2025 Notable Books for a Global Society

​Tracey S. Hodges, Jane Bean-Folkes, Cheryl Logan, Doricka Menefee, Lesli Morris, and Bethany Scullin
 
In this second column, members of the 2025 Notable Books for a Global Society committee proudly present reviews of 13 outstanding books for readers in PreK to 12th grades from this year’s list. These exemplary books provide a variety of perspectives, lived experiences, and authentic stories showing the depth of global identities. 

​A Two Placed Heart. Doan Phuong Nguyen. (2024). Lee & Low Books.
The Two-Placed Heart by D.P. Nguyen is a poetic exploration of the immigrant experience through the eyes of two sisters, Bom and Bo, who navigate the complex journey of moving from Vietnam to the United States. Told in verse, the story highlights their emotional struggle as they try to assimilate into their new home while holding onto their Vietnamese heritage. Bom, torn between two identities, reflects on her past and fears losing her connection to her roots, wondering, “How many days do I have left before I become like Bo…forgetting everything?” Bo, on the other hand, embraces her American identity, saying, “I’m not…I’m American and you are too.” As Bom and Bo struggle with questions of identity, belonging, and memory, the sisters come to understand what it means to be shaped by two homelands and the love they hold for both. (Gr 3-7)
- JB

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​Barrio Rising: The Protest that Built Chicano Park. Maria Dolores Aguila. Illus. by Magdalena Mora. (2024). Dial Books for Young Readers. 
In 1970, the residents of the Barrio Logan neighborhood in San Diego were overjoyed to see cranes and heavy machinery arrive under the Coronado Bridge. They believed the city was finally making good on its promise to build a park that the community had repeatedly requested for the past three years. But to their shock, the land was actually being cleared for a police station. Barrio Rising is a true story of how ordinary people, united by a common cause, can create real change. Told through the eyes of young activist Elena, the story reveals how a community refuses to be silenced after years of broken promises. Their determination transformed an empty lot into Chicano Park, now home to the largest collection of outdoor murals in the U.S., a lasting reminder that when a community stands together, they can paint their own future. (Gr 1 Up)
- BS

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​The Color of a Lie. Kim Johnson. (2024). Random House.
Set in 1955, The Color of a Lie is a gripping and deeply moving novel that exposes the insidious systems designed to uphold segregation in the United States. The story follows Calvin Greene, who is caught between worlds, navigating the dangers of racial identity and the moral dilemmas of "passing for white" in pursuit of safety and opportunity. As the story unfolds, readers witness how secrets, assimilation, and the inner turmoil Calvin faces. Through a thought-provoking narrative, actual historical events are woven together to reveal the brutal realities Black Americans faced during the Jim Crow era. Meticulously researched storytelling examines past injustices while drawing powerful parallels to the present. This unflinching account reveals the painful truths of history and how they continue to shape the world today. (Gr 6 Up)
- TH

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​The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II. Candace Fleming. (2024). Scholastic Press.
Based on the true history of Bletchley Park, a well-kept secret during World War II, this story portrays the call to service of hundreds of teenage girls and young women in the spring of 1941, capturing their experiences and the critical roles they played. The details behind the complexity of code and cipher breaking come to life through photos and documents, offering a vivid look at the work of women like Jane, Mavis, Sarah, and Diana. Their contributions take shape from the moment they received the telegram stating, “You are to report to Station X at Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire, in four days' time.” Playing a vital part in winning the war and helping decipher encrypted messages, including those encoded by machines like Enigma, these teenage girls and young women made a crucial contribution without ever knowing its full impact. They remained silent for years, keeping the secret of their service. (Gr 5 Up)
- JB

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​Everything We Never Had. Randy Ribay. (2024). Penguin Group.
This four-generational family account of what it means to be Filipino American is a must-read. Francisco Maghabol, first generation in the United States, contends with migrant farm work and racial violence, shaping the experiences of his son, Emil. Emil resents Francisco and is determined not to follow in his father’s socialist footsteps; instead, he focuses on assimilating. Emil’s son Chris wants to learn more about his grandfather Francisco and the Filipino culture his father has tried to erase. Straining under Emil’s vision for Chris’s life, he insists on raising his son Enzo differently. Enzo, who struggles with anxiety, attempts to heal the generational trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic when Emil comes to live with their family. Their four interwoven stories highlight the interconnectedness of each generation pursuing their own dreams. Exploring the audiobook is highly recommended to experience the four-person narration and enjoy the sound effects, altering Francisco’s story to sound as though it was recorded in the 1930s. (Gr 6 Up)
- LM

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​Flap Your Hands: A Celebration of Stimming. Steve Asbel. (2024). Lee & Low Books.
In this vibrantly illustrated picturebook, Flap Your Hands: A Celebration of Stimming, readers are introduced to children who are on the autistic spectrum who use self-stimulation techniques, stimming, to calm themselves when they become too overwhelmed with the sights, smells, and sounds around them in various spaces. The book presents stimming as normal activity, as it should be viewed. Stimming can be exhibited in different ways, including physical or vocal, and varies from person to person. It can include covering ears, spinning, clapping, and flapping hands. Each of these ways helps autistic folks to feel more comfortable in stressful social situations. It is a letter of acceptance to children with autism emphasizing the beauty, magic, and normalcy of stimming. (PreK Up)
- DM

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​​Kindred Spirits. Leslie Stall Widener. Illus. Johnson Yazzie. (2024). Charlesbridge Publisher.
Spanning generations, continents, and peoples, this historical picture book weaves a narrative of empathy and resilience. The story opens in 1845, Ireland, during the potato famine, which claimed more than a million lives. Haunted by their own memories of their Trail of Tears, the Choctaw gathered to raise what little money they had to help the Irish in a remarkable act of solidarity. Fast forward seven generations later, the Navajo and Hopi Nations are ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by this legacy of compassion, more than 26,000 Irish people donated 3 million dollars to help them. The book celebrates a timeless legacy of love and sacrifice that unites disparate peoples through lyrical poems interwoven with factual text. Complemented by insightful backmatter, including a timeline, glossary, and further reading, the work invites readers to explore shared histories and embrace the enduring power of human kindness. (Gr 2 Up)
- LM

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​Know Your Hairitage: Zara’s Wash Day. Zenda Walker. Illus. Princess Karibo. (2024).
Running Press Kids.
In this picturebook, the diversity and history of Black hairstyles take center stage. Know Your Hairitage: Zara’s Wash Day follows Zara, a young Black girl learning the cultural significance of Black hairstyles throughout the diaspora. The story moves through the Black girl wash day routine, including washing, conditioning, and detangling. During the detangling portion, Zara laments to her mother about why her hair can only be styled in afro-puffs, braids, and twists instead of being straightened regularly on special occasions. In response, Zara’s mother explains the people and cultures behind the hairstyles she creates for Zara. Through Zara’s journey, historic Black hairstyles and their African origins are explored, along with an appreciation for African hair texture. The book concludes with an illustrated guide to the Fulani-inspired hairstyle that Zara rocks at the end of the book. (PreK-Gr 5)
- DM

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​Puzzled: A Memoir Growing Up with OCD. Pan Cooke. (2024). Rocky Pond Books.
In Puzzled, the author offers a deeply personal and insightful look at growing up with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Using the metaphor of a puzzle, this graphic novel illustrates the complexity and frustration of living with a condition that often goes unseen and is misunderstood. The immersive storytelling and expressive visuals pull readers into the relentless cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions, making the experience feel all the more tangible. With raw honesty and heartfelt moments, this memoir explores what it means to understand and manage mental health, highlighting the emotional toll of OCD alongside the resilience it takes to navigate daily life. Rather than just explaining the condition, the author brings it to life in a way that feels real and relatable, showing both the struggles and the strength that come with it. (Gr 4 Up)
- TH

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​This Book Won’t Burn. Samira Ahmed. (2024). Little Brown Books for Young Readers.
This Book Won’t Burn is about the fight for intellectual freedom, told from the perspective of one Indian-American Muslim girl. When Noor and her family move to a new town, she quickly discovers that book banning is on the rise, threatening stories that reflect diverse voices, including her own. Determined to stand up for the freedom to read, Noor takes action, challenging censorship and risking backlash from those who want to silence her. The novel explores themes of student activism, identity, mental health, family relationships, and the courage to stand up for what is right. As Noor fights against book banning, she also struggles with personal challenges when her father abruptly leaves the family. Through her story, the novel highlights the importance of representation in literature and the fundamental right to see oneself reflected in the books we read. (Gr 6 Up)
- TH

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​Threads: Zlata’s Ukrainian Skirt. Lima Maslo. (2024). Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
In 1932, in Ukraine, Zlata’s world was upended by Communist Russian policies that stripped her family of their livelihood. During this upheaval, Zlata is given a handmade, embroidered shirt for her eighth birthday. Stitched in the colors of Ukraine - red and black - it symbolizes love and sadness. However, her friend Yeva and her father, fueled by jealousy and misguided ideals, report Zlata’s family to the Communists. They seize all that remains from Zlata’s family, including their land, arresting Zlata’s papa and leaving Zlata and her mother destitute. In a twist of fate, Yeva’s father and family soon receive the same treatment, prompting Yeva to return Zlata’s cherished embroidered shirt to her. Together, the girls find solace in learning to embroider and carry on a craft that represents their traditions and beliefs. Backmatter enriches the narrative by including the author’s family story of the Holodomor famine-genocide, background information about Communism, and teaches readers about traditional Ukrainian embroidery. (PreK Up)
- LM

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​Where Wolves Don’t Die. Anton Treuer. (2024). Levine Querido.
After a fight, a fire, and his father’s growing fears for his safety, Ezra is sent to spend the winter on Nigigoonsiminikaaning tribal lands in Canada with his grandfather. There, he learns to run a trap line, navigate the harsh wilderness, and embrace the cultural teachings of his ancestors. However, his journey is not just about physical survival. It is also about understanding his place in the world and the resilience of his people. Steeped in suspense and rich with Anishinaabe traditions, Where Wolves Don’t Die is both an adventure and a powerful exploration of intergenerational wisdom, self-discovery, and the struggles Indigenous youth continue to face today. This debut novel is an unforgettable exploration of strength, heritage, identity, resilience, and the ongoing racism Indigenous peoples face. (Gr 6 Up)
- TH

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​Who Needs a Statue? Eve LaPlante and Margy Burns Knight. Illus. by Alix Delinois (2024). Tilbury House Publishers. 
Did you know that the United States Capitol houses 100 statues, two from each of the 50 states? Until 2000, when Congress allowed states to replace their statues, every statue but ten represented a white man. Even after 25 years of this policy change, only nine statues now depict people of color and just 12 feature women. Across the country, statues are being added and removed, prompting the question: Who needs a statue? The authors feature state statues of women and people of color, prompting readers to reconsider whose stories history remembers. Among these are Barbara Jordan, the first African American woman elected to the Texas State Senate, and labor activists fighting for immigrant farmers, Dolores Huerta and César Chávez, who co-founded the United Farm Workers movement in 1962. With detailed backmatter providing further information on each person represented, this timely book reminds us that history isn’t just about who has been remembered; it’s also about who should be. (Gr 3 Up)
- BS

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Tracey Hodges, co-chair of NBGS, is an associate professor at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. Jane Bean-Folkes is a K-12 English language arts supervisor at South Orange * Maplewood School District in South Orange Valley, NJ. Cheryl Logan is a retired teacher educator at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. Doricka Menefee is an assistant professor at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. Lesli Morris is an ELA teacher specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, UT. Bethany Scullin is an associate professor at the University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA.