(4) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old Kaya, a Chinese and Taiwanese American girl, grapples with hydrophobia and anxiety while navigating her ancestral roots and mysterious connections to a water goddess. Set in Hawaii, the novel weaves together Kaya's personal journey with historical flashbacks and family secrets. Huang’s atmospheric writing captures the archipelago’s beauty, complementing the story’s magical realism and Kaya’s emotional journey. Some unresolved plot points may leave readers wanting more, but the novel’s explorations of themes such as anxiety and identity are compelling.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 After their parents' separation, mixed-race siblings Poppy and Robin adjust to living in two homes. Through the changing seasons, they navigate their feelings, seek comfort in familiar routines, and grow sunflowers together. Despite the challenges, they discover that love conquers all, and with time, change becomes easier. Vibrant digital illustrations with lots of natural outdoor scenery and a touch of nostalgic warmth create an optimistic mood. Back matter includes a psychologist's note for caregivers, online resources, and recommended reading.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ken Daley. On a Saturday morning, a young Black boy’s mother drops him off at the barbershop. Eager for the outing, the boy narrates the lively rituals of the Black men and neighborhood sons who gather there. Amid laughter, music, games, peddling, and storytelling, the barbershop serves as a hub for community, entertainment, oral tradition, and wisdom. Prismatic digital illustrations capture the barbershop's dynamic, multi-purpose nature, making this ode to Black barbershop culture truly shine.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA Debut author Lessore delivers a humorous and heartfelt story about a thirteen-year-old Black British aspiring rapper navigating social media disasters and personal setbacks. Shaun “Growls” Thompson’s journey to overcome embarrassment and reclaim his dreams is filled with relatable struggles and vibrant friendships. Lessore’s use of first-person narration and beatbox poems adds depth to Growls’s character. The book’s witty dialogue and diverse cast make it an enjoyable read with a powerful message about perseverance.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Yana Popova. A child comes to terms with her parents’ separation and subsequent remarriages, experiencing both joyful and sad family moments. With the support of Mom and Dad and new family members, the child discovers that love prevails and learns emotional acceptance. The illustrations are largely rendered as cutouts against blank, textured, watercolor paper backgrounds, and become grayscale when the child’s father leaves. The resulting non-finito effect perfectly complements this story about navigating divorce with imperfect grace.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) PS Illustrated by Raahat Kaduji. In this playful story, a little groundhog named Tess resists hibernating, despite her parents' best efforts to tuck her in and help her sleep. From warm cocoa to lullabies, nothing works until Mommy and Daddy doze off themselves and Tess tires herself out playing in the snow, almost sleeping through Groundhog Day. Full-color illustrations in a palette of soft, earth-toned hues combine anthropomorphic appeal with bedtime humor. A wintry confection that proves even the most determined little ones need rest.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(4) YA Seventeen-year-old Macy, a biracial aspiring author, navigates a prestigious writing retreat while competing for a coveted spot in an anthology. Alongside Caleb, the son of her parents’ literary nemeses, Macy embarks on a writerly scavenger hunt and faces the challenges of trust, identity, and her complicated family dynamics. Despite some uneven characterization, which leaves the emotional stakes feeling a bit underdeveloped, the romance is sweet and the writing journey insightful. Ideal for young littérateurs and romance fans.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Katy Wu. This engaging nonfiction picture book details the SR 99 Tunnel project in Seattle, focusing on the journey of Bertha, a massive tunnel-boring machine, as she digs through the city. With a compelling text and mid-century-modern-style illustrations, the book illuminates the complex engineering behind the project and Bertha’s impressive feats. Back matter packed with fascinating facts and additional resources rounds off this title that’s sure to please young construction enthusiasts.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Molly Mendoza. Front-matter illustrations introduce Granny Dee, a cat-eye-glasses-wearing Black "glamma" from Harlem, who visits her granddaughter for fun weekend routines: lounging, pampering themselves, napping, and exploring the city. Narrating in Caribbean English, the girl shares her grandmother’s zest for life. When Granny Dee falls ill, the girl takes on her roles, keeping her legacy alive. The warm, effervescent illustrations reflect joy, intergenerational bonds, and the importance of celebrating life amidst mortality.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. A young Black girl enjoys special moments with her fun-loving mother, a U.S. Army member. Their bond, built through cooking, gardening, and dancing, promises to survive Momma's overseas deployment. Upon returning with PTSD, Momma's symptoms affect the girl's well-being, until small adjustments aid the family's healing. Narrated by the child, the story builds empathy for, and gives authentic voice to, children in similar situations. Loose-handed ink and charcoal artwork offers warmth, shielding the tale from heavy-handed realism.