Fombelle, Timothée de. 101 Ways to Read a Book. Benjamin Chaud, Illus. Translated from the French by Karin Snelson and Angus Yuen-Killick. Red Comet, 10/2023. [120]pp. Fiction. Trade $20.00. 978-1-63655-082-4. GRADES 2–5. ADDITIONAL.        

Translated from the original French edition published in 2022, this unusual book is a list of various types of readers, including the drifter, sleepwalker, lotus, and other ways a person can walk or sit and simultaneously read. On each page is the name of one type of person and a color cartoon of someone in that position; for example, the ghost reads under a sheet in bed. Although from the outside the book looks like a novel, it is more a collection of the names for types of readers and the artwork. In some cases, the concept may make most sense to adults, but children might also enjoy this celebration of reading. The ink and watercolor artwork on white backgrounds depicts people of many racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Stabler, David. Aaron Donald vs. Reggie White: Who Would Win? Lerner Sports: All-Star Smackdown. Lerner, 08/2023. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $30.65. 978-1-7284-9086-1. Paper $9.99. 979-8765602447. GRADES 3–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Please see: Lebron James vs. Michael Jordan: Who Would Win? by Keith Elliot Greenberg for series review.

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

Rhatigan, Joe. Artemis Mission: Return to the Moon. Addl. Creators Beth Adelman. Alternator Books: Space Explorer Guidebooks. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765609095. Paper $10.99. 979-8765624944. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL. 

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Double Asteroid Redirection Test by Diane Bailey for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Crowe, Caroline. Be More Dog: A Tail of Happiness. Carlos Velez, Illus. Floris, 10/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.95. 978-1-7825-0832-8. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

A child with a dog, what can be better? Seemingly not much, as this kid loves how happy the family’s dog always is. When Dad hasn’t arrived home yet, the narrator’s worry builds and builds. To self-soothe, the tan-skinned kid tries all kinds of ways to play with and imitate the happy dog. Colored pencil sketch-type illustrations show off the happy dog and their play, which does distract the narrator. The book offers useful casual representation of disability, as illustrations show the child’s hearing aids, which aren’t mentioned in the text. A great depiction of how having fun can make the time go by, and before you know it, Dad is home.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Peters, Katie. Being Safe Online: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Citizenship. Lerner, 01/2024. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765608722. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624593. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.    

Consisting of simple sentences paired with engaging photographs, these series titles introduce young readers to what being a good citizen means. While looking at school, community, or online settings, the three titles this reviewer read demonstrated how being thoughtful, kind, and considerate are all part of getting along with others. The topics of the other three series titles cover leaders, rules and laws, and voting and elections—other important aspects of being a citizen in the U.S. Each title features a few interactive reader questions spread throughout the text, and a few more in-depth questions at the end. The large, color photographs make up a large part of the topic and include a diverse cast of children and adults. Useful for talking about getting along with others, following rules, and being part of a community.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Brach, Kyle. Big Game Hunting. Searchlight Books: Hunting and Fishing. Lerner, 08/2023. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $30.65. 978-1-7284-9152-3. Paper $9.99. 979-8765603710. GRADES 3–5. LOW ADDITIONAL.    

Please see Bird Hunting by Diane Bailey for series review.

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

Walker, Tracy Sue. Bionic Animals. Searchlight Books: Saving Animals with Science. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765609125. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624777. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL.        

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Pet Tech by Lisa Idzikowski for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Bailey, Diane. Bird Hunting. Searchlight Books: Hunting and Fishing. Lerner, 08/2023. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $30.65. 978-1-7284-9153-0. Paper $9.99. 979-8765603727. GRADES 3–5. LOW ADDITIONAL.  

This eight-volume series includes books on bowhunting, bird hunting, deer hunting, small and large game hunting, as well as deep sea, freshwater and ice fishing. They contain full-color photographs and include safety guidelines as well as information on conservation and environmentalism. Each book also includes a “STEM Spotlight” page that poses questions such as “What are antlers made of?” or “Why do people get seasick?” The books also include a glossary, index, and a resource page of print and web resources to learn more about each topic. Photographs are predominantly of white men, with one woman or person of color shown in each volume. Although well made and attractively packaged, the cost per volume is high for an introduction to the sports of fishing and hunting.

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

Atkins, Jill. Bones. Gareth Robinson, Illus. Early Bird Stories: Early Bird Readers—Orange. Lerner, 01/2024. [28]pp. Reader. PLB $30.65. 979-8765610381. Paper $9.99. 979-8765623763. GRADES 1–2. ADDITIONAL.        

These structured early readers feature a straightforward story, with many repeating elements and words. This series consists of several sets of books that are color coded by reading level, which is further explained in each title’s last page. New readers will find the stories easy to follow, predictable, and satisfying. Digital illustrations provide plenty of additional story elements, and a few ending questions encourage readers to reflect on what they read to see if they picked up on specific details.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Brach, Kyle. Bowhunting. Searchlight Books: Hunting and Fishing. Lerner, 08/2023. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $30.65. 978-1-7284-9154-7. Paper $9.99. 979-8765603734. GRADES 3–5. LOW ADDITIONAL.      

Please see Bird Hunting by Diane Bailey for series review.

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

Nhuyēn, Trang. Chang and the Elephant. Jeet Zdūng, Illus. Translation help from Vietnamese by Hoãng Duy. Saving H’Non. Dial, 10/2023. 128pp. Graphic. Trade $23.99. 978-0-5934-0673-1. Paper $13.99. 978-0-5934-0672-4. GRADES 4–7. OUTSTANDING.

A young Vietnamese wildlife conservationist, Chang, helps save an abused Asian elephant named H’non from a lifetime of cruel servitude. Exquisite, detailed, and expressive watercolor, pencil, and ink illustrations enchant, conveying accurate information about native species and revealing a gorgeous interconnected South Asian ecosystem. Pages of lush field notebook illustrations are interspersed among dynamic comic panels that tell the dramatic, moving, and occasionally humorous story of H’non’s reintroduction to the wild. Adding interest is the growing friendship between Chang and another young Vietnamese wildlife activist. Based on a true story.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Tyner, Artika R. Changemakers in Activism: Women Leading the Way. Alternator Books: The Future Is Female. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765608838. Paper $10.99. 979-8765624975. GRADES 3–6. ADDITIONAL.         

SERIES REVIEW:  In this series on women in specific fields, each person is given a color photo and just a brief paragraph on their contributions to the topic. The book on activists includes Greta Thunberg, Sylvia Mendez, Delaney Tarr (March for our Lives), and Joan Baez. There are women of all ages and the majority represent Indigenous communities or ethnic minorities. Also, women from around the world are included, although the majority are from the U.S. Unfortunately, there is just not enough information to make this impactful. The book design will attract readers due to the photos, sidebars, and page decorations, making this appealing to older children who are not strong readers. Each book concludes with a limited index, glossary, and list of related books and websites.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Tyner, Artika R. Changemakers in Business: Women Leading the Way. Alternator Books: The Future Is Female. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765608845. Paper $10.99. 979-8765624982. GRADES 3–6. ADDITIONAL.         

SERIES REVIEW: Please see: Changemakers in Activism: Women Leading the Way by Artika R. Tyner for series review.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Tyner, Artika R. Changemakers in Government: Women Leading the Way. Alternator Books: The Future Is Female. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765608876. Paper $10.99. 979-8765625019. GRADES 3–6. ADDITIONAL.         

SERIES REVIEW: Please see: Changemakers in Activism: Women Leading the Way by Artika R. Tyner for series review.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Nnachi, Ngeri. Changemakers in Music: Women Leading the Way. Alternator Books: The Future Is Female. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $35.16. 979-8765608852. GRADES 3–6. ADDITIONAL.        

SERIES REVIEW: Please see: Changemakers in Activism by Artika R. Tyner for series review.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Leed, Percy. Cloudy Days: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Weather. Lerner, 01/2024. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765608777. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624654. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.

See examples of how various types of weather can be experienced. Using large, color photographs and short, simple sentences, this six-title series provides quick descriptions of many ways the named weather can be experienced. Titles cover specific weather conditions—cloudy, rainy, snowy, sunny, windy—and the technology used to monitor the weather. Short sentences and full-page color photographs of kids interacting with different kinds of weather make these great for preschool and kindergarten units about weather.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Brach, Kyle. Deep-Sea Fishing. Searchlight Books: Hunting and Fishing. Lerner, 08/2023. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $30.65. 978-1-7284-9155-4. Paper $9.99. 979-8765603741. GRADES 3–5. LOW ADDITIONAL.    

Please see Bird Hunting by Diane Bailey for series review.

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

Treleaven, Lou. Dinosaurs in Boots. Paul Nicholls, Illus. Early Bird Stories: Early Bird Readers—Blue. Lerner, 01/2024. [28]pp. Reader. PLB $30.65. 979-8765610329. Paper $9.99. 979-8765623701. GRADES 1–2. ADDITIONAL. 

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Bones by Jill Atkins for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Bailey, Diane. Double Asteroid Redirection Test: Defending Earth From Asteroids. Alternator Books: Space Explorer Guidebooks. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765609088. Paper $10.99. 979-8765624937. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL. 

These middle grade series nonfiction titles introduce readers to various aspects of modern space exploration, covering different spacecraft and their missions. This reviewer read three of six series titles covering future moon missions, a space telescope, and an asteroid impact mission; other titles cover additional space craft, probes, and the search for extraterrestrial life. Each book provides the reader with background information, details about the title topic, and thoughts on the future of space exploration. With easy to read text and understandable details, these books will be useful to middle elementary readers interested in space exploration. Each title includes plenty of topical pictures (some photographs, others are digital space imagery or artistic representations) and a few sidebars with additional details.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Scurlock, Fenley. Down to Business: 51 Industry Leaders Share Practical Advice on How to Become a Young Entrepreneur. Addl. Creators Jason Liaw. Random House, 03/2024. 416pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-593-65159-9. PLB $22.99. 978-0-593-65160-5. GRADES 5–10. HIGH ADDITIONAL.   

Two fifteen-year-old friends and award-winning entrepreneurs interview fifty-one diverse innovators, executives, and inventors. Organized into seven leadership styles, from disruptor to champion, and searchable by industry, the brief targeted interviews reveal varied insights into what it takes to create a career that inspires you. This is not a book to read cover to cover, nor is it a practical manual to follow. Readers are best served dipping in: selecting backgrounds, businesses, or attitudes that resonate with them and using the inspiration as a jumping off point to dream and plan. The multitude of diverse ages and perspectives effectively busts the myth that there is any one criteria, or path, to being successful, but the brevity of each exchange leaves a substantial gap from the reader’s here to the entrepreneur’s there. Back matter includes relevant camps, programs fairs, competitions, and four aspirational books, three of which are dated. Scurlock appears white and Liaw is Asian American. The youthful perspective of the authors and the paucity of business nonfiction in most library collections up the value of this encouraging survey. Reviewed from an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Hopson, Nasuġraq Rainey. Eagle Drums. Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson, Illus. Roaring Brook/Holtzbrinck, 2023. 245 [+8]pp. Folklore. Trade $18.99. 978-1-2507-5065-5. GRADES 5–8. OUTSTANDING.      

