Biography
The Gardener of Alcatraz: A True Story, by Emma Bland Smith, illustrated by Jenn Ely, Charlesbridge, 2022.
This unusual picture book biography focuses on counterfeiter Elliot Michener, who was an inmate on Alcatraz in the 1940’s and was renowned for developing the prison’s gardens. The full color gouache illustrations are somewhat cartoonish and give a good indication of what Alcatraz was like. (Grades 2-5)
Fiction
Cress Watercress, by Gregory Maguire, illustrated by David Litchfield, Candlewick, 2022.
After Cress’ father fails to return home, the clever but willful young rabbit and her family move to an apartment in an old tree, where many grand adventures ensue. Themes of loss and renewal make this deeply satisfying tale a great choice for older readers, or for a family/classroom read-aloud. (Grades 3-6)
Out of Range, by Heidi Lang, McElderry, 2022.
Hiking at Camp Unplugged, three sisters make one more bad decision, take one more wrong turn, say one more unforgivable thing and suddenly it’s not an issue of sibling bonding, it’s an issue of survival. Complex structure, skillful writing and plenty of action add up to a riveting survival tale. (Grades 5-8)
Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone, by Tae Keller, Random, 2022.
Jennifer was new and different and then she disappeared. Told from Korean-American Mal’s perspective and through Chinese-American, Jennifer’s journal entries, readers get inside the feelings, background and events of typically painful seventh-grade friendships, betrayals and identity-seeking. (Grades 5-7)
Starfish, by Lisa Fipps, Paulsen, 2021.
Since age five Ellie has been teaching herself ‘fat-girl rules.’ But as school bullying worsens, and her mother plans bariatric surgery, Ellie starts seeking real support and claims her right to take up space. Told in free verse. The cover indicate Ellie is white. Her neighbors are Mexican-American. (Grades 5-8)
Vinyl Moon, by Mahogany L. Browne, Crown, 2022.
When Angel is transplanted from Northern California to Brooklyn, she regrets everything she has lost. But as she builds connections and falls in love with a new city, she reveals the traumatic events which lead to her move. An empowering novel with a heroine whose voice is poetic and accessible. (Grades 9-12)
Non-Fiction
Bobcat Prowling, by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline, Roaring Brook, 2022.
A bobcat yearling fends for itself as it sets off to find its own home range. Diverse children catch glimpses of the cat as the young animals’ journey reveals the complex web of native animals that inhabit rural and suburban woodland edges. Backmatter includes additional sources. (Kindergarten-Grade 3)
Seeking Freedom: The Untold Story of Fortress Monroe and the Ending of Slavery in America, by Selene Castrovilla, illustrated by E. B. Lewis, Calkins, 2022.
Short, active paragraphs and atmospheric watercolor illustrations frame a gripping story that reshapes our understanding of the fight for emancipation, placing an enslaved man and a Union Major General at the center of the story. Includes primary source quotes and photos and copious backmatter. (Grades 1-5)
Picture Book
Love in the Library, by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illustrated by Yas Imamura, Penguin Random House, 2022.
True story of the author’s grandparents finding love while imprisoned at Minidoka, Idaho during WWII. A beautifully written and illustrated book that makes the history of Japanese Incarceration accessible to younger readers but has much to offer all ages. (Grades 1-4)
The Cat and the Rat and the Hat, by Em Lynas, illustrated by Matt Hunt, Nosy Crow, 2021.
Fast paced rhyming portrays cat and rat fighting over a bright pink hat, until bat swoops in with a cravat and the hat battle escalates into the air and well as the yellow mat. (Preschool-Grade 1)
A Day for Sandcastles, by JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Qin Leng, Candlewick, 2022.
On a summer day a white family takes the bus to the sea, where three siblings make and remake a sandcastle. The are no words but Leng’s detailed watercolor and pen illustrations convey all the minute, charming and dismaying action as the children battle wind, waves, toddlers and time. (Preschool-Grade 3)
Knight Owl, by Christopher Denise, illustrated by Christopher Denise, Ottaviano, 2022.
Since the day he hatched, Owl has dreamed of becoming a knight. Richly colored illustrations, lavishly filled with medieval detail, convey the large-eyed, diminutive owl’s deep desire to belong, to be brave and to be-friended. A winning character and satisfying twists guarantee a popular read-aloud. (Preschool-Grade 2)
Easy Reader
Layla and the Bots: Making Waves, by Vicky Fang, illustrated by Christine Nishiyama, Scholastic, 2022.
Layla and her bots are rock stars and inventors and put both skills to work to help out an injured dolphin in this fourth installment in a new reader series. Adding to the appeal are cute, colorful cartoon illustrations featuring a brown-skinned main character, stem content and hands on activities. (Kindergarten-Grade 3)
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