Behar, Ruth. Across So Many Seas. Penguin/Paulsen, 02/2024. 258pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-5933-2340-3. GRADES 5–7. ADDITIONAL.         

This four-part novel, told in first-person voices, depicts the stories of related twelve-year-old Sephardic Jewish girls. It begins in 1492, when Benvenida and her family are expelled from Spain; then follows her descendant Reina, 430 years later, banished from Turkey to Cuba; continues with Reina’s daughter Alegra in Cuba in 1961 forced to join an airlift to the U.S.; and concludes with Alegra’s daughter Paloma in Miami in 2003. Although different instigations spark each unwelcome journey, the girls feel similarly confused, abandoned, and ultimately resolute. The inclusion of poetic lyrics of Ladino songs illustrates how cultural expressions are maintained through generations. Readers who enjoyed Echo (Ryan, Scholastic, 2015) or Refugee (Gratz, Scholastic, 2017) will find resonance in this similar format with young people surviving difficult circumstances. While the first section dramatically shows the protagonist’s emotional connection to her Jewish community in its historical context, the other three sections set in the twentieth century depict individual drama within isolated families. Readers’ likely questions are answered in a dialogue by the subsequent generation, which burdens the narrative with recaps and missing information. Although there is an uneven empathetic grounding, Behar provides four brief, dramatic portraits across 500 years of Sephardic Jewish experience which young readers are unlikely to find elsewhere.

Erica Siskind—Oakland Public Library

Rogers, Andrea L. Art Thieves, The. Levine Querido, 10/2024. 400pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-6461-4378-8. GRADES 8–12. ADDITIONAL.         

In the near future, Stevie navigates her changing life after high school with her friends, a younger brother she cares for, and a new intern (Adam) at the art museum where she works at the gift shop. She is Cherokee, living in the suburbs of a big city in Texas, and best friends with Jess (non-binary) and Loren (she/her). There are a lot subtopics going on, both in the world at large (heat, drought, big storms) and her personal life. Her brother has life-threatening allergies, her parents are being secretive, and she is nearly taken advantage of by an older man she trusted, all while she becomes romantically interested in Adam. The plot uses time travel to examine too many topics, including the end of society and repatriation of Native Nations artifacts from museums. But abrupt plot changes leave many gaps and questions, along with a growing number of time paradoxes. Maybe after examining the past and the future, the reader will think differently about living in the present. Review based on an ARC.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Kuchner, Marc J. Asteroid vs. Comet. Matt Schu, Illus. Cosmic Collisions. Candlewick/MIT
Kids, 4/2024. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-2735-2. GRADES 3–6.
ADDITIONAL.

Steadily increasing narrative tension builds up the reader’s interest and excitement about what will happen when an asteroid and a comet cross paths. Bolded, action-like text, written to sound similar to a sports commentator, builds toward the big reveal of what scientists think will happen. Along the way, details about each contestant (named asteroid and comet) is provided, informing readers of the general differences between asteroids and comets and helping readers predict the collision results. A fun, informative title that makes reading about space objects exciting.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

MacLeod, Jennifer Tzivia. Baila the Klopper. Shirley Waisman, Illus. Kar-Ben, 09/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 979-8765603345. GRADES Preschool–3. ADDITIONAL.

Before there were alarm clocks, many small European villages would employ a klopper, a person who went to each home and used a small mallet to knock on the door and wake the residents to go to the synagogue to worship. In this charming story, a young girl named Baila has that job. Some resist waking up, so she works to share the responsibility and help those who have trouble due to a noisy neighbor or crying baby. Her resourceful resolutions to the problems are refreshing, showing how a young person can be a problem solver. The full-color illustrations appear to be created with colored pencil, depicting the small shtetl using a cartoonish style. An author’s note at the end gives more detail on this unusual custom.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Sonneborn, Liz. Barbie: From Doll to Cultural Icon. Gateway Biographies. Lerner, 08/2024. 48pp. Nonfiction. PLB $33.32. 979-8765626641. GRADES 3–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.     

The history of the Barbie doll is recounted in simple sentences that will appeal to a wide age range. The text describes the doll’s invention by Ruth Handler, its success, and controversies such as causing body issues with young girls. The recent hit film is also described. There is a color photo on nearly every page, timeline, source notes, bibliography, and index. Sure to be popular, this is also a thoughtful presentation on Barbie’s cultural impact.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Sorell, Traci. Being Home. Michaela Goade, Illus. Kokila, 05/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-9848-1603-0. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.   

Leaving a busy contemporary urban life, a Cherokee family joyfully journeys home. Sweeping atmospheric watercolor illustrations move us through the family’s travels, incorporating a child’s journal entries and dramatic use of composition and color, to contrast the two worlds. In addition to the jubilant celebratory gatherings of people of varied hues and sizes, the increasing symbolic presence of pink and rounded shapes help fully embrace the narrator’s welcoming experience of “being home.” A morning filled with expectation flows through the day to a rosy sunset of children at ease in play surrounded by community rediscovered. Includes Cherokee symbols and a small Cherokee glossary.

Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library

Donohoe, Moira Rose. Birds. Little Kids First Nature Guide. National Geographic Kids, 04/2024. 48pp. Nonfiction. PLB $19.99. 978-1-4263-7546-0. Paper $9.99. 978-1-4263-7539-2. GRADES 1–4. ADDITIONAL.        

Sharp color photos are the highlight of this introduction to birds, and would work well for children who are taking their first birdwatching trip. Each spread focuses on a topic or type of bird, including body parts, eggs and chicks, songbirds, parrots, and more. The format for each spread includes a paragraph in large print, detailed captions for each photo adding more details, and charts that list the bird’s size, home, food, and sound. Only available in paperback or library binding, this works as a helpful supplementary book on birds, and includes a glossary and index.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Sepetys, Ruta. Bletchley Riddle, The. Addl. Creator Steve Sheinkin. Viking, 10/2024. 400pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-59352-754-2. GRADES 5–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.        

Two very different orphaned teen siblings are drawn into history’s crucible as World War II accelerates and Britain prepares for invasion. Fourteen-year-old Lizzie is straightforward, fiendishly observant, terrible at secrets, and determined to find her definitely not dead mother. Jakob, a diffident nineteen, avoids his grief and his sister, burying himself in the thrilling war-work of cracking German codes. Told in alternating first-person chapters, Lizzie and Jakob’s story has plenty of action and intrigue to keep the pages turning, with loads of historic details and some period photographs bringing an exceptional chapter of history to life. Lively dialogue adds to an admirably quick pace, but an occasional anachronistic phrase or sentiment seem not quite true to type. Fans of the authors or of history, cryptography, or teen action-adventure will be admirably entertained. A historic note separates fact from fiction and encourages further exploration, though in the ARC no additional sources are included. All characters read as white. Review based on an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Bomgaars, Megan. Born Brave. Quiel Ramos, Illus. Flowerpot, 3/2024. [26]pp. Picture Book. Trade $12.99. 978-1-4867-2786-5. GRADES Kindergarten–1. ADDITIONAL.

What does it mean to be brave? This feel-good, self-esteem building title uses an anthropomorphic, zebra-looking child to demonstrate many ways that kids are brave, including learning to walk, going to the dentist, getting a haircut, or trying a new sport. Each new thing being attempted, or thing that can be scary, is shown as a type of bravery that helps make you stronger and feel better about yourself. Digital illustrations mix with different amounts of white space or number of illustrations per page (varying from one to three). A straightforward, easily understandable way to demonstrate this abstract term, all while lifting up the reader by reminding them how brave they have already been by getting through difficult, scary situations.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Albee, Sarah. Bounce: A Scientific History of Rubber. Eileen Ryan Ewen, Illus. Charlesbridge, 10/2024. 48pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-6235-4379-2. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.         

Five hundred years ago, Europeans didn’t even have a word for bounce, much less words for a material that can be molded and shaped, stretched, floated, rolled, and, most importantly, can rebound. All that changed when rubber balls, and the active games they enabled, were imported from the New World. Bounce goes deeper than anecdote, including information about the science behind elastic polymers and an eye-opening account of the inventions rubber allows. Varied and active fonts, paired with whimsical watercolor and ink illustrations, humorously convey the game-changing versatility of rubber and the stinky, tinkering experiments needed to overcome its physical limitations. An afterword adds disturbing details about rubber’s history. Back matter includes a detailed timeline, bibliography, and quote sources. Illustrations show varied racial ethnicities. Review based on an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Holleran, Leslie. BTS: K-Pop’s Biggest Headliners. Gateway Biographies. Lerner, 08/2024. 48pp. Nonfiction. PLB $33.32. 979-8765626634. GRADES 4–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.          

Korean boy band BTS is profiled in this book, which contains more information on their work than on biographical details, and which should have wide appeal. The seven-member vocal group is the first from Korea to top the Billboard charts, and this well-researched text describes how they were formed, how they write their songs and record, and their charitable activities, including work for UNICEF and Black Lives Matter. Containing color photos on nearly every page, this title also features informative sidebars. Because they are currently on an extended break to serve their mandatory military service in South Korea, this should not become outdated anytime soon. It contains a timeline, source notes, bibliography, and index.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Birkett, Georgie. Carry Me! Georgie Birkett, Illus. Candlewick, 6/2024. [24]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3140-3. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Wilbur wants to be carried everywhere, which was fine when he was young, but not so much now that he’s growing up. Birkett’s digital illustrations depict a town of anthropomorphic animals, with Wilbur and mom portrayed as short tailed squirrel-like people, while neighbors resemble many other animals, such as elephants, dogs, and rabbits. Wilbur’s antics and energy were cute when he was little, but less and less so as he gets older. Luckily, mom comes up with an idea that shows Wilbur how tiring it is to carry him all the time, and he begins to help his mom by walking or pushing the stroller instead. Maybe clingy youngsters will be inspired to become more independent.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Butler, Caron. Clutch Time. Addl. Creator Justin A. Reynolds. Shot Clock Novel. HarperCollins, 09/2024. 242pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-0630-6964-0. GRADES 6–9. HIGH ADDITIONAL.          

Kofi, known as KO, is living his basketball dreams. At fourteen, he’s just been named the number one ranked AAU player in the country, and his comebacks are as sharp as his game. But dreams don’t last, and when conflict with friends and the return of an incarcerated father throw KO off his game, he realizes playing just for himself won’t get him the win. Set in the same world as Butler and Reynolds’s Shot Clock (Harper, 2022), the second in the series traces many of the same themes through a very different main character. Told in the first person, readers see KO adeptly use language to fend off and posture, while maintaining an inner vulnerability that allows him to grow. Virtuoso word play, superb on-court action, and deep insight resolve surprisingly quickly into a neat conclusion, which may leave readers wondering if they skipped a chapter. A welcome addition to a series perfect for fans of realistic drama and sport. All characters read as Black. Review based on an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Collard III, Sneed B. Defending Nature: How the U.S. Military Protects Threatened and Endangered Species. Millbrook, 09/2024. 56pp. Nonfiction. PLB $34.65. 978-1-7284-9374-9. GRADES 4–8. OUTSTANDING.    

The U.S. military has more than 400 bases in the United States, and part of their responsibility is to protect the many threatened and endangered species of plants and animals on that land. Military bases contain more endangered species than the nation’s parks do, from the red-cockaded woodpecker in Florida to the Palos Verdes blue butterfly in California. Most of the examples highlighted are at the Elgin Air Force Base in Florida. Collard’s customary clear and detailed text is strong, and is accompanied by color photos and useful sidebars on every spread. The book ends with a glossary, source notes, list of related books, articles, websites, and an index. This is an interesting book on an unusual topic, and will serve both casual readers and report writers.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Lunde, Darrin. Dinosaurs Can Be Small. Ariel Landy, Illus. Charlesbridge, 9/2024. [32]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-330-3. GRADES Kindergarten–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Did you know that not all dinosaurs are big? Most young readers only know about the large dinosaurs, and this title wants to show that there is much more to the dinosaur story. Readers are introduced to small—even pint-sized—versions of the best known dinosaurs. Well-known dinosaurs and a few of their features are introduced, followed by a smaller version, its characteristics, and a size comparison image showing the often dramatic differences between them. A few sentences per page keeps the book accessible to young readers, while the digital media illustrations demonstrate the similarities and differences. Useful and interesting for dinosaur aficionados.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Murray, Lily. Five Little Ghosts. Holly Surplice, Illus. Candlewick, 07/2024. [24]pp. Picture Book. Trade $16.99. 978-1-5362-3500-5. GRADES Baby/Toddler–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL. 

In this variation on the nursery song and fingerplay “Five Little Ducks Went Out One Day,” five small ghosts leave their mother one at a time until they all reunite. This will be fun for a Halloween storytime, even with the lyric changes. The colorful mixed media cartoon illustrations show the ghosts in the forest, and include large flaps which lift to reveal ghosts to be counted. Similar to Murray’s book Five Little Chicks (Candlewick, 2023), this is not a first purchase but a nice supplementary storytime choice.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

LaRochelle, David. Go and Get with Rex. Mike Wohnoutka, Illus. Candlewick, 5/2024.
[38]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-2206-7. GRADES Preschool–1. OUTSTANDING.

An omniscient narrator sends three kids and a dog rushing off four separate times to find things that begin with a specific letter. Each time, the kids find something great for that letter, but dog (thinking differently) comes back with one or more ducks for three of the four letters. There is always a reason that the duck(s) fits the letter: the duck is a friend (for the letter F), the ducks are sisters (for the letter S), the ducks are musicians (for the letter M), but for the letter D . . . it’s not a duck, or is it? Although not a traditional alphabet book, readers will learn words that begin with these four letters, and also how some words can be a concept instead of a direct physical noun name. A winner that readers will enjoy interacting with.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

McDaniel, Breanna J. Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller. April Harrison, Illus. Dial Books, 02/2024. 40pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-0-5933-2420-2. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.     

Before becoming a master storyteller, Augusta Braxton Baker (1911–1998) was a master story listener, beginning with her childhood in Baltimore gathering her grandmother’s stories. This tribute follows a life dedicated to sharing joyful listening with the world by promoting the power of storytelling and by lifting up Black representation in children’s literature. With “heroes that rose up and looked, talked and shined bright” just like the children in the Harlem branch where she was a librarian, Baker inspired young readers and future leaders such as James Baldwin and Audre Lorde. Her all-embracing presence is powerfully portrayed through full-spread, jewel-toned illustrations, conveying richness and depth through integration of collage, patterns, and textured painted backdrops simulating the way she “painted worlds with her words.” Back matter includes timeline, sources, an author’s note, and photographs. Baker’s legacy continues to inspire storytellers today, resonating annually in the A(ugusta) Baker’s Dozen Festival in South Carolina. To join the world of stories, just “go have a listen.”

Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library

Lynas, Em. Goat and the Stoat and the Boat, The. Matt Hunt, Illus. Nosy Crow, 4/2024. [24]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 979-8-88777-052-9. GRADES Preschool–4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.       

Stoat is having so much fun in the boat on the moat that Goat decides there’s room for him to float too. Stoat does not agree with Goat being on the boat, argumentative antics ensue, and they end up in the water before figuring out how to get along. This entire story is told via fast-paced, cumulative, rhyming text, limited word choice, and bright, simple digital illustrations which occasionally flip their orientation from horizontal to vertical. Includes a QR code for an audio reading of the book on the publisher’s website. Fun to read aloud or to follow along, seeing what it takes for them to finally get along.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Pang, Hannah. Habitats: A Journey in Nature. Isobel Lundie, Illus. 360 Degrees, 02/2024. [32]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-944530-41-9. GRADES 2–5. ADDITIONAL.

Six habitats are introduced, including a rainforest, desert, ocean, forest, mountain, and natural spring. The factual text is set in various sizes, from a larger introductory sentence, to medium-sized paragraphs on areas of the biome, to smaller captions of individual animals and plants. The book design is unusual, featuring dynamic, wide page spreads with layered split pages, and full-color, stylized illustrations that appear to be done using collage and paint. Although the book is eye-catching, it appears to be limited in use to browsers and casual readers, and not substantial enough for report writers. Similar in design and scope to Pang’s Seasons (360 Degrees, 2021).

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Hocker, Katherine. I Was: The Stories of Animal Skulls. Natasha Donovan, Illus. Candlewick, 05/2024. 40pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-2313-2. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

A nature hike with a diverse group of humans serves as a narrative frame for the examination of six skulls and imagining the lives of the animals to whom they belong. The poetic prose, encouraging curiosity and reflection, is accompanied by detailed and warmly rendered digital illustrations. Back matter contains additional information and invites young readers to compare human skulls to those of the animals described throughout. Great for preschool to second grade storytime and suitable for a guessing game activity, this is a versatile book that reinforces a sense of wonder about the natural cycle of life.

Keith Chong—Oakland Public Library

Becker, Aaron. Last Zookeeper, The. Aaron Becker, Illus. Candlewick, 03/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-2768-0. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.      

A surprisingly emotional wordless picture book about climate change, storms, and rising oceans. Becker, known for his previous titles—Journey (Candlewick, 2013), Quest (Candlewick, 2014), and Return (Candlewick, 2016)—shows how a robot named Noa cares for zoo animals that are stranded after their homes are flooded. Noa carries the animals (two by two) in an ark to a new land, but they meet storms while at sea. Only after another bot joins the journey are they able to find a new garden island to settle on. Amazing ink and watercolor artwork fills each spread, with both sweeping landscapes and bits of miniscule details that will be discovered by readers who sit with the book for multiple readings. This might not work for group readings in a classroom or library setting, but it will surely delight observant readers who can look through it alone or one-on-one with their grownups. Review based on an ARC.

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

Butterfield, Moira. Look What I Found on the Farm. Jesus Verona, Illus. Candlewick, 4/2024. [32]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $15.99. 978-1-5362-3427-5. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL.    

Three kids (one with brown skin, one with white skin and brown hair, and one with white skin and red hair) take a walk through a farm. Simple, rhyming text introduces what they are seeing on the farm, and a few of the things they spot are listed for readers to find more of on the two-page spread. Focused text boxes on the following two-page spread provide detailed explanations about these items, plus other things on the farm and in the illustration. This mix of narrative fiction and non-fiction helps readers learn about the animals and crops on a farm or in the area around a small, family-run farm.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Weber, Frank. More Dung: A Beetle Tale. Frank Weber, Illus. Disney Hyperion, 05/2024. [44]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-368-10008-3. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.     

A dung beetle collects and rolls elephant dung into balls. When a leopard observes the hard work, he recommends that the beetle go to a nearby barn for even more dung. The beetle becomes greedy and obsessed, collecting all the cow dung and ordering other beetles to help him, until the pile crashes. In a hurried ending, the beetle learns about the perils of greed, similar to the moral in a fable. The illustrations are the strongest aspect of the book, featuring pencil cartoon digital artwork of the African setting.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Forman, Gayle. Not Nothing. Simon & Schuster/Aladdin, 08/2024. 269 [+10]pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-6659-4327-7. GRADES 5–8. ADDITIONAL.         

Not Nothing explores the healing power of connection as Josey, a solitary 107-year-old Holocaust survivor, forges an unexpected bond with Alex, a twelve-year-old boy volunteering in his nursing home as part of a court-ordered mandate. As Josey shares his life story, Alex processes his own traumatic past; both are transformed as they come to understand the importance of compassion and forgiveness. Flowing seamlessly between past and present, Josey serves as omniscient narrator as he tells both his own story as well as Alex’s. While this gentle, consistent voice helps maintain a sense of flow and balance throughout the novel, Forman’s use of a highly educated older man as narrator gives a more mature tone to a book that may already be too advanced for younger readers. Young readers may also have difficulty relating to Alex and his friend Maya-Jade, who read more realistically as young high school students. Josey is an elderly Polish American Jewish man; Alex and his family read as white, although not explicitly identified. Forman employs a widely diverse cast of supporting characters in the present-day story to further her juxtaposition between the horrors of the Holocaust and the prejudices and difficulties faced by people of many different races, faiths, and identities today.

Jennifer Taylor—Palo Alto City Library

Warga, Jasmine. Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall, A. Balzer + Bray, 09/2024. 224pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-0629-5670-5. GRADES 3–5. ADDITIONAL.        

Since his best friends unfriended him, eleven-year-old Rami hangs out at the museum his mom cleans, and spends a lot of energy trying not to be noticed. Which is why it’s so surprising that he’s the only one the floating girl pays attention to. When a painting is stolen and his mom is suspected, finding out who the girl is, and how she’s connected to the missing art, becomes more important than hiding. Short-titled chapters set the tone for a whimsical mystery that centers on the importance of being seen. Adding energy is the fun dynamic between unassuming Rami and Veda, his more assertive partner in detection. Expository prose that focuses on feelings, and a subplot involving an artistic turtle slow the pace, but may appeal to young readers who want winsome and unthreatening mysteries. Rami is Lebanese American and Veda is Indian American. Review based on an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Cline-Ransome, Lesa. They Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom. James E. Ransome, Illus. Candlewick, 09/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-7636-8155-5. GRADES Kindergarten–4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Luminous watercolors show each day of the week, as a young enslaved Black man uses his literacy to help pass on the freedom and knowledge that reading provides. Striking, realistic illustrations and brief text in the young man’s voice make vivid the ways reading and writing helped resist the cruelty of slavery: forging travel passes, passing on reports of Union progress, and conveying strengthening messages from the Bible. This powerful story, set during the Civil War, gives young readers a clear picture of the daily acts of resistance and courage by enslaved African Americans. Back matter includes suggested reading. Review based on an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired