(3) 4-6 Grimpy, a rosy-cheeked dumbo octopus, introduces the special features of many types of cephalopods in this graphic-style overview. But what’s special about Grimpy? The other cephalopods explain that dumbo octopuses are built to live in the deepest water on Earth. The approachable text and friendly pink-, blue-, and red-hued panels effectively and humorously convey the amazing diversity among animals in this group. Appended resources include a glossary, bibliography, further reading, and a photo of a real dumbo octopus.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Huy Voun Lee. With Sambat Meas. The threat of landmines in Cambodia is explained with sensitivity in this nonfiction picture book that tells the story of a native deminer and the "HeroRAT" who helped her do her job. At first, Malen was skeptical that a rat could find deadly landmines, but she later grew to rely on the sensitive nose of Magawa, a giant African pouched rat who had been trained in Tanzania, to sniff out explosives. Lee’s digital illustrations help to demystify the difficult job. Extensive back matter is appended.

Reviewer: Marva Anne Hinton

(3) 4-6 It’s fascinating to imagine: an underwater forest of cypress trees, which can grow up to eighty feet tall, submerged for tens of thousands of years, somewhere off the Alabama coast in the Gulf of Mexico, its exact location kept secret for preservation and protection due to the wood’s value. Swanson accompanied a group of scientists who were sanctioned to investigate and attempt to map the site. Her six accessible, engaging chapters touch on the researchers, their discoveries (shipworms!), setbacks (from murky water to COVID-19), technologies, and more. Useful sidebars, plentiful photographs, and QR codes to videos of the forest and scientists are included, as well as activities (e.g., “Grow Your Own Underwater Plants”), a reading list, and glossary, in the back matter.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Bryony Clarkson. A simple rhyming verse remarks on a pattern among some snowflakes: "Two flakes play / Four flakes sashay / Eight flakes twirl / Sixteen flakes swirl." Sidebars on each spread explain the pattern, e.g.: "2[exponent]4 = 2 to the fourth power / 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 16." Painted paper collages of a fenced-in wintry backyard featuring birch trees, a swing set, and various birds and animals are overlaid with the exact number of snowflakes mentioned in the text--which quickly rises to a dizzying multitude (the text stops at 2[exponent]14 = 16,384). The beautifully textured illustrations create visual interest, while the snowflakes, a combination of smudge-style dots and the delicately articulated, folded papercut versions familiar from grade-school arts and crafts, offer a counting opportunity for budding numerophiles. The story progression works on more than one level: not only does the math demonstrate the power of exponential growth (a postscript explains "What Is an Exponent?" and gives the example of a one-celled fertilized egg that divides repeatedly until it turns into a baby and then an adult with trillions of cells), but the increasing number of flakes also mimics the feeling of a storm that begins slowly and soon becomes a dazzling onslaught of snow. The book ends on a more human scale: "One snow day. Two friends play. 2[exponent]1 = 2 to the first power / 2 = 2."

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2023

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jam Dong. Readers follow every step of the (fictional) container ship Carolina, which is carrying freight from a port in Asia to delivery in the Netherlands. Carolina acts as narrator, initially providing details about the process of docking and loading, while informative cutaway illustrations display the diverse cargo. Dong's clear, flat, geometrical digital illustrations also illuminate size. The massive ship dwarfs a pair of large baleen whales swimming by; readers turn the page and see the ship alone on the ocean--"a drop of color / on a canvas of blue." As the ship rounds the coast of India, personification becomes more pronounced as once "lonely" vessels assemble in the Suez Canal. But the canal is blocked, and Carolina must divert its path, weathering a fierce storm off the Cape of Good Hope before continuing north through the Atlantic. Arriving in Amsterdam, the unloading begins: "Trade is flowing, the world keeps going. But oceans away, new ports await." An outline map clearly shows Carolina's route, and readers can return to it noting specific points of the journey, such as where the ship meets rough weather. A wealth of back matter, most aimed at an older audience, includes notes about trade and containerization; a glossary; potential related jobs; various additional facts; and internet resources, including an activity guide on buoyancy. An audience-appropriate seek-and-find activity completes the book.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2023

