Yong, Ed. An Immense World: How Animals Sense Earth’s Amazing Secrets, Young Readers Edition. Rebecca Mills, Illus. Addl. Creator AnnMarie Anderson. Bright Matter, 05/2025. 272pp. Nonfiction. Trade $24.99. 978-0-593-81088-0. PLB $27.99. 978-0-593-81089-7. GRADES 5–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL. We know the world through our senses, but that is a mere slice of [continue reading]
Melissa McAvoy
Candle Island Review
Wolk, Lauren. Candle Island. Dutton, 04/2025. 352pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-59369-854-9. GRADES 5–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Twelve-year-old Lucretia and her mother are looking for a fresh start. Candle Island, Maine is far enough from their Vermont home to offer refuge from reminders of the father and [continue reading]
Black Diamond Kings Review
Smith, Charles R., Jr. Black Diamond Kings: Heroes of Negro League Baseball. Adrian Brandon, Illus. Candlewick,05/2025. [32]pp. Poetry. Trade $18.99. 978-1-53622-535-8. GRADES 2–5. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Dynamic, colorful illustrations and lively poems introduce a new generation to a lineup of Negro League legends. Each spread includes a [continue reading]
Safe Crossing Review
Percival, Kari. Safe Crossing. Kari Percival, Illus. Chronicle, 01/25. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-7972-1456-6. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING. On a wet night in spring, a biracial family becomes a crossing crew—safely ushering migrating amphibians across a road. Richly layered digital prints in purples and yellows capture the [continue reading]
Jellyfish Scientist Review
Cusolito, Michelle. Jellyfish Scientist: Maude Delap and Her Mesmerizing Medusas. Ellen Rooney, Illus. Charlesbridge, 04/2025. 32pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-1-62354-581-9.GRADES 2–4. HIGH ADDITIONAL. At the turn of the twentieth century, little was known about jellyfish. [continue reading]
Slam Dunk Review
Doeden, Matt. Slam Dunk: The Shot That Changed the Game. Millbrook, 03/2025. [68]pp. Nonfiction. PLB $34.65. 979-8765626801. GRADES 3–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL. A slam dunk is one of the most exciting moments in sports, but is [continue reading]
Horse Breeds Review
Krenn, Cara. Horse Breeds. Lightning Bolt Books—Horse Lover’s Library. Lerner, 08/2024. 24pp. Nonfiction. Trade $29.32. 979-8765626054. Paper $9.99. 979-8765628898. GRADES 1–3. LOW ADDITIONAL. SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Baby Horses by Lisa Idzikowski for series review. [continue reading]
Horse Sports Review
Idzikowski, Lisa. Horse Sports. Lightning Bolt Books—Horse Lover’s Library. Lerner, 08/2024. 24pp. Nonfiction. Trade $29.32. 979-8765626061. Paper $9.99. 979-8765628904. GRADES 1–3. LOW ADDITIONAL. SERIES REVIEW: Please see Baby Horses by Lisa Idzikowski for series review. [continue reading]