My Little Cities: London
Written by Jennifer Adams and Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
"Friendly bustle on every page." —Publishers Weekly
"Can provoke a hundred wonderful questions from a budding travel enthusiast." —Geek Mom
My Little Cities: New York
Written by Jennifer Adams and Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
"Friendly bustle on every page." —Publishers Weekly
"Delightful. sure to promote toddler wanderlust." —Kirkus Reviews
"Clever and fun. loaded with child appeal." —School Library Journal
"Can provoke a hundred wonderful questions from a budding travel enthusiast." —Geek Mom
My Little Cities: Paris
Written by Jennifer Adams and Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
"An appropriately bright and brief introduction." —Kirkus Reviews
"Can provoke a hundred wonderful questions from a budding travel enthusiast." —Geek Mom
My Little Cities: San Francisco
Written by Jennifer Adams and Illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
"An appropriately bright and brief introduction." —Kirkus Reviews
"Can provoke a hundred wonderful questions from a budding travel enthusiast." —Geek Mom
The Fox Wish
Written by Kimiko Aman and Illustrated by Komako Sakai
A CCBC Choices List
★"A sweet, compelling yarn that perfectly captures the archetypal childhood synthesis of fantasy and reality." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"A charming and playful exploration of wish fulfillment." —Booklist
Make it stand out
Written by Rebecca Balcarcel
A Pura Belpré Author Award Honor, Booklist Top 10 First Novel of the Year, ALA Notable Book, Spirit of Texas Reading List selection, A Texas Institute of Letters for Best Middle Grade Book Winner, A Texas Institute of Letters for Best Middle Grade Book Winner, Amazon Prime Book selection, and JLG selection
★ "Balcárcel's well-rounded characters, complex friendships, and nuanced family dynamics will resonate with many readers. This is a title that will remain relevant long past its publication date. A must-have for all library collections." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
★ "A lovely, moving, and realistic view of the struggles and insecurities—as well as the beauty—that comes from being bicultural." —Booklist, Starred Review
Shine On, Luz Véliz!
Written by Rebecca Balcarcel
A Pura Belpré Author Award Honor, Booklist Top 10 First Novel of the Year, ALA Notable Book, Spirit of Texas Reading List selection, A Texas Institute of Letters for Best Middle Grade Book Winner, A Texas Institute of Letters for Best Middle Grade Book Winner, Amazon Prime Book selection, and JLG selection
★ "Balcárcel's well-rounded characters, complex friendships, and nuanced family dynamics will resonate with many readers. This is a title that will remain relevant long past its publication date. A must-have for all library collections." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
★ "A lovely, moving, and realistic view of the struggles and insecurities—as well as the beauty—that comes from being bicultural." —Booklist, Starred Review
The Upside Down Hat
Written by Stephen Barr and Illustrated by Gracey Zhang
A New York Times Best Illustrated Book of 2022
“Debut author Barr keeps the language simple and lyrical. Watercolor illustrations vibrating with wobbly lines suggest life and motion . . . The last double-page spread . . . depicting the boy on stilts clomping into the distance wearing the hat while his avian friends play in a birdbath, is a joyous conclusion . . .” —Kirkus Reviews
"A lullingly spare story . . . with exquisite, Bemelmans-like illustrations . . . With contrails of The Little Prince and magic-carpet colors, even adults will be transported." —The New York Times
Maurice
Written and Illustrated by Jessixa Bagley
An Undie Award Winner
★”[T]he quietly happy ending arrives at a measured pace, slowly assuring Maurice, and readers, that love and the pursuit of beauty endure across time and seasons.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“[A] sweet, quiet, contemplative story about the joys of sharing love.” —Kirkus Reviews
"[C]harms, with …clarity about simple pleasures.” —School Library Journal
The Long Island
By Drew Beckmeyer
A Klaus Flugge Longlist
"Rich discussions will arise after reading." —Publishers Weekly
"Beautiful and skillful. Daring. Every reader may come away from this curious and quiet book with a different message, and the deeper meanings are an intriguing challenge to parse." —Kirkus Reviews
