Horn Book Herald: December 2025

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Melissa Castrillón . This meticulously researched and dramatically narrated picture book tells the story of Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes, who at great personal risk and sacrifice saved thousands of Jews fleeing Nazi-occupied southern France. In "what may have been the greatest individual act of rescue in all of World War II," he defied his government and in a twenty-three-day period in 1940 issued thousands of forbidden visas, ensuring safe passage into Portugal. The text is thoroughly informative as well as immediate and suspenseful; illustrations are eye-catching and lively (although the use of flags rather than names to identify countries on the maps seems less than ideal in such a location-dependent story). Unusually for a picture book, this is appended with an extensive bibliography and detailed source notes, plus an author's note and timeline.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Vuon Illustration. This alphabet book introduces twenty-six real children with a variety of disabilities and differences: A is for Arthur, who is blind; B is for Bates, who has anxiety and OCD, and so on. The matter-of-fact, age-appropriate text explains what each child has, how they adapt, and what they like to do; the digital illustrations show smiling children enjoying their favorite activities. Tips for both adults and kids for promoting acceptance and inclusion are appended.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) K-3 Told in crisp, compelling prose, this picture book recounts the true story of Rose Valland, a quiet yet fearless French curator who secretly documented Nazi art theft during World War II, ultimately helping to recover countless masterpieces. The cinematic graphite and mixed-media illustrations, painted digitally, capture the tense wartime atmosphere and accurately depict 1940s Paris. Informative backmatter, including an author’s note, deepens the historical context of this tribute to art, resistance, and courage.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Three “little rebels” set out to visit agüita only to find a dried-up lagoon, but the children embrace their agency to make a difference, even if in a small way. Morales’s mixed-media collage-style illustrations in her signature earth tones are playful and energetic--even when the palette darkens for a bit--and incorporate images and textures from her personal experiences and background. While the storyline lacks specific focus (the central inspiration is explained in an extended note), the overall messages of being yourself, caring for your community, respecting animals and the environment, and listening to ancestral wisdom are empowering and timely. Concurrently published in Spanish as Peques rebeldes.

Reviewer: Monica de los Reyes

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Angela Salerno. Clara, a child on a journey of forced migration, misses home. After Mamá says that “we all carry our special homes with us,” Clara reflects with friends about their own “special homes” and draws their answers in a notebook. The text, smoothly translated from Spanish, addresses a difficult topic in a hopeful, accessible way but touches on the journey’s difficulties. Mixed-media illustrations in a muted palette give expanded views of the landscape and the group of migrants and beautifully incorporate Clara’s sketches. An endnote cites inspiration from Gregg Segal’s photographs of refugees fleeing Venezuela.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Jessica Cruickshank. Twenty-three short profiles, accompanied by black-and-white illustrations, tell the stories of celebrities—including Simone Biles, Billie Eilish, Daniel Radcliffe, and Dav Pilkey—who have neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, dyslexia, and OCD. The accessible if repetitive text describes how each person’s differences shaped their life, and how they overcame challenges to succeed and inspire others. As a whole, the book highlights the variety among neurodiverse people and helps to demystify and normalize their experiences.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) YA This absorbing and accessible collection highlights Indigenous voices across history and contemporary times. Through profiles of poets, novelists, artists, and historians, the authors present a nuanced narrative of Indigenous resilience and creativity. Stunning photos, archival images, and sidebars enrich the reading experience, while difficult histories are addressed with honesty. Though somewhat loosely structured, the book’s powerful storytelling and diverse perspectives make it a valuable and enlightening read. Back matter includes an afterword, sources, resources, image credits, and an index.

Reviewer: Summer Edward