Fajardo, Sara Andrea. Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa: Join the Quest with Peru’s Famed Scientist and Potato Expert. Juana Martinez-Neal, Illus. Roaring Brook, 03/2025. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-2508-3861-2. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING. Potatoes, if you didn’t know, originated high in the Andes Mountains. [continue reading]
Jenny Andrus
Rage of Lions Review
Durham, David Anthony. Rage of Lions, A. The Shadow Prince. Lee & Low/Tu, 10/2025. 387pp. Fiction. Trade $23.95. 978-1-64379-743-4. GRADES 4–8. ADDITIONAL. Ash, the Shadow Prince, leads quite the adventurous life in this mythological adventure set in ancient Egypt. This third book in the series finds [continue reading]
Slam Dunk: The Shot That Changed the Game Review
Doeden, Matt. Slam Dunk: The Shot That Changed the Game. Spectacular Sports. Lerner/Millbrook, 03/2025. 64pp. Nonfiction. Trade $34.65. 979-8-7656-2680-1. GRADES 5–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL. In this surprisingly well-done history of the slam dunk shot in both college and professional basketball, the text is exciting and many players, [continue reading]
Little Big Sister Review
Colfer, Eoin. Little Big Sister. Celia Ivery, Illus. Little Island, 06/2025. 62pp. Fiction. Trade $14.99. 978-1-9150-7178-1. GRADES 1–2. ADDITIONAL. Starr and Babes (Barbara) are sisters who loved to play together when they were young (and small), but Barbara grows bigger while Starr’s dwarfism keeps her small, which [continue reading]
Fireless Dragon Review
Clayton, Annette M. Fireless Dragon, The. Paula Zamudio, Illus. Lerner Stories: Magical Protection Agency. Lerner, 01/2026. 69pp. Fiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8-7656-6279-3. Paper $11.99. 979-8-7656-6284-7. GRADES 2–3. ADDITIONAL. Luisa and Leo are happy to suddenly receive a mission for the Magical Protection Agency. Upon being summoned, they use a magical [continue reading]
Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door Review
Capetta, A.R. Hocus and Pocus and the Dragon Next Door. Charlene Chua, Illus. Hocus and Pocus. Candlewick, 03/2025. 96pp. Fiction. Trade $16.99. 978-1-5362-2493-1. Paper $5.99. 978-1-5362-4269-0. GRADES 1–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL. This second book in a lighthearted early reader series features two magical rescue dogs and the witch who adopts them. [continue reading]
Dreams to Ashes Review
Blackburne, Livia. Dreams to Ashes: The 1871 Los Angeles Chinatown Massacre. Nicole Xu, Illus. Lerner/Carolrhoda, 03/2025. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 979-8-7656-2722-8. GRADES 3–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL. This informational picture book explores the Los Angeles Chinatown massacre that took place in October of 1871, explaining how Chinese nationals [continue reading]
Stalactite and Stalagmite Review
Beckmeyer, Drew. Stalactite and Stalagmite: A Big Tale from a Little Cave. Drew Beckmeyer, Illus. Simon & Schuster/Atheneum, 03/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-6659-2663-8. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. A little nub on the roof of a cave slowly drips on the little nub below, and the two [continue reading]