Katz, Susan B. Color: A Sesame Street Science Book. Sesame Street World of Science Series. Lerner,
01/2023. 32pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES Preschool – 1. PLB $27.99 978-1-7284-7576-9. Paper $8.99. 978-1-7284-8613-0. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Preschool and Kindergarten teachers will find these introductory science titles useful for helping youngsters learn about basic physics subjects including color, light and shadow, and push and pull. These series titles use Sesame Street characters and simple sentences to demonstrate various aspects of these physical science topics. Large, clear color photographs combine with speech bubbles and explanatory text to provide good visuals that teachers and parents can use with young children as these subjects are introduced and explored. Each title includes some reader-directed questions and an activity that reinforces the subject matter.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library.

Rusch, Elizabeth. All About Nothing. Elizabeth Goss, Illus. Charlesbridge, 04/2023. 32pp. Picture Book. Preschool – 3. $17.99. 978-1623543525. OUTSTANDING .

In this striking picture book the author and illustrator use the color white and negative space to explore the concept of nothing: “Nothing is the space around and between everything – your hand, a pet, or even a city … Even when you can’t see nothing, you can feel it.” Vibrantly colorful cut paper illustrations such as the spot for a final puzzle piece or a missing tooth are used to great effect. Nothing is explained by concepts such as “that moment before something exciting happens” or something that is a part of music “what is a song without some silence?” or something that helps you read by letting you see where words begin and end. Back matter includes information about the artistic use of negative space, especially in paper cutting, as well as using silence as a tool to relax.

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K-8, Oakland Unified School District

Brumm, Michael. Bigfoot Takes the Field. Jeff Mack, Illus. The Cryptid Club Series; bk.1. HarperAlley,
06/2022. 96pp. Graphic. GRADES 2 – 5. $16.99. 978-0-06-306079-1. ADDITIONAL.

Fifth˗grader Lilly is looking for a big story for her school newspaper, and ends up investigating a Bigfoot her third˗grade brother has heard rumors about. As may be expected, various hijinks ensue during her quest for a story, which unexpectedly result in finding a Bigfoot and helping him become part of the sixth grade football team. This humorous story is geared to continue with Lilly and brother finding other mysterious unknown creatures—or cryptids. Lilly and brother are dark haired, but otherwise read as white, though the elementary students are pictured as various ethnicities. Mack’s illustrations add much to Brumm’s dialogue, making for a fairly quick-paced tale.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Brew-Hammond, Nana Ekua. Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky. Daniel Minter, Illus. Knopf, 02/2022. [36]pp. Picture Book. GRADES 1 – 4. $18.99. 978-1-9848-9436-6. PLB $21.99. 978-1-9848-9437-3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Selected facts and vibrant illustrations open the reader’s eyes to the diverse history and cultural significance of the world’s favorite color. Readers learn about the ethereal color’s unlikely origins: crushed stones, snails, and the plant family Indigofera. The pigment has been imporant in multiple religions, fueled economies, and drove, in part, the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Its cultural and emotional resonance is embedded in our language. Minter’s saturated, acrylic illustrations take us from ancient Egypt to modern times, using additive techniques, sponge painting, overlays, and washes. The majority of people pictured are of African origin, with a few Asians and one white European scientist. An author’s note includes additional facts and a robust list of selected sources is included. Notably absent are any mentions of the blue derived from European woad or the haint blue that is central to Gullah-Geechee culture.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Smith, Elliott. Bo and the Basketball Game. Subi Bosa, Illus. Bo at the the Buzz Series; bk. 1. Lerner, 01/2023. 32pp. Reader. GRADES 1 – 2. PLB $29.32. 978-1-7284-7613-1. Paper $9.99. 978-1-7284-8627-7. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Bo is an African American boy who lives above his grandfather’s barbershop. In the first three books in the series, his grandfather Pop-Pop appears to be Bo’s only family member, but he has a loving and supportive diverse community. Bo longs to be a basketball star, plants vegetables in the community garden, and forgets to mail the electric bill payment for Pop-Pop. The plots are simple and relatable for emergent readers. The text is set down in two or three paragraphs per page, with abundant color illustrations that appear to be gouache in a cartoon style. There are three chapters in each book, and the reading level is comparable to Lobel’s classic Frog and Toad books. Although these stories are not particularly innovative, the need for diverse main characters in easy readers is important, so many libraries will want to add these to their collections.

Penny Peck—San Jose School University iSchool

Smith, Elliott. Bo and the Community Garden. Subi Bosa, Illus. Bo at the Buzz Series; bk. 2. Lerner, 01/2023. 32pp. Reader. GRADES 1 – 2. PLB $29.32. 978-1-7284-7617-9. Paper $9.99. 978-1-7284-8631-4. ADDITIONAL.

Please see Bo and the Basketball Game by Elliott Smith for series review.

Penny Peck—San Jose School University iSchool

Smith, Elliott. Bo and the Little Lie. Subi Bosa, Illus. Bo at the Buzz Series; bk. 3. Lerner, 01/2023. 32pp. Reader. GRADES 1 – 2. PLB $29.32. 978-1-7284-7616-2. Paper $ 9.99. 978-1-7284-8630-7. ADDITIONAL.

Please see Bo and the Basketball Game by Elliott Smith for series review.

Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool

Ardagh, Philip. Bunnies in a Boat. Ben Mantle, Illus. Candlewick, 01/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 1. $17.99. 978-1-5362-2833-5. ADDITIONAL.

These rambunctious, fun-loving bunnies create havoc wherever they go. This time around they go for a joy ride in a speed boat, much to the chagrin of those on the beach, the water, other boats, on the wharf, and even in a restaurant. Mantle’s pencil and digital illustrations provide many small details and hidden elements for readers to look at, stretching well beyond the simple chaos resulting from the boat and the fast-paced, simply singable text. Great for those who love impossible chaos and those who enjoy hunting down lots of illustrated details hidden throughout.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Beckerman, Nell Cross. Caves. Kalen Chock, Illus. Orchard, 10/2022. [40]pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 2 – 4. $19.99. 978-1-338-72662-6. OUTSTANDING.

An inviting look into the world of caves and caving, with profiles of several unique caves around the world and advice and safety tips for aspiring spelunkers. Gorgeous and immersive digital illustrations use contrasting light and shadow to evoke the mystery of these underground spaces. Well-crafted blocks of text introduce relevant scientific background on subjects like the formation of limestone caves, bat conservation, and ancient cave paintings, while expressive language in a contrasting font describes the experience of visiting each cave and is arranged in creative formations on the page. An Australian lava tube is described as wheelchair accessible in the text, and a visitor who uses one is included in the illustration. Back matter includes a list of spelunking equipment, a set of “Cave Rules,” and additional information about three of the caves. This well-presented and informative book is sure to inspire an interest in caves for scientists young and old.

Caroline Davis—Alameda County Library

LaMotte, Lily. Chloe’s Lunar New Year. Michelle Lee, Illus. HarperCollins, 01/2023. 40pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 3. $18.99. 978-0-06-307651-8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

In a somewhat bittersweet addition to the recent stream of books about celebrating Lunar New Year, the main character Chloe and her little brother, Noah, are helping prepare for Lunar New Year dinner by cleaning house, clearing out things like everyone’s old shoes (except for A-má’s worn, soft slippers), setting the table, decorating red envelopes, and cooking foods such as traditional turnip cake, whole fish, and hot pot, along with western favorites such as sweet apple pie. Auntie Le and Uncle Tony (a white guy with red hair) arrive with a traditional greeting and more treats. After dinner, Chloe places a piece of pie below her A-má’s photo on the family altar. This along with the mentions of A-má throughout the story allow readers to infer that she has recently passed. Back matter includes an author’s note and a recipe for Fortune Cake (Huat-Kue), while the endpapers feature watercolor family photos of A-má, Chloe, and Noah.

Rachael Reiley— Hillcrest Elementary K-8, Oakland Unified School District

Wheeler, Lisa. Dino-Valentine’s Day. Barry Gott, Illus. Carolrhoda, 11/2022. [32]pp. Picture Book. GRADES. Preschool – 1. $18.99. 978-1-5124-0319. ADDITIONAL.

In the continuing saga of dinosaurs doing human things, Wheeler moves from sports to holidays. This time the many aspects of celebrating Valentine’s Day are demonstrated via dinosaurs instead of people. From cards to gifts, candy to dinners, these happy dinos are engrossed in everything pink and red. Full of different types of dinosaurs, many of their names are shortened and written in a different font type and color than the rest of the fastpaced, lyrical text. A great way to show some of the ways (and eventually the reasons) that the day is celebrated.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Medina, Juana. Elena Rides. Juana Medina, Illus. Candlewick, 03/2023. [26]pp. Reader. GRADES Kindergarten – 1. $9.99. 978-1-5362-1635-6. OUTSTANDING.

Elena is a purple elephant who learns to ride a bike, demonstrating that it takes practice and perseverance to learn to ride. The brief text with just one or two sentences per page contains rhyming words, repetition, dialogue balloons, and onomatopoeia that will help young children learn to read. “She readies, she steadies, she pushes, she peddles! She wobbles and bobbles, …” The illustrations also assist, using bright colors against a white background, showing what the text is describing. The youngest emergent readers have a great new book that will help them gain this essential skill; hopefully, it is the first in a series of many more.

Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool

Santat, Dan. First Time for Everything, A. Dan Santat, Illus. First Second, 02/2023. 320pp. Graphic. GRADES 5 – 8. $22.99. 978-1-626-72415-0. Paper $14.99. 978-1-250-85104-8. OUTSTANDING.

The summer before high school, Dan’s parents send him on a whirlwind group tour of Europe. As an only kid, middle school has been pretty brutal, and Dan, who has retreated into anonymity, is pushed out of his shell. Adventures, epic embarrassments, and unexpected friendships combine in a summer full of firsts that changes his understanding of himself and what the world has to offer. Subtly colored comic panels and personality filled characterizations are enhanced by myriad specific details that engage the reader and bring the story, and the late 1980s, to life. Like Dan, the reader encounters the unfamiliar (text in German, French teens who smoke) and like Dan we muddle through and figure it out. A respectful, affectionate, and thoroughly enjoyable graphic memoir with unexpected depth. While race is never mentioned, the author is Asian American.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Saeed, Aisha, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins Bigelow, and S.K. Ali. Grounded: A Novel. Amulet, 05/2023. 272pp. Fiction. GRADES 4 – 7. $18.99. 978-1-4197-6175-1. ADDITIONAL.

Four kids who couldn’t be more different are thrown together when a thunderstorm grounds their families’ flights. True, they are all twelve and Muslim, but their racial and ethnic backgrounds are diverse, as are their personality types. Find out what happens when an animal rights activist, budding social media influencer, aspiring rapper, anxious martial artist, and four-year-old force of nature are trapped in an airport, united in their desire to avoid their parents and to find a lost pet. Chapters alternate among the perspectives of Nora, Hanna, Feek, and Sami, with each character penned by a different author. The kids’ differences push their evolution, and the adventure ricochets along, realistically following the attention span of four distracted tweens and one toddler. Predictable mayhem ensues and the good-natured tomfoolery unrolls like the plot of a Saturday morning cartoon. What gets between the reader and the fun is overly expository prose. The characters narrate what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how they feel about it. This, combined with a disjointed plot, bogs down the narrative.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Park, Jane. Hidden Creature Features. Lerner/Millbrook, 03/2023. [32]pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES Preschool – 2. PLB $29.32. 978-1-7284-4567-0. ADDITIONAL.

Animal adaptations are introduced in rhyming couplets followed by brief text describing the adaptation. Readers will enjoy unusual animals such as colugo, pacu, pangolin, and sarcastic fringehead and their hidden features. Unfortunately, the term “adaptation” is not defined until the glossary at the end. The book would benefit from an introductory paragraph tying that term with the title, making it more accessible to the very young audience it targets. Stock photos accompany the text to introduce the animal and provide a close-up of each adaptation, though some are low resolution.

Cindy Gullikson—Joaquin Miller School, Oakland Unified School District

Atinuke. Hooray for Anna Hibiscus! Lauren Tobia, Illus. Anna Hibiscus Series; bk. 3. Candlewick, 01/2023. 105pp. Fiction. GRADES 2 – 4. $16.99. 978-1-5362-2520-4. Paper $7.99. 978-1-5362-2525-9. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

In the third entry in this series, an extended Nigerian family is featured in four episodic chapters that focus on young Anna, an enthusiastic child who gets into some mischief. She sings for the President after a spell of stage fright, rebels against having her hair braided, plays games during a power outage, and poignantly visits a different neighborhood and learns about generosity. Although the text is fairly long for a transitional novel, it contains plenty of repetition, and ink drawings on every page help developing readers. A fun look at a different culture, showing similarities to family life in the U.S.

Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool

Gupta, Ruchira. I Kick and I Fly. Scholastic. 04/2023. 352pp. Fiction. GRADES 7-12. OUTSTANDING. $18.99. 978-1-338-82509-1.

Heera, maybe twelve or thirteen, lives in extreme poverty in Forbesganj, Bihar, India. Her life seems to be going nowhere, and she’s destined to be sold at the Girl’s Bazaar. Luckily, her mother pushes for her to attend school, where she gets her one real meal of the day, and the matron of a local girl’s hostel (orphanage) provides assistance. Good luck, tenacity, and perseverance see her out of the gutters (literally) and into learning karate and winning contests. This results in improved living situations, outlook on life, and even helps her family see value in her as more than a sex worker. This is one of the most powerfully written, though both depressing and uplifting, stories about real things happening around the world. Gupta includes an author’s note that explains much of the truth behind the story, and offers resources for readers about sex trafficking. Review based on an ARC.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Schuh, Mari. Idil Steps In: a Story About Respect. Mike Byrne, Illus. Early Bird Stories: Building Character Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 32pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 1. PLB $29.32. 978-1-7284-7638-4. Paper $ 8.99. 978-1-7284-7842-5. ADDITIONAL.

Please see Justin Keeps it Fair by Kristin Johnson for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Schuh, Mari. Jada Sticks With It: a Story About Determination Mike Byrne, Illus. Early Bird Stories: Building Character. Series Lerner, 01/2023. 32pp. Picture Book. Preschool – 1. PLB $29.32. 978-1-7284-7639-1. Paper $ 8.99. 978-1-7284-7843-2. ADDITIONAL.

Please see Justin Keeps it Fair by Kristin Johnson for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Pinkney, Jerry. Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life. Jerry Pinkney, Illus. Little, Brown, 01/2023. 146pp. Biography. GRADES 4 – 8. $17.99. 978-0-316-38385-1. OUTSTANDING.

This warm memoir by Caldecott Medalist Jerry Pinkney describes his youth growing up in Philadelphia, where he always seemed to be drawing. He had a large, loving family, supportive teachers and mentors, and lots of friends to play with, even though he struggled with a learning disability that made him uncomfortable at school. His story also describes how commonplace segregation was in the 1940s to the 1960s, with everyday discrimination against African Americans. Every spread has loose drawings done in brown pencil to illustrate what is happening in the text; initially Pinkney planned to revise and refine those drawings but he died before he could do that. Many readers will be inspired by and relate to Pinkney’s story, especially those with dyslexia, or those who draw as their lifeline to the world. The book ends with a photo-filled chapter on his adult life, his award-winning books, and a timeline.

Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool

Johnson, Kristin. Justin Keeps it Fair: A Story About Fairness. Mike Byrne, Illus. Early Bird Stories Series: Building Character. Lerner, 01/2023. 32pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 1. PLB $29.32. 978-1-7284-7636-0. Paper $ 8.99. 978-1-7284-7839-5. ADDITIONAL.

These serviceable picture books work together to show how people should be able to use their inner strength for positive interactions with others. Each story is built around a specific positive personal characteristic (such as fairness, respect, or determination) which can lead to good interpersonal relations (and feeling good about one’s self). Four short chapters include “check in” questions for the reader to think about what was just read, while the back matter includes more about the topic and additional critical thinking questions to further engage the listeners and readers. Digital illustrations show a mix of children with various physical attributes including a wheelchair, various skin colors, and cultural and religious backgrounds.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Johnson, Kristin. Justin Keeps it Fair: A Story About Fairness. Mike Byrne, Illus. Early Bird Stories Series: Building Character Lerner, 01/2023. 32pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 1. PLB $29.32
978-1-7284-7636-0. Paper. $ 8.99. 978-1-7284-7839-5. ADDITIONAL.

These serviceable picture books work together to show how people should be able to use their inner
strength for positive interactions with others. Each story is built around a specific positive personal
characteristic (such as fairness, respect, or determination) which can lead to good interpersonal
relations (and feeling good about one’s self). Four short chapters include “check in” questions for the
reader to think about what was just read, while the back matter includes more about the topic and
additional critical thinking questions to further engage the listeners and readers. Digital illustrations
show a mix of children with various physical attributes including a wheelchair, various skin colors, and
cultural and religious backgrounds.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Paleo, Doug. Law and Odor. Aaron Blecha, Illustrator. Dinomighty! Series. Clarion. 11/2022. 213pp. Graphic. GRADES 3 – 5. ADDITIONAL. $13.99. 978-0-35-862795-1.

Funny and semi-nonsensical dinosaurs (and a chicken) work together to “solve” various crimes happening in their town. This group—the Dinomighty—bumble their way through the clues and escalating events, before an inevitable end to the crime wave (or to the book). Blecha’s amusing digital illustrations keep the action moving while Paleo’s pun- filled dialogue moves them from one crime scene to the next. This third (unnumbered) title focuses on a burgled bean factory and an unknown criminal who’s using clouds of farts as part of his heists. Plenty of fun for those wanting this type of lowbrow humor.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Katz, Susan B. Light and Shadow: A Sesame Street Science Book. Sesame Street World of Science Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 32pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES Preschool – 1 . PLB $27.99. 978 7284-7577-6. Paper $ 8.99. 978-1-7284-8614-7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Please see Color: A Sesame Street Science Book by Susan B. Katz
for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Nayeri, Daniel. The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams. Daniel Miyares, Illus. Levine Querido, 03/2023. 198 [26]pp. Fiction 4 – 8. $21.99. 978-1-64614-303-0. OUTSTANDING.

Omar, who spends most of the book being called Monkey, is a young boy who has been orphaned, rescued, orphaned again, and ultimately driven out of yet another sanctuary by the monks he serves before we even meet him. A battered, bemused, and observant narrator, he becomes the unwilling servant of the likable yet unreliable merchant Samir, who brings him into the strange found family of a caravan traveling the legendary Silk Road. As Monkey relates multiple tales of adventures, angry customers, strange happenings, and the wild philosophies of his new master, readers get a glimpse of just how big the world of the road can be, and how common the themes of belonging, poverty, imagination, and love are. Nayeri’s writing is both humorous and lyrical, and his extensive end notes are a wonderful combination of historical context and imagination.

Lesley Mandros Bell—Unaffiliated

Zajac, Linda. Minecraft Crafting. Lightning Bolt Books: Minecraft 101. Series Lerner, 01/2023. 24pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. PLB $27.99. 978-1-7284-7672-8. Paper $8.99. 978-1-7284-7876-0. LOW ADDITIONAL.

Please see Minecraft Farming: An Unofficial Kids’ Guide by Percy Leed for series review.

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K-8, Oakland Unified School District

Leed, Percy. Minecraft Farming: An Unofficial Kids’ Guide. Lightning Bolt Books: Minecraft 101 Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 24pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES Kindergarten – 2. PLB $27.95. 978-1-7284-7673-5. Paper $ 8.99. 978-1-7284-7877-7. LOW ADDITIONAL.

This series offers a simple introduction to Minecraft game
basics such as Crafting, Mining, Maps, Farming, Modes and Mods. But at over $20 per volume one
would be making a huge investment to acquire the ten-volume set. This 24-page book is written for the
youngest gamers and has bright pages but mediocre graphics that are simple screenshots of Minecraft
games. The back matter does include a glossary, an index, and references attempting to tie gaming skills
such as farming or crafting to real-life skills, but it reads as simplistic and is unnecessary. For the money,
there are better introductions to Minecraft.

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K-8, Oakland Unified School District

Alexander, Lori. Mini Mighty Sweeps. Jeff Harter, Illus. HarperCollins, 08/2022. [32]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 1. $17.99. 978-0-06-225016-2. ADDITIONAL.

Small trucks are often overlooked and dismissed by bigger, full-size trucks, and Sweeps, a small, sidewalk-size sweeper, experiences this throughout the week. Each day the big trucks push Sweeps to the side, dismissed as too small. After a big rain storm, the big guys all get stuck in the mud and only Sweeps is able to wash away the muck and save the day, finally earning their respect. Harter’s digital illustrations provide life to the trucks, sadness to Sweeps, and a bit of joy when they all get along in the end. Useful for talking about how to get along with others, no matter the size difference.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Cohen, Tziporah. On the Corner of Chocolate Avenue: How Milton Hershey Brought Milk Chocolate to America. Steven Salerno, Illustrator. Clarion. 12/2022. [40]pp. Biography. GRADES 2 – 5. ADDITIONAL. $18.99. 978-0-35-857875-8.

Upbeat and exciting writing quickly moves through the highlights of Milton Hershey’s life, covering the basics of his interests, failures, and eventual success with the milk chocolate company everyone knows today. Digital illustrations, with gouache painted textures, help readers see and experience the ups and downs of his life, including the many things he did before succeeding.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Echenique, Sara E. Our Roof is Blue. Ashley Vargas, Illus. Charlesbridge, 04/2023. [30]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Kindergarten – 3. $17.99. 978-1-62354-233-7. ADDITIONAL.

After a hurricane blows the roof off of this Puerto Rican family’s house, the daughter makes an adventure out of the temporary blue tarp roof, until a new roof can be installed. Easy, flowing text combines with the digital illustrations to show how their life was before, how they were scared during the hurricane, and some of the difficulties of life without a real roof, including when her brother stopped talking for a long time due to the trauma. Includes back matter about hurricanes, climate change, and things one can do to help stop climate change.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Moore, Heather B. and Allison Hong Merrill. Paper Daughters of Chinatown, The. Shadow Mountain, 04/2023. 240pp. Fiction. GRADES 7 – 9. Trade $18.99. 978-1-63993-094-4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Adapted from the best-selling adult novel, this YA version shifts the focus from the white, real-life crusader, Donaldina (Dolly) Cameron, and the young Chinese women forced into prostitution, to Tien Fu Wu, one of the Chinese “paper-daughters” Cameron aided. At the end of the nineteenth century, six-year-old Tien Fu was sold by her debt-ridden father. With other Chinese girls she was shipped to San Francisco, trained to pass immigration as a “paper-daughter,” then sold and re-sold into domestic slavery. Well researched and horrifying, the fictionalized story of real-life enslaved girls is intrinsically engaging. Moore and Merrill have made the subject appropriate for upper middle grade and high school readers. The brutality, sexual violence, and drug use inherent to human-trafficking appears briefly, is referred to, or occurs outside the frame of the narrative. Despite some clunky writing, this eye-opening story of female resilience and bravery is full of substantial local relevance and human interest. Historic and fictional characters are clearly delineated. A timeline precedes the narrative. Back matter includes Questions & Answers, Selected Bibliography, and Recommended Reading. Reviewed from an ARC. This book has California-specific content.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Press, Judy. Pirate Passover. Amanda Gulliver, Illustrator. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 02/2023. 24pp. Picture Book. Preschool – 2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. $19.99. 978-1-7284-4303-4.

Preparing for Passover on a pirate ship offers a fresh take on children’s books about this Jewish holiday. Captain Drew, drawn as a light-skinned pirate with curly reddish hair — who could be any gender—is having their crew (which includes a brown-skinned pirate with braided locks in his hair and beard) prepare for Passover by cleaning the ship, getting rid of the chametz, and preparing a seder plate. A storm runs them aground, where they find an open door into a family seder on land. Told in rhyming couplets, this book could be an easy readaloud that celebrates the holiday. The text includes many appropriate traditions, but does not offer much explanation. This book will work well for children already familiar with Passover traditions and stories, and many will potentially see themselves mirrored in the diverse illustrations of the pirate crew. Gulliver’s bright illustrations are created with a mix of traditional painting, collage, and digital art.

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K-8, Oakland Unified School District

Brooks, Nick. Promise Boys. Holt, 01/2023. 304pp. Fiction. GRADES 9 – 12. $19.99. 978-1-250-86697-4. OUTSTANDING.

This succinct and hard-hitting YA murder mystery illuminates the systemic racism facing Black and Brown young men from impoverished backgrounds. When Principal Moore of the Urban Promise charter school is shot dead, three students, who were in detention, immediately become the prime suspects. JB, Trey, and Ramon each know that they are innocent but, because the police aren’t interested in digging deeper, they must team up to investigate the murder themselves. Only when they are able to look beyond the assumptions they’ve made about each other can they begin to make progress. The author effectively uses multiple perspectives to peel back the layers of the three teens’ lives, families, and communities, successfully drawing the tension between their deep-rooted hopes to use Promise as a launch point to break out of the cycle of poverty and their chafing at its often petty, quasi-military regime. The mystery itself is somewhat secondary to the character and world development but is satisfyingly worked through. With a scarcity of YA mysteries giving agency to BIPOC characters, particularly young men, this is a book all public and school libraries serving teens should purchase to add diversity to the genre.

Hayley Beale—San Francisco University High School

Jenkins, Martin. Puffin. Jenni Desmond, Illustrator. Candlewick. 10/2022. 32pp. Picture Book. GRADES Kindergarten – 4. HIGH ADDITIONAL. $17.99. 978-1-5362-2850-2.

This informational picture book is an adorable look at the life cycle of Puffins, from reuniting with a mate, creating a nest, and raising a chick until it’s ready to set off on its own. The playful and engaging artwork by Desmond will delight younger children listening to the book, and the fact-based descriptions by Jenkins (a conservation biologist) will engage budding ornithologists of all ages. Back matter includes additional facts about Puffins, an index, and websites for further research.

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K-8 Oakland Unified School District

Katz, Susan B. Push and Pull: A Sesame Street Science Book. Sesame Street World of Science Series.
Lerner, 01/2023. 32pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES Preschool – 1. PLB $27.99. 978-1-7284-7578-3. Paper $ 8.99. 978-1-7284-8615-4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Please see Color: A Sesame Street Science Book by Susan B. Katz for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Li, Christina. Ruby Lost and Found. HarperCollins/Quill Tree, 05/2023. 304pp. Fiction. GRADES 5 – 7. $19.99. 978-0-06-300893-9. OUTSTANDING.

Being grounded stinks. Especially if one is thirteen and forced to spend a whole summer with one’s Nai-Nai, hanging out at Chinatown’s senior center. But Ruby knows even if she weren’t grounded there wouldn’t be much to do. Her parents are focused on their startup. Her pre-college sister is always out with friends. Her best friend moved to New York and her remaining one has simply moved on. So Ruby retreats to the past: retracing the routes of her grandfather’s epic San Francisco scavenger hunts; listening to the stories of her elders; and uncovering the importance of a threatened local landmark. With wonderful multi-dimensional characters, a powerful sense of place, and a pitch-perfect rendering of the turmoil that is thirteen, Ruby covers a lot of ground. The strong writing and solid pacing seamlessly meld into a coming-of-age story that explores the importance of slowing down and spending time with the people and places you love. The majority of the characters are Chinese American. Reviewed from an ARC. This book has California specific content.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Matheson, Christie. Select. Random House, 05/2023. 224pp. Fiction. GRADES 5 – 8. $20.99. 978-0-593-56724-1. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Twelve-year-old Alex loves soccer, and she’s good at it. When her skills attract the attention of an elite coach, her life changes both for the better and the worse. Her teammates are amazing and they have a real chance to go to Nationals. On the other hand, this coach is a misogynist bully. Set in San Francisco and on the peninsula, Select explores the tension between love of sport and the fact that, for many kids, an athletic scholarship is the ticket to a better life. Alex feels trapped by her poor, single mom’s expectations and her own conviction that her coach has crossed the line. Full of exciting soccer action, nuanced team dynamics, and a realistic portrayal of what it takes to play at the highest level, it explores the difference between positive and negative coaching. While some didactic prose over-explains the core themes, the author’s love of the game and deep respect for student athletes carries the story to a gratifying, if rather sudden, conclusion. Alex and her family read as white, teammates and coaches are of diverse races and ethnicities. Reviewed from an ARC. This book has California-specific content.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

John, Jory. Sour Grape, The. Pete Oswald, Illustrator. HarperCollins. 11/2022. [32]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – K. HIGH ADDITIONAL. $19.99. 978-0-06-304541-5.

Grape is a very sour grape, which means he’s negative about everything and everyone around him, though he wasn’t always this way. The John and Oswald creative duo continue their collaboration with another hit in this sixth food title, which carefully pairs text and illustrations in an engaging and informative story. Watercolor˗and˗digital illustrations depict the emotions and interactions, as the text describes and engages the readers with the story of why the grape turned sour and what happens to the grape afterwards. A great way to see what affects one’s own emotions as well as the effects one’s actions have on others.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Fong, Pam. Spark in the Dark, A. Pam Fong, Illus. Greenwillow, 11/2022. [28]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 1. $17.99. 978-0-06-313653-3. ADDITIONAL.

Anyone may feel scared, lost, angry, lonely, or sad when far away from the light, down in the deep, dark sea. This orangish fish chases a breadcrumb down into the depths, leaving the light behind in the chase. The fish then encounters many scary or fascinating things before finding the way back to the light at the surface. Soft, muted digital watercolor illustrations depict mostly dark pages with a few dimly visible background plants, rocks, or sea creatures blended in to highlight the fish’s journey and relief at returning to the comfortable surface zone. A nice look at how to handle being lost and fearful.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Burgess, Rebecca. Speak Up! Rebecca Burgess, Illus. Harper/Quill Tree, 09/2022. 272pp. Graphic. GRADES 4 – 7. HIGH ADDITIONAL. $22.99. 978-0-06-308120-8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Mia’s mom thinks her autism is preventing her from fitting in at school. What she doesn’t know is that Mia and her best friend, Charlie, have secretly created Elle-Q, a musical group that is gaining major popularity online. Mia can express herself through music more easily than in her everyday life, where she struggles to speak up. Can she find the courage to perform with Charlie at the talent show and reveal their identities in front of their adoring fans and classmates? Burgess’ story is an honest representation of neurodivergent behavior that challenges the standards of what is considered “normal,” and promotes self-advocacy. The characters are developed thoughtfully as they navigate the impacts of bullying and how friendships endure tough times. A diverse school community is reflected. Mia presents as white and Charlie is Black and nonbinary. Bright, colorful graphics fill each page, offering extra detail and sparkle when Elle-Q sings their meaningful lyrics. Different colored bubbles are used to differentiate between Mia’s spoken and inner thoughts. An impactful middle grade graphic novel about being oneself that would add to any public, school, or personal library.

Greta Marti—Marin County Free Library

Abrams, Stacey. Stacey’s Remarkable Books. Kitt Thomas, Illus. Balzer & Bray, 12/2022. 32pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 2. $19.99. 978-0-06-327185-2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

The somewhat shy Stacey looks forward to Thursdays, aka Adventure Days, aka library day for her class. When she learns that her new classmate Julie is not very comfortable reading in English because her family speaks Vietnamese at home, they decide to find and read books together. Taking turns sounding out the words, soon they are joined by other students: Haddy from Gambia, Sam from South Korea, Vikal from Indonesia, and more until they have formed a school book club. Finally, with the help of her new friends, Stacey finds the courage to also try putting down her books and playing with her classmates. The illustrations by Thomas are vibrant and bright, depicting a diverse and multiracial group of children. Back matter includes an author’s note as well as a great list of recommended “remarkable” picture books.

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K-8, Oakland Unified School District

Layton, Christine. Travel to Brazil. Searchlight Books—World Traveler Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 32pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 3 – 5. PLB $30.65. 978-1-7284-5785-7. Paper $ 9.99. 978-1-7284-6395-7. ADDITIONAL.

Please see Travel to Italy by Matt Doeden for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library 

Layton, Christine. Travel to Germany. Searchlight Books—World Traveler Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 32pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 3 – 5. PLB $30.65. 978-1-7284-5789-5. Paper $ 9.99. 978-1-7284-6396-4. ADDITIONAL.

Please see Travel to Italy by Matt Doeden for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Doeden, Matt. Travel to Italy. Searchlight Books—World Traveler Series. Lerner, 01/2023. 32pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 3 – 5. PLB $30.65. 978-1-7284-5788-8. Paper $ 9.99. 978-1-7284-6397-1. ADDITIONAL.

Discover countries around the world via these series titles which introduce the basics about the titled country to middle elementary readers. Full paragraphs move readers through the standard country report topics: geography, climate, history, government, culture, people, and daily life. Although brief, each section quickly covers much of what the reader may initially want to know about the country, while also mentioning many of the controversial aspects of each country’s history. Each title includes a number of topical photos and a basic map of the country with a few features and cities listed.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

McCarthy, Cory. Under Pressure. B.E.S.T. World Series; bk. 2. Clarion, 11/2022. 194pp. Fiction. GRADES 5 – 8. $16.99. 978-0-35-836214-2. ADDITIONAL.

Imagine a world where teens have the option of having their body modified (augmented) with technology that gives them some aspect of superpowers: x-ray vision, flight, super brains, emotion reading, etc. Now add in a corporation that controls everything, including knowledge about success or failure rates of the human/technology hybrids, plus an outside group trying to expose the corporation. This is the type of future that is the B.E.S.T. World, in which Grayson, Leo, Jayla, and Ace are learning to handle possible (or actual) modifications as well as the politics and problems of this new world order. Several characters, including Leo, are nonbinary, though other racial or ethnic clues are limited. An interesting look at the future, as wearable technology becomes part of humans.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Ortiz, Lars. Walls and Welcome Mats: Immigration and the American Dream. Twenty-first Century, 02/2023. 120pp. Non-Fiction. GRADES 7 – 12. PLB $37.32. 978-1-7284-2399-9. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

The history of immigration to the United States is the focus of this compelling, timely book, because it is arranged chronologically and spotlights specific ethnic groups and countries of origin, and explains issues such as DACA. The lively text is concise and clear, examining the ways in which different groups were (and still are) treated when they arrived in the U.S., the influence of racism on immigration, and the involuntary immigration that took place during slavery. There are color and b&w photos on every other page, sidebars, charts, graphs, and profiles of history-making immigrants. This works as narrative nonfiction for those interested in the topic, as well as for report writers. The book concludes with an index, a glossary, a bibliography, and source notes.

Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool

Swinarski, Claire. What Happened To Rachel Riley? HarperCollins/Quill Tree, 01/2023. 343pp. Fiction GRADES 4 – 7. Trade $16.99. 978-0-06-321309-8. OUTSTANDING.

Favorably compared to Barbara Dee’s Maybe He Just Likes You, this semi-epistolary novel explores why eighth grader Rachel Riley has become an outcast at her middle school. The story is told by Anna, a new student at the school, who has been assigned an un-essay project where she decides to create a serialized podcast to discover what happened to the formerly popular Rachel Riley. The mystery slowly unfolds via emails, letters, text messages, and interviews interspersed with text chapters. What initially appears to be a story about cliques and bullying turns out to be about systematic sexual harassment: a years-long boys against girls “game” of butt-slapping and bra-snapping, that is minimized by school authorities and awkwardly laughed at by both victims and perpetrators. Ultimately this is a story about calling out and standing up to harassment even if it’s an unpopular thing to do. The story is set in Madison, WI. The main character is Polish and most of the characters appear to be white.

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K-8, Oakland Unified School District

Derting, Kimberly and Shellie R. Johannes. Wind and Water. Joelle Murray, Illus. I Can Read Series, Level 3: Vivi Loves Science. Greenwillow, 01/2023. 40pp. Reader. GRADES 1 – 3. $16.99. 978-0-06-311660-3. Paper $ 4.99. 978-0-06-311659-7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

After seeing the changes resulting from a big overnight storm, Vivi explores the effects wind and water have on a beach. The ranger at the beach explains what happened, and her teacher provides more information, including a couple of demonstrations in front of the class. This subset of the I Can Read series helps expose readers to science topics. A Black girl and her family are the main characters, plus there is a multi-ethnic class. Derting and Johannes include two simple science experiments as part of the story, showing erosion via water and wind effects.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library