Jasmine Amiri, Graphic Novel and Nonfiction Reviews Editor

“It’s what we refuse to give up that makes us who we are...”

—I Wanna Be Your Girl, Umi Takase

Shelley Diaz, Reviews Director

“Young people hold the future of the world in their hands. I hope that by reading my story, I have kindled in you, the reader, a desire to be actively involved in creating a kinder society. I have always felt that my life is a gift that I cannot waste. So is yours.”

—Tova Friedman, The Daughter of Auschwitz

Kimberly Olson Fakih, Executive Editor, Reviews

The Endless Sea by Chi Thai, illustrated by Linh Dao “Every day felt like it could be our last.”

Our Lake by Angie Kang, illustrated by Angie Kang “Today, Brother is taking me up to swim in the lake like Father used to.”

Florence Simmons, YA Reviews Editor

"Give a drink of water to all who ask, whether they be plant, creature,
human or spirit;
May you always have clean, fresh water.

Feed your neighbors. Give kind words and assistance to all you meet along the way--
We are all related in this place--
May you be surrounded with the helpfulness of family and good friends.

Grieve with the grieving, share joy with the joyful.
May you build a strong path with beautiful and truthful language.

Clean your room.
May you always have a home: a refuge from storm, a gathering place for comfort.

Bury what needs to be buried. Uncover the dreams of truthful warriors.

Do not harbor hurt. Laugh easily at yourself; grow kindness with others.
May you always travel lightly and well.

Praise and give thanks for each small and large thing.
Review each act and thought.
May you grow in knowledge, in compassion, in beauty."

― Joy Harjo, For a Girl Becoming

Ashleigh Williams, Associate Reviews Editor, Middle Grade and Transitional Books

“When I was little, Maxine taught me my colors. That the three primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. That all the other colors are made from mixing them in different ways. She taught me that brown and black are made from mixing all three. I like being all the colors. I like it.”

―Radiant, Vanda Micheaux Nelson