Owens, R.J. Cowgirl Dreaming. Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, Illus. Abrams, 05/2026. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-949480-57-3. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING. A young girl describes her nervous anticipation as she prepares to ride in her first Black [continue reading]
Onward Review
Carpenter, Nora Shalaway, ed. Onward: 16 Climate Fiction Short Stories to Inspire Hope. Addl. Creators Erin Entrada Kelly, Gloria Muñoz, et al. Charlesbridge, 02/2026. 332pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-62354-653-3. GRADES 9–12. HIGH ADDITIONAL. How might climate change affect how people live? These sixteen short stories [continue reading]
When You’re Brave Enough Review
Bendheim, Rebecca. When You’re Brave Enough. Viking, 04/2026. 304pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-5936-9513-5. GRADES 5–8. OUTSTANDING. Eighth grade is a big year for Lacey; after landing a lead role in the musical at her new school, she grapples with the potential for a [continue reading]
The Sounds of Trash Review
Athaide, Tina. Sounds of Trash. Neha Rawat, Illus. Steam Works. Charlesbridge, 08/2026. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-684-7. GRADES Kindergarten–2. ADDITIONAL. The big community block party is being held in the park, which has no electricity for playing music. Pran, Raul, and Mira are bummed, but then [continue reading]
Hmong: A Graphic History Review
Lyfoung, Vicky. Hmong: A Graphic History. Vicky Lyfoung, Illus. Translated from the French by Kao-Ly Yang. Lerner/Graphic Universe, 04/2026. 158pp. Graphic. PLB $38.65. 979-8-7656-5981-6. Paper $18.99. 979-8-7656-5982-3. GRADES 6–Adult. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Who are the Hmong? [continue reading]
Here Come the Aunties Review
Smith, Cynthia Leitich. Here Come the Aunties. Aphelandra, Illus. HarperCollins/ Heartdrum, 02/2026. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $19.99. 978-0-0633-7469-0. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Among Native people, the term “auntie” is a role that can be fulfilled [continue reading]
Opting Out Review
Kobabe, Maia. Opting Out. Maia Kobabe, Illus. Addl. Creator Swati “Lucky” Srikumar. Scholastic/Graphix, 05/2026. 255pp. Graphic. Trade $25.99. 978-1-5461-1012-5. Paper $14.99. 978-1-339-01224-7. GRADES 5–8. HIGH ADDITIONAL. It’s the end of sixth grade and Saachi is [continue reading]
Author Jane Yolen Dies at 87
Author Jane Yolen Dies: Award-winning children’s author and folklorist Jane Yolen died at age 87 on June 11. 2026. She wrote more than 400 books, from picture books, to poetry, to novels. For example, her [continue reading]