Best Of

This ambitious themed anthology traces the evolution of poetry from the Middle Ages to the present day by selecting 50 pieces from around the world written about single objects—a cat, street lanterns, manhole covers—or natural occurrences—clouds, snowflakes, a rose. The sweeping disparate selections are unified and vivified by Raschka’s dazzling watercolor interpretations. A poetic stroll through time.

Set in 1937 Texas and focusing on the events leading up to and immediately following the New London School explosion—the deadliest school disaster in American history—this melancholic novel tells the ill-fated love story of Mexican American Naomi and African American Wash. Pérez’s honest prose lyrically explores racism and sexism while giving voice to those who have been marginalized within American history. A compelling tearjerker.

Following the lives of Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton from childhood to the duel that left Hamilton dead, Brown lays out the similarities and differences between the two men. Through muted yet expressive watercolors, spare yet elegant text, and a clever design that visually compares and contrasts the pair, Brown humanizes two Founding Fathers and illuminates a seemingly senseless act of violence.

There’s plenty that 16-year-old Aaron Soto would like to forget, including life in the poverty-ridden Bronx projects, his father’s suicide, and his own attempt to carve a smile into his wrist, but he only seriously considers a cutting-edge “memory-relief procedure” when his all-consuming friendship with Thomas turns into unrequited love. Characters with straight-up street cred, a heart-searing narrative, and a must-reread resolution provide an unforgettable look at gender identity and coming-of-age issues.

A rambunctious shape-shifter is in search of a supervillain to assist, and the brilliant Lord Ballister Blackheart fits the bill. As they plan to take down Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics, their not-all-that-nefarious intentions go awry and Nimona’s powers get out of control, endangering the entire kingdom. An ode to girl power, friendship, and teamwork, this vibrant full-color work, filled with witty dialogue and touching moments, charms and delights.

The elegant Dr. Mesmer and his mysterious force—said to alter minds and cure illnesses—had Paris entranced in 1776, until Ben Franklin, visiting France to seek support for America’s revolutionaries, stepped in with his no-nonsense attitude and scientific method to unmask un charlatan. Playful narrative and witty artwork provide an elucidating glimpse at history.

With bursts of rhythm and flashes of color, the spirit and genius of bebop artists Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie are captured in a tribute to their classic rendition of “Salt Peanuts.” Author and illustrator offer a virtuoso performance, mirroring that of the performers as text and images skit-scat and swirl between the artists, through a jazz club, and across the pages of this concertina. Dazzling.

Motivated by unnerving events in her Bed-Stuy neighborhood, including a weeping mural and creepy street-shuffling corpses, Sierra Santiago begins to unravel a nightmarish mystery that brings to light secrets about her Puerto Rican family’s heritage and ultimately releases the magic hidden within her soul. A comfortable-in-her-own-skin heroine, magnetic portrayals of a multicultural cast, and scintillating suspense make for a knockout thriller.