(2) YA Translated by Edward Gauvin. Illustrated by Lisa Lugrin. Color by Albertine Ralenti. This immersive comic introduces readers to the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), a radical group of real-life early-twentieth-century English feminists led by Emmeline Pankhurst. Needing to mitigate the physical harm faced by members, the militant activists of WSPU coordinated a self-defense and security unit and recruited jujitsu expert Edith Garrud to train them. Garrud's life and perspective ground the absorbing, dialogue-heavy, and fast-paced fictionalized narrative as "jujitsuffragettes" learn, strategize, build solidarity, and engage in aggressive direct action together ("Deeds, not words!"). Embedded primary sources such as political cartoons and black-and-white newspaper images pull the facts and narrative together with striking, powerful clarity. The cartooning, beautifully rendered in muted, old-timey hues, presents information about jujitsu, the inner workings and tensions of the WSPU, and everyday indignities faced by the subjects. Frenetic sound effect and motion lines accentuate setting and mood. While enduring themes such as resisting oppression and asserting autonomy abound, the book remains centered on its specific time, place, and people. Pair with Chambers's Finish the Fight! and Dionne's Lifting as We Climb (both rev. 9/20) for perspectives from suffragists of color and broader coverage of gender justice. Back matter includes a timeline, citations, and additional historical information.

Reviewer: Elisa Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2023

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Jeffrey Boston Weatherford. Mary Hamilton was a teacher, a ­Freedom Rider, a CORE regional director, and an agent of change. Carole Boston ­Weatherford's (Unspeakable, rev. 1/21, and many others) poetic free-verse text provides readers with a brief sketch of Hamilton's extraordinary life before shifting focus to her judicial fight for dignity. Hamilton's nonviolent resistance to injustices of the Jim Crow South led to many encounters with Southern law enforcement, including several arrests, one of which had a resounding impact on the legal world. In an Alabama courtroom, when a white prosecutor disrespectfully called her by her first name, she refused to answer unless he called her "Miss Hamilton," even when she was ordered by the judge to respond. Hamilton was held in contempt of court. The NAACP-backed lawsuits that followed led to an important Supreme Court ruling, which requires judges and lawyers to address all participants in a courtroom with dignity and respect. Jeffery Boston Weatherford's (You Can Fly, rev. 7/16) large, striking scratchboard and collage illustrations, which often incorporate archival photographs, complement the clear narrative. A variety of typefaces are used to accentuate the art and emphasize Hamilton's bold actions. A detailed timeline and a list of further reading round out this impressive volume.

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2022

(3) 4-6 Gateway Biographies series. This volume explores how the 2018 mass shooting in Parkland, Florida, sparked a student movement against gun violence. In succinct and effective prose, Braun strikes a balance between horrifying and inspiring. Profiles of key players in the movement appear throughout, along with well-captioned color photographs and sidebars on relevant topics. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Searchlight Books: Climate Change series. Each volume provides a basic definition of human-induced climate change, then considers the impact of rising temperatures and an increase in carbon dioxide on plant and animal life, weather, and humans, with only minor overlap of content across the books. Though the cases presented are dire, solutions and mitigation of negative impacts are considered. The high-quality images and layouts organize the material well. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Searchlight Books: Climate Change titles: Climate Change and Air Quality, Climate Change and Extreme Storms, Climate Change and Energy Technology, Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels, Climate Change and Rising Temperatures, and Climate Change and Life on Earth.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Pablo Pino. On Onomatopoeia Day, Ms. Garcia's students search for examples of, well, onomatopoeia. Outside they notice baa, moo, and other animal sounds; in a workshop they hear mechanical noises like clink and buzz, and so on. The rhyming story's rhythm is jarringly uneven, but the colorful, jam-packed illustrations show onomatopoeia hunters fully engaged, with butterfly nets and magnifying glasses in hand. Reading list.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: They Survived series. An abundance of photos--both black-and-white and color--accompany vivid descriptions of Shackleton and his crew and their massive effort to survive after their ship is trapped in ice in Antarctica. Moving logically and chronologically, Doeden depicts the bravery and teamwork that resulted in the crew surviving the ordeal. Back matter includes "Surviving Deadly Situations" tips that encourage perseverance and self-reliance. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: They Survived series. While the sinking of the Titanic is probably familiar to young readers, the heroism of Louis Zamperini may not be. Both readable volumes contain detailed texts accompanied by both black-and-white and color photos. The chronological narratives are compelling, enhanced by boxed photo captions. Each book concludes with a "surviving deadly situations" feature with practical tips for doing just that. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: They Survived titles: Surviving a World War II Prison Camp and Surviving A Shipwreck

