Idzikowski, Lisa. Baby Horses. Lightning Bolt Books—Horse Lover’s Library. Lerner, 08/2024. 24pp. Nonfiction. Trade $29.32. 979-8765626047. Paper $9.99. 979-8765628881. GRADES 1–3. LOW ADDITIONAL. SERIES REVIEW: Baby Horses is one of six books in the Horse [continue reading]
Melissa McAvoy
Rising from the Ashes Review
Yoo, Paula. Rising from the Ashes: Los Angeles, 1992. Edward Jae Song Lee, Latasha Harlins, Rodney King, and a City on Fire. Norton Young Readers, 05/2024. 358pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-3240-3090-4. GRADES 6–10. OUTSTANDING. In April 1992, Los Angeles was in flames. When the ashes [continue reading]
Up, Up, Ever Up! Review
Yasuda, Anita. Up, Up, Ever Up!: Junko Tabei; A Life in the Mountains. Yuko Shimizu, Illus. Clarion, 09/2024. [44]pp. Biography. Trade $19.99. 978-0-0632-4241-8. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING. Spectacular illustrations and lyrical text reveal the dynamic, change-making life of a supremely joyful and determined Japanese woman. From childhood, [continue reading]
To See an Owl Review
Cordell, Matthew. To See an Owl. Matthew Cordell, Illus. Random House, 01/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-593-64989-3. GRADES Preschool–4. OUTSTANDING. A young girl’s abiding interest in owls is encouraged by her knowledgeable teacher, Mr. Koji, and her supportive mom. Tirelessly the child researches and explores, hoping [continue reading]
Seeds of Discovery Review
Alexander, Lori. Seeds of Discovery: How Barbara McClintock Used Corn and Curiosity to Solve a Science Mystery and Win a Nobel Prize. Rebecca Santo, Illus. Clarion, 01/2025. 120pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-0-06-324599-0. GRADES 3–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL. From childhood, Barbara was driven by a love of science. [continue reading]
Is a Book a Box for Words? Review
Ziefert, Harriet. Is a Book a Box for Words? Mercè Galí, Illus. Red Comet, 10/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-63655-125-8. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL. What is a box? This sounds like a simple question, but this semi-concept title runs with the definition, stretching it to be nearly [continue reading]
Dive, Dive into the Night Sea Review
Lu, Thea. Dive, Dive into the Night Sea. Thea Lu, Illus. Candlewick, 10/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-5362-3415-2. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING. Opening horizontally, lush double-page spreads explore the night sea. Soft layers of gray and black ink wash are rubbed back to white, or touched with [continue reading]
Observologist, The: Review
Clarkson, Giselle. Observologist, The: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions. Giselle Clarkson, Illus. Gecko, 02/2024. 120pp. Nonfiction. Trade $24.99. 978-1-7765-7519-0. GRADES 3–7. OUTSTANDING. The skills, habits, and background knowledge necessary for scientific observation are clearly laid out in this whimsically illustrated field guide, [continue reading]