2016 Children and Teens Department Favorites 1

PICTURE BOOKS

A bucolic farm transforms into a lively construction site in Old MacDonald Had a Truck (Chronicle, $16.99), author Steve Goetz’s playful take on the traditional children’s song. The book jubilantly introduces young building aficionados to excavators, bulldozers, and graders, pairing machinery with lively language that invites children to participate in the telling. As Old MacDonald directs the construction, Mrs. MacDonald labors on a separate project: transforming an old farm pickup into a gleaming monster truck. Perfectly accompanied by Eda Kaban’s exuberant illustrations, this celebration of all things construction is sure to inspire young engineers! Ages 2-5. Amy Dickinson

King Jack and the Dragon (2011) introduced us to the charming young Jack and his comrades. Now they are back for a second adventure, this time as Captain Jack and the Pirates (Dial, $17.99). “Jack, Zack and Caspar, brave mariners three, were building a galleon down by the sea”: Thus starts the fanciful, rhyming story that begs to be read out loud to young ones. Join the three young buccaneers on their imaginative voyage, which includes cannons, enemy pirates, and—of course— treasure. Renowned children’s illustrator Helen Oxenbury delights with her trademark watercolors that harmonize beautifully with Peter Bently’s lively text. Ages 3-6. Kerri Poore

As the night sky darkens, a cage door opens and a curious monkey emerges to explore The Opposite Zoo (Knopf, $16.99). The monkey sees a wide-awake owl and a sleeping panda, black seals and white swans, a slow sloth and a fast cheetah, and more. When the sun brightens the sky, the monkey’s door closes just in time for the zoo to open. Il Sung Na’s simple language and energetic, textured illustrations provide charming descriptions of an abundance of lovable animals as they jaunt across each double-page spread of this vivacious book. Ages 3-6. Maria Salvadore 2 A trip to the

Playground PICTURE BOOKS (Lemniscaat USA, $17.95) usually entails a quick ride in the car or walk through the neighborhood. The two children in Dutch author/ Follow the mischievous Skunk on a String illustrator Mies Van Hout’s new (Owl Kids, $16.95) through the pages of picture book, however, take a different Thao Lam’s delightful wordless picture route. In each two-page spread, the book. Somehow, though we’re never sure friends travel through increasingly why, skunk is stuck to a floating balloon in fantastical landscapes, accumulating a small parade of children and elaborate new companions along the way. Van balloons. See the shocked and worried Hout contrasts bright, colorful splashes faces of apartment dwellers as he floats of watercolors with small, detailed right by, perhaps odiferously. He passes characters in her depictions of the through the zoo, surprising all of the buddies’ journey through imaginary animals and latching on, briefly, to an forests, over mountains, and into elephant’s trunk. The bright and cheerful a creepy cave. At their mundane illustrations will keep you eagerly turning destination, the sedate black-and-white the pages until the surprising end. Ages swing set, the gang has second thoughts: 3-6. Kerri Poore maybe the journey is the destination after all! Ages 3-6. Renée Bosco

Toddler Henry runs, wriggles, So you think you swings, and jumps know the story through his day. about the little His grandma girl in a red cape plays him songs who visits her on the piano, grandmother? Well, his sister tickles you haven’t met his toes, his dad tosses him into the this Little Red air. But Henry Wants More! (Random (Peachtree, $16.95)! Bethan Woollvin House, $17.99) in Linda Ashman’s joyful presents a plucky girl who is not afraid portrait of a biracial, multigenerational of the wolf she meets on her journey to family struggling to keep pace with Grandma’s house, not even when she their toddler’s boundless energy. The finds him badly disguised in Grandma’s rhyming text makes for a rollicking bed. Astute children will recognize the read-aloud, and young readers will sly humor in this cunning retelling. The delight in contributing Henry’s refrain of repeated reminder that this girl is different “MORE!” Brooke Boynton Hughes’s soft, is enhanced by illustrations with bold pastel illustrations emphasize the loving lines in black and gray on white pages undertone of the book, and the family punctuated, of course, by equally bold members’ expressions, particularly as they and brash red. Ages 3-6. Maria Salvadore tuck Henry in for the night, make evident their adoration in this charming tale. Ages 3-6. Amy Dickinson 3 Have a Look, Says Grimloch Lane is a Book (Atheneum, dull sort of place, $17.99) to a one where people young girl and don’t look up to her father. Thus greet each other begins their as they pass. Then, journey inside one day, a young the pages of a orphan named book filled with William wakes up everyday and to see that a tree not-so-everyday wonders. The book’s outside has been images— a fleecy flock, a crumbly trimmed into a stunning owl topiary. cake—invite the girl to experience them For many mornings thereafter, the with “a look, a listen, and a touch as inhabitants of Grimloch Lane discover such.” Kevin Hawkes’s vivid illustrations a new transformation in their greenery. highlight the tactile qualities of the As neighbors gather around these living PICTURE BOOKS two-dimensional images, even stylizing sculptures and become a bonded particular adjectives to mirror their community, William makes a lucky meanings. Readers can almost feel the discovery and helps The Night Gardener smoothness of “silky” and the itchiness (Simon & Schuster, $17.99) create his of “scratchy.” Richard Jackson’s simple biggest surprise yet. Terry and Eric Fan yet inventive text is laden with creative have created a subtle masterpiece; descriptors that children will take joy in their graphite, pen, ink, and watercolor saying aloud. From its opening to its quiet illustrations, which slowly transition from close, Have a Look, Says Book honors the sepia tone to full color as Grimloch Lane pleasure and magic of reading. Ages comes alive, are a testament to the 3-6. Amy Dickinson power of art to create joy and change lives. Ages 4-6. Janet Minichiello

Penguin isn’t feeling particularly Hervé Tullet has happy. He’s in a done it again. bit of a foul mood Famous for Press on his walk home, Here (2011), the and “he [doesn’t] French illustrator know why and he brings child [doesn’t] care.” and adult into Upon his arrival, he removes his rain his books and boots, his socks, and even his Grumpy makes them Pants (Albert Whitman, $16.99), hoping active participants. This time, he says to cast off his surliness as well. But alas, Let’s Play! (Chronicle, $15.99) in his latest it is to no avail, and he is still cranky. book-as-game adventure. This witty title However, Penguin knows that sometimes includes Tullet’s simple yet evocative you just have to hope that tomorrow will blue, yellow, and red dots, along with be a better day and find comfort in the dark lines and corners as well as brighter little things around you. Debut author/ obstacles. And now the yellow dot, illustrator Claire Messer finds the perfect the protagonist, has a personality! Try artistic combination of somber blues and this book, be entertained, and draw grays with bright additions to perfectly your young ones away from their complement Penguin’s mood. Ages 3-6. screens. Ages 4-7. Kerri Poore Kasie Griffitts

4 See Spot look. See PICTURE BOOKS Spot climb. See Spot run. While this may sound familiar, Henry Cole tells the story of a cat A white, abandoned egg lies in the exploring the city around him with nary path of Babak the Beetle (NorthSouth, a word. Upon seeing a bird outside, Spot $17.95) as he rolls his dung ball acts upon a whim and climbs out the home. Worried that the egg requires window to give chase. Finding himself care, he alters his journey in order to separated from his young human, Spot find the egg’s parents. As he travels begins a journey of discovery while over varied terrains, he receives lots of the boy who loves him tries to bring advice. Finally, he comes to a grassy him home. Exquisite black-and-white area, where there are similar eggs whose illustrations accented with a light blue parents are hitting them with long sticks, sky combine this wordless narrative with sending them far away and into little a seek-and-find element as readers are holes! Originally published in France, invited to “spot” the elusive Spot, the Cat Fred Paronuzzi’s story (translated by (Little Simon, $17.99) on every page. Ages Elie Brangbour) begs to be read aloud, 4-7. Janet Minichiello while Andrée Prigent’s droll, graphic art complements this story of good intentions. Ages 4-7. Mary Alice Garber

If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, follow Tina, a curious cow with a thirst for discovery, as she ventures The only thing possibly more entertaining beyond the farm than a classic book of fairy tales is an and into the irreverent book of fairy tales told with a woods. If you think, like Tina’s three sisters, certain amount of sass and flippancy.A that her ideas are impossible, ridiculous Handful of Beans (Atheneum, $17.99) is a nonsense, you won’t for long. Gemma reprint of an edition by Jeanne Steig and Merino’s whimsical illustrations couple William Steig, originally published nearly with her imaginative story to capture twenty years ago and definitely worth the Tina’s individuality and self-assurance second look. Rumpelstiltskin was never so from the very first page, where we meet cleverly cantankerous, nor the Big Bad Tina gazing through her telescope at the Wolf quite so suave and slick! Each of moon and the Milky Way, to the very the six tales is accompanied by several last, where she’s piloting a rocket ship of William Steig’s recognizable quirky into space. The Cow Who Climbed a Tree illustrations. This witty collection is sure to (Albert Whitman, $16.99): is that possible? crack up even the most stoic of readers. Absolutely! Ages 4-7. Donna Wells Ages 4-8. Renée Bosco 5 Gordon and Tapir (NorthSouth, $18.95) are the most recent odd couple to star in a picture book. Gordon, a fastidious penguin, loves order and calm, while Tapir (a tapir) is As the daughter of Harry Hopkins, perfectly content with the hodgepodge President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s chief of his existence. Through spare text and advisor, ten-year-old Diana finds herself a series of wordless, pencil illustrations, living in the White House in the thick of Sebastian Meschenmoser conveys the World War II. A creative and spunky child, many emotions of this unlikely pair as Diana is determined to contribute to the PICTURE BOOKS they settle their differences. Short-listed war effort. She finally gets her opportunity for the German Children’s Book of the when FDR calls on Americans to grow Year Award and translated into English their own food. Based on a true story, by David Henry Wilson, this comical, Diana’s White House Garden (Viking, heartfelt story requires a careful eye $17.99) celebrates the spirit of American to predict the final outcome and will ingenuity, resiliency, and patriotism. prompt lots of discussion. Ages 4-8. Mary Elisa Carbone’s lively and humorous text Alice Garber pairs with Jen Hill’s delightful illustrations to create an accessible and inspiring portrait of the times. Ages 5-8. Amy Sands

It’s1961 in Clarkesville, Tennessee, and hometown hero Wilma Rudolph is coming to town for a Puns and wordplay are combined big parade. with amazingly textured mixed Wilma may media illustrations to inform us— quite be the fastest imaginatively—that There Is a Tribe of woman in the Kids (Roaring Brook, $18.99). Of course, world, but Alta is The Quickest Kid in this particular tribe is comprised of baby Clarkesville (Chronicle, $16.99) despite mountain goats… and one human child. her tattered, holey shoes. There is a new Other books have been published about girl in town, however, and Charmaine’s groupings of animals and the collective shoes are new and perfect. The girls race nouns used to describe them, but this each other, but there is no clear winner. one has Lane Smith’s gift for blending wit, Despite the tension between them, they whimsy, and wonder. He uses all of those come together when it counts to honor traits to craft a tale about childhood their hero in Pat Zietlow Miller’s girl- adventure, the beauty of language, and power celebration of competition and the gift of belonging that is both clever friendship. Whimsical illustrations by Frank and heartfelt. Ages 5-8. Marc Villa Morrison complete the atmosphere. Ages 5-8. Courtney Burtraw 6 Thunder Boy Jr. What do The White (Little, Brown, Cat and the Monk PICTURE BOOKS $17.99), or (Groundwood, $18.95) Little Thunder, have in common? is his father’s Each seeks something: namesake. Big the cat pursues a Thunder is the mouse; the monk, best dad a boy meaning. Today’s could ask for… readers can still relate but why can’t to this ninth-century Little Thunder have a name of his own? poem by an Irish Benedictine monk who The younger Thunder oh-so-subtly throws paused in his studies to compare himself out suggestions of names that better to his beloved pet. Author Jo Ellen Bogart reflect his personality: Drums, Drums, was inspired by a number of translations and More Drums, perhaps? It turns out, to create this version, illustrated by however, that Dad has a suggestion of Sydney Smith in muted watercolor and his own—one that perfectly captures ink drawings. The book begins wordlessly: their relationship as well as Little Thunder’s Pangur, the white cat, approaches an own identity. National Book Award winner abbey, jumps through a window, and Sherman Alexie’s first picture book is pads quietly up and down its stairs until full of warmth and humor, which Yuyi he comes to a door spilling light into the Morales translates into visual form with her hallway. The simplicity of the poem belies joyful mixed-media illustrations. Ages 5-9. its deeper meaning as cat and monk Janet Minichiello experience the joy of discovery. Ages 5-9. Heidi Powell with Xander Marriott

B is for more than just bear in this season’s wealth of refreshingly unique alphabet books. Kay Vincent’s Animal Alphabet (Button, $14.99) matches clever adjectives with different animals for an alliterative alphabet accompanied by charming retro illustrations. In Oops, Pounce, Quick, Run! (Balzer + Bray, $17.99), Mike Twohy manages to create an abecedarian narrative in just over 26 words, roughly one to a page. It’s a concise, energetic, zany dog-and-mouse caper! Though Maria Carluccio takes the more traditional route of 26 letter-noun pairs, her thematic book D Is for Dress-Up (Chronicle, $15.99) treads stylishly fresh ground, perfect for aspiring designers. Jeanne and William Steig, meanwhile, show that alphabet books aren’t just for younger children: their delightful Alpha Beta Chowder (Atheneum, $17.99) will have elementary readers howling. The verses feature colorful characters and phrases that are too much fun not to recite aloud. Lastly, who can put down Daytime Visions (Enchanted Lion, $17.95)? The gloriously ambiguous alphabet book from Isol combines clever phrases with intriguing imagery, allowing readers to interpret and reinterpret thousands of scenarios. Alphabet books have never been so magical. Ages 2-10 (ages vary by book). Amy Dickinson 7

EARLY READERS

Kevin McCloskey’s latest graphic novel for early readers begins with two strangers sitting on a bench. When a pair of pigeons gets a little too close, the man exclaims that he hates these “rats with wings.” Suddenly, a group of people dressed in mascot-like pigeon How do penguins know when it’s suits descends upon him to give him The springtime? “When everything melts,” of Real Poop on Pigeons! (Toon, $12.95). course! And do penguins prefer baths to These oft-maligned birds are actually showers? With A Goofy Guide to Penguins rather fascinating and helpful creatures: (Toon, $12.95), readers will giggle over silly they delivered airmail before planes “truths” and discover fascinating details existed; they belong to the same in each image. With two-panel pages, family as the dodo bird; and they even author Jean-Luc Coudray and illustrator make milk in their crops in order to Phillippe Coudray create the perfect feed their young. This lighthearted ode balance of absurdity and delight. This will have you thinking about our avian charming book is perfect for any jokester neighbors in a whole new way. Ages 5-7. in your life. Ages 4-7. Kasie Griffitts Janet Minichiello 8 Inspired by the Japanese art of kamishibai, or “paper theater,” James EARLY READERS Sturm’s wordless story is meant to be the inspiration for a performance. A boy and girl are cruelly teasing animals in a forest when a frightened bird takes flight. The children give chase up a mountainside and find themselves confronted with a mystical man who has feathers emerging from his clothing. With a flash like lightning, the children are transformed— into monkeys. Eventually captured by humans and put into a carnival show, they receive some of the cruel treatment they had earlier perpetrated themselves. What happens In keeping with kamishibai tradition, when a tapir Birdsong (Toon, $12.95) contains a lesson from the for young readers to discover as they turn Malaysian jungle the pages. Ages 5-8. Janet Minichiello accidentally lands in the big city? The A cry for help unexpected! interrupts what begins Mango Allsorts, as a peaceful summer a multi-talented day and sends the young girl, Lighthouse Family into rescues the action to rescue The frightened creature from the black- Otter (Beach Lane, and-white striped crosswalk where he’s $15.99) they find camouflaged himself. Although the trapped in a sailor’s terrified crowd thinks he’s a mutant sewer net. Quick thinking pig, Mango takes him home for banana and teamwork are the keys to success, pancakes with syrup and whipped but not before an anxious moment as cream. And so begin the adventures daylight fades and the sea darkens. of Mango & Bambang, the Not-a-Pig Cynthia Rylant highlights everyone’s (Candlewick, $14.99). Polly Faber’s individual talents without losing the delightful story of an unusual friendship focus on teamwork, including messages is humorous and touching, while Clara of friendship and gratitude. Preston Vulliamy’s expressive black-and-white- McDaniels’s illustrations set the stage at and-purple illustrations perfectly capture the beginning of each chapter in this each funny and surprising moment. This is delightful adventure story for younger not your typical tapir-in-the-big-city trope. readers, the sixth book in the Lighthouse Ages 6-9. Heidi Powell Family series. Ages 5-9. Donna Wells

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ELEMENTARY FICTION

A testament to a child’s ability to find When brothers Tucker and Hudson are joy and enchantment even in the given scarves and umbrellas from a midst of grief, When Mischief Came to neighbor’s yard sale, their sleepy final Town (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $16.99) day of summer morphs into a thrilling is a modern-day classic. Ten-year-old adventure as they discover that the Inge, recently orphaned, goes to live secondhand items possess superpowers. with her grandmother in a tiny island Tuck convinces Hudson to seize the village far from her Copenhagen home. day and, with the help of a surfer-lingo- Grandmother Dizzy, alas, is a strict and speaking squirrel and a time-traveling stoic rule-enforcer; Inge has a dear heart, trunk, they battle cat burglars, aid but her hands and emotions continue to medieval villagers, train with a dragon, cause her mischief. Maybe, though—just and confront a nemesis corrupted by maybe—mischief is exactly what this the temptation of power. Brothers Unite village needs. Katrina Nannestad has (Dial, $10.99), the first in the Secondhand woven a touching tale of what happens Heroes graphic novel trilogy by Justin when we open our hearts to those LaRocca Hansen, will appeal to anyone around us. Ages 8-11. Heather Wilson who daydreams about doing heroic deeds. Ages 8-12. Amy Dickinson 10 Raymie Clarke just Coretta Scott King

wants her father to Honor author G. ELEMENTARY FICTION come back home. Neri has spun a Luckily, she has Southern tale the perfect plan about Truman to accomplish her Capote and goal: win the Little Harper Lee’s Miss Central Florida childhood Tire pageant and friendship in get her picture in Depression-era the paper. First, Alabama. Tru & however, she must Nelle (Houghton learn how to twirl a baton and do some Mifflin Harcourt, “good deeds” to list on the application. $16.99) are eccentric in their own ways, Desperately trying to make sense of a but are drawn to each other by their confusing world, Raymie seeks comfort shared love of a good story. Both children and answers in any way that she can. become enamored with Sherlock Alongside her outlandish companions Holmes mysteries and strive to find their Louisiana and Beverly, Raymie learns own mystery in their small town. The some hard truths and discovers the concluding author’s note provides a brief power of friendship. Beloved author but enlightening biography of Tru and Kate DiCamillo creates yet another Nelle’s lifelong relationship. Neri’s story memorable story with characters full of is a charming and entertaining tale that heart in Raymie Nightingale (Candlewick, also gives a glimpse into the lives of two $16.99). Ages 9-12. Kasie Griffitts beloved American authors. Ages 9-12. Kerri Poore

Recipe for a tantalizing read: The past is never combine clever really gone, rhinoceros although it may be beetles, a missing hidden— especially scientist, brainless from young people. hoarders, a When Déja Barnes greedy fashion begins the fifth maven, and a grade in her new trio of clever Brooklyn school, she young sleuths begins a journey capable of fantastical heroic rescues. of discovery and Debut author M. G. Leonard’s smartly friendship. Déja’s written concoction, reminiscent of authentic voice reveals how she classics by Roald Dahl, races along with and her family became homeless, and endearing as well as sinister characters how she is only now learning of the who bring plenty of humor and mystery tangible impact of 9/11 on her family, to the page. Darkus Cuttle is Beetle Boy as she slowly accepts the friendships (Chicken House, $16.99) and his curiosity of classmates who have very different and interest in science—both real and backgrounds. Jewell Parker Rhodes extraordinary—will intrigue budding brings a difficult history and its continued scientists. A mini Entomologist’s Dictionary influence into focus inTowers Falling (Little is included in the back of the book, which Brown, $16.99), an important journey for heralds the beginning of a promising new young people who were not yet born in series. Ages 9-12. Mary Alice Garber 2001. Ages 9-12. Maria Salvadore 11 When you Annabelle’s quiet life in are twelve 1943 rural Pennsylvania years old, takes a sudden turn one summer when Betty Glengarry is an awfully arrives. Betty was long time; sent to Wolf Hollow no wonder, (Dutton, $16.99) to live then, that with her grandparents Elliott is less because she is than thrilled “incorrigible.” Cruel when his and manipulative, she bullies Annabelle parents send and most of the other children. When him to stay Betty suddenly disappears, the town with relatives suspects Toby, Wolf Hollow’s itinerant in a remote fishing village in Nova Scotia. World War I veteran. Although Toby may In his first middle-grade novel, author/ be quiet and strange, eleven-year-old illustrator Frank Viva loses none of the Annabelle knows that he is also gentle innovative art and design that have and kind, and she determines to defend

ELEMENTARY FICTION made his picture books so notable. him. Author Lauren Wolk examines the Typography and bold stylistic illustration unexpected consequences of telling the work alongside the text in Sea Change truth and telling lies, how appearances (Toon, $18.95) as Elliott’s unique friendship can be deceiving, and how difficult with a local helps turn his maggot- it can be to stand up for what’s filled, miserable summer into something right. Wolk’s beautiful and evocative special. This contemplative coming- writing conjures a past time and place, of-age story has a nostalgic feel that is but the themes of courage and justice superbly echoed in Viva’s art. Ages 9-12. have timeless relevance. Ages 10-12. Courtney Burtraw Heidi Powell

Friendship is For eleven-year-old found in the most Genie and his older unexpected brother, Ernie, spending places in Paul a month of summer Griffin’s heart- in rural Virginia with expanding novel, their grandparents is a When Friendship world away from life in Followed Me Home Brooklyn. Constantly (Dial, $16.99). Ben curious Genie has a lot questions— Coffin, a former especially about his grandfather. Through foster kid, has spending time with Grandpop, he learns never been one to family secrets and how the residual make friends. But effects of Jim Crow have taken their toll. when a scruffy dog named Flip comes Filled with joy, pain, and an abundance into his life, leading him to befriend a of humor, As Brave as You (Atheneum/ girl named Halley, he finds new purpose Caitlyn Dlouhy, $16.99) is Coretta Scott once he discovers that she is terminally King and Walter Award winner Jason ill. Told with balanced pacing and an Reynolds’s debut middle-grade novel. endearing sense of humor, this deeply Beautifully written with a sense of place moving story about love, loss, and the and rich characterization, this is an epic meaning of family will not leave a dry to be savored long after the last days of eye in the room. Ages 10-12. Emi London summer. Ages 10-13. Mary Alice Garber 12 Imaginative Acclaimed Soledad (Sol) children’s author ELEMENTARY FICTION and her younger Avi presents sister Dominga seven short stories (Ming) live with about boys and their stepmother, their unique Vea, after the relationships with girls’ father male parental returns to the figures, including Philippines from the distant their new home father and in the United the estranged States. Sol says grandfather; they live with a the lovable, but woman who “always talks in thorns.” understandably Storytelling prowess helps Sol deal with irritating, grandfather; the “manly” the brutal heat of a Louisiana summer, a father who thinks his son a coward; the hardscrabble life, and Vea’s harshness. prospective stepfather and his fiancée’s Friendship and a growing recognition son; the deadbeat dad; the just plain that things— and people— are often dead dad; and the father who simply more complex than they appear allow is not there. From the humorous to the Sol to mature and ultimately help her heart-warming to the heartbreaking, younger sister. In a straightforward, these stories help to answer the question: often lyrical narration, Erin Entrada What is The Most Important Thing Kelly introduces readers to The Land of (Candlewick, $16.99) you can do for your Forgotten Girls (Greenwillow, $16.99) in son? Ages 10-14. Marc Villa this touching coming-of-age story. Ages 10-13. Maria Salvadore

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TEEN FICTION

It’s hot, it’s sticky, it’s New York City in the ‘70s, and it’s the Summer of Sam. Nora Lopez’s confusing teenage life in Queens is now even more so thanks to this period of serious unrest. Nora is bright and brave in the face of a disturbed and violent brother, an absent father, a pervasive fear of being out on the streets, and the usual ups and downs of adolescence. Meg Medina’s enthralling novel Burn Baby Burn (Candlewick, $17.99) is page-turning historical fiction that immerses you in Nora’s world, from her darkest fears to the friendships (and romance!) that keep her going. Ages 13-17. Kerri Poore

Mystery, romance, and Indian folklore and mythology are interwoven in Roshani Chokshi’s eloquent debut novel. Seventeen-year-old Mayavati has been cursed with a horoscope that proclaims she is destined to marry “death and destruction.” When Amar, a hitherto-unknown suitor, rescues Maya from a near-death experience, he calls her The Star-Touched Queen (St. Martin’s Griffin, $18.99). Amar has chosen Maya for her cleverness, her restless spirit, and the “fury in her heart.” In this story of reincarnation and the power of memory and illusions, Maya’s quest for truth and independence ultimately leads her to believe in herself— and true love. Ages 14-18. Mary Alice Garber

Who really knows you, and how can you tell? Mark and Kate may have sat next to each other all year in calculus, but they don’t really know each other, until a chance meeting on the first night of Pride begins a friendship that will become invaluable to them both. Kate has just blown her chance with the girl she loves from afar, and Mark may or may not have something brewing between him and his best friend. Told in alternating perspectives written by Nina LaCour and David Levithan, You Know Me Well (St. Martin’s Griffin, $18.99) is a testament to how the person who knows you best might be the last one you’d expect. Ages 15-18. Courtney Burtraw 14 Parker Santé has In a small

seen “perfect Alaskan fishing TEEN FICTION sadness.” When village in 1970, his father died the lives of four five years ago, teenagers cross Parker became paths in strange mute. He is now and unexpected drifting through ways. Each life, spending comes from a time in hotels different place, stealing from the and each is rich rather than running away focusing on his from something. future. Events take a dramatic turn when But as their destinies intertwine, we realize he meets the latest victim of his thievery, that, despite their differences, they all the beautiful, enigmatic Zelda, who might find what they’re looking for once claims to have been born in 1770. New they get to know The Smell of Other York Times best-selling author Tommy People’s Houses (Wendy Lamb, $17.99). Wallach, we’d like to say Thanks for the In her debut novel, Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock Trouble (Simon & Schuster, $17.99) and for writes with a sense of gritty realism this finely crafted, sardonic, but romantic tempered with hope that makes the story tale that speaks to loss and the beauty and characters tangible and knowable in of human connections. Ages 14-18. Mary this unique setting. Ages 14-18. Marc Villa Alice Garber

Henry Denton’s got Female problems. The entire characters have school calls him traditionally Space Boy. Aliens taken a have been abducting supporting role him regularly since in adventure he was thirteen. He is stories, but this bullied. Last year his is definitely not boyfriend, the love the case in of his life, committed A Tyranny of suicide. His father left Petticoats: 15 the family and his Stories of Belles, mother is struggling to keep it together. Bank Robbers and Other Badass Girls His college-dropout brother has gotten (Candlewick, $17.99). The subtitle says it his girlfriend pregnant and his Nana’s all; these girls are prime time, and their memories are slowly slipping away. If stories place them anywhere from the you were Henry and given the chance pirate-infested waters off the Carolina to save the world, would you even coast in 1710 to the Chicago riots of bother? Author Shaun David Hutchinson the 1968 Democratic Convention. The offers a darkly humorous yet heartfelt illustrious contributors, who include Marie examination of what, if anything, makes Lu, Andrea Cremer, Marissa Meyer, life worthwhile in We Are the Ants (Simon Elizabeth Wein, and editor Jessica Pulse, $17.99). It all boils down to one Spotswood, all know how to tell a story question: before Henry can save the that will knock your socks off. You go, girl! world, will he be able to save himself? Ages 14-18. Renée Bosco Ages 14-18. Heather Wilson 15 GENERAL NONFICTION

A novel twist on the classic alphabet book, Alpha Bravo Charlie: The Complete Book of Nautical Codes (Phaidon, $19.95) not only gives young readers a way to practice their letters, but several new ways to communicate them— in code! Sara Gillingham introduces us to the International Code of Signals, which pairs each letter with a boldly patterned flag so that sailors around the world can communicate across long stretches of ocean. Semaphore and Morse code are also included. Bright, clear illustrations make this a great way to hook kids on the alphabet, from Alpha to Zulu. Ages 5-7. Amy Sands

Polio prevented her from walking easily. She was teased about her “limpy” leg, so she pretended to be invisible. Although she suffered physically and from poverty, however, there was nothing wrong with her vision. In fact, Dorothea’s Eyes (Calkins Creek, $16.95) allowed her to see people with both her eyes and her heart. Barb Rosenstock’s brief biography evokes the era and the obstacles facing Dorothea Lange, whose photography documented the devastating impact of the Great Depression. The muted palette of Gérard DuBois’s illustrations augments the feel of the time period in which Lange lived and worked. Additional information, resources, and a timeline conclude this fascinating picture- book biography. Ages 6-9. Maria Salvadore