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) 4-6 Searchlight Books: Climate Change series. Each volume provides a basic definition of human-induced climate change, then considers the impact of rising temperatures and an increase in carbon dioxide on plant and animal life, weather, and humans, with only minor overlap of content across the books. Though the cases presented are dire, solutions and mitigation of negative impacts are considered. The high-quality images and layouts organize the material well. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Searchlight Books: Climate Change titles: Climate Change and Air Quality, Climate Change and Extreme Storms, Climate Change and Energy Technology, Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels, Climate Change and Rising Temperatures, and Climate Change and Life on Earth.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Searchlight Books: Climate Change series. Each volume provides a basic definition of human-induced climate change, then considers the impact of rising temperatures and an increase in carbon dioxide on plant and animal life, weather, and humans, with only minor overlap of content across the books. Though the cases presented are dire, solutions and mitigation of negative impacts are considered. The high-quality images and layouts organize the material well. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Searchlight Books: Climate Change titles: Climate Change and Air Quality, Climate Change and Extreme Storms, Climate Change and Energy Technology, Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels, Climate Change and Rising Temperatures, and Climate Change and Life on Earth.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Digital Citizens series. Illustrated by Diego Vaisberg. This nonfiction series presents a balanced, practical view of how to manage one's online presence in the (increasingly pervasive) digital world, addressing responsible behaviors and dangerous/emotionally damaging situations. Appealing blocky graphics and illustrations draw inspiration from Minecraft, evoking popular online interactions. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Digital Citizens titles: My Digital Community and Media, My Digital Future, My Digital Health and Wellness, My Digital Rights and Rules, My Digital Safety and Security and My Digital World

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Digital Citizens series. Illustrated by Diego Vaisberg. This nonfiction series presents a balanced, practical view of how to manage one's online presence in the (increasingly pervasive) digital world, addressing responsible behaviors and dangerous/emotionally damaging situations. Appealing blocky graphics and illustrations draw inspiration from Minecraft, evoking popular online interactions. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Digital Citizens titles: My Digital Community and Media, My Digital Future, My Digital Health and Wellness, My Digital Rights and Rules, My Digital Safety and Security and My Digital World

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Digital Citizens series. Illustrated by Diego Vaisberg. This nonfiction series presents a balanced, practical view of how to manage one's online presence in the (increasingly pervasive) digital world, addressing responsible behaviors and dangerous/emotionally damaging situations. Appealing blocky graphics and illustrations draw inspiration from Minecraft, evoking popular online interactions. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Digital Citizens titles: My Digital Community and Media, My Digital Future, My Digital Health and Wellness, My Digital Rights and Rules, My Digital Safety and Security and My Digital World

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Digital Citizens series. Illustrated by Diego Vaisberg. This nonfiction series presents a balanced, practical view of how to manage one's online presence in the (increasingly pervasive) digital world, addressing responsible behaviors and dangerous/emotionally damaging situations. Appealing blocky graphics and illustrations draw inspiration from Minecraft, evoking popular online interactions. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Digital Citizens titles: My Digital Community and Media, My Digital Future, My Digital Health and Wellness, My Digital Rights and Rules, My Digital Safety and Security and My Digital World

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Digital Citizens series. Illustrated by Diego Vaisberg. This nonfiction series presents a balanced, practical view of how to manage one's online presence in the (increasingly pervasive) digital world, addressing responsible behaviors and dangerous/emotionally damaging situations. Appealing blocky graphics and illustrations draw inspiration from Minecraft, evoking popular online interactions. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Digital Citizens titles: My Digital Community and Media, My Digital Future, My Digital Health and Wellness, My Digital Rights and Rules, My Digital Safety and Security and My Digital World

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Digital Citizens series. Illustrated by Diego Vaisberg. This nonfiction series presents a balanced, practical view of how to manage one's online presence in the (increasingly pervasive) digital world, addressing responsible behaviors and dangerous/emotionally damaging situations. Appealing blocky graphics and illustrations draw inspiration from Minecraft, evoking popular online interactions. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Digital Citizens titles: My Digital Community and Media, My Digital Future, My Digital Health and Wellness, My Digital Rights and Rules, My Digital Safety and Security and My Digital World

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin