Hale, Christy. Reaching Across the Sky: A Celebration of Bridges. Christy Hale, Illus. Little, Brown / Christy Ottaviano, 05/2026. 41pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-316-57547-8. GRADES 1–5. OUTSTANDING. Following up Hale’s previous book Dreaming Up: A [continue reading]
July 2026
Remember Her Name! Review
Charles, Tami. Remember Her Name!: Debbie Allen’s Rise to Fame. Meredith Lucius, Illus. Charlesbridge, 02/2026. [32]pp. Biography. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-565-9. GRADES Kindergarten–4. HIGH ADDITIONAL. In this picture book biography of award-winning actress, director, and choreographer [continue reading]
This Was Not the Plan Review
Chapman, Jane. This Was Not the Plan. Jane Chapman, Illus. Tiger Tales, 04/2026. [28]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6643-0078-1. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Spike the bear and Roscoe the rabbit go on a camping trip [continue reading]
Midsummer Sisters Review
Smith, Niki. Midsummer Sisters. Niki Smith, Illus. Scholastic /Graphix, 06/2026. 272pp. Graphic. Trade $14.99. 978-1-5461-2894-6. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Stepsisters Kenzie and Quinn spend a magical summer with their grandmother, while wondering if their sisterhood [continue reading]
Bad Kid Review
Szamosi, Sofia. Bad Kid: My Life as a “Troubled Teen.” Little, Brown, 03/2026. 385pp. Graphic. Trade $25.99. 978-1-5235-2738-0. GRADES 9–12. ADDITIONAL. As the very apt title says, this autobiographical memoir illustrates the author’s difficult teen [continue reading]
Marie’s Magic Eggs Review
Wallace, Sandra Neil. Marie’s Magic Eggs: How Marie Procai Kept the Ukranian Art of Pysanky Alive. Evan Turk, Illus. Astra/Calkins Creek, 02/2026. 48pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-16626-8069-4. GRADES Kindergarten–4. OUTSTANDING. A worthy tribute to the art of pysanka and the commitment of one woman, Marie Procai, who [continue reading]
Doe Review
Barrow, Rebecca. Doe. Penguin Random House / Nancy Paulsen, 06/2026. 368pp. Fiction. Trade $20.99. 979-8-2170-0633-5. GRADES 10–Adult. HIGH ADDITIONAL. The girls on the cheerleading team come from disadvantaged backgrounds and carry a lot of anxieties, but as long as they have Coach’s tough love and [continue reading]
When Twilight Comes Review
Atkins, Marcie Flinchum. When Twilight Comes: The Animals and Plants that Bring Dawn and Dusk to Life. Michelle Morin, Illus. Chronicle, 03/2026. 48pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-7972-1679-9. GRADES Kindergarten–2. OUTSTANDING. The book presents a selection of the crepuscular plant and animal species found in North America, such [continue reading]