Although he designed an open-heart surgical procedure for infants and children, Vivien Thomas had to instruct Dr. Alfred Blalock from a stool as Blalock performed the operation. Thomas had dreamed of becoming a doctor, but it was 1944 and he was African American. Instead, Thomas worked as Blalock’s research technician. After their move to Johns Hopkins, Blalock asked Thomas to investigate how to save “blue babies,” infants who were born with a fatal heart defect that made their skin look bluish. In addition to adapting a procedure that he and Blalock had perfected, Thomas created a needle short enough to perform the delicate surgery requiring Tiny Stitches (Lee and Low, $17.95). Author Gwendolyn Hooks and illustrator Colin Bootman relate the inspiring true story of a medical pioneer who faced racism head-on to save thousands of lives. Ages 7-10. Heidi Powell 16 Two U.S. presidents, In her latest collection

elected one of poems, Carole POETRY, MUSIC, & ART GENERAL NONFICTION hundred years Boston Weatherford apart, had a relates the history surprising amount in of the Tuskegee common. Although Airmen. Trained one was born at the Tuskegee in a log cabin Institute in Alabama and raised with during World War II, modest means these men became the United States’ and the other first black military airmen and went on had everything a boy could ask for, to serve with distinction abroad. They both became military leaders. Both had to fight racism at home as well as in were later elected to the U.S. House of Europe, facing the reality that they were Representatives and then nominated to risking their lives for a country that did be vice presidential candidates. Both not treat them as equals. Weatherford men worked to ameliorate racial addresses their bravery as well as the inequalities in a divided nation. And, historical context of their story, including tragically, both presidents were an account of the first black women to assassinated. Author/illustrator Gene serve in the Army Nurse Corps. Jeffery Barretta offers readers a fascinating Boston Weatherford’s scratchboard glimpse into the lives and work of Lincoln illustrations are searing in their black-and- and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare (Henry white boldness, emphasizing the impact Holt, $17.99). Ages 7-10. Heidi Powell of the message that the Tuskegee Airmen spread to all black Americans: You Can Fly (Atheneum, $16.99). Ages 9-12. Janet Minichiello You might want to get warm and cozy before What could a group of reading Helen college students possibly Thayer’s Arctic do when faced with the Adventure: A deadly power of the Nazi Woman and regime? The answer, as a Dog Walk to the members of the White Rose student the North Pole resistance movement saw it, was to (Capstone Young Readers, $14.95) by make their voices heard. Newbery and Sally Isaacs. The courageous Thayer was Sibert Medal winner Russell Freedman determined to be the first female to walk chronicles the lives of siblings Hans and to the North Pole, a 364-mile trip. Initially Sophie Scholl, who transformed from she wanted to make this trip alone, but enthusiastic Nazi youth group participants decided at the last moment to bring into fierce critics of the regime and co- along an Inuit husky named Charlie. The founders of the White Rose. Together with two became fast friends on this perilous their close-knit group of university friends, trip, encountering a ferocious polar bear they wrote and clandestinely distributed and life-threatening snow storms. Iva leaflets denouncing the Führer. Well Sasheva’s illustrations and chilly palette aware that their actions could cost realistically portray the adventurers and them their lives, these brave students’ the harsh but beautiful environment. declaration that We Will Not Be Silent Ages 9-11. Renee Bosco (Clarion, $17.99) serves as a powerful reminder that speaking up can be an act of heroism. Ages 10-14. Janet Minichiello 17

SPORTS

Today, the Olympic marathon is a painstakingly organized contest So you throw like a girl? That’s great, of endurance among well-trained especially if you throw like Edith international athletes. This was not the Houghton! Author Audrey Vernick tells case in The Wildest Race Ever (Simon & this inspiring athlete’s story in The Kid Schuster, $17.99), better known as the from Diamond Street: The Extraordinary Olympic marathon of 1904. The rag-tag Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton group of contenders seemed a bit out of (Clarion, $17.99). The youngest of ten shape and employed some dubious race children, Edith grew up playing baseball strategies (strychnine cocktail, anyone?); on the streets of Philadelphia. At the one questionable character even took tender age of ten, Edith was the starting an illegal lift in an automobile. American shortstop for a professional women’s Thomas Hicks, the eventual champion, team and had the experience of a collapsed over the finish line with an lifetime when they traveled to baseball- unimpressive time. Author/illustrator crazy Japan to compete against various Meghan McCarthy’s expressive acrylic men’s teams. Steven Salerno brings this paintings will certainly appeal to young inspirational story to life with his colorful readers and future competitors. Ages 4-8. retro illustrations. Play ball, girls! Ages 4-8. Renée Bosco Renée Bosco 18 In the late 1800s, Usually, saying a

William Hoy was child can’t sit still SPORTS a good baseball isn’t meant as a player with a compliment. In the major-league case of Nadia: The problem: he was Girl Who Couldn’t deaf. His family Sit Still (Houghton was supportive, Mifflin Harcourt, but didn’t think $17.99), however, he could make the boundless his dreams energy that got Nadia Comaneci into come true. In author Nancy Churnin’s scrapes as a small child also powered account of the The William Hoy Story her rise to fame as a gymnast. In 1976, (Albert Whitman, $16.99), she describes not only did she win five Olympic medals; how this talented athlete overcame the she also received seven perfect scores. challenges of living in a society biased in Karlin Gray chronicles the often bumpy, favor of the hearing to become one of but never boring path that let Nadia from baseball’s greats and change the game her childhood in a small Romanian village forever. Jez Tuya’s playful illustrations to the cover of TIME, Newsweek, and will appeal to young readers and Sports Illustrated (all in the same week!). adults alike. Chernin includes relevant Christine Davenier’s illustrations embody additional information and a timeline to the movement at the heart of this inspiring round out Hoy’s uplifting story. Ages 5-8. story, one that will delight anyone who’s Renée Bosco ever been asked, “Why can’t you just sit still?” Ages 6-9. Janet Minichiello

Mary Garber was a pioneer No athletic ability is in the pantheon necessary to hit it out of women of the park with the sportswriters. new Sports Illustrated With clear and Kids cookbook concise, yet Ballpark Eats: Recipes thoroughly Inspired by America’s engaging prose, Baseball Stadiums author Sue (Capstone Young Readers, $15.95). Macy chronicles Garber’s life and career, Each National and American league from playing tackle football as a child team is represented by mouth-watering in the 1920s to becoming an acclaimed photographs and recipes for its ballpark’s sports journalist for the Twin City Sentinel. specialties, including traditional Boston C.F. Payne’s illustrations, reminiscent Franks at Fenway Park and the more of Norman Rockwell, are profoundly exotic Sandwich Sushi available at expressive and further enhance Macy’s Seattle’s Safeco Field. Author Katrina text. In the face of chauvinism and Jorgensen includes a “condiment quiz” discrimination in both the press box and humorous Hall of Fame Foodie and the locker room, we see Miss Mary Trivia– yes, Babe Ruth would really eat Reporting (Simon & Schuster/Paula twelve hotdogs between double-header Wiseman, $17.99) and breaking down games! Celebrate America’s favorite barriers like a running back sheds tacklers. pastime by taking a “culinary road trip” Ages 5-9. Marc Villa of your favorite baseball venues. Ages 9-15. Renée Bosco. 19

SCIENCE

Who’s the most playful animal in the world? The otter, of course! Experience a year in the life of a North American river otter family and discover how the babies grow and learn while their mother helps and protects them. Jonathan London augments his simple text celebrating the otters’ joyful spirit with fascinating scientific details: did you know, for example, that these creatures use their whiskers to find food in rocks’ tiny crevices?Meilo So’s delightful watercolor illustrations are perfectly suited to depicting the ease and fluidity of the otters’ movements as they dive, pounce, and roll. This book will inspire you to take a trip to the zoo and discover for yourself how much Otters Love to Play (Candlewick, $16.99)! Ages 4-7. Janet Minichiello

Author and photographer Shelley Rotner takes readers on a scientific voyage of discovery of our fellow creatures and ourselves— based solely on eyes! In Whose Eye Am I? (Holiday House, $16.95), readers are challenged to identify animals using only a close-up photo of their eyes. Once an animal’s identity is revealed— be it a mammal, bird, fish, insect, or something else entirely— Rotner provides a plethora of fun facts about each creature’s visual abilities that will intrigue and delight budding zoologists. A description of how humans see, and an accompanying diagram of a human eye, ensure that we aren’t left out of this ophthalmic adventure. Ages 5-9. Heather Wilson

An animal that waddles like a reptile, has a beaver-like tail, and boasts venomous spurs on its hind legs may sound like an imaginary mash-up of a creature, but it’s actually a Platypus (Candlewick, $16.99)! This fascinating nocturnal animal is one of only two egg-laying mammals in the world. Tag along with one particular platypus as he emerges from his burrow, hunts incessantly for food, relaxes briefly in the water, hides from predators, and finally settles down for a well-earned rest. Sue Whiting’s night-in-the-life narrative, presented alongside all the outlandish facts that make platypuses such unusual creatures, perfectly complement Mark Jackson’s mixed-media illustrations, which emphasize the platypus’s ability to blend in with his surroundings. Ages 5-9. Janet Minichiello 20 Did you know How many times

that baby swans have you heard SCIENCE sometimes catch a that pink is for ride on the backs girls? Zoologist Jess of their moms or Keating puts that dads? That ruby claim to the test, ladybugs can declaring instead eat more than 50 that Pink Is for Blobfish(Knopf, $16.99)— aphids in just one day? Ever played a and many other “perfectly pink” animals game of conkers? When’s the best time that she introduces to young scientists to pick a pear or plum? Spend a year in this fact- and fun-filled installment of with Nature’s Day (Wide Eyed, $24.99), the World of Weird Animals series. Once revisiting eight locations through all four you learn about the pinktoe tarantula’s seasons, and discover the world through ability to rub its abdomen hair into the the wildlife that surrounds you. Author eyes of its predators, you’ll never think of Kay Maguire and illustrator Danielle pink the same way again. From the titular Kroll have created a storybook, nature blobfish to the Amazon river dolphin journal, and wildlife encyclopedia all and orchid mantis, there’s something to wrapped into one, providing something please every animal lover in this offbeat for everyone and enticing readers to compendium. David DeGrand’s cartoon- spend just a little more time outdoors. like illustrations add character to the full- Ages 5-10. Donna Wells page photographs of each wonderfully pigmented creature. Ages 7-10. Janet Minichiello

Look to the sky: birdwatching’s back in season! Imagine spending your Learn about days aboard a boat the avian specially modified for inhabitants studying great white of North sharks. You can stand or even lie on your America with belly just feet above a shark to record two delightful new a video of it or attach a telemetry tag books: My Book of Birds to its dorsal fin. Imagine using the data (Groundwood, $24.95) you collect to learn about individuals’ by Geraldo Valério characteristics and to track larger and Bird Brainiacs: migration patterns and trends. This is the Activity Journal and life of Dr. Greg Skomal, The Great White Log Book for Young Shark Scientist (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Readers (Cornell Lab $18.99). Join award-winning science Publishing Group, $14.95) by Stacy Torino. writer Sy Montgomery and photographer Valério pairs beautiful and bold paper Keith Ellenbogen as they ride the cutout illustrations with quirky facts to Aleutian Dream with Greg and his team make each species memorable and just off the coast of Cape Cod, then easy to identify. Torino’s journal is highly enter a shark cage to descend into the interactive, encouraging readers to write waters off Guadalupe Island. The most and think about birds with a variety of fun recent title in the remarkable and highly activities. Using different methods, both regarded series Scientists in the Field is a books will encourage young bird lovers fantastic way to celebrate Shark Week to get outside and search for nature’s and learn more about these mysterious feathered friends. Ages 5-13 (ages vary animals, whose populations are dwindling by book). Emi London worldwide. Ages 11-15. Heidi Powell 21

POETRY, MUSIC, & VISUAL ART

“What is poetry?” wonders young Daniel upon encountering a sign announcing “poetry in the park.” When he asks the animals he knows best, they respond with metaphors highlighting the poetry in nature. Poetry is the crisp crunch of leaves, the sun-kissed sand, and the glistening of the morning dew. Sure enough, Daniel Finds a Poem (Nancy Paulsen, $16.99) to share on Sunday in the park, one that describes all the natural beauty he finds in the middle of a metropolis. Author/ illustrator Micha Archer’s glowing collage illustrations emphasize this theme, highlighting Spider’s web and Chipmunk’s acorns against a soft, inviting urban backdrop. With bits of alliteration and loads of sound play, the book is a warm introduction to the beauty of poetry. Ages 3-7. Amy Dickinson

One day, a young artist named Mira meets a muralist, and alongside their neighbors they transform the “heart of a grey city” into Maybe Something Beautiful (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $16.99). It just so happens that Rafael López, the illustrator of this true story about San Diego’s Urban Art Trail, is the very same muralist whose bright and colorful work inspired this book. F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell tell the story of a neighborhood transformed by joyous collaboration. López uses vibrant acrylics with collaged patterning to create both the cityscape and characters with plenty of personality. After the magical conclusion, the endnotes describe in more detail the true story that inspired this amazing book. Ages 4-8. András Goldinger

How do two fireflies find each otherAmong a Thousand Fireflies (Candlewick, $15.99)? Poet Helen Frost and photographer Rick Lieder illuminate young readers in their most recent collaboration. After taking the reader to “…a summer meadow near the river, /as night’s first stars blink on…” Frost wonders—and then reveals—how a single firefly finds her mate. Lieder’s captivating close- up and time-lapse photographs depict the magical insects alighting on flowers and streaking through the night sky. Learn more interesting facts about fireflies in the author’s note at the end of the book. Ages 4-8. Heidi Powell 22 In Ada’s Violin Celebrate poetry (Simon and Schuster, all year long with $17.99), Susan Hood Julie Fogliano’s POETRY, MUSIC, & VISUAL ART tells the powerful wondrous When story of the Recycled Green Becomes Orchestra of Tomatoes: Poems Cateura, Paraguay. for All Seasons Cateura is a trash (Neal Porter, dump, with thousands of adults and $18.99). Tomato- children working as trash-pickers and red endpapers “recyclers.” It was there that Favio trumpet the Chávez, an environmental engineer, arrival of started a music program for kids and thoughtful and playful poems that are enlisted a recycling crew to create sprinkled with touches of humor and instruments out of scraps of all sorts. See are accompanied by Julie Morstad’s Ada Ríos, one of the first children to join gently resonating gouache-and-pencil- the program, and the Orchestra achieve crayon images. As the seasons unfold, success with tours, YouTube videos, a 60 double-page spreads invite the eye to Minutes feature, and a documentary. follow along bands of color representing Sally Wern Comport uses pencil and everything from a dock extending into acrylic for her two-page narrative the water to an endless stretch of sea. illustrations, also collaging scraps of “Taste the sunshine” of a spring day, trash to symbolize Ada’s surroundings. escape a “day that drips hot and thick A portion of the proceeds from the like honey,” and anticipate “waiting for sale of the book will be donated to the sweaters” and “winter’s white furry hat” Orchestra. Ages 4-8. András Goldinger with this very special collection. Ages 5-8. Mary Alice Garber

A wonderful tribute to the Cloth Lullaby (Abrams, iconic American $18.95) is a perfect, jazz musician, poetic tribute to the Just a Lucky artist Louise Bourgeois So and So (1911-2010). Amy (Holiday House, Novesky describes $16.95) offers the young Louise, a glimpse into who bonded deeply the childhood of Louis Armstrong. with her mother (later immortalized in Nicknamed Satchelmouth, Armstrong Bourgeois’s many spider sculptures) and grew up in a section of New Orleans grew up working in her family’s tapestry- called The Battlefield. Though poor, he repair workshop. Bourgeois’s lifelong love was surrounded by a loving family and of textiles and patterns and her constant local musicians whom he idolized. When metaphorical re-imagining of childhood a series of scrapes with police landed him are lovingly evoked. Striking, mood- in a boys’ home, Armstrong overcame setting illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault in the separation, devoted himself to music, colored pencils, pastels, watercolors, and and returned to his neighborhood as a bright brushwork are often reminiscent of musical dynamo. Lesa Cline-Ransome’s Louise’s own paintings. After reading this lilting, musical text is accompanied stunning book, you will be inspired to visit by James Ransome’s magnificent Bourgeois’s giant spider that lives in the watercolor-and-pencil illustrations. Ages National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. 5-8. Amy Sands Ages 6-10. András Goldinger In her newest book of her signature reverso poems, each of which contains When graphic designer Art Kane two poems—one read forwards and the assembled 57 notable jazz musicians other backwards— Marilyn Singer tackles in front of a Harlem brownstone in the Greek myths. Echo Echo (Dial, $16.99) tells summer of 1958 for a magazine photo, he

POETRY, MUSIC, & VISUAL ART many of these classic stories first in poetic probably did not realize how iconic that yet familiar form, then reverses them to image would become. Roxane Orgill’s reveal an entirely new perspective or free verse poetry takes the minutiae of alternative to the traditional narrative. those hours and turns it into a descriptive, The two poems are in conversation entertaining, and engaging narrative. with each other and together create Debut illustrator Francis Vallejo’s acrylic a beautiful and unique interpretation and pastel images are vibrant, beautiful, of mythology. As with Singer’s previous and perfectly evocative of the era. The collections, Josee Masse’s colorful book is a refreshingly original work of art illustrations add to the vibrant package. that tells the story of an extraordinary Jazz Ages 7-10. Courtney Burtraw Day (Candlewick, $18.99). Ages 9-13. Marc Villa

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Illustrations from When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons, copyright 2016 with permission from Neal Porter