(2) YA In a future dystopian world where the animals are mutating and the water is rising, Inesa, seventeen, works to stay debt-free from the massive corporation Caerus, which sells poor people the necessities of life on credit -- up to a point. Rack up too much debt and your life, or a family member’s, is forfeit to the livestreamed Gauntlet, in which the victim, styled a Lamb, is hunted and executed by a beautiful, cybernetically enhanced Angel. ­Narration alternates between Inesa and Melinoe, one of those Angels, whose “disastrous” last kill haunts her. When Inesa’s mother hits her credit limit and “sponsors” Inesa for the Gauntlet, the hunt becomes Melinoe’s chance to redeem herself. Initial parallels to The Hunger Games (rev. 9/08) give way as Reid charts her own path. Reid arranges her episodes so deftly and rounds out her characters so fully that this unlikely example of the enemies-to-lovers trope remains believable. Like many a good work of sci-fi, this one holds a mirror up to our culture, including the commodification of personal data and destruction of privacy rights, but it’s the human moments --Inesa grappling with her mother’s hurtful choices; Melinoe fighting for her humanity in a system designed to strip it away -- that will stay with readers after the book is closed.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Rosa Ibarra. A richly illustrated picture-book biography of Puerto Rico's first female mayor, Felisa Rincon de Gautier (1897–1994), with a lively text. As a tropical storm batters San Juan at the start of the book, the fearful residents seek refuge in the 4home of their trusted local hero, lovingly called Doña Fela. Born to a wealthy family, she recognized the social inequities in Puerto Rico from an early age, particularly those faced by Black Puerto Ricans and jibaros (farmworkers). Despite the gender restrictions of the time, which initially prevented her from voting or holding office, she maintained a strong commitment to helping the less privileged, from small acts such as providing coffee and bread to farmworkers to eventually cofounding a political party on the island. Her achievements as mayor included affordable housing, cleaner streets, and establishing the first preschools in the city. Boldly colored oil-paint illustrations admiringly portray Fela, her fellow Puerto Ricans, and the island itself. Fela is depicted in bright-colored clothing with a flower in her hair, helping readers follow her across spreads as the book moves from her youth into her later years. Back matter includes a glossary of Spanish terms, an author's note providing further context and discussing Fela's lasting influence on Puerto Rican women in politics, and an artist's note describing her personal connection to the subject. A Spanish paperback edition will be published in October.

Reviewer: Jessica Agudelo | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2024

(2) 4-6 Eleven-year-old Sunny Parker lives with her father, the manager and handyman of Del Mar Garden Apartments, an affordable housing complex. She had anticipated that the summer before middle school would be boring but is propelled into activism when she realizes that protests against a new housing project oppose the people in her own community. Despite her father's desire that she stay out of things, Sunny starts a petition in support of the new housing project with best friend and neighbor, Haley. Through her interactions with those from various economic backgrounds and with an array of family structures, and abilities, Sunny's understanding of the world around her expands, and she finds the courage to stand up for others. A conversation with Haley, who is Black, helps Sunny recognize her white privilege, although the girls share similar circumstances: "I didn't feel like anyone's past was determining my future. I may have lost my mom, but I still blended in around town, even with my used clothes." Though the story thoughtfully tackles serious topics such as domestic violence and structural racism, Sunny's hopeful perspective and commitment to community care enhance the swiftly paced narrative. Ultimately, Sunny's journey is a celebration of the power of empathy, intergenerational friendships, and collective action -- potentially inspiring readers to create positive change.

Reviewer: Kristine Techavanich | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(2) 4-6 Sixth grader Joseph Oaks claims he isn't a superhero (even if he did fly like Superman once): "I don't have any special powers -- unless / you count my ability to be invisible, / and to survive." Joe's mother gets what he calls "The Itch" and disappears for "days. / Weeks. / Months. / You never know when she'll take off / or when she'll come back." Thus, Joe "know[s] a lot of things / kids shouldn't / have / to know," including housing insecurity (Joe and Grandmum live in her car), poverty, and hunger. Things start to look up when they find "The Overripe Banana," a mobile home in King of the Castle Mobile Home Park. Once settled in, Joe considers his favorite possession, the quilt Grandmum made years ago: he understands that "Grandmum's the thread / holding her, Mom, and me, / separate pieces so different from each other, / together / as a family." Supporting characters, including Joe's teacher, his friends Nick and Hakeem, and the mobile home park's compassionate owner, are well drawn and vividly portrayed. As in Starfish (rev. 5/21), Fipps uses short lines, lots of white space, and an engaging first-person voice to carry the story. A fine example of how a novel in verse can be the perfect vehicle for getting inside the head of a character and creating empathy for what it's like to be him.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(2) YA Kincade Webster, a Black star wide receiver for the mostly white Neeson Preparatory Academy in Virginia, has ambitions of attending The Ohio State University and going on to the NFL. He puts up with racism at his school (and online) and tries to keep his head in the game. But when he takes the bus home one day, a white woman accuses him of grabbing her, and fellow passengers take her side, causing Cade to make a quick exit. Ducking into a pawn shop (where, unbeknownst to Cade, otherworldly forces are at work), he says to the shopkeeper, "I wish everyone would stop acting so scared around me." This wish sends Cade on an unwanted and terrifying journey on the Ruin Road between life and death and an association with his neighborhood's evil slumlord Arvin Skinner, who long ago made a bargain with the Night Merchant: years would be added to Skinner's life in return for Skinner's causing pain and suffering to others (including murder). Skinner's influence is now everywhere in Cade's life, endangering him, his friends, his neighborhood, and Neeson Prep. Giles's horror thriller is expertly crafted and indeed truly horrifying, weaving many threads into this tapestry of evil: Cade's father's lung cancer; violence by the local gang; bomb threats called in to his school; issues of racism, wealth and privilege, and family. Pair this with Giles's The Getaway (rev. 11/22) for a double-header of evil and mayhem.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(2) K-3 Translated by Konstantine Matsoukas. Illustrated by Fotiniu Tikkou. This picture book invites readers to practice compassion by trying on others' shoes -- both literally and figuratively. On her walk home from school in her Paris suburb, Matou passes a mosque and sees "a sea of shoes" in front of the building (it is customary to take off your shoes before entering the prayer area of a mosque). A pair of pristine white sneakers stands out, and Matou can't help herself -- she tries them on. She continues trying on shoes, and when their owners claim their footwear, Matou notices that each pair reveals something about the person who wears it. The pristine sneakers' wearer forgoes walking home for a ride in a shiny car, suggesting wealth. A girl with worn, stretched-out ballet flats rubs her shoes together while waiting for her parents -- she's unhappy. Matou is miffed when her mother cancels a shopping date because she has to work late, but when she tries on Mom's shoes, she is able to see her perspective. The illustrations mix sepia-toned backgrounds with pops of color. Hand-drawn scenes in colored pencil are combined with photos, adding texture and variety to the illustrations. This endearing story about understanding others is an excellent read-aloud that is likely to spark activities, conversations, and possibly some exchanges of footwear.

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

(2) YA Illustrated by Robin Yao. In the distant dystopian-future setting of this graphic novel towers the monumental stacked city of Muqadas, where each level dictates the quality of life of its citizens. A trio of adolescent friends -- Basem, Mustafa, and Aarfah -- resides in the lower region of Saha, a tier plagued by a water-polluting virus that infects the limbs and must ultimately be treated by amputation. Using their engineering skills, Basem and Mustafa generate prosthetic legs from scrap metal for Aarfah. Their ingenious efforts attract a scout from the tiers above, granting them an opportunity for social mobility and a chance at a new life. But what must they compromise to achieve this status? A story of class divisions, exploitation, and marginalization unfolds in this segmented world that mirrors real-world health inequities and socioeconomic injustices. The forest greens and indigo blues punctuated by glowing candlelight in the lower tiers clash with the pastel-hued opulence of the upper regions, symbolizing the disconnect and social disparity between the tiers. Dynamic characterization and atmospheric world-building in a setting with echoes of contemporary Muslim society engender a fantastically allegorized tale touching on themes of social stratification, solidarity, friendship, queer relationships, survival, and hope in a world fractured by enduring class struggles.

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

(2) YA Perspectives in this novel alternate among members of the Maghabol family from four different generations. In 1929, Francisco has recently emigrated from the Philippines to Watsonville, California, where he picks produce and eventually becomes a major labor organizer. In 1965, his son, Emil, has grown up without the presence of his constantly traveling father. Emil finds his way out of poverty by committing to academic and professional excellence. In 1983, Emil's son, Chris, struggles with pressures from his father, who expects him to assimilate and focus on school -- but a class project leads Chris to uncover deep and difficult histories of the Philippines, which is met with Emil's disapproval. And in 2020, Chris's son Enzo witnesses the effects of generational differences, rifts, and trauma when his grandfather moves in with the family as a precaution at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to exploring complex father-son relationships, Ribay takes the reader on a journey through Filipino American history, from the Manong Generation (young, single men who came to the U.S. in the early twentieth century) to the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes in 2020. A brief historical note and resources are appended.

Reviewer: Gabi K. Huesca | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2024

(2) K-3 Miguel and his abuelito wake early to work; the grandfather sells cold coconuts from a small, wheeled cart, and the boy sells dream catchers he makes, a craft that reminds him of his absent (perhaps deceased?) parents. The boy is saving up to buy an airplane, his dream. As they make their way through town selling their wares, they talk about what people might dream of. Some dreams are big, such as living in a castle or changing the world; others are smaller, such as having enough food. Miguel's grandfather reiterates that "selling my cold coconuts next to you and seeing you smile is all I dream of. I like it here and now because we're together." There is a powerful interplay between the words and Verdad's acrylic paint and digital collage illustrations, dominated by blocky shapes and crayon-like textures. This is most poignantly displayed when the grandfather tells Miguel that some people dream of seeing someone they miss as the boy gazes at two parents walking with their young child. Verdad shows artistic restraint, allowing the reader to intuit meaning and emotional depth by interpreting what this interaction and others like it mean. A moving story of appreciating what you have while still dreaming of a different future.

Reviewer: Julie Hakim Azzam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Anisi Baigude. Wang tells of her early life sharing a tiny mud house in Non Ba Zi, a remote village in Inner Mongolia, with her mother, father, and two younger brothers. Episodic stories offer glimpses of everyday experiences that center shifting seasons, child-pleasing details, and tight family bonds. From planting potatoes in spring, enduring frightening thunderstorms in summer, starting school for the first time in fall, and huddling inside with lambs in the freezing winter, each anecdote is matched by Baigude's lively black-and-white illustrations. Risking trouble over tearing her clothes, eight-year-old Jin races to climb to the top of a tree to defeat a teasing boy. With a strong sense of adventure, she relishes the chance to take a trip with her father to fill a large tank with water, a chore shared by all villagers. Jin displays profound gratitude toward nature and respect for elders throughout the narrative. Amid humorous depictions of childhood joys are realities of the hardships of having little food and water, no electricity, and limited access to healthcare. When Jin suffers a life-threatening dog attack, she is nursed to health by her mother's use of folk medicine. Reinforcing the strong sense of place, information about Chinese calligraphy, superstitions, and New Year's traditions are included. This concisely written and heartwarming memoir resonates with childlike wonder and optimism. Appended with authors' notes (placing the story in 1982) and an illustrator's note.

Reviewer: Kristine Techavanich | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2024

(2) YA West Virginia, the Mountain State, is also historically known for both coal mining and Appalachian poverty. Watkins explores the nexus between them in this overlooked chapter in the history of the labor movement. By the early twentieth century, West Virginia had emerged as a cheap source of coal, in large part because capitalism allowed wealthy mine owners to exploit workers. Coal mining was dangerous, the hours were long, the conditions deplorable, and the pay minimal -- often paid in scrip, currency accepted only at the company store. The tension between mine owners and labor unions came to a head in 1920 during the Matewan Massacre and in 1921 during the Battle of Blair Mountain. Watkins introduces the major players and aptly delineates the causes and effects of these bloody and violent events. He reflects on how this history has been erased from books on West Virginia, a history that could have served as a source of pride in resistance. He concludes with a discussion of the current state of coal mining, still a mainstay of the area's economy despite mounting national pressure to move away from fossil fuels. Numerous black-and-white photographs ably support the text, while sources, notes, and an index are appended.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

(1) YA Miles Abernathy lives in a struggling West Virginia town in 2017. Power is monopolized by the Davieses, the family of the sheriff and the Abernathys' mortal enemies in a blood feud that began with the murder of Miles's great-great-grandfather, who dared to challenge the corrupt ruling class. Tired of the Davieses' ruthless pursuit of dominance and control, Miles tries to undermine the sheriff but is wholly unprepared for the chain of events one small act of defiance sets off. White (The Spirit Bares Its Teeth, rev. 11/23) crafts a high-stakes thriller that is atmospheric and suspenseful -- with a touch of the supernatural -- while also nuanced and incisive in its exploration of violence (at times extreme and graphically depicted) and its impact on individual and collective psyches. The story raises and addresses questions of power, agency, and complicity through an intimate first-person narrative of a teen who feels the injustice of the world on a deep and personal level and must decide how far he is willing to go to change his situation. Miles also experiences the trials and tribulations of coming out as trans in a small town, realizing that he is autistic, and questioning his romantic orientation. These elements are well integrated into the story and coincide with developments in the thriller plotline, making for a multilayered, engrossing read.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(2) YA Seven years ago, Sena's mother moved their family from a big city -- and an abusive husband -- to Tovime, a remote village in Ghana, where Sena's grandfather, Togbe, resides. A positive male presence, Togbe works the land to provide for the family, with Sena helping as much as possible in between his studies. Togbe educates, encourages, and entertains Sena through stories about his childhood, teaching his grandson about the geography and history of the land; one memorable tale concerns the time he was saved from the river by Mami Wata -- a water goddess who "only comes to the rescue of good people." While rich in love and support, the family struggles financially, and when tragedy strikes, Sena feels it is up to him to provide for his mother and two younger siblings. An immediate solution seems to present itself in a charismatic visitor who promises riches to those who come to work for him. Accepting the offer, Sena finds himself in a situation more dire than ever before, and it will take everything in him to survive -- and possibly the divine intervention of Mami Wata herself. Intertwining the historical tradition of West African storytelling with the very present issues of environmental injustice and child trafficking, Wolo brings a vivid and intense narrative to life.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov. In this engaging and child-friendly overview of Fasanella's (1914-1997) life and evolution as a self-taught, working-class artist, Broyles highlights the man's "rambunctious," resilient, and independent nature, even as a child. His hard-working Italian immigrant parents had limited resources and a large family to care for. As a boy, Fasanella accompanied his father as he delivered blocks of ice through the tenements of New York City. He listened to his factory-worker mother as she shared her strong beliefs about unionizing to improve working conditions. He was in and out of a Catholic reform school and worked odd jobs throughout the Great Depression before joining a union and learning to paint in his early thirties. He honed his craft and found his voice in his visual representations of family, baseball, and daily existence. He also documented momentous events (the March on Washington, the Kennedy assassination) and their impact on Americans, saying that "any good painting is a social statement" and that "art and politics can't be separated." Tentler-Krylov's dynamic watercolors bring her subject to life in small vignettes at various stages of the times and also place him in boldly colored, expansive scenes that pay homage to Fasanella's distinctive style. Well-researched back matter includes a timeline of events that are referenced in Fasanella's paintings, numerous reprints, and a listing of where to see more of the artist's work. A perfect companion to Levinson's The People's Painter (rev. 7/21), a picture-book biography of Ben Shahn.

Reviewer: Luann Toth | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2023

(3) YA Cadow immerses the reader in the life of narrator Ian in a leisurely paced story that intentionally zigzags and doubles back on itself, echoing a walk in the woods--appropriately, since the setting is a closely observed rural Vermont. High schooler Ian faces a host of challenges, including poverty, a mom struggling with substance abuse, an absent father, and the loss of his mentor grandfather. A stray dog he names Gather and the strong connections he gradually forges in his community and at school help Ian find his place in the world. A heartfelt coming-of-age novel.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Lauren Child. In July 1888, women and girls working at a match factory in East London went on strike to protest dangerous working conditions and poor pay. Carroll takes the story of this significant event in labor history and uses it as the armature for her own version of Hans Christian Andersen's weeper "The Little Match Girl." Carroll's little match-seller has a name, Bridie, and a strong voice, luring customers with stories and outrageous patter. Her whole family is in the match trade, her mother in the factory, herself on the frigid streets selling, and her small brother at home fashioning match boxes. Like her nameless original, Bridie experiences visions, but unlike her predecessor she turns these visions into social action and survives to tell her tale. The mash-up of history and Andersen-tale works beautifully, especially on the metaphorical level with light, enlightenment, warmth, and energy battling it out against darkness, ignorance, chill, and despair. Child's illustrations, collages in black, gray, and red with a rich use of pattern, incorporate text at certain points to create an arresting, graphically dynamic page. Serve this up with Pinkney's lushly illustrated picture-book edition of the Andersen and with Maguire's Matchless for a feast of Victoriana and an invitation to discuss child poverty, capitalism, and the power of organized labor.`

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2023

(2) 4-6 On Higuera's barren post-apocalyptic Earth, Pocatels rule over the Spanish-speaking Cascabels, refugees from the San Joaquin Valley, forcing them to live in squalid tent cities, endure long hours harvesting potatoes, and subsist on next to nothing. Thirteen-year-old Leandro and his younger sister, Gabi, impoverished and orphaned Cascabels, plan to escape the Pox, as their settlement is called, but when Gabi is caught stealing a strawberry from a fruit seller, their scheme is thwarted. Leandro takes the blame, and he's sent to the Center of Banishment for the theft. He's given a choice: banishment or have his consciousness transferred to an alebrije, an Old World animal drone. He chooses the alebrije: as a drone hummingbird, he's free to fly from the confines of Pocatel, but his choice comes with conditions. For one, he's tasked with finding the daughter of one of the ruling directors and returning her to Pocatel. On his quest, Leandro uncovers the lies of the government; finds La Cuna, a legendary verdant paradise of the Cascabels; and discovers what it means to be a hero. With its social and environmental commentary, this fast-paced and imaginative novel tackles issues of deception and control and leaves one with a sense of wonder that a single flap of a wing or a solitary voice can bring about unimaginable change. An epilogue gratifyingly ties this book to Higuera's Newbery Award winning The Last Cuentista (rev. 9/21).

Reviewer: Yesica Hurd | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2023

(2) YA Khadija is a brown-skinned sixteen-year-old girl living in the (fictional) realm of Ghadaea. Although her Ghadaean identity grants her a position in society's highest racial caste, her identity as a girl means she will never obtain the freedom she desires. When her father informs her that he has found a suitable husband for her, Khadija commandeers a hot-air balloon and floats away from her restrictive life. Her flight leads her to Jacob, a hri, or white member of Ghadaea's lowest social caste, who longs to escape his abusive glassmaking apprenticeship. Despite their gender, racial, and class differences, the two form an unlikely bond, as they both wish for freedom from oppression and have experienced the loss of family and friends. Khadija and Jacob's friendship is tested, however, when they find themselves caught between two revolutionary groups: the Wzeem, who believe that peaceful protest will result in equality for all; and the Hreef, who want the hri to rule at all costs. Told from ­Khadija's and Jacob's alternating points of view, Marufu's novel uses South Asian–inspired fantasy ­elements to tackle discussions of racism, misogyny, classism, and activism. An exciting and action-packed adventure perfect for fans of Blackman's Naughts and Crosses (rev. 7/05).

Reviewer: S. R. Toliver | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2023

(2) 4-6 Ever since Hazel's father's death, it has been hard for the family to make ends meet. When her aunt, who lives in America and works in a garment factory, invites her to live and work with her, Hazel accepts the opportunity to help support the family. Preparing to leave England, she decides to seek passage on the Titanic but is forced to stow away when she doesn't have enough money to cover the fare. Once aboard, she befriends Charlie, a porter; Sylvia, a first-class passenger; and Mrs. ­Abelman, a teacher who nurtures her dream of becoming a ­journalist. The inquisitive Hazel investigates her surroundings quite thoroughly, from the ship's physical construction to the passengers and their secrets. This exploration allows Nielsen (The Shadow Throne, rev. 3/14) to weave historical research into her first-person narrative. If the foreshadowing of the impending tragedy is a bit clumsy, that can be forgiven: everybody knows how the Titanic's story unfolds. An author's note separates fact from fiction, while primary source documents (newspaper articles, photographs, and transcripts) are occasionally interspersed between chapters.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2023

(2) K-3 A young Black girl cherishes her time with her papa. They have their routine; and "after breakfast, [they] make music." One day, they are joined by Mister Blue. Papa explains that he and Mister Blue go "all the way back," through some "just-gotta-keep-pushing days," and music has always been his friend's outlet. Inspiring people to "RISE! MARCH! AND...BOOGIE!" with his makeshift drum set, Mister Blue is what Papa refers to as a "get-up-and-go kind of brother." But the girl still has questions. She notices that Mister Blue lives outside, and as the weather turns rainy, she asks, "Is he safe? Is he cold? Is he lonely?" Her compassion for Papa's friend leads to an act of kindness--and a new friendship of her own. The text is spare; Peoples's (America My Love, America My Heart, rev. 5/21) bright and lively oil-paint and graphite illustrations adding greatly to the overall story, with small, contained frames occasionally giving way to double-page spreads. When Papa tells the girl that he and Mister Blue go way back, for example, the colors fade to a gray-toned war scene. The memories also include a few of the "weary days" Papa and Mister Blue experienced. The last image is a brilliant spread of the ultimate jam session, with all the joy that music and friendship can bring. An author's note explains Peoples's experience with her own Mister Blue and offers a reminder to adults to let children ask "hard questions."

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023