Each month we post an annotated bibliography of books that were rated ‘Outstanding’ at our previous month’s meeting and nominated for our year-end Distinguished List. Members can see full reviews of these books and many more in the December edition of BayViews. Not a member? Join, come to our (currently virtual) monthly meetings, and hear about these Outstanding books “in person”!
Picture Books
Evelyn del Rey is Moving Away written by Medina, Meg and illustrated by Sánchez, Sonia; Candlewick, 2020.
It’s Evelyn’s last day in her apartment and as the final boxes are packed she has to say goodbye to her best friend. (Grades PreK-4.)
Julián at the Wedding written and illustrated by Love, Jessica; Candlewick, 2020.
This is Jessica Love’s follow up picture book to Julián is a Mermaid – this time Julián and his Abuela are going to a wedding. (PreK-3.)
Fiction
Everything Sad is Untrue written by Nayeri, Daniel; Levine Querido/Chronicle, 2020.
Khosrou spins tales for his dubious and often hostile classmates based on Persian legends and his family’s history, including their escape from Iran to Oklahoma via an Italian refugee camp. His account brims with rich language, memorable characters, and moments both dramatic and humorous. (7-Adult.)
We Dream of Space written by Kelly, Erin Entrada; Greenwillow / HarperCollins, 2020.
In January 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger launch is looming, while the three Nelson-Thomas siblings are all in their own worlds, dealing with their own issues, unable to count on their unsupportive, bickering parents. A visceral and emotional novel that will ring true and stick with readers. (4-7.)
Nonfiction
Waa’aka’: the Bird Who Fell in Love With the Sun written by Alvitre, Cindi M. and illustrated by Lake, Carly; Heyday, 2020.
The Tongva creation myth from Southern California is beautifully explored by this #ownvoices author.
(K-4.)
Biography
The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh written by Fleming, Candace; Schwartz & Wade / Penguin Random House, 2020.
Fleming seamlessly weaves primary sources with her own narrative to tell this gripping story of a fallen hero. This book is an exceptional biography that tells a compelling story. (7-Adult.)
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