(2) 4-6 In this compelling sequel to Abeni’s Song (rev. 9/23), Abeni and her companions continue their quest to find the elder spirits who might protect Asha (the first book’s benevolent witch who here has been reborn as a child) from the malevolent Witch Priest. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they’re captured by the Gold Weavers, mysterious beings with the ability to manipulate gold at will. The Gold Weavers offer Abeni a bargain: her freedom in exchange for locating an ancestral relic containing the soul of their kingdom. Meanwhile, the Witch Priest builds his army, intent on world domination. Fearing Asha’s power to de-rail his plans, he dispatches his adopted daughter, Fulan, to capture both the re-born spirit and her guardian, Abeni. Fulan’s determination to prove herself adds another layer of danger. Clark adeptly combines action and emotion in this fast-paced narrative, which also explores themes of loyalty, heritage, and personal growth through Abeni’s evolving relationships with her companions. The author’s skilled incorporation of historical and magical elements enriches the worldbuilding while reinforcing the tale’s central themes. This second installment successfully builds upon its predecessor while raising the stakes for all involved.

Reviewer: S. R. Toliver | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Poly Bernatene. Cousins Siggy, Camila, and Jorge spend their Monday afternoons in the care of their distracted tía Xía, who works at the local history museum. One afternoon, Jorge sees Tía Xía holding a “dazzling sword, with a solid gold hilt and silver engravings, dotted with diamonds and rubies.” He watches her crawl into a tinajón, a large clay pot in her garden, with the sword and emerge a minute later without it. Curious, Jorge later enters the tinajón; his cousins follow, and the three are magically transported from present-day Miami to 1862 Virginia during the Civil War. On their journey they meet Alfonso, a Cuban American drummer boy in the Union Army; and Oscar, an enslaved child. Eventually, the cousins travel via hot-air balloon to Puebla, Mexico, to rescue Tía Xía, recover the sword, and deliver it to Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza. Otheguy incorporates a wealth of historical research into this action-packed adventure, keeping readers engaged with a propulsive plot. Extensive back matter gives historical context to this escapade, which is accompanied by occasional black-and-white illustrations.

Reviewer: Yesica Hurd

(2) 4-6 Julia on the Go! series. Illustrated by Julie Kim. Picking up right where Swimming into Trouble (rev. 3/24) left off, the story finds Julia Nam, having recovered from her ear infection, back in the water, preparing for a regional swim meet. When Coach Marissa takes a leave of absence because of a family health emergency, a new coach steps in. Julia is sure that Coach Nathan "was the angriest, shoutiest swimming coach that the Vancouver Vipers had ever had." His harsh and commanding coaching style, bitter tone of voice, and sour facial expressions cause several swimmers to leave the team, including Julia's best friend. She becomes closer to Olivia, who she previously thought was unfriendly but now realizes is a lot of fun. Julia suspects that she needs to look differently at things she doesn't like and ultimately realizes that she jumped to negative conclusions about Coach Nathan. Black-and-white illustrations help bring the swim team, coach drama, and friend dynamics to life. A lighthearted story that challenges readers to look deeper and see what's beneath the surface.

Reviewer: Julie Hakim Azzam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Jerry Craft. Two fifth graders vie to win their middle school’s annual creative storytelling contest. Both are already experienced storytellers: J illustrates books without words, and K writes stories without illustrations. In real life, Craft and Alexander have a lively friendly rivalry on display in social media posts and joint school visits, and this highly illustrated novel (cartoonlike black-and-white drawings appear throughout; final art unseen) is the perfect playground for their fictional ­counterparts—and for themselves, as both authors interject regularly with notes. Ever competitive, J and K try undermining each other’s chances for winning the contest by giving bad advice: draw with your nondominant hand, write what you don’t know, write in “sixth person.” Readers will soon suspect that J and K will join forces to write a book together, combining their talents, and indeed they enter the contest with their frog story collaboration, “Croak and Swagger: The Most Ribbiting Story Ever Told.” The culminating award ceremony, related with suspense and humor, isn’t the final word. Not only are readers told “To Be Continued…” but Craft and Alexander also offer “more fun…with this QR code” and write each other’s author bios with more of their trash talk.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025

