Wang, Jen. Ash’s Cabin. Jen Wang, Illus. First Second, 08/2024. 320pp. Graphic. Trade $25.99. 978-1-250-75405-9. GRADES 7–12. OUTSTANDING. 

Sixteen-year-old Ash is determined to find their grandfather’s fabled Northern California “cabin in the woods” and live there alone with their dog Chase. Leaving their deadname, school, and family behind, Ash preps for living in the wild by using their school library to gather info on native plant life, wilderness living, and survival skills. They journal about their journey, finding that it’s hard to live off the land and learning that fear, illness, and living within the confines of nature can be just as difficult as living among humans. While they do find the ramshackle cabin and start to make a go of living there, a wildfire brings Ash back to their family; their parents commit to listening to them more, and Ash begins to tentatively rebuild their relationships and establish new ones. Graphic illustrations are done in muted watercolors, ballpoint pen, and mechanical pencil, maintaining the late autumn color palette which informs Ash’s mood and surroundings. An outstanding graphic novel that respects and feels authentic to one teen’s experience; Ash reads as nonbinary/trans. Includes California-specific content.

Pauline Harris—San Francisco Public Library

Timmers, Leo. Bear’s Lost Glasses. Leo Timmers, Illus. Translated from the Dutch by David Colmer. Gecko, 08/2024. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-77657-594-7. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Originally published in Dutch in 2023, this smoothly translated picture book stars a bear with bad eyesight. Although readers will see that his eyeglasses are on top of his head, the bear decides to visit his friend Giraffe, thinking he left the glasses there. Along the way, he misidentifies items, such as thinking a tree is a deer; readers can call out what he is really seeing, making this a fun call-and-response book for storytime. The full-color artwork may have been created digitally, with bear and giraffe set on white backgrounds, almost like they are actors in a play. A funny, engaging story that many eyeglass wearers will relate to.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Walker, David F. Big Jim and the White Boy: An American Classic Reimagined. Marcus Kwame Anderson, Illus. Addl. Creator Isabell Struble, Colorist. Ten Speed Graphic, 10/2024. 282pp. Graphic. Trade $25.99. 978-1-9848-5772-9. GRADES 6–Adult. OUTSTANDING.

Through thoughtful historical analysis and a fresh perspective, this standout graphic novel retells The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by masterfully shifting Big Jim’s experience into central focus. A profound narrative reveals how dramatically the storyteller shapes the story by providing meaningful insight into Jim’s relationship with his family and the complexity of navigating his actual relationship to Huck Finn, as well as an unflinching account of slavery and his fight for humanity within it. By shifting in time (1850s, 1930s, 1980s, and the present), generations of reflection add to the account, including an adeptly-shared academic summary of the history of race relations. Adopting an innovative solution to the long-standing debate of whether to include or omit racial slurs common within the original 1885 text, the author finds a way to convey both the historical authenticity of slurs as symbolic of brutal oppression, while acknowledging the pain their presence and intent represent. With rich color palettes for each time period, and characters portrayed with both expressiveness and nuance, the graphics heighten the power of each scene; the narrative tone ranges from intensity to lightness and humor to horror, making for a gripping read. The importance of telling one’s own story is powerfully conveyed, and in the last chapter the young reader is challenged to do just that.

Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library

Magoon, Kekla. Blue Stars: Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem. Molly Murakami, Illus. Addl. Creator Cynthia Leitich Smith. The Blue Stars. Candlewick, 03/2024. 176pp. Graphic. Trade $22.99. 978-1-5362-0499-5. Paper $12.99. 978-1-5362-2866-3. GRADES 3–6. OUTSTANDING.        

In this first book of a new graphic novel series, cousins Riley and Maya haven’t seen each other since they were three, and now they’re sharing a room in their grandma’s house in the fictional town of Urbanopolis. The girls are very different, but as they start middle school, they realize they have a common enemy. Vice Principal Balderdash plans on slashing the budgets for athletics, arts, and STEM so that he can invest in portables to be used as school detention centers. Now they need to team up as superheroes to thwart his evil plan. The girls are both mixed race and have backstories that include living on Native American lands (Riley) and abroad as a blue star military family (Maya). Riley’s dad is Black and her mom is Native American; Maya’s mom is white and her dad is Black. Their grandmother is Black. Other characters in the book are drawn with a variety of skin tones and hairstyles.

