Sullivan, Kathryn D. How to Spacewalk: Step-by-Step with Shuttle Astronauts. Michael J. Rosen, Illus. Addl. Creators Michael J. Rosen. Mit Kids, 4/2023. 45pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5362-2621-8. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL. Readers hear from astronaut Kathryn [continue reading]
Melissa McAvoy
Geology Review
Schaefer, Lola M. Geology. Druscilla Santiago, Illus. Hands-On Science. Charlesbridge, 10/2023. [38]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $16.99. 978-1-62354-244-3. GRADES Kindergarten–2. OUTSTANDING. How often are authors able to make a science book, especially one about geology, exciting and [continue reading]
Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn, The Review
Pla, Sally J. Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn, The. Quill Tree, 07/2023. 336pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-06-326879-1. GRADES 6–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Rising eighth-grader Maudie loves spending summers with her dad, Pedro, in Northern California. At home, her belittling mom, angry stepfather, and rigid behavioral [continue reading]
Ploof Review
Clanton, Ben. Ploof. Ben Clanton, Illus. Addl. Creator Andy Chou Musser. Tundra, 09/2023. 56pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-77488-192-7. GRADES Baby/Toddler–Preschool. ADDITIONAL. Ploof is a friendly cloud full of feelings who needs the reader’s help. Big-eyed and puffy, Ploof mostly floats on a blue watercolor background. Questions [continue reading]
Of All Tribes Review
Bruchac, Joseph. Of All Tribes: American Indians and Alcatraz. Abrams, 09/2023. 256pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-4197-5719-8. GRADES 7–12. ADDITIONAL. The well-researched, involved, and diverse history of Alcatraz and American Indians is comprehensively presented. Bruchac summarizes centuries of problematic history, from the precolonial period though centuries [continue reading]
Nothing Else but Miracles Review
Albus, Kate. Nothing Else but Miracles. Holiday House / Ferguson, 09/2023. 288pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-8234-5163-0. GRADES 4–7. OUTSTANDING. Things have been rocky since Dory’s Pop headed off to war. True, the neighborhood looks out for the three kids: dinner at Caputo’s on Thursday, baked [continue reading]
Impossible Escape Review
Sheinkin, Steve. Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe. Roaring Brook, 08/2023. 256pp. Non-Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-250-26572-2. GRADES 8 – 12. OUTSTANDING. Sheinkin’s exemplary research and cinematic writing capture the layers of horror experienced by two teens caught up in Hitler’s [continue reading]
What Goes on Inside a Beaver Pond? Review
Gop, Becky Cushing. What Goes on Inside a Beaver Pond? Carrie Shryock, Illus. Storey, 08/2023. 48pp. Non-Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-63586-527-1. GRADES 2 – 5. OUTSTANDING. A young beaver’s journey, leaving her family’s lodge and striking out to find her own home range, is exquisitely captured in [continue reading]