Bomgaars, Megan. Born Brave. Quiel Ramos, Illus. Flowerpot, 3/2024. [26]pp. Picture Book. Trade $12.99. 978-1-4867-2786-5. GRADES Kindergarten–1. ADDITIONAL. What does it mean to be brave? This feel-good, self-esteem building title uses an anthropomorphic, zebra-looking child [continue reading]
Art Thieves Review
Rogers, Andrea L. Art Thieves, The. Levine Querido, 10/2024. 400pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-6461-4378-8. GRADES 8–12. ADDITIONAL. In the near future, Stevie navigates her changing life after high school with her friends, a younger brother she cares for, and a new intern (Adam) at [continue reading]
Carry Me! Review
Birkett, Georgie. Carry Me! Georgie Birkett, Illus. Candlewick, 6/2024. [24]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3140-3. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Wilbur wants to be carried everywhere, which was fine when he was young, but not so much now that he’s growing up. Birkett’s digital illustrations depict a town [continue reading]
Across So Many Seas Review
Behar, Ruth. Across So Many Seas. Penguin/Paulsen, 02/2024. 258pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-5933-2340-3. GRADES 5–7. ADDITIONAL. This four-part novel, told in first-person voices, depicts the stories of related twelve-year-old Sephardic Jewish girls. It begins in 1492, when Benvenida and her family are expelled from [continue reading]
Last Zookeeper Review
Becker, Aaron. Last Zookeeper, The. Aaron Becker, Illus. Candlewick, 03/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-2768-0. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING. A surprisingly emotional wordless picture book about climate change, storms, and rising oceans. Becker, known for his previous titles—Journey (Candlewick, 2013), Quest (Candlewick, 2014), and Return (Candlewick, 2016)—shows how a robot named Noa [continue reading]
More Dung: A Beetle Tale Review
Weber, Frank. More Dung: A Beetle Tale. Frank Weber, Illus. Disney Hyperion, 05/2024. [44]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-368-10008-3. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL. A dung beetle collects and rolls elephant dung into balls. When a leopard [continue reading]
Barbie: From Doll to Cultural Icon Review
Sonneborn, Liz. Barbie: From Doll to Cultural Icon. Gateway Biographies. Lerner, 08/2024. 48pp. Nonfiction. PLB $33.32. 979-8765626641. GRADES 3–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL. The history of the Barbie doll is recounted in simple sentences that will appeal [continue reading]
Habitats: A Journey in Nature Review
Pang, Hannah. Habitats: A Journey in Nature. Isobel Lundie, Illus. 360 Degrees, 02/2024. [32]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-944530-41-9. GRADES 2–5. ADDITIONAL. Six habitats are introduced, including a rainforest, desert, ocean, forest, mountain, and natural spring. [continue reading]