The origin story of the Messenger Feast, a native Alaskan tradition, has been passed down orally from generation to generation among the Iñupiaq of the Arctic Circle. This lyrical retelling, with a rhythm fresh and different, describes the hero’s journey of Piŋa, a young Iñupiat hunter, when he is confronted on a mountaintop by Savik, an eagle god who can take the form of a human or a golden eagle. Savik forces Piŋa to accompany him to his aerie, and there, among trials, struggles and self-doubt, Piŋa learns important cultural traditions from the family of the eagle god. The text is a compelling blend of traditional and modern, infused with many Native words, not italicized. Maps and glossary, which may have offered deeper context, are not included. Tribally enrolled Iñupiaq author Hopson enhances the rhythmic text with full-color illustrations of the characters, Alaskan nature, and tundra settings. Beyond the usual canon, this authentic origin myth retelling takes us deep into Iñupiat culture and community, with Piŋa’s journey being honored by the power of oral storytelling. Includes author’s note and acknowledgements.

Armin Arethna—Berkeley Public Library

Nichols, Ainsley. Explore Bionics. Searchlight Books: High-Tech Science. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765608913. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624715. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL.    

Series titles introduce and explain some of the various technologies science is using to change lives. Bionics looks at the evolving technology being used to help people who lost limbs or other organs. Cryobiology explains the current and future uses of freezing living things (bodies, organs, fluids). Drones looks at the variety of drone types and some of their uses. Each title discusses how this tech is helping change human lives and what the future may bring in these evolving fields. Useful overviews of trending technology topics, with many topical photos showing various people, devices, animals, and locations.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Nichols, Ainsley. Explore Cryobiology. Searchlight Books: High-Tech Science. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765608920. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624722. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL. 

Please see Explore Bionics by Ainsley Nichols for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Starr, Abbe Lynn. Explore Drones. Searchlight Books: High-Tech Science. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765608937. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624739. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL.      

Please see Explore Bionics by Ainsley Nichols for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Gianferrari, Maria. Fungi Grow. Diana Sudyka, Illus. Beach Lane, 10/2023. [48]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6659-0365-3. GRADES Kindergarten–4. OUTSTANDING.       

This immersive book celebrates the amazing diversity and adaptability of fungi, from the stinkhorn mushroom that produces a smelly slime to attract flies, to the shaggy ink cap  mushroom that is tough enough to crack asphalt and cement. The lyrical narrative includes scientific terms (mycelium, for example) without disrupting the flow or rhythm. Additional details are helpfully displayed in smaller print within the two-page spreads. The text is beautifully complemented by eye-popping watercolor illustrations that incorporate onomatopoeias and different font sizes and styles. Brilliantly designed and fun to read, the book would be a great choice for nonfiction storytimes and individual exploration. Endnotes include a glossary, more fascinating facts, and extensive resources. 

Jenny Andrus—Independent

Gomera-Tavarez, Camille. Girl, the Ring & the Baseball Bat, The. Levine Querido, 02/2024.
408pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-64614-265-1. GRADES 7–12. ADDITIONAL.

Rosie and Caro grew up living with their mother in New York, while their dad stayed behind in the Dominican Republic. School, and life, is hard on them, though that begins to change after some magical items come into their lives. Rosie’s gifted jacket turns out to help people do what she says. Caro finds a baseball bat while visiting her dad and his fiancée that fixes whatever she breaks with it. Then there are two wooden rings their friend Zeke acquires, that make people fall in love with him. This magic changes their lives, unveils the past, and gives them a path to an easier future. Review based on an ARC.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Lewis, Cicely. Imani and the Great Hair Experiment. Anastasia Magloire William, Illus.
Hair Magic. Lerner, 01/2024. 40pp. Fiction. PLB $31.99. 978-1-7284-8687-1. Paper $9.99.
979-8765624234. GRADES 2–3. ADDITIONAL.

Imani has a special ability: her hair changes into new styles after a quick chant and twirl. Her hair helps provide self-confidence, which she uses in various ways. Depending on the title, she devises a unique science project, comes up with a way to help a new classmate, or settles her nerves to perform beautifully at her piano recital. These are interesting, quick stories featuring various ethnicities and topics not often seen in short, transitional, early chapter books. Imani is Black, and her classmates and friends are of various ethnicities. Each short title introduces her and her hair power, and the idea that everyone has a special power just by saying “I am beautiful because I am me.” Each title also includes a historical note about a topic in the book, as well as a few questions to think about.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Lewis, Cicely. Imani Finds the Right Notes. Anastasia Magloire William, Illus. Hair Magic. Lerner, 01/2024. 40pp. Fiction. PLB $31.99. 978-1-7284-8689-5. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624227. GRADES 2–3. ADDITIONAL.        

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Imani and the Great Hair Experiment by Cicely Lewis for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Lewis, Cicely. Imani Makes a Difference. Anastasia Magloire William, Illus. Hair Magic.
Lerner, 01/2024. 40pp. Fiction. PLB $31.99. 978-1-7284-8687-1. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624234. GRADES 2–3. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Imani and the Great Hair Experiment by Cicely Lewis for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Anderson, Josh. Inside the Denver Broncos. Lerner Sports: Super Sports Teams. Lerner,
08/2023. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $30.65. 978-1-7284-9098-4. Paper $9.99. 979-8765604014. Grades 2–5. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

This series of twenty-six titles covers sports teams from the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB. Team history and highlights are explored along with information and statistics on significant players and coaches. The four titles focusing on NFL teams were engaging and informative. Historical information was accompanied by b&w photos and current highlights were presented with full-color and often full-page photographs. Each volume contains a list of record holders, a glossary of terms, and a list of print and web resources where readers can learn more about each sport and team. Information and statistics are inclusive of the 2022 NFL season.

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

Anderson, Josh. Inside the Green Bay Packers. Lerner Sports: Super Sports Teams. Lerner, 08/2023. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $30.65. 978-1-7284-9099-1. Paper $9.99. 979-8765604021. GRADES 2–5. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Please see: Inside the Denver Broncos by Josh Anderson for series review.

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

Anderson, Josh. Inside the Kansas City Chiefs. Lerner Sports: Super Sports Teams. Lerner,
08/2023. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $30.65. 978-1-7284-9100-4. Paper $9.99. 979-8765604038. GRADES 2–5. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Please see: Inside the Denver Broncos by Josh Anderson for series review.

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

Anderson, Josh. Inside the Los Angeles Rams. Lerner Sports: Super Sports Teams. Lerner,
08/2023. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $30.65. 978-1-7284-9101-1. Paper $9.99. 979-8765604045. GRADES 2–5. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Please see: Inside the Denver Broncos by Josh Anderson for series review.

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

Reeves, Diane Lindsey. James Webb Space Telescope: A Peek into the First Galaxies. Alternator Books: Space Explorer Guidebooks. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765609064. Paper $10.99. 979-8765624913. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL. 

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Double Asteroid Redirection Test by Diane Bailey for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Peters, Katie. Kids Can Help: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Citizenship. Lerner, 01/2024. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765608753. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624609. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.          

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Being Safe Online: A First Look by Katie Peters for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Brandon, Amanda. Knit and a Knot, A. Catalina Echeverri, Illus. Early Bird Stories: Early Bird Readers—Orange. Lerner, 01/2024. [28]pp. Reader. PLB $30.65. 979-8765610374. Paper $9.99. 979-8765623756. GRADES 1–2. ADDITIONAL.         

SERIES REVIEW:  Please see Bones by Jill Atkins for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Greenberg, Keith Elliot. LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan: Who Would Win? Lerner
Sports: All-Star Smackdown. Lerner, 08/2023. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $30.65. 978-1-7284-9087-8. Paper $9.99. 979-8765602454. GRADES 3–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

This series might be the answer for what to hand to a somewhat reluctant reader who is obsessed with sports. Loosely modeled after the very popular Who Would Win animal series, the books in this series take two stars from different sports teams, and often different eras, and place their stats side by side to ask who would win if they were matched up against one another today. The books feature biographical histories, greatest moments, and a collection of stats on each player. Photos are included throughout, and the back matter includes an index, glossary, and a list of resources where readers can discover more about each player and their sport.

