Published by Greenwillow Books

Summary:  The text of this book consists of questions to America: “Do you love me when I raise my hand? My head? My voice? When I whisper? When I SHOUT? Do you love my black? Do you love my brown?”  Spanish and Creole words are interspersed throughout the text. Includes an author’s note, describing her childhood growing up as one of the few Black kids in her class and with a Louisiana Creole background that sometimes made her feel on the outside of things. There’s also information on Louisiana Creole and Spanish, and photos of the author with her two grandmothers who spoke both languages; the Pledge of Allegiance is written on both endpapers. 40 pages; ages 4 and up.

Pros:  A thought-provoking read as we move toward the flag-waving patriotism of Independence Day, asking questions about what the American experience is like for all of its inhabitants.

Cons:  The affectionate title felt a little dissonant from the rest of the book.

Published by Atheneum

Summary:  When everyone had to stay home, wondering what would happen next, they looked out their windows at the empty city.  It wasn’t quite empty, though; there were still some people out in the streets keeping the city going.  Delivery people, trash collectors, construction workers, medical personnel, transit workers: they all continued to show up for work even when the rest of us stayed home.  The story ends with neighbors who gathered at their windows, balconies, and roofs to cheer, play instruments, and bang on pots and pans, acknowledging that they are still part of the city and saying thank you to those who are keeping it going. Includes an author’s note.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  Another picture book inspired by the Covid pandemic, this one celebrates the essential workers who didn’t get to stay home when everyone else did.  The bouncy almost-rhyming text makes a nice complement to award-winning Illustrator Brian Floca’s lifelike drawings of vehicles and the people who operate them.

Cons:  Although I think it’s important to have books that commemorate the past year, I do wonder how they’re going to stand the test of time.

Published by Groundwood Books

Summary:  When the narrator’s town is occupied, his brother and father are taken away, and a curfew is imposed each night.  He witnesses tanks rolling down his street and soldiers shooting at someone who breaks curfew.  He and his friends can gather in the park for an hour each day.  One day, he gets an idea that he shares with his friends.  Back home, he makes a star-shaped kite, and that night, he flies it from his rooftop.  Soon other kites are flying in the sky.  But not for long: soldiers fire on the kites and shoot them down.  That night the boy tells his mother and sister a story about what the kite saw as it flew high above their city.  Includes a two-sentence author’s note stating that the story was inspired by Palestinian children but could take place any place that children love to fly kites and are threatened by war.  32 pages; grades 2-5.

Pros:  A timely story of hope during a grim time.  The drab illustrations through most of the story contrast with the colorful ones when the boy and his friends gather in the park and fly their kites.  This could lead to some thoughtful discussions with upper elementary and middle school kids.

Cons:  Most recommendations I saw started at ages 4 and 5.  I’d be hesitant to put it in the picture book collection for preschool and primary ages.