by Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic with resources by Dr. Christina Chester Illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard 5 stars A touching story to help children deal with anxiety about lockdown drills. Henry reminds himself that the lockdown is just a drill. It’s not real. But that doesn’t change how he feels about it. Even after the drill…
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2 stars After the death of her grandmother, Tessa’s family takes over the Fairy Tale Family Fun Park & RV Campground. They hire a new puppeteer to run the puppet show, but instead of cute stories like her grandmother told, Liza tells spinechilling ones. As strange things start happening on the campground, Tessa wonders if…
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by Eloise Greenfiled Illustrated by Daniel Minter 5 stars A truly stunning collection of poetry showcasing African American midwives throughout time. The poems travel from Africa to America, sharing experiences through enslavement, emancipation, and into the modern era. Wonderfully written and expertly crafted. The dreamlike illustrations are beautiful and demonstrate the power, strength, care, and…
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Narrated by Elizabeth Wiley 4 stars Lottie Jones spends her days gossiping at church bingo, cooking with her friends, and buying presents for her grandchildren. What she does not want is for her past as a serial killer to interfere with her new life. Though she hasn’t killed in years, a meeting with an investigative…
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Illustrated by Fabiana Faiallo 5 stars A sweet picture book for helping children cope with the death of a friend or classmate. Violet is Mia’s best friend. She brings sunshine to every day. But after Violet dies, everything changes. With the help of others, Mia is able to learn ways to remember, grieve, and say…
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Illustrated by Cindy Derby 4 stars A gentle story of grief and loss that presents ways to keep a person with you after they are gone. After the death of his mother, a young boy must cope with the ways his life has changed and the grief he feels at her absence. A wise gorilla…
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4 stars An empress in exile, a handmaiden sold off by her parents, and a cleric who must unravel their story. At once subtle and forceful, this story explores themes of revenge, resistance, and resilience. Beautifully written. The story unfolds at its own pace, taking its time. Honestly, despite it’s short length, it somehow didn’t…
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5 stars Absolutely fantastic! Heartwarming, silly, fun, empathetic, and warm. Another wonderful collection from Tarpley. The loveable cast of Cat’s Café returns along with some sweet new additions to the mix. I absolutely adore the cozy world Tarpley has created. It’s such a wonderful place filled with acceptance, joy, and love. Hardships and troubles exist,…
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Illustrated by Markia Jenai 5 stars Fantastically recounts the history behind Juneteenth, from the Middle Passage and enslavement to the Civil War and emancipation. The book shows ways Juneteenth has been celebrated, how Jim Crow laws affected its spread, and how Opal Lee and others worked to make it a national holiday. Nice illustrations. A…
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5 stars Another hilarious, touching, and insightful story based on Huda Fahmy’s high school experiences. Huda has her whole junior year figured out. At least, she thinks she does. Until her parents announce they’re getting a divorce. Now she’s having a hard time dealing with her grades, her sisters, her parents, and her best friend….
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