(2) 4-6 Atkins (Hidden Powers, rev. 5/22, and others) continues uncovering stories of real women of science who have made unsung contributions to their fields. Here, her focus is on (Mary) Agnes Chase (1869–1963), who rose to the position of senior botanist at the ­Smithsonian Institution despite receiving no formal education beyond eighth grade; and Marguerite Thomas Williams (1895–1991), the first African American to earn a PhD in geology. This novel in verse goes back and forth between the two women as their childhoods and early schooling set the stage for their fascination with rocks, rivers, grasses, and nature. Atkins weaves together important historical details with spare, lyrical verse that is descriptive and illuminating: “Once they were girls whose dreams, / dark and rich as good earth, / were invisible even to them.” We learn of their struggles and their hard-won successes, as both women uplift those who come after them and will inspire young readers today. Helpful back matter includes an author’s note, a timeline of major events in each woman’s life, and short biographical entries that serve as a “who’s who” of the scientists and artists in their respective circles.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

(2) 4-6 Peter Nimble and Sophie Quire (Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard and Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes) are on a rescue mission: Hazelport, Peter’s home, is in trouble. But when they mistakenly crash a royal wedding, Sophie and Peter discover that the threat to Hazelport is more insidious than they’d thought: Sir Cuitous of the heinous League of Maps, with his calipers and notebooks, has been “taking the measure of things” and draining the magic from Hazelport’s protective flora and fauna. Auxier’s thoughtful departure from the good/bad, hero/villain paradigm shows Peter and Sophie aligning themselves separately with those they once considered opponents. Sophie responds to the wonders of scientific inquiry pursued by the League of Maps; Peter begins to understand the stories behind the Rooks, deadly child warriors. The tale is chock-a-block with characters and places old and new, but most of all with ideas political, psychological, literary, and fantastic. Engaging with ideas is “like picking a lock…When you crack an idea open, it’s like a door. It reveals new paths within. New questions.” There’s much to feed the mind and heart here (such as that choice is the “oldest and most powerful magic”), and, in a suitable paradox, Auxier closes his story in a move both unexpected and time-honored.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Niki Smith. This heartfelt graphic novel explores the uncharted waters of growing up, friendship, and self-discovery. Soon after Janey finishes third grade, she and her family move onto their red-sailed schooner to live and to sail the Caribbean Islands. Janey misses her home and wishes for an ordinary life with a "Normal House" and "Real School" rather than "Fourth Grade in a Box" (what Mom calls homeschool). But then she befriends Astrid, another boat kid who is older and more daring. Janey finds herself both drawn to and frustrated by her new friend's unpredictable personality until she learns that Astrid harbors her own secrets and wishes. Janey discovers the value of leaving your comfort zone as she is forced to confront fears, examine boundaries, and understand what it means to trust others. Bakes's narrative effectively integrates ideas of belonging and gratitude and uses the ocean and weather as metaphors for personal growth. Smith's colorful illustrations reflect the ocean's -- and the protagonist's -- ever-changing moods. Inventive panels that showcase handwritten letters, maps, and annotated sketches further immerse readers in Janey's world. An appended author's note explains connections to Bakes's childhood.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

(2) 4-6 Banks weaves mystery, history, and heart into a fast-paced adventure. Twelve-year-old Zeus is the only one who still believes in his grandfather’s incredible stories about the Harlem Renaissance, including tales of a legendary magazine called Burn!!! and a lost ancestor and hidden treasure. When Zeus stumbles upon a page from Burn!!! stashed in a toaster, and his grandfather mysteriously disappears, the lines between myth and reality blur. Zeus and his friends are thrust into a high-stakes race, following a treasure map filled with riddles, clues, and long-buried secrets. The narrative does an excellent job connecting young readers to important elements of Black history and the Harlem Renaissance, while puzzles and surprises add an interactive element. Beyond the action and mystery, the story explores themes of family, identity, and the power of legacy in shaping the future. As readers cheer for Zeus as he navigates the dangers and discoveries that come with chasing a legend, they will be delighted by engaging characters, an irresistible plot, and a breathtaking cliffhanger ending.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025

(2) 4-6 Montgomery Bonbon series. Illustrated by Claire Powell. Bonnie Montgomery, the protagonist of this romp, is an ordinary ten-year-old English girl with best-friend problems, a fear of heights, and a kindly grandfather. However, in her alter ego as a (rather short) detective, she is Montgomery Bonbon, complete with false moustache, trench coat, and a French-adjacent accent. In this, her second case (following Murder at the Museum), she travels to Odde Island, where she tackles the recent murder of a lighthouse keeper. Another suspicious death complicates matters. More cerebral detective than action hero, Bonbon uses logic and clever fact-gathering to sort out who is keeping a secret, who is lying, who has a motive, and who’s smuggling onions onto the island (they are banned). But it’s not all little gray cells either, as a final scene has Bonbon confronting the murderer at the top of the lighthouse during a thunderstorm. Silly in the best British sense, this adventure provides the reader with many treats, chief among them an unrelenting series of epic similes. “‘Whaddya want?’ rumbled a voice like a sackful of gravel in a tumble dryer.” The book design—with its caricature-rich illustrations, page decorations, and a variety of dapper typefaces—suits the wacky, parodic, genially satirical tone to a T.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

(3) 4-6 Young German girl Marta and her papa are passengers on the Lusitania during WWI. They both survive its sinking, but Papa is captured and imprisoned. Marta, taken in by an Irish family in England, hides her German identity, aided by her acting skills and facility with accents. The appealing heroine’s arc is set within an engaging adventure, though readers may be quicker than Marta and others to grasp the novel’s messages against prejudices tied to war. An author’s note adds historical background.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(2) 4-6 It's June 1941 in West Branch, Iowa, and twelve-year-old Peggy's summer becomes marked by two secrets. The first is that she's fallen for Gunther, who is handsome, older (sixteen), and, most importantly, from away. A German Jew, Gunther is staying at a local refugee hostel run by Quakers. The second secret, involving Peggy's cousin and close friend, Delia, is more complicated. Delia has leukemia and has at most six months to live, but this reality is being withheld from the sick girl, who believes that she's simply anemic. The events of the summer and fall -- first love, revelations at the hostel against a background of war -- all play out within the context of Peggy's guilt, anger, resentment, confusion, preemptive grieving, and doomed determination to "fix" her cousin. By the end of six months, she has confronted the difficult truth that the distinctions among stories, lies, and history are not as clear as she had assumed. Bouwman's (Gossamer Summer, rev. 7/23) writing is crisp and specific, painting a convincing picture of rural life of the period, and she stays firmly in the consciousness of her spirited, questing, analytical, mathematically inclined heroine.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

(2) 4-6 Brosgol (most recently Plain Jane and the Mermaid, rev. 5/24) pivots from graphic novels and picture books to an illustrated middle-grade novel (finished art unseen). After the death of his father, ten-year-old Oliver and his mother have "moved on, and on, and on, exploring the corners of his mom's address book," relying on the kindness of relatives for places to live. When his eccentric great-aunt Barb dies, leaving her small New York City apartment to Oliver's mother, Oliver wonders how long it will be until they have to move again. It's a creepy place: butterflies pinned to the walls, dead caterpillars in the oven, a taxidermied cat perched on a stool, and a neighbor (named Elizabeth Appleblood) who considers Oliver "a perfectly edible child." Odder still is a mail slot in the living room wall that leads nowhere. When Oliver discovers that it grants wishes, the novel's "be careful what you wish for" theme kicks in. First, a free pizza is delivered. Expensive sneakers help him fit in better at his new ultra-wealthy private school (where his mother works as a custodian). But the wishes have unforeseen repercussions, and Oliver and his new friend, Colette, must navigate the school as outsiders and face the consequences of their actions. Readers with a taste for absurdity and social satire will relish this imaginative tale.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025

(2) 4-6 In this fast-paced historical novel, Danilo is a Black Panamanian living in a neighborhood destroyed by the United States' invasion of Panama in 1989. Since the first night of the attack, life has become more and more difficult for him and his family. Papá left them prior to the military action in search of better opportunities in the States, but lately he hasn't been calling or sending money home. As a former baseball player, Papá introduced Danilo to the game and nurtured his considerable talent, but in his absence, Danilo decides to stop playing. But then, ironically, Danilo's skill as a baseball player provides him with the chance to reconnect with his father by playing and training in California for a few months. Ultimately, he must decide if he wants to follow in his dad's footsteps to become a baseball player or pursue a different dream. Burgess has created a sympathetic character in Danilo, a kind, hardworking boy who has PTSD and copes with microaggressions and stereotyping in the U.S. The scenes involving baseball are particularly well written and feel authentic. This novel may hold special appeal for baseball fans, but one needn't be an aficionado to enjoy the story.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

(2) 4-6 Chang's fictionalized graphic memoir delves into the complexities of a family harboring a secret: Cindy's father moved back to Taiwan four years ago, leaving her, her mother, and her older sisters on their own in San Francisco. Cindy is shy and quiet, but excerpts from her journal accented by doodles reveal a twelve-year-old full of emotion. While she longs for a picture-perfect family, her mother is overwhelmed with household responsibilities and her older sisters are focused on college. Her grandmother's death reunites the fractured family in Taipei, where Cindy learns the truth about why her father left. She discovers her authentic voice and embraces vulnerability to deepen her relationships with those around her. The panel-to-panel flow is occasionally broken up by tight panels showing her phone as she inspects a photo or her hands as she draws pictures, bringing readers closer to the protagonist's inner world. Chang's animated facial expressions reveal her vibrant personality and lighten the mood. Colors range from warm hues to soft and muted shades. Nostalgic earth tones are used in a flashback to her mother's difficult backstory, while darker reds and pinks are used after a pivotal cathartic moment.

Reviewer: Kristine Techavanich | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

(2) 4-6 In this graphic novel that blends serious themes and humor, the parental mantra "don't cause trouble" has been drilled into twelve-year-old Ming Lee's head for as long as he can remember. As a child of Chinese immigrants, he yearns to embrace the American dream but finds himself missing the mark. His mom insists on giving him the same bowl haircut year after year, shopping at thrift stores for clothes, and packing homemade dumplings for his school lunch, all of which sets him apart from his classmates and ruins his chances of being part of the in-crowd. Filled with episodes revolving around fitting in, encountering microaggressions and outright racism, maintaining religious faith, and grappling with self-acceptance, along with lighter moments, the book captures the ups and downs of middle school, largely drawn (per an author's note) from Chung's own life. The crisp line drawings are infused with vibrant colors and punctuated by Ming's sporadic doodles.

Reviewer: Jerry Dear | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025

(2) 4-6 Color by Ronda Pattinson. This graphic novel celebrates the contributions of women throughout automotive history, along with providing a critique of the industry's persistent sexist practices. A prologue set in 1962 begins at an amateur car race with the skillful real-life driver Janet Guthrie. While respected by some of her peers, many others express a combination of anger, humiliation, and jealousy over her success. The story then shifts to 2019 New Hampshire, where (fictional) twelve-year-old Alexandra is similarly passionate about cars. Alex discovers a treasure trove of cars at her recently deceased grandfather's country home; however, her single father is unsupportive of her interest. Alex experiences highs and lows while working to restore a vintage Jaguar: the support of a local librarian; comments on her appearance and questioning of her knowledge. Throughout, Janet's life and career as a groundbreaking female racecar driver (somewhat coincidentally) intertwine with Alex's experiences, culminating in a multigenerational meet-up, complete with surprise appearance by Alex's favorite female YouTube mechanic. Copeland's streamlined art features a doodle-y thin black line and flat colors with minimal shading. Constantly shifting page layouts, from traditional panels to epistolary interludes to exciting (and coherent) race sequences, result in strong visual storytelling. An author's note separates fact from fiction and reminds readers that "girls can stand on the shoulders of those who came before them only if they know their stories."

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

(3) 4-6 In 1950s Texas, U.S. soldier-parachuters enact a takeover of a small town as a military exercise (based on real historical events). In the hubbub, a space alien kid also lands in town. Chapters alternate between perspectives from Pineda -- a half–Cuban American human boy in sixth grade -- and “Luisa” -- the space alien girl so-named by Pineda -- as the two and their friends try to reunite Luisa and her parents. Some details might not pass muster with sci-fi aficionados, but Cuevas’s overall messages of acceptance of those who are different and resistance against injustice are nonetheless welcome.

Reviewer:

(2) 4-6 Sally, aged thirteen, is a plucky heroine in the best tradition of the orphan narrative. It’s 1894 in central Oregon, and Sally has had it with being demeaned, so she heads off on a journey west to discover the sea. Lacking family, friends, and resources, she is thrown onto her own resilience and bravery. Linking up with a kindly trader woman who is traveling with a cart and donkey, Sally takes on the task of helping to deliver a small boy, a sort of Little Lord Fauntleroy figure, to his family on the coast. A loyal dog completes the cast. Along the way, as she deals with dangers and challenges, Sally comes out of her protective shell and learns to trust other people and her own strengths. The narrative style is jaunty: page two gives us “goldurn it,” and along the way we are treated to generous helpings of historical linguistic color (“varmints,” “jumpin’ jiminy,” “flapdoodle”). Some of the landscape descriptions tend toward the travelogue, but the choreography of peril and refuge is well managed as readers find themselves cheering Sally on to her happy ending.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

(2) 4-6 Exuberant nine-year-old Gabby Torres volunteers to start a social media account for her ocean-conservation club, the Sea Musketeers, to prove her maturity to its older members. Though her parents are initially wary, they ultimately agree to let her run the account under their strict supervision and with limited access. Gabby is excited to learn about hashtags, promote the club's mission, and score new followers, but after she receives a rude comment from an anonymous account, she begins to view everyone -- from friends to family members to teachers -- as potential culprits. As her accusations intensify and her desire to identify the commenter drives her to break her parents' rules, Gabby finds that her desperation is alienating those around her and distracting her from her good intentions. Dominguez has created an instantly endearing protagonist in Gabby: though she still has growth to undergo, her zeal feels wholly natural in a preteen whose enthusiasm for a cause and desire for acceptance override her common sense. Gabby's close relationship with her Mexican American family provides an affectionate, grounding presence. While the story is not without its messages, it's also charmingly funny. Vignette illustrations and/or comics panels on every page depict Gabby's imaginative perception of the world (e.g., she assumes "Miss Information" is a woman who spreads fabrications online). Gabby's future exploits are sure to have followers -- though maybe not quite a billion.

Reviewer: Ed Spicer | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

(2) 4-6 Translated by Alain Serge Dzotap. Illustrated by Marc Daniau. Adi, short for Adidjatou, lives in Cameroon. "I'm now thirteen dry seasons and as many rainy seasons old." She narrates this compelling, heavily illustrated story, which is based on the experiences of a real Cameroonian girl who escaped before being forced into an early marriage. Adi is part of the Mbororos, a nomadic people who are increasingly settling in villages, which works in her favor because she's able to attend school. She is big sister to six siblings, and she loves her happy life making dolls for her sisters, swimming, and dancing. When her uncle Amadou suddenly announces that she is to be married off, Adi and her family are heartbroken. Rather than submit to this "social practice," they hatch a plan to move Adi to safety, and her story ends well. The pages are beautifully illustrated, moving between spreads with striking oil paintings and those with colorfully patterned pages opposite window-paned text. Ample back matter includes a glossary and additional information about the real Adi's story as well as Cameroonian language and culture. Readers may need support due to subject matter; however, because the practice of child marriage is still ongoing, the awareness raised by Adi's tale, and its gentle approach, makes this a valuable read.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025