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

Rogers, Andrea L. Chooch Helped. Rebecca Lee Kunz, Illus. Levine Querido, 10/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-64614-454-9. GRADES Kindergarten–1. ADDITIONAL.

Two-year-old Chooch wants to help with what others are doing, which always results in messing something up, no matter who in the family he is “helping.” After Chooch helps various adults in the extended family, his big sister gets mad when he destroys her clay pinch pot, before being counseled that messing up is how usdi (little ones) learn. Each page’s brief text narrates who Chooch helps, identifying them with transliterated Cherokee relationship names, such as edoda and elisi. Watercolor, gouache, printmaking, collage, and digital illustrations infused with Cherokee iconography accompany the brief text, with a cloud-like effect focusing the attention on Chooch. Includes four pages of back matter about Cherokee culture, the art style, how to make a clay pinch pot, and a glossary with Cherokee words and translations.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Jiménez, Francisco. Circuit, The: Graphic Novel. Celia Jacobs, Illus. Adapted by Andrew J. Rostan. Clarion/Harper Collins, 03/2024. 227 [+6]pp. Graphic. Trade $24.99. 978-0-3583-4821-4. Paper $15.99. 978-0-3583-4822-1. GRADES 3–7. OUTSTANDING.

Adapted from Francisco Jiménez’s 1998 award-winning chapter book, The Circuit: Stories of the Life of an Immigrant Child, this graphic novel version follows Panchito and his family, immigrants from Mexico to California in the late 1940s and early 1950s, as they struggle to make a life as migrant farm workers. The mixed-media illustrations in sepia tones capture the author’s childhood, filled with constant worry about moving every few months and adapting to a new home, school, and friends. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout with a glossary of definitions. An important memoir for middle grade readers to help them better understand the intricacies of migration and poverty without the overwhelming text. Includes California-specific content.

Kari Leos—Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library

Weatherford, Carole Boston. Crown of Stories, A: The Life and Language of Beloved Writer Toni Morrison. Khalif Tahir Thompson, Illus. HarperCollins/Quill Tree, 04/2024. [48]pp. Biography. Trade $19.99. 978-0-06-291103-2. GRADES 1–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.        

Weatherford uses the second-person voice in this picture book biography of Toni Morrison, where the narrator explains what “you” do to be like Morrison: remember, listen, love, read, tell, and more. The choice seems to suit Morrison’s life, and is meant to be read aloud, like Weatherford’s previous dozens of children’s biographies. The scenes emphasize love and beauty in Morrison’s upbringing, the tactile experience of her surroundings, and her accomplishments and hardships, while also including descriptions of racism and responses to it, including Morrison’s impact as senior editor, author, and honored elder. The acrylic, oil paint, and collage illustrations by Thompson, in warmly vibrant colors with rich brown tones, are bold and naive, while also being accurate in portraiture. Although mostly recounting biographical facts, Weatherford also attributes feelings and thoughts to the “you” that is Morrison; “Amid the stacks [of a library job], you are in heaven…” “You’re tired of hearing your name mispronounced anyhow…” “You heed the call to conscience in your own way, vowing to write about and for Black people.” The bibliography lists eight magazine articles and recorded interviews plus one entry from Biography.com, but no books about Morrison. Libraries that own Jerdine Nolen’s picture book biography On Her Wings (S&S, 2022) may nevertheless find space for this unique perspective.

Erica Siskind—Oakland Public Library

Hirsch, Rebecca E. Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants, A: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds. Eugenia Nobati, Illus. Zest, 10/2024. 199pp. Nonfiction. PLB $38.65. 978-1-7284-9328-2. GRADES 7–12. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Twenty-five poisonous plants (arranged alphabetically) are described in this fascinating book. Each entry runs four to eight pages, and begins with a true story of a poisonous incident, then describes the chemicals and toxins that make the plant poisonous, and its possible medicinal uses. There are plenty of warnings not to touch any of these plants, as well as sidebars with other useful information. The book design is equally inviting, with a macabre selection of typefaces, dark green and purple page decorations, and many color and b&w photos. The back matter includes an index, source notes, glossary, and list of further reading. This will be useful for both recreational reading and science classes.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Dubuc, Marianne. Everyone Gets a Turn. Marianne Dubuc, Illus. Princeton Architectural, 03/2024. 60pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-7972-2729-0. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.

Four forest friends (Bear, Hare, Turtle, and Mouse) encounter an egg, and together decide to all lend a hand. In a charming, gentle world awash in the muted pastel realms of watercolor, each creature gives something special to the soon-to-be little bird, and the little bird gives something to all of them as well. This endearing tale quietly celebrates how to nurture friendships and community by sharing the best we find within us all. By remembering to make room, everyone can get a turn.

Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library

Spring, William. Evolution: A Celebration of Beautiful Animals. William Spring, Illus. Candlewick/Big Picture, 10/2024. 110pp. Nonfiction. Trade $22.99. 978-1-5362-3835-8. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Pencil and watercolor illustrations highlight fifty interesting and unique animals – most of whom are endangered or threatened. Each double-page spread includes a few paragraphs explaining the evolutionary development of the animal, the important and often unusual traits which have led to its current state of being, and challenges the species faces. A useful starting point for exploring animal evolution, the wide range of animals on the planet, or simply discovering these interesting animals. Detailed watercolor illustrations bring some aspect of each animal to life and help to show off some of the evolutionarily formed characteristics.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

DiCamillo, Kate. Ferris. Candlewick, 03/2024. 226pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-3105-2. GRADES 3–5. OUTSTANDING.

Rising fifth grader Ferris is navigating a lot of changes in her family and home. Her aging grandma is beginning to suffer from heart disease and is also being visited in her upstairs room by a mysterious ghost. Her uncle is living in the basement away from his wife while he tries to paint the entire history of the world onto a single canvas. And her little sister Pinky is determined to become an “outlaw” and decides the best way to do this is to rob the local bank. This story is full of slightly absurdist dark humor, family pathos, real and anticipated losses, and sweet loving relationships. The quick dialogue and skilled descriptions make this an excellent classroom readaloud. All of the relationships are complex, especially Ferris’s connections to her grandma and to Billy Jackson, her best friend. Ferris and her family are white; her best friend, Billy, is Black.

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

Anderson, Brian. Frankenstein’s Hound. Brian Anderson, Illus. Sophie, bk 2. Marble, 10/2024. 223pp. Graphic. Trade $18.99. 978-1-958325-30-8. Paper $14.99. 978-1-958325-25-4. GRADES 3–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Jurassic Bark by Brian Anderson for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Newman, Patricia. Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea. Millbrook, 10/2024. 56pp. Nonfiction. PLB $34.65. 979-8765607992. GRADES 4–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Information on giant manta rays is a key part of this book, which focuses on the work of Peruvian marine biologist Kerstin Forsberg. She founded a nonprofit organization and designed a program for school children about the giant manta ray to help preserve the unique flagship species, hunted for their gill plates. The book design is the standout feature, with abundant color photos on every page, sidebars, charts, maps, and other page decorations that will attract readers. The book’s back matter includes source notes, a glossary, index, timeline, author’s note, and bibliography. It is not just a book on giant manta rays, but a book that encourages youth to be activists in animal conservation, pollution, and other related causes.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Mo, Cherry. Home in a Lunchbox. Cherry Mo, Illus. Penguin, 06/2024. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-593-66134-5. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.            

Heart-themed lunchbox in hand, Jun from Hong Kong cheerfully sets off for the first day of school in the United States, but her high spirits are dashed when classmates ignore and sometimes even laugh at her efforts to speak English. Jun’s emotions—frustration, anger, sadness, and joy—are conveyed in expressive, soft-hued watercolor panels that include minimal text and an abundance of pink. Sparkles and hearts appear whenever Jun opens her lunchbox packed with familiar treats made by mom, including vegetable chow mein, thousand layer pancake, and braised tofu. Not only do these items bring comfort by reminding Jun of home, they also help her make friends as the delicious aromas attract interest, conversation, and the exchange of food. Back matter includes a glossary of Cantonese words, as well as a mouth-watering display and description of the contents of Jun’s lunchbox. With similar themes to Gibberish by Young Vo (Levine Querido, 2022), this heartfelt and heart-filled book deserves a place in the canon of immigrant stories for children.

Jenny Andrus—Independent

Dolan, Elys. How to Make a Picture Book: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide. Elys Dolan, Illus. Candlewick, 08/2024. [44]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3142-7. GRADES 1–5. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

A worm speaks directly to the reader, giving instructions on how to write a picture book, including descriptions of ideas, characters, setting, story, and color. Along the way, there are breaks for activities, which include story math, where you take two of your ideas and put them in the same story. There are also prompts for building a story, interviewing your characters, making a book out of paper to use for your picture book, and more. Although this looks like a picture book at first glance, it is really an instructional book on writing and a great choice to recommend to teachers. The full-color, mixed-media cartoon illustrations work in harmony with the text to describe the activities and add humor. Originally published in the UK in 2022.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Anderson, Brian. Jurassic Bark. Brian Anderson, Illus. Sophie, bk. 1. Marble, 10/2024. 223pp. Graphic. Trade $18.99. 978-1-958325-29-2. Paper $14.99. 978-1-958325-14-8. GRADES 3–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: This fast-paced graphic novel series follows the adventures of Sophie (a brown-haired dog) and Doug (a pale-skinned baby). Born out of a newspaper comic strip and a webcomic series, these first two titles follow Sophie’s reactions to ongoing changes in her household. First the baby, Doug, arrives in the house, disrupting everything and taking the human’s attention away from Sophie; then two cats arrive; and eventually the family fosters other dogs. Sophie’s overactive imagination conjures up many adventures that she and Doug imaginatively embark on, including driving cars, being a dinosaur, and blasting off into space. Anderson’s colorful, digital illustrations add much to the story, helping provide many laughs throughout both volumes. Great for fans of the Big Nate and Dog Man series.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Schu, John. Louder Than Hunger. Candlewick, 03/2024. 506 [+22]pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-2909-7. GRADES 5–9. OUTSTANDING.   

This fictionalized memoir in verse follows eighth-grader Jake as he obsessively exercises, limits his eating, and begins to waste away, while facing feelings of disconnection from his parents and grieving the loss of his grandmother. Schu is very careful to not write an anorexia how-to manual or a book that glorifies eating disorders in any way. At more than 500 pages, the size of the book may intimidate some readers, but the sparse text with lots of white space allows the reader to move through it quickly, and lets the reader pause and take the story in. Louder Than Hunger joins Lerner’s A Work in Progress (Aladdin, 2023) as one of the few middle grade books to address the topic of disordered eating. Jake reads as white.

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

Odeh, Maysa. Map for Falasteen, A: A Palestinian Child’s Search for Home. Aliaa Betawi, Illus. Henry Holt, 10/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-250-89670-4. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

When her teacher shows the class a world map and asks them, “Can each of you tell us where your family is from?” Falasteen asks, “Why isn’t Palestine on the map?” Her teacher’s ignorant and callous reply, “I think there is no such place,” makes her sad, so she asks her grandpa, grandma, and mother the same question. This picture book focuses on the author’s Palestinian American experience. The charming illustrations encourage empathy with the family’s hardships while maintaining hope for the future, and steering clear of blame. The Nakba is only depicted in the family holding hands as they escape; the soldiers, tanks, guns, destroyed villages, and burned trees are mentioned but not illustrated. While the art hanging in Falasteen’s classroom is typical of children ages three to six, finding a location on a world map is a skill typically developed in fourth through sixth grades, conflating the intended audience. This is a heartwarming depiction of displaced people maintaining hope of returning to their homeland. The author’s note succinctly explains where Palestine is and what has been happening there for the past seventy-five years.

Erica Siskind—Oakland Public Library

Seales, Stephanie. My Daddy Is a Cowboy. C. G. Esperanza, Illus. Abrams, 06/2024. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-4197-6081-5. GRADES Kindergarten–4. OUTSTANDING.        

A young girl is woken up before dawn by her father so that they can share a pre-sunrise horseback ride through the streets of their urban Afro-Panamanian neighborhood. The vibrant oil paintings by C. G. Esperanza capture a range of moods, from sleepy snuggles in the dark of early morning to the excitement and pride felt while prepping the horses and saddling them up as the skies begin to lighten from dark blues into pinks and gold. As the young narrator rides alongside her dad, their neighborhood slowly comes to life. Finally, under bright skies, she watches as her daddy stands up in the saddle and performs some tricks for the people walking by. While a little dense for a group readaloud, this would work well for one-on-one reading and would be a great resource for a unit on the history of Black cowboys and their continued presence in urban America. A Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner.

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

Cline-Ransome, Lesa. One Big Open Sky. Holiday House, 03/2024. 296pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-5016-9. GRADES 5–10. OUTSTANDING.

In 1879, a Black family journeys from Mississippi to Nebraska to obtain their own land through the homestead process. Told in free verse by three women—mother Sylvia, her daughter Lettie, and young teacher Philomena—this fills a gap in tween historical pioneer fiction due to its Black female perspective. Unlike some other novels of the westward movement, the experience is not glamorized and tragedies occur. The prose is thoughtful and emotionally resonant. The detailed author’s note describes previous prairie-themed youth novels and explains the position and role of Indigenous people in relation to the homesteaders’ land. A Newbery Honor recipient.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Chytilova, Lenka. Our Camping Trip: Physics, Chemistry & Fun. Xiana Teimoy, Illus. Addl. Creator Helena Harastova. Translated from the Czech by Mark Worthington. Everyday STEM. Albatros, 10/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $16.95. 978-80-00-07285-2. GRADES 2–4. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Readers can explore various science topics in these series titles. Each title has an overall theme and story, which is broken up into various segments, each of which focuses on specific science topics. For example, driving to the campground offers an opportunity to explore the physics of slopes; baking a cake covers units of volume and measuring time. Although the stories are slight, the scientific exploration and explanations tied to real-life situations are useful and engaging. Digital illustrations bring a comic-like feel to the story and explanations, while depicting the Bright family (two with auburn hair and white skin, and two with dark hair and brown skin) working together to understand the world via science. Every page is chock full of information that will keep young readers busy.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Chytilova, Lenka. Planning Grandma’s Party: Measurements, Fractions & Fun. Xiana Teimoy, Illus. Addl. Creator Helena Harastova. Translated from the Czech by Mark Worthington. Everyday STEM. Albatros, 10/2024. 32pp. Nonfiction. Trade $16.95. 978-80-00-07286-9. GRADES 2–4. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Our Camping Trip: Physics, Chemistry & Fun by Lenka Chytilova for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Yoo, Paula. Rising from the Ashes: Los Angeles, 1992. Edward Jae Song Lee, Latasha Harlins, Rodney King, and a City on Fire. Norton Young Readers, 05/2024. 358pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-3240-3090-4. GRADES 6–10. OUTSTANDING.            

In April 1992, Los Angeles was in flames. When the ashes cooled, sixty-eight were dead and America’s largest Korean neighborhood was rubble. First person accounts, shifting perspectives, dynamic writing, and extensive research weave together interviews, photos, and background information to illuminate what sparked a violent, racially inspired uprising that caused a billion dollars in property damage, and captured the world’s attention. Yoo focuses on Korean and Black experiences, set against a backdrop of systemic racism. Attention is paid to how the response to the uprising shaped Korean American identity. Central figures Rodney King, Latasha Harlins, and Edward Lee move past sensationalized victimhood to come alive. Though necessarily episodic, this page-turning account is mostly even-handed, offering dozens of perspectives. Particularly noteworthy is the pivotal role Radio Korea played in providing lifesaving news and advocacy. Some narrative efforts gloss over individual responsibility, keeping the focus on the bigger picture, but straining the reader’s credulity. Back matter includes source notes, bibliography, audio/video resources, photo credits, and index. Includes California-specific content.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Alexander, Lori. Seeds of Discovery: How Barbara McClintock Used Corn and Curiosity to Solve a Science Mystery and Win a Nobel Prize. Rebecca Santo, Illus. Clarion, 01/2025. 120pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-0-06-324599-0. GRADES 3–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

From childhood, Barbara was driven by a love of science. Born in 1906, she was propelled by her joyful interests, which enabled her to repeatedly defy gender conventions and push through constraints to make groundbreaking genetic discoveries. Twelve short chapters that focus on Barbara’s life and legacy are supported by ten substantive asides that explain scientific concepts or provide historic background. Many charming vignettes in 1950s hues illustrate scenes from Barbara’s life and clarify scientific ideas. Readers gain an enhanced understanding of genetic research and an appreciation of a unique individual whose delight in pursuing her passion allowed her to disregard sexism, scorn, and slights, eventually earning a Nobel Prize at eighty-one. A few final asides raise questions that distract focus. Extensive back matter includes an illustrated timeline, a glossary, source notes, a bibliography, additional reading, photo credits, and an index.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Gargulakova, Magda. Teeth: You Only Get Two Sets. Marie Urbankova, Illus. Translated from the Czech by Andrew Oakland. Albatros, 11/2024. [22]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $16.95. 978-80-00-07247-0. GRADES 1–4. LOW ADDITIONAL.

This relatively simple book covers how humans grow two sets of teeth, what a tooth is made of, how to clean your teeth, and other important facts. The writing is aimed at children who are starting to lose their baby teeth and are growing their permanent teeth. The book design is also nice, using color cartoon artwork and diagrams. Although most of this is a solid introduction to human teeth for children, it contains a concerning error. Near the end it recommends tying a string to a tooth and the other end to a doorknob in order to pull a tooth, or tying a string to your tooth and then to a large rock and throwing the rock; neither technique is safe nor recommended by dentists. This hazardous advice on pulling your own tooth is concerning.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Cordell, Matthew. To See an Owl. Matthew Cordell, Illus. Random House, 01/2025. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-593-64989-3. GRADES Preschool–4. OUTSTANDING.

A young girl’s abiding interest in owls is encouraged by her knowledgeable teacher, Mr. Koji, and her supportive mom. Tirelessly the child researches and explores, hoping to see an owl in the wild. Charming, scratchy pen-and-ink drawings, washed with pastel watercolor, show scenes in classrooms and the field, and offer glimpses of the girl’s illustrated journal of facts and findings. Readers gain owl knowledge, learn how to craft a scientific pursuit, and experience the emotional reward of passionate perseverance. Main characters have light tan skin. No back matter is included.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Golusky, Jackie. Top 10 Minecraft Potions: An Unofficial List. Searchlight Books – Minecraft Top Tens. Lerner, 01/2025. 32pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8-7656-4758-5. Paper $10.99. 979-8-7656-6235-9. GRADES 2–5. LOW ADDITIONAL.       

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Top Ten Minecraft Biomes: An Unofficial List by Jackie Golusky for series review.

Rachael Reiley—Independent

Ellinas, Georghia. Twelfth Night. Jane Ray, Illus. Candlewick, 08/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3150-2. GRADES 1–5. ADDITIONAL.

This smartly done adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy can serve as a great introduction to the play’s plot and characters. Viola and her brother are shipwrecked, so she disguises herself as a young man to find work; this is a tale of mistaken identity, romance, and some foolish characters, too. The story is told from the perspective of Feste the Fool, which will help the reader follow the plot. The smoothly told story averages two paragraphs per spread, making this easy to read in one sitting. The brightly colored watercolor and ink illustrations display the clothing and locale of the sixteenth century European setting, and show Countess Olivia as Black. Most libraries will shelve this in Dewey 822.33 (Shakespeare), not the picture book shelves.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool

Reynolds, Jason. Twenty-Four Seconds from Now…: A LOVE Story. Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy, 10/2024. 239 [+17]pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-6659-6127-1. GRADES 6–Adult. OUTSTANDING.

Jason Reynolds takes on the topic of teen romance and love, specifically examining the state of mind of seventeen-year-old Neon as he approaches the two-year anniversary of dating his girlfriend Aria. They have decided to have sex for the first time and the book opens at that moment—it’s going to happen in twenty-four seconds—if he can stop panicking and make it out of the bathroom. But then the story develops by unfolding in reverse order; each chapter is twenty-four something (seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months) before the next chapter. We get to see Neon’s relationships with his family and friends as they give him all kinds of different advice about love, sex, and having a girlfriend. While he gets some questionable advice from his friend Dodi, his conversations with his older sister, mom, and dad are healthy explorations of topics like consent, respect, communication, virginity, intimacy, and porn. Reynolds’ masterful dialogue makes you feel like you are truly inside the characters, just eavesdropping on their conversations. A Coretta Scott King Author Award winner.

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

Yasuda, Anita. Up, Up, Ever Up!: Junko Tabei; A Life in the Mountains. Yuko Shimizu, Illus. Clarion, 09/2024. [44]pp. Biography. Trade $19.99. 978-0-0632-4241-8. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.

Spectacular illustrations and lyrical text reveal the dynamic, change-making life of a supremely joyful and determined Japanese woman. From childhood, Junko’s love of mountains fueled a dream to climb. Pushing back against conventions and constraints, Junko led the first women’s Everest expedition, becoming the first woman to summit. More than a mountaineer, she spearheaded international efforts to clean up decades of climbing waste, preserving the landscape she loved. Dynamically colored and patterned india ink and digital illustrations borrow from Japanese woodblock prints, manga, and Marc Chagall. Every spread is a visually rich story in itself. Back matter includes an author’s note, a timeline, a glossary, source notes, and a bibliography.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Finan, Sarah. What We Wear When We Take Care. Sarah Finan, Illus. Candlewick, 06/2024. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-2770-3. GRADES Preschool–1. OUTSTANDING.

With rhythmic pacing and captivating sound imagery, we learn about the safety gear people wear to protect themselves every day in every way. Beautiful compositions of boldly hand-painted illustrations in minimal colors move us through the ordinary and extraordinary situations through which we explore our world, accompanied by the stream of sound verbs drawing us ever closer to the experiences of diversely portrayed adults and youth alike. This perfectly concise, dynamic and engaging readaloud draws readers into the often unrecognized excitement and exhilaration of the power of protective wear. A simple, elegant package masterfully presents the complex, while inspiring curiosity and joy.

Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library

Feinberg, Shaina. Work: Interviews with People Doing Jobs They Love. Julia Rothman, Illus. Candlewick, 12/2024. 63pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-3266-0. GRADES Kindergarten–3. ADDITIONAL.

Experience the vastness of what people call work while journeying with this author/illustrator duo around the world. Meet twenty-eight people and their wide range of jobs—including cobbler, toy shop owner, playwright, muralist, and prosthetics maker. Mixed-media illustrations spotlight the people, places, and things that are part of these varied jobs, while the small chunks of text explain who the person is, where they work, what they do, and why they like their job.  An interesting look at the wide variety of work around the world.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Sorosiak, Carlie. World of Dogs, A: A Celebration of Fascinating Facts and Amazing Real-Life Stories for Dog Lovers. Luisa Uribe, Illus. Nosy Crow, 09/2024. 96pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 979-8-88777-096-3. GRADES 1–5. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Did you know some greyhounds can run faster than a racehorse? Or that a dog’s nose is 10,000 times more sensitive than a human’s? These and a wealth of other facts about man’s best friend make up this fascinating book on dogs. There are sections on dog breeds, how dogs communicate, working dogs, how to train a dog, and much, much more, including dogs from around the world. Each spread focuses on a topic, such as Dogs in Science, or War Dogs, containing a paragraph each on several areas of that topic, illustrated with colorful artwork depicting what is being discussed. There is an index and glossary, and the endpapers show many different breeds of dogs. This is sure to attract casual readers and those writing reports on these favorite pets.

Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool