Stonewall Book Award—Children's

Halfway to Somewhere by Jose Pimienta (text) & illus. by Jose Pimienta. Random House. Feb. 2025. 256p. Tr $21.99. ISBN 9780593569450.

Gr 5 Up–Moving to Kansas from Mexicali with one’s mother and brother would be hard on anyone, but Ave also has to leave their sister and father behind since their parents have decided to separate. Their brother fits into their new environment effortlessly, but Ave resists the changes and is confused about the altered family dynamic. Trying to navigate a new town where no one speaks their language overwhelms Ave; they miss where they grew up, and their sister is warning them not to assimilate the way their brother seems to be. Is it bad if Ave learns English and makes the best of their situation? Pimienta’s newest graphic novel illustrates the difficulty of moving away from home and how that is compounded when there is a language barrier and parents who are not entirely forthright. Pimienta conscientiously sprinkles in examples of machismo culture and a superiority belief, such as Ave’s sister dismissing Chicanos as not being “real” Mexicans. Pimienta’s hand-drawn landscape art captures the beauty of the Mexicali region, and the Kansas environment blends beautifully with the digital coloring of the bright neighborhood that Ave explores. The simple linear paneling and use of different colored fonts to distinguish between Spanish or English speakers make this an excellent graphic. VERDICT Highly recommended for all libraries that serve readers who may feel confused about their place in the world and how their culture and language can impact that.-Reviewed by Margarete Eilis

Stonewall Book Honors—Children's

Call Me Gray by Andrew Larsen and Bells Larsen (text) & illus. by Tallulah Fontaine. Kids Can Pr. Oct. 2025. 32p. Tr $21.99. ISBN 9781525311352.

The Ink Witch by Steph Cherrywell. Little, Brown. Sept. 2025. 288p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780316585941.
Gr 5-7–Starting with a delicious cackle, Cherrywell’s sophomore novel explores what it means to be a witch. Becca, a trans girl living with her single mom in coastal Washington, helps to run the little motel Mom manages. Their peaceful, yet boring, existence is rocked with the appearance of Mom’s estranged sister Malatrice, a powerful witch who puts Mom under a spell to obtain her signature for nefarious purposes. Becca must now travel with Mom’s tarantula familiar to gather the ingredients to break the spell, meeting mermaids, trolls, and unicorns along the way and leaping into unknown dangers in order to save her small family and new friends. Cherrywell pens a compelling and fast read that will immediately draw in middle grade readers. There is a clear villain, and chapter interludes convey Malatrice’s evil point of view. The action never wanes, and Becca encounters many twists, turns, and challenges on her quest. Themes include embracing who you truly are, discovering inner strength, accepting others who are different, and the true meaning of family. The magic in this world manifests itself through ink produced through the body, an interesting and fresh concept. Becca comes into her own magic alongside the onset of traditional puberty. Humor is infused throughout, so the story never gets too scary or dark. Becca reads as white, yet there is diversity in the minor characters and magical species. VERDICT A fun and fresh take on traditional fantasy and witchcraft; highly recommended.-Reviewed by Kate Nafz

Ollie In Between by Jess Callans. Feiwel & Friends. Apr. 2025. 256p. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781250331342.
 Gr 6 Up–Growing up is hard, but it’s even harder for someone who doesn’t want to bloom. Twelve-year-old Ollie, who is Persian and white, has a health class assignment: write an essay on what becoming a woman means. But Ollie isn’t even sure they want to be a woman, let alone write an essay dissecting their journey towards it. On top of that, all of their friends seem to be growing up without them, and they can’t seem to make enough lists to follow to try and blend in. As Ollie navigates this middle school turbulence, they realize they don’t have to blossom into womanhood; they can just be Ollie, even if that Ollie defies the status quo. Callans’s novel tackles the hard-hitting topics of neurodiversity, gender identity, and the powers of peer pressure. As Ollie constantly grapples with the expectations placed upon them, they have to shed old friends to make space for ones that see them and accept their authentic self. The simple but brilliant way that Ollie internally discusses these topics makes this read accessible to younger readers beginning to question their identities, and it also grips older readers as they reflect on their own definitions of what it means to grow up. VERDICT A vital read that celebrates the power of true authenticity, this is a must-buy for middle school collections.-Reviewed by Ashton Conley

Woods & Words: The Story of Poet Mary Oliver by Sara Holly Ackerman (text) & illus. by Naoko Stoop. Beach Lane. Apr. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781665921855.

Stonewall Book Award—YA

One of the Boys by Victoria Zeller. Levine Querido. May 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781646145027. 

Stonewall Book Honors—YA

Devils Like Us by L.T. Thompson. 384p. (Devils Like Us: Bk. 1). Bloomsbury. Jun. 2025. Tr $20.99. ISBN 9781547615193.
Gr 9 Up–When the Order of Lazarus kidnaps Cas’s best friend Henry, he has no choice but to join forces with Remy and Finn to rescue Henry from the Order, who may have also killed Remy’s father. Years ago, it was Cas’s vision of that grisly death that ended his friendship with Remy, and for years, Remy has been collecting information on the Order with Finn in tow. Now armed with a journal full of information, the trio set out for the heart of the occult conspiracy and on the way, find themselves reaching common ground with a seafaring crew of smugglers. Although the narrative has all the trappings of dark academia, the plot is far more linear with faster pacing than most novels in the genre that is nevertheless balanced out by a plethora of well-rounded characters. The bulk of the complexity comes from the emergent queer identities of the three main characters, whose struggles are relatable without being anachronistic. VERDICT Don’t hesitate to liven up YA collections with this unique and atmospheric, piratical adventure.-Reviewed by Emma Carbone

He’s So Possessed with Me by Corey Liu. Little, Brown. Oct. 2025. 304p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780316571845.
Gr 10 Up–Colin grows up in Canada under the shadow of his single mother’s rejection; she once called him ugly to ward off spirits and later recoiled at his sexuality. Now a high school senior, Colin feels invisible beside his dazzling best friend Ren, whose glittery self-confidence and open queerness win constant attention. The two have been inseparable since childhood, but Ren’s sudden change in personality after a strange encounter in the woods threatens their bond, Colin’s fragile sense of self, and possibly Ren’s life. Part coming-of-age romance, part supernatural horror, this novel blends familiar tropes of hookup culture, anime fandom, and school drama with an escalating possession plot. The text revels in nicknames, social media callouts, and queer cultural references, but also pushes into darker territory: violent bullying, fraught parental relationships, and the lure of an enigmatic spirit that may or may not be protecting Ren. Lines such as parents who “tell you they love you as they ask you to change” cut through the chaos with poignancy. Though Colin’s voice is sometimes overshadowed by Ren’s larger-than-life presence and the demon backstory grows convoluted, the novel vividly captures the longing, jealousy, and desperation of queer teen friendship at the edge of adulthood. Readers drawn to Kelly Loy Gilbert’s Picture Us in the Light will recognize the aching intensity of bonds tested by secrets and change, even as the gothic elements shift the tone toward a Carrie-style spectacle. VERDICT A messy, magnetic exploration of queer identity, desire, and parental rejection that veers into supernatural melodrama. Best for older teens comfortable with dark themes and complex relationships.-Reviewed by Lee Gardner

Hick: The Trailblazing Journalist Who Captured Eleanor Roosevelt’s Heart by Sarah Miller. Random House ­Studio. May 2025. 384p. Tr $20.99. ISBN 9780593649091.
 Gr 9 Up–Few biographies achieve the balance of rigorous research and emotional resonance as well as this recounting of the extraordinary life journey of Lorena “Hick” Hickok. Hick’s early life was defined by poverty and severe physical and emotional abuse. Forced to fend for herself at a young age, she worked as a servant while educating herself and defying societal expectations that deemed her fit only for manual labor. Through sheer perseverance and a keen eye for observation, Hick became a celebrated journalist and one of the Associated Press’s top reporters, giving her the opportunity to interview the wife of then presidential candidate Franklin Roosevelt, a life-changing event for both women. Miller’s writing is exceptional, seamlessly integrating primary sources, including Hick’s often-daily correspondence with Eleanor Roosevelt, in a compelling narrative flow. The book’s greatest strength lies in its emotional depth. Miller plunges readers into Hick’s world, from the thrill of her career successes to the heartbreaks she endured. The coverage of her role during the Great Depression, where she traveled the country documenting the struggles of everyday Americans, is especially powerful. Her journalistic instincts and unwavering dedication to the truth made a tangible impact on governmental policymakers and the nation’s understanding of economic hardships. Readers will feel as if they truly know Hick and her passion for storytelling, love of animals, delight in her cars, and, most notably, her deep affection for Eleanor Roosevelt. VERDICT This immersive, engaging, and deeply emotional portrait of an unconventional woman is a must-read for enthusiasts of women’s history, journalism, and LGBTQIA+ biographies.-Reviewed by Lynne Stover 

Sometimes the Girl by Jennifer Mason-Black. Lerner. May 2025. 304p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781728493299.