Guillory, Sarah. Wish with Wings, A. Roaring Brook, 05/2026. 288pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-250-34939-2.GRADES 4–7. OUTSTANDING. Twelve-year-old Evan believes a good day means coming home dirtier than when she left, a view not shared by her mother and great aunt, who worry about strong-willed [continue reading]
Jenny Andrus
We Are Joy Review
Giles, Chrystal D. We Are Joy. Kitt Thomas, Illus. Random House, 06/2026. [31]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-593-64773-8. GRADES Kindergarten–8. OUTSTANDING. We Are Joy is an uplifting picture book for African American families that celebrates the simple moments that bring happiness. Through food, family, books, nature, blue [continue reading]
Weather Keeper Review
Buchet, Nelly. Weather Keeper, The. Elizabeth Haidle, Illus. Enchanted Lion, 09/2026. [30]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-59270-495-8. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL. See what it is like being a weather keeper: a person who lives far to the north, away from everyone, keeping track of and reporting on the [continue reading]
Year Without Home Review
Bidania, V.T. Year Without Home, A. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen, 01/2026. 409 [+14]pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-593-69720-7. GRADES 4–6. OUTSTANDING. Based on real-life experiences, Bidania’s novel-in-verse takes the reader to Laos following the Vietnam War as her multi-generational family flees their home country to find safety [continue reading]
Choir Grrrl Review
Granillo, Ashley. Choir Grrrl. Lerner/Carolrhoda, 02/2026. 336pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 979-8-7656-7135-1. GRADES 5–8. ADDITIONAL. Alondra is lead vocalist and guitarist in an emo band with her sisters but secretly wants to stretch her voice in a different way, by joining the choir club. [continue reading]
Scar Like a River Review
Graff, Lisa. Scar Like a River, A. Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano, 02/2026. 400pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-3165-7080-0. GRADES 5–8. OUTSTANDING. Lisa Graff delivers a powerful and realistic portrayal of thirteen-year-old Fallon Little as she copes with the aftermath of sexual and violent assault. Fallon has three [continue reading]
Just One Oak Review
Gianferrari, Maria. Just One Oak: What a Single Tree Can Be. Diana Sudyka, Illus. Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster, 04/2026. 48pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-6659-61041-2. GRADES Kindergarten–4. OUTSTANDING. The thoughtful design and comprehensive presentation of the many life forms and processes sustained within the ecosystem of a single [continue reading]
Brontosaurus Is Back Review
Albee, Sarah. Brontosaurus Is Back! A Dinosaur’s Name and Return to Fame. Chris Hsu, Illus. Charlesbridge,09/2026. [36]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-636-6. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL. What is the history of the Brontosaurus dinosaur, where did the name come from, why did scientists change the name many years [continue reading]