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lonnie Ollivierre. This inspiring picture-book biography sheds light on Maurice Stokes, a 1950s NBA star whose promising career was tragically cut short by a severe head injury. Combining engaging storytelling with digital illustrations in a palette of neutral colors, the story highlights his incredible talent, inspiring resilience, and the deep bond between Stokes and his teammate Jack Twyman. Back matter fleshes out Stokes’s life and includes source notes and a selected bibliography.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kim Barnes. Following her parents' separation, a young girl grapples with the emotional complexities of living between two homes. Through her father's thoughtful efforts to create new traditions, such as a mermaid-themed picture day, she learns that while life changes, the enduring love and support of family remain constant. Digital illustrations, using an interplay of vignettes, spot art, and full-bleed spreads, convey warmth and emotion. Back matter includes short bios of the author and illustrator and notes to kids and caregivers.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 This evocative collection of ten-word stories, paired with unique illustrations from twenty-one artists, sparks imagination in readers of all ages. The stories, though extremely brief, are varied and thought provoking, offering a mix of humor, emotion, and fantasy. Each illustration complements its story beautifully, showcasing a range of styles and interpretations. While primarily designed to inspire children to write their own tales, the book also serves as a visual feast for creative minds. Back matter provides a primer on story craft.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bea Jackson. This autobiographical picture book recounts the powerful story of Claudette Colvin, who, at age fifteen, refused to give up her bus seat, challenging segregation nine months before Rosa Parks. The text vividly captures her personal journey and the broader civil rights movement. Historically authentic illustrations in a vintage color palette depict both Colvin’s bravery and the emotional toll of her actions. A note by co-author Hoose is included. (For older readers, check out Hoose's 2009 title, Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, a National Book Award winner and Newbery Honor Book.)

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Race to the Truth series. Illustrated by Bridget George. A white girl teaches readers about the colonization and land dispossession of Native Americans. She sings a song taught to her by her Anishinaabe friend’s grandmother that rebuts Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" anthem. Visits to iconic landmarks help her understand Indigenous peoples’ historical claim to the “living,” “sacred” American land--including her backyard. Fairbanks’s unvarnished text pairs well with George’s full-color digital illustrations, which portray diverse Native traditions, clothing, and housing. A necessary reminder of Native American resilience, endurance, and land rights.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 This poignant and powerful story follows twelve-year-old Ash Dalton as she navigates the challenges of being bullied, living in an unsafe foster home, and struggling with her sense of identity. With authentic characters and a raw, honest narrative, the story touches on themes of trust, abuse, and resilience. Ash's journey toward finding a caring family and safety offers readers hope, despite the gritty realities she faces. A gripping, emotional read.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Hwei Lim. Arnaq (the Inuktitut word for woman) is inveigled into an unhappy marriage by a shapeshifting shaman. While rescuing her by boat, Arnaq’s father is frightened into drowning her, whereupon she transforms into the vengeful spirit of the sea. This intriguing retelling of the Inuit marine goddess's origin story includes gory details and sends complex messages about women's roles, needs, and impact that seem too inconclusive for young readers. Earth-toned digital watercolor illustrations dramatize the artic setting. Back matter includes an afterword and a pronunciation guide/glossary.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) PS Illustrated by Nicola Slater. Squirrel is puzzled by his first snow and wonders why it’s so cold. As Bird introduces him to the fun of snowball fights, ice-skating, and snowflakes, Squirrel enjoys the winter. But when his hazelnuts go missing, he suspects a "snow squirrel" is the culprit -- which turns out to be the case (sort of) with a humorous twist. The colorful digital illustrations are rendered with playful simplicity. Lively speech-bubble text invites a spirited read-aloud. Back matter includes winter weather facts.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(4) YA Illustrated by Tess Stone. Maya, an Indian American teen, embarks on a road trip with two strangers to find her missing sister who disappeared after chasing a mysterious pillar of light. This graphic novel touches on family, self-discovery, climate anxiety, and the anguish of an uncertain future in a post-apocalyptic world. Although some of the characters could use more development, the emotional journey, philosophical depth, and dynamic visual composition offer a compelling adventure with poignant moments.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Huynh Kim Liên & Phùng Nguyên Quang. Composed mostly of questions, this picture-book biography traces Jeremy Lin's uphill battle as the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA. Moving from his youth to his breakout 2012 game with the New York Knicks, the book shows how faith, diligence, and tenacity helped Lin weather taunts, setbacks, privation, and an agonizing NBA draft wait. The digital illustrations employ spot art to depict Lin's off-court life, while full bleeds portray on-court action and the media craze ("linsanity") surrounding his meteoric rise from obscurity. Ho prompts children to reflect on their own experiences contending with naysayers, find role models who look like them, embrace who they are, and defy stereotypes. Back matter fleshes out Lin's life story and includes an author's note and bibliography.

Reviewer: Summer Edward