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]
Jenny Andrus
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]
Home Away From Home Review
Akbari, Nazneen. Home Away from Home. Rashin Kheiriyeh, Illus. Barefoot, 02/2026. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 979-8-88859-896-2. Paper $9.99. 979-8-88859-945-7. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. When Nuha travels from the U.S. to Oman to see her grandma (Jadda) for the first time in three years, she is introduced to the [continue reading]
That Bird Can Draw Review
Adamson, Ged. That Bird Can Draw. Ged Adamson, Illus. Nosy Crow, 06/2026. [30]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 979-8-88777-236-3. GRADES Kindergarten–1. ADDITIONAL. A beret-wearing girl with pale skin and purple hair enjoys creating art. Dismay sets in when her grandpa’s new pet bird, Vera, begins creating seemingly better, [continue reading]
Onward Review
Carpenter, Nora Shalaway, ed. Onward: 16 Climate Fiction Short Stories to Inspire Hope. Addl. Creators Erin Entrada Kelly, Gloria Muñoz, et al. Charlesbridge, 02/2026. 332pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-62354-653-3. GRADES 9–12. HIGH ADDITIONAL. How might climate change affect how people live? These sixteen short stories [continue reading]
When You’re Brave Enough Review
Bendheim, Rebecca. When You’re Brave Enough. Viking, 04/2026. 304pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-5936-9513-5. GRADES 5–8. OUTSTANDING. Eighth grade is a big year for Lacey; after landing a lead role in the musical at her new school, she grapples with the potential for a [continue reading]
The Sounds of Trash Review
Athaide, Tina. Sounds of Trash. Neha Rawat, Illus. Steam Works. Charlesbridge, 08/2026. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-684-7. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL. The big community block party is being held in the park, which has no electricity for playing music. Pran, Raul, and Mira are bummed, but then [continue reading]