Sporty types

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Offside by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, illustrated by Mari Costa (Graphix, 208 pages, grades 4-8). This year’s middle school soccer team is open to girls for the first time, and just about everyone seems to have an opinion about that. Nicky, who fought for the opportunity to play on a team where she has a better chance of being scouted, is thrilled. Al, whose Brazilian father and grandfather have passed on their ideas about girls and sports, is determined to do whatever it takes to keep the team boys only. Fabiola and Sebastian, newly arrived from Colombia and Peru respectively, speak little English and just want a chance to play the sport they love. Palmer, sidelined with an injury, is bilingual and serves as a translator for the different teammates. As the season progresses, the kids–with some encouragement from their coaches–realize that to win games, they need to put aside their differences and appreciate each other’s strengths. By the end of the story, not only have they become a winning team on the field, but they’ve learned to act together to speak up for equal sports opportunities for everyone.

Those who have followed the World Cup this summer will appreciate this soccer-themed graphic novel with its uplifting message about equal access for all athletes. The different characters are well-drawn (in both senses of the word), showing growth as players and people throughout the story. Spanish and English are cleverly woven together in the dialog bubbles. Includes a glossary of soccer terms and a full-page illustrated explanation of what offsides means. I still don’t get it.

The Long Hike: The True Story of the First Appalachian Thru-Hike by Meghan McCarthy (Beach Lane Books, 48 pages, grades 1-5). Before World War II, Earl Shaffer had planned to hike the Appalachian Trail with his best friend Walter. But Walter didn’t survive the war, and Earl decided to go it alone, to “walk the war out of my system.” Following the motto, “carry as little as possible but choose that little with care,” Earl set out from Georgia on April 4, 1948. He suffered through blisters, mosquitoes, heat and cold (New Jersey prohibited campfires at the time), and a trail that was sometimes difficult to follow. But he also met interesting people along the way and was soothed by the natural world. Finally, on August 6, he stood atop Maine’s Mount Katahdin, the first person to have hiked the entire trail. Earl spent the rest of his life advocating for the preservation of the Appalachian Trail, and did two more through-hikes, including on in 1998, in which he set a record for the oldest person (at the time) to hike the trail. Includes several pages of back matter, with additional information on Earl Shaffer and the Appalachian Trail, as well as resources to learn more.

I love Meghan McCarthy’s quirky nonfiction books, and it’s been a few years since I’ve seen a new one. This one is a lot of fun, detailing Earl Shaffer’s adventures on the Appalachian Trail, along with excerpts from the notebook he kept along the way. The illustrations of different parts of the trail and beautiful and may inspire readers to get outside for a hike themselves. This is a timely story, as the record for oldest person hiking the AT is on track to be broken this summer by 91-year-old Dale Sanders.

Profiles in courage

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When You’re Brave Enough by Rebeca Bendheim (Viking Books for Young Readers, 304 pages, grades 5-8). Back in Austin, Lacey mostly hung out with her best friend Grace whose two moms are also close friends of her parents, so when her family moves to Rhode Island at the beginning of eighth grade, Lacey’s ready to branch out with her social circle. Her new middle school is all about musical theater, with a tradition of the leads kissing in the final performance. Lacey is thrilled to be cast as Kim in Bye Bye Birdie, but she soon realizes she has to make a choice about who she will kiss, since she shares duets with Conrad, Hugo, and Rosie. The play, new friendships, and Lacey’s upcoming Bat Mitzvah lead to an exciting but very confusing eighth grade fall, as Lacey struggles with crushes and her realizations about her sexuality. By the time Grace and her moms come for the big weekend of the play and the Bat Mitzvah, Lacey has made some huge changes in her life…but she realizes Grace is still at the center of it all.

I’m using the Goodreads Mock Newbery 2027 list to plan some of my summer reading, and this book is currently at #4 (as of this writing; things change a lot on this list!). Lacey’s struggles will resonate with middle school readers as she deals with the intense ups and downs of a first crush, her coming to terms with being gay, and the ways she has to deal with the reactions of those around her, learning in the process who she can really count on.

A Scar Like a River by Lisa Graff (Christy Ottaviano Books, 400 pages, grades 6 and up). Fallon has three secrets she’s kept since she was five years old. The third biggest, revealed in the second chapter, is that her uncle is the one who gave her the scar across her face, attacking her with a knife early one morning. She’s never told anyone that he was her attacker, but when her mom gets the news that he’s been killed in a car accident, Fallon experiences a wide range of emotions. The other two secrets are revealed gradually and are about sexual abuse by the same uncle. But the story is about much more than that: Fallon is dealing with two best friends who have just started dating each other; getting the lead in her school’s production of Hello, Dolly! and feeling uncomfortable enough about the story line to protest it and eventually give up the part; her mom’s illness and the aunt she’s always hated moving in to help out; and a new therapy group that helps Fallon finally feel ready to let her parents know what happened to her. This revelation is the beginning of healing for Fallon and her family, clearly a long and confusing journey for everyone, but by the end, Fallon finds herself “tilting toward joy.”

I’ve been putting off reading this book despite its multiple starred reviews, Boston Globe-Horn Book win for fiction, and #3 position on the Goodreads Newbery list. I knew it was about childhood sexual abuse, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it. I’m glad I overcame my considerations, though, because I loved it. Fallon is a memorable character: brave, opinionated, and not afraid to admit her mistakes, of which she makes plenty. Having said that, I think adults will want to give careful consideration about recommending this book and read it ahead of time if possible. There is a lot of frank discussion about sexual abuse as well as one flashback scene where Fallon recalls her own experiences. I hope it gets some well-deserved awards recognition, but personally I’d rather see it win the Printz as a YA book than the Newbery.

A couple of wacky books about dinosaurs

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Unlikely Friends (Diary of a Dinoghost, book 1) by Monica Arnaldo (Scholastic, published August 4, 96 pages, grades 1-3). Cobble is a dinoghost–a brontosaurus who has been a ghost “since the asteroid.” When he can’t remember if this is day 36,599,236,001 or 36,500236,002 of being a ghost, he decides he should start a diary. Good thing, too, because things start to get interesting. He’s been hanging out lately at Kevin’s house, Kevin being a seven-year-old boy who loves to put ketchup on everything. When Kevin adds ketchup to his new goldfish bowl, the fish becomes a ghost as well. Cobble and Bonny begin a tenuous friendship, with Bonny trying to convince Cobble to take her to the ocean. Cobble is reluctant to disturb his well-established routine, but finally he agrees. Without the routine, things get a little…chaotic, but the two new friends persevere, and the last page sees them setting off on their journey.

Another Scholastic Branches series just right for the beginning chapter book audience. It’s a quirky story to say the least, but Cobble and Bonny are an endearing pair, and the diary format with the many cartoon-style illustrations make it a great first chapter book. Look for book 2 in November.

I Used to Be a Dinosaur by Casey Lyall, illustrated by Laurie Keller (Greenwillow Books, 32 pages, ages 4-8). A plucky chicken reminds herself and her fellow hens that, “I used to be a dinosaur.” She recalls past glories of a mighty roar, powerful jaws, and tiny arms (actually, that part is still the same). Life on the farm can seem dull by comparison, but when her chicks hatch, she reminds them of their proud heritage and that they can choose to be as strong as their ancestors.

While the concept of evolution may be a bit over the heads of the intended audience, they’ll enjoy the colorful cartoon-style illustrations featuring dinosaurs, the lively rhyming text, and the message of being your best self. This would pair well with Lena the Chicken.

Celebrating heritage

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Celebrate We Gullah Geechee by Yvette R. Murray, illustrated by Tonya Engel (Free Spirit Publishing, 44 pages, grades 1-4). Five children introduce readers to the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor that runs along the coast of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Each child focuses on one of the senses, describing what can be seen, heard, felt, smelled, and tasted in the region. Includes an author’s note with additional information about the area, where she has lived all her life; an artist’s note; and a list of websites to learn more.

The lyrical text and brilliantly colored illustrations will whet readers’ appetite to travel to this region to explore more–it certainly got me intrigued. The author’s note touches on the history of the area, but I wish there had been a little more of that as well as a good map. The list of resources is helpful to seek out more information.

Where They Gather by Teresa Rodrigues, illustrated by Jamiel Law (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 40 pages, grades K-3). A pecan tree sees many seasons in the generations of a Black family, starting from the time it starts as a seedling on a farm built by a couple recently freed from slavery. Over the years, the tree is witness to happy times as the people gather for big events like a wedding, play in its shade, and gather the nuts in the autumn. But it also sees the hard times, like when the family is burned out of their home by a mob. They persist, though, rebuilding and taking to the streets with signs of protest. The last page shows the tree towering over a small house with a family gathered together in celebration again. Includes an author’s note and photos of the pecan tree in her grandmother’s yard that inspired this book.

A gentle introduction to Black history, with rhyming text and illustrations showing the family and tree through many seasons, both literally and metaphorically. The final message is one of perseverance and hope.

Sibling rivalry

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The Band of Bigs (League of Littles, book 2) by Casey Lyall, illustrated by Sara Faber (Greenwillow Books, 128 pages, grades 3-7). When an older brother babysitter gets locked out of the house by his younger siblings, the Band of Bigs is on the case. Rushing to the house, the Band discovers that the younger siblings have been joined by three members of the League of Littles who have not only locked the doors but rigged up a series of booby traps to prevent entry. A new recruit to the Band of Bigs proves her worth, some kids from the Middles and Onlys Guild show up to mediate, and everything is resolved just in time for the parents’ return. The mysterious Big Big phones in at the end with an approving message and the promise of further adventures. Includes a Q&A session between the author and illustrator about how the book was created.

I missed last year’s book 1 of this graphic novel series, and I recommend reading it, as I did, before moving on to book 2. The premise is an extremely fun one: there are rival spy organizations for older and younger siblings, and each is called on when someone in their demographic is in trouble. I hope book 3 will explain more about the intriguing but slightly mysterious Middles and Onlys Guild. Each book is 128 pages, making it a quick read and good entry point for beginning graphic novel readers.

The Great Escape by Deborah Marcero (G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 48 pages, ages 4-8). Evie believes in the power of magic and wants a chance to practice hers, but she has no power over her three siblings, Wolfie, Bunnie, and Teddy, who insist on following her everywhere. When a snowstorm hits, Evie sees her chance for escape, but the kids put on scarves and boots and head outside with her. Desperate, Evie grabs a stick to use as a wand, says some magic words, and dives into the snow. She tumbles into a magical world (turn the book upside down to get the proper perspective), and of course, the three younger kids dive in after her. The unfamiliar surroundings arouse Evie’s protective instincts, and she finds herself looking out for her siblings. When Teddy takes off, the others follow and find him helping a whale whose baby is caught in a net of constellations. They help the whales, then, mission accomplished, head for home where they enjoy hot chocolate on the couch before falling asleep.

This ode to siblings and the power of imagination has beautiful, magical illustrations that distinctively show the ordinary world and the magic one. Not only are the styles different, but the whole book has to be turned upside down to see what the kids find under the snow. This book is currently at #13 on the Goodreads Caldecott list, and I’m looking forward to making it part of my mock Caldecott activities in the fall.

Cats and dogs

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The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan by Jasmine Warga (Balzer + Bray, 240 pages, grades 3-7). Finnegan is an abandoned dog, lost in the woods after a shameful incident with his previous owner that has him convinced that he’s a bad dog. Chase is a young cheetah living in the zoo, trying to figure out life after her mother dies. They tell their stories in alternating chapters. Finnegan is rescued by Ryan, who brings him home to the apartment he shares with his girlfriend Basma. Basma works at the zoo where she is training Chase to be part of a show. They decide that Finnegan might help Chase, and the two animals’ stories converge. As they learn to trust each other, each one is able to show the other that they are worthy of love despite past mistakes. Chase is able to overcome her worries about performing, and Finnegan learns to trust that his new humans will always be there for him. Includes additional information about cheetahs and dogs and the program pairing cheetahs with rescue dogs that inspired this story.

Animal lovers will enjoy this story and may be inspired to learn more about how to help endangered cheetahs. Chase and Finnegan are both loveable animals, but their doubts and worries about their places in the world will resonate with kids. This would be a great choice for an elementary read-aloud or book club.

Licorice by Kara Lareau, illustrated by Kelly Murphy (Scholastic, release date October 20, 224 pages, grades 3-7). Kitty’s story begins in an animal shelter, where she’s been brought after a traumatic early life living in the woods. Her neighbor, a rabbit named Bunny Von Hopper, gives her all sorts of advice about how to present herself for adoption, but Kitty is too afraid to follow much of it. She’s surprised when a boy named Max Winters takes an interest in her. A few days later, she’s officially adopted and taken to the Winters’ home at 5 Manderley Lane. There, Kitty’s worst fears come to pass as she feels like she is constantly living in the shadow of her predecessor, a beautiful and amazing cat named Licorice. A gray parrot named Duchess shares the home and delights in taunting Kitty with stories of what an amazing cat Licorice was. Licorice seems to have died under mysterious circumstances, but as Kitty spends more time in the house, getting to know various animals and humans who are part of the family, she begins to piece together what actually happened to Licorice, and to realize that she may not have been exactly the beloved pet Kitty initially believed her to be. A series of plot twists–and a slightly twisted ending–assures readers that Kitty has found herself a happy home.

If some of these story elements sound familiar, you may be recognizing them from Daphne Du Maurier’s novel Rebecca (or the Alfred Hitchcock film version of it) on which this book is based. It’s a fun and well-done take on this classic story, but even those who aren’t familiar with the original will enjoy this slightly creepy tale with plenty of suspense and questions that keep the reader guessing right up until the last page.

Indigenous wisdom

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You Are the Land by Steph Littlebird (Nancy Paulsen Books, 32 pages, ages 4-8). From the time she’s born, a Native girl is surrounded by love, both from her family members and the natural world. She compares the two: her grandmother is like a flower with petals to wrap around her and keep her safe; her grandfather is like water, nurturing her and teaching her to use her voice like a thundering waterfall. Her parents, too, take care of her and teach her about the world, lessons that she passes on when she grows older and has a little sister. At her first powwow, she comes to appreciate her community, and she carries those lessons forward as that community works together to protect their land. “My culture teaches me that I am the land,” she concludes, “and the land is me.” Includes an author’s foreword telling how her Atfalati Kalapuya and Clatsop Chinook tribal connections have taught her to take care of the land and encouraging readers to do the same.

I love the environmental message of this book, with its emphasis on family, community, and connection to the land, but it’s the illustrations that make it truly spectacular. showing the girl and her family in a variety of beautiful nature scenes filled with a rainbow of colors. Those familiar with Steph Littlebird’s illustrations in My Powerful Hair will appreciate the way she connects the girl’s hair to the natural world.

The Animals Speak: the Lakota Way by S.D. Nelson, translated by Dakota Goodhouse (Harry N. Abrams, 48 pages, ages 4-8). “If you look with your eyes and listen with your ears, our animal relatives will share their ancient wisdom with you,” the author tells readers on the first page. “This is the Lakota way.” From there, each spread introduces a different animal with both the English and Lakota names and what that animal can teach: buffalo shows how to share and be generous, raven teaches how to listen and make wise choices. There are 16 animals (actually 15 and a tree) in all, with humans being the 17th on the last page. Each animal is shown in its habitat with symbols that suggest interconnectedness. Includes an author’s note with additional information about what humans can learn from animals and the art and traditions of the Lakota that inspired this book.

Another beautifully illustrated book by an Indigenous author, this could be used as a prompt for kids to consider their favorite animals and the lessons those animals teach. Each picture invites contemplation, with its interesting symbols and various portrayals of animals.

Celebrating Black history and culture

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We Are Joy by Chrystal D. Giles, illustrated by Kitt Thomas (Random House Books for Young Readers, 32 pages, ages 4-8). Each spread shows an extended family celebrating joy in some way: “We are joy-filled” as they enjoy dinner together, “We are joy-inspired” as they sing together in church. Even difficult times, when words are ignored or the promise of justice is late, “We are joy-starved.” But Pop-Pop says, “Joy comes in the morning,” and the family focuses on education and their “created culture” that “moves the world.” From connecting with family to connecting with allies who support and lift them, this is a celebration of Black joy.

This is a great introduction to Black history and culture, with text and illustration that could prompt lots of discussions. It doesn’t gloss over more difficult issues, but there is also a sense of resilience and returning to joy.

Black Hands: Builders of Our Nation by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie (Crown Books for Young Readers, 40 pages, grades K-5). Black hands are the theme of this poem, from those “clutching memories” and that “reached for kinfolk” after being torn away from their homes and sold into slavery. They helped build a nation, forging iron, stitching clothing, and growing crops. Black hands played music, wrote literature, built colleges, and helped explore space. They broke chains, elected leaders, and were raised in protest, and now Black hands point the way to liberty and justice for all. Includes additional information about those pictured on each page.

This award-winning (multiple times!) author and illustrator team are sure to be considered for more recognition for this beautiful book that traces Black history through Black hands, looking at both literal and metaphorical accomplishments. Students of Black history will enjoy looking for familiar scenes and faces in the illustrations, and the back matter provides information on those they may not recognize.

Making stuff

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Turtle with a Toolbox by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Dudolf (HarperCollins, 32 pages, ages 3-6). Turtle’s toolbox (which is kind of weirdly built into his shell) contains everything he needs to start building. Although he starts working alone, before long he’s joined by a whole team of friendly animals who help him plan, saw, hammer, and refine their work. By the end of the story, the group is ready to celebrate in their new treehouse fit for a king.

This adorable book will be loved by any preschoolers fascinated by tools and construction. The rhyming text and cute illustrations include some pretty advanced construction terms, like laying joists for a floor, framing windows and doors, and plastering walls. This is billed as book 1, so hopefully we’ll get to see more adventures of these industrious animals.

Stubby: A Pencil’s Journey by Sydra Mallery, illustrated by John Hare (Greenwillow Books, 40 pages, grades 1-4). Stubby may be small now, but he used to be one of the biggest things in the forest, an evergreen tree. He loves his life in nature, but sometimes every day seems the same. So when some big machines invade the quiet and chop him down, he’s excited for the chance to travel. All kinds of things happen to him until he winds up as a pencil in a box with nine new friends. A girl with sparkly unicorn nail polish grabs him off the shelf, and Stubby finds himself in a new place: school. There, he bounces from one owner to another, even getting a chance to visit one of the kids at home. Each time he gets sharpened, he can feel himself getting smaller. Just as things seem like they might get existential, a new boy grabs him. “You saw me for who I really am.” Stubby tells him. Now his name is written on his side in permanent marker, and he seems to have found his forever home.

Whew, this is quite the adventure with many interesting stops along the way, including detailed drawings of how a tree is transformed into a pencil. Readers will recognize the journey a pencil can take once it’s in the classroom. It’s a bit long for a group read-aloud, but hopefully the cartoon illustrations, technical details, and humorous situations will keep kids engaged.

Understanding neurodivergence

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Perfect Enough by Meg Eden Kuyatt (Scholastic Press, 352 pages, grades 4-7). In this follow up to Good Different, we meet Seleh as she’s preparing for some big changes in her life. Not only has she recently been diagnosed with autism, but she’s starting a new school in the fall. For the summer, though, she has big plans for her three weeks at Writer’s Camp, including working on her poetry and hanging out with her two new friends Rheya and Brooklyn. Seleh’s mom is nervous about her taking this big step, but Seleh is sure with her new coping mechanisms and tools she’s ready for anything. The first few days are amazing, but before long, Seleh is struggling. Her roommates like to stay up late, and Seleh needs lots of sleep. She takes on two big group projects, even though she doesn’t like working in groups. Some of the counselors don’t understand her need for breaks and using some of her other strategies. By the end of week two, Seleh has completely crashed, and she faces the difficult decision whether to stay and see her commitment through or go home early and take care of herself. Her mom, grandfather, new friends, and a sympathetic counselor help her figure things out and to see that there’s value in trying new things even if they don’t go perfectly. Includes an author’s note and some other resources for readers.

I don’t usually review sequels, but I actually forgot that I had read the first until I was about halfway through this one, and by that point I was too invested to stop! It’s a great look at a girl figuring out how to survive and thrive with her new diagnosis, while developing empathy for her new friends who are dealing with their own issues. I also liked the message at the end of the book (spoiler: Seleh leaves camp early) that it’s okay not to finish things sometimes if it means taking better care of yourself. Note: this is currently at #12 on the Goodreads Newbery 2027 list.

No Brain the Same: Neurodivergent Young Activists Shaping Our Future edited by Lindsay H. Metcalf and Keila V. Dawson, and Jeanette Bradley, illustrated by Jeanette Bradley (Charlesbridge, 40 pages, grades 2-5). Like their books celebrating kids who are making history and fighting climate change, this collection looks at neurodivergent kids working to make a better world for everyone. Whether it’s Tourette’s, ADHD, autism, Down syndrome, or some other form of neurodivergence, these young people have learned to not only navigate the world, but to thrive in it, creating music, books, videos, and inventions to help others like them. Each spread has an illustration of the subject, a poem, and additional information about the person and their achievements. Includes a glossary, a list of the poetry forms, and additional information about the poets.

This inspiring book serves multiple purposes, introducing both a variety of poetic forms and an inspiring group of young people who have already achieved a lot in their lives despite living with disabilities. This is a great introduction to poetry as well as a good “mirrors and windows” book to learn about neurodivergent kids.