Reviews+

Malcolm X’s daughter collaborates with acclaimed young adult author Magoon to craft this historical novel about the civil rights leader’s formative years. From Malcolm Little’s impoverished childhood in Michigan to his downward spiral into a life of excess and crime in New York City, the work chronicles how a troubled young man found his true self and changed the world.

Information fuses with imagination as two siblings experience the wondrous ways that water changes form, from cool summertime quaff to autumn fog, fast-skating winter ice, and springtime snowmelt. Readers will relish poring over the effervescent rhymes and winsome action-filled paintings as they soak up the science.

A thought-provoking look at our culture’s obsession with beauty. With echoes of the Persephone myth, this magical realism tale centers on Finn’s search for the missing Roza, his older brother’s love and the town sweetheart. Alternating chapters from his and her points of view reveal the sinister and otherworldly nature of Roza’s abductor. Ruby’s lush language, intricate plotting, and impeccable sentence-level writing make this a winning title for sophisticated teen readers.

Black teen Rashad is assaulted by a white police officer. White classmate Quinn, who was practically raised by the police officer, witnessed it. When a video of the brutal event surfaces, the school, city, and country explode with protests and outrage, and the two protagonists must examine who they are and what they believe. Told in alternating chapters, this timely YA novel presents a stirring account of two young men coming to grips with the racism that pervades this country and the steps they must take to turn the centuries-long tide.

A psychedelic collection of animal-themed poems by Lewis Carroll, William Blake, Christina Rossetti, and more. Yoon’s vibrant Pantone illustrations transport readers through a menagerie of fanciful creatures. For added fun, four of the 16 poems are presented on spreads that fold out, adding to the whimsy and playfulness of this imaginative romp.

Tim Wadham, SLJ’s Libro por libro columnist, along with the members the Top 10 Latin@ Books committee, select superlative titles about the Latin@ experience.

High school baseball star Braden is the only witness to the car accident that killed a police officer. His father, a Christian radio personality, was behind the wheel. When his prodigal older brother returns, Braden’s convictions about his father, their family’s past, and his faith in God waver. Alternating between the present and past, with baseball metaphors sprinkled throughout, this poignant debut shines with the hope of truth and forgiveness.

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.