Smith, Emma Bland. Gardener of Alcatraz, The: A True Story. Jenn Ely, Illus. Biography. Charlesbridge, 04/2022. 40pp. $16.99. 978-1-62354-160-6. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 2-5. This unusual picture book biography focuses on counterfeiter Elliot Michener, who was an [continue reading]
We Belong Review
Salas, Laura Purdie. We Belong. Picture Book. Carlos Velez Aguilera, Illus. Carolrhoda, 03/2022. [32]pp. PLB $13.49. 978-1-5415-9913-0. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES PRE-3. A city neighborhood is the setting for this celebration of diversity and belonging, depicted [continue reading]
Five Hiding Ostriches Review
McGrath, Barbara Barbieri. Five Hiding Ostriches. Riley Samels, Illus. Picture Book. Charlesbridge, 08/2022. [32]pp. $15.99. 978-1-62354-196-5. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES PRE-2. Using a rhyming text similar to the fingerplay “Five Little Pumpkins,” five ostriches hide from [continue reading]
Day for Sandcastles, A Review
Lawson, JonArno. Day for Sandcastles. A. Qin Leng, Illus. Picture Book. Candlewick, 05/2022. [44]pp. $17.99. 978-1-5362-0842-9. OUTSTANDING. GRADES PRE-3. On a summer day, a white family takes the bus to the sea where the three [continue reading]
Out of Range Review
Lang, Heidi. Out of Range. Fiction. McElderry, 06/2022. 320pp. $17.99. 978-1-6659-0334-9. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 5-8. Nothing has been the same among three sisters Ollie, Emma, and Abbey, since the move from Northern California to Salt Lake City, [continue reading]
Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone Review
Keller, Tae. Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone. Fiction. Random, 04/2022. 288pp. $17.99. 978-0-593-31052-6. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 5-7. Jennifer Chan is new to the town Mallory calls Nowhereville, and rumors are already flying. Mal is the first to [continue reading]
Little Houses Review
Henkes, Kevin. Little Houses. Laura Dronzek, Illus. Picture Book. Greenwillow, 05/2022. [36]pp. $18.99. 978-0-06-296572-1. HIGH ADDITIONAL. GRADES K-3. A young, tan, black-haired girl takes a walk on the beach while visiting grandparents. As she gathers [continue reading]
Bobcat Prowling Review
Gianferrari, Maria. Bobcat Prowling. Bagram Ibatoulline, Illus. Non-Fiction. Roaring Brook, 03/2022. [44]pp. $18.99. 978-1-62672-786-1. OUTSTANDING. GRADES K-3. A bobcat yearling is driven away from its home by its mother, now ready to start a new family. Various, [continue reading]