2025 Notable Books for a Global Society

Jeanne Fain, Tracey S. Hodges, Cheryl Logan, Sharon Pratt, Emily Reed, Bethany Scullin
 
In this first of two columns, members of the 2025 Notable Books for a Global Society committee proudly present reviews of 12 outstanding books for readers in PreK to 12th grades from this year’s list. These winning books vary in genres and formats while representing global literature at its finest, amplifying unique voices while illuminating new stories and perspectives. 

A Map for Falasteen. Maysa Odeh. Illus. by Aliaa Betawi. (2024). Henry Holt and Company.
When Falasteen’s teacher assigns a simple task, finding her family’s country of origin on a map, she eagerly searches, only to discover that Palestine is missing. Confused, she asks her teacher why, only to receive a dismissive response: “I think there’s no such place.” Perplexed and unsettled, Falasteen turns to her family for answers. Through their stories, she discovers the deep roots of her Palestinian heritage, the resilience of her people, and the significance of her identity. The touching narrative highlights the power of storytelling in preserving history and culture. A Map for Falasteen explores themes of identity, belonging, and the overlooked histories behind maps, illuminating representation, heritage, and the power of cultural memory. (Gr 1-5)
- CL

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Aloha Everything. K.M. George. Illus.by M. Waite. (2024). Red Comet Press.
Inspired by traditional Hawaiian folklore and language, this story follows a young girl as she embarks on a journey of discovery through hula. This sacred dance carries the history, genealogy, and spirit of the islands. As she moves, she learns that hula is more than just a dance; it is a way to connect with the land, honor ancestors, and share the stories of her people. Aloha Everything reflects the deep connection between Hawaiian culture, nature, and self-expression. Through Indigenous storytelling, it honors the spirit of aloha and the importance of preserving ancestral knowledge. (Gr K Up)
- ER

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And Then, Boom! Lisa Fipps. (2024). Nancy Paulsen Books.
Joe is used to housing insecurity, not knowing if there will be enough food, and struggling with basic hygiene since his family has trouble paying bills and his mom isn’t able to care for him. However, the unimaginable BOOM occurs when his grandmother passes away. Joe then finds survival even more difficult as the electricity gets shut off, and his food runs out when school ends for the year. Scared of facing the possibility of the foster care system, Joe hides what is happening from even his best friends and tries to survive all on his own. When a literal storm also blows into his life, Joe learns to ask for and receive help; thereby, learning strength comes from living in one’s community. A novel-in-verse shared in first-person gives the reader an insider perspective of Joe’s thoughts and resilience, including the hero inside of Joe and anyone who faces similar life experiences. (Gr 3-7)
- SP

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Buffalo Dreamer. Violet Duncan. (2024). Nancy Paulson Books. 
Set in present-day Canada on a Cree reservation, this story explores resilience, identity, and intergenerational healing. It begins when Summer visits her grandparents in Alberta, Canada, and she begins to have haunting dreams of a girl trapped in a residential school. When her grandfather finally shares his painful past experiences of living in one of these schools, Summer begins to realize that her dreams are deeply connected to actual historical events. The author carefully handles this difficult subject, balancing the weight of the past with moments that show the power of community, culture, and hope. Through Summer’s journey, the story honors the strength of residential school survivors and their families and the importance of remembering the past to build a better future. Includes a glossary of Cree terms and an author’s note. (Gr 3 Up)
- BS

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Do You Know Them? Families Lost after the Civil War. Shana Keller. Illus. by Laura Freeman. (2024). Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Set in the post-Civil War South, Do You Know Them? follows Lettie, a formerly enslaved girl determined to find her lost family members after emancipation. She carefully saves every penny to place a 'Lost Friends' advertisement in the newspaper, a practice used by many during Reconstruction. The story captures both the emotional weight of separation and the resilience of those who refused to give up on reuniting their families despite their immense challenges. It sheds light on a little-known yet significant piece of American history, offering a glimpse into the struggles and perseverance of countless people seeking to reclaim what had been taken from them. Historical backmatter further contextualizes these ads, emphasizing their real-life impact and the countless untold stories of families torn apart by slavery. (Gr 2 Up)
- TH

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Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller. Breanna J. McDaniel. Illus. by April Harrison. (2024). Dial Books for Young Readers.
This picturebook biography celebrates the life and legacy of Augusta Baker, a librarian, a master storyteller, and the first Black person to become a coordinator of children’s services in the New York Public Library system. As Augusta grew up in Baltimore, her grandmother’s tales captivated her, sparking a lifelong love of storytelling. As a librarian in Harlem, she quickly realized that respectful, uplifting stories about Black people were scarce, so she made it her life’s mission to champion diverse books that inspired future writers like James Baldwin and Audre Lorde. This book highlights Augusta’s passion for sharing stories that reflect the richness of Black life. Her work paved the way for future generations of storytellers, librarians, and educators committed to accurate and authentic representation and truth. Backmatter includes a timeline of Augusta Baker’s life, a list of cited sources, an author’s note, and photographs. (Gr 2 Up)
- BS

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Home in a Lunchbox. Cherry Mo. (2024). Penguin Workshop.
Through a simple yet heartfelt approach, Home in a Lunchbox follows a young child navigating the challenges of a new school, country, and language. It conveys the loneliness of feeling like an outsider while also revealing the unexpected ways connection can emerge. With minimal text, the story creates space for personal interpretation, encouraging meaningful conversations about identity and belonging. Food becomes a powerful thread between the past and present, a reminder of home while also serving as a bridge to new friendships. Small but profound moments such as a shared meal or a kind gesture highlight the comfort found in familiarity and the gradual process of feeling at home in an unfamiliar world. (Gr K-3)
- ER

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Kareem Between. Shifa Saltagi Safadi. (2024). G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.
Kareem feels like he has fumbled everything in his life. His best friend moved away, and he failed football tryouts for the year. Even worse, his actions play a role in delaying his mother’s return home from Syria with ailing family members. The newly enacted executive order banning travel from Muslim countries causes his mother to go through difficult steps to return home. Kareem is torn between his assignment of helping a new student who is also a Syrian refugee acclimate to middle school and the football team’s quarterback persuading him to do wrong things to get back on the team. Kareem feels like he is between countries, friends, parents, and even choosing between right and wrong. Facing prejudice and bullying, Kareem finds his voice and learns to stand up for family and truth. This novel-in-verse shows how truth and integrity bring us hope amid difficult circumstances. (Gr 4-8)
- SP

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Missing Momma. Winsome Bingham. Illus. by Rahele Jomepour Bell. (2024). Abrams Books for Young Readers.
In Missing Momma, a young girl eagerly awaits the return of her mother, a dedicated service member who has sacrificed to protect and serve. But when Momma comes home, she is not the same. Struggling with the invisible wounds of PTSD, she feels distant, leaving her daughter searching for a way to reconnect. Told with warmth and sensitivity, the story offers a child’s perspective on the emotional toll of military service and its lasting effects on families. Poetic language captures the weight of trauma while honoring the resilience and love that keep families strong. Missing Momma is a necessary read offering reflection on healing, sacrifice, and the quiet strength of those who serve, both in uniform and at home. (Gr K-3)
- TH

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My Name is Long as a River. Suma Subramaniam. Illus. by Tara Anand. (2024). Penguin Workshop.
Kaveri Thanjavur Jayalakshmi Ganesan loves her South Indian home and family, but she wonders why her name is so long. As she struggles with its length, her grandmother, Paati, lovingly explains the beauty and significance behind each part. Kaveri learns that her name carries generations of history, culture, and deep familial love. As Paati shares memories of their heritage, including the river they once crossed for the sacred Pushkaram Festival, Kaveri begins to see the strength and meaning within her name. Embracing it with pride, she discovers that names hold stories, traditions, and connections that span generations. My Name is Long as a River celebrates identity and the deep significance woven into every name. (Gr K-3)
- ER

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The Rock in My Throat. Kao Kalia Yang. Illus. by Jiemel Lin. (2024). Carolrhoda Books.
Kao Kalia Yang shares a deeply personal and moving story inspired by her experiences as a young Hmong refugee. After witnessing her mother being mistreated for speaking her first language, Kao internalizes the fear and pain, retreating into silence. Her struggle to find her voice affects her ability to learn, connect, and thrive in school. The Rock in My Throat explores the unseen emotional weight that language barriers place on immigrant and refugee children. It reflects the challenges of adapting to a new culture while holding onto one’s identity, capturing the resilience of those navigating multiple worlds. A powerful tribute to courage and self-expression, the story fosters empathy and understanding while celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity. (Gr K-4)
- JF

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Wild Greens, Beautiful Girl. Erica Lee Schlaikjer. Illus. by Cinyee Chiu. (2024). Sleeping Bear Press. 
Even weeds have their worth - something a young Amis girl learns as she and her mother gather wild greens before a typhoon arrives. Set on the eastern plains of Taiwan, this story follows their journey as they prepare for the storm. When the girl tries to yank up a spiky weed and rip the leaves to shreds, her mother gently shows her its hidden value. “How can something so ugly be good for you?” she asks. As the storm approaches, she begins to see the wisdom in her mother’s words, that even the most unexpected things can have purpose. With beautiful illustrations, this story emphasizes the importance of nature, identity, and Indigenous knowledge. The text includes Chinese and Pinyin translations, with backmatter highlighting the first people of Taiwan, colonization, and the endangered Amis language. (PreK Up)
- BS

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Jeanne Fain, Chair of the 2025 NBGS Committee, is a professor at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. Tracey Hodges is an associate professor at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. Cheryl Logan is a retired teacher educator at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. Sharon Pratt is an associate professor at Indiana University – Northwest in Gary, IN. Emily Reed is a Literacy Specialist at Northern York County School District in Dillsburg, PA. Bethany Scullin is an associate professor at the University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA.