Starting Over in Sunset Park
By Jose Peleaz and Lynn McGee
Illustrated by Bianca Diaz
Tilbury House
“A girl and her mother move to Brooklyn from the Dominican Republic, and their adjustment includes sharing a home with a Brooklyn family before they can be independent, finding work, starting school in an unfamiliar language, making friends, and always thinking of what was left behind. Diaz’s brightly colored illustrations make Sunset Park appear cheerful and welcoming, reflecting the warm colors implied in the name. The Afro-Caribbean experience is seldom seen in children’s books, and cultural insiders will appreciate the text’s references to the Dominican Republic and its inclusion of Spanish language.”—Booklist (Gr. 1-3)

Facing Fear
By Karen Lynn Williams
Illustrated by Sara Palacios
(Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)

Enrique can’t believe his father won’t let him travel to his team’s big soccer tournament. Papi says going across the checkpoint is too risky. Even though Enrique is a U.S. citizen, the rest of the family isn’t–and if the border police stop them, the family might be split up. The next morning Enrique decides he’s going to his big game, no matter what. But the day ahead will change how he sees his dad and how he defines courage.

Atlas of Dogs
By Stepanka Stepaninova, illustrated by Marcel Kralik
Albatros Media

A unique collection of over 200 breeds of dogs, with fun facts and witty illustrations, accompanied by heroic stories from the exclusive Dogs’ Post Daily newspaper. Each breed is playfully introduced, and readers will discover which dogs are among the bravest and most devoted, who is the biggest barker, or who snores loudly when dreaming of a juicy bone. (Grades 1-4)

A Plan for his People: Nelson Mandela’s Hope for Change
By Lindsey McDivitt
Illustrated by Charly Palmer
(Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)

Palmer’s powerful paintings complement this inspiring story of sacrifice and loss, devotion and learning, patience and hard work. Time lines, additional information about apartheid, and recommended resources are included. The author and illustrator notes provide further context. VERDICT Highly recommended for libraries that need titles about the ongoing global fight against racism. Mandela’s journey makes for a powerful reminder of the ability to change.–School Library Journal (starred review) Grades 2-5

Call Me Athena: Girl from Detroit
By Colby Cedar Smith
Andrews McMeel
This novel in verse captures one young woman’s struggle for independence, equality, and identity as the daughter of Greek and French immigrants in tumultuous 1930s Detroit. A beautifully written novel in verse loosely based on author Colby Cedar Smith’s paternal grandmother, the story follows Mary as the American-born daughter of Greek and French immigrants living in Detroit in the 1930s, creating a historically accurate portrayal of life as an immigrant during the Great Depression, hunger strikes, and violent riots.

Rise: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou
By Bethany Hegedus
Narrated by Cherise Boothe
Live Oak Media
Earphones Award from Audiofile
“This concise audio biography is a special tribute to acclaimed writer, poet, and Civil Rights activist Maya Angelou. Narrator Cherise Boothe’s beautiful, clear voice evokes Angelou’s spirit and embodies the power of the spoken word…The hardcover picture book’s full-page illustrations, with layers of color and symbolism, make a stunning accompaniment.”

5-Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime: 30 Amazing Stories: Featuring frozen frogs, King Tut’s beds, the world’s biggest sleepover, the phases of the moon, and more
Narrated by Joann Lumley
Britannica Books

“What better way to induce drowsiness in young pillow plumpers than short, fascinating introductions to the bedding-down behavior of creatures?”—Kirkus Reviews (Ages 3-8)

Waiting for a Warbler
By Sneed B. Collard III, illustrated by Thomas Brooks
Tilbury House
Have you ever thought about the immense journey a migratory bird takes as it flies North every year? The story of Owen and his sister creating a haven in their backyard and then eagerly awaiting the arrival of a Cerulean Warbler brings the reality of this journey home. The extensive back matter aids novices to bird watching and ways to help protect birds. Here’s hoping these songbirds visit your backyard.—Tracy Gallagher

Whale Fall Cafe
By Jacquie Sewell, illustrated by Dan Tavis
Tilbury House
What happens when a whale dies? I never really thought about it before but now I’m fascinated. The body sinks and becomes dinner for all sorts of creatures from sharks to bacteria. Plus, the skeletal remains last for centuries becoming support for coral and sea anemones. The vibrant illustrations provide interest for reluctant readers and the backmatter contains information on a fall from 1987 along with profiles of two marine biologists.—Tracy Gallagher

The Texas Chronicles
Written by Mark Skipworth and created by Christopher Lloyd
What on Earth Books!

I have a great weakness for history and timelines, so The Texas Chronicles practically reached out and grabbed me! I was immediately drawn to the amazing and varied collection of facts about the state’s people, places, events, and fun trivia, and loved the newspaper-style stories in the front section detailing major stories from the state’s history. Every bit of this amazing and interactive book offers more to explore!—Christina Moorehead

Wildflowers
By Liniers
Toon Books

Wildflowers bursts forth from the wild imagination of the beloved Argentinian comic artist Liniers with that same feeling when you go outside on the first day of Spring. It seems like overnight, there is a new world outside your doors, grabbing your senses and drawing you in to a chaos of color and adventure. In Wildflowers, three little girls are seemingly stuck on an island jungle as they explore their new surroundings. Kids will especially enjoy using this as a jumping off for their own backyard or parkland adventures, proving that adventure is always just around the corner, or outside your door. Note there are two editions, one in the usual Toon size and another larger gift edition. (Grades PreK-3)—Ellen Myrick