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

Donald, Alison. Monster Pie. Claudio Cerri, Illus. Early Bird Stories: Early Bird Readers—Blue. Lerner, 01/2024. [28]pp. Reader. PLB $30.65. 979-8765610336. Paper $9.99. 979-8765623718. GRADES 1–2. ADDITIONAL. 

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Bones by Jill Atkins for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Lucas, Angie. My Big Embarrassing Elephant. Pierre Collet-Derby, Illus. Marble, 09/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-958325-02-5. GRADES Preschool–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.      

In this clever picture book from Berkeley publisher Marble Press, Maya describes the elephant who is creating havoc in her house. He wears a diaper that stinks, makes messes and is noisy, and is an embarrassment to the neighbors. It could be a metaphor for a new infant in the house, and adults can help children learn the meaning of the phrase “elephant in the room,” since the family won’t talk about him. There is a nice resolution when a new girl visits and brings her own elephant to demonstrate that all families have challenges, making this useful for social and emotional learning. The dynamic cartoon illustrations add humor and temper to what could be a serious story, using soft pastel colors and black outlines, and showing the family with blue faces and black hair.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Peters, Katie. My School Community: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Citizenship. Lerner, 01/2024. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765608715. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624616. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.    

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Being Safe Online: A First Look by Katie Peters for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Greenberg, Keith Elliot. Patrick Mahomes vs. Peyton Manning: Who Would Win? Lerner
Sports: All-Star Smackdown. Lerner, 08/2023. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $30.65. 978-1-7284-9085-4. Paper $9.99. 979-8765602430. GRADES 3–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Please see: Lebron James vs. Michael Jordan: Who Would Win? by Keith Elliot Greenberg for series review.

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

Montgomery, Ross. Penguin Huddle. Sarah Warburton, Illus. Walker, 10/2023. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3131-1. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.      

After a busy day of play, a group of penguins falls asleep in a huddle to keep warm. When they wake, they discover they are frozen together, and travel to a city to get help where they eventually defrost. The story is sweet but overlong, with a clear message on collaborative problem-solving, using a text with alliteration. The brightly colored digital cartoon artwork features a world full of animals (no people) with expressive faces. Adult readers will recognize the city as New York, where all the animals pitch in to assist. Originally published in 2022 in the UK.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Idzikowski, Lisa. Pet Tech. Searchlight Books: Saving Animals with Science. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765609132. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624784. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL.           

These upbeat series titles demonstrate many ways that human technology is helping animals. Pet Tech describes devices that make caring for animals easier (food and water dispensers), tracking devices to help find lost/missing animals, and devices like computerized pet doors and litter boxes. Bionic Animals includes tech such as prosthetics that help animals (domestic and wild) who have lost a limb or body part. Protecting Ocean Animals looks at ways that technology is being used to reduce the damage humans are causing, such as pollution cleanup, changes to large scale fishing, and marine sanctuaries. Each title discusses how tech is helping, the harm humans have caused, and what the future may bring. Useful overviews of trending technology topics, with many topical photos showing various people, devices, animals, and locations.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Idzikowski, Lisa. Protecting Ocean Animals. Searchlight Books: Saving Animals with Science. Lerner, 01/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765609156. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624807. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL.        

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Pet Tech by Lisa Idzikowski for the series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Leed, Percy. Rainy Days: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Weather. Lerner, 01/2024. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765608784. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624661. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Cloudy Days: A First Look by Percy Leed for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Brunetti, Ivan. Shapes and Shapes with Annemarie: a Toon Book. Ivan Brunetti, Illus. Toon Into Reading, Level 1. Toon, 10/2023. 32pp. Reader. Trade $13.99. 978-1-6626-6517-2. Paper $7.99. 978-1-6626-6518-9. GRADES Kindergarten–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

