panel illustrations and thought
still in Mexico. Colorful, lively illustrations. (5-7)
balloons add to the humor. (5-7)
Grandpa’s Stories:
See Me Play
A Book of Remembering
written and illustrated by Paul Meisel
by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Allison Colpoys
(Holiday House, $15.99) 978-0-8234-3832-7
(Abrams BFYR, $16.99) 978-1-4197-3498-4
A pack of dogs chase after a ball which takes them on
A young girl uses a blank book her grandfather gave her
a hilarious journey. Simple sentences, repetition, and
to draw and write about him after he’s gone. Spirited,
lively watercolor illustrations. (4-6)
often whimsical illustrations. (6-8)
13
My Papi Has a Motorcycle Concept Books
by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña
(Kokila/Penguin Random House, $17.99) Everyone Counts
978-0-525-55341-0 by Judy Sierra, illustrated by Marc Brown
Daisy’s ride through her village on the back of her (Alfred A. Knopf BFYR/Random House/PRH, $17.99)
Papi’s motorcycle is the memory of home she will keep 978-0-525-64620-4
forever. Vibrant illustrations. (5-8) Count along with tiger cub Takoda as he and his
friends convert a tumbledown mall into a fabulous
Ojiichan’s Gift zoo. Rhyming text. Humorous gouache and pencil
by Chieri Uegaki, illustrated by Genevieve Simms illustrations. (6-8)
(Kids Can Press, $16.99) 978-1-77138-963-1
Mayumi’s Japanese grandfather builds her a special
stone garden. When he can no longer live in his Fantasy
own home, she makes a garden for him. Evocative
watercolors. (6-8) Another
written and illustrated by Christian Robinson
Paws + Edward (Atheneum BFYR/ Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
by Espen Dekko, illustrated by Mari Kanstad Johnsen, 978-1-5344-2167-7
translated from the Norwegian by Kids Can Press A girl and her cat pass into a parallel universe filled with
(Kids Can Press, $16.99) 978-1-5253-0135-3 multiethnic children at play. Joyously painted collages
Vivid watercolor illustrations capture a young boy’s may be “read” in multiple directions. (5-7)
joys and finally sorrow when his beloved dog reaches
the end of life. (5-8) Gondra’s Treasure
by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by
Rabbit and the Motorbike Jennifer Black Reinhardt
by Kate Hoefler, illustrated by Sarah Jacoby (Clarion Books/HMH, $17.99) 978-0-544-54669-1
(Chronicle Books, $17.99) 978-1-4521-7090-9 A baby dragon celebrates the best of both worlds from
A fearful hare finds the courage to seek new her Western mother and Eastern father. Humorous,
experiences. Evocative mixed-media illustrations. (5-7) colorful ink, watercolor, and collage illustrations.
Author’s note. (5-8)
Sweety
written and illustrated by Andrea Zuill Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue
(Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House/PRH, $17.99) by Paula Harrison, illustrated by Jenny Løvlie
978-0-525-58000-3 (Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, $15.99)
Sweety marches to the beat of a different drummer and 978-0-06-293472-7
wonders if there’s a friend for everyone. Humorous pen A young girl with cat-like superpowers has to overcome
and ink drawings, colored digitally. (7-9) her fear of the dark to help someone in trouble.
Dramatic two-tone illustrations immerse the reader. (6-8)
What Is Given from the Heart
by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison Tiny Feet between the Mountains
(Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House/PRH, $17.99) written and illustrated by Hanna Cha
978-0-375-83615-2 (Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-5344-2992-5
Although James Otis, a young African American When the sun disappears from the sky, tiny Soe-In
boy, has little to share, he makes a book for Sarah, volunteers to find the spirit tiger and see what is wrong.
whose house has burned down. Stylized mixed-media Boldly colored mixed-media illustrations. (6-8)
14
Folklore and Fairy Tales Captain Rosalie
by Timothée de Fombelle, illustrated by Isabelle
Arsenault, translated from the French by Sam Gordon
Fearsome Giant, Fearless Child: (Candlewick Press, $15.99) 978-1-5362-0520-6
A Worldwide Jack and the Beanstalk Story With her mother working long hours, five-year-old
by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Julie Paschkis Rosalie sits quietly drawing, awaiting the return of
(Godwin Books/Henry Holt/Macmillan, $17.99) her father, away at war. Watercolor, pen, and ink
978-1-250-15177-3 illustrations. (7-10)
Snippets of folk tales from many countries are woven
together to tell the tale of a small child’s triumph over
Freedom Soup
evil. Earthy, bold gouache illustrations (6-9)
by Tami Charles, illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara
Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship: Ti Gran and granddaughter Belle make traditional New
Stories from India Year’s soup while discussing Haiti’s difficult history
by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy of slavery. Pencil, marker, and gouache with digitally
(Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-1-5362-0067-6 assembled illustrations. (6-9)
In these original stories based on Indian folklore, a
young prince and his friend cleverly solve disputes Gittel’s Journey:
brought before the royal court. Black-and-white An Ellis Island Story
illustrations. (7-9) by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Amy June Bates
(Abrams BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-4197-2747-4
The Singing Rock & Other Brand-New Fairy Tales Her homeland is no longer safe, and Gittel must journey
by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer, illustrated by Simini Blocker to America alone when her mother isn’t allowed to
(First Second/Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/ board the ship. Retro mixed-media illustrations and
Macmillan, $17.99) 978-1-59643-750-0 back matter. (7-9)
Four funny original fairy tales introduce a determined
genie, a creature that cannot be silenced, a jealous Home in the Woods
sorcerer, and a vain ogre. Cartoonish graphic art. (6-8) written and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
978-0-399-16290-9
Historical Fiction With cooperation and courage, a fatherless family
reclaims an abandoned woodland shack. Poignant ink
The Bell Rang and watercolor illustrations. Author’s note. (5-8)
written and illustrated by James E. Ransome
(A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book/Atheneum BFYR/Simon & The Hundred-Year Barn
Schuster, $17.99) 978-1-4424-2113-4 by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Kenard Pak
Every day begins the same way for an enslaved family (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $17.99)
when the overseer’s bell rings, until one day their son is 978-0-06-268773-9
missing. Realistic, colorful, full-page acrylic illustrations. One hundred years ago, a community helped build a
(5-8) barn that continues to offer shelter and memories.
Beautifully composed illustrations in watercolor,
The Bravest Man in the World gouache, pencil, and ink. (6-8)
written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco
(Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-4814-9461-8 The Key from Spain:
An unintentional stowaway on the Titanic describes the Flory Jagoda and Her Music
courage of Wallace Hartley, a musician who went down by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Sonja Wimmer
with the ship. Author’s note. Acetone marker and pencil (Kar-Ben/Lerner, P $7.99) 978-1-5415-2219-0
illustrations. (7-10) Flory’s family escaped from the Spanish Inquisition and,
centuries later, from the Holocaust. The key to their
home was lost, but the key to their culture was preserved
through her music. Digital color illustrations. (5-7)
15
Humor
Light a Candle/Tumaini pasipo na Tumaini
A Is for Elizabeth series
by Godfrey Nkongolo and Eric Walters,
• A Is for Elizabeth (978-1-250-16212-0)
illustrated by Eva Campbell, translated from the
• Big Mouth Elizabeth (978-1-250-16217-5)
Swahili by Godfrey Nkongolo
by Rachel Vail, illustrated by Paige Keiser
(Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, $13.99)
A Chagga boy climbs Mount Kilimanjaro with his
Spunky Elizabeth faces the many challenges of being
elders to light a torch celebrating the independence of
a second grader. Expressive black-and-white line
Tanzania. Oil paint and pastel illustrations. Bilingual in
drawings. (6-8)
Swahili and English. (7-10)
The Chickens Are Coming
Mama Mable’s All-Gal Big Band Jazz Extravaganza!
written and illustrated by Barbara Samuels
written and illustrated by Annie Sieg
(Make Me a World, $17.99) 978-1-5247-1808-4
978-0-374-30097-5
With men away serving as soldiers during World War
Raising chickens in an urban backyard isn’t easy, but
II, women took over many jobs, including musical
siblings Winston and Sophie enjoy the challenge and
entertainment. Lively mixed-media collage and Adobe
fresh eggs. Lively, colorful illustrations. (5-7)
Photoshop illustrations. (5-7)
Cyril and Pat
Meet Miss Fancy written and illustrated by Emily Gravett
by Irene Latham, illustrated by John Holyfield (Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-5344-3950-4
(G.P. Putnam’s Sons/PRH, $17.99) 978-0-399-54668-6 As a lonely squirrel teams up with an energetic rat, their
A young boy living in 1913 Birmingham, Alabama, must adventures are celebrated with striking illustrations in
find a way to pet a beloved elephant coming to a park in pencil, watercolor, and acrylic ink. (5-7)
the segregated South. Lush color illustrations (6-9)
Douglas
Papa Put a Man on the Moon written and illustrated by Randy Cecil
by Kristy Dempsey, illustrated by Sarah Green (Candlewick Press, $19.99) 978-0-7636-3397-4
(Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99) A little mouse must find her way back to her movie-
978-0-735-23074-3 theater home, making a perilous journey of chases,
Marthanne’s papa worked in a factory manufacturing escapes, and rescues. Black-and-white retro
material for space suits that contributed to the illustrations. (6-8)
astronauts’ success. Colorful digital illustrations. (6-8)
Frankie Sparks, Third-Grade Inventor series
Pavel and the Tree Army • Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet
by Heidi Smith Hyde, illustrated by Elisa Vavouri (978-1-5344-3044-0)
(Kar-Ben/Lerner, $17.99) 978-1-5124-4446-9 • Frankie Sparks and the Talent Show Trick
During the Depression, a Russian Jewish immigrant (978-1-5344-3047-1)
joins the Civilian Conservation Corps. He learns to by Megan Frazier Blakemore, illustrated by Nadja Sarell
plant trees and face down bigotry. Author’s note. (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
Expressive figures in watercolor illustrations. (7-9) Frankie uses her inventiveness and ingenuity to help
her friends solve problems, both in school and out.
The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota’s Garden Pencil line/digital illustrations. (6-8)
by Heather Smith, illustrated by Rachel Wada
(Orca Book Publishers, $19.95) 978-1-4598-2103-3 Grobblechops
After a devastating tsunami, a man finds a way to help by Elizabeth Laird, illustrated by Jenny Lucander
the bereaved ease the pain from their losses. Japanese- (Tiny Owl, $16.99) 978-1-910328-41-5
inspired watercolors with ink and pencil. (6-8) His father assuages Amir’s fears about a monster in
his room. Based on a tale by Rumi, the Persian poet.
Amusing illustrations. (5-7)
16
Harold Snipperpot’s Best Disaster Ever SumoKitty
written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna, written and illustrated by David Biedrzycki
translated from the French by Edward Gauvin (Charlesbridge, $18.99) 978-1-58089-682-5
(Harper/HarperCollins, $18.99) 978-0-06-249882-3 Wise proverbs boost the confidence of a wrestler and a
A lonely seven-year-old’s first birthday party is hungry cat in this charming, hilarious tale. Watercolor,
invaded by a raucous collection of wild animals. Lively pencil, and digital artwork. Translation of Japanese
illustrations in gouache, oil, collage, and wax pencils. terms. (5-8)
(5-7)
If I Built a School Magical Realism

written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
(Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99) Camp Tiger
978-0-525-55291-8 by Susan Choi, illustrated by John Rocco
In rollicking rhyming lines and over-the-top detailed (Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons/PRH, $17.99)
gouache paintings, Jack describes his ideal school and 978-0-399-17329-5
inspires readers to create their own. (5-8) Brilliant, vivid illustrations draw readers into a magical
camping trip where a young boy comes to terms with
Octopus Stew his fears of first grade. (5-8)
written and illustrated by Eric Velasquez
(Holiday House, $17.99) 978-0-8234-3754-2 Music for Mister Moon
Ramsey’s wild imagination and yen for storytelling save by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
his grandma from the octopus and himself from the (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, $18.99)
stew. Rich oils help spin this tall tale. (5-7) 978-0-8234-4160-0
A shy young cellist finally works up the courage to play
Pencil: A Story with a Point music for her new friend, Mister Moon. Imaginatively
by Ann Ingalls, illustrated by Dean Griffiths illustrated with mono printed oil inks, colored pencils,
(Pajama Press, $17.95) 978-1-77278-047-5 and graphite. (5-8)
Pencil is exiled after Jackson, a young black boy, gets a
tablet. But Pencil and his junk-drawer friends make a The Scarecrow
case for hands-on creativity. Playful digitally created by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Terry Fan and
illustrations. (5-7) Eric Fan (the Fan Brothers)
Snug Harbor Stories When an abandoned baby crow lands at his feet, a
written and illustrated by Will Henry scarecrow nurses it back to health. Can the friendship
(Andrews McMeel Publishing, P $9.99) between natural enemies last? Gentle mixed-media
978-1-5248-5177-4 illustrations. (5-8)
This collection of graphic short stories of kids and
their adventures is filled with comedy and life lessons.
Humorous graphic illustrations. (6-9) Science Fiction
Spot & Dot The Space Walk
written and illustrated by Henry Cole written and illustrated by Brian Biggs
(Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, $17.99) (Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99)
978-1-5344-2555-2 978-0-525-55337-3
A cat pursues a missing dog through the city in this When Randolph goes on a space walk, after following
intricately drawn wordless picture book with black- instructions from Ground Control, he has an exciting
and-white cross-hatched illustrations. (5-7) experience. Colorful digital illustrations. (5-8)
17
Ultrabot’s First Playdate
A Friend for Henry
written and illustrated by Josh Schneider
by Jenn Bailey, illustrated by Mika Song
(Chronicle Books, $16.99) 978-1-4521-6791-6
Can a gigantic robot and the kid next door become
Henry needs a friend in his class, but other children are
playmates? Precise illustrations playfully capture the
too noisy and too bossy for him, a child on the autism
comical contrasts between the two new friends. (4-7)
spectrum. Ink and watercolor illustrations. (4-6)
Fry Bread:
Today A Native American Family Story
by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by
The Balcony Juana Martinez-Neal
written and illustrated by Melissa Castrillón (Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/Macmillan, $18.99)
(Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-5344-0588-2 978-1-62672-746-5
In this nearly wordless tale, a girl must move to the city. Native American children learn how to make traditional
Missing her country life, she transforms her balcony fry bread while being introduced to their history and
into a wild garden. Brightly colored, stylized art. (5-7) culture. Vibrant acrylic and pencil illustrations. Author’s
recipe and extensive notes. (5-7)
The Bear and the Star
by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Bethanne Andersen Going Down Home with Daddy
(Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, $17.99) by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Daniel Minter
978-0-06-266037-4 (Peachtree, $16.95) 978-1-56145-938-4
One December morning, a bear wakes up, sees a star Lil Alan is eager to see Granny at the family reunion, but
rising in the sky, and declares it is time. But time for he fears he has nothing to share. Acrylic illustrations
what? Reflective oil-painted illustrations. (6-8) with a blue wash. (5-8)
The Big Little Thing Hair Love

written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
(Tate Publishing, $19.95) 978-1-84976-6456 (Kokila/Penguin Random House, $17.99)
Quirky mixed-media depictions of various people 978-0-525-55336-6
encountering the subject of this riddle are as Zuri’s hair is the tie that binds her and her dad when
provocative as the riddle itself. The oversized format Mom is out of town—but it has a mind of its own! Digital
demands attention. (6-9) illustrations. (6-8)
Big Problemas (Juana & Lucas series) Hands Up!

written and illustrated by Juana Medina by Breanna J. McDaniel, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
(Candlewick Press, $14.99) 978-1-5362-0131-4 (Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99)
When her mother makes a new friend, Juana fears her 978-0-525-55231-4
almost perfect life will change. Humorous, expressive Children of color raise their hands high for everyday
illustrations. (6-9) activities expressing love, joy, and triumph. Colorful
mixed-media digitized illustrations. (6-9)
Bilal Cooks Daal
by Aisha Saeed, illustrated by Anoosha Syed Ho‘onani:
(Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster, $17.99) Hula Warrior
978-1-5344-1810-3 by Heather Gale, illustrated by Mika Song
Bilal, six, invites his friends over to make his favorite (Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada Young
food with him and his father. Spare, colorful digital Readers/PRH, $17.99) 978-0-7352-6449-6
illustrations. (5-8) Ho’onani’s parents support both her feelings that
she is neither wahine (girl) or kane (boy) and her
performance in a traditional kane hula chant. Black ink
and watercolor illustrations. (7-9)
18
Lili Macaroni
Home Is a Window
by Nicole Testa, illustrated by Annie Boulanger
by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard, illustrated by
(Pajama Press, $17.99) 978-1-77278-093-2
Chris Sasaki
When her kindergarten classmates criticize her
appearance, Lili creates a unique solution to help her
978-0-8234-4156-3
sorrows fly away. Color and shadow illustrations. (5-8)
In this heartfelt and richly illustrated story, a family
learns what it really means to leave a home behind
when they move to another house. (5-7) Little Tigers
written and illustrated by Jo Weaver
(Peachtree, $17.95) 978-1-68263-110-2
I Didn’t Stand Up
When their home is threatened by men hunting with
by Lucy Falcone, illustrated by Jacqueline Hudon
dogs, a tigress and her two cubs must find a new, safer
(Clockwise Press/Fitzhenry & Whiteside, $19.95)
place to live. Realistic charcoal and digital illustrations.
978-1-988347-06-6
(6-8)
Mixed-media illustrations accompany the story of
children finding the courage to confront bullies.
Inspired by the poem ”First They Came,” made famous Lubna and Pebble
by Martin Niemöller. (5-8) by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus
978-0-525-55416-5
I Miss My Grandpa
Haunting, dreamlike illustrations deepen the emotional
written and illustrated by Jin Xiaojing
impact of a refugee girl who gives her most prized
possession to a newfound friend before leaving for
978-0-316-41787-7
permanent housing. (5-7)
A young girl asks her relatives what her grandpa looked
like and receives many answers. The totally original
mixed-media illustrations reveal everyone’s feelings. The Magic Boat
Mandarin Chinese translation on endpapers. (6-8) by Kit Pearson and Katherine Farris, illustrated by
Gabrielle Grimard
A Kite for Moon
A young child overcomes her shyness to make a new
by Jane Yolen, and Heidi E.Y. Stemple, illustrated by
friend and shares her imagined adventures in a magic
Matt Phelan
boat. Emotive watercolor and Photoshopped images.
(Zonderkidz/Zondervan, $17.99) 978-0-310-75642-2
Also available in French. (7-9)
A young boy who grows up to land on the Moon is
inspired by his childhood friendship with it. Lyrical text
and soft watercolor images. (5-8) Mr. Sherman’s Cloud
written and illustrated by Habbenink
(Page Street Publishing, $17.99) 978-1-62414-655-8
Leila in Saffron
A grumpy man awakens to find himself being drenched
by Rukhsanna Guidroz, illustrated by
by a persistent personal rain cloud. Now what?
Dinara Mirtalipova
Delightfully humorous digitally colored ink illustrations.
(Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
(6-9)
978-1-5344-2564-4
Leila loves being with her family but isn’t sure she likes
herself, until her wise Naani helps her see what makes My Shoes and I: Crossing Three Borders/Mis
her special. Brightly colored gouache illustrations. (6-9) zapatos y yo: Cruzando tres fronteras
by René Colato Laínez, illustrated by
Fabricio Vanden Broeck
Lena’s Slippers (Piñata Books/Arte Público, $17.95)
written and illustrated by Ioana Hobai 978-1-55885-884-8
(Page Street Kids/Page Street Publishing, $17.99) Wearing sturdy new shoes from his mother in the
978-1-62414-695-4 United States, a boy travels with his father through
Lena finds a solution when she needs white ballet rain, mud, mountains, and rivers to join her. Painterly
shoes for the recital and cannot find them. Delicate ink, evocative illustrations. Bilingual in Spanish and English.
watercolor, and acrylic illustrations. (6-8) (7-9)
19
Puma Dreams
A New Home
by Tony Johnston, illustrated by Jim LaMarche
written and illustrated by Tania de Regil
978-1-5344-2979-6
Parallel stories of two children, each one moving to
Somewhere in farm country, a young girl dreams of
a new country, highlight similarities. Detailed mixed-
seeing the elusive and endangered puma. Western
media illustrations of Mexico City and New York City.
landscapes in acrylics, colored pencil, and ink. (6-8)
Also available in Spanish. (5-7)
Noah Builds an Ark Rocket Says Look Up!

by Kate Banks, illustrated by John Rocco by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapa Adeola
(Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-0-7636-7484-7 (Random House BFYR/PRH, $17.99)
Watching his father prepare for a storm, Noah builds an 978-1-9848-9442-7
ark to protect the creatures in his backyard. Expressive Colorful stylized art captures a young girl’s passion for
highly detailed illustrations. (5-7) astronomy as she energizes family and community to
watch a meteor shower. (5-8)
Noodlephant
Ruby Finds a Worry (Big Bright Feelings series)
by Jacob Kramer, illustrated by K-Fai Steele
written and illustrated by Tom Percival
(Enchanted Lion Books, $18.95) 978-1-59270-266-4
(Bloomsbury Children's Books, $17.99)
An elephant and her friends take on a corrupt justice
978-1-5476-0238-4
system run by kangaroos. Free-flowing ink illustrations
Ruby’s worry starts small but grows humongous. When
and a pasta battle lighten the message. (6-8)
she notices another child’s worry, they talk together
and the worries diminish. Expressive digital art. (5-8)
Nya’s Long Walk:
A Step at a Time
Ruby’s Sword
by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
by Jacqueline Véissid, illustrated by Paola Zakimi
(Chronicle Books, $16.99) 978-1-4521-6391-8
Sepia watercolors show the Sudanese desert that
Ruby shares two of the ”swords” she has found with
Nya and her little sister have to cross for water. An
her older brothers, but they still won’t let her play
adaptation of Park’s novel, A Long Walk to Water. (7-9)
with them. Then it rains. Watercolor and pencil digital
The Pirate Tree
by Brigita Orel, illustrated by Jennie Poh
Small in the City
(Lantana Publishing, $17.99) 978-1-911373-87-2
written and illustrated by Sydney Smith
A lonely boy and an imaginative girl become friends in a
(A Neal Porter Book/Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/
heartening, realistic way. Impressionistic mixed-media
Macmillan, $18.99) 978-0-8234-4261-4
A small child offers advice and posts flyers while
searching for his lost cat during a snowstorm. Dramatic
The Proudest Blue: ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations in graphic-
A Story of Hijab and Family format panels. (5-7)
by Ibtihaj Muhammad, with S. K. Ali, illustrated by
Hatem Aly
Small World
by Ishta Mercurio, illustrated by Jen Corace
978-0-316-51900-7
(Abrams BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-4197-3407-6
Faizah is excited for her older sister, Asiya, for whom
Nanda grows from a baby to a young woman, learning
it is the first day of wearing hijab. Unfortunately, not
and interacting with the world, until she is ready to
everyone sees that as something to celebrate. Bold,
blast into space. Radiant gouache, ink, and pencil
colorful illustrations. (6-8)
20
A Stone Sat Still
written and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel The Tide
(Chronicle Books, $17.99) 978-1-4521-7318-4 by Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Ashling Lindsay
Exquisite illustrations and simple text invite readers to (Tiger Tales, $17.99) 978-1-68010-141-6
contemplate the many characteristics of one object in A little girl helps her grandpa enjoy their day at the
nature’s ever-changing environment. (5-9) beach, even though she realizes that he has problems
remembering everyday experiences. Evocative
Stormy:
A Story about Finding a Forever Home
written and illustrated by Guojing The Tree and Me (Bea Garcia series)
(Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House/PRH, $17.99) written and illustrated by Deborah Zemke
978-1-5247-7176-8 (Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $16.99)
In this wordless picture book, a shy stray dog is slow to 978-0-7352-2941-9
trust a friendly woman in the park. Poignant full-page In words and cartoon sketches on every page, a young
and small-panel pencil and watercolor illustrations. artist describes how she and her classmates work to
(5-7) save a 250-year-old tree. (6-8)
Sulwe Under My Hijab

by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison by Hena Khan, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
(Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-5344-2536-1 (Lee & Low Books, $17.95) 978-1-62014-792-4
Sulwe learns how to love her dark skin when her A young girl observes six inspiring women and the
mother tells a tale about day and night. Realistic and unique ways they each wear their hijab. Colorful,
fantastical illustrations. (6-8) detailed Photoshopped illustrations. (6-9)
Sumo Joe ¡Vamos!:

by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Nat Iwata Let’s Go to the Market!
(Lee & Low Books, $18.95) 978-1-62014-802-0 written and illustrated by Raúl the Third
When his younger sister, who takes aikido, wants (Versify/HMH, $14.99) 978-1-328-55726-1
to join Joe and his friends while they practice sumo Little Lobo, with his dog Bernabé, has lots of deliveries
wrestling, Joe has a big decision to make. Whimsical to make, so he loads up his wagon to go to the mercado.
and exaggerated color illustrations. (5-7) Ink illustrations with Photoshopped colors. (4–7)
Sweep When Aidan Became a Brother

by Louise Greig, illustrated by Júlia Sardà by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
(Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-5344-3908-5 (Lee & Low Books, $18.95) 978-1-62014-837-2
A young boy’s bad mood is swept away. Lyrical text and A transgender boy is becoming a big sibling and wants
vibrant digital illustrations. (5-8) the new baby to feel as loved as he does. Colorful digital
illustrations illuminate the story. (7-10)
Thukpa for All
by Praba Ram and Sheela Preuitt, illustrated by When I Colored in the World
Shilpa Ranade by Ahmadreza Ahmadi, illustrated by Ehsan Abdollahi,
(Karadi Tales, $13.95) 978-81-9338-898-3 translated from the Persian by Azita Rassi
Excited that his grandmother is making his favorite (Tiny Owl, $16.99) 978-1-910328-49-1
Tibetan noodle soup, Tsering invites friends to join A child uses crayons to replace the bad with something
them. Will there be enough? Bright folk art-style more hopeful. Written by a renowned Iranian poet
illustrations. (5-8) and illustrated with colorful backgrounds and stylized
collages. (5-8)
21
POETRY Nighttime Symphony
by Timbaland with Christopher Myers, illustrated by
Christopher Myers and Kaa Illustration
At the Mountain’s Base (Atheneum BFYR/ Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre 978-1-4424-1208-8
(Kokila/Penguin Random House, $17.99) This lullaby celebrates nature’s voice through a storm’s
978-0-7352-3060-6 wind and rain. Vibrant full-page illustrations. (5-8)
A worried Cherokee family awaits the return from
battle of a beloved female military pilot. Poetic text and Otters, Snails and Tadpole Tails:
mixed-media illustrations. Author’s note. (6-8) Poems from the Wetlands
by Eric Ode, illustrated by Ruth Harper
Blooming beneath the Sun (Kane Miller/EDC, $12.99) 978-1-61067-747-9
by Christina Rossetti, illustrated by Portrayals in verse—both rhymed and unrhymed—of
Ashley Bryan dragonflies, beavers, and many other creatures create
(A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book/Atheneum BFYR/Simon & an inviting picture of an important ecosystem. Finely
Schuster, $17.99) 978-1-5344-4092-0 detailed, realistic illustrations. (6-8)
Elegant rhythmic poems describe the world around
us and stimulate the imagination. Brilliantly colored, Pick a Pumpkin
dynamic cut-paper collage illustrations. (5-8) by Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis
Clackety Track: It’s almost Halloween, and a family heads out to pick a
Poems about Trains pumpkin for carving into a jack-o’-lantern. Pencil, chalk,
by Skila Brown, illustrated by Jamey Christoph and paint illustrations in seasonal colors. (5-8)
Travel along from morning in the yard to night in The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and
the sleeper car, as lively poems celebrate trains of Other How-To Poems
all different shapes and sizes. Retro-looking digital selected by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by
illustrations and train facts. (4-7) Richard Jones
Fuego, fueguito/Fire, Little Fire Rhymes and free verse by more than two dozen poets
by Jorge Tetl Argueta, illustrated by provide humorous, lyrical, and practical answers to
Felipe Ugalde Alcántara how-to questions. Soft, evocative painted illustrations.
(Piñata Books/Arte Público, $17.95) (6-9)
978-1-55885-887-9
Verses in Spanish, English, and Nahuat (an indigenous Sweet Dreamers
language of El Salvador and Mexico) poetically evoke written and illustrated by Isabelle Simler
the nature of fire. Brightly colored paintings. (6-9) (Eerdmans BFYR, $19.00) 978-0-8028-5517-6
A visually stunning collection of poems describes the
How to Read a Book sleeping habits of different animals. Atmospheric
by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Melissa Sweet dreamlike digital illustrations. (4-7)
Neon colors and elaborate collage art illustrate this Thanku:
lively tribute to the joy of reading. (6-8) Poems of Gratitude
edited by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Marlena Myles
Lion of the Sky: (Millbrook Press/Lerner, $19.99) 978-1-5415-2363-0
Haiku for All Seasons This diverse collection of poetic forms and poets
by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Mercè López centers on the concept of giving thanks. Gentle
(Millbrook Press/Lerner, $19.99) 978-1-5124-9809-7 illustrations reflect childhood. Back matter. (6-9)
Haiku riddles (“riddle-ku”) celebrate the wonders of the
seasons. Soft pastel illustrations created with acrylic on
paper and finished digitally (5-9)
22
Who Named Their Pony Macaroni?:
Poems about White House Pets Let’s Work!:
by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Ryan McAmis Mexican Folk Art Trabajos in English and Spanish
(Disney-Hyperion Books, $17.99) 978-1-4847-8999-5 by Cynthia Weill and Bryant Boucher, illustrated by the
Insightful, sometimes humorous poems introduce Master Artisans of Chigmecatitlán
the many animals who lived in the White House. (Cinco Puntos Press, $14.95) 978-1-947627-15-4
Amusing collage illustrations. Informative notes and Various careers are depicted in photographs of
bibliography. (7-10) miniature palm-woven figures crafted by Mexican
artisans. Bilingual text. (4-6)
You Are Home:
An Ode to the National Parks Out of This World:
written and illustrated by Evan Turk The Surreal Art of Leonora Carrington
(Atheneum BFYR/ Simon & Schuster, $18.99) by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Amanda Hall
978-1-5344-3282-6 (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, $17.99)
A lyrical invitation for all children to enjoy and visit 978-0-06-244109-6
the fauna, flora, and grandeur of our national parks. The artist who grew up in England and lived much of
Evocative, intense pastels showcase 27 of them. Back her life in Mexico defied many traditions to create
matter. (7-10) fantastical paintings and sculptures. Mixed-media
Illustrations. (7-10)
Swan Lake
INFORMATION BOOKS by New York City Ballet, illustrated by Valeria Docampo
(Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
978-1-4814-5833-7
Activities Atmospheric blue-toned illustrations tell the tragic
story of a prince who swears eternal love to an
What’s Going On Here?: enchanted swan. Back matter includes fun facts about
A Tell-Your-Own-Tale Book the ballet. (5-8)
written and illustrated by Olivier Tallec
(Chronicle Books, $15.99) 978-1-4521-7317-7
Mix-and-match die-cut pages with funny illustrations Biography and Memoir
and interactive questions allow the reader to create
humorous situations and stories. (5-7) 16 Words:
William Carlos Williams & “The Red Wheelbarrow”
by Lisa Rogers, illustrated by Chuck Groenink
Arts (Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House/PRH, $17.99)
978-1-5247-2016-2
Because Just like Williams, the author shows how much can
by Mo Willems, illustrated by Amber Ren be said in just a few words and how anyone can use
(Hyperion Books for Children/Disney, $17.99) observation to write poetry. Digital illustrations in
978-1-36801901-9 muted colors. (5-7)
A chain of inspiration and effort results in a child’s first
experience of an orchestra, which in turn inspires her Along Came Coco:
vocation. Realistic artwork tinged with magic. (4-7) A Story about Coco Chanel
written and illustrated by Eva Byrne
Birds of a Feather: (Abrams BFYR, $16.99) 978-1-4197-3425-0
Bowerbirds and Me Playful language and watercolor and ink illustrations
written and illustrated by Susan L. Roth tell the story of the rule-breaking girl whose unique
(Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, $18.99) fashion sense gave women a modern way to dress. (5-8)
978-0-8234-4282-9
Eye-popping collages compare and contrast the
meticulous labors of a bird attracting his mate and an
artist creating children’s books. Back matter. (5-8)
23
The Bluest of Blues:
Anna Atkins and the First Book of Photographs A Dream of Flight:
written and illustrated by Fiona Robinson Alberto Santos-Dumont’s Race
(Abrams BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-4197-2551-7 around the Eiffel Tower
Breakthroughs for Anna Atkins at the turn of the 19th by Rob Polivka and Jef Polivka, illustrated by
century occurred in both botany and photography. Rob Polivka
Illustrations simulate Atkins’s cyanotype impressions. (Farrar Straus Giroux BFYR/Macmillan, $18.99)
(7-9) 978-0-374-30661-8
A boyhood dream motivated the invention of a self-
powered balloon and established Santos-Dumont as an
Brave Ballerina:
aviation pioneer. Cartoon illustrations, diagrams, and
The Story of Janet Collins
back matter with time line and fun facts. (6-9)
by Michelle Meadows, illustrated by Ebony Glenn
(Henry Holt and Co. BYR/Macmillan, $17.99)
978-1-250-12773-0 Feed Your Mind:
Despite obstacles, Janet Collins followed her dream A Story of August Wilson
and became the first African American prima ballerina by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Cannaday Chapman
at the Metropolitan Opera. Rhymed text and gentle (Abrams BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-4197-3653-7
Adobe Photoshopped illustrations. (5-8) Lyrical free verse and realistic mixed-media illustrations
introduce the life of a poor high school dropout whose
plays capture the voices of 20th-century African
Carter Reads the Newspaper
Americans. (6-9)
by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Don Tate
(Peachtree, $17.95) 978-1-56145-934-6
Carter G. Woodson, born into poverty in 1875 to The Girl Who Named Pluto:
formerly enslaved parents, championed the heretofore The Story of Venetia Burney
unacknowledged history of African Americans. Simple, by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by Elizabeth Haidle
powerful mixed-media illustrations. (7-10) (Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House/PRH, $17.99)
978-1-5247-6831-7
Passionate about science and mythology, Venetia, with
A Computer Called Katherine:
her grandfather’s connections, helped to name a newly
How Katherine Johnson Helped Put
discovered planet in 1930. Charming illustrations in
America on the Moon
muted tones. Author’s note. Bibliography. (6-9)
by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by
Veronica Miller Jamison
(Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, $18.99) The Important Thing about Margaret Wise Brown
978-0-316-43517-8 by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sarah Jacoby
America’s space exploration relied on the calculations (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, $17.99)
of one brilliant mathematician. Despite racism and 978-0-06-239344-9
sexism, Katherine Johnson played an essential behind- The author’s life and unique habits are imaginatively
the-scenes role at NASA. Mixed-media illustrations. connected to her well-known, appealing stories.
Time line, sources. (7-9) Watercolor, Nupastel, and Photoshopped illustrations.
Sources. (6-8)
Dancing Hands:
How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano It Began with a Page:
for President Lincoln How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way
by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael López by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Julie Morstad
(Atheneum BFYR/ Simon & Schuster, $17.99) (Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99) 978-0-06-244762-3
978-1-4814-8740-5 A Japanese American artist broke ground in children’s
Colorful mixed-media illustrations accompany this book publishing, illustrating babies of many colors.
account of a Venezuelan immigrant’s career as a gifted Watercolor, gouache, and pencil crayon illustrations
young pianist during the 19th century. (7-9) sensitively depict her life. (7-10)
24
King of the Tightrope: Our House Is on Fire:
When the Great Blondin Ruled Niagara Greta Thunberg’s Call to Save the Planet
by Donna Janell Bowman, illustrated by Adam Gustavson written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter
(Peachtree, $17.95) 978-1-56145-937-7 (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
Through meticulous mathematical and scientific 978-1-5344-6778-1
planning, a fearless French prodigy achieves an After striking off alone as a very young grade-school
unparalleled high wire feat. Unusual perspectives, with student in Sweden, Thunberg became a leading
gouache and watercolor illustrations. Back matter, international activist on climate change. Engaging
including time line. (6-9) illustrations and sourced quotations. (6-9)
Little Frida: Planting Stories:

A Story of Frida Kahlo The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
written and illustrated by Anthony Browne by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar
(Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-1-5362-0933-4 (Harper, $17.99) 978-0-06-274868-3
A lonely disabled girl’s diary reveals her dream of flying Coming from Puerto Rico, Pura Belpré brought
and finding a close friend. Dynamic colored illustrations Spanish-language stories to the children at the New
evoke the Mexican artist’s style. Back matter. (5-7) York Public Library, beginning with tales from her
abuela (grandmother). Warm earth-tone digital
Little Libraries, Big Heroes illustrations. Also available in Spanish. (6-9)
by Miranda Paul, illustrated by John Parra
(Clarion Books/HMH, $17.99) 978-0-544-80027-4 Soldier for Equality:
Vivid acrylic illustrations accompany the story of how José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War
the magnanimous nonprofit organization “Little Free written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
Libraries” was born. Author’s note and bibliography (Abrams BFYR, $18.99) 978-1-4197-3682-7
provide additional insight. (6-9) A Mexican American advances equality for his Latinx
community through teaching, service in the army
Look Up with Me: during World War I, and creation of a civil rights
Neil deGrasse Tyson: A Life among the Stars organization. Stylized illustrations. Notes, time line,
by Jennifer Berne, illustrated by Lorraine Nam, glossary, and bibliography. (7-10)
introduction by Neil deGrasse Tyson
(Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $17.99) The Story of Movie Star Anna May Wong
978-0-06-284494-1 by Paula Yoo, illustrated by Lin Wang
Astrophysicist deGrasse Tyson’s scientific (Lee & Low Books, P $8.95) 978-1-62014-853-2
accomplishments derive from his never-ending This history of the Chinese in America and the early
curiosity about the universe. Playful mixed-media film industry and fictionalized biography of the
illustrations. Glossary and resources. (6-9) internationally famous actor includes a glossary,
sources, and archival photos. (7-9)
Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words
by Karen Leggett Abouraya, illustrated by Susan L. Roth Thurgood
(Lee & Low Books, $19.95) 978-1-62014-838-9 by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Bryan Collier
The youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner stands up and (Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House/PRH, $17.99)
speaks for every child’s right to an education. Paper 978-1-5247-6533-0
fabric collage illustrations. Back matter. Also available Born in segregated Baltimore, Thurgood Marshall
in Spanish. (7-9) spent his life fighting discrimination and became the
first African American Supreme Court justice. Dramatic
Muslim Girls Rise: collage and watercolor illustrations. (7-10)
Inspirational Champions of Our Time
by Saira Mir, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
978-1-5344-1888-2
Nineteen talented, inspiring Muslim women are
profiled for their achievements in areas such as
activism, education, sports, and science. Colorful digital
illustrations. Bibliography. (6-9)
25
Two Brothers, Four Hands:
I Am Farmer:
The Artists Alberto and Diego Giacometti
Growing an Environmental Movement in Cameroon
by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, illustrated by
by Baptiste Paul and Miranda Paul, illustrated by
Hadley Hooper
Elizabeth Zunon
(Millbrook Press/Lerner, $19.99) 978-1-5124-4914-3
978-0-8234-4170-9
From the age of four, Tantoh Nforba’s love of farming led
The relationship between a sculptor and his artistic
him to start a grassroots environmental movement in
brother is explored through family dynamics and early
Cameroon. Photos and collage illustrations. (7-9)
20th-century events. Photoshopped paint and ink
illustrations. Time line, notes, bibliography. (7-10)
A Sea Otter to the Rescue
(Tails from History series)
Wilma’s Way Home: by Thea Feldman, illustrated by Rachel Sanson
The Life of Wilma Mankiller (Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Linda Kukuk 978-1-5344-4338-9
(Disney-Hyperion Books, $17.99) 978-1-4847-4718-6 Toola, a rescued sea otter who lived in an aquarium,
Although growing up on Cherokee land was hard, became a foster mother for many sea otter pups.
Wilma returned to her home to help improve her Expressive illustrations. (6-8)
people’s lives. Full-page watercolor illustrations. Back
matter includes glossary and pronunciation guide.
(7-10)
Health
You Are My Friend:
The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood It Feels Good to Be Yourself:
by Aimee Reid, illustrated by Matt Phelan A Book about Gender Identity
(Abrams BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-4197-3617-9 by Theresa Thorn, illustrated by Noah Grigni
This fictionalized account describes how Freddie (Henry Holt and Co. BFYR/Macmillan, $17.99)
Rogers grew up to be Mr. Rogers, the beloved host 978-1-250-30295-3
of a children’s television show. Pencil and watercolor This straightforward, kid-friendly book explains the
illustrations. (5-7) spectrum of gender identities. Bold art and extensive
back matter, including references. (5-8)
Ecology Just Ask!:

Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
by Sonia Sotomayor, illustrated by Rafael López
At Home with the Beaver: (Philomel Books/Penguin Random House, $17.99)
The Story of a Keystone Species 978-0-525-51412-1
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, photographed by Thirteen children with learning and health variations
Michael Runtz share their stories and experiences. Vibrant, full-page
(Web of Life Children’s Books, $17.95) illustrations. (7-10)
978-1-970039-00-9
Clear text and vivid photographs capture the
interdependent web of life of a rodent whose presence
enormously affects its wetlands habitat. (7-9) History
Don’t Let Them Disappear: Manhattan:
12 Endangered Species across the Globe Mapping the Story of an Island
by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Gianna Marino written and illustrated by Jennifer Thermes
(Philomel Books/Penguin Random House, $17.99) (Abrams BFYR, $19.99) 978-1-4197-3655-1
978-0-525-51432-9 This detailed, accessible history of the island includes
What can be done to save twelve endangered species? maps, pictures, time line, and sources. Watercolor, ink,
Colorful gouache illustrations. (5-8) and colored pencil illustrations. (6-9)
26
Our Flag Was Still There:
The True Story of Mary Pickersgill and the
Language
Star-Spangled Banner
written and illustrated by Jessie Hartland Up Down Inside Out
(A Paula Wiseman Book/Simon & Schuster, $17.99) written and illustrated by JooHee Yoon
978-1-5344-0233-1 (Enchanted Lion Books, $18.95) 978-1-59270-280-0
Discover the history of the giant flag that inspired the Everyday sayings are visually and imaginatively
poem that became the national anthem and of the explained. Pantone colored artwork is created using
woman who sewed it. Whimsical gouache illustrations. printmaking, drawing, and the computer. Includes flaps,
(6-8) cutouts, and a central foldout. (6-8)
A Place to Land: The Upper Case:

Martin Luther King Jr. and the Speech That Trouble in Capital City (Private I series)
Inspired a Nation by Tara Lazar, illustrated by Ross MacDonald
by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (Disney-Hyperion Books, $17.99) 978-1-3680-2765-6
(Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, $18.99) Private I sets out to find missing letters, encountering
978-0-8234-4331-4 his punctuation friends performing their usual
Lyrical writing and striking collage illustrations evoke functions. A witty, pun-filled, word-play romp.
the hours of meticulous preparation just before Dr. Humorous illustrations in bold colors. (6-8)
Martin Luther King Jr.’s ”I Have a Dream” speech and his
rousing, off-script delivery. (7-10)
Law and Justice
Secret Engineer:
How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge A Friend Like Iggy
written and illustrated by Rachel Dougherty by Kathryn Cole, photographed by Ian Richards
(Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan, $17.99) (Second Story Press, $18.95) 978-1-77260-084-1
978-1-250-15532-0 Iggy, an accredited facilitator dog, helps abused
Whimsical illustrations with technical drawings children and teens, accompanying them to police
accompany the story of one woman’s victory as she interviews and court appearances. Volunteer models
helps her ailing engineer husband build the Brooklyn pose with Iggy in this colorful photo essay. (7-10)
Bridge. (7-10)
Sing a Song: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

