The children's literature world was shocked by the unexpected death of author Kathleen Krull, who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Also in this edition of News Bites, Ibram X. Kendi makes a deal with Netflix; opportunities for funding; and more.
Recommended for libraries where animal and fact books are popular.
Recommended for libraries where the publisher’s books or animal titles are popular.
More entertaining than the usual offerings about states, these titles should circulate well in elementary school and public libraries.
Good for browsing and stimulating discussion between young readers and adults. However, to develop a firm understanding of STEM-related words, children need more information and many opportunities to use these words purposefully.
Flash Facts is a new collection of short comics about science and technology featuring DC superheroes. Here's an exclusive preview of "Home Sweet Space" with Supergirl, written by Cecil Castellucci.
Many readers will yearn for more from this debut writer. Educators will find the text to be useful in teaching antiracist curricula, and teens will see a lens that mirrors their experiences or gain knowledge of a compelling perspective.
These engaging picture book biographies spotlight two influential Black female tennis players: Althea Gibson and Serena Williams.
A fascinating look behind the scenes of real-life espionage. Recommended for high school and public libraries.
Recommended for all middle grade and YA collections.
A high-quality introduction to a topic not often covered in books for middle graders.
A great addition to any classroom and school library as a reference source. Give it to all the English teachers you know.
Recommended where biographies of contemporary musicians are popular.
A striking collection of voices, who examine and celebrate the experience of Black women from the past and present. An excellent introduction to Black women writers who were ignored by history.
A solid starting point of inspiration for school libraries looking to build a self-help section.
An in-depth, scientific approach to explain the disastrous 2011 Tohoku earthquake, deadly tsunami, and tragic nuclear meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan.
A must-have puberty survival guidebook for tweens and teens, this is a perfect choice for collections in need of health titles that use gender-inclusive language.
This title highlights the “A” in STEAM and is sufficiently meaty in its scientific presentation. The sample origami projects also make this title a great resource to bridge science and origami in the home and classroom.
A nice addition to school collections where geography and human movement are studied.
A perfect example of excellent narrative nonfiction and a must-have for any middle school library. This work will stand solidly beside books by James Swanson and Steve Sheinkin.
A welcome addition to animal study units, for read-alouds, and for enjoyment and learning. Truly a winner.
A timely work that makes use of bright pages and accessible tips to engage students and motivate them to enact change in their communities. Recommended.
A well-written, must-have collection of poems.
This work examines timely, important topics and is a worthy consideration for library collections.
A solid choice for developing public health collections for the very young.
This volume could serve as a discussion starter to introduce children to activists who fought for transgender rights.
An ode to the art of letter writing and to the importance of giving thanks. A fantastic supplement to lesson plans that teach kindness and empathy.
An excellent introductory guide to amphibians; recommended for Spanish nonfiction collections for children.
A highly topical book that may offer families a starting point for discussing COVID-19 with young children.
An outstanding choice for instructional use and enjoyable reading.
A must-have for all schools and libraries that wish to maintain a current and vibrant poetry collection for young people.
This quiet celebration would be a pleasure to read aloud to a small group.
This sparkling picture book will inspire readers to persist in the fight for their dreams and for a better world.
This book contains numerous interesting biographical and technological facts, which results in an engaging, fast-paced narrative that will delight readers of history and space technology. A worthy addition to all libraries serving teens.
This middle grade biography captures the ambition and perseverance of Jemison and would be a welcome resource for any library.
The romantic and anthropomorphic aspects of the story and explanations will appeal to some adult readers, and some parents and teachers may find this useful for introductory discussions of genetics, diversity, or evolution with children.
A humorous approach to planetary facts for the elementary grades.
Purchase for libraries that need to update a science collection.
A great purchase for school and public libraries that highlights how children can effect change.
An inspirational read-aloud for all collections.
For libraries that have an established mindfulness initiative.
A worthy addition to any biography collection, as Williams’s story showcases a phenomenal testament to never giving up and working hard toward a goal.
A compelling picture book that introduces the history of segregation and its impact in the U. S. to young readers.
A rich, well-designed offering with multiple uses for teachers and students. A standout among the many books about honeybees.
A great purchase for libraries where art and short stories are popular and more diverse voices about incarceration and incarcerated family members are needed.
A recommended resource to jump-start difficult conversations.
A recommended addition to libraries serving high school and college students looking to provide resources about sexual safety.
These inspiring stories spotlight compelling role models for young girls. A great companion to the authors’ The Confidence Code for Girls.
A well-researched, detailed account of a part of World War II that remains unknown to many today. For those who enjoyed The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartoletti.
A heart-pounding adventure that will pull in any reader who is looking to live life to its fullest. A beautiful, unique addition to most nonfiction sports collections.
