Zero! The Number That Almost Wasn’tSarah Albee, illustrated by Chris HsuZero, “a number that means nothing,” has great meaning in the world of mathematics, but as a numeral, zero “had to be invented.” This informational text takes the reader on a crash course through the history of zero, beginning with early humans who counted with the help of objects and moving on to various civilizations’ mathematical developments. Babylonians, for instance, created place value, including a symbol to represent an empty value (as in the number 309). (The Maya people used a symbol for zero, too, but their records were mostly destroyed.) It was an unknown Indian mathematician who created the first zero that was introduced to others via trade routes; when the information reached Persia, a man named al-Khwarizmi wrote a book about the Indo-Arabic numerals that we know and use today. Interestingly, though perhaps not surprisingly, it took some time for Europe to embrace this number system, which they considered foreign and suspect. With the adoption of these numerals over time, though, mathematics flourished, and “new fields of knowledge opened up.” With occasional helpful diagrams to illustrate concepts, this book of math history is digestible and enlightening.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldATOS 5.0AR interest LG K-3View book detailsCCBC Choices 2026
An annual selection from the Cooperative Children's Book Center professional library team.
CCBC Choices 2026See the original list
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Published byCooperative Children's Book Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison
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Browse sections13 sections
Science, Technology, and the Natural World
22 selections
Zero! The Number That Almost Wasn’tSarah Albee, illustrated by Chris HsuZero, “a number that means nothing,” has great meaning in the world of mathematics, but as a numeral, zero “had to be invented.” This informational text takes the reader on a crash course through the history of zero, beginning with early humans who counted with the help of objects and moving on to various civilizations’ mathematical developments. Babylonians, for instance, created place value, including a symbol to represent an empty value (as in the number 309). (The Maya people used a symbol for zero, too, but their records were mostly destroyed.) It was an unknown Indian mathematician who created the first zero that was introduced to others via trade routes; when the information reached Persia, a man named al-Khwarizmi wrote a book about the Indo-Arabic numerals that we know and use today. Interestingly, though perhaps not surprisingly, it took some time for Europe to embrace this number system, which they considered foreign and suspect. With the adoption of these numerals over time, though, mathematics flourished, and “new fields of knowledge opened up.” With occasional helpful diagrams to illustrate concepts, this book of math history is digestible and enlightening.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldATOS 5.0AR interest LG K-3View book details
The Secret Life of a Sea TurtleMaddalena BearziThis account by a marine biologist follows a green sea turtle from her hatching and treacherous journey into the ocean to her return years later to that same spot to lay eggs of her own. From a nest of approximately 100 baby turtles, she is one of just ten that survives predation on land and in water to then follow a path through the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. At a couple of years of age she is less susceptible to predators but still faces threats from large sharks, although an evasive maneuver of rolling her body sideways so the width of her carapace faces the shark’s mouth is a successful tactic. Human-made nets are more difficult to evade and pose a significant risk to sea turtles. When she reaches 30 years, the sea turtle returns to the shore where she hatched to dig a nest and lay her eggs within it. The book closes with an illustration of her hatchlings embarking on their own secret life. The stunningly realistic illustrations are equally adept at capturing scenes on land and underwater. Six pages of added information at the book’s end include suggestions of ways to protect sea turtles, highlight differences among sea turtle species, and describe how to become a sea turtle researcher.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldView book details
I Am We: How Crows Come Together to SurviveLeslie Barnard Booth, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey“[W]hen winter comes / and hunger thrums / and danger hovers overhead,” it’s roosting time for the murder of American crows that narrates this poetic informational picture book. As the sky reddens around the setting sun, the crows call to one another, cackling “like witches” casting a simple spell: “I follow him, / and he follows she, / and they follow me, / and me turns to we—and we roost in these trees / together.” Their purpose is survival; more eyes means a greater chance of spotting and defending against predators like owls and cats. When day breaks, “[n]ow we lift off. Now we disperse. / The weave is unwoven. / The magic reversed”—until the crows come together again for the night. Magnificent illustrations depict crows in small and large groups against moody blues and grays and glowing orange skies; once they seem to burst from a witch’s flowing cape. Rich, lyrical language emphasizes the corvids’ social nature and intelligence, while back matter covers other characteristics of these fascinating birds.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldLexile AD510LATOS 2.3View book details
HurricaneJason Chin, illustrated by Jason ChinStorms can frighten kids—especially huge, destructive storms like hurricanes. Jason Chin’s talent for breaking down complex topics while also featuring accessible human narratives triumphs in this stunning informational text. Endpaper maps center the real- life location for this story’s fictional hurricane: Hatteras Island, North Carolina. A day- by-day countdown shows the approach, arrival, and aftermath of a hurricane over the course of nearly two weeks. Scenes from space, the meteorology center, beaches, and neighborhoods show the anticipation and preparation for the storm. The ominous tone of the impending storm is countered by an emphasis on community. Many members of the scientific and weather communities work together to track and communicate critical details, while neighbors help each other board up windows, put fuel in vehicles, and check on supplies. With Chin’s detailed pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations, a play-by- play as the hurricane makes landfall is as vivid as a photograph. Much is damaged in the storm, but everyone is safe, and the community is back to lend a helping hand. End matter spotlights specific aspects of hurricanes with helpful diagrams showing such things as the structure of a hurricane and hurricane formation.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldATOS 5.8AR interest LG K-3View book details
Mighty: The Story of an Oak Tree EcosystemHenry Cole“Sometimes things happen by chance. A blue jay drops an acorn, and a tree’s life begins.” Throughout the course of this picture book, the tree in question will grow to become a majestic oak. But first the acorn must germinate, its roots reaching through the soil. It is a seedling stretching upward, “a tiny part of a large forest floor.” Over the next decade, it becomes a sapling, and then a small tree. Once the tree has grown large and “sturdy,” animals “make their homes in the massive branches.” After a century, the tree has attracted or been home to myriad insects that feed migrating songbirds; it has produced acorns that have been eaten by other animals; it has dropped leaves that have fed worms, fungi, and more. In winter, it provides shelter for animals; in summer, humans rest in its shade. After nearly two centuries, a house is built nearby, and a small town develops around the now-enormous tree, which has become a landmark of sorts. “It is still a home for wildlife,” but it is also “a place for children, for couples, for families. It is a place for celebrations. The tree is home.” While at times idyllic, the narrative provides a solid overview of the life contained within and supported by a single tree. Gorgeous, highly detailed pen drawings teem with life semi-concealed within the leaves, making for something akin to a satisfying seek-and-find experience.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldView book details
In the World of WhalesMichelle Cusolito, illustrated by Jessica LananA free diver trained “to dive on a single breath of air” witnesses a remarkable underwater scene in this awe-inspiring, poetic real-life story. Spotting a clan of sperm whales near the surface, the diver, in wetsuit, googles, and flippers, enters the water and slowly descends toward a “cloud of blood”—the birth of a whale! Mature sperm whales are floating nearby to welcome and embrace the new calf. The diver, “silent and stealthy,” goes up for a breath as the whales help the calf surface for the first time. When they notice the diver, he wonders whether he’ll be seen as a threat. He keeps his movements slow; he is “graceful, / patient, / allowing the whales to approach.” Their sounds “vibrate the man’s bones / and heat his chest.” They observe him curiously, and then, as if he is one of them, “the mother nudges the calf toward the man. She presents her wrinkly baby as if to say, ‘Meet the newest member of our family.’” A gatefold in the book opens up to a magnificent view of the man floating, camera in hand, in front of the calf, the two of them surrounded by enormous whales. Back matter includes information about free divers (including Fred Buyle, featured in this story) and whales.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldView book details
Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka Con la PapaSara Andrea Fajardo, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal“Up and down the crooked spine of the / Andes goes Alberto, playing an epic / game of paka paka con la papa, / potato hide-and-seek.” A delightful picture book about Peruvian scientist Alberto Salas describes his travels around the Andes collecting potatoes. He’s hunting down as many potato varieties as he can, racing the clock against climate change and urban development to preserve them. “Scientists study each papa’s superpowers and create new varieties that can grow everywhere, from salty swamps to icy mountain peaks, maybe even one day on Mars.” The writing is lively and playful but always emphasizes the seriousness of Salas’s work. “He collects a potato rainbow with names as sweet as songs. / Azul Sunqu, Puma Maki, Wamanpa Uman / … gifts from the Andes that feed the world.” Hand-textured papers and mixed media were used to create illustrations dominated by rounded shapes and soft golds and browns. End matter includes a “Cultural Dictionary,” “More about Alberto Salas,” and “More about Potatoes,” including the importance of preserving plant diversity.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldATOS 3.6AR interest LG K-3View book details
Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the UniverseAmy S. Hansen, Wanda Díaz Merced, illustrated by Rocío Arreola MendozaGrowing up in a small town in the rainforests of Puerto Rico, Wanda Diaz Merced did not often get to see the stars due to the thick forest canopy. However, on a fishing trip with her father, the night sky captivated her scientific curiosity. She pushed herself through school and made it to college, where she studied physics, but her life changed when her vision deteriorated as the result of diabetes in her junior year. In a short amount of time, Wanda became blind. Through the encouragement of her roommate, she sought support in navigating campus and college life with her disability. Afraid that she would have to give up her study of physics, a friend turned her on to the sounds of space. Suddenly, Wanda’s ability to hear the stars gave her a new way to pursue her studies and passion. Animated illustrations and descriptive text show how Wanda’s sharp, careful hearing allowed her to make a successful career analyzing radio waves from space. While there is an inspirational quality to Wanda’s story, the focus on scientific discovery through sound is fascinating in itself. Extensive end matter, including a glossary, round out this picture book biography.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldLexile 540LATOS 3.6View book details
Poo Pile on the PrairieAmy Hevron“Behold! The majestic bison of the Great Plains.” A new entry in the excellent “Tiny Habitats” series for young children explores the thriving habitat found in … bison dung! As with Hevron’s other “Tiny Habitats” books, a brief narrative full of child appeal balances its lighthearted tone with accessible information. When that “majestic bison” dumps a pile of poo on the prairie, as bison do, the poo pile becomes a small center of activity and transformation across the seasons. It’s a treasure trove for insects, birds, and animals, while its nutrients feed the soil. Prairie violets bloom on it. “Belowground, earthworms and prairie dogs tunneled into the rich, poo-filled soil.” Each two-page spread has only a few sentences of primary text, while illustrations that skillfully straddle a line between sweet (they aren’t) and adorable (they are) include humorous speech-bubble dialogue from the many types of prairie creatures featured. End matter includes “The Scoop on Bison Poop,” suggestions for additional reading, and sources.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldView book details
Toes, Teeth, and Tentacles: A Curious Counting BookSteve Jenkins, Robin PageThe signature style of Steve Jenkins and Robin Page shines in this well-designed book of animal and insect facts disguised as a counting book. Realistic collage illustrations pop against white pages, while clear facts in crisp font accentuate numerical creature features. For example, for the first collection, “Spine, barb, sac, casque, and ear,” an anglerfish, cone snail, hooded seal, cassowary, and praying mantis exemplify the number one with a singular, unique body part. “The praying mantis has only one ear. Located in the middle of its body, the ear detects sounds of approaching bats, giving it an early warning of danger.” Following numbers one through ten, two additional page turns highlight bigger numbers, like the nautilus’ ninety retractable tentacles. A visual index at the conclusion of this numerical beast feast offers additional information about size, geographic range, and diet for each subject.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldView book details
The Spider Lady: Nan Songer and Her Arachnid WWII ArmyPenny Parker Klostermann, illustrated by Anne LambeletInterested in “bugs” since she was a child, a remarkable citizen scientist turns her passion into a career. Nan Songer (white) found pleasure in observing living specimens, an inclination that led to a vast collection of creatures in her home. When a friend informed her that he had used spider’s silk to repair his surveying scope, Nan’s brain lit up. Could she harvest and sell spider silk to make crosshairs in gunsights, periscopes, and more for use in the war? Through trial and error, and with much creativity, Nan discovered that a spider’s dragline, which is cast out when it falls from a height, is optimal; that spiders can be held harmlessly in place with hairpins while their silk is extracted; that a small lightbulb in a popcorn can will illuminate the silk without overheating the spider; that sudden, loud noises can cause spiders to spin a different kind of silk; and that different species, ages, and sexes of spiders spin silk with different characteristics. After testing the silk of more than 50 species, Nan found that the silk of black widows was optimal, and that it could be split or combined with the silk of other spiders, depending on the weight needed. A detailed narrative illuminates the innovation, successes, and challenges behind Nan’s awe- inspiring work.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldLexile 940LView book details
Who Owns the Moon? And Other Conundrums of Exploring and Using SpaceCynthia Levinson, Jennifer SwansonAs NASA’s Artemis program works to return humans to the moon within the next few years, a timely account offers insight into the challenges of international cooperation as it relates to space exploration. The Outer Space Treaty (OST), created in 1967, provides a basic framework for countries’ behavior in space. Space is the province of all, for instance, and it shall be used for humankind’s benefit. No state shall take weapons of mass destruction into space. No state shall own other planets. Yet as technology rapidly advances, the OST has not evolved at the same rate; it doesn’t address certain issues that can and do arise now. For example, while the moon itself cannot be owned, what about the regolith on its surface? What if a conflict arises between astronauts from different countries while they are on the moon? And while the OST offers guidance for countries, what about the private companies now sending civilians to space? Interspersed throughout the account is historical, political, and scientific context on space exploration, including the space race, debates about the lower limit of outer space, the increasing amount of space debris and the challenge of removing it, the International Space Station, space tourism, and the myriad space-related careers that exist. Imagined scenarios between fictional countries offer readers a chance to think through hypothetical sticky situations. Accessible and thought- provoking, this account encourages young people to consider how they might contribute to space exploration in their lifetimes.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldView book details
The True and Lucky Life of a TurtleSy MontgomeryFor decades, a large common snapping turtle lived a peaceful life in a pond near a fire station. For snapping turtles, a measure of luck is required even to reach maturity; born “as small as a quarter,” this turtle was already fortunate not to have been eaten or destroyed as he developed within his egg. Locating a water source, too, made for a fraught journey. Discovered and named “Fire Chief” by firefighters one year, the turtle’s annual trek across a nearby dirt road to a larger pond for winter hibernation became well known to the firefighters. But as decades passed and humans developed the area, the road—made into a state highway—became much more hazardous. One year, Fire Chief was struck and injured by a vehicle. Luckily, Turtle Rescue League was prepared to take him in. (“We never give up on a turtle!”) Fire Chief’s broken shell was patched and his legs rehabilitated with the help of a custom wheelchair. Fully recovered a couple of years later, Fire Chief was released into a new pond “far from any road,” built by his human “friends.” A lucky turtle, indeed. Remarkably lifelike, detailed paintings bring Fire Chief and his environs to life in this informative, uplifting account. The author and illustrator met Fire Chief while volunteering at the turtle rescue; Fire Chief’s current pond is located on the illustrator’s property.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldView book details
Sun Bird: The Amazing Journey of the Arctic TernLindsay MooreWhile the term “sun bird” may first call to mind tropical animals, it here refers to the remarkable migratory habits of Arctic terns, who “experience more hours of sunlight than any other animal.” Born during the Arctic summer, tern chicks are fed and protected by adult terns from predators. They chase the sun south when summer ends, soaring over the ocean for a month, dodging skua birds and skimming the ocean for fish. Their destination is Antarctica; finally, they reach the Weddell Sea, where it is springtime. The terns live there all summer, resting among southern birds busy with their young. At the end of the season, when the sea begins to freeze, the terns return to the north, “following the sun … toward longer days and another polar summer.” Accessibly written and accompanied by lovely illustrations showing terns encountering various other species at home and sea, the account concludes with a timeline, a map of the Arctic tern’s global journey, and additional facts about these graceful birds.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldView book details
Firefly Song: Lynn Frierson Faust and the Great Smoky Mountain DiscoveryColleen Paeff, illustrated by Ji-Hyuk KimMost fireflies in the world flash their lights at random intervals unrelated to the flashes of those nearby. For a long time, the only synchronous fireflies—groups that light up simultaneously—were believed to live not in North America but in Southeast Asia. Lynn Frierson Faust, who grew up vacationing in the Smoky Mountains, was the first to alert the scientific community to the fireflies there. “Blink! Shine! Twinkle! Pop! Flash! Spark! DARK”—and repeat. As an adult, Lynn spent summers watching the synchronized, rhythmic flashes of these insects from the front porch of her husband’s family’s cabin. While not initially a scientist, Lynn certainly became a citizen scientist as she assisted Dr. Jonathan Copeland, a biologist, in observing, collecting, and studying the species that became known as Photinus carolinus, “the first documented case of synchronous fireflies in the entire Western Hemisphere,” for the next 17 years. This remarkable story is a testament to the power of observation and curiosity, and a reminder that there are always natural wonders waiting to be discovered by those who are willing to look.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldView book details
Behold the Chameleon!Suzanne SladeBehold a thorough introduction to the “colorful, captivating creature” known as the chameleon, a reptile with especially distinct physical characteristics. A sparse narrative text flows throughout, complemented on each two-page spread by a paragraph of related information. The page opposite the word “stalking,” for instance, elaborates on chameleons’ independent eye movement, while “snatching” is accompanied by facts about chameleons’ quick, sticky tongues. The straightforward account covers these lizards’ other physical traits, such as their prehensile tails, sharp teeth, and ability to change color (which is for body temperature control or communication—not camouflage); behaviors, including hunting, attracting mates, and laying eggs; and varied habitats. General information is often followed by facts about a specific chameleon species. A bibliography and additional facts are included in the back matter. Magnificent, detailed close-ups of multihued chameleons drawn with pastel, colored pencil, and airbrush stun throughout this fascinating volume.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldView book details
The Blue Jays That Grew a ForestLynn Street, illustrated by Anne HunterA polished, poetic narrative with rhythm and repetition delineates the symbiotic relationship between blue jays and oak trees in this appealing work of nonfiction. As winter approaches, blue jays—realistically illustrated in colored pencil with wide, staring eyes—begin the busy work of gathering and burying acorns that will become “future feasts and forests.” The jays’ hoarding of this edible treasure is just what oaks need, too: for their seeds to be carried to a space where, come spring, they might sprout and mature into trees. Carrying as many as five acorns at a time, the “blue crew” makes hundreds of trips over the countryside to gather acorns that “fall like hailstones / pummeling the dirt,” hiding them “near a clue to mark the location.” During the cold months, the birds will “dine on their hidden gems”—but there are some that will be forgotten underground. Over time, a forest expands, and new forests begin. “The jays and the oaks. / The oaks and the jays. / Thrive. / Together.” Additional information about oak trees and blue jays, including examples of other jays and oaks with similar mutualistic relationships; a glossary; further reading; and a bibliography are appended.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldView book details
3 Weeks in the Rainforest: A Rapid Inventory in the AmazonJennifer SwansonFollow along as a team from Chicago’s Field Museum travels to a spot deep in the Amazon rainforest in Colombia. Working with a curated team of scientists, government officials, NGO representatives, and local experts, including farmers and members of the Indigenous community, the R130 Team (30 people total) will spend three weeks at several carefully mapped-out locations. The inventory groups include the Flora and Vegetation (Plant) Team, the Herpetology (Amphibian and Reptile) Team, the Mammal Team, the Fish Team, the Bird Team, and the Social Team. Chapters profile each team, campsite set up, inventory experiences, and the work of connecting with villagers. Clear photographs, captions, text boxes, and section breaks bring focus to the many details. For example, in a chapter titled “A Nighttime Trek with the Herpetology Team,” vivid descriptions make it easy to imagine the difficulty of searching for nocturnal amphibians and reptiles in a dense, dark forest with headlamps. When the team hears a group of snoring animals, they quickly climb trees for safety to avoid the razor-sharp teeth of a herd of white-lipped peccaries (similar to wild boars, but without tusks) as they awaken. Compelling text and abundant photos depict the skills and teamwork needed to perform real-world science in a complex environment.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldLexile 920LView book details
My Presentation Today Is About the AnacondaBibi Dumon Tak, illustrated by Annemarie Van Haeringen, Nancy Forest-FlierA series of oral reports on animals is delivered by other animals in a fiction/nonfiction hybrid that is equal parts hilarious and informative. A cleaner fish presents on its “favorite customer,” the shark, who has “yummy leftovers between his teeth.” Some animals choose their subjects based on similarities between them: A zebra talks about purely black-and- white animals, and a midwife toad points out that both midwife toads and koalas (his topic) carry their young with them. Animals in the audience chime in with questions, comments, and even criticism. (“I would like to know how you can sleep at night after all the murders you’ve committed of members of my family,” a goose asks a fox, who delivers a controversial report on geese.) Alongside ample animal trivia, tips on conducting research and giving presentations are cleverly woven into the narrative (A howler monkey whose topic is unicorns is told, “You have to say ‘I consulted such-and-such a book.’”), and misinformation is dispelled (Gila monsters do not have the “breath of death”). Subjects and presenters are wide-ranging and include insects, arachnids, fish, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, birds, and mammals. The final chapter on compiling an index is the cherry on top of this fresh, brilliant volume (or the breast on the goose carcass, if you’re the fox). Full-page color portraits of the animal subjects contribute to the playfulness.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldATOS 4.3AR interest Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur: A Graphic Novel Based on a True StoryAllan Wolf, illustrated by Jose PimientaThis carefully executed graphic novel is a fast-paced account of the true story of a lake in rural Louisiana that turned into a gigantic whirlpool of disaster on November 20, 1980. Told from the vantage of the lake, precise panels, clear visuals, and careful notes outline events before, during, and after the tumultuous human-caused natural disaster. The fact that there were no casualties is the likely reason this event is not better known, though the scale and impact make it hard to forget. Cinematic spy shots highlight some of the people who were on the lake that fateful day. An uncle and a nephew out fishing, a tugboat crew, an estate owner and landscape manager, three dogs, a salt mine mining crew, oil workers, and oil company men are all subjects on the catastrophic timeline. Gripping sequences outline how a multi-layered underground salt mine and an underground oil well intersected in such a way that the mine flooded, sucking in the lake water (including tankers, barges, trees, and shoreline), and then belched it all back out. Unbelievable but true, this graphic novel, along with its satisfying Author’s Note, invites discussion about human actions and the environment.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldATOS 5.1AR interest MG+ 6 and upView book details
An Immense World: How Animals Sense Earth’s Amazing SecretsEd Yong, adapted by Annmarie AndersonThe introduction to this fascinating celebration of animal senses opens with a scenario: a school gym filled with an elephant, mouse, robin, owl, rattlesnake, spider, and mosquito, and the question of how they perceive each other. Readers might have guesses as to how the animals smell, taste, hear, see, and feel, but those are not the only senses at work. Each of these creatures utilizes sensory tools beyond those of humans, such as tiny vibrations on the spider’s web, or the Earth’s magnetic field directing the robin to a south-facing window. Brisk, tidy chapters with generous color illustrations highlight familiar and novel senses. In a chapter about color perception, for example, readers learn that pollinators see ultraviolet (UV) light, making their perception of flowers radically different from humans’. In contrast, rodents might only have black-and-white vision, but they only need to see the outline of predators. Sidebars detail various concepts, such as how some humans, like artist Claude Monet, develop UV vision. Field notes capture Yong’s travel and interactions with different animals around the world, such as the time he put his hand in an aquarium with a mantis shrimp to experience its powerful punch. Implicit throughout the text is the message that there are many ways to sense and experience the world, including by members of our own species.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldView book details
Rewriting the Rules: How Dr. Kathleen Friel Created New Possibilities for Brain Research and DisabilityDanna Zeiger, illustrated by Josée BisaillonBorn with cerebral palsy at a time when doctors recommended institutionalization, the parents of Kathleen Friel insisted that she would be raised at home like any other child. As a young child, “Kathleen taught herself to do everything … her own way. How to fasten buttons. How to cut up food. And when she couldn’t grasp her favorite cereal … she licked her finger and dipped it in. She rewrote the rules for even the smallest movements.” In time, Kathleen would rewrite the rules in the scientific world despite prejudice for the way her body worked. After college, her interest in revising long-held ideas took shape through her study of monkeys with brain injuries to see if they could make new connections in their brain by engaging in repeated movements. It turned out they could, and the research and treatment were transferable to humans with cerebral palsy. Dr. Friel’s accomplishments and personality come through clearly in this well-crafted narrative. End matter provides more information about cerebral palsy and Dr. Friel’s research and advocacy.Science, Technology, and the Natural WorldFountas & Pinnell QView book detailsSeasons and Celebrations
6 selections
This Year, a Witch!Zoey Abbott, illustrated by Zoey AbbottEager to put the “utterly adorable” costumes of Halloweens past behind her, the young, white narrator of this picture book has her sights set on a scary getup. “This year, a witch!” Yes, gone are the days of pink bunny onesies and oversized mouse ears. This year, she’s been growing out her “witchy locks,” “whipping up spells,” and teaching herself to speak to animals. She knows a lot about witches, who are generally independent and self-sufficient. They “don’t need their lovies. Or daddies. Or naps.” Excitement builds as she dons her dress and hat. “Get ready to run! Get ready to hide! Here comes … a witch??? A witch!! Ahhhhhhhhh!” One glimpse of her pointed hat and colorfully made-up face in the mirror is enough to scare the narrator right out of her costume. Fortunately, Daddy is there to support her as she recuperates from the fright. When she’s ready, the two of them get ready together (Daddy goes as a cat) and head out to trick-or-treat. “Look out, world!” Risograph printing adds pops of neon to the mostly black-and-white illustrations of a bold girl who craves independence but still needs the comfort of a loving parent now and then.Seasons and CelebrationsView book details
Gather GratefulMegan Litwin, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey“Colors change. Cold sweeps near. The time for gathering is here. Gather, gather, great and small. Gather food. Gather fall.” A palette of cool blues and rusty reds is a cozy match for this poetic narrative celebrating the harvest season. Animals and people are shown preparing meals and homes as temperatures drop. A family of skunks settles into a dark den beneath a porch, while an intergenerational family of humans (and two cats) sits down for a meal at a long dining table. “Gather, huddle, herd, heat. Gather, cuddle, hug, greet.” Whether imagining the warmth of a rabbit warren or an embrace from visiting relatives, this book epitomizes the sentiment of gratitude.Seasons and CelebrationsView book details
Slow Down, Shoshi! It’s Shabbat in UgandaShoshana NambiShoshi, a member of the Abayudaya (Ugandan Jewish) community, learns the importance of slowing down before Shabbat arrives. This Friday is a special one; Shoshi and her grandfather, whom she calls Jajja, are going to town to sell their family’s coffee. Shoshi has waited patiently for the cherries to ripen on the flowering trees and joined her family in picking bucketfuls of them. After shelling, washing, and drying the beans, they are ready to be sold. Shoshi is in a hurry! She has a lot of things to gather for their Shabbat meal. She is frustrated when Jajja takes time to linger on their route with young friends who want to hear his stories, but he insists that “it’s more important to take time for friends” than be first in line at the market. Finally, Shoshi rushes through her shopping and returns home— only to find that she has forgotten the most important item: the Shabbat candles. Her grandmother offers reassuring words (and locates her special oil lamps). The important thing is not the candles themselves, but the reminder that “there is a light present in each of us,” a light to be shared with the world. As Shoshi hurries to a neighbor’s house to borrow oil, she remembers to slow down, thank her neighbor, and wish her a Shabbat shalom. This story offers a cheerful reminder that everything happens in its own time, and that time spent connecting with others is never wasted.Seasons and CelebrationsView book details
One Spring Up NorthJohn OwensA wordless picture book filled with crisp line drawings and pastel colors depicts a family’s experiences camping and canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Northern Minnesota during spring. The multiracial family experiences the elements (blustery winds and wild waves) and observes beautiful moments (a V of geese flying overhead) and tender sights (a robin’s broken egg). The humorous side of camping life is also depicted, such as the reality of using a pit toilet in the dark of night. Two-page spreads convey the vastness of the wilderness, while small, embedded scenes (like a trio of nesting owlets) offer singular spots of nature in this accessible and appreciative nod to camping and the seasons.Seasons and CelebrationsView book details
The 13th Day of ChristmasAdam Rex, illustrated by Adam RexEver wished for some context on the carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas?” In this funny and surprisingly moving story, the recipient of the elaborate gifts tells all. It begins, of course, with a bird and a tree, which is “nice enough.” He likes pears. “[My] true love sent it, so of course I loved it. Of course I did.” Twelve days later, the narrator (white) has an uncomfortable phone call with his true love concerning the hordes of people—drummers, milkmaids, dancers, men in leotards—and animals packed into his house like sardines (“Why did you think I would like this?”) Accompanied by his gifts, he visits his mother and inadvertently starts a parade. There he meets a child who says that he’d sell the cows’ milk to buy books for his school—and just like that, the narrator gains a little perspective. He and his posse organize a circus and a bake sale (“You can bake a lot of cakes when you have a hundred and twelve cows, geese, and hens…”), with proceeds going to the child’s library. It feels good to help. The narrator flies (on swans) to his true love, to thank her for the gifts… only to find that they weren’t what she’d intended to send. (The website had been “really confusing.”) Presented in full-page illustrations, as well as in panels with speech bubbles, the colorful, busy artwork is as amusing as the narrative of this offbeat, heartwarming holiday tale.Seasons and CelebrationsATOS 3.1AR interest Lower Grades (LG K-3)View book details
Shabbat Is…A. J. Sass, illustrated by Noa KelnerShabbat looks different for three young members of one Jewish congregation in this unconventional story about the day of rest. On Friday night, a red-haired child cheers their sister on at her basketball game; afterward, the siblings and their two moms shop for groceries. Others have more traditional observances. A brown-skinned child walks to Friday-night services to welcome in Shabbat with their parents, and a Black child savors a big family meal at home; their uncle sets the oven to shut off on its own, and their aunt places tape over the light switches. On Saturday morning, the three families attend services on a particularly special day: one of their cousins is having their b’nai mitzvah ceremony. This affirming, inclusive story celebrates Shabbat as “unique and beautiful for every person,” a day that is especially lovely when it can be shared with a community. The narrative invites the reader to consider what Shabbat means to them. It “can be a walk. Eating challah. Dinner with relatives. Maybe for you it’s something different.” An Author’s Note and extensive glossary are included.Seasons and CelebrationsView book detailsHistorical People, Places, and Events
13 selections
The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice: How to Discover a ShapeAmy Alznauer, illustrated by Anna BronMarjorie Rice’s childhood fascination with patterns and science persisted into her adulthood, though caring for her five children left her with little time to explore her interests. Reading her son’s July 1975 issue of Scientific American one day, she became engrossed in Martin Gardner’s column Mathematical Games, in which Gardner described the age-old puzzle of pentagrammic tiles forming tessellations. Intrigued by the concepts of art and math combining in an endless jigsaw puzzle, Marjorie wondered about the five known designs of five-sided tiles. When the following month’s column announced that a sixth design had been discovered, Marjorie began puzzling for more. While not a professional mathematician, Marjorie used her own ideas about nature and patterns to create several new convex tiling pentagons over the course of the next 20 years. She was eventually recognized by the Mathematical Association of America for her brilliant amateur contributions. Every detail of this well-designed picture book biography brings to life Marjorie’s interest and exploration of nature and patterns. Creative, colorful layouts explain mathematical concepts without interfering with the engaging narrative. For example, on one two-page spread Marjorie and her cat contemplate a pentagon, number the corners, and then manipulate the design to show how the shapes fit together. Informative end matter includes an Author’s Note and additional resources.Historical People, Places, and EventsView book details
White Lies: How the South Lost the Civil War, Then Rewrote the HistoryAnn BausumThis searing account thoroughly details the 160-year propaganda campaign to promote the South’s version of the Civil War. Known as the Lost Cause, it’s based on two main untruths: that the South did not lose the war, and that the war was not fought over slavery. Bausum’s well-researched, rock-solid argument is accompanied by a visual inventory of Civil War monuments, many of which are still standing. Robert E. Lee is venerated by many for his Civil War leadership, but his defection of the U.S. Army to lead the Confederates was an act of treason. Thanks to government deal-making and efforts to reunite the country, he was ultimately not prosecuted. In time, however, groups committed to defending the Lost Cause championed a positive and patriotic view of Lee along with numerous buildings, statues, and scholarships in his honor. The author meticulously curates the wide-spread, insidious, and unrelenting efforts to deny losing the war and preserve White superiority. Evidence of propaganda in plantations, modern textbooks, flags, holidays, laws protecting statues, and White supremacist activities, as well as in broader issues like racial disparity, critical race theory, and book challenges, is presented. Humanizing this cold catalog, the author recounts her childhood in Virginia and what she understood as truth before living outside of the South. For meaningful context, Bauman discusses cultural deprogramming efforts in post-WWII Germany. Highly discussable, this is a timely tome for dedicated young historians.Historical People, Places, and EventsView book details
Revolutionary Mary: The True Story of One Woman, the Declaration of Independence, and America’s Fight for FreedomKaren Blumenthal, Jen McCartneyMary Katharine Goddard is not a well-known figure in the history of the Revolutionary War, though her name is the only woman’s name to appear on the Declaration of Independence. Like many activists, Mary did not set out to make her (quiet) mark on history. Inheriting and operating a printing press was an unusual circumstance for a woman, but Mary’s brother left her and her mother in charge when he pursued other ambitions. Printing was tough, physical work in the 1770s, as demonstrated in the action-filled illustrations. As the fight for independence took hold in the colonies, Mary stood by her printing business and defended the right to a free press, an act that was increasingly considered treasonous. When the need for a broadside to be printed and distributed arose, Mary was the one to set the type and produce “The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America.” Informative end matter provides additional details about Mary Katharine Goddard, the printing history of the Declaration of Independence, and printing and publishing in colonial times. This is an exciting and accessible narrative with themes of feminism, activism, and freedom of the press.Historical People, Places, and EventsView book details
A World Without Summer: A Volcano Erupts, a Creature Awakens, and the Sun Goes OutNicholas Day, illustrated by Yas ImamuraNicholas Day successfully juxtaposes two related events that took place in 1815 and 1816: the eruption of the Indonesian volcano Mount Tambora, and the creative catalyst of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Tambora was one of the biggest volcanic events in world history and radically altered Earth’s climate and weather for several years. The magnitude of the destruction is referred to as “climate shock;” it foreshadows our current state of climate change. At the time of the eruption, world news was limited, so while the people of Indonesia knew exactly what had happened, the resulting climate problems that spread around the globe were misunderstood. The physical impact of the eruption and its social and geographic effects are carefully chronicled and contextualized. The extreme famine and poverty that resulted, especially in Europe, are vividly depicted. Combined with the eerie weather (sunspots; gray, ash-filled skies; day after day of rain), life seemed unbearable. Enter the imagination of Mary Shelley, who harnessed the stark backdrop of the worst of humanity and the magic of science to create Frankenstein. Mary’s commitment to her writing career was no small feat. Despite her challenging roles as wife (to poet Percy Shelley) and mother, she managed to publish a visionary story that she was only posthumously credited for. Atmospheric art by Yas Imamura; short chapters; and pointed, critical questions for readers makes A World Without Summer a chilling story from the past as well as a cautionary forecast.Historical People, Places, and EventsLexile 780LATOS 6.3View book details
Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of JonestownCandace FlemingOpening with a description of the gruesome scene that confronted U.S. troops after the mass deaths of Jonestown residents in 1978, this account delves into the history of Jim Jones and his cult. As a child, Jones was enamored of persuasive orators like Adolf Hitler and Pentecostal preachers; he honed his own speaking skills as an itinerant preacher who performed fake healings before opening his own integrated church, the Peoples Temple. As the Peoples Temple became more demanding and controlling of its members, Jones dropped the “church” façade to focus on socialism. Addicted to drugs, he began using sex, violence, and elaborate, staged “healings” to control people. Fearing defections and negative press, Jones sent his followers to Guyana to build Jonestown. While life in the commune had its joyful moments, fear and violent coercion roiled beneath the surface. When Congressman Leo Ryan traveled to Jonestown to investigate, he was assassinated at the nearby airstrip. The Peoples Temple came to an end with the mass murders and coerced suicides of more than 900 of its members, over 200 of them children. This well-researched account drawing on archival photographs, recordings, and survivors’ accounts does not sensationalize the tragedy but speaks of the deceased with dignity and respect, asserting that they were average human beings under the powerful influence of a charismatic criminal. Many of Jones’s followers were Black women; racial dynamics, such as Jones’s imitations of Black preachers and the way he used his privilege to manipulate Black members, are clearly illuminated.Historical People, Places, and EventsView book details
The House on the Canal: The Story of the House That Hid Anne FrankThomas Harding, illustrated by Britta TeckentrupLong before it became a hiding place for Anne Frank, the “tall, narrow house” on an Amsterdam canal served many different roles. Constructed in 1635, the brick house with a green front door housed a succession of families: the stonemason who built it; a young woman and her twelve children, who weathered a plague there; a wealthy merchant and his wife, who renovated it. It became a horse stable, and then a chemist’s workplace. It survived a fire. It was home to many more families over the years, families with children who played on the roof between the front house and annex, and who spent time under the chestnut tree in the garden. When World War II began, the house was empty. Otto Frank purchased it for his business in 1941. His diarist daughter, “a young girl with a sweet smile,” is the house’s most famous occupant. After the war, Anne’s father returned to the house alone. He shared his daughter’s diary with the world, and later he helped to turn the house into a museum visited by all kinds of people. Beautifully detailed, earth-toned illustrations perfectly complement this illuminating narrative about a house with a rich and tragic history.Historical People, Places, and EventsATOS 4.5AR interest Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
White House Secrets: Medical Lies and Cover-UpsGail JarrowWith an American presidential history that includes eight deaths while in office, and a third of incumbents experiencing serious illness during their terms, there is plenty of material to draw on for this chronological account of Commanders-in-Chief with ill health and the cover-ups that often accompanied it. The first chapter highlights James Garfield, shot in 1881 just a few months after taking office. Garfield lingered for 80 days before succumbing to an injury that may have been survivable if the wound hadn’t been contaminated by doctors’ dirty hands, unclean instruments, and unwillingness to consider antiseptic medical practice, which was widely accepted by other physicians of the time. Morning newspaper medical bulletins painted an optimistic picture for weeks while Garfield’s condition deteriorated. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan are among other presidents included, and the final chapter, “The Disastrous Debate,” highlights Joe Biden. An Epilogue summarizes why presidents chose to hide medical problems, often because they saw it as being in the country’s best interest. Others may have done so to help win an election, maintain power, or simply protect their reputation. Spouses, aides, and physicians were commonly instrumental in maintaining the cover-ups. The well-designed volume includes photos, newspaper headlines, and other images, as well as a timeline, glossary, and link to additional sources.Historical People, Places, and EventsView book details
Lady of the Lines: How Maria Reiche Saved the Nazca Lines by Sweeping the DesertMichaela MacCollOne woman’s dedication brought attention and protection to the Nazca Lines, ancient scratches in the Earth’s surface visible from space. Maria Reiche was a German whose curiosity led her to travel to Peru in 1941. An American anthropologist introduced her to the Nazca lines, huge images carved into the Peruvian desert by the Nazca people, whose civilization existed from 500 BCE to 500 CE. With ordinary brooms, Maria swept the desert sand and rocks to uncover the images, whose meaning is still disputed today. Since the images were far too large to see in whole from the ground, she took measurements so that she could draw what she discovered. Later viewing the enormous images from a helicopter, she reported that “flying is the only way you can see the full beauty of the lines.” When the desert was scheduled to be flooded for irrigation, she led efforts to protect the Nazca lines, which are now a UNCESCO heritage site. After decades in the bright, hot desert, Maria lost her sight and needed to use a wheelchair, but she never regretted her life’s work. Photographs, a timeline, and additional information about the Nazca, including theories about the lines, round out this entrancing true story.Historical People, Places, and EventsView book details
Earthrise: The Story of the Photograph That Changed the Way We See Our PlanetLeonard S. MarcusA picture is worth a thousand words—or in this case, 147 pages. Short, accessible chapters detail the Apollo 8 mission on which astronaut Bill Anders took the iconic photo known as “Earthrise”—the earth rising above the moon—which had a notable cultural impact, especially on the environmental movement. A summary of the space race and the U.S.’s commitment to reaching the moon provide context for the Apollo 8 mission. Descriptions of the astronauts’ time in space, including their first glimpse of the Earth—they were deeply moved and then scrambled to capture it on film—are captivating. Chapters detail the photo’s entry into our cultural image bank and the fact that many people no longer realize its source. While none are as arresting as the titular color photograph, ample black- and-white photos supplement the informational narrative.Historical People, Places, and EventsView book details
The Spy in the Museum: How Rose Valland Saved Art from the NazisErin McGuire“Rose Valland loved art.” She loved it so much that her careful efforts would save a great number of treasured works from destruction by the Nazis. Rose found herself in the right place at the right time: She worked at the Jeu de Paume, a French museum that became the Nazis’ “dumping ground” for stolen art, the place from which it was shipped to other locations. The only employee allowed to stay on, quiet Rose was overlooked by the Nazis, who didn’t realize she spoke German in addition to her native French. Rose effectively became a spy. She “listened and took notes. Which art? What train? Where was it going? Who would save these treasures, if not Rose?” Determined to continue her courageous work, she continually persuaded the Nazis to allow her to remain at the museum, even as they became suspicious of her. As the war came to an end, Rose enlisted the aid of the French Resistance in locating a trainload of art that had been hurriedly moved from the Jeu de Paume. Though she could not save everything, her quick thinking led to the recovery of 148 crates of paintings; later still, her invaluable notes led to the return of tens of thousands of stolen works to their rightful owners. Warm, clear illustrations and a straightforward narrative make for an accessible, awe-inspiring portrait of a passionate and heroic woman.Historical People, Places, and EventsView book details
Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for PenniesMargi Preus, illustrated by Jaime ZollarsIn the mid-1900s, many families in northern Wisconsin had no phones and were a two-hour drive from the hospital. Storms and unplowed roads could prevent them from venturing out for medical attention. But tying a red cloth to a tree branch would bring Dr. Kate to their door, even if she had to travel by snowshoes to get there. Dr. Kate was in demand, visiting patients where they lived and at distant medical centers while wishing for a hospital near her home. A classroom of children challenged to imagine what a million pennies would look like was inspired to collect them to fund building a hospital for Dr. Kate. The students wrote letters requesting donations, counted the incoming pennies, tracked their origins on a map, and typed thank-you notes. The penny-collection story was reported in national newspapers and newsreels, prompting incoming pennies from across the U.S. and abroad. Although the school reached their million-penny goal (totaling $10,000), it was not enough to build a hospital, but continued publicity eventually yielded the required amount. Illustrations highlighting the collection include a giant penny heap covering the gym floor, and sightseers having their picture taken atop a penny pile. A spectacular double-page spread filled with nothing but tiny pennies upon pennies invites children to contemplate the number, coincidentally at a time when the coin is exiting the U.S. currency stage. An excellent Author’s Note shares additional details about Kate Pelham’s life and includes a photo of her trekking on snowshoes, doctor bag in hand.Historical People, Places, and EventsView book details
American Spirits: The Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad That Haunted a NationBarb RosenstockA prank blossoms into a nationwide phenomenon in this meticulously researched account of two acclaimed spiritualists. In Hydesville, New York, in 1848, unexplained rapping noises in the Fox family home, interpreted as messages from a murdered peddler buried in the cellar, drew widespread attention. White sisters Maggie (14) and Kate (11) were the only ones able to communicate with the spirit. Taking advantage of their sudden notoriety, the girls—along with their older sister, Leah—began touring cities to hold séances for wealthy, astonished clients, many of whom longed to communicate with deceased family members. Their long-term popularity spurred the birth of the Modern Spiritualist movement; over the years, Maggie, Kate, and other mediums expanded their repertoire to include not only an alphabet and rapping noises but automatic writing, levitations, and apparitions. Years of constant work, fame, and public scrutiny, however, took a heavy toll on the two women. Maggie’s partner’s family considered her work disreputable and refused to accept her. Both sisters abused alcohol, and Kate nearly lost custody of her sons. Along with liberal use of intriguing visuals, the author examines the news media’s sensationalized portrayal of the women’s work and personal lives, the psychology of belief in Spiritualism, and expectations of and opportunities available to women at the time. While the account concludes with Maggie’s confession that the seances were hoaxes, the Author’s Note invites readers to make their own judgments about the Fox sisters’ controversial work.Historical People, Places, and EventsView book details
Returning the Sword: How a Japanese Sword of War Became a Symbol of Friendship and PeaceCaren StelsonCaptain Orval Amdahl returned to his Minnesota home in 1945, bringing a Japanese sword that he’d been offered as a military souvenir of the war. The devastation he witnessed in Nagasaki just one month after the atomic explosion stayed with him when he rejoined his family, and he began a weekly ritual of polishing the sword and wondering about its origin. Years later in a conversation with a researcher about his experience in Nagasaki, Orval displayed the sword and shared his wish to return it to its owner. The researcher (this book’s author) contacted a Japanese friend who identified the sword’s owner’s family, leading to an exchange of letters between Orval and Tadahiro Motomura, the owner’s son. In 2013, 68 years after the end of World War II, Orval gave the sword to Tadahiro Motomura in a ceremony in St. Paul, with the words “I return this sword to you in peace—peace with honor.” End notes provide additional background to the sword’s story and include a message from Mr. Motomura.Historical People, Places, and EventsView book detailsBiography, Autobiography, and Memoir
9 selections
Jim! Six True Stories About One Great Artist: James MarshallJerrold Connors, illustrated by Jerrold ConnorsThis unique picture book biography comprises six stories about author/illustrator James Marshall, depicted here as Fox from Fox and His Friends, the character Marshall said “was most like him.” Generous white space, succinct text, and framed full-page illustrations make this biography an attractive and accessible read. In “Story Number One: The Book,” Jim and his friend Harry [Allard] create Miss Nelson Is Missing. “Story Number Two: ‘How Cute!’” details Jim’s struggle to have his art taken seriously. The third story introduces Jim’s friends Maurice [Sendak], a bulldog wearing a “Wild Thing” shirt, and Arnold [Lobel], a bespectacled pig with a frog and toad on his belt buckle. These visual Easter eggs add humor and interest to the short chapters. In the final story, James is in the hospital (dying of AIDS). When he asks who will remember him, his parents name his family and friends. “And the kids … Your readers—they will remember you.” An excellent Author’s Note elaborates on each story. For example, Connors explains that he “tried to stay true to a James Marshall feeling” in his illustrations, except for one thing: He doesn’t use Native American headdresses as a costume, like James often did. He also notes that “James Marshall was gay. He and his partner Billy loved each other very much. His friends and publishers knew … But at this time, being gay wasn’t something that was easy to talk about.” This honest homage to a beloved book creator is a standout.Biography, Autobiography, and MemoirView book details
Loudmouth: Emma Goldman vs. America (A Love Story)Deborah HeiligmanThis luminous biography of Jewish activist and anarchist Emma Goldman spotlights her turn-of-the-century activism while highlighting contemporary issues. A tumultuous early life in Lithuania and St. Petersburg included beatings by her father, an experience that solidified her independent spirit and resistance of authority. Smart, curious, and a seeker of art and culture, Goldman arrived in the U.S. in 1885, already intrigued by the radical political ideals of anarchy. A short-lived marriage cemented Emma’s citizenship and her commitment to free love. Moving to New York City as a single seamstress, she met famous anarchist Johann Most and began moving in activist circles. She also met Alexander “Sasha” Berkman and his cousin, Modest, two men who became her lifelong friends and on-again/off-again lovers. The trio pursued many political issues together, but the Homestead steel strike hardened their anarchistic beliefs. Convinced that Henry Clay Frick, Andrew Carnegie’s chief negotiator in Homestead, must die, Sasha carried out an attempted assassination. Emma’s fateful connection to Sasha and her brief citizenship- granting marriage trailed her throughout her life, ultimately serving as proof of her status as a public enemy of the United States. Heiligman’s engaging profile depicts an imperfect activist ahead of her time.Biography, Autobiography, and MemoirView book details
Outside In and the Inside Out: A Story About Arnold LobelEmmy Kastner, illustrated by Emmy KastnerThis picture book biography of Arnold Lobel opens with a discussion of wet socks. It’s the first of many examples that help readers consider how the outside makes them feel on the inside (in the case of wet socks, pretty uncomfortable). In Arnold’s case, getting sick as a young child—whether from wet socks or not—influenced his creative development. He spent many months in the hospital, drawing and looking out the window. He grew up to become an artist, though it took him a while to figure out how to let his curious, quirky self tell stories the way he wanted to tell them. The text in this biography is both playful and informative; the author uses second-person point-of-view to speak directly to readers while keeping the narrative centered on Arnold. The artwork is equally important; acrylic gouache, pen, and ink illustrations give a nod to Arnold’s style but are also uniquely the work of Emmy Kastner. A variety of layouts encourages engagement with the story, from double-page spreads of spot art reminiscent of a rebus, to fanciful borders and paneled scenes from his life. The book also brings a contemporary lens to Arnold’s private life as a gay man, ascribing deeper meaning to the book’s title.Biography, Autobiography, and MemoirView book details
At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for FreedomErin Entrada KellyWhile the author of this account acknowledges that there are significant chunks of information missing about Joey Guerrero’s life, this biography nonetheless feels satisfyingly complete. As a young woman living in her native Philippines, Guerrero contracted Hansen’s disease (then known as leprosy) just prior to the arrival of World War II in the Pacific. Despite scientific knowledge that Hansen’s disease is not easily spread, and that 95 percent of people are immune, it was highly stigmatized; Guerrero received intermittent treatment in secret. Extraordinarily selfless and courageous, she worked with guerilla groups, passing critical information, spying, and, most notably, delivering—on foot—a map of land mines that allowed the U.S. military to liberate prisoners of war at Santo Tomas. After the war, Guerrero spent some time in a quarantine center where conditions were horrific; there she did all she could to improve the lives of other patients before she was finally given permission to travel to the United States for treatment at the renowned leprosarium in Carville, Louisiana. Largely considered a hero in both the U.S. and the Philippines for her service during the war, Guerrero chose to live a life of anonymity after she recovered. While Guerrero is the primary subject, the compelling and compassionate narrative is supplemented by additional information about key events and people in the Philippines during World War II.Biography, Autobiography, and MemoirATOS 7.3AR interest Middle Grades (MG 4-8)View book details
Hick: The Trailblazing Journalist Who Captured Eleanor Roosevelt’s HeartSarah MillerIn the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s, Lorena Hickok was a skilled and popular journalist, chronicler of the Depression for the U.S government, and intimate friend of Eleanor Roosevelt. This fascinating biography begins with Hickok’s childhood. Her abusive father couldn’t hold a job; the family moved often throughout the upper Midwest, including Wisconsin, where she was born. By the time she was an older teen she’d been supporting herself for several years. After a brief stint at college, she began working in newspapers. At a time when women journalists were relegated to features and society pages, Hick, as she liked to be known, earned a reputation as a reporter of both news and features. She was sharp and perceptive, and could skillfully convey facts, pain, poignancy, and humor in her stories. Hick met Eleanor Roosevelt in the early 1930s and was immediately captivated; so, too, was Eleanor. Their relationship’s level of physical intimacy during the time they were closest, which lasted into the 1940s (they remained friends until Eleanor’s death), has been debated. Here, author Miller never belabors the point; details reveal that the two women were in love, regardless of how they may or may not have expressed it. Miller uses the term “queer” to describe Hick and her relationship with Eleanor, a decision she discusses in the Introduction, and one that presents this aspect of Hick’s identity matter-of-factly, offering resonance for readers today.Biography, Autobiography, and MemoirView book details
Whale Eyes: A Memoir About Seeing and Being SeenJames Robinson, illustrated by Brian ReaJames Robinson was born with a vision impairment called anomalous retinal correspondence, a type of strabismus that means his eyes rapidly take turns looking straight ahead. “Whale eyes,” he calls it. In this outstanding memoir, James uses a highly original, interactive format to help the reader understand the way in which text appears to jump about the page when he reads, and how the red dots and white boxes of vision tests never seem to meet. At school, James simply pretended to read; he felt humiliated by classmates’ staring and the extra time he needed to finish exams. He knew people were uncomfortable making eye contact with him. Eventually homeschooled by his mom, who used teaching techniques uniquely suited to his needs, he thrived academically and developed an interest in documentary filmmaking. Observing that eyes like his appear in pop culture as a “visual cue” that indicates a character is “disconnected from reality,” “evil,” or “unintelligent,” he made a short film explaining his condition, which was eventually published in the New York Times and led to his making additional films on difficult-to-explain disabilities. His documentary had a purpose—to make the audience care about disability and disabled people—and James here provides clear tips on how to tell a story, or communicate an experience, effectively. James’s compassion, good humor, and ability to clearly explain a complicated condition are remarkable.Biography, Autobiography, and MemoirLexile 880LFountas & Pinnell YView book details
The Sky Was My Blanket: A Young Man’s Journey Across Wartime EuropeUri ShulevitzUri Shulevitz’s last book tells the story of his uncle Yehiel Szulewicz, focusing on the time between when he left home in 1930 at age 15 through the end of World War II. Yehiel left in part because of his father’s strict religious-based parenting, but also because he wanted to see more of the world. He did—but often just one (literal) step in front of disaster. Yehiel managed to cross borders and evade fascist military forces without having mandatory identity and travel papers as he moved through Czechoslovakia, Austria, Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain. He fought as a soldier for the Spanish Republican Army opposing Franco in the Spanish Civil War and worked with the Jewish Resistance in France. His good fortune didn’t always hold, especially as evidenced by the descriptions of horrific combat in Spain. Yehiel and his older brother survived the war, but two brothers and his parents did not. Short chapters and an unvarnished, matter-of-fact tone combine to make this both accessible and a stylistic standout in an account of one person’s survival through turmoil, deprivation, battle, and genocide. Bold black-and-white illustrations and photographs visually augment the text.Biography, Autobiography, and MemoirView book details
Smash, Crash, Topple, Roll! The Inventive Rube Goldberg: A Life in Comics, Contraptions, and Six Simple MachinesCatherine ThimmeshThis substantial picture book is a fun and fascinating dissection of what makes a Rube Goldberg, the man whose comics became an adjective. Lively illustrations break down the six simple machines and how they play a role in daily life. In tandem, the book explores how the genius of Rube Goldberg’s comics was the fun he poked at daily life. Goldberg’s career as a cartoonist and the impact of his 2D inventions are explored. Rube himself was not mechanically minded. He once said, “I don’t really have any interest in trying to figure things out the way I’m reputed to do.” He was, however, mechanically creative, and his imaginative mindset is what is celebrated in this physics-focused informational text. Less an instruction manual and more a narrative overview, this lively illustrated book offers readers inspiration to try, fail, and try again.Biography, Autobiography, and MemoirView book details
I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You ThisEugene Yelchin, illustrated by Eugene YelchinA follow-up to Yelchin’s illustrated middle grade memoir The Genius Under the Table, this chilling YA graphic memoir picks up a few years after Genius ends. In Cold War-era Leningrad, Yevgeny, now a young man, is an artist feeling the oppressive eyes of the KGB on his work. To avoid the military draft that would send him to Afghanistan, he finds a dreary job in Siberia designing sets for plays. He has recently lost a friend, a refusenik—a Jewish person who was refused permission to emigrate from the Soviet Union to Israel— who was likely murdered by the KGB, and he has fallen in love with an American student, Libby, who wants to help Yevgeny leave the country. As punishment for draft dodging, Yevgeny is forced to undergo a nightmarish stay in a psychiatric hospital; while he has no mental illness upon his arrival, he notes that he certainly leaves with one. Bleak, atmospheric, and foreboding, Yevgeny’s fear, paranoia, and lack of freedom under the authoritarian regime are palpable throughout. Mercifully, the memoir ends with a hopeful scene, with Yevgeny on a plane to the U.S., where he will join Libby, now his wife. Yelchin’s stylized illustrations are magnificently expressive, and the moody, grayscale palette imparts an appropriately bleak feeling in a memoir whose themes of resistance and freedom of speech are resonant today.Biography, Autobiography, and MemoirView book detailsContemporary People, Places, and Issues
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Whales in the CityNancy F. Castaldo, illustrated by Chuck GroeninkThe return of whales to the rivers and waterways around New York City after decades of pollution is at the center of this book’s narrative about the impact of the Clean Water Act of 1972 and the rise of the environmental movement. The text and visuals work in tandem to show how whales and other aquatic creatures around New York City thrived before the arrival of Europeans by boat, and how the eventual urban development drastically changed the water quality over time. A sickening scene of fish and whales coming to the surface to try to get a breath of fresh air expounds on the impact of human activity and contamination. Information about whales, the Hudson River, and environmental advocacy completes this impactful picture book.Contemporary People, Places, and IssuesLexile AD600LATOS 3.9View book details
Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed VaultMegan Clendenan, illustrated by Brittany CiccheseOn a Norwegian island not far from the North Pole, deep inside a mountain, more than 580 million seeds are stored in three temperature-controlled vaults. The seeds originate around the globe and are sent to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault as a backup: “Just in case.” There they are preserved and carefully protected, available to be withdrawn and planted at any time, even centuries from the time of deposit. This fascinating account of an innovative form of preservation illustrates not only the planning, design, construction, and daily operations of the seed vault, but also the reasoning behind its creation. Climate change has affected what grows in certain locations. Diversity of major crops has diminished. War has threatened smaller seed vaults in other locations. “Seeds are more than the foundation of our food. They are history. And they are the future.” The main narrative, concisely written yet substantial, is supplemented by sidebars with additional details; back matter provides further resources and information on storing seeds and the composition of the Svalbard collection. Soft digital illustrations offer nice visuals of the vault’s design and interior, the process of packing up and delivering seeds, and crops, gardens, and small seed vaults around the world.Contemporary People, Places, and IssuesLexile 850LATOS 4.8View book details
The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching UnitKelly CrullFantastic photographs and engaging graphics bring the encouraging true story of the Black Mambas to life. A gallery of headshots on the endpapers introduces readers to the titular team with the directive, “Meet the rangers. Can you find all of us in the book?” Twenty smiling women in camouflage uniforms comprise the Black Mambas, the first female park rangers in South Africa and the first women-led anti-poaching unit in the world. Most of the rangers profiled grew up in the villages surrounding the Olifants West Nature Reserve yet had never seen the animals it protected. Ranger positions offered women the opportunity to support their families, though there wasn’t always approval for women to do what was considered a dangerous job. Rangers patrol for poachers, usually men from villages hoping to make money by selling animal parts or meat. The female rangers trained together and forged a sisterhood on the job. Clear text and photos detail ranger tasks and tools, such as patrolling fencelines, using walkie talkies, and searching the bush for snares, without shying away from the dangers of working with wildlife and the brutalities of poaching. Sidebars and quotes enhance the main narrative and offer insights from individual rangers, as well as quick facts (for example, black mambas have black mouths, but they’re not black snakes). Pride in the work they do to protect animals radiates from this absorbing informational text.Contemporary People, Places, and IssuesLexile 720LATOS 4.6View book details
Ablaze: The Story of America’s First Female SmokejumperJessica Lawson, illustrated by Sarah GonzalesDeanne Shulman’s childhood love of nature became a passion for fighting wildfires with the U.S. Forest Service when she was an adult. The work was physically and mentally arduous, but Deanne excelled as a member of wildland crews and hotshot crews, working 24-hour days in extreme heat. “But there was still one dangerous job that she’d never had a chance to try… Smokejumper.” These elite firefighters parachute from planes to be the first on the scene of a wildfire. Deanne easily passed the first of the required physical tests, but she reached a stumbling block before the second. At the time, smokejumpers were required to be at least five feet, five inches tall and 130 pounds. Deanne was too small. But she refused to be deterred; she filed a formal complaint based on the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, and within two years, she was allowed to take the tests— and passed. Her efforts led to a change in the size requirements and opened the doors for more women to become smokejumpers. This story of an impressive young woman concludes with a substantial glossary of terms related to the high-interest topic of fighting wildfires.Contemporary People, Places, and IssuesLexile AD620LView book details
Not Like Every DayStephanie V. W LucianovicWith school lockdown drills now a frightening reality for many children, this story offers understanding and coping strategies to help ease anxiety. “Not real, not real, not real,” Henry (white) reminds himself repeatedly as the class waits silently in the dark. Other classmates hold hands as they wait for the assistant principal to check that their door is locked. When it’s all over, Ms. Betancourt provides encouraging words and an extra recess, which is met with excitement. “Why is it so easy for them and not me?” Henry cannot move past his anxiety so easily. Ms. Betancourt notices and invites Henry to talk about it; he opens up about his feelings and nightmares. His teacher tells him that he’s “not alone” and that “it’s okay to have those feelings,” and she asks him if he’d like a hug. Her hug is “just tight enough to feel good. Safe.” They take some deep breaths and engage in a grounding exercise, strategies that Henry decides he will turn to during the next drill. “Remember that I am here,” Ms. Betancourt says. “And I am with you.” Feeling lighter, Henry joins his friends on the playground. Relatable, honest, and helpful, this gentle story validates understandable feelings of fear and introduces coping strategies.Contemporary People, Places, and IssuesView book details
ParksMarc MajewskiAs iconic as Central Park is, it’s only one example of what a park can be. An impressively varied catalog of real parks around the world invites the reader to think expansively about the characteristics, locations, and purposes of these spaces—which can be big, yes, but can also be small, dedicated patches of land in the middle of an urban street. “Parks are tidy” (like France’s Versailles Gardens, with its symmetrical design and neat, potted plants) and “parks are messy” (like Denmark’s Emdrup Junk Playground, an “adventure playground” full of objects repurposed for play). Parks can be found in sunny and snowy places. They can “fly” on an abandoned elevated railway, “float” on water, “twinkle” with stars, or “dazzle” with rows and rows of flowers. There are dog parks and national parks. Some parks protect wildlife, and others honor the dead. And, of course, “[p]arks play” (a topiary park) “and play” (a collection of sculptures meant for climbing) “and play some more” (a park filled with tires to explore). Vibrant acrylic paintings invite readers to linger on each page of an account that celebrates the great diversity of these public spaces, from the traditional to the wildly innovative. The back matter identifies each park shown throughout.Contemporary People, Places, and IssuesView book details
Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers’ RightsAshley Hope Pérez“When adults … refuse to acknowledge that adolescence isn’t a time of innocence and ease for everyone, when they try to take away books that reflect the wide range of experiences of young people, they are attempting to change the narrative of what it means to be a teen in the United States” (Isabel Quintero). Fourteen creators of books for youth whose works have been among those targeted by censors challenging materials in school and public libraries in recent years offer their perspectives on book bans and censorship in the United States. They do so in pieces that share life experiences that inform their work; how the censorship landscape has impacted them; and, above all, their commitment to creating books that reflect the realities of life for children and teens today, as well as life in our country in the past. The offerings include essays, comics, short stories, and poems. Among them are powerful personal reflections. Occasional, excellent contextual information is provided throughout, such as the difference between a book challenge and a book ban, components of the challenge process, information on obscenity laws, examples of reasons books have been banned, and how to start a banned-book club. In addition, booklists follow most of the authors’ contributions, offering additional reading suggestions on related topics or themes.Contemporary People, Places, and IssuesView book details
Bird Brothers: A Delhi StoryRina SinghBrothers Nadeem Shehzad and Mohammad Saud established a wildlife rehabilitation center for black kites, birds of prey commonly found in Delhi, India. As children, Nadeem and Mohammad frequently encountered black kites injured by manja, glass-coated kite strings. As the brothers got older, and Delhi became more populous and choked with smog, black kites began to suffer from dehydration and respiratory problems as well as manja cuts. The compassionate brothers’ decision to bring an injured black kite to their own home to care for it while it recuperated led to additional action on their part: They began gathering injured birds, caring for them, bargaining for meat to feed them, and learning how to repair broken bones and torn muscles and tendons. Nadeem and Mohammad built aviaries on their rooftop and became known in the community for their work. Since 2010, they “have nursed more than 26,000 birds back to health.” Well-paced and engaging, this remarkable true story both saddens and inspires.Contemporary People, Places, and IssuesView book detailsUnderstanding Oneself and Others
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Where Are You, Brontë?Tomie dePaola, illustrated by Barbara McClintockAn opening wordless spread shows Tomie dePaola holding a framed photo of his dog while an empty dog bed sits on the floor nearby. The titular question (“Where Are You, Brontë?”) is repeated throughout a chronology of Brontë’s life with Tomie, from his puppy days to energetic adulthood, through his blindness as an older dog and then finally his death. “The day you left me” page is followed by a dozen more where Tomie is visibly deflated with grief and then buoyed by the realization that his beloved pet would be in his heart forever. Billed as the last book Tomie dePaola wrote before his 2020 death, McClintock’s illustrations deftly blend his style with her own, making artful use of white space and a varied page format. The loss-of-a-pet pantheon of picture books receives a heartfelt addition in this personal memorial.Understanding Oneself and OthersView book details
My BrotherLaura DjupvikMy Brother is a somber exploration of saying goodbye and accepting the finality of death. A father and child take their boat out on the fjord to fish. The child is excited, the father reluctant. The eager child brings the fishing pole, Father casts the line, and they catch something. Something big. Father pulls and pulls … and out comes the child’s brother. He is so cold, but he is back! Without any acknowledgment of the unbelievability of Brother’s return to life, they row him home, where the child runs him a warm bath, and the father makes supper. Brother is back, but he is restless. He runs into the woods, playing and hiding in the forest. After observing him for a while, Father says to his living child that they need to go home, and that Brother won’t be coming. The child watches and waits, but something shifts. They know that Brother does not belong with them anymore. Brother wades back into the fjord, where he presumably lost his life. “You won’t need to cry anymore at night, I say, now that we know he exists. Father holds me. I hold Father too.” Black-and-white line drawings with careful, crisp crosshatching effectively convey scenes and emotions. Limited use of color in the illustrations brings focused attention to what the parent and child perceive in their individual and shared grief, while also leaving it open to the reader’s interpretation.Understanding Oneself and OthersView book details