Outstanding Books of the Month – May 2023
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
Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll!: Presenting Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock & Roll, by Tonya Bolden, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, Harper, 2023.
This picture book biography vibrantly captures the energy and excitement of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock & Roll. (Grades Preschool – 3)
Jovita Wore Pants: The Story of a Mexican Freedom Fighter, by Aida Salazar, illustrated by Molly Mendoza, Scholastic, 2023.
Jovita Valdovinos was a Cristero leader in Mexico in the early twentieth century. Salazar’s prose is engaging and moves the story along, while the illustrations portray Jovita’s determination. (Grades 1 – 4)
Fiction
Different for Boys, by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Tea Bendix, Walker, 2023.
In this wistful and reflective novella about identity, isolation, and the yearning to belong, closeted gay high school junior, Ant Stephenson, searches for connection through his changing relationships with three friends. (Grades 9 – 12)
Graphic
The Mighty Bite, by Nathan Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale, Amulet, 2023.
A quirky trilobite and a walking whale set out on a quest for fame and fortune. Black ink and blue washed comic panels are imbued with a strong seventies vibe. The simple color scheme helps to balance the plethora of invention and diversity of character that is by turns both wise and goofy. (Grades 3 – 7)
Non-Fiction
An American Story, by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dare Coulter, Clarion, 2023.
A teacher confronts the horror of the history of American slaves without the typical sugarcoating. “An American Story” was six years in the making, and the extra effort shines through. (Grades 4 – 6)
How Birds Sleep, by David Obuchowski, illustrated by Sarah Pedry, Minedition, 2023.
Journey around the world discovering the different ways and places birds sleep with richly colored gouache paintings and simple text. Suitable for preschool bedtime or older nature lovers. Backmatter delves into the science of sleep, climate change and offers suggestions for how to aid birds. (Grades Preschool – 3)
Picture Book
How to Write a Poem, by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, Quill Tree / Harper, 2023.
In this companion to How to Read a Book, (2019), readers are encouraged to jump right into the writing process by using their imaginations to describe things in nature. The colorful collage artwork includes a variety of cut papers including newsprint, pencil drawings, and gouache. (Grades K – 3)
Night in the City, by Julie Downing, illustrated by Julie Downing, Neal Porter, 2023.
A brown-skinned child’s diurnal schedule is juxtaposed with diverse urban workers on the night shift. Lively, cheerful illustrations reveal interlocking stories filled with rich narrative details that encourage multiple re-readings. (Grades Preschool – 3)
Stillwater and Koo Save the World, by Jon J. Muth, illustrated by Jon J. Muth, Scholastic, 2023.
A joyfully-told timeless tale of mending the broken bits illustrates how it can be as simple as caring for all the precious inhabitants of the world, one by one. An impactful, compassionate story that every library’s SEL section should proudly feature. (Grades Preschool – 2)
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