"A lighthearted look at imaginative play and friendship, perfect for storytime or readers' theater productions." —School Library Journal
"Feels a bit like a fable." —Geek Dad
"Reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are in its spare prose and powerful imagery, it's a book that takes your breath away - before leading to deep discussions about the tantalizing unknowns in our world." —Fatherly
Free Throws, Friendship, and Other Things We Fouled Up
Written by Jenn Bishop
“A top seed for collections and slam dunk for sports fans.” —Booklist
“Rich in tight bonds as well as savvy coaching on both game play and forgiveness.” —Kirkus Reviews
Art Boss
Written by Kayla Cagan
"A great read for any artist aspiring to greatness." —Booklist
"This enjoyable read contains many New York City details that ring true and. an engaging portrait of the artist as a young woman." —Kirkus Reviews
Piper Perish
By Kayla Cagan
An Indie Next Pick, A Spirit of Texas Reading Program (SPOT) High School List selection, and Kansas NEA Reading Circle Catalog selection
★ "Cagan tells Piper's story with amazing authenticity. soulful reading for any artistic teen with a dream." —Booklist, Starred Review
Rule of Threes
By Marcy Campbell
A Choose to Read Ohio selection
“Rule of Threes’. . . knockout premise is entirely Campbell's. . . . [M]eticulously crafted. . .” —Shelf Awareness
"Campbell portrays Maggie's complex troubles sympathetically while still pushing back on her insecure insularity through characterization, and gradually, Maggie grows to become more open to change and empathy. Her problems are a lot for a sixth-grader to handle, which makes her personal victory more meaningful." —Booklist
"Threaded with relevant design precepts, Campbell's engaging tale of redefining family is anchored by occasionally prickly Maggie's voice as she learns to loosen her own rules and find harmony in the imperfect." —Publishers Weekly
"Campbell effectively highlights the small details that make the family feel authentic. . . and allows the title rule (which identifies the elements of good design) to shape the story without being an overwhelming metaphor. Issues of drug abuse are handled in an age-appropriate way, and the balance of high- and low-stakes problems in Maggie's world is effective." —The Horn Book Magazine
Lowriders Blast From The Past
Written by Cathy Camper and Illustrated by Raúl the Third
A Texas Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List selection, and Eloise Jarvis McGraw Award for Children's Literature Winner
"Discussions of indigenous languages, a gentle dose of physics, and a compassionate message about bullying give this cartoonish adventure some meaningful depth." —Booklist
"Fans of the two previous slapstick adventures will eagerly welcome back Lupe and the gang's Spanish-infused exploits." —Kirkus Reviews
Lowriders In Space
Written by Cathy Camper and Illustrated by Raúl The Third
A Texas Bluebonnet selection and Amazon Best Book of the Month
★ “Readers will rejoice in their triumph. As a celebration of Latino lowrider culture, too, it’s estellar." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★“This buoyant graphic novel highlights lowrider culture with all the flair the subject deserves." —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, Starred Review
Lowriders To The Rescue
Written by Cathy Camper and Illustrated by Raúl The Third
“[T]he message is a good one [and] the inspired art will entice readers. . . . Vibrant visuals will draw kids into a story with an optimistic message about standing up to injustice.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This bursting medley of community and planetary mindfulness is as colorful as it is inventive.” —School Library Journal
Lowriders To The Center of The Earth
Written by Cathy Camper and Illustrated by Raúl The Third
A Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Winner
"Satisfyingly over-the-top mayhem." —Kirkus Reviews
"The wild antics, exuberant illustrations, and frequent Spanish will launch the Lowriders straight into many hearts." —Booklist
T.Rex Time Machine
By Jared Chapman
"Should leave young readers amused-and maybe a little hungry." —Kirkus Reviews
"Chapman fully exploits this wacky premise. to bring hungry dinosaurs into today's glorious pizza-filled reality." —Publishers Weekly
"Buoyant illustrations will keep readers giggling, and the dialogue bubbles will make for high-energy read-alouds." —Booklist
"[T. Rex Time Machine: Dinos in De-Nile] is stuffed with all the wacky fantasies a child could want. The zany misadventures of these dinosaurs are just perfect for kids looking for a laugh." —School Library Journal
T.Rex Time Machine: Dinos In De-Nile
By Jared Chapman
"A most excellent adventure, with more (Hint: Can you say "Aaarrrgh!"?) to come." —Kirkus Reviews
"In this hilarious follow-up to T. Rex Time Machine (2018), the two intrepid time-traveling dinosaurs land in Egypt during Tutankhamen's reign, damaging a newly built pyramid in the process. The spirited story and clever quips will have readers laughing throughout, and the comic-book-style illustrations perfectly suit the punchy tone." —Booklist
Mr. Watson’s Chickens
Written by Jarrett Dapier and Illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi
A NPR Best Book of the Year, Evanston Public Library Best Book of the Year, Bookpage Best Book of the Year, and Pride and Less Prejudice selection
★“[Mr. Watson’s Chickens] is one of the year’s most entertaining and bighearted picture books. You might even say it’s in fine feather.” —BookPage, Starred Review
★ “ Subtle background portraits of Tove Jansson as well as Frog and Toad gently hint at the history of queer creators in children’s literature, while the carousing chickens draw most of the attention—and all of the laughs.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“Readers who are patient enough to examine the illustrations carefully will be rewarded with surprising and humorous moments outside the primary narrative.” —School Library Journal
“[S]illy [and] fun with nice moments of repetitive and interactive text… a subtle but constant stream of acceptance and representation.” —Booklist Reviews
“ Chicken-loving lapsitters will find much to look at.” —Kirkus Reviews
Tiny Infinities
By J. H. Diehl
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year and Mighty Girl Book of the Year
"Alice is a strong, self-driven girl determined to excel. Diehl possesses real potential as a middle grade writer with descriptive imagery that can be quite beautiful." —School Library Journal
"Diehl has a lovely writing style and wastes no time getting readers on Alice's side." —Kirkus Reviews
"Lush, layered, and languidly paced . . . this is a keenly perceptive and nuanced story awaiting just the right reader." —Booklist
"A story that is as smoothly lyrical and full of ordinary wonder as it is realistic." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
The Pomegranate Witch
Written by Denise Doyen and Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
An Amazon Best Book of the Year
★ "Luscious rhymes and an atmospheric eeriness immerse readers in a neighborhood battle." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"The story's a treat." —Booklist
Her Right Foot
Written by Dave Eggers and Illustrated by Shawn Harris
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, School Library Journal Best Picture Book of the Year, Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book, JLG selection, A Boston Globe Best Children's Book of the Year, BookPage Best Children's Books of the Year, Mighty Girl Book of the Year, and ILA Teachers Choice
★ “In a time when immigration is a hot-button issue, it's good to be reminded that Lady Liberty continues to lift her lamp beside the golden door.” —Booklist, Starred Review
★ “Thought-provoking.” —Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books, Starred Review
★ “A timely immigrant's tale.” —Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
★ “Crucial.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★ “Heartfelt throughout and indisputable timely.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★ “Unique and important.” —School Library Journal, Starred Review
★ “Vital.” —School Library Connection, Starred Review
Most Of The Better Natural Things In The World
Written by Dave Eggers and Illustrated Angel Chang
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
★ "[S]tunning artwork makes a case for environmentalism and will have readers strapping on a chair and heading out in search of our planet's diverse and wondrous beauty." —Booklist, Starred Review
★ "Dave Eggers's stunning picture book introduces the youngest readers to words that identify the natural world's wonders." —Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
★ "An artistic envisioning of a list poem, of sorts, about place. Repeated perusals will have readers proclaiming it's grrrrr-eat." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
Tomorrow Most Likely
Written by Dave Eggers and Illustrated by Lane Smith
