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]
Jenny Andrus
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]
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]
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]