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.

Let’s take a look at the 2026 Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards!

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The 2026 Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards were announced on June 15, and I was thrilled that Nicholas Day won the nonfiction award for A World Without Summer, and Julie Leung and Angie Kang won the picture book category for Navigating Night. The fiction award went to Lisa Greenwald’s A Scar Like a River, which I am hoping to get to before the summer is over. I’ve read a couple of the honor books, but I hadn’t heard about these two.

The Great Frog by Katie Palazzola (Neal Porter Books, 40 pages, ages 4-8). Two siblings contemplate a blob of frog eggs; younger brother Peedie wants to stay outside and watch over them while his sister Kit knows that it’s time to go inside. “But don’t worry,” she tells him. “The Great Frog will take care of the eggs.” When they return, the eggs have hatched into tadpoles, and Kit expands on the Great Frog story. He rides a horse named Tarnation and lives in a moon castle in the sky. Still later, the tadpoles have grown legs, and Kit predicts the Great Frog will arrive to choose his successor in another week. But when the day arrives, Kit admits to Peedie that she made the whole thing up. Peedie takes it in stride, understanding the importance of stories, and the two agree to be looker-afters, just like the Great Frog. Includes information on the frog’s life cycle, a list of websites to learn more, and an author’s note encouraging readers to dream and have big ideas.

This quirky debut picture book celebrates stories and sibling relationships, mixed in with a bit of scientific information. Kit and Peedie have a warm and understanding relationship, and readers may be inspired to become looker-afters of the natural world themselves.

When Beavers Move In by Alison Pearce Stevens, illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Godwin Books, 48 pages, grades K-3). When beavers more into areas populated by humans, they can be a nuisance and cause flooding, leading humans to kill the beavers. But the Tulalip Tribes of Washington State take a different approach. When they’re called in to help, members of the tribe trap the beavers and move them to their tribal land. High up in the mountains, the beavers cut down trees and build dams, starting a chain of events that increases fish populations, creates a wetland, and ultimately, helps protect land from forest fires. Includes an author’s note with additional information about beavers and the Tulalip Tribes’ beaver project, including ways readers can help.

This excellent nonfiction picture books emphasizes ways to create balance in nature, allowing beavers to improve land in a way that doesn’t harm humans, and celebrates Indigenous methods of land management. It would make an excellent companion to Kristen Tracy’s 2024 picture book When Beavers Flew.

Enchanting–and familiar–graphic novels

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Ruby the Red Fairy (Rainbow Magic: A Rainbow Fairies Graphic Novel #1) by Claudia Giuliani, illustrated by Erika Turner (Silver Dolphin Books, 80 pages, ages 6-9). Rachel and Kirsty meet on a boat carrying their families to Rainspell Island for a week’s vacation. The two become fast friends, bonding over a shared love of magic. When they follow a rainbow to its end, they’re surprised to find an actual pot…but not as surprised as they are by what’s inside! Meet Ruby the Red Fairy who takes the girls on a magical journey to Fairyland, where they learn of a spell Jack Frost has put on Ruby and her six Rainbow Fairies sisters. The girls are now on a quest to find all seven fairies, which they continue in book 2, Amber the Orange Fairy, to be published simultaneously with Ruby this Tuesday, June 30.

Somehow, I have made it through 26 years as a school librarian without having read a single Rainbow Magic book, but I am certainly well aware of their existence and was only mildly surprised to learn that there are over 300 books in the series. Given this factory-like production, my expectations were low, but I actually really enjoyed this story. The trip to Fairyland included some good world building, and the map of Rainspell Island at the beginning showed some intriguing locations that may come into play in later stories. Give these to fans of graphic novel versions of Magic Tree House, Baby-Sitters Little Sisters, and Whatever After.

Princess Academy: the graphic novel by Shannon Hale, illustrated by Victoria Ying (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 288 pages, grades 4-8). Just like in the Newbery Honor novel of twenty years ago, this graphic version features Miri, a young girl living in a remote mountain village where the people work the quarries. Most of their contact with others comes from the traders who visit once or twice a year, usually shortchanging the villagers as they offer food and other goods in exchange for the blocks of linder from the quarries. But one day, new visitors come to the mountain: messengers from the prince who tell them that the prince will choose a wife from the eligible village girls. To prepare them, they must travel down the mountain to a princess academy where they’ll be trained in all the royal arts. At the academy, Miri learns to read and comes to understand more of the world around her. She has her ups and downs with the other girls and their tutor, but by the time the prince comes several months later, the girls have formed an unbreakable bond. There are many twists and turns along the way, including a kidnapping by bandits, but through it all, the girls work together to create a happily ever after for each one of them.

I have read the original Princess Academy, but it’s been quite a few years, and I don’t recall much of the story. The graphic novel seemed true to what I remember, and I like that it’s authored by Shannon Hale, who wrote the original, and who’s also an experienced graphic novelist. Victoria Ying has a background in Disney animation, and the illustrations reflect this, making it an appealing choice for the many readers familiar with this style. Overall, this is an excellent addition to any upper elementary or middle school collection that will introduce a new generation to this captivating tale.

Two series entries to read with Pride

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Sebastian Metzger Solves a Sticky Situation (The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class #11) by Kyle Lukoff (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 128 pages, grades 2-4). Sebastian loves going to the school library with his class, and he’s excited when Mr. Bloom, the librarian, lets him take a new book about octopuses that hasn’t been processed for the library yet. Sebastian promises to be extra careful with it, but when he takes it home, his little sister ends up getting sticky fruit punch all over one of the pages. Sebastian is horrified. He knows his mom can’t afford the $29.95 replacement cost. At first, Sebastian finds ways to avoid going to the library, but the guilt of the situation starts to take over his life. He finally confesses everything, first to Mr. Bloom and then to his mom, and is thrilled and relieved when both adults come up with solutions to help him out, making the library a fun and safe space for Sebastian once again. Includes a preview of the next book in the series.

Although I don’t usually review series books beyond the first one, I was intrigued by this entry by Kyle Lukoff about a transgender boy in Mrs. Z.’s class. For Sebastian, third grade is “the first year that he started as Sebastian and ended as Sebastian, and he was happy that no one seemed to care.” It’s nice to see an elementary trans character handled so matter-of-factly, and Sebastian’s much bigger issue in this book involves the damaged library book. The school librarian is also an excellent role model, as is Sebastian’s single mom, who is clearly working hard and struggling financially but is loving and patient with her kids.

Fruitcake by Rex Ogle, illustrated by Dave Valeza (Graphix, 240 pages, grades 5-8). Rex Ogle continues his graphic novel memoir series with this account of eighth grade. Everyone around him seems to be pairing up, and when he meets the new girl Charlotte, she seems like a good candidate to become Rex’s girlfriend. But Rex can’t ignore his feelings of attraction to his friend Drew, and he starts to wonder if he’s gay. He and Charlotte start dating, but on a camping trip, he and Drew kiss, confirming Rex’s suspicions about his sexuality. Drew can’t admit the truth, saying that he’s straight and just having fun, and Rex gets his heart broken. He starts to notice homophobia in his family and in his grandma’s church, making coming out that much scarier. When he finally gets the courage to tell the truth about himself, he’s happily surprised for the most part. Includes notes from the author and illustrator sharing their own coming out stories.

This funny, honest memoir will ring true for many middle schoolers struggling to figure out who they really are. I love Rex Ogle’s books, and he never shies away from sharing his embarrassing or dark memories of middle school. The content of this book is a bit more mature than the first two books in the series, and I would tend to classify it more for middle school than elementary. It would make a great companion to Ogle’s non-graphic memoir, Free Lunch.