All the Way to the Top by Annette Bay Pimentel and Nabi H. Ali - ESSENTIAL

All the Way to the Top: How One Girl's Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything by Annette Bay Pimentel, pictures by Nabi H. Ali. PICTURE BOOK Sourcebooks, 2020. $18. 9781492688976

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

6yo Jennifer is so excited to start school, but there are physical barriers because she is in a wheelchair.  Curbs and stairs make her feel like she doesn't belong. So, her mom helps her join a group of activists, disabled adults, who are working for change. Jennifer learns to speak up for herself, and even though she is a kid, she joins protests all over the country.  But it's still hard at school.  She can't even eat in the cafeteria. When she is 8, she's excited about a new law proposed called the "Americans with Disability Act", but when Congress isn't acting on it, Jennifer and her family decide to go to Washington to join a march and speak for themselves.

What an inspiring story! The illustrations are great, and there's a forward by Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins herself.  I loved that there were lots of "Stops" and "Gos"  I loved Jennifer's supportive parents. She's so young, makes this a great introduction to the disability experience and a chance to build empathy with even our youngest students. Includes extra material at the end - more info for further study, a timeline and bibliography. 

Lisa Librarian  

Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford and Michele Wood - ADVISABLE

Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Michele Wood PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Candlewick, 2020. $18. 9780763691561 

Violence: PG (Descriptions of brutality toward slaves) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL;  EL , MS - ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Born into slavery in 1815, Henry Brown worked for his master's son in a tobacco factory. But his wife and children are also enslaved, but to different masters, and Henry struggles. Occasionally paying a price to keep them close, Henry eventually sees them sold away further south. Henry puts together a plan to escape, which involves shipping himself in a box to an abolitionist in Philadelphia. 

Poetic vignettes recall not only Henry Brown's story, but the 19th century slave experience. Expressive illustrations on every page help tell the story as well. Because some of the text addresses abuse and violence, I would consider this more appropriate for older elementary and middle school.

Lisa Librarian

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother) by David Levithan - ESSENTIAL

The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother) by David Levithan 224 pages. Alfred A. Knopf (Penguin Random House), 2021. $17 

Content: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

For 6 days 12yo Aidan was missing. It seemed like the whole town was looking but he was nowhere to be found. The police were involved, interviewing family members, including Lucas, his 11yo brother who was the last person to see Aidan. But, just as suddenly as he vanished, he returned. Lucas found him on the floor in the attic a room that had been checked many times. But Aiden's not saying much about where he was, and what little he has isn't believed, especially by his parents. When the news gets around to the middle school that Aidan might have been in another world, maybe one with unicorns, Aidan begins to wish he hadn't told anyone. 

Wow. I could not put it down, when I wasn't reading I was thinking about it. The premise is brilliant, Levithan's writing compelling, exciting and unpredictable. A heartbreaking story about lost experiences and family dynamics - also the value of siblings. I was thoroughly engaged, I know my middle school readers will be too. Loved it. 

Lisa Librarian

When Life Gives You Mangos by Kareen Getten - ADVISABLE

When Life Gives You Mangos by Kareen Getten, 208 pages. Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House), 2020. $17 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f') Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Clara loves her beautiful island village, and when she grows up, she wants to be a surfer. her best friend is her cousin Gaynah, but lately their relationship is strained. It's been a year since a big hurricane hit the island, and Clara's memory of that summer is gone - - only bits and pieces - - and now she's deathly afraid of water. A new girl from New York is visiting a neighbor of Clara's, and she is independent, fun and vibrant. This summer is looking like it'll be unforgettable. But, another storm is brewing, and Clara may need to face her lost memories after all. 

I loved all the references to Jamaican food and culture. The setting was beautiful - down to the leaves on the trees, and the characters seemed so real. There's even a bit of adventure to add to the mysteries. 

Lisa Librarian

What if Soldiers Fought With Pillows? by Heather Camlot and Serge Bloch - ADVISABLE

What if Soldiers Fought With Pillows? True stories of imagination and courage by Heather Camlot, illustrated by Serge Bloch. NON-FICTION. 40 pages. Owl Kids, 2020. 9781771473620 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL; ADULTS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Camlot introduces a variety of incidents from wars throughout history where people chose kindness and peace instead. While formatted as a picture book, this is really a text heavy, topic heavy book for older students. Any class that touches on the decisions that lead to war or any of these wars in particular might want to read snippets from this. You will have to hand sell it though – especially to the teachers. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Dear Justyce by Nic Stone - HIGH

Dear Justyce by Nic Stone, 288 pages. Crown (Random), 2020. $19 

Language: R (100+ swears, 2 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (abuse mentioned, shooting mentioned) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Justyce may be off to college, but 17yo Quan, who grew up just a block away, is sitting in a youth detention facility, accused in a police shooting. In his frustration, Quan starts writing to Justyce. Using flashbacks, Quan’s story – how a bright, curious, kind boy came to this – unfolds. 

Pair this immediately with Sharon Flake’s The Life I’m In and teach! Then hand your students Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi. SO much rich material for talking about social justice, the prison system, and opening white eyes to all the different kinds of lives going on around them. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf by Sam Weldich - ADVISABLE

 Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf by Sam Weldich. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic, 2021. $18. 9781338359008 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE; MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Chicken Little doesn’t believe in the Big Bad Wolf – until he literally runs into one. When he tells the other chickens, he sends the flock into a panic. It is only upon further investigation that cooler heads prevail and they actually get to know the Wolf, who turns out to be a vegetarian. Weldich has given readers a lot to unpack in his second Chicken Little. 

 While similar to the first, this one becomes much more personal. Because the Wolf can be easily equated to any person that we do not yet understand. You can read this alone on the funny level, or use it to take a deep dive into relationships, fact-finding, and politics if you want to go that far. Clever middle school or high school teachers could reintroduce this to older students and apply the concepts to the new world situation. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Everywhere Blue by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz - ADVISABLE

Everywhere Blue by Joanne Rossmassler Fritz, 256 pages. Holiday House, JUNE 2021. $18. 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Madrigal (Maddie) may think finding emotion and heart in her oboe playing is her biggest worry, but then she learns that her older brother, Strum, has walked away from his college Through December, January, February, as her family is falling apart, Maddie finds comfort in music, in her best friend Emma, and in learning about climate change like her brother wanted her to. Maddie tries to find her voice and that elusive heart – to make beautiful music, to hold her family together, and to find her brother. He’s left a few clues in three emails, and those few words may be just enough for a girl who loves deeply and listens carefully. 

Told in free verse; reads mostly like sentences, though Fritz does use imagery at times. A sweet book. I love that though Maddie shows us her worries and some coping skills, she is not neurotic, just a girl dealing with tension and heartache at home and learning how to navigate school and friendships. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri - ESSENTIAL

Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri, 368 pages. Levine Querido, 2020. $18 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f') Mature Content: PG (references to "sexing") Violence: PG13 (War talk, abuse, injuries) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Khosrou, whose American classmates and teacher call him Daniel, is a refugee from Iran. When his mother converted to Christianity, she was forced to abandon her medical practice and to flee Iran with her family, or risk being killed. Khosrou, who was born into privilege - an old family with both parents medical professionals, now lives in poverty in a small town in Oklahoma with his mother, sister and step father. Daniel tells his story to his classmates and teacher, like Scheherazade, weaving together century old Persian tales, his own family stories and relating them to his current situation and recent troubles. 

Nayeri, who has based this story on his own experiences, is an amazing storyteller. He uses "poop" references a lot, but it perfectly suits Khosoru's character and really adds to the humor. The dovetailed stories, his refugee experience, getting accustomed to American foods and traditions and the beautiful author's voice combine to make this a highly recommended read. 

Lisa Librarian

Alone by Megan E. Freeman - ESSENTIAL

Alone by Megan E. Freeman, 416 pages. Aladdin (Simon). 2021. $18. 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

12yo Maddie wanted a secret sleepover with her best friends, but they both bailed on her. When she wakes up the next morning, her whole town is deserted. What happened?! She is able to piece together that there was an emergency evacuation, but everyone left their phones behind, so there is no way for her to actually contact anyone. Very slowly Maddie learns how to survive this new reality. She makes mistakes, endangers her life, finds companionship in a neighbor’s left behind dog – but as a one year, two years, pass, she also has to deal with the loneliness. 

I sat down and read this in one sitting. Written in verse, it is a very quick read and very engrossing. I do have SOOO MANY QUESTIONS, because once you’re finished, there are glaring logic holes, but as I ponder them, I also realize I don’t care. I loved reading the book and that experience is what matters most. I will be using this as a book club book because I want to hear what the kids have to say. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Tune It Out by Jamie Sumner - ADVISABLE

Tune It Out by Jamie Sumner 275 pages. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2020. $18.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Lou lives with her mom, on the road - getting by by singing on street corners or the beach, making enough coins for a bag of chips for dinner, and sleeping in the truck. Lou has a beautiful voice, and her mom has dreams of her becoming a star but, Lou hates singing in front a crowd - the people get too close, and sudden loud sounds or touch throw her into a panic. Once, a teacher mentioned Lou might benefit from testing, but her mom wouldn't here of it and pulled her out of school. But an accident (Lou was driving) sends Lou into the custody of CPS. She is sent to Nashville, to an aunt she barely remembers. Now, enrolled in a private school, her own room, a real bed - even a cell phone, Lou is seeing that those years with her mom weren't normal, but what if she's given the chance to go back? 

This look into a kid with a sensory processing disorder is presented sensitively and realistically. Her interactions with friends at school were balanced by the SPD and the fact that she hadn't attended school for a while. There are several books out just now about neuro-diverse children, Tune it Out will help readers build empathy, and let kids who have a similar life experience see themselves in this story. There's a bunch of music and theater references as well, as Lou joins the drama club.

Lisa Librarian

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu - OPTIONAL

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu, 336 pages. Putnam’s (Penguin), 2020. $19

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Nannerl Mozart wishes she could be remembered forever – not as the reknowned pianist she currently is, but as a composer, whose works would last thorught he ages. But as a girl in 1700’s Europe, under the control of her father, and definitely not a boy, playing is all she is allowed. She and her younger brother Wolfgang have a secret kingdom they have created, the Kingdom of Back. But one day a fairy Prince from the kingdom appears and offers to grant Nannerl the wish of her heart if she will only help him with some trifling tasks. Nannerl may win her wish, but when she understands the cost, it may be too late. 

Lu tries to mix history with fantasy, but the book tries too hard to be true to the history – it covers too many years and gets bogged down in the history and not nearly enough magic. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

My Calamity Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows - HIGH

My Calamity Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows. Narrated by Sophie Amoss. 544 pages. Harper, 2020. $19 

Content: PG (3 swears, some innuendo) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok and Frank Butler are traveling through 1876 America with their Wild West show, entertaining the crowds with their shooting expertise. 16yo Annie, also an excellent shot, and definitely not interested in marriage, leaves home to audition for the show. Wild Bill and the others also hunt garou (Werewolves), but during their latest hunt Jane got bit and now she’s taken off in search of a cure. Annie joins with Bill and Frank to find her, but the truth – of the cure, of Jane’s family, of the Wild West show – is much, much more complicated. 

Following the pattern of the other “Jane” books, Hand, Ashton, and Meadows take a bit of history and add their special twists to all of it. Highly entertaining, very funny. The Jane’s are getting a Mary later this year when they tackle the life of Mary, Queen of Scots – I can’t wait! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

If I Tell You the Truth by Jasmin Kaur - AVERAGE

If I Tell You the Truth by Jasmin Kaur (narrated by the author), 464 pages. HarperCollins, 2021. $18. 

Language: R (10 swears, 15“f”); Mature Content:; Violence: PG (sexual assault mentioned) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: ADVISABLE 

Kiran was supposed to get married, but after her fiancé’s brother sexually assaults her, she hides that secret and leaves to attend college in Canada instead. She knows she’s pregnant and intentionally overstays her visa because there is no support coming from her mother – even after she shares about the assault. Living in constant fear of discovery, working menial jobs, she raises her daughter Sahaara with a tiny support system, hoping that when Sahaara turns 18, she can apply for asylum for her mother. As the time grows closer, however, an even bigger confrontation is looming. 

Because I listened to the audiobook, I didn’t hear this as poetry and didn’t see the illustrations. However, Kiran and Sahaara’s story did not suffer because of that lack. The audiobook clocks in at 10 hours and it was worth every minute. A well-crafted look at rape, family dynamics, immigration laws, and #metoo. The audiobook was provided by The King’s English Bookshop through libro.fm 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

SPOILER:

The last couple of hours of the book all I could keep hearing in my mind was -- paternity test, paternity test.  That's a Question I would really like to ask the author - why no offer for a paternity test?????

Lion of Mars by Jennifer Holm - ADVISABLE

Lion of Mars by Jennifer Holm, narrated by Maxwell Glick. 272 pages. Random House, 2021. $17. 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

11yo Bell has lived his entire life on Mars in the American colony. He knows there are other countries up here, too, but has been warned to stay away because they are dangerous. When something goes very wrong with the adults, however, the kids take matters into their own hands and find out that the others are very kind and also a lot of fun. What big secret from the past still haunts America that the adults still refuse to cooperate? 

The emotional payout at the end is well worth the journey. If kids are approaching this from after having read Stuart Gibbs’ Moon Base Alpha series, however, they will struggle connecting. The audiobook was provided by The King’s English Bookshop through libro.fm 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

D (A Tale of Two Worlds) by Michel Faber - ADVISABLE

D (A Tale of Two Worlds) by Michel Faber, narrated by Isabel Adomakoh Young. 304 pages. Hanover Square Press, 2020. $19 (Amazon) 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Why is the letter D disappearing? 13yo Dhikilo seems to be the only one who notices or cares. Then things that start with D disappear – dentists, dalmatians, etc. Dhikilo will need help from someone special in order to make a trip to the realm controlling the D’s. She will be put to the test and need to help to conquer this odd, crazy world and restore D to her world. 

What a wild, crazy ride! Young’s narration drew me into the world and I was seeing the weird new world stealing the Ds. Fantasy lovers will have a great time with this. The audiobook was provided by The King’s English Bookshop through libro.fm 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Ash House by Angharad Walker - OPTIONAL

The Ash House by Angharad Walker, narrated by Simon Vance. 336 pages. Scholastic, FEB 2021. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G ; Violence: PG (hunted, mauled by dogs) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

The 11yo boy has been dropped off at a place that he is told is his last chance. Given the name Sol (short for Solitude) by Dom (Freedom), he wants to fit in, buts starts by making a major mistake and now the other kids are wary of him. He also finds out that the Headmaster hasn’t been seen for three years. Sol believes he has been brought here for a cure, but when he finally gets the attention of the Doctor, the strangeness of the Ash House takes a menacing, life-threatening turn. 

The potential for a seriously spooky novel exists here, but the ending doesn’t bring the anticipated emotional payout. Small Spaces by Katherine Arden would be a better choice. The audiobook was provided by The King’s English Bookshop through libro.fm 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Color Me In by Natasha Diaz - AVERAGE

Color Me In by Natasha Diaz, 384 pages. Delacorte (Random), 2019. $18 

Language: R (53 swears, 2 “f”); Mature Content: PG ; Violence: PG-13 (implied sexual assault) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

16yo Nevaeh Levitz has lived a loving life with her Black mother and Jewish father – until she doesn’t. Now she and Mom are living in Harlem with her grandparents and Dad has moved in his girlfriend. Life is now more than complicated. Mom has retreated into herself – an almost catatonic state. Her cousins aren’t very welcoming, because Nevaeh passes as white and attends an exclusive private school in the city. Her dad insists that she go through a bat Mitzvah, even though she is years older than the other students. When Nevaeh finds her mother’s journal in the attic, she learns a lot about her history and is determined to connect with her mother and help her over her trauma. 

Diaz touches on so many important issues and weaves them all together with skill. None of them feel shoehorned in or just brushed over. 

Love it. While Nevaeh’s mother story does get a little explicit in one spot, that is a minor part in a very rewarding read. Actually, it is an important part – as it shows how a girl can find herself trapped doing something she definitely doesn’t want to, but does because she feels trapped and without options. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth - ADVISABLE

Treason of Thorns by Laura E. Weymouth, 352 pages. Harper, 2019. $18. 

Content: G (6 swears, 0“f”) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

For seven years, 17yo Violet Sterling has lived in exile from her beloved Burleigh House – waiting for her father, a traitor to the King of England, to die. When that day finally arrives, Burleigh is a wreck – its magic is falling apart, and by extension, the magic that is supposed to hold that part of England together is wreaking havoc throughout the countryside. The king has given Vi only a few days to get Burleigh under control for the next Caretaker. Feeling betrayed, Vi has plan – it may just send her down the same road her father took. Luckily, she has her childhood friend, Wyn, to help. 

The romance takes a backseat to the dramatic interaction between Vi, Burleigh House, and the king. Excellent choice for your readers who love gothic novels like Erin A. Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Every Reason We Shouldn’t by Sara Fujimara - AVERAGE

Every Reason We Shouldn’t by Sara Fujimara, 336 pages. Tor Teen, 2020. $18. 

Language: R (72 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

16yo Olivia has Olympic ice-skating dreams, but right now, after a disaster at her last doubles performance, she is stuck going to regular school and working at her parents’ ice rink instead in Arizona. Then comes Jonah Choi – hottie, for sure, but also a prospective Olympic speed skater, using up a lot of rink time. Olivia doesn’t want to give up her Olympic dreams, but she would need to reinvent herself and save her parents’ failing ice rink from a hostile takeover – and falling in love with Jason Choi is not part of the plan. 

Super cute romance read with enough depth and multi-dimensional side characters to add flavor without distracting. Great in paperback.

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS