Outstanding Books of the Month – March 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!
Biography
Spying on Spies: How Elizebeth Smith Friedman Broke the Nazi’s Secret Codes by Marissa Moss, Abrams, March 2024.
Friedman broke codes, saved millions of lives, and established the precepts of cryptanalysis during two World Wars and the rise of organized crime. Superb organization, engaging cartoons and excellent pacing allow the fascinating story to unfold. Decoding details are included in extensive backmatter. (Grades 7-12)
Fiction
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley, Henry Holt, May 2023.
Looking forward to a lazy summer in 2014, Perry Firekeeper-Birch finds herself in a tribal museum internship and unexpectedly set on a new life path. Perry highlights the emotional toll of NAGPRA noncompliance, as well as violence against Indigenous women, issues that remain infuriatingly relevant. (Grades 8-12)
Graphic
Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant by Trang Nhuyēn, illustrated by Jeet Zdūng, Dial, October 2023.
A young Vietnamese wildlife activist helps save an abused elephant, H’non. Exquisite, expressive, and detailed watercolor illustrations reveal a gorgeous interconnected South Asian ecosystem, while dynamic comic panels tell the moving story of H’non’s reintroduction to the wild. (Grades 4-7)
Non–Fiction
Fungi Grow by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Diana Sudyka, Beach Lane, October 2023.
An immersive book celebrating the amazing diversity and adaptability of fungi. Eye-popping illustrations, a lyrical narrative, and extensive support material make this a great choice for nonfiction storytimes and individual exploration. (Grades K-4)
The Wild River and the Great Dam: The construction of the Hoover Dam and the vanishing Colorado River by Simon Boughton, Christy Ottaviano, March 2024.
The Hoover Dam transformed the landscape, economy, and future of the Southwest. The multi-faceted story of its construction is fascinating and dramatic. Exemplary research and clear, vivid writing is complemented by direct quotes, intriguing details, period photographs, and extensive backmatter. (Grades 7-12)
Folklore
Eagle Drums by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson, illustrated by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson, Roaring Brook/Holtzbrinck, 2023.
This retelling of the origin of the Messenger Feast brings to life Piŋa’s journey and courage, using powerful storytelling, vivid illustrations, rich cultural teachings of the Iñupiat, and the importance of community relationships. (Grades 5-8)
Reader
Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz Windness, illustrated by Kaz Windness, Simon Spotlight, January 2023
Worm loves being friends with Caterpillar, especially because he loves their similarities. An excellent, Geisel Honor beginning reader for graphic novel enthusiasts. (Grades 1-3)
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