Illustrated by John Picacio 4 stars While her family prepares for Dia de Muertos, Cala does not feel like celebrating. She misses her grandfather and can’t stop thinking of him. At the cemetery, Cala is separated from her family and encounters some mysterious horsemen that give her some valuable insight. A fascinating representation of the…
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Illustrated by Abraham Matias 4 stars A stunning story of a woman’s journey through the nine levels of Mictlān with the guidance of her Xoloitzcuintle, Popo. Wonderfully written. Nana’s journey includes her own version of the nine levels of Mictlān, including a river, a path of obsidian, snow, and strong winds. Her trials are gentler…
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Illustrated by Marta Altés 4 stars Another great adventure with Oona and her friends. Oona is excited to join the fairy council. She takes her duties very seriously and comes up with all kinds of new rules to add to the Fairy Binder. But when she finds out about a magical problem of epic proportions,…
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by Andrew Larsen Illustrated by Oriol Vidal 5 stars The fascinating story of Nelson Molina and the amazing museum he created with things people threw away. A wonderfully-told story. Great focus on finding new uses for things and rethinking before throwing something away. I really enjoyed the stories of Molina’s childhood fixing, repurposing, and gifting…
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Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita 5 stars An adorable story about being a good sibling and helping to make a world where people can be themselves. Growing up, Aidan didn’t feel like the girl people told him he was. Once he told his parents, they helped him let his true self shine. Now Mom and Dad…
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by Estela Juarez with Lissette Norman Illustrated by Teresa Martínez 5 stars A heartfelt story with a powerful message of hope, resilience, and using your voice to demand change. Estela lives happily with her family… until the government tells her mother she must return to the country she was born in. As part of coping…
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Illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda 3 stars A cute story. Beto wants to have a tea party, but his sister Cora longs for a pirate adventure. To get her to attend his party, Beto makes Cora a treasure map. But he soon learns there is more to a map than a start and a finish…
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by Cynthia Levinson Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega 4 stars A powerful fictionalized account that tells the story of Plyler v. Doe, which mandated free public school education for all US residents regardless of immigration status. This nonfiction picture book follows Alfredo Lopez who loves school where he can learn and see his friends. But one…
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Illustrated by Kat Fajardo 5 stars Another wonderful volume in The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class series. The third book follows Poppy Song, who loves baking and spending time with her grandmother. Poppy can’t wait for her grandmother, Po Po, to be the Valued Visitor in Mrs. Z’s class. But when Po Po starts acting…
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Illustrated by Marta Altés 3.5 stars Another fun story featuring Oona, Lucy, and Horace. Things are going well for Oona the Underwear Fairy… until she has a run-in with some vengeful leprechauns. Now she must help Lucy stop the leprechauns’ mischief so Lucy can fulfill her duties as the Tooth Fairy. Nicely written. Great humor…
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