Schwartz, Heather E. Alligators: Wetland Engineers. Lightning Bolt Books: Ecosystem Engineers. Lerner, 01/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765647608. Paper $9.99. 979-8765662014. GRADES 2–4. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Can animals change their environment? This series provides specific examples of how some animals do exactly that—intentional actions that help themselves and others. This series includes six books, each featuring an animal that changes their environment, three of which this reviewer read. Each animal is presented via many large color photographs and a few sentences per page, providing a few details about their life, how their actions affect the ecosystem they live in, and what this means for other animals that share their environment. A useful introduction to these animals and their environmental modifications. Each title includes a brief table of contents, glossary, and index.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Yong, Ed. An Immense World: How Animals Sense Earth’s Amazing Secrets, Young Readers Edition. Rebecca Mills, Illus. Addl. Creator AnnMarie Anderson. Bright Matter, 05/2025. 272pp. Nonfiction. Trade $24.99. 978-0-593-81088-0. PLB $27.99. 978-0-593-81089-7. GRADES 5–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

We know the world through our senses, but that is a mere slice of reality. Exploring the perceptions of other animals reveals an unimagined and immense world. Twelve chapters explore animal senses, typically opening with the author interacting with an animal and the researcher who studies it, giving readers a powerful sense of how cutting edge much of this knowledge is. Each titled chapter is subdivided into helpfully specific sections. Well-crafted prose, plenty of metaphors, and jokey asides help create context, allowing readers to imagine what is beyond our range of experience. Color blocking, field notes, puzzlers, emboldened quotes, and words to remember help to break up the text. Photographs, line drawings and frequent full-color illustrations add interest, but the heavily digitized artwork seems discordantly bland in a work exploring diverse specificity. Back matter includes author’s note, photo credits and index, but no sources or further reading. Review based on an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Wagner, Zelda. Backhoes: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Construction Vehicles. Lerner, 01/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765647806. Paper $9.99. 979-8765662182. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: The titles in this series provide very simple introductions to six different construction vehicles that young readers are often excited to see pictures of and learn more about. Each of the three reviewed titles feature full-page photographs paired with a single short sentence that explains what the vehicle does. Diverse people are found in a few of the vehicle pictures; each title includes questions to engage the reader and an additional resources page. Useful titles for new readers interested in construction vehicles.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Sanderson, Whitney. Be a Friend: Learn about Healthy Friendships with Sesame Street. Sesame Street Self-Care. Lerner, 01/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765643730. Paper $9.99. 979-8765662434. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Sesame Street and Lerner’s collaboration expands with this series that helps young readers to take care of themselves. These titles use engaging, simple, direct, and easy-to-understand sentences, paired with appropriate color photographs and Sesame Street character dialogue (directed to the reader for engagement) to inform and help young children and early readers. Self-care topics include being a friend, what feelings are, and moving around. Each title includes something that the reader (or listener) can do to help understand the topic, along with a simple glossary, index, and other suggested titles. A variety of Sesame Street characters are spread throughout each title, one per double-page spread, often paired with an ethnically diverse cast of human children. Useful titles for parents helping early readers understand these topics.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Schwartz, Heather E. Beavers: Freshwater Engineers. Lightning Bolt Books: Ecosystem Engineers. Lerner, 01/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765647615. Paper $9.99. 979-8765662021. GRADES 2–4. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Alligators: Wetland Engineers by Heather E. Schwartz for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Chu, Katherine. Bees Help Gardens Grow. Pull Ahead Readers Nonfiction: In the Garden.  Lerner, 01/2025. 16pp. Reader. PLB $27.99. 979-8765647738. Paper $8.99. 979-8765661956. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: The Pull Ahead Readers series consists of sets of paired titles. Half of the titles are designated as fiction, with color digital illustrations, while the others are nominally nonfiction with color photographs. Designed as pairings on the same topic, each title is straightforward, with very limited text, content, and length, which works well for early readers. This fourteen-book subseries focuses on gardens, showing various plants, animals, and aspects of a healthy garden. The color photographs in the nonfiction titles engage readers with the natural beauty of the garden (insects, worms, plants). Meanwhile, the digital illustrations in the fiction titles provide a very short storyline mirroring the activity shown in its companion nonfiction title. The illustrations or photographs depict a range of garden-related activities that children may have seen or heard about. These simple readers can be read on their own, in pairs, or as a complete set.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Sanderson, Whitney. Big Feelings: Learn Healthy Ways to Manage Emotions With Sesame Street. Sesame Street Self-Care. Lerner, 01/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765643716. Paper $9.99. 979-8765662410. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.          

SERIES REVIEW: Please see: Be a Friend by Whitney Sanderson for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Smith, Charles R., Jr. Black Diamond Kings: Heroes of Negro League Baseball. Adrian Brandon, Illus. Candlewick,05/2025. [32]pp. Poetry. Trade $18.99. 978-1-53622-535-8. GRADES 2–5. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Dynamic, colorful illustrations and lively poems introduce a new generation to a lineup of Negro League legends. Each spread includes a powerful, painterly, emotion-packed portrait paired with energetic verse that rhythmically extolls a dozen players’ feats, whether it’s the thunder and lightning of big Josh Gibson or the finesse of Satchel Paige, hurler of heat. The varied poetic forms reinforce the diverse personalities of the players and make this an excellent resource for poetry units. Admirers of athletic prowess, seekers of superb nicknames, and teachers seeking a fresh resource will be inspired. Back matter includes player notes and background information on the Negro Leagues. The use of the racial epithet is addressed. Review based on an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Van Oosbree, Ruthie. Blossom and the Daisies. Lisa Hunt, Illus. Pull Ahead Readers Fiction: In the Garden. Lerner, 01/2025. 16pp. Reader. PLB $27.99. 979-8765647660. Paper $8.99. 979-8765661871. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.

 SERIES REVIEW: Please see Bees Help Gardens Grow by Katherine Chu for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Griczika, Michelle. Briggs vs. the Squirrels. Tails and Tales. Lerner, 01/2025. 64pp. Fiction. PLB $31.99. 979-8765648520. Paper $12.99. 979-8765649640. GRADES 2–3. ADDITIONAL.        

SERIES REVIEW: Featuring anthropomorphic animals, these short chapter books include a few b&w illustrations, end-of-chapter questions, and phonics-based activities at the end of each book. This reviewer read four of the eight titles, each of which focuses on a specific animal, or group of animals, and various situations to resolve. Two of the stories are close to possible: Briggs, a fox, convinces some rabbits to help him defeat some food-stealing squirrels; and Shadow, a black lab, recruits forest animals to help him retrieve a necklace a crow stole from his girl. The other two stories are more fantasy or science fiction: skunks in the Space Defense Force investigate a problem at a space station; and a library cat works with a mouse to write and illustrate a book that helps fight a plan to close the library. Each story is engaging, self-contained, and could help new readers enjoy chapter books.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Wagner, Zelda. Bulldozers: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Construction Vehicles. Lerner, 01/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765647813. Paper $9.99. 979-8765662199. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.    

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Backhoes by Zelda Wagner for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Wolk, Lauren. Candle Island. Dutton, 04/2025. 352pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-59369-854-9. GRADES 5–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Twelve-year-old Lucretia and her mother are looking for a fresh start. Candle Island, Maine is far enough from their Vermont home to offer refuge from reminders of the father and husband they have lost, and is big enough to afford privacy for their art making. But before the pair have driven off the ferry, they are drawn into an escalating conflict between wealthy summer kids and working class islanders. Wolk draws an evocative portrait of both an island and an artistic child. At the center of the many dramatic events is the tension between Lucretia’s desire to avoid harm and her need to connect. Readers can lose themselves in specifics of art making, secret keeping, animal rescue, serious bullying, and friendship. Some characters, and events, seem too bad, or too good, to be true. Readers seeking a lively summer read and a thoughtful life primer will be more than satisfied. Lucretia and most islanders read as white. Review based on an ARC.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Stuart, Dean. Cassi and the House of Memories. Dean Stuart, Illus. Penguin Random House /Viking, 02/2025. [272]pp. Graphic. Trade $24.99. 978-0-593-35112-3. Paper $14.99. 978-0-593-35113-0. GRADES 3–6. OUTSTANDING.

When Cassi’s grandfather, Charlie, wanders into the woods, she follows him and enters his memories, catching glimpses of his youth. Cassi is determined to heal some of the more tragic moments from Charlie’s past. This wonderful graphic novel gives insight into the mind of Cassi’s grandfather, who is struggling with dementia. The shared experience between Cassi and Charlie is tangible and gently humorous, highlighting playful ways of interacting with someone struggling with memory loss. This beautiful portrayal of a multi-generational relationship models hope and compassion, demystifies dementia, and is relatable for readers experiencing similar family dynamics. Cassi is white; the story contains supporting characters of color and various body types. Stuart’s gorgeous, richly colored illustrations interface seamlessly with the story. Back matter includes an insightful author’s note and preliminary sketches of scenes and characters. This book is a fabulous read that every library should own.

Stacey Miller—South San Francisco Public Library

Cooke, Trish. Catch! Ken Wilson-Max, Illus. Charlesbridge, 05/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-622-9. GRADES Preschool–1. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Preschooler Kiona and her mom play catch but have difficulty, so they try different-sized round objects to learn the skill. The text has a fun repetition where Kiona and the storytime children could repeat “Catch!” while adult listeners could repeat her mom’s phrase “No problem . . . We’ll find something else.” The simple illustrations focus on just the two characters and their activities, using deeply saturated acrylic paint and depicting Kiona and her mom as Black. First published in the UK in 2023, this is a fun way to promote the practice of repeated attempts to help young children with their confidence and resiliency.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Chu, Katherine. Composting Fun. Pull Ahead Readers Nonfiction: In the Garden. Lerner, 01/2025. 16pp. Reader. PLB $27.99. 979-8765647745. Paper $8.99. 979-8765661963. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.   

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Bees Help Gardens Grow by Katherine Chu for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Van Oosbree, Ruthie. Composting Pie. Lisa Hunt, Illus. Pull Ahead Readers Fiction: In the Garden. Lerner,01/2025. 16pp. Reader. PLB $27.99. 979-8765647677. Paper $8.99. 979-8765661888. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.       

SERIES REVIEW. Please see Bees Help Gardens Grow by Katherine Chu for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Wagner, Zelda. Concrete Mixers: A First Look. Read for a Better World: Read About Construction Vehicles. Lerner, 01/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765647820. Paper $9.99. 979-8765662205. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.    

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Backhoes by Zelda Wagner for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Schwartz, Heather E. Corals: Ocean Engineers. Lightning Bolt Books: Ecosystem Engineers. Lerner, 01/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $29.32. 979-8765647622. Paper $9.99. 979-8765662038. GRADES 2–4. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Alligators: Wetland Engineers by Heather E. Schwartz for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Levy, Debbie. Dangerous Idea, A: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in Schools. Bloomsbury Children’s, 01/2025. 278pp. Nonfiction. Trade $20.99. 978-1-54-761221-5. GRADES 7–9. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

In 1925, Dayton, Tennessee community leaders concocted a plan to attract publicity by convincing high school teacher John Scopes to admit to illegally teaching the theory of evolution. What followed was an all-out media circus and cultural war now known as the “Scopes Monkey Trial” that played out in newspapers and radio broadcasts across the country. In an easy-to-read conversational tone, and with a touch of wry humor, Levy manages to clearly structure a narrative around what is arguably quite a convoluted series of events. Her narrative builds up to the trial by providing a thorough explanation of all the factors at play: the science of evolution, the religious beliefs of Christian fundamentalists, the political climate, the culture of the media, and the backgrounds of all the key personalities involved with the trial. She goes on to discuss the class and racial issues that led to the selection of a rural, all-white male jury, and how this further affected trial proceedings. The inclusion of archival photos, newspaper clippings, and political cartoons provides further context, as does extensive bibliographical references and an index at the end of the book. 

Jennifer Taylor—Palo Alto City Library

Sharpson, Neil. Don’t Trust Fish. Dan Santat, Illus. Dial, 04/2025. 40pp. Picture Book. PLB $18.99. 978-0593616673. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Fish are not friends in this funny take on a nature guide. Sharpson introduces different animal groups, each fitting neatly into their categories—until we get to fish. They don’t follow the rules. “Fish spend all of their time in the water. Where we can’t see them . . . Are they plotting our doom?” Sharpson blends quirky fish facts (a whale shark is the largest fish in the world) with sharply opinionated humor (“It’s the size of a bus. That’s not okay”). Santat’s digital illustrations are perfectly paired with the text, reinforcing the notion that fish aren’t to be trusted. The pages are filled with apathetic fish engaging in espionage, sometimes as full scenes with hidden details, and sometimes solely focused on a single fish’s dubious expression. Whether you trust fish or not, this book will liven up a small group read. Of course, given the narrator’s vantage point from beneath the waves, we might want to take his views on fish with a grain of sea salt.

Alexandra Pantazes—Mountain View Public Library

Chu, Katherine. Earthworms Help Plants. Pull Ahead Readers Nonfiction: In the Garden. Lerner, 01/2025. 16pp.Reader. PLB $27.99. 979-8765647752. Paper $8.99. 979-8765661970. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW: Please see Bees Help Gardens Grow by Katherine Chu for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Andrus, Jenny. Elsa’s Chessboard. Julie Downing, Illus. Holiday House/Neal Porter, 04/2025. [44]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-0-8234-5408-2. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING. 

Elsa saw her older brothers playing chess and wanted to learn. At first they said no because she was a girl, but she convinced them and was soon beating them. Later she played with friends, including the local librarian who she later married, and continued playing for decades. The story begins in 1906 in Vienna, Austria and follows Elsa and her family as they move to San Francisco in 1938 to escape the start of World War II, because they were Jewish. Compellingly told, the text will appeal to a wide age range and foster respect for refugees. The watercolor and colored pencil illustrations have a burnished tone that evokes the early twentieth century, and several spreads include San Francisco landmarks. Written by Elsa’s granddaughter, this true story concludes with an author’s note, several family photos, and helpful tips on teaching chess to children. Includes California-specific content.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Van Oosbree, Ruthie. Ernie the Earthworm. Tom Heard, Illus. Pull Ahead Readers Fiction: In the Garden. Lerner, 01/2025. 16pp. Reader. PLB $27.99. 979-8765647684. Paper $8.99. 979-8765661895. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.        

SERIES REVIEW. Please see Bees Help Gardens Grow by Katherine Chu for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Awan, Jashar. Every Monday Mabel. Jashar Awan, Illus. Simon & Schuster, 02/2025. [44]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-1-6659-3815-0. GRADES Preschool–2. OUTSTANDING.

Every Monday morning Mabel sits outside to wait for the garbage truck—her favorite thing is to watch its mechanical arm grab the trash can and empty it into the truck. The reader won’t know what she has been waiting for until halfway through the story, which adds an element of surprise. The digitally created illustrations resemble deeply saturated watercolors, depicting the family with light brown skin and a variety of hair colors. The artwork is dynamic, showing action, energy, and movement which adds to the presentation. A great choice for library storytimes.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

McCullough, Joy. Everything Is Poison. Dutton, 01/2025. 304pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-0-593-85587-4. GRADES 9–12. OUTSTANDING.

An exploration of the morality of using poison as a defensive weapon for desperate women is a premise that demands an author like Joy McCullough, whose feminist perspectives are strong and studied, and whose historical research is impeccable. Protagonist Carmela Tofana’s sixteenth birthday brings both a long-desired initiation into the family apothecary business along with a realization that some knowledge comes at a high price. Set in seventeenth century Rome, the novel uses historical events and research as a jumping off point to explore coming of age, the constraint of women in traditional roles, and the strength of female alliances. While there are a few inconsistencies in the history, the relationships between the characters are strongly depicted and the challenges they face very real.

Lesley Mandros Bell—Independent

O’Hara, Jamie. Frenemies Save the Library. Tails and Tales. Lerner, 01/2025. 64pp. Fiction. PLB $31.99. 979-8765648551. Paper $12.99. 979-8765649671. GRADES 2–3. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Briggs vs. the Squirrels by Michelle Griczika for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Sanderson, Whitney. Get Moving: Learn About Healthy Movement With Sesame Street. Sesame Street Self-Care. Lerner, 01/2025. 24pp. Nonfiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765643709. Paper $9.99. 979-8765662403. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.     

SERIES REVIEW: Please see: Be a Friend by Whitney Sanderson for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Markle, Sandra. Great Narwhal Rescue, The: Saving the Arctic Ocean’s Narwhals. Sandra Markle’s Science Discoveries. Millbrook, 04/2025. 40pp. Nonfiction. PLB $33.32. 979-8765610169. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

Narwhals are unusual unicorn-like ocean mammals that may be threatened by global warming, which reduces the sea ice covering their Arctic Ocean habitat. Also, noise pollution due to shipping inhibits their echolocation. Like her previous books, Markle gives plenty of information on the animal that is the focus, but adds an extra element by describing how current conditions may make life difficult for that species. Filled with distinctive, well-captioned color photos on each page, this will appeal to a wide audience of readers who enjoy facts about animals, as well as to students writing reports. Maps, sidebars, glossary, source notes, index, and further information at the back of the book extend the text.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Martinez, Claudia Guadalupe. Not a Dog. Laura Gonzalez, Illus. Charlesbridge, 06/2025. [32]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-304-4. GRADES Preschool–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.

The Mexican prairie dog, a rodent that is related to squirrels, is the subject of this engaging informational picture book. The text describes what they eat, where they live, how they raise their offspring, and why they are endangered. Similar to Martinez’s Not a Monster (2023) about the axolotl, this has cartoon-like illustrations that appear to be done using colored pencil and watercolor, depicting an ethnically diverse group of children studying prairie dogs in the desert. Throughout the story, there are examples of shapes, using Spanish vocabulary, which adds an element that will please a storytime audience. This is a great way to introduce young children to nonfiction because the facts are clear while still having a picture book format. The book ends with an English/Spanish glossary and an author’s note with more facts.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux. Radiant. Dutton, 01/2025. 312pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-593-85578-2. GRADES 4–8. OUTSTANDING.

Fifth-grader Cooper Dale describes her life as one of the few Black students at her suburban Pittsburgh school in 1963–64, where she is bullied by a boy named Wade who calls her slurs. When her mother starts working for Wade’s family as a house cleaner, Cooper is not sure how she will deal with the situation. Told in free verse in a believable voice of a girl at this time, Cooper is both serious and silly, thinking about racism while also falling in love with The Beatles. Both the historical references and pop culture facts are accurate and well-integrated into the story, which should appeal to a wide age range. Cooper’s loving extended family is also a stand-out feature of this novel.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Percival, Kari. Safe Crossing. Kari Percival, Illus. Chronicle, 01/25. [48]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-7972-1456-6. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.

On a wet night in spring, a biracial family becomes a crossing crew—safely ushering migrating amphibians across a road. Richly layered digital prints in purples and yellows capture the warm lighted home, the atmospheric woods, and the bright eyes and spotted skins of the frogs and salamanders. Questions are central, as the older girl wonders how the creatures know when to migrate and responds to her younger sister’s many questions of why and how. Repeated phrases and visual motifs tie the story together. The girls’ beaded hair and spotted clothing echo the amphibians’ markings and precious eggs. Rich back matter includes lifecycle information, fun facts, citizen scientist activities, a road safety and safe-handling primer, sources of additional information, a glossary, and a seek-and-find checklist on the endpapers. Diverse ethnicities are shown. The mother and children appear Black, the father white.

Melissa McAvoy—Retired

Yolen, Jane. Sea Dragons. Celia Lowenthal, Illus. Monsters of Fife: Book 1. Charlesbridge, 06/2025. 111pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-473-7. GRADES 3–6. ADDITIONAL.

The place: Scotland. The time: the 1880s. The action: monsters causing problems. As the older students in their town’s small, one-room school, Cat and her two friends are part of the Royal and Ancient Society (monster hunters). In the first of a new series, this trio (plus their headmaster) take on three different monsters, one on land and two at sea. Readers might struggle with the beginning of the story while trying to pronounce the many unfamiliar Scottish locations, phrases, and words. Those that persevere will be intrigued by how these kids work together, as well as by each monster’s description and actions. A mix of color illustrations and short graphic novel interludes break up the text while giving the reader visual clues about the action, including the Scottish people and places.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Griczika, Michelle. Shadow’s Quest. Tails and Tales. Lerner, 01/2025. 64pp. Fiction. PLB $31.99. 979-8765648537. Paper $12.99. 979-8765649657. GRADES 2–3. ADDITIONAL.

