Messner, Kate. Trouble with Heroes, The. Bloomsbury, 04/2025. 356pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5476-1639-8. GRADES 5–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Twelve-year-old Finn’s dad was a hero in the country’s eyes: a 9/11 first responder before an untimely death [continue reading]
Cindy Gullikson
Crumble Review
McClaren, Meredith. Crumble. Andrea Bell, Illus. Little, Brown/Algonquin, 02/2025. 187 [+21]pp. Graphic. Trade $24.99. 978-1-5235-3068-7. Paper $12.99. 978-1-64375-316-4. GRADES 3–7. ADDITIONAL. At Om Nom, a family-owned bakery, Emily magically bakes feelings of support into desserts [continue reading]
Every Peach is a Story Review
Masumoto, David Mas. Every Peach Is a Story. Lauren Tamaki, Illus. Addl. Creator Nikiko Masumoto. Abrams, 03/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-9494-8029-0. GRADES Preschool–4. OUTSTANDING. Tamaki’s bright, simple brushstroke illustrations are the perfect backdrop [continue reading]
Curry Means More Review
Marianayagam, Maria. Curry Means More. Geeta Ladi, Illus. Astra Books for Young Readers, 10/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6626-2029-4. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Shirin loves curry but has a hard time explaining to her [continue reading]
Friendship Train Review
Levy, Debbie. Friendship Train, The: A True Story of Helping and Healing after World War II. Boris Kulikov, Illus. Bloomsbury, 06/2025. [48]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $20.99. 978-1-5476-0802-7. GRADES 1–4. ADDITIONAL. During eleven days in autumn 1947, [continue reading]
Soy Sauce! Review
Lee, Laura G. Soy Sauce! Laura G. Lee, Illus. Little, Brown, 01/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5235-2838-7. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. How is soy sauce made? What is its history? Who makes soy sauce? These [continue reading]
Grandmother Moon Review
Lamb-Cason, Wunneanatsu. Grandmother Moon. Trisha B. Waters, Illus. Beaming, 8/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5064-8703-8. GRADES Kindergarten–3. ADDITIONAL. Nohhum (Grandmother) tells stories from her childhood as she and her granddaughter drive to the reservation [continue reading]
Dead of Summer Review
La Sala, Ryan. Dead of Summer, The. Scholastic/Push, 09/2025. 400pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-15461-2587-7. GRADES 7–Adult. OUTSTANDING. Even folks who don’t like horror can enjoy this roller coaster of a speculative disaster novel with a [continue reading]