(3) K-3 Illustrated by Avani Dwivedi. In the mist-covered mountains of Meghalaya, India, a boy learns to build his community’s living root bridge under his uncle’s guidance, then works to repair damage caused by human-made hazards, rallying others to preserve it. Warm digital illustrations capture the lush setting. The evocative text invites reflection on the bridge’s importance, while the back matter -- an afterword, author’s note, glossary, and bibliography --provides further insight into the ecological and cultural significance of these unique, sustainable structures.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Charles Santoso. A young Black girl brings home a rambunctious new “cat” named Tac -- actually a baby dragon -- who quickly becomes part of her blended family. When Dad’s frustration hurts Tac’s feelings, the girl must act fast to bring their runaway pet safely home. With playful repetition, heart, and humor, this whimsical picture book explores themes of family and belonging and celebrates how unexpected additions can make a home feel complete. Cartoony digital illustrations, enhanced with handmade textures, add warmth and charm.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Camilla Ru. A young Black girl celebrates the beauty and versatility of her Afro-textured hair while exploring the deep connection she shares with her grandmother through their unique hairdos. Together, their hair tells stories of playful moments, memory, and Caribbean heritage. The lyrical text honors intergenerational love and pride in cultural identity. Big, bold, and colorful digital illustrations with vibrant patterns bring the story to life. A tender, joyful tribute to self-expression, ancestry, and the magic woven into every strand.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice. Rasheed, a young Black boy, grows up under the loving guidance of his big brother, Anthony, but when Anthony begins to seek independence, Rasheed must adjust -- until the day he becomes a big brother himself. Mixed-media illustrations full of layered textures and patterns invite readers to feel the closeness, joy, and emotional complexity of brotherhood and growing up. With an engaging first-person voice, this heartfelt picture book beautifully honors the beauty and strength of sibling relationships.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Nilah Magruder. Color by Ellis P. Background inks by Akem. After moving to a rural town, confident young Black equestrian Nora struggles to adjust to a rundown barn, a new school, and frequent microaggressions but gradually finds connection and purpose in her new community. This graphic novel explores race, class, and belonging with humor and heart. Though some imprecise equine terminology undercuts the story’s strengths, the energetic art and lively pacing make it an engaging read for horse lovers and outsiders alike.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Basil, a bookworm, and Terry, a sports fanatic, are reluctantly paired up, only to be pulled into a chaotic version of "Hansel and Gretel" through a mysterious Grimm fairy-tale book. To save the story -- and themselves -- they must help Gretel find her missing brother without disrupting the plot. Featuring sharp wordplay, quirky humor, and a fairy-tale world run by unionized characters, this fast-paced middle-grade novel will delight readers who enjoy magical mischief and unexpected friendships.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Carlisle captures the fleeting nature of time with lyrical language and vivid imagery of a river’s journey, encouraging mindfulness and appreciation for the present. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations show two children joyfully exploring the countryside, evoking freedom and wonder. The illustrated back matter includes information on river ecosystems, outdoor exploration activities, and an author’s note. A tender, poetic read that reflects on how moments pass and nature changes, offering a gentle reminder to embrace the flow of time.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat. After moving to a new neighborhood, a young child uses scrap items to build a robot friend. The bright digital illustrations capture the child’s journey from loneliness to connection. When the protagonist meets another youngster, the two initially clash over the robot, but through teamwork and empathy, they rebuild it together. This sparely written story encourages creativity and highlights the importance of cooperation, forgiveness, and understanding in building friendship.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Faiza, a determined girl from the Indian Himalayas, dreams of becoming a boxer. Inspired by Olympian Mary Kom, she trains with her father, overcoming bullying, grief, and poverty to enter a local tournament. Stylized illustrations, using a limited color palette and classical Indian influences, add depth to her journey. A supernatural twist enriches the emotional arc of this resonant, visually rich middle-grade graphic novel celebrating resilience, heritage, and female empowerment. A glossary and information about Dasgupta’s process provide interesting details.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA Aiden Wright, a Black, wealthy teen with autism, navigates football, family, and systemic injustice. When Aiden’s brother is wrongfully arrested during a confrontation with police, Aiden must cope with grief, prejudice, and the complicated dynamics of his football team. With vivid writing, the story poignantly explores race, friendship, and resilience. Aiden’s journey highlights both personal growth and the harsh realities of social and racial inequities, making this a powerful, thought-provoking read for young adults.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Melody, a bright Black girl with cerebral palsy, uses her assistive speech device to save her elderly neighbor from a fall, launching a trip to London for a gifted youth conference, a thrilling opportunity but not without challenges. Although an uplifting narrative of friendship and resilience, the story forgoes the depth and emotional weight of its predecessors, Out of My Mind and Out of My Heart. Nevertheless, Melody’s inspiring voice and perseverance shine, making this a heartwarming finale.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA In 1973, Patty Appleton, a young female congressional page, witnesses the political upheavals of Watergate, Roe v. Wade, and the Equal Rights Amendment. She grapples with her conservative upbringing and the feminist movement in this nuanced, thought-provoking exploration of political and personal growth. Historical photos and clippings add immersive context, while relatable characters and sharp social commentary may engage both teens and adults. The insightful back matter includes an epilogue, author's note, selected sources, resources, and photo credits.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Emma Chinnery. A family explores the wonders of "our beach" throughout the changing seasons. Soft, atmospheric mixed-media illustrations capture magical moments of play, celebration, and imagination, from jumping waves to birthday treasure hunts. The evocative, rhyming text conveys a sense of nostalgia as the beach shrinks due to coastal erosion. This is a heartfelt tale of a special, timeless place.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA Based on her adult autobiography, Friedman recounts her childhood during the Holocaust, detailing her experiences in the Tomaszów Mazowiecki ghetto, the Starachowice labor camp, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. The book shares her heartbreaking experiences of loss, starvation, and cruelty, while highlighting her strength and resilience. The narrative’s historical importance and depth make this an indispensable tool for understanding this dark chapter in history. Suitable for upper middle-grade and older readers.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Twelve-year-old Rowan discovers a portal in Central Park leading to a magical version of Seneca Village, a nineteenth-century free Black community. With her new friend Lily, she embarks on a quest to find a missing villager and stabilize the portal, while coping with grief over her father's death. Deftly blending fantasy with history, the book explores bereavement, friendship, and resilience. Garrett sensitively handles themes of loss, racism, and healing, making this a heartwarming, thought-provoking read.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Susan Gal. A white teacher shares a childhood memory with his students about the time his Black friend was turned away from a birthday party because of racism. A quiet act of allyship becomes a lifelong promise to make everyone feel welcome. Loose pencil, ink, and watercolor illustrations lend the story a sketchlike intimacy that mirrors its emotional depth. The author’s note adds moving context, showing how small moments can spark lasting change.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 A female Anna’s hummingbird builds a nest on young Noah's apartment balcony. The third-person narration offers an engaging mix of Noah's observations and facts about hummingbirds’ flight abilities, diet, and more. The back matter provides valuable tips for how to create a safe environment for these birds. Beautiful photographs enhance this story for young nature lovers. Author’s note included.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Nadia Alam. A biracial, Jewish-Hindu girl grapples with her multicultural background as her mama shares stories of Brooklyn and her papa recalls memories of India and the Partition. As she questions where she belongs, a butterfly inspires her to embrace her multifaceted self. Soft, emotive illustrations blend hand-drawn pencil and digital art, enhancing themes of connection. An author’s note provides valuable historical context on the Partition and on Jewish immigration. A tender, thoughtful exploration of family, heritage, and self-acceptance.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Fitzgerald. On a walk home with Uncle Jerome, biracial siblings, Zarah and her brother, experience a world full of imagination, brought to life through their five senses. Expressive, colorful illustrations depict their make-believe encounters with tigers, crocodiles, and mysterious yeti footprints. Zarah’s initial reluctance turns to excitement as she discovers the joy of taking the “long way.” With lively dialogue and playful repetition, this heartwarming celebration of curiosity, adventure, and family bonds bursts with energy and charm.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Adventures of Invisible Boy series. In this graphic novel sequel, Stan and Gene, now able to control their invisibility powers, try to fight crime, but struggle to find any real action in their quiet town until Stan’s dad’s hardware store is robbed and a new villain appears. The humorous, action-packed plot relies heavily on the first book for context, making it hard for new readers to follow. However, the quirky characters, funny illustrations, and zany vibe will appeal to fans of lighthearted superhero adventures.

Reviewer: Summer Edward