How ”Lift Every Voice and Sing” Inspired Generations
by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Keith Mallett And the Bullfrogs Sing:
(Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99) A Life Cycle Begins
978-0-525-51609-5 by David L. Harrison, illustrated by Kate Cosgrove
The inspiration of the African American national (Holiday House, $17.99) 978-0-8234-3834-1
anthem throughout history is celebrated with rich text From mating to hibernating, the life cycle of the bullfrog
and digitally painted freehand illustrations. (6-9) over the course of two years is explained in clear
language. Pencil and digital illustrations. Definitions,
The Spacesuit: references. (5-7)
How a Seamstress Helped Put Man on the Moon
by Alison Donald, illustrated by Ariel Landy Ants Don’t Wear Pants! (Giggle and Learn series)
(Maverick Arts Pub./Lerner, $17.99) written and illustrated by Kevin McCloskey
978-1-84886-415-3 (Toon Books, $12.95) 978-1-943145-45-4
Meet Ellie Foraker and learn how she made the special Two children explore ants’ anatomy and their life
spacesuits for the Apollo astronauts. Whimsical cycle in an underground colony. Lively cartoon-style
illustrations. (4-7) paintings on recycled grocery bags. (5-7)
27
Dogs in Space
The Arctic Fox’s Journey (Let’s-Read-and-Find- by Vix Southgate, illustrated by Iris Deppe
Out series) (Kane Miller/EDC, $14.99) 978-1-61067-824-7
by Wendy Pfeffer, illustrated by Morgan Huff Belka and Strelka, two stray dogs in 1960s Moscow,
(Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99) 978-0-06-249083-4 meet two scientists who send them into space. Full-page,
How does the Arctic fox survive through frigid winters? dramatic illustrations. Time line. (7-9)
Relevant back matter and engaging illustrations
support young readers’ understanding. (6-8)
Flower Talk:
How Plants Use Color to Communicate
The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: by Sara Levine, illustrated by Masha D’yans
The True Story of Alan Bean (Millbrook Press/Lerner, $19.99) 978-1-5415-1928-2
by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Sean Rubin A chatty, cantankerous cactus describes how different
(Orchard Books/Scholastic, $17.99) colored plants communicate with insects and birds.
978-1-338-25953-7 Vibrant watercolors. (7-10)
After walking on the moon, astronaut Alan Bean
devoted his later career to capturing that experience
The Frog Book
on canvas. Distinct illustration styles portray the events
by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, illustrated by
alongside archival photographs. Author’s note, time
Steve Jenkins
line. (7-10)
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $17.99)
978-0-544-38760-7
Beware of the Crocodile This comprehensive guide includes information about
by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura the life cycles, habitats, adaptations, and defenses of
(Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-0-7636-7538-7 these amphibians, as well as about the environmental
A whimsical, accessible narration provides information dangers they face. Colorful collage illustrations. (7-10)
about the dangers and habits of these scary reptiles.
Bold mixed-media illustrations. (5-8)
Go for the Moon:
A Rocket, a Boy, and the First Moon Landing
The Brain Is Kind of a Big Deal written and illustrated by Chris Gall
written and illustrated by Nick Seluk (Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/Macmillan, $19.99)
(Orchard Books/Scholastic, $17.99) 978-1-250-15579-5
978-1-338-16700-9 As the Apollo 11 astronauts land on the Moon, a young
Amusing cartoon-like illustrations and clever word boy recreates their adventure while explaining it to the
images explain how the brain works to control reader. Detailed, instructive digital illustrations. (7-9)
everything the body does. Glossary. (7-9)
Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life:
The Crayon Man: Hollywood Legend and Brilliant Inventor
The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons by Laurie Wallmark, illustrated by Katy Wu
by Natascha Biebow, illustrated by Steven Salerno (Sterling Children’s Books/Sterling Publishing, $16.95)
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $17.99) 978-1-4549-2691-7
978-1-328-86684-4 An Austrian émigrée found fame as a Hollywood movie
An eye for color and an ear for consumers’ requests star and belated recognition as an inventor. Colorful
resulted in Edwin Binney’s timeless, kid-friendly digital illustrations. Time line, references, filmography.
invention. Past and present methods of production are (7-10)
explained. Cheerful mixed-media illustrations. (5-8)
Hey, Water!
Dinosaur Feathers written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis
written and illustrated by Dennis Nolan (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, $17.99)
(Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, $18.99) 978-0-8234-4155-6
978-0-8234-4330-7 A young girl explores water in its different forms.
Rhyming text and striking watercolor illustrations Accessible notes on conservation and the water
showcase a wide variety of colorful dinosaurs and their cycle follow. Digitally colored sumi ink and brush
equally varied and colorful avian descendants. Back illustrations. (5-7)
matter and pronunciation guides. (5-7)
28
How to Be a Butterfly
by Laura Knowles, illustrated by Catell Ronca Not a Bean
(Words & Pictures/Quarto, $17.95) by Claudia Guadalupe Martínez, illustrated by
978-1-7860-3884-5 Laura González
Simple text describes both the common characteristics (Charlesbridge, $16.99) 978-1-58089-815-7
and the differences among many varieties of butterflies. Follow along with animals and children as they
Detailed, brilliant color illustrations. (6-8) observe the life of the seed pods of a desert plant.
Photoshopped illustrations. Glossary and note. Spanish
Instructions Not Included: words intermingled with the English text. (5-8)
How a Team of Women Coded the Future
by Tami Lewis Brown and Debbie Loren Dunn, Panthera Tigris
illustrated by Chelsea Beck by Sylvain Alzial, illustrated by Hélène Rajcak,
(Disney-Hyperion Books, $17.99) 978-1-3680-1105-1 translated from the French by Vineet Lal and
Three women “math whizzes” had to overcome Sarah Ardizzone
obstacles to program one of the first computers. Told in (Eerdmans BFYR, $17.99) 978-0-8028-5529-9
free verse with retro illustrations. Includes biographical Book learning will only take you so far, as a scholar
back matter and resources. (7-9) discovers when encountering an actual tiger. A morality
tale with detailed information and graphic illustrations.
Just Right: (7-9)
Searching for the Goldilocks Planet
by Curtis Manley, illustrated by Jessica Lanan Popcorn Country:
(Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan, $18.99) The Story of America’s Favorite Snack
978-1-250-15533-7 by Cris Peterson, photographed by David R. Lundquist
Inviting watercolor illustrations capture the wonder of (Boyds Mills Press/Highlights, $17.95)
a family outing to a planetarium and the exciting world 978-1-62979-892-9
of planetary exploration. Are there other Earth-like Popcorn can only be created from a specific strain of
planets? (5-8) corn. Bright, clear photographs depict the journey of
this treat from farm to product to its consumption. (6-8)
Moon! Earth’s Best Friend
by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis Predator and Prey: A Conversation in Verse
(Henry Holt and Co. BFYR/Macmillan, $17.99) by Susannah Buhrman-Deever, illustrated by
978-1-250-19934-8 Bert Kitchen
Learn all about the history and formation of the Moon (Candlewick Studio/Candlewick Press, $18.99)
and why it is Earth’s BFF. Whimsical, digital colored 978-0-7636-9533-0
pencil illustrations. (5-8) In poems (often in two voices) and explanatory text,
the mysterious relationship between predator and
Moth: prey is explored. Expressive watercolor and gouache
An Evolution Story illustrations. (6-8)
by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, $18.99) Queen of Physics:
978-1-5476-0020-5 How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of
Natural selection is vividly depicted in this story of the Atom (People Who Shaped Our World series)
the peppered moth’s transformation. Sparse language by Teresa Robeson, illustrated by Rebecca Huang
and striking mixed-media, collage, and Photoshopped (Sterling Children’s Books/Sterling Publishing, $16.95)
illustrations. (6-9) 978-1-4549-3220-8
Madam Wu succeeded as a nuclear physicist, but unlike
My Happy Year by E. Bluebird her male fellow researchers, she never received the
written and illustrated by Paul Meisel Nobel Prize. Expressive illustrations. Back matter. (7-9)
(Holiday House, $17.99) 978-0-8234-3837-2
Using dates to mark development, a newly hatched
Eastern Bluebird describes her first year in simple
language. Detailed illustrations. Introduction, map,
glossary, and references on the endpapers. (6-8)
29
Samuel Morse, That’s Who! What Miss Mitchell Saw
by Tracy Nelson Maurer, illustrated by el primo Ramón by Hayley Barrett, illustrated by Diana Sudyka
(Henry Holt and Co. BFYR/Macmillan, $18.99) (Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
978-1-62779-130-4 978-1-4814-8759-7
Engaging illustrations and clear language explain A 19th-century Nantucket woman who loved
Morse’s shift from aspiring painter to the developer of astronomy discovered a comet and was honored for
a messaging system using electricity. The flip side of the it. Dramatic gouache, watercolor, and ink illustrations.
jacket includes the code. (6-9) Biographical information. (7-9)
Snow Leopard: When Sue Found Sue:

Ghost of the Mountains Sue Hendrickson Discovers Her T. Rex
by Justin Anderson, illustrated by Patrick Benson by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Diana Sudyka
(Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-1-5362-0540-4 (Abrams BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-4197-3163-1
A zoologist and guide search for the rare and A girl filled with curiosity about science grows up to
endangered snow leopard in the Indian Himalayas. discover the most complete T. rex skeleton found prior
Animal facts appear throughout. Evocative watercolor to 1990. Gouache and watercolor illustrations depict
illustrations, (5-7) the Dakota landscape. Back matter. (5-8)
Snowman - Cold = Puddle:

Spring Equations World
by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Micha Archer
(Charlesbridge, $16.99) 978-1-58089-798-3 Back to School:
Springtime and the changes it brings in nature are A Global Journey
explored in a series of equations that bring together by Maya Ajmera and John D. Ivanko
math, science, and poetry. Detailed collage illustrations. (Charlesbridge, $17.99) 978-1-58089-837-9
(5-8) Simple text and engaging color photographs from many
countries describe children’s school experiences. Map.
Titanosaur: Back matter. (5-8)
Discovering the World’s Largest Dinosaur
by Dr. José Luis Carballido and Dr. Diego Pol,
illustrated by Florencia Gigena
(Orchard Books/Scholastic, $18.99)
978-1-338-20739-2
Paleontologists discover, excavate, transport, assemble,
and replicate the largest known dinosaur skeleton. Full-
page colorful illustrations and photographs. (6-8)
30
NINE TO TWELVE
FICTION Animals
Banjo
Adventure and Mystery by Graham Salisbury
(Wendy Lamb Books/Random House/PRH, $16.99)
978-0-375-84264-1
All the Greys on Greene Street
Faced with having to put down his beloved dog, who
by Laura Tucker, illustrated by Kelly Murphy
was accused of attacking a neighbor, Danny abandons
(Viking/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99) 978-0-451-47953-2
him in a distant forest. What will happen to Banjo? (8-10)
Twelve-year-old Olympia’s father fled New York’s
Soho for France, and her mother won’t leave her bed.
Can artistic Olympia mend her world? Frequent pencil
illustrations. (10-12) Coming of Age
Freya & Zoose All of Me
by Emily Butler, illustrated by Jennifer Thermes by Chris Baron
(Crown BFYR/Random House/PRH, $16.99) (Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, $16.99)
978-1-5247-1771-1 978-1-250-30598-5
A penguin and a mouse overcome negative first Ari, chronically overweight, journeys to define himself
impressions to forge a friendship while facing struggles beyond his body image, discovering his true worth and
in the frozen Far North. Black-and-white illustrations. that of his family and friends. Told in free verse. (10-13)
Historical note. (8-10)
Best Friends
by Shannon Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham,
Island Book
color by Hilary Sycamore
written and illustrated by Evan Dahm
(First Second/Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/
(First Second/Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/
Macmillan, P $12.99) 978-1-250-31746-9
Macmillan, $22.99) 978-1-62672-950-6
Sixth grader Shannon struggles to maintain her
In an allegory about finding truth, Sola, an outcast,
friendship with the popular girls, cope with anxiety, and
ventures out to sea to find the “monster.” Exciting
develop her love of writing. Animated color graphic
graphic
panels and questions to ponder. (8-10)
panels. (9-11)
Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure
(Mr. Penguin series) Beverly, Right Here
written and illustrated by Alex T. Smith by Kate DiCamillo
(Peachtree, $16.95) 978-1-68263-120-1 (Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-0-7636-9464-7
Can Mr. Penguin and his assistant, a spider who is a Following the death of her dog, Buddy, Beverly Tapinski,
martial arts expert, discover the truth about a rumored 14, decides it’s time for her to leave home and make a
museum treasure? Playful light-hearted illustrations. new life for herself. (10-13)
(10-12)
The Bridge Home
by Padma Venkatraman
A Talent for Trouble
by Natasha Farrant
978-1-5247-3811-2
After fleeing their abusive father, 11-year-old Viji and
Three unlikely friends at a Scottish boarding school
her sister 12-year-old sister, Rukku, form an unusual
deviate from their school orienteering trip and learn
family with two homeless boys and a stray dog. (10-12)
truths about life and themselves. (10-12)
31
Caterpillar Summer I Can Make This Promise
by Gillian McDunn, illustrated by Alisa Coburn by Christine Day
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, $16.99) (Harper/HarperCollins, $16.99) 978-0-06-287199-2
978-1-68119-743-2 Edie discovers a box full of papers suggesting she has
After their father dies, Cat is responsible for her Native American relatives. Why did her parents keep
brother, Chicken, who is on the autism spectrum. Only this a secret? (9-12)
when she meets their grandparents does she get to be
a child again. Intermittent black-and-white illustrations. The Moon Within
(10-12) by Aida Salazar, illustrated by Joe Cepeda
(Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, $17.99)
The Disaster Days 978-1-338-28337-2
by Rebecca Behrens Celi, 11, ponders her changing body. Will she embrace
(Sourcebooks Young Readers, $16.99) her ancestral moon ceremony, marking her entrance
978-1-4926-7331-6 into womanhood? Told in verse with spot black-and-
13-year-old Hannah’s first real babysitting job turns white illustrations. (9-12)
into a nightmare when a major earthquake knocks out
power and leaves her stranded with two children. (10-12) One Speck of Truth
by Caela Carter
Dream within a Dream (Harper/HarperCollins, $16.99) 978-0-06-267266-7
by Patricia MacLachlan 12-year-old Alma wants answers about her father’s
(Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, death, but her adults won’t tell her the truth. Will her
$16.99) 978-1-5344-2959-8 searches of graveyards with her patient best friend
When Louisiana and her younger brother Jake arrive to yield answers? (9-12)
spend the summer with grandparents on Deer Island,
they settle into loving small-town life and are reluctant The Other, Better Me
to leave. (10-12) by Antony John
Each Tiny Spark A school assignment moves Lola to search for her
by Pablo Cartaya unknown father. (9-12)
(Kokila/Penguin Random House, $16.99)
978-0-4514-7972-3 Pie in the Sky
Neurodiverse Emilia Torres yearns for her deployed by Remy Lai
father, but his return does not bring the comfort she (Henry Holt and Co. BFYR/Macmillan, P $12.99)
expected. (10-12) 978-1-250-31409-3
Living in Australia is lonely for Jingwen, 12, because
Emmy in the Key of Code he doesn’t know English and misses his deceased
by Aimee Lucido father. Can baking his father’s cakes help? Simple spot
(Versify/HMH, $16.99) 978-0-358-04082-8 graphics. (10-12)
Unlike her parents, Emmy, 12, has no musical talent.
Then she takes a coding class and finds a different way The Size of the Truth (Sam Abernathy series)
to make music. Told in verse. Glossary included. (9-12) by Andrew Smith
(Simon & Schuster, $17.99) 978-1-5344-1955-1
Honeybees and Frenemies Sam thought falling into a well when he was four was
by Kristi Wientge terrible, but skipping from sixth to eighth grade might
(Simon & Schuster BFYR, $16.99) 978-1-5344-3815-6 be a whole new disaster. (10-12)
When Flor, 12, agrees to participate in the honey
festival, she is paired with her nemesis. She helps an Some Places More Than Others
elderly beekeeper while worrying about her parents’ by Renée Watson
marriage. (10-12) (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, $16.99)
978-1-68119-108-9
All Amara wants for her twelfth birthday is to
accompany her father to New York to get to know her
family better. (9-12)
32
The Space We’re In Good Dog, McTavish (McTavish Stories series)
by Katya Balen by Meg Rosoff, illustrated by Grace Easton
(Margaret Ferguson Books/Holiday House, $17.99) (Candlewick Press, $15.99) 978-1-5362-0058-4
978-0-8234-4289-8 When Ma Peachy “resigns” from mothering, Pa Peachy
Ten-year-old Frank struggles to accommodate the and the teenage children are clueless. Luckily, eight-
needs of his younger autistic brother. When tragedy year-old Betty and her wise mutt are not! Grayscale
strikes, he discovers ways to make the family whole illustrations. (9-11)
again. (9-12)
The Griffins of Castle Cary
Sweeping Up the Heart by Heather Shumaker
by Kevin Henkes (Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-5344-3088-4
(Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, $16.99) When their parents attend a geological conference,
978-0-06-285254-0 three children go to stay with their aunt, only to
Artistic Amelia’s boring spring vacation takes a turn discover that there are some ghosts to contend with.
when she meets Casey, also 12, and uncovers truths (8-11)
about her taciturn father. (10-12)
The Hippo at the End of the Hall
To Night Owl from Dogfish by Helen Cooper
by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer (Candlewick Press, $17.99) 978-1-5362-0448-3
(Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99) Ben receives a museum invitation delivered by bees.
978-0-5255-5323-6 Ignoring his mother’s advice, he bikes to a magical
When their dads fall in love, Bett from California and place and encounters talking animals and greedy rivals.
Avery from New York City, both 12, are sent to camp to Charming pencil illustrations. (8-10)
get to know each other. How will that turn out? (10-12)
I, Cosmo
The Year We Fell from Space by Carlie Sorosiak
by Amy Sarig King, illustrated by Nina Goffi (Walker Books/Candlewick Press, $16.99)
(Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, $16.99) 978-1-5362-0769-9
978-1-338-23636-1 Cosmo, an aging Golden Retriever, tells his own story
In this poignant portrayal of a changing family, Liberty as he revels in family life, comforts those he loves, and
draws new constellations to help her cope with her prepares for a dance competition. (9-12)
father’s depression and the separation of her parents.
Occasional black-and-white illustrations. (9-12)
The Jumbie God’s Revenge (The Jumbies Series)
by Tracey Baptiste
(Algonquin Young Readers/Workman Pub., $16.95)
Fantasy 978-1-61620-891-2
Corinne must use her supernatural powers to battle
Cape (The League of Secret Heroes series) the angry god bent on destroying her Caribbean home.
by Kate Hannigan, illustrated by Patrick Spaziante (8-10)
(Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
978-1-5344-3911-5 Lalani of the Distant Sea
All the great comic book superheroes disappear from by Erin Entrada Kelly, illustrated by Lian Cho
Philadelphia until schoolgirls Josie, Mae, and Akiko (Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, $16.99)
meet. Sparks fly and so do they. Intermittent action- 978-0-06-274727-3
packed graphic illustrations. (9-12) Feeling responsible for her island’s catastrophes, Lalani,
12, sets off on an epic quest. Interspersed with her
The Ghost Collector adventures are finely illustrated vignettes of fantastical
by Allison Mills creatures and plants she encounters. (9-12)
(Annick Press, P $9.95) 978-1-77321-296-8
Shelly and her Cree grandma catch ghosts and help
them pass over. But a family tragedy tests Shelly’s
willingness to let them go. (10-13)
33
The Miraculous Voyage of the Frostheart
by Jess Redman by Jamie Littler
(Farrar Straus Giroux BF YR/Macmillan, $16.99) (Viking/Penguin YR/PRH, $15.99) 978-0-451-48134-4
978-0-374-30974-9 In a frozen land, Ash, an outcast, travels the wild
Wunder Ellis, 11, believes in miracles, until his newborn snow sea and faces many perils with a hearty crew of
sister dies, shattering him and his parents. Befriended pathfinders. Lively black-and-white illustrations. (9-12)
by an outspoken girl and an old woman, he plants a
special tree as a road to healing. (9-11) Weird Little Robots
by Carolyn Crimi, illustrated by Corinna Luyken
Oh, Rats! (Candlewick Press, $16.99) 978-0-7636-9493-7
by Tor Seidler, illustrated by Gabriel Evans Penny Rose, who is new in town, makes a friend, Lark,
(A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book/Atheneum BFYR/Simon & who also likes to create things. Then Penny Rose
Schuster, $17.99) 978-1-5344-2684-9 breaks Lark’s confidences. Can their friendship survive?
Rescued by two wharf rats, Phoenix, a tree squirrel, Expressive black-and-white illustrations. (8-11)
becomes involved in saving their beloved pier from
a New York developer. Classic black-and-white
illustrations. (9-12) Folklore and Fairy Tales
Owl’s Outstanding Donuts The Little Black Fish
by Robin Yardi by Samad Behrangi, illustrated by Farshid Mesghali,
(Carolrhoda Books/Lerner, $17.99) translated from the Farsi by Azita Rassi
978-1-5415-3305-9 (Tiny Owl, $17.95) 978-1-910328-00-2
When an owl warns 10-year-old Mattie that someone A fish risks relationships and safety to discover the
is polluting the water near her aunt’s donut shop, she world beyond his home stream. Bold, stamped mixed-
tries to figure out how to catch the perpetrators while media illustrations. (8-10)
overcoming fears she’s had since her mother’s death.
(9-12)
Mulan:
The Legend of the Woman Warrior
The Root of Magic by Faye-Lynn Wu, illustrated by Joy Ang
by Kathleen Benner Duble (Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99) 978-0-06-280341-2
(Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House, $16.99) When her sick father is recruited for the army, Mulan
978-0-525-57850-5 disguises herself and serves honorably, even becoming
Lost in a blizzard, Willow, her mother, and her sick a leader. Dramatic, deeply colored illustrations. (8-11)
brother find themselves in a town where everyone’s
helpfulness turns a bit spooky. (9-12)
Straw into Gold:
Fairy Tales Re-spun
Sea Sirens (Trot & Cap’n Bill Adventure series) by Hilary McKay, illustrated by Sarah Gibb
by Amu Chu, illustrated by Janet K. Lee, lettering by (Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster,
Jimmy Gownley $17.99) 978-1-5344-3284-0
(Viking/Penguin YR/PRH, $20.99) 978-0-451-48016-3 Traditional European stories are cleverly reimagined.
After a surfing accident, Trot and her cat discover an Black-and-white silhouette illustrations. (9-12)
underwater kingdom where sirens battle serpents. Can
they rescue Grandpa and return home? Fanciful color Vasilisa the Wise & Other Tales of Brave
graphic panels. (8-11) Young Women
retold by Kate Forsyth, illustrated by Lorena Carrington
Tunnel of Bones (Kane Miller/EDC, P $9.99) 978-1-61067-852-0
by Victoria Schwab Seven tales with feminist themes are accompanied by
(Scholastic Press, $17.99) 978-1-338-11104-0 haunting black-and-white photo collages. Extensive
Cassidy, 12, and her best friend, a ghost, navigate “the author and illustrator notes and sources. (9-12)
veil” between this world and the next. Can they free a
menacing poltergeist in Paris? (10-12)
34
Historical Fiction The Long Ride
by Marina Budhos
Allies (Wendy Lamb Books/Random House/PRH, $16.99)
by Alan Gratz 978-0-553-53422-1
(Scholastic Press, $17.99) 978-1-338-24572-1 In 1971, three mixed-race girls face new realities as
What was D-Day really like? The invasion is seen they leave their Queens, NY, neighborhood for junior
through the eyes of an American soldier whose family high school. Two of them are going to an experimental
fled Germany and of French citizens living through the integration program, and one is entering a private
invasion. Back matter. (9-12) school. (10-12)
Goodbye, Mr. Spalding Planet Earth Is Blue

