Jenny Andrus

Graves, Byron. Rez Ball. HarperCollins/Heartdrum, 09/2023.  368pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-0631-6037-8. GRADES 6–12. OUTSTANDING.      This debut novel tells the story of a high school basketball team from the Red Lake Ojibwe Reservation in Minnesota that is in the running for the state championship [continue reading]

Graham, Bob. Concrete Garden, The. Bob Graham, Illus. Candlewick Press, 11/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-3380-3. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. Amanda, a young girl with brown skin and curly black hair, takes the elevator down with a diverse group of children and adults, some wearing masks, [continue reading]

Bowles, David. Prince & the Coyote, The. Amanda Mijangos, Illus. Levine Querido, 08/2023. 440pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-64614-177-7. GRADES 9–Adult. ADDITIONAL. Based on ancient Mexican stories and legends, this historical fiction story follows Crown Prince Acolmiztli of the Acolhua People as he grows into his title. Richly [continue reading]

Slade, Suzanne. Behold the Octopus! Thomas Gonzalez, Illus. Peachtree, 04/2023. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-68263-312-0. GRADES Preschool–4. OUTSTANDING.   Bold, rhyming adjectives, matched with fascinating detailed text, follow flowing images to capture the essence of the octopus. Full-bleed, close-up illustrations in vivid pastel, colored pencil, and airbrush [continue reading]

Salmon, Caspar. How to Count to One: (And Don’t Even THINK About Bigger Numbers!). Matt Hunt, Illus. Nosy Crow, 06/2023. 32pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 979-8887770246. GRADES Preschool–1. OUTSTANDING.        No matter how exciting the items are to count, readers are unreasonably told to only count to [continue reading]

Cline-Ransome, Lesa. Loud and Proud: The Life of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Kaylani Juanita, Illus. Simon & Schuster, 09/2023. [48]pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5344-6352-3. GRADES 1–4. OUTSTANDING.          Shirley Chisholm “talked big, walked tall, and told just about everyone what to do.” So begins this engaging biography of [continue reading]

Applegate, Katherine. Doggo and Pupper Search for Cozy. Charlie Adler, Illus. Doggo and Pupper. Feiwel & Friends, 03/2023. 96pp. Reader. Trade $9.99. 978-1-250-62102-3. GRADES Kindergarten–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. In the third and final installment of the Doggo and Pupper series, the canine duo try to help their friend Cat [continue reading]

Viva, Frank. Gotta Go! Frank Viva, Illus. Toon, 9/2023. 32pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6626-6507-3. GRADES Preschool–1. HIGH ADDITIONAL.          How do you hold it when you gotta go? Owen, a bald boy with light brown skin, hilariously learns (and shows off) various gotta go dances [continue reading]