Stemple, Heidi E.Y. Snowy Owl Rescue: Raptor Recovery. Natasha Donovan, Illus. Avian Adventurers, The; bk. 1. Charlesbridge, 02/2026. 135pp. Fiction. Trade $16.99. 978-1-6235-4470-6. Paper $12.99. 978-1-6235-4797-4. GRADES 2–5. ADDITIONAL.
Michael is walking over to the soccer field on his way to practice when he finds an injured snowy owl. Jet, a nonbinary schoolmate, is head of the Junior Birders and eagerly shares many facts about the bird with Michael, coaxing him to help with the rescue the next day. Will Michael and Jet rescue the owl and make it home before an expected snowstorm hits? First in the new Avian Adventurers series of transitional chapter books, this title has grayscale pencil drawings sprinkled through every few chapters that will add interest for readers too young for longer adventure novels. In the illustrations, Michael appears to be Black and Jet white, but it is never mentioned. Although it takes a while for the rescue to get started, the last half of the book is compelling and action-packed.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool