Reviews written by Beth Rodgers, Staff Reviewer

“You, Me, We: A Celebration of Peace and Community” by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Andres Landazabal, starts off with a simple question: “Where do we find peace?” The book goes on to share a variety of ways that peace can be found, all dependent on the person...

“Shapes, Shapes Everywhere” by Lenka Chytilova, illustrated by Gary Boller, explores how shapes are all around us, serving so many different purposes. Starting with a discussion of what shapes are and how they’re important, there are pages about how shapes help communicate messages, how they create order (such as with...

“Do Not Eat This Book!: Fun With Jewish Foods and Festivals” by Beth Kander, illustrated by Mike Moran, is a cute book that shares brief rhymes about a variety of Jewish holidays, followed up by a glossary and an activity for each of the holidays presented. From Tu B'Shevat to...

“Water!: Why Every Drop Counts and How You Can Start Making Waves to Protect It” by Lisa M. Gerry contains an introduction along with seven chapters that detail everything from the most important water issues to the many uses of water, water pollution, things readers can do to combat climate...

“When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left” by Marc Colagiovanni, with art by Peter H. Reynolds, shares how one’s fears can get in the way, and sometimes going another “way,” for lack of a better word, is the best solution. Deciding to go left isn’t about the actual direction, but...

‘It Happened on Saturday’ by Sydney Dunlap is the story of Julia, an eighth grader who feels distanced from her parents and best friend and tries to find something to make her happy in the midst of her feelings of neglect. When her sister gives her a makeover and Julia...

‘Peek-a-Boo Haiku’ by Danna Smith is a lift-the-flap book with haikus about woodland animals spread throughout the pages. Readers have to guess what animal each haiku refers to, and then lift the flap to see if they were right. Subtly worded clues are a part...

‘First-Year Orientation,’ edited by Lauren Gibaldi and Eric Smith, with additional stories by fourteen other, acclaimed authors, shares the stories of a variety of incoming college freshmen who are looking to find their way on campus without their pasts sneaking up behind them. While one girl is annoyed that her...

‘I Have Something to Tell You,’ a memoir by Chasten Buttigieg, is written in an appealing, kind, witty manner. His tone is one of understanding, kindness, and compassion, allowing readers to feel empathy and connection with the author early into the book. Sometimes you just...

‘How Do You Spell Unfair? MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee’ by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison, tells the story of MacNolia Cox, who rose, against all odds, to attend the National Spelling Bee in 1936. Though she did not win in the end, she learned more...

‘The Postcard Project’ by Maggie Lauren Brown, illustrated by Asma Enayeh, tells the story of Lola and Gram. When Lola visits Gram at her seaside home, she soon feels homesick. This is something that many kids feel when they are away from ordinary life, so the theme resonates well with...

‘Chasing the Moon’ by Melanie Hooyenga brings many characters from her previous novels in the series together again to take a trip to the Grand Canyon. While Melody (Mel), Stephanie (Steph), and Jess call themselves the “Bestie Brigade,” they find themselves at odds about some of the new dynamics going...

‘A Bucket of Questions’ by Tim Fite has a lot of ridiculous questions and notions scattered throughout its pages. There are real questions asked and silly answers provided for each. While someone who really wants to know the answer to a question such as “Why do kids lose their teeth?”...

‘Our Own Little Paradise’ by Marianne Kaurin follows main character Nora as she tries to fit into middle school social circles. The last day of school has her nervous since everyone is talking about the amazing summer trips they have planned, and she isn’t going anywhere. Not only is she...

‘Hazel Hill Is Gonna Win This One’ by Maggie Horne will make readers feel equally angry and empowered. When Hazel hears stories from Tyler about the girls he likes and how they've snubbed him and the like, she shrugs them off and doesn’t think much of them. She’s just someone...