Review

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 [continue reading]

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, [continue reading]

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 [continue reading]

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. [continue reading]

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 [continue reading]

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 [continue reading]

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 [continue reading]

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 [continue reading]