A beautiful and thorough addition to every biography section.
On December 29, 1890, the United States Army killed 146 Sioux at Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. Frank Waln, an award-winning Lakota music artist from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, discusses the 130th anniversary of the massacre and Native representation in the U.S. education system.
A recommended purchase for public and school libraries for its ability to make the history of space exploration accessible to young readers.
A helpful resource for teen nonfiction collections, both in regards to the quality of information and the timely subject matter.
A nuanced, inspiring research tool that will empower readers to utilize the power that young people have to create change and promote social justice.
This title will appeal to young readers who want to further their interest in music or the civil rights era. A worthwhile purchase.
This timely offering for middle grade readers holds strong appeal for children and adults.
Although these nonfiction picture book titles implement different design approaches, both will fascinate young readers.
Readers who grew up steeped in the “Magic Kingdom” version of the legend may be in for a rethink.
Real talk about relationships and sex.
Libraries will want this title, which celebrates a significant historical figure.
This detailed overview would be an excellent choice for collections that are looking for additional titles about birds.
A compelling story and a fine addition to STEM studies.
An inspiring life story and worthwhile addition for any library looking to enhance its collection of STEAM titles or biographies of noteworthy women from the Middle East.
Teachers and educators looking for unique material to explain plant science might want to give this title a try.
Recommended for public and school library collections.
Onwuachi candidly declares how the weight of the trials he experienced impacted his story and fortified his culinary dreams, with an intensive reflection of family roots, aspirations, and expectations.
Soccer fans will love gaining insight about their favorite players and engaging in the math-centered activities, making this a great purchase for all libraries.
Purchase for nonfiction collections.
This title is a bonanza for upper-elementary or middle school independent reading, especially for students with an interest in the sciences.
A straightforward picture book biography that missed the opportunity to elevate the narrative. Not recommended.
This chapter book biography provides compelling insight into the life of inventor Lewis Latimer and his scientific contributions. A recommended purchase for most school and public libraries.
Some readers may find this book a little dry, but Letts ultimately crafts a well-written and touching story of a man, his horse, and all they managed to accomplish together.
This guide, with its frank and upbeat style, will be a welcome companion for those on the cusp of puberty and help them realize that they are not alone.
This highly enjoyable and relatable book belongs in most middle, high school, and public library collections.
Full of pictures and the unique voices of teenage girls in a variety of situations and cultures, this book provides a snapshot of teens’ lives around the world.
A nice biography of a trailblazer who broke a glass ceiling in aviation for women, and for people of color.
Libraries should purchase if they have a niche to fill.
Although the lack of source notes and suggestions for further reading are disappointing, this work is ambitious in scope, full of interesting tidbits, and presents a balanced and diverse view of ecological and human history
A must-share snapshot of history that invites young readers to consider what they will hold on to when they face difficult times.
This title is a terrific example of poetry and the wonder of the natural world. Although the collection only covers the polar regions, it could be used in the classroom to write poetry, draw, and learn facts about different biomes.
A yummy cookbook that will inspire many fond memories for young cooks and their families. Recommended for libraries who do not already possess previous books in the author’s “Little Chef” series, as much of this cookbook’s content has been recycled from those works.
Recommended for all libraries. This illustrated title is a fascinating overview of animals that are the last or almost the last of their kind within the context of evolution and extinction.
While the written text could do much more to support the reader’s understanding of infographics and how to interpret them, the infographics themselves are interesting to study and contemplate. A teacher, librarian, or parent could help children examine, analyze, and use this information.
A motivating picture book biography that will inspire Latinx children to pursue their dreams by working hard and overcoming challenges.
A good purchase for elementary school collections, especially patrons who love owls, for the vibrant illustrations and engaging text.
The illustrations will appeal to children, but the story will be appreciated more by adults familiar with Hepburn’s Hollywood career, style, and humanitarian work. Purchase where informational picture books are popular.
A compelling personal account from a remarkable woman and her family.
An excellent tool for most primary grade social studies curricula, and also for young nonfiction fans reading at home.
An engaging addition to any “How To” section. This book could be an exciting resource for students and teachers.
An eye-catching addition to school and public library art sections.
A pleasant, light offering that will fit nicely into a juvenile nonfiction picture book section.
A raw and complex free verse exploration of self-love, Blackness, womanhood, and healing. A timely, essential purchase for all young adult collections.
This will be a popular title among readers who are eager to learn more about the professional esports industry.
In these troubled times, this title could help middle-schoolers identify and stop hate.
A moving memoir of a true American heroine. Highly recommended for junior high and high school nonfiction collections, and will especially appeal to those with a passion for social justice.
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