Singing Justice Singing Peace by Monica Brown and Molly Mendoza - ADVISABLE

Singing Justice Singing Peace: The Story of Joan Baez by Monica Brown and Molly Mendoza. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Beach Lane (Simon), 2026. $20. 978665926607 

 BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

 APPEALS TO: SOME 

Joan Baez knew she wanted to make the world a better place, even when she was young. When her father joined a peace organization, they moved to Iraq, and Joan saw children who were starving and learned that even in California, where she lived, there were starving children. She carried the world on her shoulders and wanted to change things. When she was given a ukulele, she began to sing, discovered folk music, and became an icon, not just for her music, but for her support of justice and peace. 

 Many more illustrations than text, and I love how illustrator Mendoza has represented the music Baez creates. Includes an author's note, which doesn't just repeat the text; it's got more, juicier info about her bravery, some of the times she went to jail, and things that happened while supporting the Civil Rights Movement. A great read, even for a high school class. Joan is Mexican/Scottish/American 

 Lisa Librarian 

Carlotta's Special Dress by Carlotta Walls LaNier with Lisa Frazier Page, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Carlotta's Special Dress: How a Walk to School Changed Civil Rights History by Carlotta Walls LaNier with Lisa Frazier Page, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown, 2026. $19. 9780316572545 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

It's 1957 and Carlotta is one of the "Little Rick 9." She and other Black high school students would be the first integrated into Central High School. Her Uncle had given her mother money for Carlotta to buy a new dress, and she was excited to go wearing the beautiful store bought dress. But, that first day of school was not to be. Angry crowds and soon the National Guard prevented Carlotta and her classmates from going to school. 

An interesting twist on the story of Central High school. I like that it made it personal, giving not just a face but a story to one of the students. I loved the illustrations, and the amount of text was just right. Includes an author’s note (Carlotta is the author) and so we learn a bit more to her story. Also includes a timeline and captioned photographs - yes, one is of Carlotta in The Dress. 

Carlotta is Black. 

Lisa Librarian 

Justice Ketanji : The Story of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson by Denise Lewis Patrick and Kim Holt - ADVISABLE

Justice Ketanji : The Story of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson by Denise Lewis Patrick and Kim Holt. NON-FICTION BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2023. $19. 9781338885293

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Ketanji Brown Jackson grew up with the mantra, you can be anything; you can do anything. She carried that perseverance through her life as she applied for and attended Harvard, graduated from Harvard Law, became a US district judge, and eventually became the first Black woman to be a US Supreme Court Justice.  

I liked that the text was written on an elementary level and outlined her life and accomplishments without being overly complex. While it would probably not circulate a lot in a library, it would be a good addition to a picture book biography collection.  Justice Ketanji, her family, and many of her friends are Black

Rachel, Elementary school librarian 

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue by Elizabeth Brown and Melissa Castrillón - ADVISABLE

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue by Elizabeth Brown and Melissa Castrillón.  NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Chronicle, 2025. $20. 9781452170985 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Aristides de Sousa Mendes was a Portuguese diplomat who saved thousands of people fleeing France during WWII. In less than a month, Mendes issued thousands of visas against his government's wishes, saving refugees fleeing the Nazis in France, and allowing them to enter into Portugal. 

The back matter gives more details including that his visas saved Salvador Dali, H.A. and Margret Rey - who created Curious George, and countless others whose lives are just as important, and that it came with a great price to his family who lost everything because of his actions - he knew it was worth it. This is a magnificent story - I had no idea! The picture book itself is a standard length for a non-fiction and would work as a read aloud in the classroom. Back matter includes and authors note, timeline, bibliography and source notes. 

Lisa Librarian  

Ghost Army: The Troop of Artists Who Helped Win WWII by Sarah Glenn Marsh and Becca Stadtlander. - ADVISABLE

Ghost Army: The Troop of Artists Who Helped Win WWII by Sarah Glenn Marsh and Becca Stadtlander. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Viking (Penguin), JUNE 2026. $19. 9780593691717

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

During WWII a small group of artists and musicians played a critical role throughout the war - convincing the enemy that they were real troops of hundreds or thousands of men backed by tanks and artillery. In truth their tanks were rubber and the thousands of troops were rumors and sound recordings!

It wasn’t until 1996 when the efforts and successes of The Ghost army, a troop of artists and sound technicians during WWII, were finally recognized and acknowledged. My grades don’t cover WWII, but any school that does should have this on the shelf.  You could also show this to a theater teacher or art teacher. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia WenJen and Violeta Encarnacion. - ADVISABLE

Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia WenJen and Violeta Encarnacion. PICTURE BOOK. Red Comet Press, 2026. $20. 9781636551920

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL; MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

The stories of two little girls separated by decades, both of whom are incarcerated by barbed wire.

WenJen and Encarnacion share the story of Fort Sill, Oklahoma - site of Japanese imprisonment during WWII and immigrant child imprisonment in 2014 - using reverso poetry and a stark color palette. In communities affected by recent detainments, the book could be helpful for children still processing.  I see the most value in secondary schools as a way to foster conversation about immigration - especially as the backmatter talks about the Japanese experience and the lies told by the US government. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Main Street: A Community Story about Redlining by Britt Hawthorne and Tiffany Jewell, illustrated by David Wilkerson - ADVISABLE

Main Street: A Community Story about Redlining by Britt Hawthorne and Tiffany Jewell, illustrated by David Wilkerson. PICTURE BOOK. Kokila (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9798217002672

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL; MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A young black girl, Olivia, is upset when her white friend, Alison, can't come to her neighborhood Block Party because Alison’s mother says it isn’t safe. At home, Olivia’s neighbor, Ms. Effie, explains the history of redlining, a secret practice historically used by banks to deny funding loans to people of color. 

Hawthorne gives us a succinct, honest look at the practice of redlining, a proven historical practice that kept people of color out of “good, white” neighborhoods. This is the first picture book that I can remember tackling the issue. Though Hawthorne has written a picture book, I am not sure that elementary students are the right audience - I would proudly show this to any middle school or high school teacher who touches on the subject in any way.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Rock and Roll by Ruby Amy Thompson - ESSENTIAL

Rock and Roll by Ruby Amy Thompson. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $19. 9781664300927

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

While the differences between a rock and a roll are pretty obvious, could they also have similarities?

Thompson gives us a quick, yet profound look at the idea of compare and contrast. I am very impressed and will be showing this to lots of secondary teachers. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Three Weeks in the Rainforest by Jennifer Swanson - ADVISABLE

Three Weeks in the Rainforest by Jennifer Swanson. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2025. $21. 9781623543167

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Three Weeks in the Rainforest follows the Field Museum's Rapid Inventory 30 team in Columbia as they race to gather data over three short weeks in the field.  Biologists trek through mud and rain, counting every animal and plant they see.  Social scientists visit villages, speaking with people about their goals for the land.  Based on this evidence, the team makes a case of conservation.  So far their teams have helped conserve almost 30 million acres of Amazon rainforest.

Swanson gives us a glimpse into real-life fieldwork in the rainforest.  This is not a detailed book about animals and plants that live in the rainforest. I liked the pictures of the scenery and the animals they were able to capture.

PGPowers

When Science Stood Still by Shruthi Rao and Srindhi Srinivasan - ADVISABLE

When Science Stood Still by Shruthi Rao, illustrated by Srindhi Srinivasan. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. McElderry (Simon), 2025. $20. 9781665949965

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Subramanyan Chandrasekhar was only 19 in the 1930’s when he did the math and wrote the paper that proved the existence of black holes.  It took more than 30 years for the rest of the science community to take him seriously - and 50 years after that first paper, Chandra was awarded a Nobel prize. 

Rao does an excellent job of succinctly giving us Chadra’s story in a way that captures our attention and keeps us reading. I am excited to show this to my middle school science teachers to support their curriculum. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

When Beavers Move In by Alison Pearce Stevens and Natasha Donovan - ESSENTIAL

When Beavers Move In by Alison Pearce Stevens, illustrated by Natasha Donovan. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Godwin (Macmillan), MARCH 2026. 9781250339447

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

WHen beaver build dams near human homes, the people get worried.  In Washington state, people can call the members of the Tulalip tribes, who will relocate the beavers to places where the beavers can do their thing and protect not only the environment, but also help rebuild other species in their wetlands.

I love this look at the importance of beavers to create robust habitats and ecosystems. Everything is explained simply, but well. The back matter adds a little more information. A must for most science programs. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Mindful Nature- Connecting with our Great Green World by Paige Towler and Chris Gaugler - ESSENTIAL

Mindful Nature- Connecting with our Great Green World by Paige Towler, illusterated by Chris Gaugler. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Magination Press, 2025. $32 9781433845185

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3), HS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Imagine what an animal is doing and feeling. Act like you think they would. Ask yourself questions about their experience and yours. Spending time in nature can improve our health in many ways. 

Children can learn to be mindful in nature as we teach them how to do so. Children will engage with this photo story. This book is a great resource for preschool activity time, thus I included the level of High School in this review. Gaugler formatted the photography and words creatively. The first 2 pages uses personification to grab the child's attention. Then, Towler moves the prose to simile and third person form.  

MOMMAC 

Earhart: The Incredible Flight of a Field Mouse Around the World by Torben Kuhlmann - ADVISABLE

Earhart: The Incredible Flight of a Field Mouse Around the World by Torben Kuhlmann, 128 pages PICTURE BOOK North South, 2025. $22. 9780735845794  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A little field mouse discovers that there is so much more to the world beyond her garden and the limited view of her fellow field mice. She wants to fly around the world! She finds a learned old mouse aviator who helps her with her dream, and maybe, the little mouse can inspire Amelia Earhart's aviation career. 

The size of the book makes it a picture book, though the text can be dense at times, so not a picture book in the traditional sense. The cover art is so realistic, I neglected to see the small mouse, and thought it was nonfiction at first. That said, the artwork is breathtaking. The artwork tells a lot of the story. This is the fifth book in a mouse series that has been published in 30 languages. It's worth a look-see if only for the art and the theme of following your dream no matter how unlikely. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Rachel Carson's Wonder-Filled World by Kate Hannigan and Katie Hickey - OPTIONAL

Rachel Carson's Wonder-Filled World: How the Scientist, Writer, and Nature Lover Changed the Environmental Movement by Kate Hannigan, illustrated by Katie Hickey. NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek, 2025. $25. 9781662680571

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Rachel Carson always loved nature. Her whole life, she wrote about what she saw, heard, and felt in the outdoors. As a child, she explored the woods. As a student, she loved the Atlantic coast. When she got older, she combined her love of science, nature, and writing and published a book to try to protect nature and warn people about pesticides. 

The end pages include an author's note, biographical timeline, glossary, and information about how to be a naturalist like Carson. " The best part of this book is the pictures. The illustrations are colorful and dynamic. Every few pages there is a quote from Carson. I thought they took away from the narrative, and the language would be hard to understand for children.

Rachel Carson and her family are white.

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist

The House on the Canal: the story of the house that hid Anne Frank by Thomas Harding, illustrated by Britte Teckentrup. - OPTIONAL

The House on the Canal: the story of the house that hid Anne Frank by Thomas Harding, illustrated by Britte Teckentrup. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2025. $20. 9781536240702

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Harding takes us through the history of a house in Amsterdam - from the empty and then the building, to Otto Frank and his family in hiding during WWII and to its present day as a museum and learning center about the Holocaust. 

If anyone teaches about Anne Frank at your school, I would buy this in a heartbeat. I love the work that was done to let us know the full history of the house - not just the few years Anne and her family hid there. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Spider Lady by Penny Parker Klostermann and Anne Lambelet. - ADVISABLE

The Spider Lady: Nan Songer and Her Arachnid WWII Army by Penny Parker Klostermann, illustrated by Anne Lambelet. BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Astra), 2025. $20. 9781662680359

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Nan Songer grew up collecting bugs and studied with a well-know botanist Marie Meislahn. She grew tired of studying dead bugs, and filled her house with live bugs in jars to study their habits and behaviors.  A friend told her how he had used spider silk to repair his surveying scope, and Nan was hooked.  She figured out how to gather silk from spiders, and which spiders had what size of silk.  She then helped the manufacturers in the WWII effort by supplying them with spider silk for crosshairs in gunsights, bombsights, periscopes, and range finders.

Klostermann reveals a fascinating little know story about a unique woman hero who helped the war effort.  It is perfect for kids who are fascinated by insects.  Lambert beautifully brings this story to life.

PGPowers

Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and the race to save Abraham Lincoln by Beth Anderson, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport.

Hiding in Plain Sight: Kate Warne and the race to save Abraham Lincoln by Beth Anderson, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Calkins Creek (Astra), 2025. $19. 9781635928235

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

President-elect Abraham Lincoln was on his way from Illinois to his inauguration in Washington DC, but in order to arrive, he had to pass through Baltimore, a Southern States stronghold, with virulent anti-Lincoln sentiments. Word has reached the ears of the Pinkertons that an assassination plot was planned, heard by the vigilant ears of Kate Warne, one of Pinkerton's most trusted agents. Can they convince Lincoln to shift his plans even a little in order to avoid the danger?

If your school talks about inaugurations or covers Lincoln’s presidency, I can see adding Anderson’s book. It is interesting reading and the atmospheric illustrations add to the noir feeling of the whole. It all depends on who in your building would use it. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Dreams to Ashes by Livia Blackburne and Nicole Xu - OPTIONAL

Dreams to Ashes by Livia Blackburne and Nicole Xu. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Carolrhoda (Lerner), 2025. $20. 9798765627228

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Subtitle: The 1871 Los Angeles Chinatown Massacre.

When the gold around San Francisco dried up, the Chinese population spread across the country looking for other opportunities. In Los Angeles, a group of 180 lived in an area that came to be known as Chinatown.  Resentment built, suspicions were flames, and one night shots between Chinese gangs became the spark that led to white Los Angelinos killing 18 Chinese.

If you teach any allied subject to this topic, then I do believe you should invest your money here. Besides talking about Chinese immigration, the Gold Rush, and early Los Angeles, it is also a clear look at what forces form a mob and how the justice system, even where very little law yet existed, could be twisted to favor those with power and/or money. Heavy topics, so discuss this with your teachers and see how they could use it first.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Are you a Friend of Dorothy? by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Levi Hastings - OPTIONAL

Are you a Friend of Dorothy? The True Story of an Imaginary Woman and the Real People She Helped by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Levi Hastings. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2025. $20. 9781665931663 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS  - OPTIONAL  

APPEALS TO: SOME 

The LGBT community had many ways of secretly coming out to each other, and outsiders didn't know. Might be a book they were holding or a particular flower. One of these ways was asking "Are you a friend of Dorothy?" It was a hard time to be gay or lesbian because you could be fired from your job, even if it was kept a secret. 

What an interesting piece of LGTBQIA+ history! Kyle Lukoff's explanations are great, and I loved Hastings illustrations. I love the sneaky navy people trying to figure out who this "Dorothy" was. I was concerned that the book is about adults contacting each other, but the cover picture characters look like children. Characters are LGBTQIA or Navy Personnel 

Lisa Librarian 

Zero: the number that almost wasn’t by Sarah Albee and Chris Hsu - ESSENTIAL

Zero: the number that almost wasn’t by Sarah Albee, illustrated by Chris Hsu. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2025. $18. 9781623544324

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Follow the timeline and take a trip around the world as you explore the history of the number zero.

Albee does a great job of simplifying zero’s history, letting us see the scope of the concept throughout history and at many different places around the world - including the time when CHristian leaders said that zero was the work of the devil. I showed this to my math teachers and they love it. This might convince a middle school or high school math teacher that picture books are worth reading to their students.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS