Review

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

McQuinn, Anna. Lola’s Perfect Hideout. Rosalind Beardshaw, Illus. Charlesbridge, 05/2026. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-384-6. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.            Lola returns in this simple story, happily playing with her baby sister while also wanting a [continue reading]