This story absolutely broke my heart but in a good way.
Sinny
I love science comics! They help make complex topics accessible in a fun, colorful way. I have a particular soft spot for The Brain volume for personal reasons. The brain is still a mystery it seems, but that doesn't mean there's not plenty to learn! A knowledge of brain functionality helps to develop understanding for how people experience the world differently.
Stacey
A stunning picture book about family, place, and the meals that bring us together featuring Caldecott-worthy illustrations reminiscent of Allen Say.
Marika
This book made me cry happy tears . . . more than once. The story of Waylon, a fat, gay teen boy in small-town Texas trying to find out who he is and what he wants in life during his senior year of high school pulled all my best heartstrings. He's waiting to bring out the "real Waylon" until after graduation, but after trying drag, getting nominated for homecoming queen, and meeting a boy who might be more than he seems—maybe it's time for the real Waylon after all.
April
What a heartwarmingly sweet read perfect for summer and Pride Month! From the beautiful art to the inclusion of interstitial group texts, Molly Knox Ostertag's characters feel so real and jump off the page.
Meaghan
One of the most real books I’ve read about trans teens, which is saying something since it takes place in a fascinating and unique fantasy world. Wyatt is the sharp-edged scowly protagonist I didn’t know I was waiting for. Great for fans of Cemetery Boys and Seanan McGuire!
Shana
Jojo is the most precocious and hilarious seven year old I've ever read about. This story had me laughing out loud as Jojo tries to make back-up friends in case it turns out her best school friend, Fern, doesn't want to be best friends with her.
Katherine
Music! Animals! What more can you ask for? Between the gorgeous art and the fun directions, this is sure to become a read-aloud favorite!
Caleb
Like Ben Shahn's art, Cynthia Levinson's writing centers around stories of people fighting injustice. Her moving book of Ben Shahn comes at a time when we all need stories of "Civil Rights Activists. Workers Demanding Fair Pay. Political Protestors. Advocates for peace." Turks' accompanying, Caldecott-worthy illustrations draw from Shahn's style, and capture the movement and dynamism of his impassioned life. The People's Painter is a masterful biography that will, as Cynthia writes, and I have found, "encourage readers to sketch anywhere, especially in the margins."
Marika
A smart, inclusive contemporary read for fans of Sarah Dessen. Lara's story of self-discovery is compelling and very relatable. I wish I'd had it as a teenager.
Rebecca
