​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

​Mary Ellen Oslick, Tracey Hodges, Bethany Scullin, Lesli Morris, Emily Reed
 
In this first of two columns, members of the 2024 Notable Books for a Global Society committee proudly present reviews of 12 of the 25 outstanding books for readers in PreK to 12th grades from this year’s list. These books, which vary in genre and format, represent multicultural literature at its finest, amplifying diverse voices and illuminating stories. 

The Artivist. Nikkolas Smith. (2023). Kokila.
Inspired by his own journey from artist and activist to artivist, Nikkolas Smith’s picture book The Artivist is a visually stunning masterpiece depicting a better world for all. The narrator is a Black child who is told he is an artist because he likes to paint and also an activist because he wants to help his community and “seed goodness in the world.” He shows the reader some problems in the world through a series of images depicting homelessness, voter suppression, and pollution in our oceans. The child combines his artistic and activistic sides to paint messages of hope for the world: love, clean water, protection of children from gun violence, justice, and more. Nikkolas Smith leaves the reader with the question, “What change will you create?” Each time readers open The Artivist, they will discover new depths of imagery on each page. (PreK Up)
—LM

Dancing Hands: A Story of Friendship in Filipino Sign Language. Joanna Que & Charina Marquez. Trans. by Karen Llagas. Illus. by Fran Alvarez.  (2023). Chronicle.
The allure of a new friend can make certain things like communicating in the same language seem trivial. A new family moves into Sam’s neighborhood, and she is intrigued to see a girl her age, Mai, using her “dancing hands” to talk to her family members. After a series of accidentally-on-purpose meetings, Sam and Mai become friends, and Mai teaches Sam how to make her hands dance in Filipino Sign Language (FSL). They work through their initial miscommunications and eventually share their dreams for the future—Mai wants to be a teacher, and Sam wants to protect the Earth. The back matter for Dancing Hand, originally published in the Philippines, includes information about Filipino Sign Language (FSL) and how it is different from American Sign Language (ASL) as well as sign languages around the world and a visual glossary of FSL words. The endpapers display images of Mai and Sam signing with English and Filipino translations. (PreK Up) 
—MEO

Hidden Hope: How a Toy and a Hero Saved Lives During the Holocaust. Elisa Boxer. Illus. by Amy June Bates. (2023). Abrams.
“Hate has a way of bringing out heroes.” As a teenager, Jacqueline Gauthier worked for the French Resistance during World War II fighting against the Nazis and protecting Jewish families. With cover as a social worker helping children, she was able to deliver false identity papers to Jews in the hidden compartment of a toy duck. “After all, who would suspect that a wooden duck with an orange beak and wheels and wings hid such a deep secret?” In this picture book based on a true story, readers learn of Jacqueline’s heroic acts of bravery and compassion; she was able to save over two hundred lives during the war. Readers also become privy to another secret—Jacqueline is really Judith Geller, a Jewish girl with her own false identity papers. The extensive back matter includes notes from the author and the illustrator and a bibliography with websites, testimonies, interviews, articles, and books listed. (PreK Up) 
—MEO

How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee. Carole Boston Weatherford. Illus. by Frank Morrison. (2023). Candlewick.
This picture book biography immerses readers in the inspiring journey of eighth-grader MacNolia Cox (1923-1976) from Akron, Ohio, to becoming the first African American finalist in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Along with highlighting MacNolia's talent and determination, the story details the stark prejudices and discrimination she faced. When MacNolia and Elizabeth Kenney, another Black competitor, participated in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D. C., in 1936, they were required to enter the competition stage through the back door and were seated at a card table apart from the white student contestants. Her story is a testament to courage and resilience educating readers about past injustices and celebrating the strength to challenge and rise above them. Carole Boston Weatherford’s provides a context for the story with a foreword and an epilogue about the Scripps National Spelling Bee and the history of the fight to integrate spelling bees in the United States. A bibliography is included. (Grade 3 Up)
—BS

The Lost Year. Katherine Marsh. (2023). Roaring Brook.
Thirteen-year-old Matthew is miserable. His father is overseas and his mother has just moved his 101-year-old great-grandmother in with them to finish out the time of the Covid pandemic. Like many others, he feels stressed and isolated. His mom even takes away his video game, and asks him to spend time with his great-grandmother. In an attempt to start a conversation, he asks about her past. Clues begin to unravel as Matthew finds a photograph and other items that are pieces to his great-grandmother's life growing up during the Holodomor, the Ukrainian famine. The book is written from different points of view and in alternating timelines connecting the present day to the  1930s and the United States to the Soviet Union. This novel inspired by the author’s family history is a page turner about secrets, survival, family, and sacrifice. The reader’s heart will beat fast as the mystery of Matthew’s great-grandmother’s life story is slowly revealed. (Gr 6 Up)
—ER

