(2) K-3 Illustrated by Andrea D'Aquino. This picture-book biography follows Bella Abzug (1920–1998), "the first woman elected to Congress on a women's rights platform," from her childhood defying gender roles at home, in the streets, and in her synagogue; through her career in law, activism, and politics. Aronson describes her personality, her accomplishments, and her brazenness. The layout of D'Aquino's child-friendly illustrations and occasional handwritten phrases brings the words to life and makes Abzug's impact tangible. The text is woven effectively into the illustrations, and the signature wide-brimmed red hats worn by "Battling Bella" make her figure jump out on every page. Issues such as sexism, war, prejudice, gay rights, and disability rights are discussed directly. Abzug's political losses are highlighted without showing those losses to be failures. The book ends with an inspirational call to action for readers in the twenty-first century to help fulfill Abzug's vision. An extensive author's note and a timeline provide further historical context; also appended with a selected bibliography.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Ariel Landy. Jillian already has two grandmothers, and though she's happy with her new stepdad, the new bubbe who joins the family along with him takes some getting used to. Bubbe smothers her in lipstick kisses, uses Yiddish terms Jillian doesn't understand, and claims her matzo ball soup is "the best soup in the universe"--and therein lies the real problem. Welcoming Bubbe in feels like disloyalty to Noni (and her meatball soup) and Gram (and her gazpacho). The lively third-person narration ("She had no choice. In the name of grandmas, it was time for a protest!") sticks closely with Jillian and her strong but evolving feelings, with details in the cartoonish illustrations adding humor (keep an eye on the pets). The conclusion is, unsurprisingly, delicious, with plenty of family warmth and a hint of a new member to come. Back matter includes three soup recipes as well as resources for adults on blended and interfaith families.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2022

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Robert Neubecker. Goldberg (1883–1970) dreamed of becoming a newspaper cartoonist but initially studied engineering. Eventually Goldberg was hired as a cartoonist at the New York Evening Mail, where he concocted the "screwball contraptions" we now call Rube Goldberg machines. Aronson notes that Goldberg "drew comics to make us look closer"; fittingly, this thoughtful, playful picture-book biography does just that, with whimsical pencil, ink, and digital illustrations capturing the intricacies of the imagined machines. Bib.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019

(4) 4-6 Wish List series. Struggling in Fairy Godmother Training (despite descending from the best in the business), Isabelle is paired with a regular girl whose emotionally heavy wishes can't be solved with sparkles or magic (Worst). During Isabelle's second level, her grandmother investigates a missing cache of sparkles wreaking havoc (Keep Calm). It's all pretty treacly, but the likable protagonist ultimately shines with hard-won confidence. Review covers these Wish List titles: Keep Calm and Sparkle On! and The Worst Fairy Godmother Ever!

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) 4-6 Wish List series. Struggling in Fairy Godmother Training (despite descending from the best in the business), Isabelle is paired with a regular girl whose emotionally heavy wishes can't be solved with sparkles or magic (Worst). During Isabelle's second level, her grandmother investigates a missing cache of sparkles wreaking havoc (Keep Calm). It's all pretty treacly, but the likable protagonist ultimately shines with hard-won confidence. Review covers these Wish List titles: Keep Calm and Sparkle On! and The Worst Fairy Godmother Ever!

Reviewer: Pam Yosca

(4) YA Ten years after surviving the suicide bombing that killed her parents, sixteen-year-old Janine still struggles with grief, guilt, and avoiding the predatory news media. The charismatic pastor who saved her from the rubble comes to town, drawing Janine back into her painful, repressed memories and back into the media spotlight. Janine's emotional journey is nuanced but muddied by competing plot lines.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(3) 4-6 Luck--and confidence--is finally on Ari's side after he acquires a rare soccer trading card and is selected as his team's starting goalie. But when the card goes missing, Ari wonders if his best friend, a hotshot forward, swiped it. Engaging subplots (Ari's brother is a smokejumper, a girl joins the team) add dimension to the quick-paced sports novel.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) YA Seventeen-year-old Frank had five beers, got behind the wheel, and killed two people. Now quadriplegic, he's released from the hospital to resume his life amid public condemnation. Frank's physical vulnerability is perceptively evoked, and while Aronson overemphasizes his "good kid" status, she explores complex issues of justice, responsibility, and quality of life with a minimum of didacticism in this absorbing, resonant novel.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross