Wechsler, Doug. What Good is a Dead Tree? A Science Mystery. Lerner/Millbrook, 04/2026. 40pp. Nonfiction. PLB $33.32. 979-8-3480-1053-9. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL. The death cycle of an oak tree is explained in an unusual, though interesting, manner. Journey fifty [continue reading]
Alice With a Why Review
James, Anna. Alice With a Why. Matthew Land, Illus. Flamingo, 01/2026. 216pp. Fiction. Trade$18.99. 978-0-593-69199-1. GRADES 3–7. OUTSTANDING. Alyce—Alice with a “why”—proves herself a worthy successor to her grandmother, the original Alice of Alice in [continue reading]
Shell Seeker Review
Sherman, Suzanne. Shell Seeker: The Life, Work, and Adventures of a Blind Biologist. Linda Olliver, Illus. National Science Teachers Association / NSTAKids, 01/2026. 46pp. Biography. Trade $19.99. 979-8-8997-7010-4. GRADES 2–4. ADDITIONAL. “See” how a young [continue reading]
Rare Bird Review
Cooper, Elisha. Rare Bird, The. Elisha Cooper, Illus. Roaring Book, 02/2026. [35]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-250-36439-5. GRADES Preschool–1. OUTSTANDING. The Rare Bird is about a playful house cat whose imagination comes alive inside a [continue reading]
Phoenix Review
Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. Phoenix. Ride On, #1. Penguin/Dial, 03/2026. 116pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-5938-5986-5. GRADES 4–7. HIGH ADDITIONAL. When Harper’s dad makes a choice that blows up her family, she and her mom pick up [continue reading]
Luna Picks a Lucky Dumpling Review
Yim, Natasha. Luna Picks a Lucky Dumpling. Violet Kim, Illus. Storytelling Math; bk. 15. Charlesbridge, 05/2026. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99.978-1-6235-4660-1. Paper $8.99. 978-1-6235-4661-8. GRADES Preschool–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Part of the Storytelling Math series, this [continue reading]
Unbreakable Review
Tonai, Minoru. Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp. Chris Sasaki, Illus. Addl. Creator Jolene Gutierrez. Abrams, 04/2026. [44]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-4197-7289-4. GRADES 1–5. OUTSTANDING. The experience of one Japanese American [continue reading]
Don’t Do It, Doug! Review
Powell-Tuck, Maudie. Don’t Do It, Doug! Duncan Beedie, Illus. Tiger Tales, 02/2026. [28]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-66430-079-8. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL. Doug the hamster can’t resist cautionary signs—if the sign says “Do Not Press,” Doug [continue reading]