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Briggs vs. the Squirrels by Michelle Griczika for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Koehler, Fred. Skunk Squad. Tails and Tales. Lerner, 01/2025. 64pp. Fiction. PLB $31.99. 979-8765648506. Paper $12.99. 979-8765649626. GRADES 2–3. ADDITIONAL.   

SERIES REVIEW. Please see: Briggs vs. the Squirrels by Michelle Griczika for series review.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Monroe, Chris. String Ball. Chris Monroe, Illus. Lerner/Carolrhoda, 05/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 979-8765611517. GRADES Preschool–1. ADDITIONAL.

What happens when a small black kitten finds a bright red string ball? Find out in this mostly wordless tale, in which the kitten ends up inside the ball and is bounced all over the house and neighborhood. First, a black-haired girl, with skin the color of the white page, writes and illustrates directions for how to make a string ball (balloon coated with a papier mâché-like string coating, dried, and left hollow). Then readers watch the kitten discover a way inside the ball and promptly begin its very dizzying day. Various kids and animals play with the ball as it rolls, flies, and bounces its way through the day, before somehow ending up in the girl’s backpack and returning home. Whimsical action, simple b&w line illustrations, and wordless movement allow readers to decide what everyone is saying, as the only color—the red ball—moves across the pages.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Stewart-Sharpe, Leisa. Treasure Hunt, The: True Stories of Treasures Lost, Stolen, and Found. Gordy Wright, Illus. Charlesbridge, 06/2025. 64pp. Nonfiction. Trade $18.99. 978-1-62354-629-8. GRADES 3–6. ADDITIONAL.

Get ready to travel the world in this fast-paced, treasure-seeking hunt. Readers follow a trio of kids in a wide-ranging hunt for who is trying to steal treasures from around the world. They find clues, decipher codes, follow maps, and somehow manage to criss-cross the world, jumping from place to place, just behind this mysterious person. Each page is full of historical information on various missing treasures, clues about where it may be found, and how to decipher the clues left for them at each new site. Detailed, colorful watercolor-like illustrations give a glimpse of what each place is like, along with documents, artifacts, and people. Partly a fictional travel adventure and partly a look at various treasures lost over time, this British import takes time to read, decode, and enjoy.

Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library

Rhodes, Jewell Parker. Will’s Race for Home. Olga and Aleksey Ivanov, Illus. Little, Brown, 01/2025. 196pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-316-29933-6. GRADES 3–6. OUTSTANDING.

Will and his father journey to participate in the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889 in this compelling historical novel focusing on a Black family. Along the way they befriend a Black former Civil War Union soldier, Caesar, who becomes an ally on the trip. The story offers accurate details of the trip, from a hazardous river crossing, to danger from former Confederate vigilantes, to the fraught race for a free homestead parcel. The text is relatively easy to read, with brief chapters told from Will’s point of view in clipped sentences. There are full-page pencil sketches every few chapters to break up the text, which will motivate reluctant readers. This will be great for upper elementary classes studying US history and for those who enjoy prairie and Westward movement stories, especially from a non-white perspective.

Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool

Chernick, Miriam. Zuzu Secret, The. Charlesbridge, 05/2025. 266pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-573-4. GRADES 4–8. ADDITIONAL.

Twelve-year-old Josie is looking forward to volunteering with a veterinarian this summer, but there are complications. The family is new to town, her older brother Abe can’t be alone due to a rare syndrome, and their mother is recovering from a recent car accident. Meanwhile, Josie is secretly taking care of an exotic lizard she found, while also being expected to help take care of Abe, who easily wanders off. Alternating voices between Josie and Abe highlight their own struggles as they try to do what each thinks is right—but the reader is likely to think they should be doing the opposite. This debut novel delves into an unusual syndrome that most readers have not heard of, while also exploring the importance of talking to (and being heard by) your parents.

Joshua Rees— Daly City Public Library