An Amazon Best Book of the Month and Amazon Prime Box selection
★ "Highly recommended . . . an outstanding storytime selection." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Gentle, playful . . . heartfelt." —Kirkus Reviews
"The soothing repetition of 'tomorrow most likely' provides an ostinato for quirky, tongue-in-cheek observations." —Publishers Weekly
We Became Jaguars
Written by Dave Eggers and Illustrated by Woodrow White
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
★ "The vivid concept that a grandmother's visit delivers danger and freedom instead of cozy reassurance is a winner, and Eggers develops it with easy humor and jaguar-speed pacing." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★ "Children will relish this book's blurred ambiguities; what's real and what's imagined are as hard to distinguish as a jaguar in the shadows. A fresh inversion of expectations told in vivid art and idiom." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★ "[The] playfulness isn't restricted to language. White's illustrations are spirited and clever . . . [and] sumptuously depicted. . . . White's color palette is beautiful. . . . [S]o fantastic it feels real, or so real that it feels fantastic? A must-have tale about the power of imagination." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
What Can A Citizen Do?
Written by Dave Eggers and Illustrated by Shawn Harris
A Time Magazine Top 10 Book of the Year, WSRA Picture This! List selection and Illinois Reads K-2 list selection
★ "This must-have book distills the fundamentals of citizenship into easy-to-digest concepts and emphasizes the importance of caring for others, accepting differences, and taking action to initiate positive change." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Obligatory reading for future informed citizens." —The New York Times
"Eggers's narration is. never less than stirring. Harris's illustrations. beautifully embody the messy realities and exciting potential of the civic enterprise." —Publishers Weekly
"Eggers displays how citizens, even young ones (and even a bear!), can contribute to society. Harris' inclusive collages vibrantly depict a world of different types of citizens. This is also a book that adults will take something away from, especially in the midst of our current divisive politics." —Booklist
Bicycle Bash
By Alison Farrell
A JLG selection, Parents Magazine Best Children's Book of the Year, and Amazon Best Book of the Month
"Rendered in gouache and mixed media, the busy pages are expertly choreographed, with a fine sense of line, color, and whimsy; dialogue balloons and narrator cues provide additional incentives to linger on each page. . ." —Publishers Weekly
Cycle City
By Alison Farrell
A Klaus Flugge Longlist
"There's lots to love about this seek and find story." —Imagination Soup
The Hike
By Alison Farrell
An Amazon Prime Book Box selection
★ "Well-designed pictures create a depth and fullness that immerse readers in the forest. Endmatter makes clever use of Wren's sketch pad to offer additional information about things seen in the woods. Utterly satisfying." —Kirkus Review, Starred Review
"These young explorers demonstrate the best principles of time spent in the woods: observing, admiring and learning. And, through their delightfully illustrated adventure, so do we." —The New York Times
"Beautifully illustrated . . . This is a perfect addition to elementary school libraries to support readers who love the great outdoors." —School Library Journal
"[A] lovely chronicle of an outdoor adventure... Readers may find it difficult to resist the call of the wild after closing the cover." —Publishers Weekly
Rain Boy
By Dylan Glynn
★ "This is a critical addition to elementary collections to build empathy and acceptance." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Captivating visuals will prompt conversations about the feelings and choices of victim, friend, and community." —Kirkus Reviews
"Author-illustrator Glynn literalizes weather metaphor to tell a story about acceptance. . . . [T]he art is gorgeous. . . . Expressive use of watercolor, pastels, and colored pencil, in a naive style, stunningly paints a fable with blotchy colors evoking the emotional extremes represented by sunshine and rain clouds. A lovely, if purposeful, tool for early social-emotional learning." —Booklist
Hide And Seek
By Taro Gomi
"The interactivity is so great for getting kids engaged in reading early." —Cool Mom Picks
"I simply adore this new series." —Coos and Ahhs
Mommy! Mommy!
By Taro Gomi
★ "The story's gentle surprises are sure to delight." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
"A fabulous addition to a baby's beginner library." —Cool Mom Picks
Over The Ocean
By Taro Gomi
A Batchelder Honor
"Readers can enjoy not just the explicit questions but ones raised by tiny details." —Publishers Weekly
"Makes for smooth sailing and good reading." —BookPage
"With sharp shapes and a riot of color, the prolific Gomi's simple premise should spark young imaginations." —Kirkus Reviews
"A warm, inviting, and meditative celebration of imagination and wonder." —Booklist
"Elegant simplicity." —School Library Journal
Peekaboo!
By Taro Gomi
★ "Little ones will delight in reading and playing this game again and again." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"Ideal for reading to a very young child, or group of children, who will be excited to chime in on cue, and will enjoy poking their fingers through the book's holes when they are looking at it on their own." —The New York Times
Wiggle
By Taro Gomi
"I simply adore this new series." —Coos and Ahhs
"You can count on interactive play and plenty of giggles as tiny fingers become cat tails and book pages become masks." —Cool Mom Picks
Get It Together, Delilah
By Erin Gough
"Will leave readers cheering for Delilah." —Booklist
"Romance fans will find the up and down relationship of Rosa and Delilah dreamy." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Delilah's interactions and conflicts with her family and friends feel deeply real." —Publishers Weekly
The Way Past Winter
Written by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
A JLG selection and Sequoyah Book Awards Masterlist
★ "Hargrave effortlessly sweeps the reader along with her protagonists. Bravery in all its forms proves invaluable to the quest, and the notion of myth-made-reality adds a sheen of magic to the narrative." —Booklist, Starred Review
"An atmospheric tale for older readers wanting an action-focused fairy tale." —Kirkus Reviews
"[A] tense journey that boasts a mythic essence and a well-earned end." —Publishers Weekly
"I was won over. . . . by the beautiful descriptions of frosty branches and starry night skies, of flying across the snow on a sleigh pulled by dogs, [and] most of all by its heartening message: 'We will weather this together.'" —The New York Times
Have You Ever Seen A Flower?
By Shawn Harris
A Caldecott Honor, Bookpage Best Book of the Year, and ALA Notable Book
★ "With assurance and passion in his solo debut, Harris connects readers to the stirrings of life in all its forms." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
Audrey L & Audrey W: Best Friends-ish
Written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann
A Cybils Finalist and Today Show Gift List selection
“A natural fit for fans of odd-couple friendship stories like Ivy Bean and funny school stories like Jo Jo Makoons, this series starter promises double the fun.” —Shelf Awareness
“This delightful tale of friendship struggles and the uncertainties of school shines with humor and spirit . . . A great addition to libraries where memorable girls like ‘Ivy + Bean,’ and ‘Judy Moody’ are popular.” —School Library Journal
“The Audreys make a winsome pair, and Higgins’s empathic approach to storytelling promises more gentle hijinks as they navigate school and friendship.” —Publishers Weekly
“ Audrey L’s struggles to establish herself within the chaotic social hierarchies of elementary school are endearingly authentic. Funny and engaging.” —Kirkus Reviews
Audrey L & Audrey W: True Creative Talents
Written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann
“A natural fit for fans of odd-couple friendship stories like Ivy Bean and funny school stories like Jo Jo Makoons, this series starter promises double the fun.” —Shelf Awareness
“This delightful tale of friendship struggles and the uncertainties of school shines with humor and spirit . . . A great addition to libraries where memorable girls like ‘Ivy + Bean,’ and ‘Judy Moody’ are popular.” —School Library Journal
“The Audreys make a winsome pair, and Higgins’s empathic approach to storytelling promises more gentle hijinks as they navigate school and friendship.” —Publishers Weekly
“ Audrey L’s struggles to establish herself within the chaotic social hierarchies of elementary school are endearingly authentic. Funny and engaging.” —Kirkus Reviews
Big And Small And In-Between
Written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Daniel Miyares
★ “This lovely story stands out from others in the genre as it will connect with readers of all ages while encouraging discussion of life’s myriad moments-both great and small.” —School Library Journal, Starred Review
“Size is all about perspective in this profoundly moving, charmingly crafted picture book. And it changes: As the witty paper constructions that start each section open out and fold back in, so do our minds and hearts.” —The New York Times
“An abstract journey with many turns and surprises.” —Publishers Weekly
Some Of These Are Snails
Written and Illustrated by Carter Higgins
★ “Ideal as a read-aloud, this should have wide appeal: lap-sit toddlers will enjoy the sing-song verses, preschoolers will focus on the shape and color concepts, kindergartners will learn simple ways to draw animals, and emergent readers will appreciate the predictable text.” —Booklist, Starred Review
★ “It all makes for an utterly delightful, visually rich package. . . A must-have for every young reader’s bookshelf.” —Book Page, Starred Review
Make it stand out
Written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Zachariah Ohora
An Amazon Prime Box selection
"A fun, clever book about two bike-loving animals who take different paths to work every day... Carter Higgins' writing is spot on, and Zachariah OHora's bold and colorful illustrations are fun and inviting." —Book Riot
"A sweet, quiet, different take on new-friendship." —Kirkus Reviews
"This quirky anticonsumerist fable imagines a town in which uses can be found for the things most people abandon, small enterprises flourish, and communal kindness makes life rich." —Publishers Weekly
"[This] gentle story celebrates the ways in which serendipity can lead to friendship and sharing." —Booklist
Circle Under Berry
By Carter Higgins
A Texas 2x2 selection, Cybils Finalist, 100 Scope Notes Best of the Year, and Smithsonian Magazine Best Book of the Year
★ “[V]isually striking. . . carefully assembled. . . [and] inspired by an Eric Carle aesthetic. . . [Circle Under Berry] possesses a pleasing rhythm and subtle rhymes, positively begging to be read aloud: ‘circle next to berry / square by bear by sweet // blue up high / pig down low / yellow in between.’ Satisfying, engaging, and sure to entertain the toddlers at whom it is aimed.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★ “Using hand-painted paper to create brilliantly hued, shape-based forms that appear against a clean white backdrop, Higgins (Bikes for Sale) economically examines ways to observe color, shape, pattern, and position” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“An appealing choice for emerging readers [and] the emphasis on prepositions will aid English language learners as well.” —Booklist
“A triumph of design and a beacon of possibility.” —The Horn Book Magazine
Everything You Need For A Treehouse
Written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Emily Hughes
A NPR Best Book of the Year
"Delightful!" —BookRiot
"One magical, impossible treehouse after another." —The Wall Street Journal
"This book urges adventure and creativity." —School Library Journal
"Higgins' poetic prose paired with Hughes' vibrant and nostalgic illustrations provide a feast for the imagination.” —BookPage
This Is Not A Valentine
Written by Carter Higgins and Illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins
"In this heartwarmingly funny children's book, a boy mulls over the perfect gift to give to his friend-who-is-a-girl (not a girlfriend!), and he makes just the right choice. Why? Because he pays attention to who she is and pledges to be her friend always, not just on Valentine’s Day." —Entertainment Weekly
Courage Hats
Written by Kate Hoefler and Illustrated by Jessixa Bagley
“The narrative tells their story from a distant, knowing vantage point, creating a philosophical atmosphere. . . . The soft graphite and watercolor illustrations effectively use perspective and point of view to develop tension and meaning . . . While visually capturing the thrill of travel, this warm story pays tribute to bravery, new experiences, and special connections.” —The Horn Book Magazine
Rabbit And The Motorbike
Written by Kate Hoefler and Illustrated by Sarah Jacoby
A Chicago Public Library Best Picture Book of the Year, Christian Science Monitor Best Children’s Book of the Year, and Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
★"Exhilarating . . . Graceful text and evocative illustrations combine in this story about the rewards of facing fears and trying something new." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
★"Rich in metaphor without an ounce of heavy-handedness, this timeless fable should be left out for a little one to come to and contemplate on their own, when the need arises." —Booklist, Starred Review
"An appealing story about grief and acceptance. Recommended for public and school libraries as a tool for children who are experiencing grief. The tone is lighter than in many texts that deal with loss, and the book lends itself to discussion." —School Library Journal
Ben Y And The Ghost In The Machine
Written by K. A. Holt
A Nerdies selection
★"Holt's sequel digs into Ben Y's journey grappling with grief and identity. The novel hits the important points of understanding and verbalizing what one is feeling. . . . An excellent addition to 'The Kids Under the Stairs' series and one that kids and adults alike will supremely enjoy." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"An emotionally charged, dynamic novel in verse. This focused character study delivers layered attention to grief and self-exploration… Accomplished, lively, and heartfelt." —Kirkus Reviews
BenBee and the Teacher Griefer
Written by K. A. Holt
A Writers' League of Texas Book Award Finalist and Spirit of Texas (SPOT) selection
“BenBee and the Teacher Griefer is one of those rare novels that ache with honesty: it is about discouragement and hope, about sad lonesomeness and glad community, about listening and being heard, about the fear of vulnerability and the absolute joy of being known. It is, in other words, about life-and like life, it demands our attention. You won't, you really won't stop turning the pages!" —Gary D. Schmidt
"Perfect for anyone who loves video games, anyone who thinks and learns a little differently, and really, anyone who loves a great story. Readers will laugh along and root for BenBee and his friends through all the twists and turns of this engaging multimodal story. I absolutely adored this book." —Kate Messner
Jordan J and the Truth About Jordan J
Written by K. a. Holt
Knockout
By K. a. Holt
A Notable Poetry Books Selection and Bank Street Best Books of the Year
"Fast and victorious." —Kirkus Reviews
"Will. resonate with. all tweens who are eager to establish their independence." —School Library Journal
"An appealing story that most readers will find to be, yes, a knockout." —Booklist
"Excellent and compelling." —Book Riot
Redwood and Ponytail
By K. a. Holt
An Odyssey Honor Award, Rainbow Booklist Title, NCTE Notable Poetry Book, ALSC Notable Children's Recordings, Bank Street Best Book of the Year, A Spirit of Texas Reading Program (SPOT) Middle School List selection, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, Amazon Best Book of the Month, and Booklist Top 10 Romance Fiction for Youth
★ "The free verse narration is totally accessible, flowing quick and clear, and Holt plays with form, beautifully highlighting the parallel internal journeys, often achieving something akin to a musical duet. Ultimately, this is a middle-school romance concerned with the thrilling, confusing, world-shifting emotions of that age. . . . [A] moving story well-told." —Booklist, Starred Review
★ "A glowing, heartfelt addition to the middle-grade LGBTQ genre.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
The Snail
Written by Emily Hughes
★ “With Hughes’ own skill, the complexities of Isamu’s life and art are thoughtfully designed and exquisitely rendered.” —Booklist, Starred Review
“Hughes pays careful attention to the surfaces of Noguchi’s sculpture—the heavy grain of wood, the dark gleam of polished stone—to create a visually elegant telling.” —Publishers Weekly
Can I Sit With You?
By Sarah Jacoby
★ "This sweet, lovely tale should spark thoughtful conversations about friendship and empathy between children and adults… Young readers will want to sit with this pair. They're made for each other." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"Charming watercolor illustrations, created with NuPastel and mixed media, deftly reveal their growing friendship and dependency. The gently rhyming text and engaging pictures will appeal to youngsters who have or want a dog of their own." —Booklist
"[The dog is] a saintly, patient presence in this portrait of pure-hearted canine love." —Publishers Weekly
"A touching ode to the formative experience of learning to love and being loved in return." —School Library Journal
Forever Or A Day
By Sarah Jacoby
A NPR Best Book of the Year and Amazon Best Book of the Month
★ "It's really two stories: one about time, and another one about love." —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★ "A lovely lap book, exceptionally well-suited for intergenerational sharing again and again." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"This contemplative, almost meditative, book makes for a good one-on-one lap-time read with the children in your life for whom you like to give your own time." —Kirkus Reviews
"A celebration of cherished moments with loved ones is at once simple, profound, and truly beautiful." —Book Riot
"Children will appreciate the evocative words, the engaging artwork, and the feelings that passing time evokes, both happy and sad." —Booklist
Death & Sparkles
Written by Rob Justus
A Texas Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List selection
“Readers will be enchanted and will ponder for some time the ideas presented here. Powerful and fun.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This graphic novel gleefully goes off the rails . . . and never lets up on the absurdity; there are plenty of easy laughs in the physical comedy . . . [and] more sophisticated humor as well. [I]t’s best to avoid too much questioning here and simply enjoy the weirdness.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Death & Sparkles and the Sacred Golden Cupcake
Written and Illustrated by Rob Justus
An Amazon Best Book of the Month
“An uproarious combination of heritage and revenge in this second series entry… An expansion of unicorn lore worth following to see where it crash-lands next.” —Kirkus Reviews
Shira & Esther’s Double Dream Debut
Written by Anna E. Jordan
A Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Best Book of the Year
★“Readers will love this sparkling intergenerational ode to chutzpah and Jewish joy.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
★“The characters peopling Jordan’s debut novel could not be more vibrantly real. Adult readers may wish they were young again, so this could instantly become their favorite book.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
Little Wonder
By Claire Keane
“A reassuring daydream of a book that will foster a sense of life’s possibilities in children.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Keane imagines the voice of a faithful, caring adult following a youth on a splendid undersea adventure. . . Images blend underwater allure and ordinary life . . . When [the child] return[s] home, the voice is revealed as that of the child’s adult caregiver, who listens with loving attention as they recount the events of a day nourished by authentic support.” —Publishers Weekly
“Keane’s whimsical pastel-inspired digital illustrations blend vibrant warm and cool colors, paired with curved fluid line work mirroring the watery movement of bubbles, seaweed, and fish drifting through Little Wonder’s imagination. Imaginative illustrations sure to enchant make this perfect for most collections.” —School Library Journal
This Is The Story Of You
By Beth Kephart
★ "A moving epic of a super storm and how it unravels the lives of those caught in the midst." —VOYA: Voice of Youth Advocates, Starred Review
★ "This beautifully written book works on many levels and is rich in its characterization, emotion, language, and hint of mystery." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
"Relatable characters and a poetic style." —Publishers Weekly
"An exploration of the unrelenting power of nature and a reminder of the one thing in the world that is irreplaceable: family." —Booklist
"Smart, poignant, an absolute pleasure to read." —BookPage
The Apartment House On Poppy Hill
Written by Nina LaCour and Illustrated by Joana Avillez
An IndieNext pick, Amazon Best Book of the Year Ages 6-8, and winner of the 2024 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Children's Books
“LaCour’s new transitional chapter-book series is cozy and classic-feeling…Ella’s curiosity and gregariousness are infectious, and she’ll easily sweep readers into her charming world.” —Booklist
“[T]his chapter book is cozy and comforting. Readers will want to move in here and meet these folks.” —Kirkus Reviews