Mascot. Charles Waters & Traci Sorell. (2023). Charlesbridge.
 “Be strong. Be visible. Educate allies and keep them busy reaching out to others.” An eighth-grade English class is assigned to research and debate one of the most charged issues facing their suburban community: Should the school’s mascot, the Braves, be changed? Ms. Williams, the teacher, selects the side each student is to defend and pairs them with another student arguing the opposing side. Readers get to examine the issue from the perspectives of six students with diverse family backgrounds in short chapters in verse. Not everyone believes the mascot should be changed, and the students provide a wide variety of persuasive arguments for each side of the debate. As the story unfolds, each student must challenge their beliefs and those of their classmates. Back matter includes information and resources: Words to Know (Cherokee and Salvadoran Spanish), the history of Native people as mascots and advocacy against their use, and acknowledgments. (Gr 6 Up)
—TH

Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir. Pedro Martín. (2023). Dial.
Pedro Martín’s parents and eight brothers and sisters are taking a road trip down to Jalisco, Mexico, to pick up his abuelito to live with them in Watsonville, California.  As a first generation Mexican American, preteen Pedro has his own identity struggles. Is he American enough? Is he losing his Mexican heritage? Now, coming face to face with his legendary abuelito, a former fighter in the Mexican Revolution, Pedro worries that he is not tough enough to be part of his family. This graphic memoir balances the hijinks of a family’s Winnebago road trip in 1977 and the heartache of a man leaving the only home and people he has ever known. Despite their language barrier (Abuelito knows little English and Pedro prefers to speak English), the two connect during this time together and come to realize all they share. (Gr 3 Up)
—MEO

My Powerful Hair. Carole Lindstrom. Illus. by Steph Littlebird. (2023). Abrams
This remarkable picture book is a celebration of hair and its significance across Indigenous cultures. The narrator, a young girl, relates the length of her hair with events of her life. She can’t wait to have her hair grow long and to feel a connection to her culture, the Earth, and the people who came before her. Learning to fish with Nimishoomis (her grandfather), celebrating the birth of her baby brother, being taught how to make moccasins by her cousins, having her hair braided to dance at Pow Wow by Aunti Delia, and cutting her hair now past her waist in length when Nimishoomis dies—all of these are key events woven into her hair and are such a beautiful part of her. The illustrations visually express the beauty and strength that hair possesses for Indigenous cultures. This story reflects traditions, celebration. and recognition of the importance of belonging and culture. Back matter includes a note on the significance of hair in Indigenous cultures, an Ojibwe glossary, and an author’s note. (PreK Up)
—ER

Remember Us. Jacqueline Woodson. (2023). Nancy Paulsen.
“When the thing we remember is gone, I wondered, what do we have left to remember it by?” In this short and poignant novel taking place over one year, Jacqueline Woodson explores the remembrance of childhood while simultaneously letting go of the past. Black 11-year-old Sage lives in “The Matchbox,” a run-down section of Brooklyn where houses are burning down, and waits for the day her own home will burn. She spends her time playing basketball better than all the neighborhood boys and exploring the familiar streets with her best friend, Freddy. However, their friend Jacob dies when his house burns down in the summer, and Sage discovers that the neighborhood isn’t as safe for her as she once thought. In the end, she reflects on that summer acknowledging “that time soothes the sharp sting of pain. Until only the soft and hazy edges of the hurt are remembered.” (Gr 6-8)
—LM

Saints of the Household. Ari Tison. (2023). Farrar Straus Giroux.
Saints of the Household is a compelling exploration of brotherhood, resilience, and the search for identity. The novel follows Max and Jay, two Bribri American brothers trying to deal with the aftermath of a violent incident they were involved in set against their struggles with family abuse and their cultural heritage. Alternating narratives of Max’s vignettes and Jay’s poems tell their story, offering a raw and insightful look into the complexities of their lives during their last year in high school in a small town in Minnesota. This novel stands out for its honest portrayal of challenging themes such as abuse, recovery, and moral integrity as it captures the essence of the Bribri (Indigenous Coast Rican) culture and the brothers' journeys toward understanding and healing. With its combination of depth and straightforward narrative, the book makes a notable contribution to young adult literature. This thoughtful and engaging story highlights the power of family bonds and personal growth. (Gr 9-12)
–BS

Tenacious: Fifteen Adventures Alongside Disabled Athletes. Patty Cisneros Prevo. Illus. by Dion MBD. (2023). Lee & Low.
Patty Cisneros Prevo, a Paralympian who competes in basketball, provides profiles of 15 athletes, including a blind downhill skier, an adaptive surfer, and a wheelchair basketball player, who are tops in their sports and have set world records, won medals and championships, and accomplished many other amazing achievements. Each entry includes an introductory verse, a brief biography, and the athlete’s expression of their “daily challenge” and “daily joy” as an athlete with a disability set against a background illustration of the individual engaged in their sport. The back matter includes an author’s note, a section on the preferred language in the book, resources, glossary, timeline of the Paralympics, and bibliography. (PreK Up)
—ER

That Flag. Tameka Fryer Brown. Illus. by Nikkolas Smith. (2023). Harper.
Is a flag a “symbol of violence and oppression” or “a celebration of courage and pride”? This stunning picture book examines two friends’ different understandings of what is represented by the Confederate flag. Keira, a young Black girl, treasures her friendship with Bianca, a young white girl. Keira says they are just alike as they share interests and spend time together, but their friendship faces one glaring challenge. Bianca’s home displays a Confederate flag. Ater their class takes a field trip to the Southern Legacy Museum where the students learn about the history of that flag, Keira talks with her parents about the history of racism and views a TV broadcast the next day of a tragedy involving the shooting of two Black people. The friends must reckon with their beliefs and decide if their friendship can endure. This tender portrayal of a divisive topic provides young readers with an introduction to the racist history symbolized by the Confederate flag. Back matter includes additional information about the Confederate flag, author’s and illustrator’s notes, and source note and recommended reading. (PreK Up)
—TH

Mary Ellen Oslick, Chair of the 2024 NBGS Committee, is an associate professor at Stetson University, DeLand, FL. Tracey Hodges is the owner of The Empowering Advocate, LLC, in Austin, TX. Bethany Scullin is an associate professor at the University of West Georgia, Carroltton, GA. Lesli Morris is a teacher specialist at Canyons School District in West Jordan, UT. Emily Reed is a Literacy Specialist at Northern York County School District in Dillsburg, PA. 

Mary Ellen Oslick, Brenda Dales, Jeanne Gilliam Fain, Julia Hillman, Tracey Hodges, and Bethany Scullin
In this second column on the 2023 Notable Books for a Global Society, committee members review books for readers in PreK to 12th grade that are both timely and timeless. CL/R SIG members will find additional resources (teaching suggestions and related books) for the 25 books on the 2023 NBGS list in an article in the spring 2023 issue of The Dragon Lode.

Ain’t Burned All the Bright. Jason Reynolds. Illus. by Jason Griffin. (2022). Caitlyn Dlouhy.
In three “breaths,” a young Black male shares his experiences during the summer of 2020. The nation is on Covid-19 lockdown, and his family is preoccupied with screen time. As his mom sits glued to the television, he wonders why she won’t turn it off and why the news keeps violence and destruction playing on a loop. His brother is playing video games, and his sister is on her phone making plans to attend a Black Lives Matter protest. While listening to his father cough, his mind races through the many issues that exist—mask mandates, gun violence, police brutality, protests. The imagery is suffocating, and he needs oxygen. He pauses to breathe deeply, creating space for reflection and healing. The design of the book like a notebook journal with lines of Jason Reynold’s spare free verse poem cut into strips and pasted into Jason Griffin’s stunning mixed-media illustrations is particularly effective. (Gr 6 Up)
—JH

Dream, Annie, Dream. Waka T. Brown. (2022). Quill Tree.
Annie has big dreams of starring in the school play and hearing her name, Aoi Inoue, spoken correctly over the loudspeaker. She works hard, auditions for The King and I, and lands a lead role. Her happiness is disrupted by suggestions from classmates that she only received the role because she is Japanese American. Annie’s dreams become nightmares as she reckons with racism and proving that she not only deserves the role but can excel at it. This heartwarming coming-of-age story conveys the trials of middle school complicated by issues of racism. Annie is a captivating protagonist. She is thoughtful, charismatic, determined, and an advocate for herself and others. This novel includes realistic representation of characters as well as nods to theater. An author’s note provides a context for the novel set in 1987 and addresses its relevance today. (Gr 3 Up)
—TH

Hardcourt: Stories from 75 Years of the National Basketball Association. Fred Bowen. Illus. by James E. Ransome. (2022). Margaret K. McElderry.
Veteran sportswriter Fred Bowen has written an engaging history of the 75-year evolution of the National Basketball Association. Documenting basketball’s humble beginnings from playing in YMCA gyms and on college campuses to the massive arenas of today, he introduces readers to early game changers and admired players who are now household names. He also chronicles the league’s changing rules and policies, such as the drafting of African American players in part due to the popularity of the Harlem Globetrotters and the addition of the 24-second shot clock, which made the game faster paced and higher scoring. James E. Ransome’s vibrant realistic illustrations include both full-page images of on court action and collaged portraits of players. Back matter includes lists of NBA finals champions, current NBA franchises and when they joined, and NBA/ABA career scoring leaders; an index; and an extensive bibliography with books, articles, websites, and documentaries. (Gr 3 Up)
—MEO

Ida B. Wells, Voice of Truth: Educator, Feminist, and Anti-Lynching Civil Rights Leader. Michelle Duster. Illus. by Laura Freeman. (2022). Godwin.
Written by Michelle Duster, great-granddaughter of Ida B. Wells (1862-1931), this picture book biography provides an introduction to the life of the iconic African American educator, journalist, and civil rights activist. A fearless and determined advocate for justice and equality, Ida did not back down in the face of threats and violence. When three friends were lynched for competing economically with a White-owned business, Wells bravely spoke out against the injustices faced by Black people and called for a boycott of White-owned businesses and streetcars. Despite losing her job as a teacher for speaking out against school segregation, Wells continued her fight against sexism and racism, becoming a leading figure in the suffrage movement and co-founder of the NAACP. Back matter for this compelling biography illustrated in an appealing scrapbook format includes a timeline and note on Ida B Wells’ legacy.  (PreK Up)
—BS

Isla to Island. Alexis Castellanos. (2022). Atheneum.
As a child, Marisol had a carefree life in Cuba, and especially enjoyed exploring the county’s lush flora with her family. That is, until Fidel Castro ascended to power in 1959. With hopes of keeping now 12-year-old Marisol safe, in 1961, her parents sent her to the U.S. to live with foster parents, an older couple, in Brooklyn. She had a new home, a new language, a new school. Everything was difficult. Her turning point came after discovering the library, visiting a greenhouse with familiar plants at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and receiving a letter from home. Marisol’s story is presented in an almost wordless graphic novel format in which variation of panels in full-color and gray tones reflect Marisol’s experiences and emotions. Back matter includes a section on Operation Peter Pan (1960-1962), a foster program experienced by Cuban children like Marisol; an author’s note; and further reading, (Gr 6 Up)
—BD

A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters. Duncan Tonatiuh. (2022). Abrams.
This lyrical story that embraces the significance of preserving Indigenous languages and stories begins with a young Mexihcah girl telling her brother the story of the tlahcuilohqueh, painters of words. She explains to him the intentional process their parents follow to create amoxtin, wordless, hand-painted books on long strips of paper with multiple folds and covers of wood. She shares with him that they will join their parents in creating amoxtin at the amoxcalli, the house of books, in the future, and says they should dream about these books that tell the stories of their gods, people, and history. Duncan Tonatiuh’s signature hand-drawn, digitally collaged illustrations inspired by pre-Columbian codices beautifully depict Mexihcah culture. Back matter includes a glossary of Nahuatl words with a pronunciation guide, an extensive author’s note that provides a historical context, a bibliography, and a list of websites with reproductions of codices. (PreK Up)
—JGF

The Moon from Dehradun: A Story of Partition. Shirin Shamsi. Illus. by Tarun Lak. (2022). Atheneum.
Based on the author’s own family’s story, The Moon from Dehradun features the journey of young Azra and her Muslim family during the largest forced migration in recorded history: the Partition of British India in 1947 into two independent nations: India and Pakistan. As the family prepares to move from Dehradun (in India) to Lahore (in Pakistan), they are forced to make a hasty departure. In the chaos, Azra forgets her beloved doll, Gurya, and blames her little brother, Chotu, for the mistake. The book follows their treacherous journey to settling in a new home, a house vacated by a Hindu family leaving Lahore that finds refuge in the house vacated by Azra’s family. Tarun Turk’s dramatic digital illustrations show the upheaval of Azra and her family, as well as millions of displaced persons, with remarkable attention to detail and emotion. Back matter features a map; glossary; and background information about pre-partition, the partition, and the author’s family’s story. (PreK Up)
—BS

The Prisoner and the Writer. Heather Camlot. Illus. by Sophie Casson. (2022). Groundwood.
In 1895, Captain Alfred Dreyfus, the only Jewish officer in top command in the French army, was imprisoned for life on Devil’s Island for treason. Émile Zola, in Paris, worked relentlessly to discover evidence that Dreyfus was not the spy and traitor who attempted to provide documents to Germany. Risking his career and imprisonment, in 1898, Zola wrote “J’Accuse…!” in a Paris newspaper to inform the public that Dreyfus was the innocent victim of antisemitism. The actual traitor ultimately confessed, and Dreyfus was released. Presented in alternating chapters from the perspectives of Dreyfus and Zola, this concise volume with Sophie Casson’s pastel artwork that adds period context is informative and emotional. In the author’s note, Heather Camlot considers the significance of this historical event “as a reminder that a person committed to truth, justice and equality must stand up and speak out, even when others stay silent.”  (Gr 6 Up)
—BD

Sitting Shiva. Erin Silver. Illus. by Michelle Theodore. (2022). Orca.
Sitting Shiva is a story that sensitively addresses a child's grief following her mother’s death and the Jewish tradition of sitting shiva. Despite her initial “I want to be alone” reluctance to participate in the coming together of family and friends offering food, solace, and support, Jenny gradually opens up to the comfort of her loved ones and friends. With poignant and developmentally appropriate language and illustrations (created in ink and gouache and finished digitally) depicting emotions with soothing colors and empathetic faces, this picture book provides an accessible introduction to shiva for young readers. It will also appeal to a broad audience in its emphasis on the importance of community in the grieving process. Author Erin Silver includes an endnote about grief that provides further information about shiva as well as traditions of mourning in other religions. (PreK Up)
—BS

The Talk. Alicia D. Williams. Illus. by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu. (2022). Caitlyn Dlouhy.
Jay adores hanging out with his friends and extended family, racing down the block and listening to Grandpa’s stories about Black Olympic track stars. As Jay gets older, his family begins to worry about him. Grandpa alerts him not to go around in groups of four or more for fear of being viewed as potential troublemakers; his mom cautions him about how to behave at the mall; and, while riding in their car, his dad provides him with specific steps to take in case he is pulled over by the police. Then it is time for “The Talk” families of Black and Brown children must have with them. This powerful picture book provides a starting point for the difficult, but necessary, conversation about racism in the world that all children need to hear. (PreK Up)
—JGF

Torch. Lyn Miller-Lachmann. (2022). Carolrhoda Lab.
At only 17, Pavol’s dream of attending the technical university in Prague is crushed when he is arrested after getting involved in trying to stop the Soviet Union’s 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia. After the new oppressive government blacklists him, he turns to a final, desperate act of defiance: setting himself on fire in Prague’s Wenceslas Square. Following Pavol’s death, his closest friends, Štěpán and Tomáš, along with his girlfriend, Lída, are targeted by the government and watch their own dreams disappear. They lean on each other during this time, even though Pavol had kept them separate while he was alive. Facing dismal futures, they must decide if they want to fight against the totalitarian government, as Pavol and other protesters were hoping to inspire citizens to do, or if they want to leave everything for a new beginning in a different country.
—MEO

Undercover Latina. Aya de León. (2022). Candlewick.
In this riveting, fast-paced novel, 14-year-old Latina Andréa Hernández-Baldoquín joins her parents as a spy for The Factory, an international group protecting the rights of people of color. Intelligent, clever, rational, and inquisitive, she stays undercover, passing as white to hide her Latina roots and taking on a new identity as Andrea Burke. She is tasked with befriending Kyle Summer, the estranged son of a white supremacist known to be planning a terrorist attack on Latinos. She does this by getting involved with Kyle’s special interest in a fantasy card game and comics. This compelling novel, which tackles issues of code-switching, “passing,” racism, and terrorism, will keep middle-grade readers hooked! (Gr 5 Up)
—TH

We Are Wolves. Katrina Nannestad. Illus. by Martina Heiduczek. (2022). Caitlyn Dlouhy.
Liesl Wolf is an 11-year-old girl living in east Prussia near the end of WWII. In her mind, it is a great time to be a German. She believes that after the war, Papa will return from serving his country and victorious Germany will “stretch across the entire world.” Her dreams are shattered as the Soviet Red Army enters the town, and the Wolf family is forced to flee into the forest. Liesl and her siblings, seven-year-old Otto and toddler Mia, are separated from their mother during a blizzard, and Liesl struggles to fulfill her promise to keep them together and safe. They, like other Wolfskinder, German children of WWII, must steal and scavenge to survive, all the while longing to be reunited with their parents. This heart-wrenching story serves as a reminder of the tremendous impact of war on innocent children, and of the many forgotten victims of WW II. (Gr 6 Up)
—JH