by Jennifer Robin Barr by Nicole Panteleakos
(Calkins Creek/Highlights, $18.95) 978-1-68437-178-5 (Wendy Lamb Books/Random House/PRH, $16.99)
When the owners of Shibe Park baseball stadium plan a 978-0-525-64657-0
high wall to obscure the neighbors’ free views, 12-year- Nova narrates what it’s like to be severely autistic. She
old besties, Jimmy and Lola, scheme to thwart the plan. loves astronomy. Big sister Bridget promises that they
(9-12) will be together for the Challenger launch. Will they?
(9-12)
Hector:
A Boy, a Protest, and the Photograph that Saving Hanno:
Changed Apartheid The Story of a Refugee Dog
written and illustrated by Adrienne Wright, photo by by Miriam Halahmy
Sam Nzima (Holiday House, $17.99) 978-0-8234-4165-5
(Page Street Kids/Page Street Publishing, $18.99) At the start of World War II, Rudi, a Jewish German
978-1-62414-691-6 child sent to England, works to save his beloved
Hector Pieterson’s story describes how a peaceful dachshund from being euthanized. (9-11)
protest against inequality in the schools contributed to
the end of South Africa’s apartheid system. Pastel and A Slip of a Girl
collage illustrations. Biographical back matter. (10-13) by Patricia Reilly Giff
(Holiday House, $16.99) 978-0-8234-3955-3
Hi, I’m Norman: Anna joins the struggle to end family farm evictions in
The Story of American Illustrator Norman Rockwell Ireland. Told in verse. Based on the author’s late-19th-
by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Wendell Minor century family history. (10-12)
978-1-4424-9670-5 Stone River Crossing
In a first-person narrative, Norman describes becoming by Tim Tingle
an iconic artist. Realistic watercolor, gouache, and (Tu Books/Lee & Low, $20.95) 978-1-62014-823-5
pencil illustrations include references to many of Friendship and cooperation across the creek border
Rockwell’s works. Extensive back matter. (8-10) between a Mississippi plantation and a Choctaw
settlement is forbidden, but potentially life saving. An
The Journey of York: exciting multigenerational story. (10-13)
The Unsung Hero of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
by Hasan Davis, illustrated by Alleanna Harris The Story That Cannot Be Told
(Capstone, $17.95) 978-1-5435-1282-3 by J. Kasper Kramer
York, an enslaved man, tells about the pivotal role he (Atheneum BFYR/ Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
played in the early 19th-century expedition to explore 978-1-5344-3068-6
the western continent. Illustrations evoke the American In 1989 Communist Romania, Ileana’s parents send
frontier. (9-12) her to her grandparents’ faraway mountain village
to keep her safe from those who want to silence her
storytelling. (10-12)
35
The True History of Lyndie B. Hawkins
by Gail Shepherd
Magical Realism
(Kathy Dawson Books/PRH, $16.99)
978-0-525-42845-9 A Box of Bones
Lyndie, a Civil War buff, is coping with difficult family by Marina Cohen
members and a challenging southern parochial school. (Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/Macmillan, $16.99)
Two special friends and nurturing adults help. (10-13) 978-1-250-17221-1
When logic and magic collide, 12-year-old Kallie’s
obsession with order becomes problematic. It all starts
The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA
when a faceless man hands her a fantastical box. (9-11)
by Brenda Woods
978-1-5247-3709-2 Eventown
As a Caucasian boy turns 12 in the summer of 1946, his by Corey Ann Haydu
friendship with an African American veteran leads him (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $16.99)
to confront the realities of racism in South Carolina. 978-0-06-268980-1
(10-12) Elodee and her family move to a perfect, nice town, but
she misses irregularity, wildness, and difference, and
tries to find out why they are absent. (9-12)
Humor The Forgotten Girl

by India Hill Brown
Bernice Buttman, Model Citizen (Scholastic Press, $16.99) 978-1-338-31724-4
by Niki Lenz Nightmares wake Iris as she works to cope with
(Random House BFYR/PRH, $16.99) subtle racial injustices at school. The discovery of an
978-1-5247-7041-9 abandoned Black cemetery and the ghost who haunts it
Bernice stops being a bully when she is forced to live in changes everything. (9-11)
a small town with her aunt, a nun. (9-11)
The Girl Who Sailed the Stars
Chapter Two Is Missing by Matilda Woods, illustrated by Anuska Allepuz
by Josh Lieb, illustrated by Kevin Cornell (Philomel Books/Penguin Random House, $16.99)
(Razorbill/PRH, $17.99) 978-1-9848-3548-2 978-0-525-51524-1
A take-charge child narrator, goofy detective, and Oona’s sea-captain father was expecting a son, not a
suspicious janitor are involved in an engaging mystery. seventh daughter, but she defies his marriage plans for
Bold cartoon illustrations in orange, black, and white. her by secretly joining the dangerous annual men-only
(8-10) whale hunt. Spot marine blue illustrations. (8-11)
The Storyteller of Damascus Lizzy Legend

by Rafik Schami, illustrated by Peter Knorr by Matthew Ross Smith
(Crocodile Books/Interlink, $18.95) (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
978-1-62371-971-5 978-1-5344-2024-3
An old storyteller travels with his wonder chest of Lizzy, 13, loves basketball. Among the phone calls from
drawings and adventure stories for children. As time her dad’s bill collectors comes one that propels her to
passes, his drawings and stories change. Amusing color the pros. Fantasy, humor, and realism combine. (9-12)
Tree of Dreams
by Laura Resau
(Scholastic Press, $17.99) 978-0-545-80088-4
Thrust into the conflict between oil companies and the
indigenous people in the Amazon, Coco, her mother,
and her best friends fight for the forest’s survival.
(10-12)
36
Science Fiction Today
AstroNuts Mission One: Badir and the Beaver
The Plant Planet (AstroNuts series) by Shannon Stewart, illustrated by Sabrina Gendron
by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Steven Weinberg (Orca Book Publishers, P $6.95) 978-1-4598-1727-2
(Chronicle Books, $14.99) 978-1-4521-7119-7 With the help of friends, Badir, a recent immigrant from
Planet Earth is overheating, and humans need to find Tunisia to Canada, saves a beaver in a Vancouver park.
a new home. It’s up to four superpowered animal Humorous black-and-white illustrations. (8-10)
astronauts to investigate. Vibrant collage illustrations,
using museum engravings (8-11) Because of the Rabbit
by Cynthia Lord
Friendroid (Scholastic Press, $17.99) 978-0-545-91424-6
by M. M. Vaughan As a new fifth-grade student at a rural Maine public
(Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, school, Emma connects with Jack, a student with
$17.99) 978-1-4814-9065-8 special needs, over her rescue rabbit. (9-11)
An android and a human develop a friendship and learn
to accept their differences and those in others. (9-12) The Boy at the Back of the Class
by Onjali Q. Raúf, illustrated by Pippa Curnick
We’re Not from Here (Delacorte Press/Random House Children’s Books/PRH,
by Geoff Rodkey $16.99) 978-1-9848-5078-2
(Crown BFYR/Random House/PRH, $16.99) Four British nine-year-olds plot to reunite their new
978-1-5247-7304-5 classmate, a Syrian refugee, with his parents. Pencil
The human family that desperately tries to survive on sketches. Copious back matter on refugees and relief
Planet Choom encounters issues that are remarkably organizations. (9-12)
earthly. Funny, creative, and relevant (9-12)
The Class
by Frances O’Roark Dowell
Sports (Atheneum BFYR/ Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
978-1-4814-8179-3
Eight Times Up Sixth graders recount their versions of friendships
by John Corr involving stealing, spying, and helping a fellow student
(Orca Book Publishers, P $10.95) 978-1-4598-1861-3 in need. (10-12)
Riley’s dad registers him for aikido classes to help him
control his anxiety. After his multiethnic classmates Count Me In
learn the aikido skills, they become close friends. (10-12) by Varsha Bajaj
Strike Zone 978-0-525-51724-5
by Mike Lupica In alternating chapters, seventh graders Karina and
(Philomel Books/Penguin Random House, $17.99) Chris tell the story of an attack on Karina’s grandfather,
978-0-525-51488-6 an Indian American in a Texas town. (9-12)
Nick García, 12, star pitcher for his summer league
team, wants to focus on his fastball but is deeply The Distance between Me and the Cherry Tree
anxious that his undocumented Dominican-born by Paola Peretti, illustrated by Carolina Rabei,
parents may be deported. (10-12) translated from the Italian by Denise Muir
(Atheneum BFYR/ Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
978-1-5344-3962-7
In Italy, ten-year-old Mafalda struggles to live a normal
life after she learns she is losing her eyesight from a
genetic illness. Black-and-white illustrations. (9-12)
37
Far Away
Nina Soni:
by Lisa Graff
Former Best Friend
(Philomel Books/Penguin Random House, $16.99)
by Kashmira Sheth, illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky
978-1-524-73859-4
(Peachtree, $15.95) 978-1-68263-057-0
CJ, 12, tours with her psychic-medium Aunt Nic, who
Indian American Nina’s relationship with her former
is paid to connect unhappy people of this world with
best friend improves when they perform science
Far Away. But what about CJ’s own mother, who is
magic at her younger sister’s birthday party. Digital
presumed dead? (8-12)
The Fresh New Face of Griselda

One-Third Nerd
by Jennifer Torres
by Gennifer Choldenko, illustrated by
Églantine Ceulemans
978-0-316-45260-1
(Wendy Lamb Books/Random House/PRH, $16.99)
When her warm Latinx family faces life-changing
978-1-5247-1888-6
financial difficulties, sixth grader “Geez” must develop
Liam’s younger siblings are challenging in different
entrepreneurial skills to do her share. (9-12)
ways, but it’s their incontinent dog and their landlord
who are the biggest sources of anxiety. Expressive
Lexie’s Little Lie black-and-white illustrations. (9-11)
by Emma Shevah
(Sourcebooks Jabberwocky/Sourcebooks, $16.99)
The Paris Project
978-1-4926-8294-3
by Donna Gephart
Lexie’s large Greek family does everything together,
(Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-5344-4086-9
until a lie about a family heirloom threatens to tear
Seventh grader Cleveland has always wanted to move
everyone apart. Black-and-white illustrations. Recipes.
to Paris, but when her father’s gambling leads to his
(9-12)
incarceration, she must reevaluate her goals and
friendships. (9-12)
The Light in the Lake
by Sarah R. Baughman
Penguin Days
by Sara Leach, illustrated by Rebecca Bender
978-0-316-42242-0
(Pajama Press, $15.95) 978-1-77278-053-6
The tragic loss of her twin brother prompts 12-year-old
When Lauren and her family drive to North Dakota
Addie to follow his pursuit of magic, while staying true
to be in a family wedding, she must cope with special
to her own scientific beliefs. (9-11)
challenges due to her autism spectrum disorder. Black-
and-white illustrations. (8-11)
More to the Story
by Hena Khan
Roll with It
by Jamie Sumner
978-1-4814-9209-6
Jameela, 15, Muslim of Pakistani origins, develops her
978-1-5344-4255-9
journalistic talents amid family problems and illness.
Disabled by cerebral palsy since birth, 12-year-old
(10-13)
wheelchair-reliant Ellie struggles with the challenges of
her surroundings while developing her gifts. (10-13)
The Next Great Paulie Fink
by Ali Benjam
Ruby in the Sky
(Little, Brown BFYR/Hachette, $16.99)
by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo
978-0-316-38088-1
Everyone in the seventh grade (except Caitlyn, who’s
978-0-374-30905-3
new) is grieving the inexplicable disappearance of
When 12-year-old Ruby Moon arrives in Vermont,
former classmate, Paulie, who had achieved mythic
she and her mother hope to hide their questionable
status. Is he irreplaceable? (10-12)
past, but a reclusive animal-loving neighbor, a Syrian
classmate, school bullies, and a sympathetic teacher stir
things up. (10-13)
38
The Runaways
by Ulf Stark, illustrated by Kitty Crowther
POETRY
(Gecko Press, $17.99) 978-1-776572-33-5
Grandpa and grandson Gottfried share a temperament
that’s skipped a generation. To enliven Grandpa’s last Birth of the Cool:
days, Gottfried engineers his escape from the hospital. How Jazz Great Miles Davis Found His Sound
Colored pencil illustrations. (9-12) by Kathleen Cornell Berman, illustrated by
Keith Henry Brown
Shouting at the Rain (Page Street Kids/Page Street Publishing, $17.99)
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt 978-1-62414-690-9
(Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin YR/PRH, $16.99) The combination of free verse and pastel illustrations
978-0-399-17515-2 depicts young Davis, his later association with other
After being rejected by her summer pal, Delsie finds jazz greats, and the emergence of his own unique
someone new. As they traipse around the Cape, musical sound. (8-11)
they uncover neighborhood secrets, including the
disappearance of Delsie’s mother. (9-12) Boom! Bellow! Bleat!:
Animal Poems for Two or More Voices
Silver Meadows Summer by Georgia Heard, illustrated by Aaron DeWitt
by Emma Otheguy (WordSong/Highlights, $17.95) 978-1-62091-520-2
(Alfred A. Knopf BFYR/Random House/PRH, $16.99) Poems encourage play with words and sounds while
978-1-5247-7323-6 providing opportunities to gather information. Digital
Changing family circumstances force 11-year-old artist illustrations are equally playful. Back matter provides
Carolina to move from Puerto Rico to upstate New interesting facts. (7-10)
York. Friendship and a backwoods discovery provide
hope. (9-12) I Remember:
Poems and Pictures of Heritage
Stargazing compiled by Lee Bennett Hopkins
written and illustrated by Jen Wang (Lee & Low Books, $19.95) 978-1-62014-311-7
(First Second/Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/ Fifteen poets and 14 illustrators of diverse
Macmillan, P $12.99) 978-1-250-18388-0 backgrounds reflect on their childhood memories and
Christine and Moon are best friends but couldn’t be traditions. Rich variety of art techniques and media.
more different. Their friendship becomes strained Short biographies of each poet and illustrator. (8-11)
when Moon reveals a deep secret. Pencil, ink, and
digital colorful illustrations. (9-12) The Shortest Day
by Susan Cooper, illustrated by Carson Ellis
Strange Birds: (Candlewick Press, $17.99) 978-0-7636-8698-7
A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers Together, the Newbery Medal-winning poet and
by Celia C. Pérez Caldecott Honor painter celebrate the return of
(Kokila/Penguin Random House, $16.99) seasonal light. Evocative gouache illustrations. Author’s
978-0-425-29043-9 note. (8-11)
Four seventh-grade strangers meet, find a mission, and
change a boring summer into one filled with adventure, The Undefeated
purpose, and friendship. (9-12) by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
(Versify/HMH, $17.99) 978-1-328-78096-6
Poetic text and powerful oil-on-board portraits
celebrate African Americans who “hurdled history and
opened a world of possible.” (9-12)
39
The Women Who Caught the Babies: The Roots of Rap:
A Story of African American Midwives 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop
by Eloise Greenfield, illustrated by Daniel Minter by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by
(Alazar Press, $17.95) 978-0-9977720-7-4 Frank Morrison
Poems capturing the work, the pain, and the joy of (Little Bee Books/Bonnier Pub., $18.99)
African American midwives illustrate their importance 978-1-4998-0411-9
to families and communities. Powerful illustrations and Powerful, rhythmic text and dynamic paintings put
photographs. (9-11) graffiti, break dancing, rapping, MCing, and deejaying
in historical context. Author/illustrator notes and
glossary. (8-11)
INFORMATION BOOKS Sonny’s Bridge:
Jazz Legend Sonny Rollins Finds His Groove
by Barry Wittenstein, illustrated by Keith Mallett
Activities (Charlesbridge, $17.99) 978-1-58089-881-2
Was Sonny’s career over when he left fame behind?
The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs Playing his saxophone on the Williamsburg Bridge
by America’s Test Kitchen led to self-discovery and a new musical sound. Digital
(Sourcebooks Explore, $19.99) 978-1-4926-7769-7 artwork. (8-10)
Young aspiring chefs will find many interesting recipes
and additional information. Colorful photographs,
charts, and cooking tips. (9-12) Biography and Memoir
Becoming RBG:
Arts Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Journey to Justice
by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Whitney Gardner
Comics: Easy as ABC!: (Simon & Schuster BFYR, $19.99) 978-1-5344-2456-2
The Essential Guide to Comics for Kids Life experiences shaped this feminist icon’s legal
written and illustrated by Ivan Brunetti, perspective and ascent to the Supreme Court.
introduction by Françoise Mouly Endnotes. Monochromatic digitally rendered
(Toon Graphics/Toon Books, $16.95) illustrations. (10-12)
978-1-943145-44-7
Useful illustrations are combined with instructions on The Book Rescuer:
drawing cartoons. Resources, bibliography. (8-11) How a Mensch from Massachusetts Saved Yiddish
Literature for Generations to Come
Degas, Painter of Ballerinas by Sue Macy, illustrated by Stacy Innerst
by Susan Goldman Rubin, illustrated with reproductions (Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
from paintings in the Metropolitan Museum of Art 978-1-4814-7220-3
(Abrams BFYR, $19.99) 978-1-4197-2843-3 Slowly building an entire library, Aaron Lansky saved
Working behind the scenes at the opera, Degas Yiddish literature and thus a history and culture. Acrylic
observed young dancers and created a series of and gouache artwork. (8-11)
Impressionist paintings. Photographs with descriptive
captions. Back matter. (8-10) Born Just Right
by Jordan Reeves and Jen Lee Reeves
Playing with Collage (Jeter Children’s/Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, $17.99)
written and illustrated by Jeannie Baker 978-1-5344-2838-6
(Candlewick Studio/Candlewick Press, $16.00) Jordan, 14, was born without a lower arm or hand. She
978-1-5362-0539-8 creates a glitter-shooting arm prosthesis, advocates
Baker, a wonderful Australian artist, provides intriguing for the disabled, and writes her own story. Photographs
ideas for creating collages with natural materials. and back matter. (10-12)
Beautiful color photos. (10-12)
40
The Brave Cyclist:
Her Own Two Feet:
The True Story of a Holocaust Hero
A Rwandan Girl’s Brave Fight to Walk
by Amalia Hoffman, illustrated by Chiara Fedele
by Meredith Davis, and Rebeka Uwitonze
(Capstone Editions/Capstone, $17.95)
978-1-68446-063-2
Nine-year-old Rebeka makes the courageous journey
During World War II, cycling champion Gino Bartali
from Rwanda to the U.S. for life-changing surgery. (9-12)
used his biking speed and strength to deliver
documents for Jews escaping Fascist Italy. Colorful,
detailed illustrations. Back matter. (9-12) Let ’Er Buck!:
George Fletcher, the People’s Champion
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by
Dear America:
Gordon C. James
The Story of an Undocumented Citizen
(Carolrhoda Books/Lerner, $18.99)
by Jose Antonio Vargas
978-1-5124-9808-0
When judges deprive African American cowboy George
Sent to the United States from the Philippines when
Fletcher of a rodeo victory, the spectators support him.
he was 12, the author recounts his success in school,
Rhythmic prose, dynamic oil illustrations, and extensive
citizenship problems, and life as a journalist. Young
back matter. (8-10)
readers edition. (9-12)
Monument Maker:
Elvis Is King!
Daniel Chester French and the Lincoln Memorial
by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Red Nose Studio
by Linda Booth Sweeney, illustrated by Shawn Fields
(Tilbury House Publishers, $19.95)
978-0-399-55470-4
978-0-88448-643-5
In this lyrical and riveting narrative, Elvis’s life is
French’s journey, from a young sculptor helped by
captured brilliantly and evocatively via photos of
Louisa May Alcott’s sister to the creator of the statue of
handcrafted diorama-like sets. Detailed author’s note.
Lincoln, is told with pen and ink crosshatched drawings.
(7-10)
Sources and time line. (8-11)
Gloria Takes a Stand:

Polar Explorer
How Gloria Steinem Listened, Wrote, and
by Jade Hameister
Changed the World
by Jessica M. Rinker, illustrated by Daria Peoples-Riley
978-1-250-31768-1
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, $17.99)
Jade Hameister recounts her journey at age 14 as
978-1-68119-676-3
the youngest person to ski to both Poles. Includes
This substantive picture book biography presents an
information about the equipment needed for the
important figure in the women’s movement who was
expeditions. Color photographs. (9-12)
the founder of Ms. magazine. Mixed-media and digital
illustrations. Back matter. (8-11)
Rise!:
From Caged Bird to Poet of the People,
Guts
Maya Angelou
written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
by Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Tonya Engel
(Graphix/Scholastic, $24.99) 978-0-545-85251-7
(Lee & Low Books, $20.95) 978-1-62014-587-6
When Raina’s fear of vomiting begins to affect her
This powerful biography in free verse illustrated with
social and academic life, she sees a therapist to learn to
oil paintings shows how Angelou transformed the
cope with her overwhelming anxieties. Colorful graphic
trauma of her childhood into political action and poetry.
panels. (10-12)
(8-11) Mature Content
41
Spotted Tail History
by David Heska Wanbli Weiden, illustrated by
Jim Yellowhawk and Pat Kinsella A Green Place to Be:
(Reycraft Books, $18.95) 978-1-4788-6788-3 The Creation of Central Park
Lakota leader Spotted Tail led his people in battle but written and illustrated by Ashley Benham Yazdani
really desired peace and was always willing to negotiate (Candlewick Press, $17.99) 978-0-7636-9695-5
with the US government. Boldly colored, imaginative The creation of New York’s Central Park is depicted in
illustrations. (8-10) beautiful watercolors. Extensive back matter. (8-10)
The Story of Olympic Swimmer Duke Kahanamoku Liberty Arrives!:

by Ellie Crowe, illustrated by Richard Waldrep How America’s Grandest Statue Found Her Home
(Lee & Low Books, P $8.95) 978-1-62014-852-5 written and illustrated by Robert Byrd
Born in 1890 in Hawaii, this word-famous surfer and (Dial BFYR/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99)
swimmer won Olympic gold medals and broke world 978-0-7352-3082-8
records while facing discrimination. Realistic black- It took 21 years, a sculptor, an engineer, an architect,
and-white illustrations. Time line, bibliography, sources. journalists, schoolchildren, and many others to create
(9-12) Lady Liberty, transport her to America, and raise her up
in New York Harbor. Detailed illustrations. (11-13)
The Unstoppable Garrett Morgan:
Inventor, Entrepreneur, Hero Stonewall:
by Joan DiCicco, illustrated by Ebony Glenn A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution.
(Lee & Low Books, $19.95) 978-1-62014-564-7 by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Jamey Christoph
The son of formerly enslaved parents, Morgan loved (Random House BFYR/PRH, $17.99)
finding a better way to do things. Noticing that 978-1-5247-1952-4
firefighters were not sufficiently protected from the Engaging illustrations accompany the compelling
flames, he invented a safety hood. Smoky watercolors. history of the iconic Stonewall Inn in New York City’s
Time line and bibliography. (8-10) Greenwich Village and its role in the LGBTQ civil
rights movement. Extensive back matter with archival
photographs. (8-10)
Ecology Survivors of the Holocaust:
True Stories of Six Extraordinary Children
Look Again:
edited by Kath Shackleton, illustrated by
Secrets of Animal Camouflage
Zane Whittingham
written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
(Sourcebooks Young Readers, $19.99)
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt BFYR, $17.99)
978-1-4926-8892-1
978-1-328-85094-2
Adapted from a BBC animation series, these are the
Animal survival through camouflage is eloquently
true stories of six Jewish youngsters who survived the
explained and shown via brilliant torn paper collage and
Nazi occupation of Europe. Intense, stark illustrations.
digitally created illustrations. Extensive back matter.
Extensive back matter. (10-12)
(8-10)
Todos iguales/All Equal:

Un corrido de Lemon Grove/A Ballad of Lemon Grove
Health written and illustrated by Christy Hale
(Children’s Book Press/Lee & Low, $19.95)
Under Pressure: 978-0-89239-427-2
The Science of Stress In the 1930s, Mexican Americans fought for their right
by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Marie-Ève Tremblay to attend an integrated elementary school in Lemon
(Kids Can Press, $16.99) 978-1-5253-0007-3 Grove, California. Illustrations in gouache and relief ink
What happens to our bodies under stress, situations printing. In English and in Spanish. Back matter. (8-10)
when stress can be helpful, and “stress busters” are
explained simply. Humorous digital art. Sources, index.
(10-13)
42
Religion The Boy Who Touched the Stars/El niño que
alcanzó las estrellas
I Am Hermes!: by José M. Hernández, illustrated by
Mischief-Making Messenger of the Gods Steven James Petruccio
written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein (Piñata Books/Arte Público, $17.95)
(Holiday House, $18.99) 978-0-8234-3942-3 978-1-55885-882-4
Meet the impish, ingenious Greek god who invented The son of migrant Mexican farm workers realizes
the first musical instrument and gave Aesop the gift of his lifelong goal to become a U.S. astronaut. Realistic
storytelling. Vivid cartoon panels. (8-10) illustrations. In English and Spanish. (8-11)
Can You Crack the Code?:

Sports A Fascinating History of Ciphers and Cryptography
by Ella Schwartz, illustrated by Lily Williams
Billie Jean!: (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, $21.99)
How Tennis Star Billie Jean King Changed 978-1-68119-514-8
Women’s Sports Learn about different codes and ciphers used from
by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley antiquity to the present. Interactive examples. Black-
(G.P. Putnam’s Sons BFYR/PRH, $17.99) and-white cartoon illustrations. Back matter. (10-13)
978-0-525-51779-5
An outstanding tennis player fights for equal rights for Can You Hear the Trees Talking?:
female athletes. Illustrations in ink, watercolor, acrylic, Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest
and digital media. (8-10) by Peter Wohlleben, adapted by Jane Billinghurst,
translated from the German by Shelley Tanaka,
illustrated by Belle Wuthrich
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
(Greystone Books, $17.95) 978-1-77164-434-1
How trees communicate with one another, breathe,
drink, procreate, and more are explained by a lifelong
All in a Drop: forester. Quizzes and activities. Excellent color photos,
How Antony van Leeuwenhoek sketches. Back matter. Young readers edition of The
Discovered an Invisible World Hidden Life of Trees. (9-12)
by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger
(Houghton Mifflin/HMH, $17.99) 978-1-328-88420-6
Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species
In 17th-century Netherlands, a young cloth dealer
adapted and illustrated by Sabina Radeva
discovers a world invisible to the naked eye. Notes,
(Crown BFYR/Random House/PRH, $18.99)
glossary, sources, time line. Pastel, colored pencil, and
978-1-9848-9491-5
watercolor illustrations. (9-12)
Complex concepts such as variation and natural
selection are introduced through accessible text and
Beyond Words: quotes, supported by stylized but accurate depictions
What Elephants and Whales Think and Feel of species. Author’s note, bibliography, glossary. (9-11)
by Carl Safina
(Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan, $17.99)
Crossing on Time:
978-1-250-14463-8
Steam Engines, Fast Ships, and a Journey
The behavior and family structure of the largest
to the New World
mammals on land and in the ocean have been studied in
written and illustrated by David Macaulay
depth by observers who discuss similarities with human
(Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/Macmillan, $24.99)
behavior. Photographs, back matter. Young readers
978-1-59643-477-6
edition. (10-13)
Full-page illustrations, diagrams, and cutaway views
detail the history of the construction of the SS United
A Book about Whales States, the steamship on which the author-artist
written and illustrated by Andrea Antinori emigrated in 1957. (10-13)
(Abrams BFYR, $16.99) 978-1-4197-3502-8
Clear, detailed writing and whimsical black-and-
white drawings bring the underwater world of Earth’s
marvelous mammals to life. Bibliography, index. (9-12)
43
Dolphins! (Strange and Wonderful series)
Mario and the Hole in the Sky:
by Laurence Pringle, illustrated by Meryl Henderson
How a Chemist Saved Our Planet
(Boyds Mills Press/Highlights, $17.95)
by Elizabeth Rusch, illustrated by Teresa Martínez
978-1-62979-680-2
(Charlesbridge, $16.99) 978-1-58089-581-1
Learn how all kinds of dolphins live and communicate.
A Mexican-born scientist helps solve the ozone crisis
Clear pencil and watercolor illustrations. Back matter
in the 1980s and gives hope in the fight against climate
and resources. (8-11)
change. Mixed-media illustrations. Source notes,
bibliography, time line, and more. Also available in
Even More Lesser Spotted Animals: Spanish. (8-10)
More Brilliant Beasts You Never Knew You Needed
to Know About
Migration:
written and illustrated by Martin Brown
Incredible Animal Journeys
(David Fickling Books/Scholastic, $18.99)
by Mike Unwin, illustrated by Jenni Desmond
978-1-338-34961-0
Humorous text and illustrations present lesser-known
978-1-5476-0097-7
animals, such as the dingiso and tamandua. Maps and
The seasonal epic journey of 21 species—
glossary. (8-11)
from dragonflies to whales—to survive their
unaccommodating environments is vivified by exquisite
From an Idea to Google: mixed-media illustrations. Includes map. (9-12)
How Innovation at Google Changed the World
by Lowey Bundy Sichol, illustrated by C. S. Jennings Nature’s Ninja:
(Houghton Mifflin/HMH, $15.99) 978-1-328-95491-6 Animals with Spectacular Skills
An accessible account of the large tech company and by Rebecca L. Johnson
the two men who started it includes an explanation of (Millbrook Press/Lerner, $31.99) 978-1-5415-4241-9
how Google works. Spot black-and-white illustrations. Fascinating explanations compare the ancient Japanese
(9-12) ninja with animals that exhibit similar techniques.
Outstanding photographs. Back matter. (10-13)
Growing Up Gorilla:
How a Zoo Baby Brought Her Family Together Nose Knows:
by Clare Hodgson Meeker Wild Ways Animals Smell the World
(Millbrook Press/Lerner, $31.99) 978-1-5415-4240-2 by Emmanuelle Figueras, illustrated by
Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo staff assists a mother Claire de Gastold
gorilla to bond with her baby. Appealing photographs (What on Earth Books, $21.99) 978-1-912920-07-5
and extensive back matter. (8-11) Learn how the nose and scent play a crucial role in
animals’ survival and behavior. Oversized realistic
Hawks Kettle, Puffins Wheel: illustrations, interactive format. Index. (8-11)
And Other Poems of Birds in Flight
by Susan Vande Griek, illustrated by Mark Hoffman The Poison Eaters:
(Kids Can Press, $16.99) 978-1-77138-995-2 Fighting Danger and Fraud in Our Food and Drugs
Poetic descriptions of birds in flight—gliding, diving, and by Gail Jarrow
hovering—are paired with gouache and digital-media (Calkins Creek/Boyds Mills & Kane, $18.99)
illustrations. Back matter includes glossary and notes 978-1-62979-438-9
on each bird. (8-11) Dr. Harvey Wiley fought hard to see passage of the
Pure Food and Drug Act, which ultimately led to
How to Become an Accidental Genius the creation of the Food and Drug Administration.
by Elizabeth MacLeod and Frieda Wishinsky, illustrated Photographs. Back matter includes time line, notes, and
by Jenn Playford bibliography. (10-13)
This discussion of how women, men, and children
chanced upon inventions great and small is enhanced by
copious illustrations and archival photographs. (10-13)
44
A Ray of Light: The Tornado Scientist:
A Book of Science and Wonder Seeing Inside Severe Storms (Scientists in the
written and photographed by Walter Wick Field series)
(Scholastic Press, $17.99) 978-0-439-16587-7 by Mary Kay Carson, photographed by Tom Uhlman
A noted photographer carefully explores the complex (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt BFYR, $18.99)
subject of light through the meticulously planned 978-0-544-96582-9
experiments he photographs. (9-12) Research meteorologist Robin Tanamachi studies
tornadoes and Dixie Alley. Includes sources, glossary,
Rising Water: and breathtaking photographs. (10-13)
The Story of the Thai Cave Rescue
by Marc Aronson, map and diagrams by Rick Britton Unseen Worlds:
(Atheneum BFYR/ Simon & Schuster, $17.99) Real-Life Microscopic Creatures Hiding All around Us
978-1-5344-4413-3 by Hélène Rajcak, illustrated by Damien Laverdunt
A Thai boys soccer team’s field trip quickly became (What on Earth Books, $21.99) 978-1-9999680-1-4
life-threatening when rains flooded their only exit. Colorful, detailed, double-page spreads with fold-
This is the story of their astonishing rescue. Color outs identify magnified microscopic creatures in their
photographs and black-and-white illustrations. (10-13) environments, including the beach, ocean, forest, beds,
and skin. (9-12)
Rocket to the Moon! (Big Ideas that
Changed the World series) The Woolly Monkey Mysteries:
written and illustrated by Don Brown The Quest to Save a Rain Forest Species
(Amulet Books/Abrams, $13.99) 978-1-4197-3404-5 by Sandra Markle
Humor combines with facts to describe scientific, (Millbrook Press/Lerner, $31.99) 978-1-5124-5868-8
political, and social factors involved in the history of Both photos and format complement a scientific study
space travel. Color graphic panels. Back matter. (9-12) in a Peruvian reserve of an endangered species critical
to the survival of the rainforest. (8-11)
Rotten!:
Vultures, Beetles, Slime, and Nature’s Your Amazing Digestion from Mouth
Other Decomposers through Intestine
by Anita Sanchez, illustrated by Gilbert Ford by Joanne Settel, illustrated by Steve Björkman
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $16.99) (Atheneum BFYR/Simon & Schuster, $18.99)
978-1-328-84165-0 978-1-4814-8688-0
This discussion of scavengers emphasizes the value of Catchy rhymes follow pizza from mouth to anus and
decomposition, nature’s fascinating process that gives explain the digestive system. Quirky pen, ink, and
life to other creatures. Colorful illustrations depict the watercolor illustrations. Back matter includes extensive
actions of animals. (8-11) glossary. (10-13)
Saving the Tasmanian Devil:

How Science Is Helping the World’s Largest World
Marsupial Carnivore Survive (Scientists in the
Field series) Sharing Our Truths: Tapwe
by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent by Henry Beaver and Mindy Willett, with Eileen Beaver,
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt BFYR, $18.99) photographed by Tessa Macintosh
978-0-544-99148-4 (Fifth House Publishers/Fitzhenry & Whiteside, $19.95)
Follow an exciting journey with geneticists, ecologists, 978-1-9270-8352-9
and genomic experts as they grapple with a disease A family visits their grandparents in the Northwest
of a dying species. Captivating photographs. Update, Territories of Canada to learn about their Cree culture.
glossary, sources. (9-12) Color photographs and back matter. (8-11)
45
TWELVE TO FOURTEEN
FICTION Coming of Age
All the Ways Home
Adventure and Mystery
by Elsie Chapman
978-1-250-16679-1
The 1000 Year Old Boy
A Japanese Canadian boy’s mother is killed in an
by Ross Welford
accident. Now he must spend the summer in Japan with
his estranged father and write an essay on the meaning
978-0-525-70745-5
of home. (12-15)
When you are 1000 years old but look only 11, you
need friends like never before. Will Alfie ever be able to
start aging normally? (11-13) Beast Rider
by Tony Johnston, and Maria Elena Fontanot de Rhoads
(Amulet Books/Abrams , $17.99) 978-1-4197-3363-5
Dog Driven
Leaving his small Mexican corn farm, Manuel, 12, begins
by Terry Lynn Johnson
a perilous three-year journey to reunite with his older
brother in Los Angeles. Glossary of Spanish terms.
978-1-328-55159-7
(12-14)
Although McKenna, 14, is beginning to lose her sight
from Stargardt disease, she decides to participate in a
grueling Canadian dog sled race anyway. (12-14) The Crossover (The Crossover series)
by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile
Our Castle by the Sea
978-1-328-96001-6
by Lucy Strange
Thanks to former pro Chuck Bell, their dad, twins Josh
(Chicken House/Scholastic, $17.99)
and Jordan, 12, are the kings of the basketball court ...
978-1-338-35385-3
until tragedy strikes. Dynamic black, white, and orange
Living in a lighthouse facing the English Channel during
graphics. (11-13)
WWII, Pet, 11, begins to suspect someone in her family
is committing treason. Could it be her German mother?
(11-13) Dear Sweet Pea
by Julie Murphy
(Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, $16.99)
Running Wild
978-0-06-247307-3
by Lucy Jane Bledsoe
As seventh grade ends, Sweet Pea struggles with her
(Margaret Ferguson Books/Holiday House, $16.99)
parents’ unconventional divorce, confronts changes
978-0-8234-4363-5
in friendships, and discovers she has a knack for giving
Willa’s father moved the family to the Alaskan
advice. (11-13)
wilderness. Now Willa needs all her survival skills to
save herself and her younger brothers—partly from
The Doughnut King (The Doughnut Fix series)
their father. (11-13)
by Jessie Janowitz, illustrated by Nina Goffi
(Sourcebooks Young Readers, $16.99)
The Story Pirates Present: Digging Up Danger 978-1-4926-5544-2
(Story Pirates series) Tris thought moving from New York City to the middle
by Jacqueline West, illustrated by Hatem Aly of nowhere would make his life worse. As he starts his
(Random House BFYR/PRH, $13.99) doughnut business, things get better, but much more
978-1-63565-091-4 complicated. Spot black-and-white illustrations. (11-13)
A 13-year-old ghost-hunter and her horticulturalist
mom find weird plants in a flower shop. Black-and-
white illustrations throughout. Includes a section on
how to write a mystery. (11-13)
46
Revenge of the Red Club
Genesis Begins Again
by Kim Harrington
by Alicia D. Williams
978-1-5344-3572-8
978-1-4814-6580-9
Riley takes action to keep her favorite club (a support
Genesis faces her father’s alcoholism, her family’s
group for young women that addresses menstruation
financial instability, and colorist insults, not only in her
and other issues) and the middle school newspaper
community, but from within her own family. (11-14)
functioning. (11-14)
A Good Kind of Trouble
Right as Rain
by Lisa Moore Ramée
by Lindsey Stoddard
978-0-06-283668-7
When Rain’s beloved brother dies, the family abruptly
As Shayla begins junior high, she must cope with
moves to the city. Her initial isolation is assuaged by
increased racial and ethnic diversity, including Black
new friends with stories of their own. (11-14)
Lives Matter. Track meets present challenges and
successes. (11-13)
Stand on the Sky
by Erin Bow
It’s the End of the World As I Know It
by Matthew Landis
978-1-328-55746-9
In Kazakh nomad culture, all eagle trainers must be
978-0-7352-2801-6
male. Will Aisulu defy tradition in order to have a
After the sudden death of his mother, eighth grader
chance at saving her brother’s life? (12-15)
Derrick prepares for doomsday, until friendship
convinces him life is worth living. (12-14)
Where the Heart Is
by Jo Knowles
Mean
by Justin Sayre
The summer before eighth grade, Rachel, 13, struggles
(Penguin Workshop/Penguin YR/PRH, $16.99)
with friendship, her sexual identity, social class, and
978-1-5247-8795-0
the foreclosure of her home. Change is certainly
In the weeks leading up to her bat mitzvah, Ellen tries
bittersweet. (12-14)
to puzzle out what it means to become a young woman,
while navigating the middle school battlefield. (11-14)
The Whispers
by Greg Howard
New Kid
written and illustrated by Jerry Craft, color by
In South Carolina, 11-year-old Riley fears that his
Jim Callahan
mother’s disappearance is connected to her having
seen him kiss a boy. But why can’t he remember what
When seventh grader Jordan Banks begins school at a
happened? (11-14)
predominantly rich, white, private school, he discovers
that for kids of color, fitting in isn’t always easy. Vibrant
graphic panels. (11-14)
Fantasy
Other Words for Home
by Jasmine Warga Aru Shah and the Song of Death (Pandava Series)
(Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, $16.99) by Roshani Chokshi
978-0-06-274780-8 (Rick Riordan Presents/Disney-Hyperion Books,
After moving from Syria to America, Jude finds $16.99) 978-1-3680-1384-0
everything too fast and too loud. Will she ever be able If Aru doesn’t find the god of love’s bow and arrow in
to be herself and feel at home again? (11-13) ten days, she’ll be expelled from the Otherworld. Will
she succeed in her quest? (11-13)
47
Changeling (Oddmire series)
A Tear in the Ocean
written and illustrated by William Ritter
by H. M. Bouwman, illustrated by Yuko Shimizu
(Algonquin Young Readers/Algonquin Books of Chapel
Hill, $16.95) 978-1-61620-839-4
In the Second World, when the ocean water becomes
A goblin bungles an assignment to switch a changeling
undrinkable, 12-year-old Prince Putnam runs away to
for a newborn baby, leaving Annie with two seemingly
solve the problem, meeting danger and friendship on
identical boys who she loves equally. Spot black-and-
the way. Occasional black-and-white drawings. (11-13)
white illustrations. (11-13)
Throwback
Cicada by Peter Lerangis
written and illustrated by Shaun Tan (Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99) 978-0-06-240638-5
(Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, $19.99) Corey has inherited his grandfather’s ability to travel in
978-1-338-29839-0 time. But unlike his grandfather, Corey can change the
After 17 years of facing constant workplace past. Can he prevent his grandmother’s untimely death?
discrimination, a cicada retires and comes into his own. (11-14)
Somber grey oils. (11-14)
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Game of Stars (Kiranmala and the Kingdom (Tristan Strong series)
Beyond series) by Kwame Mbalia
by Sayantani DasGupta, illustrated by Vivienne To (Rick Riordan Presents/Disney-Hyperion Books,
(Scholastic Press, $17.99) 978-1-338-18573-7 $17.99) 978-1-3680-3993-2
A 12-year-old Indian princess living in New Jersey When Tristan tumbles into the MidPass while attempting
returns to another dimension to rescue a friend. to rescue a friend’s journal, he must contend with haunted
Author’s note informs readers about Bengali folk ships and iron monsters and find the god Anansi. (11-13)
tales, alchemy, astronomy, and more. Grey-toned spot
Historical Fiction
Ghost:
Thirteen Haunting Tales to Tell
For to See the Elephant
written and illustrated by Illustrátus
by Tammi J. Truax
(Chronicle Books, $21.99) 978-1-4521-7128-9
(Piscataqua Press, $12.99) 978-1-950381-05-0
Two boys in summer camp sneak off to the
An enslaved African boy cares for the first elephants
groundskeeper’s cabin in the middle of the night to hear
brought to post-colonial America. Based on primary
his frightening tales. Spooky digital illustrations. (11-14)
sources. Told in verse. Author’s note, discussion
questions, sources. (12-15)
The Library of Ever
by Zeno Alexander
Girl under a Red Moon:
(Imprint/Macmillan, $16.99) 978-1-250-16917-4
Growing Up during China’s Cultural Revolution
When rich, wretched Lenora escapes from her nanny
by Da Chen
in a mysterious library where she is appointed as an
underling librarian, a multitude of adventures await.
Sisi, the granddaughter of landowners, flees her
(11-14)
native village with her brother Da after her shaming
by Red Guards. A harrowing story of survival during
Sal & Gabi Break the Universe (Sal & Gabi series) the Cultural Revolution in China. Black-and-white ink
by Carlos Hernandez drawings. (11-14) Mature Content
(Rick Riordan Presents/Disney-Hyperion, $16.99)
978-1-3680-2282-8
In a Miami school for the arts, Cuban American seventh
grader Sal can open portals to alternate universes. But
there are consequences. (11-13)
48
How High the Moon Queen of the Sea
by Karyn Parsons written and illustrated by Dylan Meconis
(Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, $16.99) (Walker Books/Candlewick Press, $24.99)
978-0-316-48400-8 978-1-5362-0498-8
In 1944, Ella, 11, returns to South Carolina after visiting Raised in an island convent, Margaret longs to know
her mother in Boston and learns that her schoolmate her true identify, but when Queen Eleanor, an exiled
has been charged with murdering two white girls. monarch, arrives on the island, Margaret has difficult
(11-13) Mature Content choices to make. Muted graphic illustrations. (11-13)
Lenny’s Book of Everything Spy Runner

by Karen Foxlee by Eugene Yelchin
(Alfred A. Knopf BFYR/Random House/PRH, $16.99) (Godwin Books/Henry Holt/Macmillan, $17.99)
978-1-5247-7012-9 978-1-250-12081-6
Lenny, 11, and her younger brother, Davey, obsess Jake, 12, wonders if his mother’s new boarder is a
over the contents of monthly installments of an Russian spy going after secret plans from the nearby
encyclopedia—even as Davey’s health deteriorates. Air Force base. Black-and-white photographic-style
(11-14) illustrations. (11-13)
The Magnolia Sword: Stage Dreams

A Ballad of Mulan written and illustrated by Melanie Gillman
by Sherry Thomas (Graphic Universe/Lerner, $29.32) 978-1-5124-4000-3
(Tu Books/Lee & Low, $19.95) 978-1-62014-804-4 In New Mexico during the Civil War, Grace, a
In fifth-century China, a girl disguised as her brother transgender runaway, and Flor, a Latina outlaw, join
fights for the emperor, uncovers family secrets, and to thwart a Confederate plan. Color graphic panels.
finds true love. (12-15) Historical annotations. (13-15)
O Captain, My Captain: White Bird:

Walt Whitman, Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War A Wonder Story
by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Sterling Hundley written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio, inking by
(Abrams BFYR, $19.99) 978-1-4197-3358-1 Kevin Czap, afterword by Ruth Franklin
Horrific hospital conditions and a deep respect for the (Alfred A. Knopf BFYR/Random House/PRH, $24.99)
president inspire the words and actions of a great poet. 978-0-525-64553-5
Haunting illustrations and extensive back matter. (12-15) French girl Sara, separated from her parents, is hidden
from the Nazis by classmate Julien, a polio victim, and
Orange for the Sunsets his parents. Digital art. Back matter and biographical
by Tina Athaide information. (11-13)
(Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $16.99)
978-0-06-279529-8
Asha, Indian, and Yesofu, Ugandan, find their deep Magical Realism
friendship tested when dictator Idi Amin announces
that Indians have 90 days to leave Uganda. Back matter
Dead Voices
includes time line and resources. (11-13)
by Katherine Arden
A Place to Belong In this sequel to Small Spaces, three friends stuck in a
by Cynthia Kadohata, illustrated by Julia Kuo snowstorm encounter ghosts and a longtime enemy.
(A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book/Atheneum BFYR/Simon & Will their parents ever believe them? (11-13)
Schuster, $17.99) 978-1-4814-4664-8
Hanako, 12, recounts the family’s return to Hiroshima
after their confinement in an incarceration camp in the Just South of Home
United States during World War II. Occasional black- by Karen Strong
and-while illustrations. (11-13) (Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-5344-1938-4
Dark racist secrets haunting the past of a Georgia town
begin to be revealed as four young explorers encounter
a ghost who seeks justice and closure. (11-13)
49
Trace Today
by Pat Cummings
(Harper/HarperCollins Publishers, $16.99) The Best at It
9780062698841 by Maulik Pancholy
The ghost of a child who died when the New York City (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, $16.99) 978-0-286641-7
Colored Orphan Asylum burned down in the 1860s Rahul, 12, an Indian American boy growing up in a small
confronts Trace, 13. What’s the connection? (11-14) town in Indiana, struggles to come to terms with his
identity, including that he may be gay. (11-13)
Science Fiction For Black Girls Like Me

by Mariama J. Lockington
Dragon Pearl (Farrar Straus Giroux BFYR/Macmillan, $16.99)
by Yoon Ha Lee 978-0-374-30804-9
(Rick Riordan Presents/Disney-Hyperion Books, Adopted by a white family, Makeda, who is black,
$16.99) 978-1-3680-1335-2 struggles to find her place in the white world,
Min, a gumiho (shape-shifting fox spirit), must rely on complicated by her mother’s mental illness. (12-15)
all her abilities to search for her missing brother and
uncover the mystery of the Dragon Pearl. (11-14) Girl of the Southern Sea
by Michelle Kadarusman
The Giver (Pajama Press, $17.95) 978-1-77278-081-9
by Lois Lowry, adapted by P. Craig Russell, illustrated by In the Jakarta slums, motherless Nia, 14, an aspiring
P. Craig Russell, Galen Showman, and Scott Hampton, writer, must support herself and her little brother when
coloring by Lovern Kindzierski, lettering by Rick Parker their alcoholic father abandons them. Glossary. (11-14)
978-0-544-15788-0 Good Enough
In a conformist community, The Giver imparts Memory, by Jen Petro-Roy
and thus feelings, to Jonas, who then must find a way (Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, $16.99)
out. Cartoon panels in a blue-grey palette depict a 978-1-250-12351-0
colorless world. Until … (12-15) Mature Content Sent to a residential eating disorder clinic, Riley vividly
describes her struggles with eating and self image.
Outwalkers (11-14)
by Fiona Shaw
(David Fickling Books/Scholastic, $17.99) Harvey Comes Home
978-1-338-27750-0 by Colleen Nelson, illustrated by Tara Anderson
In a future dystopian England, Jacob escapes from an (Pajama Press, $17.95) 978-1-77278-097-0
orphanage, pursued by authorities, seeking freedom Austin, a young volunteer at a retirement home,
with a gang of rebel children. (11-14) rescues a runaway dog, who a reclusive resident bonds
with. Should Austin still try to find the dog’s owner?
The Seventh Voyage Soft black-and-white illustrations. (11-13)
by Stanisław Lem, adapted and illustrated by
John J. Muth, translated from the Polish by Let Me Fix that For You
Michael Kandel by Janice Erlbaum
(Graphix/Scholastic, $19.99) 978-0-545-00462-6 (Farrar Straus Giroux BFYR/Macmillan, $16.99)
In an adaptation of the famous Polish science fiction 978-0-374-30810-0
writer’s humorous short story, an astronaut meets Glad, 12, believes she can find the solution to any
himself in the near and distant past and future. Action- problem, including her parents’ severed relationship.
filled watercolors. (12-14) (12-14)
50
The Line Tender
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
by Kate Allen
by Dan Gemeinhart
(Dutton Children's Books/PRH, $17.99)
(Henry Holt and Co. BFYR/Macmillan, $16.99)
978-0-7352-3160-3
978-1-250-19670-5
After a tragedy, Lucy continues her late mother’s shark
A devastating loss sends Coyote and her dad on a
research to process her grief. Lifelike pencil drawings of
nomadic life, where they learn that it is still possible to
sharks. (11-13)
go home. (12-14)
Look Both Ways:

Summer of a Thousand Pies
A Tale Told in Ten Blocks
by Margaret Dilloway
by Jason Reynolds
(A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book/Atheneum BFYR/Simon &
978-0-06-280346-7
Schuster, $17.99) 978-1-4814-3828-5
Previously homeless, Cady, 12, is now fostered by her
Ten interrelated but stand-alone humorous and
aunt, who runs a struggling pie shop. As Aunt Shell gains
touching stories present middle school children walking
Cady’s trust, secrets are revealed and pies are baked.
home at the end of a school day. (11-13)
Spot black-and-white illustrations. (11-13)
Maybe He Just Likes You

by Barbara Dee
POETRY
978-1-5344-3237-6
Mila feels that four boys in her school are singling her
out for inappropriate attention. Finally, she finds the The Iliad
strength to confront the problem. (11-14) adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds, based on
several translations from the ancient Greek
The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James
This retelling of the Homeric epic powerfully conveys
by Ashley Herring Blake
the chaos and brutality of the war between the Greeks
and the Trojans, each aided by Olympian deities.
978-0-316-51553-5
Dramatic, richly detailed artwork. (13-15)
Sunny, 12, navigates heart surgery, betrayal,
reconnection with a mother who abandoned her, and
feelings for another girl. (11-14)
INFORMATION BOOKS
Operatic
by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler
(Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press, $19.95) Biography and Memoir
978-1-55498-972-0
Middle school angst is explored graphically through Child of the Dream:
soft dramatic drawings expressing musical history. A Memoir of 1963
Charlotte (Charlie) Noguchi struggles with crushes and by Sharon Robinson
bullying, and finds comfort learning about opera singer (Scholastic Press, $16.99) 978-1-338-28280-1
Maria Callas. Bibliography. (12-14) Sharon remembers the year she was 13; her famous
father, Jackie; learning about the civil rights movement;
The Other Half of Happy and participating in the March on Washington. Family
by Rebecca Balcárcel photographs. (11-13)
(Chronicle Books, $16.99) 978-1-4521-6998-9
No way is Quijana going with her family to visit
Guatemala. She can’t speak Spanish anyway. But can
her little brother manage without her? (10-13)
51
Dissenter on the Bench: Franklin D. Roosevelt (The Making of America series)
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life & Work by Teri Kanefield
by Victoria Ortiz (Abrams BFYR, $16.99) 978-1-4197-3402-1
(Clarion Books/HMH, $18.99) 978-0-544-97364-0 The only US president to be elected to four terms led
Selected legal cases illuminate this Supreme Court the country through the Great Depression and World
justice’s illustrious legal career-long fight for gender War II. Includes index, notes, speeches, time lines, and
and racial equality. Photographs, bibliography, index. photos. (12-14)
(12-15)
Free Lunch
Dreaming in Code: by Rex Ogle
Ada Byron Lovelace, Computer Pioneer (Norton Young Readers/W. W. Norton & Co., $16.95)
by Emily Arnold McCully 978-1-324-00360-1
(Candlewick Press, $19.99) 978-0-7636-9356-5 Living in chronic poverty with abusive parents, sixth
The brief, unhappy life and extraordinary intellectual grader Rex labors to maintain his dignity, humanity, and
pursuits of this mathematician and daughter of Lord humor; he resolves to develop his talents as a writer.
Byron are recounted in detail. Archival photos and (11-14)
extensive back matter. (12-14)
Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic:
Elon Musk: A Comedian’s Guide to Life on the Spectrum
A Mission to Save the World by Michael McCreary
by Anna Crowley Redding (Annick Press, P $11.95) 978-1-77321-257-9
(Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, $19.99) In a world where autism is all too often spoken about
978-1-250-31362-1 clinically, this book fills a void by describing the fulfilling
Bullied as a child, Musk nonetheless used curiosity and life of a person on the autism spectrum. (14-17)
inventiveness to evolve into a polymath and world-
renowned entrepreneur. Archival photos, endnotes. Infinite Hope:
(12-15) A Black Artist’s Journey from World War II to Peace
written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Enemy Child: (A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book/Atheneum BFYR/Simon &
The Story of Norman Mineta, a Boy Imprisoned Schuster, $21.99) 978-1-5344-0490-8
in a Japanese American Internment Camp during Bryan recalls his WWII years in a segregated battalion,
World War II consigned to menial jobs, that participated in the D-Day
by Andrea Warren invasion. Archival photos, collage, and original artwork
(Margaret Ferguson Books/Holiday House, $22.99) by the author. (11-13)
978-0-8234-4151-8
A young child forcibly interned with his family grows up An Invisible Thread
to become a congressman committed to constitutional by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
rights. Archival photographs and extensive back matter. (Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-5344-3727-2
(11-14) A woman walking to work extends a helping hand to
a homeless 11-year-old boy, and two lives are saved.
Fighter in Velvet Gloves: Archival photographs. Young readers edition. (11-13)
Alaska Civil Rights Hero Elizabeth Peratrovich
by Annie Boochever, with Roy Peratrovich, Jr. It Rained Warm Bread:
(University of Alaska Press, P $16.95) Moishe Moskowitz’s Story of Hope
978-1-60223-370-6 by Gloria Moskowitz-Sweet, poetry by
An impassioned speech, given in 1945 by this Tlingit Hope Anita Smith, illustrated by Lea Lyon
activist, is credited with propelling the passage of the (Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt BFYR/Macmillan,
first antidiscrimination legislation in the United States. $16.99) 978-1-250-16572-5
Photographs, time line, glossary, bibliography. (11-13) The author and her poet collaborator retell her Polish-
Jewish father’s terrifying Nazi camp survival story. Told
movingly in free verse. Intermittent sepia illustrations.
(11-14)
52
It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: This Promise of Change:
Stories from a South African Childhood One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality
by Trevor Noah by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy
(Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House, $17.99) (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $17.99)
978-0-525-58216-8 978-1-68119-852-1
The well-known comedian, whose parents’ interracial Jo Ann Allen Boyce shares her experience as one of
marriage was illegal, recounts the complicated story 12 black teens integrating Tennessee’s Clinton High
of growing up in a segregated society. Young readers School in 1956. Archival photographs, time line, and
edition. (11-14) bibliography. (11-13)
Never Caught, The Story of Ona Judge: Troublemaker for Justice:

George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave The Story of Bayard Rustin, the Man behind the
Who Dared to Run Away March on Washington
by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen Van Cleve by Jacqueline Houtman, Walter Naegle, and
(Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, $18.99) Michael G. Long
978-1-5344-1617-8 (City Lights Books, P $13.95) 978-0-87286-765-9
In 1796, George and Martha Washington’s enslaved Committed pacifist, passionate human rights activist,
servant Ona Judd, 22, escaped the president’s and unabashedly gay African American Bayard Rustin
Philadelphia mansion for freedom in New Hampshire. is given his due in this thorough account. Photographs,
Young readers edition. (11-13) documents, and bibliography. (12-15)
The Other Side:

Stories of Central American Teen Refugees Who
Dream of Crossing the Border
Ecology
by Juan Pablo Villalobos, translated from the Spanish
by Rosalind Harvey No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference
(Farrar Straus Giroux BFYR/Macmillan, $17.99) by Greta Thunberg
978-0-374-30573-4 (Penguin Books/PRH, P $10.00) 978-0-14-313356-8
Ten teenagers recount their dire journeys from Central In 16 passionate speeches given from 2018 to 2019,
America to the United States, the reasons they left, and Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish climate activist,
the dangers they encountered along the way. Author’s demands action from governments around the world.
note and glossary. (12-15) (11-14)
Stephen Curry (Epic Athletes series)

by Dan Wetzel, illustrated by Zeke Peña Health
978-1-250-29576-7 You Are Enough:
Vivid writing and graphic black-and-white illustrations Your Guide to Body Image and Eating Disorder
show how Curry, although short for a basketball player, Recovery
got to the top with persistence, talent, faith in God, and by Jen Petro-Roy
teamwork. (11-14) (Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, $18.99)
978-1-250-15102-5
Susan B. Anthony (The Making of America series) This self-help manual explores techniques, resources,
by Teri Kanefield and the personal journey of the author to overcome her
(Abrams BFYR, $16.99) 978-1-4197-3401-4 eating disorder. (11-13)
This detailed biography uses primary sources in
presenting the early advocate for women’s rights. Back Viral:
matter includes sources, time line, selected writings, The Fight against AIDS in America
bibliography, and index. (11-13) by Ann Bausum
Bausum traces the devastating pandemic from its
mystifying beginnings through the long-delayed efforts
to combat the stigmatized illness. Black-and-white
photographs. (12-15) Mature Content
53
History Deadly Aim:
The Civil War Story of Michigan’s Anishinaabe
Accused!: Sharpshooters
The Trials of the Scottsboro Boys: Lies, Prejudice, by Sally M. Walker, maps by Elisabeth Alba,
and the Fourteenth Amendment foreword by Eric Hemenway
by Larry Dane Brimner (Henry Holt and Co. BFYR/Macmillan, $19.99)
(Calkins Creek/Highlights , $18.99) 978-1-250-12525-5
978-1-62979-775-5 Company K—an entirely Native American company in
In 1931, nine black teenagers were falsely accused of the Union Army—fights with valor for their families,
rape in Alabama. Their harrowing journey through a land, and heritage. Photographs, maps, and extensive
racist judicial system is detailed. Archival photographs, back matter. (11-14)
bibliography, footnotes, index. (12-15) Mature Content
Fighting for the Forest:
Born to Fly: How FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps
The First Women’s Air Race across America Helped Save America
by Steve Sheinkin, illustrated by Bijou Karman by P. O’Connell Pearson
(Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/Macmillan, $19.99) (Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-5344-2932-1
978-1-62672-130-2 During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation
In 1929, 20 daring women, including Amelia Earhart, Corps employed millions of jobless people and restored
entered an air derby across America. Fascinating 120 million acres of forests and farmland. (11-14)
details, photographs, and black-and-white drawings
bring it all to life. Sources, bibliography. (12-15) The Greatest Treasure Hunt in History:
The Story of the Monuments Men
Bringing Down a President: by Robert M. Edsel
The Watergate Scandal (Scholastic Focus, $18.99) 978-1-338-25119-7
by Andrea Balis and Elizabeth Levy, illustrated by A specialized Western Allied unit recovered priceless
Tim Foley artwork and cultural treasures that Nazis had stolen
(Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/Macmillan, $19.99) from public museums and private, mostly Jewish,
978-1-250-17679-0 collections. Archival photos, documents, glossary. (11-13)
A fly on the wall provides background information as
Richard Nixon, White House staff, Congress, lawyers, Standing Up against Hate:
reporters, and burglars speak. Line drawings and How Black Women in the Army Helped
extensive back matter. (11-14) Change the Course of WWII
by Mary Cronk Farrell, foreword by Major General
Caught!: Marcia M. Anderson, U. S. Army (Ret.)
Nabbing History’s Most Wanted (Abrams BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-4197-3160-0
by Georgia Bragg, illustrated by Kevin O’Malley African American women valiantly fought America’s
(Crown BFYR/Random House/PRH, $18.99) foes while facing entrenched discrimination from their
978-1-5247-6741-9 own countrymen. Archival photographs and extensive
Fourteen accused figures from European and American back matter. (12-15)
history are profiled with interesting details. Spot black-
and-white illustrations and comprehensive back matter. Torpedoed:
(11-14) The True Story of the World War II Sinking of
“The Children’s Ship”
Dark Sky Rising: by Deborah Heiligman, illustrated by Lawrence Lee
Reconstruction and the Dawn of Jim Crow (Godwin Books/Henry Holt/Macmillan, $19.99)
by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., with Tonya Bolden 978-1-62779-554-8
(Scholastic Focus, $19.99) 978-1-338-26204-9 A German submarine attack on a passenger ship
This intense narrative of Reconstruction details the turned everyday people into heroes. Black-and-white
struggle for African American emancipation and illustrations, photos, and extensive back matter. (13-15)
civil rights in the face of white supremacy. Archival
photographs, illustrations. Heavily resourced. (11-14)
54
Vote!:
Women’s Fight for Access to the Ballot Box
Reference
by Coral Celeste Frazer
(Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner, $37.32) Encyclopedia of American Indian
978-1-5415-2815-4 History and Culture:
Race, class, alliances, and feuds contributed to the Stories, Time Lines, Maps, and More
dramatic struggle for women’s suffrage. Historical by Cynthia O’Brien
context and background information are clearly (National Geographic Children's Books, $24.99)
explained. Archival photographs. Meticulous sourcing. 978-1-4263-3453-5
(12-15) Full-color photographs illustrate the history and
overview of North America’s native peoples. (11-13)
Warrior Queens:
True Stories of Six Ancient Rebels Who Fake News:
Slayed History Separating Truth from Fiction
by Vicky Alvear Shecter, illustrated by Bill Mayer by Michael Miller
(Boyds Mills Press/Boyds Mills & Kane, $17.99) (Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner, $37.32)
978-1-62979-679-6 978-1-5415-2814-7
Follow the campaigns of six queens who, during the The author provides clues to analyze the news
period from 1492 B.C.E. to 269 C.E., led their armies to and contrasts the diligence of journalism with the
fight for their countries. Photographs, black-and-white perpetration of hoaxes and propaganda. Photographs,
illustrations. Bibliography, index, citations. (13-15) graphics, and extensive back matter. (12-15)
What the Eagle Sees:

Indigenous Stories of Rebellion and Renewal Sports
by Eldon Yellowhorn, and Kathy Lowinger
(Annick Press, $24.95) 978-1-77321-329-3 War in the Ring:
The ways in which the people of Turtle Island preserved Joe Lewis, Max Schmeling, and the Fight between
their culture when invaded are presented through oral America and Hitler
stories, biographies, and historical photographs. Back by John Florio and Ouisie Shapiro
matter. (12-14) (Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/Macmillan, $19.99)
978-1-250-15574-0
Boxer Joe Louis was a hero to African Americans.
Law and Justice When he faced Max Schmeling, the pride of Nazi
Germany, Louis became a hero to white Americans too.
Photographs. (11-13)
M Is for Movement:
AKA Humans Can’t Eat Golf Balls
written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara
(Triangle Square BFYR/Seven Stories Press, $19.95) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
978-1-60980-935-5
With humor and gorgeous paintings, the narrator Body 2.0:
portrays the birth of an activist, linking movements for The Engineering Revolution in Medicine
social justice in Indonesia with others around the world. by Sara Latta
(11-13) (Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner, $37.32)
978-1-5415-2813-0
Never Again: Learn about what developments lie ahead in the not-
The Parkland Shooting and the Teen Activists too-distant future of medical technology. Compelling
Leading a Movement true stories and brief profiles of diverse researchers,
by Eric Braun with photos, color diagrams, and extensive back matter.
(Lerner Publications, $31.99) 978-1-5415-5270-8 (11-14)
In 2018, Florida students refused to let the world forget
the shooting at their school by pressing for gun safety
laws. Photographs, clear documentation, and time line.
(11-14)
55
Tooth & Claw:
Eclipse Chaser:
The Dinosaur Wars
Science in the Moon’s Shadow (Scientists in the
by Deborah Noyes
Field series)
by Ilima Loomis, photographed by Amanda Cowan,
Tales of competition and intrigue in the world of
illustrated by Andrea Miller
early paleontology present the budding science in
the context of 19th-century America. Extensive
978-1-328-77096-7
photographs and back matter. (11-13)
Follow Syrian American University of Hawaii
astrophysicist Shadia Habbal and her “Solar Wind
Sherpas” as they study the sun’s corona in the 2017
total eclipse. Vivid personal photographs. (11-13) World
The Magnificent Migration: The Global Refugee Crisis:
On Safari with Africa’s Last Great Herds Fleeing Conflict and Violence
by Sy Montgomery, photographed by Roger Wood and by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson
Logan Wood, maps by Mike Reagan (Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner, $37.32)
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $24.99) 978-1-5415-2811-6
978-0-544-76113-1 The plight of the increasing number of refugees
Journal entries and photographs illuminate Serengeti and displaced persons, half of whom are children, is
wildlife, including the remarkable wildebeest migration, presented using specific examples. Archival photos,
and how human expansion, poaching, and climate extensive back matter. (12-15)
change impact their ecosystem. Selected bibliography.
(11-13)
Monstrous:
The Lore, Gore, and Science behind Your
Favorite Monsters
written and illustrated by Carlyn Beccia
(Carolrhoda Books/Lerner, $19.99)
978-1-5124-4916-7
Learn the science and history behind eight famous
monsters, including the kraken and Dracula. Dark,
spooky illustrations. Time lines, source notes,
bibliography, and glossary. (11-14)
56
FOURTEEN AND OLDER
FICTION Let Me Hear a Rhyme
by Tiffany D. Jackson, lyrics by Malik “Malik-16” Sharif
978-0-06-284032-5
Adventure and Mystery After Steph’s death, his two best friends promote his
music in the hope of getting him a record deal. With his
Angel Thieves sister’s help, they find his murderer. (14-17)
by Kathi Appelt
(A Caitlyn Dlouhy Book/Atheneum BFYR/Simon & Let’s Go Swimming on Doomsday
Schuster, $18.99) 978-1-4424-2109-7 by Natalie C. Anderson
In Houston’s all-seeing Buffalo Bayou, angels link a (G.P. Putnam’s Sons/PRH, $18.99) 978-0-399-54761-4
motherless boy, a Cajun girl, a young mother fleeing In Somalia, when 16-year-old Abdi’s brother is
slavery, a nameless Native American stone carver, and kidnapped by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, Abdi tries
an ocelot. (13-17) to rescue him. (13-15)
The Athena Protocol Patron Saints of Nothing

by Shamin Sarif by Randy Ribay
(HarperTeen/HarperCollins, $17.99) (Kokila/Penguin Random House, $17.99)
978-0-06-284960-1 978-0-5255-5491-2
Jessie belongs to an all-female vigilante organization Seventeen-year-old Jay travels to Manila, in the
that fights global injustice. After disobeying orders, Philippines, to investigate his beloved cousin’s death
she is kicked off the team but risks everything by going and uncover why his uncle forbade anyone to speak of
undercover. (13-17) it. (15-18)
The Boy and Girl Who Broke the World Skyjacked

by Amy Reed by Paul Griffin
(Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, $19.99) (Scholastic Press, $17.99) 978-1-338-04741-7
978-1-4814-8176-2 Finding themselves in the hands of a zealot who has
Glass-half-full Billy battles family demons. Pessimist skyjacked their plane, five high school friends struggle
Lydia struggles with a hopeless future. Are they causing to stay alive. (13-17) Mature Content
their seaside town’s fictionalized history of dragons,
unicorns, and the apocalypse to come to life? (13-16)
Spin
by Lamar Giles
Killing November (Scholastic Press, $17.99) 978-1-338-21921-0
by Adriana Mather When a mutual friend, a rising DJ star, is killed, two
(Alfred A. Knopf BFYR/Random House/PRH, $17.99) African American teens who dislike each other work
978-0-525-57908-3 together to solve her murder. (14-18)
Seventeen-year-old November is sent to a mysterious
boarding school that is completely off the grid. Family
The Starlight Claim
rivalries reveal her true identity. (14-18)
by Tim Wynne-Jones
The Lady Rogue Nate travels to his family’s remote camp to deal with
by Jenn Bennett the unintended death of his best friend. Surprisingly, he
(Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, $18.99) finds escaped convicts living in his cabin. (13-17)
978-1-5344-3199-7
In 1937, Theodora, 17, and the boy she loves follow
the trail left by her father as he searches for a lost ring
belonging to Vlad the Impaler. (14-17)
57
What We Buried This Place:
by Kate A. Boorman 150 Years Retold
(Henry Holt and Co. BFYR/Macmillan, $17.99) by Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm , et al., illustrated by Tara
978-1-250-19167-0 Audibert, et al., colored by Scott A. Ford and Donovan
Teenaged siblings Liv, a former beauty queen, and Jory, Yaciuk, foreword by Alicia Elliott
who has a facial deformity, embark on a search for their (HighWater Press, P $36.00) 978-1-55379-758-6
parents who disappeared right before the verdict in This groundbreaking graphic anthology recounts
Liv’s emancipation lawsuit. (15-17) Canadian history and folklore from an Indigenous
perspective. Artwork in many styles brings it to life.
Wild and Crooked (13-15)
by Leah Thomas
978-1-5476-0002-1
Kalyn is the daughter of a murderer. Gus is the disabled
Coming of Age
kid whose dad was murdered. Each finds the other
Bloom
refreshing, but secrets and hate loom large. (13-17)
by Kevin Panetta, illustrated by Savanna Ganucheau
(First Second/Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck,
P $17.99) 978-1-62672-641-3
Anthologies and Collections Ari thinks his dream of leaving his small beachside town
is answered when Hector replaces him at his Greek
Black Enough: American family’s struggling bakery. A relationship
Stories of Being Young & Black in America blooms, dreams grow. Black and soft blue watercolor
edited by Ibi Zoboi illustrations in graphic format. (15-18)
978-0-06-269872-8 Famous in a Small Town
This thought-provoking anthology shares 17 stories by Emma Mills
about black teenagers, discussing topics of identity, (Henry Holt and Co. BFYR/Macmillan, $17.99)
LGBTQ themes, culture clashes, immigration, 978-1-250-17963-0
microagressions, and racism. (14-18) Sophie’s high school marching band wins a spot in
California’s Rose Parade, and she tries to convince a
The End and Other Beginnings: famous resident to return home for their fundraiser.
Stories from the Future (14-17)
by Veronica Roth
The Field Guide to the North American Teenager
978-0-06-279652-3
by Ben Philippe
Six short stories create new worlds and compassionate
characters, involving both the unknown and the
978-0-06-282411-0
familiar. Powerful black-and-white illustrations. (13-15)
When Norris, 16, a Black French Canadian, and his
Haitian-born mother move from Montreal to Texas, he
Take the Mic : has to reconsider his identity as a French-speaking ice
Fictional Stories of Everyday Resistance hockey player. (14-18)
edited by Bethany C. Morrow
(Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, $17.99)
Field Notes on Love
978-1-338-34370-0
by Jennifer E. Smith
Poems and tales written by a dozen different authors
(Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House, $18.99)
depict young people standing up to gain their rights and
978-0-399-55941-9
respect. (13-16)
Teenagers Mae and Hugo, complete strangers but both
eager for adventure, take a cross-country train ride
together. What can happen? (13-16)
58
Frankly in Love Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens
by David Yoon by Tanya Boteju
(G.P. Putnam’s Sons/PRH, $18.99) 978-1-9848-1220-9 (Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, $19.99)
Frank wants his parents to be happy, but it’s hard to 978-1-5344-3065-5
balance his Americanness with his Koreanness. You just Awkward and out-of-place Nima, 17, attends a drag
can’t predict when true friendship or love will appear. performance that changes her life. This isn’t just a story
(15-18) about finding yourself; it’s about allowing others to
discover you. (15-18) Mature Content
Girls on the Verge
by Sharon Biggs Waller Michigan vs. the Boys
(Henry Holt and Co. BFYR/Macmillan, $17.99) by Carrie S. Allen
978-1-250-15169-8 (KCP Loft/Kids Can Press, $17.99) 978-1-5253-0148-3
When Camille decides to end an unwanted pregnancy, she When her female ice hockey team is disbanded,
discovers obstacles that will test her resolve. The support Michigan Manning makes the boys’ team but has to
of friends will hold the key. (16-18) Mature Content withstand a season of hazing. (13-16)
Gravity On the Come Up

by Sarah Deming by Angie Thomas
(Make Me a World, $17.99) 978-0-525-58103-1 (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, $18.99)
Gravity Delgado has always wanted to be an Olympic 978-0-06-249856-4
boxer. Starting at 12, she works for years to overcome Sixteen-year-old Bri is an aspiring rapper. Her story
poverty and a dysfunctional family to achieve her goal. is one of racism, violence, and despair, but also love,
(14-17) friendship, music, and hope. It’s complicated. (13-17)
How (Not) to Ask a Boy to Prom Ordinary Girls

by S. J. Goslee by Blair Thornburgh
(Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/Macmillan, $17.99) (HarperTeen/HarperCollins, $17.99)
978-1-62672-401-3 978-0-06-244781-4
Nolan’s older sister, deciding her brother needs a push Fifteen-year-old Plum believes she lacks sparkle
to enjoy high school social life, sets him up for a year of compared to her older sister. She slowly gives up her
growth and surprises. (13-17) sidekick role to discover her own potential. (13-16)
How to Make Friends with the Dark The Revolution of Birdie Randolph
by Kathleen Glasgow by Brandy Colbert
(Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House, $18.99) (Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, $17.99)
978-1-101-93475-3 978-0-316-44856-7
Tiger, 16, struggles after the sudden death of her Sixteen-year-old Birdie’s close bond with her parents
mother leaves her alone in the world. (14-17) is threatened by a family secret and by hiding her
relationship with a boy friend who has been in juvenile
If It Makes You Happy detention. (13-16) Mature Content
by Claire Kann
(Swoon Reads/Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, $17.99) Starworld
978-1-250-19267-7 by Audrey Coulthurst and Paula Garner
Winnie, soon to be a college freshman, explores her (Candlewick Press, $17.99) 978-0-7636-9756-3
identity as an oversized black girl confronting her In an unexpected bonding, Zoe and Sam share poetic
sexuality, goals, and social labels. (14-18) allusions about another galaxy. As their friendship
grows, they share intimacies. Is there a future for them?
Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist (13-17)
by David Almond, illustrated by Dave McKean
A sensitive teen deals with existential angst, ghosts, and
grief after the death of his sisters. Stylized mixed-media
59
There’s Something about Sweetie A Curse So Dark and Lonely (The Cursebreaker
by Sandhya Menon series)
(Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, $18.99) by Brigid Kemmerer
978-1-5344-1678-9 (Bloomsbury YA, $18.99) 978-1-68119-508-7
Sweetie’s traditional Indian parents have just declined In this adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, a girl with
an arranged date for her because they feel she’s too cerebral palsy meets a cursed prince in a parallel world.
heavy. Sweetie, however, has other plans. (13-16) Can she break the spell? (13-16)
We Are Lost and Found Fireborne

by Helene Dunbar by Rosaria Munda
(Sourcebooks Fire/Sourcebooks, $1799) (G.P. Putnam’s Sons/PRH, $18.99) 978-0-525-51821-1
978-1-4926-8104-5 Dragon fleet riders, class struggles, political intrigue,
In 1983, Michael’s brother has been kicked out by impending war, and complicated personal relationships
his father for being gay. With AIDS and his father’s combine in this riveting, action-packed fantasy. (14-16)
disapproval looming, Michael must decide whether to
come out. (14-17) Internment
by Samira Ahmed
When the Ground Is Hard (Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, $17.99)
by Malla Nunn 978-0-316-52269-4
(G.P. Putnam’s Sons/PRH, $17.99) 978-0-525-51557-9 After the president authorizes “Exclusion Laws” for all
The tricky navigation of high school society is Muslims in America, Layla’s family is among those sent
complicated by racial and class prejudices in Swaziland. to an internment camp. She chooses to resist. (14-17)
Then a brutal neighbor brings the hostilities into the Mature Content
open. (13-16) Mature Content
Lovely War
Ziggy, Stardust & Me by Julie Berry
by James Brandon (Viking/Penguin YR/PRH, $18.99) 978-0-451-46993-9
(G.P. Putnam’s Sons/PRH, $17.99) 978-0-525-51764-1 The goddess Aphrodite defends her track record,
In 1973, Jonathan, 16, undergoes treatment to “fix” his evoking the romances of a British couple, an African
attraction to boys. After meeting Web, a Lakota boy, he American musician-soldier, and a Belgian woman during
learns to embrace his true self. (15-17) World War I. Extensive back matter. (13-15)
Out of Salem
Fantasy by Hal Schrieve
(Triangle Square BFYR/Seven Stories Press, $19.95)
Angel Mage 978-1-60980-901-0
by Garth Nix Fourteen-year-old genderqueer Z, a zombie, befriends
(Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $19.99) Aysel, a lesbian werewolf. They find others who are
978-0-06-268322-9 also targets of intolerance and find there is strength in
Nineteen-year-old mage Liliath engineers the community. (13-17)
destruction of Ystara and awakens 100-plus years later
with a brutal new plan. Will the four people who she Pet
seeks join her? Includes maps. (14-18) by Akwaeke Emezi
(Make Me a World, $17.99) 978-0-525-64707-2
Crown of Feathers Jam, a transgender teen, along with her best friend,
by Nicki Pau Preto, map by Jordan Saia Redemption, must help a creature called Pet hunt down
(Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, $19.99) a monster lurking in Redemption’s home. (14-18)
978-1-5344-2462-3
Veronyka is determined to become a Phoenix Rider and
disguises herself as a boy to train with the resistance
fighters. Glossary and time line. (13-15)
60
Song of the Crimson Flower We Rule the Night
by Julie C. Dao by Claire Eliza Bartlett
(Philomel Books/Penguin Random House, $18.99) (Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, $17.99)
978-1-524-73835-8 978-0-316-41727-3
In this Vietnamese fantasy, orphaned Bao is placed under In a Soviet-inspired, war-torn world powered by magic,
a spell. To break the curse, he begins a journey with Lan, Revna, who has prosthetic legs, and Linné, a rebellious
the young woman he has loved from afar. (13-15) general’s daughter, join an experimental women’s flying
regiment. (14-17)
Stepsister
by Jennifer Donnelly Wicked Fox
(Scholastic Press, $17.99) 978-1-338-26846-1 by Kat Cho
A feminist reimagining redeems Cinderella’s two half- (G.P. Putnam’s Sons/PRH, $18.99) 978-1-9848-1234-6
siblings. (13-15) When 18-year-old Gu Miyoung, a Korean nine-tailed
fox demon, saves the life of a human, her destiny is
The Ten Thousand Doors of January irrevocably altered. Glossary. (14-17)
by Alix E. Harrow
(Redhook Books/Orbit, $27.00) 978-0-316-42199-7
While her father travels the world, January lives in Historical Fiction
genteel servitude as his employer’s ward. A found
book leads her on a quest for her origin story. (15-17) The Apartment:
Mature Content A Century of Russian History
by Alexandra Litvina, illustrated by Anna Desnitskaya,
Thirteen Doorways: translated from the Russian by Antonina W. Bouis
Wolves behind Them All (Abrams BFYR, $24.99) 978-1-4197-3403-8
by Laura Ruby Decades of Russian history (1902–2002) are
(Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, $17.99) recounted through the lives of a Russian family and its
978-0-06-231764-3 descendants, neighbors, and friends. Detailed mixed-
In 1941, Frankie and her sister live in an orphanage, media illustrations. Extensive back matter. (13-16)
enduring the savagery of the nuns who run it, while a
ghost looks for closure there. (14-18) Becoming Beatriz
by Tami Charles
Voyages in the Underworld of Orpheus Black (Charlesbridge Teen, $17.99) 978-1-58089-778-5
by Marcus Sedgwick and Julian Sedgwick, In 1980s Newark, NJ, the murder of 15-year-old
illustrated by Alexis Deacon Beatriz’s brother, the Diablos gang leader, reawakens
(Walker Books/Candlewick Press, $17.99) her past traumas. Can she leave the gang and return to
978-1-5362-0437-7 her true passion, dancing? (15-17)
Conscientious objector Harry Black searches for his
brother after a V2 rocket attack in London, 1944, The Downstairs Girl
convinced he is still alive. Stark graphic images. (14-17) by Stacey Lee
(Putnam/G.P. Putnam’s Sons/PRH, $17.99)
Warrior of the Wild 978-1-5247-4095-5
by Tricia Levenseller A Chinese American girl in 1890s Atlanta faces
(Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, $17.99) prejudice while working as a maid and an anonymous
978-1-250-18994-3 newspaper advice columnist. (13-15)
Rasmira, 18, fails her initiation test and is banished to
the monster-filled wilderness. Faced with an impossible The Fountains of Silence
task, she vows to return and claim her mantle of by Ruta Sepetys
leadership. (14-18) (Philomel Books/Penguin Random House, $18.99)
978-0-399-16031-8
When Daniel, a talented photographer, visits Spain
with his family in 1957, he is able to document Franco’s
repressive regime. Extensive back matter. (14-17)
61
The Good Son: Magical Realism
A Story from the First World War Told in Miniature
by Pierre-Jacques Ober, illustrated by Jules Ober and The Great Unknowable End
Felicity Coonan by Kathryn Ormsbee
(Candlewick Studio/Candlewick Press, $22.00) (Simon & Schuster BFYR, $17.99) 978-1-5344-2050-2
978-1-5362-0482-7 Strange, threatening weather conditions—pink
Pierre leaves his World War I regiment to spend lightening, red rain—in Slater, Kansas, in 1977, forever
Christmas with his widowed mother. Afterward, he is change the lives of two teens. (13-17)
accused of desertion. Photographed tableaux using
customized miniature figures. (13-16) Grimoire Noir
by Vera Greentea, illustrated by Yana Bogatch
In the Neighborhood of True (First Second/Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/
by Susan Kaplan Carlton Macmillan, $17.99) 978-1-62672-598-0
(Algonquin Young Readers/Workman Pub., $17.95) Bucky, 15, is determined to find his missing younger
978-1-61620-860-8 sister in a town where only girls have magic powers.
After her father’s death in 1959, Ruth’s family moves Gothic illustrations with eerie, limited color palette.
from New York to segregated Atlanta. She conceals her (13-16)
Jewish religion from new friends. Then the synagogue is
bombed. (14-17) The Things She’s Seen
by Ambelin Kwaymullina and Ezekiel Kwaymullina
Secret Soldiers (Alfred A. Knopf BFYR/Random House/PRH, $17.99)
by Keely Hutton 978-1-9848-4878-9
(Farrar Straus Giroux BFYR/Macmillan, $18.99) Helping her policeman father work through his grief
978-0-374-30903-9 over her death, 15-year-old Beth’s ghost assists him in
During World War I, Thomas’s older brother, a soldier in solving a mysterious fire and murder. (14-16)
the English army, has gone missing. Thomas, determined
to find him, joins a tunnel-digging unit. (13-17)
Science Fiction
Someday We Will Fly
by Rachel DeWoskin The Kingdom
(Viking/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99) 978-0-670-01496-5 by Jess Rothenberg
During World War II, Lillia, 15, a Polish Jewish refugee (Henry Holt and Co. BFYR/Macmillan, $18.99 )
in Shanghai, waits for her mother to join the family and 978-1-250-29385-5
describes her struggle to survive. Back matter. (15-17) Ana, a half-human, half-android enslaved in a glittering
Mature Content fantasy theme park, is accused of murder. (14-17)
The Weight of Our Sky The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe

by Hanna Alkaf by Ally Condie
(Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster, $18.99) (Dutton Children’s Books/PRH, $18.99)
978-1-5344-2608-5 978-0-525-42645-5
Battling her own inner demons, Melati Ahmad, 16, In a dystopian society, 17-year-old Poe, suffering from
is caught in the midst of fighting in Kuala Lumpur, the death of her true love, finds meaning protecting her
Malaysia, in 1969. Can she return home safely? (13-17) ship and possible comrades. (13-18)
White Rose The Pioneer

by Kip Wilson by Bridget Tyler
(Versify/HMH, $17.99) 978-1-328-59443-3 (HarperTeen/HarperCollins, $17.99)
Sophie Scholl, brother Hans, and friends form White 978-0-06-265806-7
Rose, a resistance group who risk their lives fighting Toxic adventures interfere with survival in the search
against the Nazis. Told in free verse. Glossary, sources. for a new planet after Earth is deemed uninhabitable.
(13-15) (13-16)
62
The Weight of the Stars German Calendar, No December
by K. Ancrum by Sylvia Ofili, illustrated by Birgit Weyhe
(Imprint/Macmillan, $18.99) 978-1-250-10163-1 (Cassava Republic Press, $24.95) 978-1-911115-61-8
Alexandria is determined to connect with her mother Olivia, with a Nigerian father and German mother,
who went on a one-way deep-space mission shortly experiences rejection at her Lagos boarding school and
after her birth. Can social outcasts Ryann and her her Hamburg hostel until she meets older immigrants
friends help? (13-16) to Germany. Expressive graphics. (15-18)
Have a Little Faith in Me

Today
by Sonia Hartl
(Page Street Publishing, $17.99) 978-1-62414-797-5
All-American Muslim Girl CeCe, wanting her boyfriend back, follows him to a
by Nadine Jolie Courtney Christian camp, falsely professing her faith. Are the
(Farrar Straus Giroux BFYR/Macmillan, $17.99) campers ready for her wit and frankness? (14-18)
978-0-374-30952-7
Allie, 16, knows she is from a Middle Eastern family, but Heroine
she has always been viewed as a white American. When by Mindy McGinnis
she explores her heritage and religion, she experiences (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $17.99)
discrimination. (13-16) 978-0-06-284719-5
Mickey becomes addicted to OxyContin following
The Birds, the Bees, and You and Me recovery from a car accident. This leads to a heroin
by Olivia Hinebaugh addiction and the death of three friends. Includes
(Swoon Reads/Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan, $17.99) author’s note and resources for recovery. (14-18)
978-1-250-19265-3 Mature Content
Lacey, who’s never been kissed, becomes her high
school’s go-to person for straightforward advice on The How & the Why
healthy sex. Lively friendships hold steady through a by Cynthia Hand
tumultuous senior year. (15-17) Mature Content (HarperTeen/HarperCollins, $17.99)
978-0-06-269316-7
Butterfly Yellow In alternating letters and first-person narration, an
by Thanhhà Lai adopted 18-year-old and her birth mother relate the
˙
(Harper/HarperCollins, $17.99) 978-0-06-222921-2 experiences resulting in their separation that might
A Vietnamese refugee lands in Texas on the trail of her reunite them. (15-18) Mature Content
younger brother, but sadly he does not recognize her.
She is determined to awaken his memories. (14-16) I Love You So Mochi
by Sarah Kuhn
Deep Girls (Scholastic Press, $17.99) 978-1-338-30288-2
by Lori Weber When Kimi, 17, visits her grandparents in Kyoto, she
(DCB/Cormorant Books, P $15.95) meets a Japanese boy who encourages her to pursue
978-1-77086-531-0 her passion—fashion! A humorous but heartfelt story of
This provocative collection of short stories about first love. (13-16)
nine different teenage girls describes a variety of
complicated aspects of family relationships with great Indigo Girl
insight and sensitivity. (16-18) by Suzanne Kamata
(Gemma Media, P $14.95) 978-1-936846-73-3
Every Moment After Aiko Cassidy travels from Michigan to rural Japan to
by Joseph Moldover spend the summer with her biological father, an indigo
(Houghton Mifflin/HMH, $17.99) 978-1-328-54727-9 farmer. Sequel to Gadget Girl. (13-16)
During the summer after high school graduation, best
friends Cole and Matt, survivors of a school shooting 11
years earlier, still struggle with the aftermath. (15-18)
63
The Justice Project
Redwood and Ponytail
by Michael Betcherman
by K. A. Holt
(Orca Book Publishers, P $14.95) 978-1-4598-2250-4
(Chronicle Books, $18.99) 978-1-4521-7288-0
An injured football star reluctantly takes on a summer
When Kate and Tam fall in love, Kate’s fear of how
project, an organization that defends the wrongly
others will react threatens the girls’ relationship. Told in
convicted. (13-17)
free verse. (13-16)
The Last True Poets of the Sea

Road Tripped
by Julia Drake
by Pete Hautman
(Hyperion/Disney, $17.99) 978-1-3680-4808-8
(Simon & Schuster BFYR, $18.99) 978-1-5344-0590-5
Violet is set on her own path of destruction, until her
Stiggy embarks on a solitary road trip to escape the
beloved brother attempts suicide. Love may be the only
world he is convinced has it in for him. But what is the
path to healing. (14-17)
truth? (13-15)
Light It Up
Screen Queens
by Kekla Magoon
by Lori Goldstein
(Razorbill/PRH, $17.99) 978-0-451-48159-7
978-1-250-12889-8
Three female high school graduates arrive in Silicon
In the wake of the shooting of an unarmed black
Valley for a highly competitive computer coding
teenager, a community responds. Multiple points of
competition and discover their friendship helps combat
view. (15-18) Mature Content
the sexism of the industry. (14-17)
Love from A to Z
Slay
by S. K. Ali
by Brittney Morris
(Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, $18.99)
978-1-5344-4272-6
978-1-5344-4542-0
Two Muslim teens of different races meet while flying
Kiera, 17, designer of “Slay,” an Afrocentric online
to Qatar. Death of loved ones, Islamophobia, and illness
role-playing fantasy open only to black players, has to
challenge them as their developing romantic friendship
defend her creation after a gamer is murdered. (14-17)
provides important support. (13-17)
The Speed of Falling Objects

The Lovely and the Lost
by Nancy Richardson Fischer
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
(Inkyard Press, $18.99) 978-1-335-92824-5
(Freeform Books/Disney Book Group, $17.99)
Danny’s estranged father, the charismatic star of a
978-1-4847-7620-9
nature show, invites her to join him for an episode to be
When Kira and her family join the search for a lost girl
filmed in the Amazon. Unexpected adventures ensue.
in a national park, the rescue attempt triggers Kira’s
(14-17)
memories of her own survival as a child. (14-17)
Suggested Reading
Pumpkinheads by Dave Connis
by Rainbow Rowell, illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks, (Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $17.99)
color by Sarah Stern 978-0-06-268525-4
(First Second/Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/ Senior year at Clara’s private high school begins with a
Macmillan, P $17.99) 978-1-62672-162-3 ban on “prohibited media.” Clara responds by starting
On their last night as employees at the Pumpkin Patch, an underground library that is life changing for many
Josiah and Deja reminisce and explore students. (14-17)
various friendships and romances. Watercolor ink with
digital pencil and color. (13-15)
The Voice in My Head
by Dana L. Davis
(Inkyard Press, $18.99) 978-1-335-00849-7
Indigo’s twin is dying, withdrawing from her sister.
Indigo begins to have a conversation with God, which
sets the whole family off on an adventure. (14-16)
We Contain Multitudes With the Fire on High
by Sarah Henstra by Elizabeth Acevedo
(Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, $17.99) (HarperTeen/HarperCollins, $17.99)
978-0-316-52465-0 978-0-06-266283-5
In this epistolary novel, a high school English Seventeen-year-old Emoni Santiago, a single mom,
assignment is the genesis of an unexpected friendship struggles to balance school, working, and parenthood.
that develops into an even less expected romance. A culinary arts class provides the opportunity to realize
(13-16) Mature Content her dream of becoming a chef. (14-17)
The Weight of a Thousand Feathers

by Brian Conaghan POETRY
978-1-68119-482-0
Seventeen-year-old Bobby reluctantly joins a group for
teens who care for seriously ill parents, but starts to Ink Knows No Borders:
make some connections. Then his mother begs him to Poems of the Immigrant and Refugee Experience
end her life. (14-17) Mature Content edited by Patrice Vecchione and Alyssa Raymond,
foreword by Javier Zamora, afterword by
What Makes Us Emtithal Mahmoud
by Rafi Mittlefehldt (Seven Stories Press, P $15.95) 978-1-60980-907-2
(Candlewick Press, $17.99) 978-0-7636-9750-1 In this profoundly beautiful collection, 64 poets share
Eran, 17, has few memories of his father. After the their struggles as immigrants to find homes far from
publicity from a student protest reveals the painful their native lands. Index and biographies. (14-17)
past, Eran and his Israeli-born mother confront difficult
truths. (14-17) Voices:
The Final Hours of Joan of Arc
When We Were Lost by David Elliott, map by Cara Llewelyn
by Kevin Wignall, foreword by James Patterson (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $17.99)
(Jimmy Patterson Books/Little, Brown , $17.99) 978-1-328-98759-4
978-0-316-41779-2 Joan’s story is told from her viewpoint, the perspectives
Tom never wanted to go on the high school plane trip. of others who knew her, and the standpoint of
When the plane crashes, he and the others still alive personified objects close to her. (13-17)
have to figure out how to survive. (14-17)
Who Put This Song On? INFORMATION BOOKS

by Morgan Parker
(Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House, $18.99)
978-0-525-70751-6
It is hard work being one of the only Black students
Arts
at her private Christian academy. Morgan will need
courage to follow the beat of her own drum. (14-17) Playlist:
The Rebels and Revolutionaries of Sound
by James Rhodes, illustrated by Martin O’Neill
Why No Goodbye? (Candlewick Studio/Candlewick Press, $29.99)
by Pamela L. Laskin 978-1-5362-1214-3
(Leapfrog Press, $13.00) 978-1-948585-06-4 This passionate and light-hearted account provides a
When his mother escapes Myanmar with his siblings, a historical introduction to great composers of classical
boy rages over his abandonment. How do the Rohingya music. Psychedelic collages. Playlist available online
survive the brutality in their world? Told in free verse. and on Spotify. (13-16)
(13-17)
65
Biography and Memoir Shout
by Laurie Halse Anderson
The American Dream?: Raped at 13 and unable to speak about it, the author
A Journey on Route 66 Discovering Dinosaur Statues, confronts her trauma through her writing. Told in
Muffler Men, and the Perfect Breakfast Burrito free verse. Resources and acknowledgments. (13-17)
written and illustrated by Shing Yin Khor Mature Content
(Zest Books/Lerner Books, $37.32)
978-1-5415-7852-4 Soaring Earth
A young Asian American woman drives the entire by Margarita Engle
length of Route 66 looking for an America that always (Atheneum BFYR/ Simon & Schuster, $18.99)
seems to shift and change. Full-color graphics. (13-17) 978-1-5344-2953-6
Mature Content In free verse, this Cuban American author evokes her
teenage journey during the late 1960s and early 1970s
A Cave in the Clouds: and her hard-won sense of rootedness and belonging.
A Young Woman’s Escape from ISIS (15-17)
by Badeeah Hassan Ahmed, with
Susan Elizabeth McClelland Strangers Assume My Girlfriend Is My Nurse
(Annick Press, P $9.95) 978-1-77321-234-0 by Shane Burcaw
In 2014, Badeeah, 18, a Yazidi in Iraq, was captured (Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/Macmillan, $18.99)
and enslaved by ISIS. She shares her harrowing story of 978-1-62672-770-0
survival and escape. Author’s note and maps. (15-17) Humorous and insightful, the author describes others’
reactions to his outward appearance while navigating
The Far Away Brothers: his muscle-wasting disease and performing acts of love,
Two Teenage Immigrants Making a Life in America friendship, and activism. Photographs. (14-17)
by Lauren Markham
(Delacorte Press/Random House Children’s Books/ We Are Displaced:
PRH, $17.99) 978-1-9848-2977-1 My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls around
Identical twin boys escape El Salvador’s violence to the World
build new lives in California, where they fight to stay, by Malala Yousafzai, with Liz Welch
survive, and belong. Young readers edition. (14-18) (Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, $18.99)
978-0-316-52364-6
Ordinary Hazards: A Memoir Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala recounts her own story
by Nikki Grimes as a refugee and activist as well as those of 11 other girls
(WordSong/Highlights, $19.99) 978-1-62979-881-3 fleeing violence and creating new lives. (13-16)
In the spare, piercing poems that comprise her
memoir, Nikki Grimes wrings beauty from a traumatic We Are Here to Stay:
childhood. (13-17) Mature Content Voices of Undocumented Young Adults
by Susan Kuklin
Robert E. Lee: (Candlewick Press, $17.99) 978-0-7636-7884-5
The Man, the Soldier, the Myth This chronicle of true stories provides insight into the
by Brandon Marie Miller lives of nine undocumented young adults who came to
(Calkins Creek/Highlights , $19.95) the United States looking for a life free from violence,
978-1-62979-910-0 poverty, and political unrest. Inspiring photographs.
This solidly researched biography, with extensive (13-16)
sources and bibliography, illuminates the public and
private life of a man revered as a hero by many, but as a
traitor by some. Photographs. (13-16)
66
Health History
Life Sucks: 1919:
How to Deal with the Way Life Is, Was, and Always The Year That Changed America
Will Be Unfair by Martin W. Sandler
by Michael I. Bennett, MD, and Sarah Bennett, (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, $24.99)
illustrated by Bridget Gibson 978-1-68119-801-9
(Penguin Workshop/Penguin YR/PRH, $17.99) Descriptions of labor unrest, racial conflicts, fear of
978-1-5247-8790-5 communism, Prohibition, violence, and demonstrations
A father-daughter team suggests practical ideas for illustrate the significance of the year 1919 in America.
teenagers as they deal with social, emotional, and Photographs and back matter. (14-17)
personal issues throughout high school. Written with
humor and helpful information. Additional resources. Bad Boys of Fashion:
Black-and-white illustrations. (14-17) Mature Content Style Rebels and Renegades through the Ages
by Jennifer Croll, illustrated by Aneta Pacholska
My Body My Choice: (Annick Press, P $14.95) 978-1-77321-242-5
The Fight for Abortion Rights Men famous for such varied roles as ruler,
by Robin Stevenson, illustrated by Meags Fitzgerald revolutionary, artist, and athlete are viewed through
(Orca Book Publishers, P $19.95) 978-1-4598-1712-8 the lens of clothing and personal style. Vibrant graphics,
The history of abortion and its criminalization in the photos. References. (14-17)
United States, Canada, and globally, is told in lively
prose with colorful graphics and photographs. (15-18) Picking up the Pieces:
Mature Content Residential School Memories and the Making of the
Witness Blanket
Trans+: by Carey Newman, and Kirstie Hudson
Love, Sex, Romance, and Being You (Orca Book Publishers, $39.95) 978-1-4598-1995-5
by Kathryn Gonzales, MBA, and Karen Rayne, PhD, An artist with Canadian Northwest Coast native roots
illustrated by Anne Passchier, anatomical drawings creates a ”blanket”—an enormous installation with
by Nyk Rayne objects from every residential school in Canada—as a
(Magination Press/American Psychological Assoc., symbol of reconciliation. Color photos. (15-18)
$16.99) 978-1-4338-2983-3
First-person interviews, color illustrations, and Spies:
resources in every chapter provide a comprehensive The Secret Showdown between America and Russia
and practical guide for young adults exploring their by Marc Favreau
gender identities. Glossary, bibliography, index. (15-18) (Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, $19.99)
Mature Content 978-0-316-54592-1
The intense rivalry between the United States
Your Brain Needs a Hug: and Russia for military secrets and intelligence is
Life, Love, Mental Health, and Sandwiches traced from 1945 to the present. Includes archival
by Rae Earl, illustrated by Jo Harrison photographs, index, extensive notes, and references.
(Imprint/Macmillan, P $12.99) 978-1-250-30785-9 (14-17)
The author’s description of her mental illness forms
the backdrop for this easy-to-read account of various Women in the Military:
emotional dysfunctions and advice on how to deal with From Drill Sergeants to Fighter Pilots
these conditions. Black-and-white illustrations. (14-17) by Connie Goldsmith
(Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner, $37.32)
978-1-5415-2812-3
This in-depth study of women’s expanding roles
in the armed forces is enlivened by many personal
stories. Extensive resource notes, photographs, index,
bibliography. (13-16) Mature Content
67
Law and Justice Reference
Enough Is Enough: Debunk It! Fake News Edition:
How Students Can Join the Fight for Gun Safety How to Stay Sane in a World of Misinformation
by Michelle Roehm McCann, foreword by by John Grant
Shannon Watts (Zest Books/Lerner Books, $37.32)
(Beyond Words/Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, 978-1-5415-7856-2
$22.99) 978-1-58270-700-6 How can we tell truth from misinformation? The
This well-sourced account provides information on author tackles multiple topics while teaching how to
current gun violence and gun policy in the United be a critical reader and thinker. Includes footnotes,
States and suggests many ways readers can take action bibliography, and index. (14-17)
toward gun safety. Statistics, graphics, and back matter.
(13-17)
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Exposing Hate:
Prejudice, Hatred, and Violence in Action Destination Moon:
by Michael Miller The Remarkable and Improbable Voyage of Apollo 11
(Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner, $37.32) by Richard Maurer
978-1-5415-3925-9 (Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck/Macmillan, $19.99)
Why do some people choose to hate, and what can 978-1-62672-745-8
be done to address it? Glossary, sources, web sites, This detailed history of the space race clearly outlines
photographs. (13-16) the tremendous effort needed to get to the Moon.
Includes archival photographs, references, time line,
No More Excuses: and a cast of characters. (13-16)
Dismantling Rape Culture
by Amber J. Keyser Orcas Everywhere:
(Twenty-First Century Books/Lerner, $37.32) The Mystery and History of Killer Whales
978-1-5415-4020-0 written and photographed by Mark Leiren-Young
This nonfiction account describes the rape culture that (Orca Book Publishers, $24.95) 978-1-4598-1998-6
exists in our country and the ways women and men are Text with copious photographs presents the history and
working to reject it. Supportive back matter. (13-17) culture of orcas, including their disturbing treatment by
Mature Content humans and a call to action. (13-16)
68
The Best Children’s
Books of the Year
2020 Edition / Books Published in 2019
Looking for just the right children’s books?
Here—for parents, grandparents, relatives, and

friends, as well as for teachers and librarians—is
the perfect guidebook. Each year, the Children’s
Book Committee issues an annotated guide to
more than 650 children’s books they consider
the best publications of the prior year, in this
case 2019.
The fiction listings are divided into sections by

age and arranged by topic: adventure, animals,
coming of age, folklore and fairy tales, humor,
science fiction, sports, and more. Another
section lists information books and poetry titles,
also arranged by topic
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Bank Street College of Education

The Center for Children's Literature

The Best Children's Books of the Year [2020 edition]

Follow this and additional works at: https://educate.bankstreet.edu/ccl

Part of the Children's and Young Adult Literature Commons

The Center for Children's Literature

The Best Children's Books of the Year [2020 edition]

Follow this and additional works at: https://educate.bankstreet.edu/ccl

Part of the Children's and Young Adult Literature Commons

Jina Miharu Accardo Caren Leslie

Margaret Cooper Lisa Von Drasek

MEMBERS ON LEAVE OR AT LARGE

Beryl Bresgi Laurent Linn

• Share your enjoyment of books with

The Josette Frank Award

When the Ground Is Hard

The Claudia Lewis Award

Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc

The Flora Stieglitz Straus Award

Enemy Child: The Story of Norman Mineta,

Infinite Hope: A Black Artist’s Journey

In accordance with the Committee’s goal of

Board Book Outstanding Merit

Diversity Read Aloud

Graphic Format (4–6) Age Range

Ariba: Beep Beep Piip Piip

How Do You Do? I Am Not a Fish

How to Be a Cat I Want a Dog

Hum and Swish In Every House, On Every Street

Hungry Jim Jump!

Hush, Little Bunny Just Because

The Most Terrible of All The Night Is Yours

My Big Bad Monster Night Train:

The Perfect Seat Rosie and Rasmus

Raj and the Best Day Ever!

Concept Books Mary Had a Little Lamb:

An Owl at Sea We Love Babies!

Olive & Pekoe:

The Quiet Boat Ride and Other Stories (Fox and

If I Built a School Magical Realism

The Big Little Thing Hair Love

Big Problemas (Juana & Lucas series) Hands Up!

Noah Builds an Ark Rocket Says Look Up!

Sulwe Under My Hijab

Sumo Joe ¡Vamos!:

Sweep When Aidan Became a Brother

Little Frida: Planting Stories:

Ecology Just Ask!:

A Place to Land: The Upper Case:

Sing a Song: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Snow Leopard: When Sue Found Sue:

Snowman - Cold = Puddle:

Goodbye, Mr. Spalding Planet Earth Is Blue

Humor The Forgotten Girl

The Storyteller of Damascus Lizzy Legend

The Fresh New Face of Griselda

Gloria Takes a Stand:

The Story of Olympic Swimmer Duke Kahanamoku Liberty Arrives!:

Todos iguales/All Equal: