(3) K-3 Illustrated by Betty C. Tang. Brayden Harrington has techniques that help with his "bumpy speech," but public speaking still causes stress and embarrassment sometimes. When he meets Joe Biden at a presidential campaign event, Brayden is astonished when Biden tells him: "'When I was your age, I had bumpy speech, too.'" The encounter inspires both Brayden and the soon-to-be president, who invites the thirteen-year-old to (virtually) address the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Like Harrington's viral speech, his autobiographical account is sympathetic and moving, with cheery digital illustrations that emphasize feelings of hope. Appended with tips and other information on stuttering.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Bre Indigo. Janae is a loner and plans to keep it that way in middle school, that is, until she meets outgoing, audacious Aubrey, who is determined to be friends. Preferring to stay in the background, Janae is instead confronted with her greatest fear--public speaking--when there is a movement to rename her school, John Wayne Junior High, to honor social justice activist Sylvia Mendez. Janae certainly has thoughts on the matter but is reluctant to voice them because she believes her thoughts make bad things happen--her brother's sports injury, her parents' divorce, her grandfather's stroke. Imagine what could happen if she ever decided to share her beliefs aloud. This accessible novel has a great deal to say about challenging family dynamics, friendships, and social change. Janae's story, layered with her social anxiety and mistaken belief that she is the cause of her family's problems, is complicated but relatable. Her journey toward finding her voice should inspire readers who are likewise searching for theirs. Occasional black-and-white spot art reflects the protagonist's personality and worldview.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2020

(2) YA Thirteen-year-old Jimmy's cousin, Patrick, has unexpectedly died. Jimmy must deliver a brief eulogy but doesn’t know what to say: he really didn't like Patrick, who ruined every landmark experience in Jimmy's life with his constant presence, out-of-control behavior, and escalating temper. Through flashbacks, Jimmy begins to recognize the complex dynamics that form his family. It's a huge step toward growing up, made believable through a thoughtful and intelligent protagonist.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(3) 1-3 Jada Jones series. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton. Lyons's new early reader series stars African American fourth grader Jada, who makes new friends through rock-collecting (Rock Star) and runs for student council (Class Act). Readers will admire and relate to smart, sincere Jada, who does the right thing even when it's hard. Newton's purple-accented black-and-white illustrations of Jada and her diverse group of classmates are warm and expressive. Review covers these Jada Jones titles: Class Act and Rock Star.

Reviewer: Mariko Turk

(3) 1-3 Gracie LaRoo series. Illustrated by Kristyna Litten. Gracie LaRoo is not just a spunky pig, she is also a world champion synchronized swimmer. In two installments, Gracie learns how to calm her nerves and trust her gut when giving a speech (School) and how to concentrate during a swimming competition (Jubilee). Ample white space and dynamic illustrations will appeal to beginning readers. Discussion points and writing prompts are appended. Glos. Review covers these Gracie LaRoo titles: Gracie LaRoo at Pig Jubilee and Gracie LaRoo Goes to School.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) 4-6 Classroom How-to series. Illustrated by Nate Williams. These approachable resources geared to help students organize school tasks feature jazzy limited-palette cartoon illustrations and occasional full-page motivational quotes. Using examples, the conversational narrative covers methods of study, research, test-taking, and presenting information. The assumption that reading about study strategies can help students tackle complex assignments is ambitious. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Classroom How-to titles: Giving a Presentation, Improving Study Habits, Preparing for an Exam, and Writing a Research Paper.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 An inspirational drama teacher helps Patricia overcome her fear of public speaking. "Patricia, let the play take you," advises the wise teacher. Polacco's trademark pencil and marker illustrations reveal character, capturing Patricia's progression from scenery painter to stand-in lead character in the winter play. Reds, yellows, and blues convey warmth in the well-paced but text-heavy story.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(4) YA Nonfiction: Writing for Fact and Argument series. This series is designed to help students communicate more effectively. Bodden provides instructions for each category, giving examples from speeches, essays, biographies, and published articles. Students are given numerous suggestions on ways to perfect their skills. Large photographs accompany the texts; the books' formats and fonts are distracting. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Nonfiction: Writing for Fact and Argument titles: Effective Speeches, Journalistic Articles, Organized Essays, and Truthful Biographies.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Ace It! Information Literacy series. These books provide a step-by-step approach to tackling the usual range of reports and writing projects for elementary school students. Outlines, diagrams, and concrete suggestions, with photos of students engaged in research and writing processes, are included. Though no one will pick these volumes up for fun, they do show how assignments can be accomplished efficiently. Information overlaps book to book. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Ace It! Information Literacy titles: Ace Your Oral or Multimedia Presentation, Ace Your Internet Research, Ace Your Research Paper, Master the Library and Media Center, Ace Your Creative Writing Project, and Ace Your Writing Assignment.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) YA Life Skills series. These profusely illustrated how-to manuals feature lots of charts, checklists, photographs, and quizzes. Additional tips and Do's and Don'ts appear throughout each book in text boxes. There's useful information in each busily designed volume. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Life Skills titles: Let's Debate! and Panic-Free Presentations.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) 4-6 School Projects Survival Guides series. These books aim to help students complete school assignments, exploring different elements of a project (e.g., organizing information, studying, revising, working with a team). Graphic organizers and checklists guide readers, and stock photographs illustrate the pages. While the direction is useful, students in need of such help are unlikely to seek out or enjoy these dry and uninspiring texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these School Projects Survival Guides titles: Oral Reports, Studying and Tests, Team Projects, and Written Reports.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) YA Shadow Thompson has just begun his sophomore year when his older brother, who ran away seven years earlier, returns home facing a murder indictment. The novel is sometimes awkwardly plotted to emphasize drama at the expense of plausibility, but Shadow's wide-ranging emotions--anger, loyalty, and even jealousy over losing his role in the family--are convincingly portrayed in the first-person narrative.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 You Can Write series. These books provide satisfactory step-by-step guidance for writers. The information is logically organized; the bland presentation is somewhat enhanced by black-and-white drawings of a cartoon pencil that offers encouragement and jokes. A brief listing of Internet addresses may distinguish these books from similar titles. Reading list. Glos., ind. [Review covers these You Can Write titles: You Can Write a Business Letter and You Can Write Speeches and Debates.]

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan