Sue Corbin

By now, the devastation in western North Carolina caused by Hurricane Helene in late September 2024 is widely known. People died, homes and businesses were lost, roads and bridges were washed out, and the willfulness of winds and water forever changed the Blue Ridge Parkway. At this writing, six months after the flooding, a fire rages fueled by the trees downed in the storm. Those who have experienced the beauty and people of North Carolina know that the state is populated with welcoming and creative people who value the nature around them and express their appreciation of it and each other through books, songs, and art. This review is dedicated to those people, and especially to the teachers and librarians who keep children reading books, even in the worst of times. 
​
If you are interested in helping recovery efforts, a book titled Spinning Toward the Sun: Essays on Writing, Resilience, and the Creative Life is now available for sale in bookstores and online. All proceeds go to the recovery efforts in and around Asheville, which was especially hard hit. It is filled with wise words by North Carolinian authors such as Allan Wolf and Newbery winners Erin Entrada Kelly and Alicia D. Williams. 

The following are reviews of the 2024 picture book and junior book winners of the North Carolina Children's Book Awards, along with reviews of the nominees that came in 2nd and 3rd in the voting. At the end, there is a peek at a few of the 2025 nominated titles. A complete list of the 2024 winners and nominees, as well as the nominees for 2025 and a historical archive, can be found at https://nccba.blogspot.com/.  

Negative Cat. Sophie Blackall. 2021. Nancy Paulsen Books.
A young boy who struggles with reading has been granted the gift of a cat on the condition that he read for 20 minutes a day. He can only read out loud, and his classmates make fun of him for it, but he desperately wants a cat, so he gives in. Unfortunately, Max the cat isn't much fun. He doesn't smile at jokes; he doesn't like his food; and he isn't cuddly at all.  Only after the boy begins to read aloud in his bedroom does Max come out of his bad moods. As the cat slowly makes his way over to the boy, readers are treated to a magical reading moment during which the power of story is shared between boy and cat. The dialogue is told in narrative and cartoon bubbles. The beginning is reminiscent of Mary Sullivan's Frankie (2017) and Treat (2016) with the use of keywords followed by various punctuation marks that the main characters use to make their wishes known. Also see Lester Laminack's new book A Cat Like That (2025), illustrated by Nicole Wong, for a similar treatment of the marriage of key words, punctuation, and pictures to tell an intricate story. (PreK-Gr 4)

​Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover). Helen Yoon. 2021. Candlewick.
Like Jon Klassen's books, where the pictures tell a different story than the words, Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover) is about a wolf who dresses up like a sheep and sneaks into the sheep pen. But the sheep are on to him, and they let him play out his ruse, endearing themselves to him until he can't bring himself to eat them anymore. He leaves the pen, creates a few stuffed sheep to display on his mantle, and goes home. Soon, there is a knock at the door, and there are the sheep dressed as wolves who have come to see him because they miss him. He is surprised they knew, but the reader knows all along that he wasn't fooling anyone. (PreK-Gr 4)

​Clovis Keeps His Cool. Katelyn Aronson. Illus. by Eve Farb. 2021. Page Street Kids.
Clovis is the proverbial bull in a china shop. Since taking over his granny's store, he has come to find that his former temper outbursts have become more manageable. Whereas once he was a terror around the china, his Granny's adage, "Grace. Grace. What is broken can be replaced," has given him a new perspective on life. Unfortunately, other bulls taunt him because he has lost his tough-guy persona. Clovis keeps his cool until they finally enter the shop and start to break things. At that point, "Clovis was all out of grace." He chases the bullies into an alley and nearly charges them when he hears his granny's voice, admonishing him to choose grace over revenge. This is a humorous story about the seriousness of living a life of forgiveness and acceptance of others, and how we can learn how to resolve differences with strategies other than violence. (PreK-Gr 4)

​Invisible: A Graphic Novel. Christina Diaz Gonzalez. Illus. Gabriela Epstein. 2022. Graphix.
On many levels, graphic novel fans and reluctant readers will relate to this wonderfully quirky book. Even those who favor pure text will find themselves captivated by the intertwining of illustrations and words to show the intricacies of human beings, their cultures, their languages, their hopes, and their motivations. Each of the five Latinx characters has a unique story to tell in their own voices that move between fluent and developing Spanish and English. Each has been stereotyped not only by their Latinx backgrounds but also because of the roles they play - athlete, rich kid, genius, loner, tough kid - that don't reveal who they are at all until they begin to explain themselves. Middle schoolers who feel invisible in school for similar reasons will find comfort in the power of telling their own stories. (Gr 3 Up)

​Dog Squad. Chris Grabenstein. 2021. Random House.
Becoming a hero isn't easy, even when you are playing one on TV. Dog Squad is Fred's favorite show about dogs solving big problems and saving the day. When he is cast on the show to replace the Duke, the injured star, Fred gets to play the hero he's always admired. This novel, with cartoon drawings and program scripts interspersed throughout, keeps readers laughing and crying at the dogs' antics on and off the set. In the end, the doggy actors find that they can be the kinds of dogs they portray in real life as well. The author and illustrator, Chris Grabenstein, is a master at captivating his audience with fast-paced action and pathos for his characters. (Gr 2-6)

​Your Place in the Universe. Jason Chin. 2020. Neal Porter Books.
While this book looks like a picture book for young children at first glance, readers will find that the well-researched facts and the theme of understanding who we are in the universe and beyond make for a simply complex nonfiction book that is perfect for STEM education. Jason Chin has created a brilliant book that begins and ends with four 8-year-olds looking through a telescope. Starting with a comparison of the children's average height to that of ostriches, giraffes, redwoods, buildings, and mountains, Chin leads readers to appreciate the immensity of the cosmos by using height, width, the expanse of orbits, and the distance between planets and galaxies. The back matter is rich with information about measurement, astronomy and telescopes, the Earth and the solar system, and the cosmos itself. References to other resources and websites are provided, as well as an author's note on how he created the illustrations and figured the scaled drawings. (Gr 2-6)

​Acorn Was a Little Wild. Jen Arena. Illus. Jessica Gibson. 2022. Simon & Schuster.
Little Acorn loves adventure and makes the most of everything that happens to him, including being nibbled by one squirrel and buried in the ground by another. He wasn't happy about being underground, but he made the best of it, only to find that he was growing into an oak tree. The story comes full circle with Little Acorn being a little wild with his friends in the woods. This book invites readers to love life with all its ups and downs because something interesting is always bound to happen. (Prek-Gr 3)

​Place Hand Here. Katie Yamasaki. 2022. Norton Young Readers.
A painted hand on the wall of a building in a large city becomes a place where people go to find comfort and connection to people in their lives, both alive and dead, close and far away. Told in poetic language and illustrated in vibrant colors and pastels, Place Hand Here shows readers that all we need to do when we feel lonely for someone is to imagine them, and we will feel their presence. (Prek-Gr 3)

​Shine On, Luz Véliz. Rebecca Balcárcel. 2022. Chronicle Books.
Luz and her father are connected by their love of soccer until she sustains a devastating knee injury that threatens to end her future in the game. Her father becomes aloof and sad, and Luz must find something else that she is good at, something she can shine at again. When she discovers coding, her life changes, and she works with her neighbor and her teacher to create a project for the May Fair that will impress everyone, and especially her father. Big changes are on the way for the family, though, when Luz discovers that she has a half sister, Solana from Guatemala, whom her father didn't know about. Solana's mother has died, so she comes to live with the Vélizes, and Luz is angry at the disruption that Solana causes. Suddenly, Luz's father comes alive because now he has someone to speak Spanish with and teach how to play soccer, and Luz is jealous. How the sisters bring the family together is a beautiful story of forgiveness, resilience, and learning how to overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable. (Gr 3-7)

​The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of. Kirsten W. Larson. Illus. Katherine Roy. 2023. Chronicle Books.
This biographical book about a woman scientist who broke all the rules is so wonderfully crafted that it must be read at least twice to catch all the beauty of the art and words. The book cover must be removed to take in the expanse of the universe that flows from back to front. End pages are filled with stars, and this is just the beginning of a journey through space and through Cecilia Payne's life as an astrophysicist. Roy's use of pencil, ink, and digital colors is magical as she weaves visions of the cosmos together with illustrations of Payne's struggle to learn what makes stars burn. The sequence of how a star is formed follows the sequence of Cecelia's life with words and pictures acting seamlessly to tell the whole story of stars in the sky and a female superstar on Earth. Teachers are honored in the story as well, because it is a teacher who gives Cecilia the book on astronomy that sets her on her path. The book ends with the question, "Whose will the next discovery be?" Maybe it will be yours. (Gr 2 Up)

Sue Corbin is a long-time member of ILA and the Children’s Literature and Reading SIG. Since retiring from Notre Dame College in Ohio, she can usually be found in the children’s section of Mountain Island Library in Charlotte, NC.  

​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

​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

​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

​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

​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

​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

​​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

​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

​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

​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

​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

​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

​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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.