Rothery, Ben. Ben Rothery’s Deadly and Dangerous Animals. Ben Rothery, Illus. Tilbury House, 10/2023. 48pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.95. 978-1-958394-25-0. GRADES 2–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Dramatic drawings, likely done using colored pencil, display animals that are especially deadly in this book sure to capture the attention of children. Many of the illustrations show the animal close up, with details of their teeth, claws, or other aspect that can kill. Only a paragraph of text on each is included, so this is more for browsing and recreational reading than it is for research. The creatures are grouped by a distinguishing feature such as hunting, stealth, mimicry, speed, or teamwork. The book ends with a glossary and a thoughtful author’s note on how humans are the deadliest animal of all.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Hest, Amy. Billy & Rose: Just the Way They Are. Kady MacDonald Denton, Illus. Billy & Rose; bk. 2. Candlewick, 10/2023. 42pp. Reader. Trade $16.99. 978-1-5362-1420-8. GRADES 1–3. ADDITIONAL.     

In this sequel to Billy & Rose: Forever Friends (2022), a sheep and a pig are best friends, even if they disagree at times. In four brief chapters, they discuss books, the rain, their hair, and cupcakes. The quiet stories are not action-packed but reflect the type of conversations friends have, and the book has just those two characters. Aimed at those who read books similar to Lobel’s Frog and Toad series, this seems suited to children who are almost ready to move into chapter books. The text is set down in short paragraphs, often featuring dialogue and some repetition, and the light watercolor artwork uses a cartoonish style that adds humor. Not particularly memorable or original, but serviceable.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Walls, Jasmine. Brooms. Teo DuVall, Illus. Addl. Creators Bex Glendining, Ariana Maher, Mariya Juni, Zack Sharpe, Elise Schuenke. Levine Querido, 10/2023. 230pp. Graphic. Trade $24.99. 978-1-64614-267-5. Paper $18.99. 978-1-64614-268-2. GRADES 7–12. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

In this graphic novel, a group of marginalized girls struggle to prove that they are better than the white men with all the power. Seemingly set in the late 1800s, this story features teen girls using magic and flying brooms in illicit competitions as they fight against unjust laws that ban the use of magic by their type of people: Native American, Chinese, Black, and transgender. This unusual storyline draws parallels to how marginalized people continue to be controlled and kept on the outskirts of society today. Walls and Duvall’s storyline flows with detailed graphic illustrations showing each character’s struggles. Great for readers interested in magic or social justice issues.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Alexander, Lori. Cactus Queen: Minerva Hoyt Establishes Joshua Tree National Park. Jen
Ely, Illus. Calkins Creek, 03/2024. [45]pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6626-8021-2.
GRADES 2–5. OUTSTANDING.

At the turn of the twentieth century, a young woman moved to Pasadena, California and fell in love with the Mojave Desert. Many people saw the desert as a wasteland, but Minerva Hoyt recognized the importance of protecting and preserving the fragile environment from the indifference and casual avarice of a burgeoning population. So, she embarked on a campaign to promote its beauty and value to the country and the world. Colorful illustrations reveal her tireless campaign, growing support, and discouraging setbacks on the way to establishing Joshua Tree National Park. Hoyt is white; diversity of skin tone and ethnicity is represented among ancillary characters. Indigenous people of the region are not discussed in the text. A few didactic sentences do not distract from this essential addition to California biography collections. Backmatter includes additional information, tips for young activists, and a selected bibliography. Includes California-specific content. Review based on an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Graham, Bob. Concrete Garden, The. Bob Graham, Illus. Candlewick Press, 11/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-3380-3. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.

Amanda, a young girl with brown skin and curly black hair, takes the elevator down with a diverse group of children and adults, some wearing masks, and shares out a big box of chalk, leading to the creation of a glowing, creative drawing in front of her apartment building. While Amanda’s initial drawing looks a little like a coronavirus, a diverse array of children add their own sometimes surprising touches to a garden that glows in the simple but beautiful illustrations. Neighbor Nasrin, wearing a hijab, photographs the drawing from above and sends it to her mother in Isfahan, Iran, starting a positive chain reaction of sharing and appreciating the children’s work. A deceptively simple storyline holds a lot of positive messages about sharing, community, and healing from a very difficult time. Graham’s use of a “city” palette of mostly greys and whites accented by the colorful children’s drawings is effective and appropriate for his message of inclusion and hope.

Lesley Mandros Bell—Unaffiliated

MacLeod, Kathy. Continental Drifter. Kathy MacLeod, Illus. First Second, 04/2024. 230pp.
Graphic. Trade $22.99. 978-1-250-81373-2. Paper $14.99. 978-1-250-81374-9. GRADES 5–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

In Bangkok, eleven-year-old Kathy, half Thai, half American, is used to feeling alone. Even
when the family is together, her older sister and parents lead separate lives, not at all like the American sitcom families Kathy longs to emulate. A rare summer vacation to her white dad’s home state of Maine, complete with sleep away camp, offers the promise of finally fitting in. Lined paper chapter headings and faux stickers complement polished, childlike cartoon panels, immersing readers in a visceral re-imagining of Kathy’s childhood struggle to feel “normal” and belong. The depth of detail, truly helpful advice from a wise camp counselor, and Kathy’s evolving and mature introspection distinguish this story from the legion of other graphic memoirs. Readers who follow Kathy’s journey may come away with a shift in perspective that offers healing insight. Review based on an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Aurora, Uncle Ian. Dance. Natalia Moore, Illus. Flowerpot, 11/2023. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $16.99. 978-1-4867-2775-9. GRADES Preschool–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.      

Children of various races, cultures, genders, and abilities (one uses a wheelchair) perform various dances from around the world. The simple rhyming text describes aspects of the dance and country: “The Trata dance in Greece looks like we’re pulling in fish netting. The Dragon Dance in China is for parties like a wedding.” The dances featured include six from Europe, two from Africa, two from Asia, two from South America, one from New Zealand, and one from the United States. The full-color illustrations exhibit energy and action, and were likely done in gouache. The book ends with two pages containing a paragraph and photo of each dance, which makes this a great choice for classrooms where dance may be part of the curriculum. This is the fourth in a series by Uncle Ian (who is featured in one illustration), that focuses on movement: Clap (2016), Stomp (2019), and Cheer (2020).

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Murray, Lily. Five Little Chicks. Holly Surplice, Illus. Candlewick /Templar, 12/2023. [24]pp. Picture Book. Trade $16.99. 978-1-5362-3261-5. GRADES Baby/Toddler–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.   

In this variation on the nursery song and fingerplay “Five Little Ducks Went Out One Day,” five chicks leave mother hen one by one until they reunite. This will be fun for storytime, even with the lyric changes. The brightly colored, mixed media illustrations resemble gouache, showing the animals on the farm and in close-up. There are flaps to lift to search for the missing chicks, counting them as the reader finds them. There are words for the number to be counted, but the numerals are only featured at the end, to recount one to ten. Not a must-have, but a nice supplementary storytime choice.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Tabor, Cory R. Fox Has a Problem. Cory R. Tabor, Illus. My First I Can Read. Balzer +
Bray, 08/2023. [32]pp. Reader. Trade $17.99. 978-0-0632-7791-5. Paper $5.99. 978-0-0632-7792-2. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.

Fox has a problem and is determined to solve it. Charming, sherbet-colored pencil drawings
humorously reveal how each solution exacerbates the trouble. The sparse text and winning
illustrations leave plenty of space for emerging readers to anticipate and predict the action. Just a few adjectives—“big,” “new,” “sharp,” “very”—transform a handful of simple words into a dramatic, witty, satisfying story that celebrates collaboration. Perfect for young readers. Geisel Award winner.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Bailey, Jenn. Henry, Like Always. Mika Song, Illus. Chronicle, 03/2023. 40pp. Fiction. Trade $14.99. 978-1-7972-1389-7. GRADES 1–4. OUTSTANDING.     

Henry likes school but doesn’t like it when the schedule changes or things are not done as expected. Neurodivergence is not explicitly mentioned; readers with OCD or autism may relate to Henry’s situation. He has tools to express his displeasure in ways that are met with understanding by his helpful teacher, Ms. Tanaka. This five-chapter book is perfect for those just moving out of beginning readers into transitional fiction, and Henry and his classmates look about that same age, maybe six or seven. The black ink drawings with watercolor wash depict a diverse classroom; Henry appears to be Asian but it is never mentioned. A great book for emergent readers that will create social and emotional learning opportunities with primary graders. The next book in the series, Henry and the Something New, will be released March 19, 2024. A Geisel Honor book.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Marsh, Katherine. Lost Year, The. Roaring Brook, 01/2023. 354pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-250-31360-7. Paper $8.99. 978-1-250-90930-5. GRADES 5–8. OUTSTANDING.    

During the COVID-19 lockdown, thirteen-year-old Matthew is helping his one-hundred-year-old Ukrainian great-grandmother, Nadiya (GG) unpack when they come across an old picture of GG and her two cousins. As Matthew and GG grow closer, GG shares their secret family story. Marsh brings to light the little-known historical event of The Holodomor, the man-made Ukrainian famine of 1932. Nadiya’s saga to survive and escape Ukraine with the help of her cousins drives the story and an interesting twist at the end makes it a standout. Well-paced, first-person point of view chapters are alternately narrated between Matthew in 2020, Mila in 1930s Ukraine/USSR, and Helen in 1930s U.S. This narrative style expertly illuminates the cousins’ different viewpoints: Mila living under Soviet propaganda and trying to make sense of reality, Helen getting inaccurate news and trying to help from afar, and Nadiya just trying to survive. An author’s note connects the story to Marsh’s family history and gives more information about The Holodomor. This compelling survival story brings timely historical information about Ukraine, and the themes of propaganda, fake news, and human compassion will apply to current events.

Kimberly Lauer—San Francisco Public Library

Martín, Pedro. Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir. Pedro Martín, Illus. Dial, 08/2023. 309 [7]pp. Graphic. Trade $24.99. 978-0-5934-6228-7. Paper $14.99. 978-0-593-46229-4. GRADES 4–10. OUTSTANDING.

Martín’s Mexikid is a graphic memoir that captures both a deeply personal coming-of-age voyage that the young narrator takes with his family, as well as a remarkable visual and cultural snapshot of life in the 1970s. Pedro’s eight siblings and their parents travel from central California to Jalisco, Mexico in the family’s vividly depicted motor home to help their grandfather with a family matter and bring him back to live in California. Martín’s humor, attention to detail, and versatile artwork bring us along on an epic adventure that explores the Martín family’s roots and culture and the strength of their family ties in the face of the challenges of living between two countries. Every image and word brings the reader further into the family, and we leave feeling that we have lived through the heartbreaks and joys of a memorable journey.

Lesley Mandros Bell—Unaffiliated

Varela, J. Romon Perez. Mi Papá es un Agrícola / My Father, the Farmworker. José Ramírez, Illus. Lil’ Libros, 04/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-948066-75-4. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.    

A story of love shared by an admiring son, this tale draws us into his father’s life through one full day of working the land from dawn to dusk. Recognized with the Pura Belpré Youth Illustration Honor, the deeply hued, bold illustrations bring the intensity of the earth’s tones and the sun’s glow into every full spread of vibrant acrylic and enamel paintings. With parallel text in English and Spanish, the words carry a poetic cadence to follow the rhythm of the land, the sun, the moon, and the labor of a loving father. From home to field and back again, the daily lives of campesinos with their families are honored. The endpapers hold them all warmly between the first signs of sunrise and the last of sunset. In the final notes, the author and illustrator both share heartfelt gratitude for the experiences of their hard-working fathers who sacrificed so much, giving hope to the next generation.

Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library

Nazemian, Abdi. Only This Beautiful Moment. Balzer + Bray, 05/2023. 400pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-0630-3937-7. GRADES 9–Adult. OUTSTANDING.

A deftly plotted, multigenerational story of identity and family secrets, Only This Beautiful Moment takes the reader through the lives of three generations of men in the Jafarzadeh family. Following a grandson, father, and grandfather in alternating timelines of 2019, 1973, and 1939, the story jumps between Los Angeles and Iran, exploring sexual identity and homophobia, international politics, and personal struggles. The truly expansive events in the novel range from coming of age in 1970s Los Angeles, to protesting Iranian government policies in 1939, to trying to understand family secrets and contemporary challenges in 2019 Tehran. Nazemian manages to make the characters believable and their lives accessible while holding larger themes of acceptance and understanding in mind as well.

Lesley Mandros Bell—Unaffiliated

Bowles, David. Prince & the Coyote, The. Amanda Mijangos, Illus. Levine Querido, 08/2023. 440pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-64614-177-7. GRADES 9–Adult. ADDITIONAL.

Based on ancient Mexican stories and legends, this historical fiction story follows Crown Prince Acolmiztli of the Acolhua People as he grows into his title. Richly detailed, Bowles’s descriptions of the land, the people, the customs and culture, and especially the military campaigns bring the old Mexico, pre-Aztec time period, to life. Readers follow Acolmiztli through many difficult years in which his kingdom clashes with neighboring empires and kingdoms, as rulers are killed (including his father) and some cities collapse, while others rise up. Personal triumphs and tragedies follow the Prince as he discovers who he is and how to be what he and his people need. As the years advance, he experiences plenty of challenges, including death, treachery, misery, love, and success as peace and especially war bring plenty of change. Color illustrations between some chapters and sections were seen as b&w in the reviewer’s ARC. Includes detailed battle scenes and explanations of unfamiliar concepts and terms (especially names and places), a family tree, and a useful author’s note on the origins of the story. Review based on an ARC.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Harjo, Joy. Remember. Michaela Goade, Illus. Random House Studio/Random, 03/2023. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-5934-8484-5. PLB $21.99. 978-0-5934-8483-8. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.    

Illustrator Michaela Goade takes poet Joy Harjo’s piece “Remember” to new heights with her stunning and colorful illustrations. Dual-page spreads of deep blues, purples, and reds hold repeated imagery of stars and Pacific Northwest/Tlingit symbols which almost spring from page to page as they accompany the image of a young girl growing alongside the text of Harjo’s poem. The text and illustrations verbally and visually point out the connections to our communities, our families, and the natural world.

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District

Woodson, Jacqueline. Remember Us. Penguin Random House/Nancy Paulsen, 10/2023. 192pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-3995-4546-7. GRADES 5–9. OUTSTANDING.

This book drops us into 1970s Brooklyn, where the majority-Black Bushwick neighborhood is dubbed “The Matchbox” because of the number of houses that are burning down. Against this backdrop, seventh grader Sage is just trying to enjoy her summer playing basketball, hanging out with friends, and navigating friendships with both girls and boys. Woodson creates a setting where Sage and other children of Black families sleep with their shoes and a bag at the door knowing they may need to run out of a burning apartment—while just blocks away, there are brick houses of wealthier white families that aren’t going anywhere. In her unique poetic style of short, lyrical chapters where every word matters, Woodson creates a portrait of loss and grief amidst friendships, community, and joy. A masterful examination of mature concepts (loss, death, sexuality) presented with childlike directness and wonder.

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District

Graves, Byron. Rez Ball. HarperCollins/Heartdrum, 09/2023.  368pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-0631-6037-8. GRADES 6–12. OUTSTANDING.     

This debut novel tells the story of a high school basketball team from the Red Lake Ojibwe Reservation in Minnesota that is in the running for the state championship for the first time in many years. The main character, Tre, feels enormous pressure to lead the varsity team while also nurturing his own dream of NBA stardom. Tre is also grieving the sudden death of his brother and trying to fill his supersized shoes as a successful basketball player. Graves, who is also Ojibwe and played high school basketball on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, authentically portrays family grief, first crushes, and the extreme pressure to achieve success for a whole community amidst racism and disadvantages. 

Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District

Wagner Lloyd, Megan. Squished. Michelle Mee Nutter, Illustrator. Graphix, 03/2023. 246pp. Graphic. Trade $24.99. 978-1-338-56894-3. Paper $12.99. 978-1-338-56893-6. GRADES 3–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

In this graphic novel for fans of Raina Telgemeier (Smile, 2010), Avery Lee is on the verge of completing fifth grade, and the challenges of navigating life with her large family of nine are driving her up the wall! Lloyd and Nutter have created a captivating, relatable story centered around a Korean American family, showcasing multicultural characters. The skillful portrayal of exaggerated emotional expressions in the illustrations facilitates empathy with the characters, complemented by the well-executed use of color contrast. While addressing serious topics such as bullying, the book maintains its wholesome nature, making it a great addition to any school or public library.

Audrie Adams—San Bruno Public Library

Lim, Rebecca. Tiger Daughter. Delacorte, 08/2023. 192pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-5936-4897-1. GRADES 5–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.       

Eighth graders Wen Zhao and Henry Xiao are friends at school, both children of first-generation immigrants from China living in Australia. Both feel tremendous pressure to do well academically and they make a plan to take an entrance exam for a prestigious school. Wen’s father is very strict and controlling and won’t let Wen or her mother have contact with anyone in the community, but Henry’s friendship is very important to her. When Henry’s mother tragically dies by suicide, Wen must find the courage to stand up to her father in order to help Henry. Lim gives an authentic portrayal of this immigrant community’s struggles and encourages empathy and hope within the community.

Hua Zhang—San Jose State University student

Leung, Julie. Truth About Dragons, The. Hanna Cha, Illus. Henry Holt, 08/2023. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-250-82058-7. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.       

An Asian mother tells her son a story about dragons, where he begins his journey through the forest and meets a white woman who describes fiery dragons. Then, he continues on through a bamboo forest, hears from the white rabbit in the moon, then meets an Asian woman who describes a dragon with powers of air and water. The two cultural descriptions of dragons, one European and one Asian, reflect the child’s biracial identity, and show the universality of dragons in mythology. The memorable text is fairly brief, with just a sentence or two per page, but it is the artwork that leaves the strongest impression. Accomplished using ink drawings colored digitally, the illustrations show the Western forest highlighted by browns and reds, and the Asian bamboo forest dominated by blues and greens. A Caldecott Honor book.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Ho, Richard. Two New Years. Lynn Scurfield, Illus. Chronicle, 08/2023. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-7972-1281-4. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.  

One family’s joyful celebrations guide us through two New Year traditions: Rosh Hashanah in the fall and Lunar New Year in the spring. Inspired by his own multicultural experiences, Ho details the differences and the many connections between Jewish and Chinese New Year traditions. Colorful ink drawings are framed with collages reminiscent of the art of Chinese paper cutting, alternating thematic colors of blue and white with red and yellow to transition from one culture to the next. Following a visual glossary detailing the customs and symbols of both traditions, the author invites us to share our own celebrations with one another. A perfect readaloud to convey the joy of recognizing connection and similarity among us all; a complex achievement simply and exuberantly presented.

Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library

Hillenbrand, Will. Voice in the Hollow, The. Will Hillenbrand, Illus. Holiday House, 10/2023. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-3681-1. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.  

During a snowstorm, Hubert (a young mouse) takes a shortcut home through the hollow after visiting the library. He encounters a woman mouse who helps him get home. The text is quite brief but is greatly assisted by the dramatic illustrations which were likely achieved using watercolors. The scenes of the forest hollow are filled with falling snow and huge snowdrifts, and there are fallen trees and limbs that look like scary polar bears. Readers may wonder if the woman was actually there since she doesn’t leave any footprints (although Hubert does), or wonder if there were actually bears lurking in the hollow or just shadows? There is one wordless double-gatefold spread that will also have readers wondering, since the bears appear to be as large as mountains. Although the story has a quiet quality, there is plenty of tension, and even after you have finished reading there are things to ponder.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Miller-Lachmann, Lyn. Ways to Play. Gabriel Alborozo, Illus. Levine Querido, 8/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-64614-259-0. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.

Bossy cousin Emma criticizes the way Riley plays, saying he’s too quiet, too focused, too neat—even though how he plays makes him happy. The disagreement fades when they take Charlie (a grey dog) out to play and discover that there are many different ways to play. Alborozo’s pen and ink illustrations bring the focus to how they are playing, which helps readers see that there are many ways to have fun. All characters have light skin.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Rissi, Anica Mrose. Wishing Season. Quill Tree, 06/2023. 228 [+12]pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-0632-5890-7. GRADES 3–7. OUTSTANDING.    

In the world of a fifth grade girl named Lily, the profound loss of her twin brother to cancer weighs heavily on her heart. Lily and her single-parent mom both hide their deep sadness but Lily has a special secret: she can meet her brother, Anders, at a place called the overlap. However, over time, Anders’s presence dwindles, and Lily struggles to keep him close. Along the way, Lily meets Quinn and they develop a friendship that helps her heal. Rissi weaves a simple yet powerful storyline exploring Lily’s summer life after her brother’s passing. Through Rissi’s skillful narrative, readers can keenly sense the profound sadness that underlies the story. Characters read as white.

Hua Zhang—San Jose State University student