Outstanding Books of the Month – April 2024
Each month we post an annotated bibliography of books that were rated ‘Outstanding’ at our previous meeting and nominated for our year-end Distinguished List. You can see full reviews of these books and many more in our BayViews blog. Interested in becoming a member? Join, come to our monthly meetings, and hear about these Outstanding books in person!
Non-Fiction
Double V Campaign, The: African Americans Fighting for Freedom at Home and Abroad by Lea Lyon, Rowman & Littlefield, February 2024.
With a clear, lively text, this describes the many facets of the Double V campaign, which was a World War II effort to achieve equality for African Americans at home, and to fight fascism abroad. (Grades 7 – 12).
Graphic
Cross My Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dåsnes, illustrated by Nora Dåsnes, Translated from the Norwegian by Matt Bagguley, Hippo Park, September 2023.
Tuva is twelve years old and starting to grapple with what it will mean to be a teenager. With a soft, sketchy art style, this addition to the coming-of-age genre is deeply relatable and beautifully describes struggling during times of transition. (Grades 5 – 8).
Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam by Thien Pham, illustrated by Thien Pham, First Second, June 2023.
This graphic memoir of a family’s journey from Vietnam to California is a wonderful mix of both intensity and pathos, passion and joy and illustrates that the American success story is really a story of community, family, hope–and food. (Grades 7 – Adult).
Picture Book
Dim Sum Palace by X. Fang, illustrated by X. Fang, Penguin /Tundra, September 2023.
Too excited to sleep, Liddy follows delicious smells to the magical Dim Sum Palace where she finds herself wrapped in a dumpling and served to the Empress! Filled with mouth-watering depictions of a wide variety of dishes, Dim Sum Palace is a delightful picture book to read aloud to young gourmands. (Grades Pre-K – 2)
Ten Little Rabbits by Maurice Sendak, illustrated by Maurice Sendak, Harper, February 2024.
A young magician uses his wand to make rabbits appear out of a hat one at a time, until they overwhelm him. He then makes them disappear one at a time. This simple but humorous counting book has very little text, so the illustrations convey the story. (Grades Baby/Toddler – K)
Mr. S by Monica Arnaldo, illustrated by Monica Arnaldo, Harpercollins/Katherine Tegen, June 2023.
An incredibly satisfying and fun back-to-school book. The bright but detailed illustrations and fun visual puns make this a great read for storytimes as well as for more intimate lap sits where kids and their adults can enjoy the more subtle visual treats. (PK – 3)
Stranded!: A Mostly True Story from Iceland by Ævar Þór Benediktsson, illustrated by Anne Willson, Barefoot, August 2023.
This factual recounting of being stranded on a new volcanic island features stunning and vibrant illustrations of lava flows, sunsets, and Norse Gods while telling a fun and fantastical adventure story. (Grades 1 – 4).
That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith, HarperCollins, January 2023.
This outstanding picture book about how displaying a Confederate flag at home comes between best friends, one black and one white, provides teachers, librarians, and families an entry point to have clear and honest discussions about structural racism in America. (Grades 1 – 5).
There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey, Jarrett Pumphrey, Atheneum, October 2023.
This Caldecott Honor book is a joyous and energetic celebration of poetry and heritage showcasing the writing talents of Jason Reynolds and the artistic mastery of the Pumphrey brothers. (Grades K – 3).
Professional
Serving Patrons with Disabilities: Perspectives and Insights from People with Disabilities by Kodi Laskin, Additional creators: Leah Keevan, Jackie Kruzie, Katherine Schneider, Cecilia James, and Alex Kerr, ALA Editions, February 2023.
Six chapters, each written by a library staff member, show readers what life with a disability is like and how libraries can help serve varied disability populations. Includes personal narratives and actions libraries can take to be more approachable and accessible. (Adult)
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