The teacher shows Annemarie and her classmates the various shapes that make up many things, from houses to the Solar System. Along with the standard squares and triangles, she includes hexagons, octagons, stars, and semicircles. Part of the Toon Into Reading series of beginning reader graphic novels, this is labeled as “Level 1: First Comics for Brand-new Readers.” The unique illustration style shows the brown-skinned teacher and ethnically diverse students with large round heads and skinny arms and legs. The book design uses dialogue balloons and paneled artwork like regular comics, and a pastel color palette. This could inspire activities using cut paper shapes to make collages depicting items such as cars, trains, animals, or other things, similar to tangrams.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Leed, Percy. Snowy Days: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Weather. Lerner, 01/2024. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765608791. Paper $9.99. 979-8765624678. GRADES Preschool-1. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Cloudy Days: A First Look by Percy Leed for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Moss, Marissa. Spying on Spies: How Elizebeth Smith Friedman Broke the Nazis’ Secret Codes. Marissa Moss, Illus. Abrams, 03/2024. 224pp. Biography. Trade $19.99. 978-1-4197-6731-9. GRADES 7–12. OUTSTANDING.        

In her long life breaking codes and thus saving millions of lives, Elizebeth Friedman had to suffer a lot of fools, from gushing reporters delighted a “petite housewife” was a famous cryptographer, to Herbert Hoover who routinely leaked secrets like a sieve. No fool, she took her secrets to the grave. Moss uses recently unsealed government files as the basis for a jaw-dropping story of Friedman’s brilliance and dedication, deciphering codes from 1916–1947. Each chapter opens with a short pen-and-wash cartoon, visually drawing readers into the action. The organization and pacing are seamless, moving from one exceptional adventure to the next, balancing Friedman’s personal life with her professional accomplishments and adversities. Exactly the right amount of background information is included to allow young and old readers alike to follow along and understand both Friedman’s astonishing historical impact and her code-breaking techniques. Back matter includes a primer on cracking ciphers and codes, glossary, timeline with period photographs, detailed notes, and selected bibliography. Reviewed from an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Joosse, Barbara. Street Monsters. Kevin M. Barry, Illus. Sleeping Bear, 8/2023. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-53411-272-8. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.

Are you scared of noises in the dark? What about when the noises are coming from the street in the middle of the night? If so, then this book is for you. Papa and child, both depicted with light skin, peer into the snowy cityscape to discover the source of some fearful noises. Thankfully, each can be identified, and the fear mellows out. Especially great for readers in big, snowy, Northeast cities; but still fun for readers of any area to try and identify each of the monsters as a type of noisy truck. Sepia-colored, nighttime illustrations bring the cold and scary noises to life, while depicting most people tightly bundled up. Includes a final page about various vehicles found in cities.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Paley, Dan. They Hold the Line: Wildfires, Wildlands, and the Firefighters Who Brave Them. Molly Mendoza, Illus. Chronicle, 09/2023. [42]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-7972-1450-4. GRADES 3–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.        

The methods of fighting wildfires and those who do this work are the subject of this intriguing book, with special relevance to California due to the many recent forest fires in the state. Each spread focuses on a significant aspect of fighting wildfires, including observation towers, fire lines, smokejumpers, and controlled burns. The dynamic, digital, full-color graphic-style illustrations include sidebars and definitions for equipment and methods, and show firefighters of all genders and races. The book concludes with more information on special topics such as the use of prison labor to fight fires, fire ecology and management, a list of protective gear and supplies, and other relevant charts. Includes California-specific content.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Boulley, Angeline. Warrior Girl Unearthed. Henry Holt, 05/2023. 396pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-2507-6658-8. GRADES 8–12. OUTSTANDING.     

Looking forward to a lazy “2014 Summer of Slack” spent fishing, sixteen-year-old underachieving Perry Firekeeper-Birch instead finds herself stuck in an internship at the tribal museum, and unexpectedly positioned on a new path in life. Set ten years after the events of Firekeeper’s Daughter (2021), Perry’s perspective highlights the emotional toll of institutional noncompliance with NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act), the 1990 legislation governing the return of human remains and sacred objects to tribal communities, and violence against Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), issues that remain relevant today. Most characters have Anishinaabe heritage and are described with a range of hair and eye colors. Perry, her identical twin Pauline, and their father are also Black. A welcome #OwnVoices return to Sault Ste Marie, Michigan, and a strong new narrative voice from the women in the Firekeeper family.

Caroline Davis—Alameda County Library

Almond, David. Way to the Stars, A. Gill Smith, Illus. Candlewick, 11/2023. [28]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-3125-0. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.      

Joe wants to find “a way to the stars,” so his dad helps him. Joe climbs a ladder up a tree, pretends to fly a rocket made of cardboard boxes, and jumps on a trampoline, all with dad’s assistance, until they look at the stars from the apartment rooftop. This is a warm story of a father-son bond (mom is not shown), depicted in a very brief text and full-color, mixed media illustrations that look like paint. The father and son both have black hair and light skin but the neighbor kids represent other ethnicities. A nice story of perseverance.

Penny Peck—SJSU iSchool

Jeninngs, Landra. Whispering Fog, The. Clarion, 09/2022. 240pp. Fiction. Trade $16.99. 978-0-3586-7455-9. GRADES 5–7. ADDITIONAL.

Neve and Rose are sisters whose mother has just moved them to a spooky house in the woods. Their parents are separated and there is a discontent that has settled into family life, attracting a nefarious magic fog. Based in part on the Rose Red (Sleeping Beauty) and Snow White fairy tales, the story is complete with an evil witch, Mrs. Katch; a weird yet helpful dwarf; and a magic fog filled with abducted children. The story starts out disjointed and confusing, taking too long to get to the action—Rose’s abduction by the magic fog, and Neve’s subsequent quest to rescue her sibling. Friendships, sister bonds, and defeating evil make for an exciting second half of the book. An uneven offering, but fairy tale fans will enjoy. Characters present as white. This title was published in 2022.

Pauline Harris—San Francisco Public Library

Boughton, Simon. Wild River and the Great Dam, The: The Construction of the Hoover Dam and the Vanishing Colorado River. Christy Ottaviano, 03/2024. 256pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-316-38074-4. GRADES 7–12. OUTSTANDING.          

One of the largest infrastructure projects in the world, the Hoover Dam transformed the landscape, economy, and future of seven southwestern states, two countries, and thirty Indian tribes. Exemplary organization and research paired with clear, vivid writing tells a fascinating story, complemented by direct quotes, intriguing details, and period photographs. Natural disasters, engineering marvels, political wrangling, labor exploitation and unrest, Indigenous peoples’ rights, international disputes, climate change, environmental awareness, and hubris all play major parts in a story so dramatic it seems operatic. With a twenty-year drought currently threatening Hoover’s ability to function, Boughton makes it clear that the story is far from over. Readers with a broad range of interests will find themselves hooked. Back matter includes a timeline, map and list of dams, detailed notes, extensive sources, and photo credits. Reviewed from an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Windness, Kaz. Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends. Kaz Windness, Illustrator. Simon Spotlight, 01/2023. 64pp. Reader. Trade $17.99. 978-1-6659-2001-8. Paper $6.99. 978-1-6659-2000-1. GRADES 1–3. OUTSTANDING.

Worm loves being friends with Caterpillar, especially because he loves their similarities. Caterpillar tries multiple times to impart to Worm that they really are not as alike as Worm would like: “I have legs!” This Ready-to-Read Graphics book for the newer graphic novel reader excels in sharing this extraordinary friendship that endures big changes as Caterpillar transforms into Butterfly: Will Worm still like Butterfly? The expressive artwork supports the empathetic story, using warm pinks and blues and purples to convey the coming changes. Butterfly’s worries are swept away as Worm welcomes his friend back from his physical journey, expressing love no matter what his friend looks like.

Pauline Harris—San Francisco Public Library