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Booklist (ISSN 0006 7385) is published twice monthly September through June and monthly in July and August by the American Library Association (225 N Michigan Ave , Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601). Address editorial correspondence to Booklist, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601. Subscriptions: USA and Canada: $169.50 per year; PUAS, and other countries, $188.50. Single copy $10 Address new subscriptions, renewals, and related correspondence to Booklist, P O Box 421027, Palm Coast, FL 32142 (phone: 888 350 0949; fax: 386 447 2321) New orders and renewals may also be submitted via e mail: booklist@emailcustomerservice com Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois, and at additional mailing offices POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Booklist, P O Box 421027, Palm Coast, FL 32142 Copyright © 2022 by American Library Association All materials in this journal subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be photocopied for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976 For other reprinting, photocopying, or translating, address requests to George Kendall (gkendall@ala org) Opinions in Booklist, Book Links, and Booklist of the and do not reflect ALA views unless so stated Life on the Rocks: Building a Future for Coral Reefs, by Juli Berwald, cover art by Andriy Onufriyenko starred review in this issue’s Spotlight on the Environment & Sustainability Used with permission of the Riverhead Books/ Penguin Random House Look Hiassen’s Julia Smith

G h o s t e d ! E x p l o r i n g t h e H a u n t i n g R e a l i t y o f P a r a n o r m a l E n c o u n t e r s .

By Brian Lay the and others

May 2022. 320p. illus. McFarland, paper, $39.95 (9781476685779) 133

Most of us are familiar with ghosts as the restless spirits that rile Ebenezer Scrooge, or fall victim to the Ghostbusters’ proton packs, or fascinate the hosts of the show Ghost Hunters and its various knockoffs In real life instances, though, those expe riencing paranormal phenomena are left mesmerized and occasionally traumatized. This book’s five authors, all scholars of the paranormal, endeavor to break down in dividual experiences with phantoms and apparitions, noting 32 psychological and physical characteristics that form their “Haunt Hierarchy ” Are victims of spon taneous encounters also afflicted with “Haunted People Syndrome”? Is someone who bonds with an imaginar y friend as a child more likely than others to see or feel the presence of the deceased as an adult? Are ghost encounters by groups genuine, or a form of mass psychosis? Providing a frame work for examining the metaphysical world, Ghosted! offers both intriguing research and quality enter tainment while probing the su pernatural, whether the reader is a believer or a skeptic. Philip Zozzaro

By Ludwig Wittgenstein Tr by Marjorie Perloff.

Apr 2022 240p Norton/ Liveright, $24 95 (9781324090809) 192

In this first complete English translation of Wittgenstein’s three sur viving wartime notebooks, Perloff has done a consummate job of revealing the humanity of this enig matic figure This crisp translation acquaints us with a conflicted young man struggling to understand himself and his world. He said of his experience of that time, “The war saved my life I don’t know what I would have done without it ” Written partly in a “private” code devised in childhood, Witt genstein’s notebooks document his religious and intellectual searching His sexuality, at times, had a stifling effect on him, and his references to this are bold yet couched. These notebooks will be an invaluable resource for understanding Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico Philosophicus, a slim philosophical volume published in 1921 that reverberates to this day. The ideas and conceptual con structs in that book are in their infancy here, alongside his efforts to sur vive war Perloff’s introduction and editor’s notes are fer vent and instructive. Wittgenstein’s early attempts at attaining the spiritual balance that greatly

shaped his philosophy are evident: “Only he who lives, not in time but in the present, is happy ” Raúl Niño

R e l i g i o n

A l i v e u n t i l Yo u ’r e D e a d : N o t e s o n t h e H o m e S t r e t c h .

By Susan Moon. Apr. 2022. 208p. Shambhala, paper, $16.95 (9781611809633) 294 3

Zen Buddhism encourages followers to live in the moment In these musings on birth, death, and just about everything in between, Buddhist teacher Moon (What Is Zen? 2016), looks back in her late seventies at events in her life and turning points in her spiritual journey. Although the text is infused with references to Buddhist practices, terminol ogy, teachings, and koans, Moon asserts that readers don’t necessarily need to be practi tioners to relate to what she has to say. She addresses universal aspects of aging, touching on physical limitations, declining memory and cognitive skills, loss of friends and fam ily members, financial and self care concerns, and facing that final transition with insightful and thoughtful reassurances that have broad appeal, whether she’s quoting an ancient an cestor or sixties icon Lesley Gore There’s no shying away from tough topics, but Moon’s graceful urgings to accept the inevitably of ag ing and death, along with her easy to swallow spiritual guidance and everyday, practical tips (read obituaries, visit cemeteries) provide a calm, clear path to help readers enjoy life, un til they’re dead Kathleen McBroom

G a s l i g h t e d b y G o d : R e c o n s t r u c t i n g a D i s i l l u s i o n e d F a i t h .

By Tiffany Yecke Brooks. May 2022 256p Eerdmans, $22 99 (9780802878687) 270 8

Writing instructor Brooks (Espionage and Enslavement in the Revolution, 2021, with Claire Bellerjean), the coauthor of more than two dozen books, takes on the disconnect be tween expectation and reality when hurting Christians turn to their church for comfort and instead find shame and rejection Like shell shocked soldiers, disillusioned believ ers are all too often accused of moral failure simply because they express doubt and pain when life feels unfairly over whelming. Brooks faults Western Christianity for creat ing a narrow, transactional view of God that is contrar y to Scripture She thoughtfully re visits familiar characters and makes exegeses of key Bible passages, casting them in a fresh light that supports her arguments Brooks thoroughly examines her provocative prem ise in literar y chapters that unify a laundr y list of complaints leveled by struggling be

lievers, ending with a strong call to action for the faithful, leaders or not, to minister with compassion and grace. Complemented by discussion questions and a Scripture index, this compelling discourse is both academic and accessible, a strong entr y to current dis cussion on the subject. Karen Clements

M a r y, Fo u n d e r o f C h r i s t i a n i t y.

By Chris Maunder. Apr. 2022. 288p. Oneworld, $27.95 (9780861542642). 200. In a document steeped in patriarchy, how does one female character become so prominent? Maunder answers the burning questions around Mar y ’ s role in the Chris tian faith, using a scholar’s approach that gives the nonacademic reader an understand ing of why the historical mother of Jesus is so important to the foundation of Christianity Bible scholars and historians have differ ing views of the Bible stories that Maunder uses to lay a foundation of Jesus’ life He begins with a discussion of the cultural role of women in early Christianity, which gives important perspective and context for the rest of the book Mar y is present, Maunder asserts, at each crucial moment in the stor y of Jesus Relationships between Mar y and other women named in the New Testament weave together to expand on the vital role Mar y played in Christianity as many know it today Maunder offers plenty of resources in his footnotes, adding further interest for readers interested in studying Christian his tor y Emily S Wade

S o c i a l S c i e n c e s

Th e B a b y o n t h e F i r e E s c a p e : C r e a t i v i t y, M o t h e r h o o d , a n d t h e M i n d - B a b y P r o b l e m .

By Julie Phillips.

Apr 2022 320p Norton, $26 95 (9780393088595) 306 874

What is the relationship between mother hood and creativity? Is there a pattern to this complex juncture? To answer these ques tions, Phillips (James Tiptree, Jr ) delves into the lives of twentieth century artist/writer mothers like Alice Neel, Audre Lorde, Alice Walker, and Ursula K Le Guin Their stories demonstrate two common threads: (1) the importance of time, wherever it might be found, and (2) boundaries and the conviction that making art is a woman ’ s right. Meaty biographical chapters are interspersed with

YA Recommendations

Adult titles recommended for teens are marked with the following symbols: YA, for books of general YA interest; YA/ C, for books with particular curricular value; and YA/ S, for books that will appeal most to teens with a special interest in a specific subject

P h i l o s o p h y & P s y c h o l o g y

P r i v a t e N o t e b o o k s : 1 9 1 4 – 1 9 1 6 .

shorter sections on topics like sex and love; the burden placed on women to choose between a life of the mind and a life with children; and the phenomenon of critical success after children grow up Phillips’s insights like the disconnect between a creative’s expectation of unbroken focus and the reality of mothering as a state of constant interruption are essen tial, but stacks of quotes from famous writers, philosophers, psychoanalysts, and others turn into litanies. This book offers no formula for success, but identifies in its subjects a shared willingness to break with convention and ex pectation Maggie Taft

By Victoria Wellman. Apr. 2022. 288p. St. Martin’s, $28.99 (9781250274021). 328 3 For Wellman, cofounder of a creative

speechwriting agency, the world is full of future speech givers, ever in search of the perfect words for a special occasion. This book is Wellman’s guide to effective speech writing, and her wisdom gained from a fascinating career. To write your father of the bride toast or keynote speech for hire, Wellman’s thorough approach begins with a creative brainstorm, followed by an intensive inter view process consist ing of a wholly unique and probing set of 20 questions She spares no details in the inves tigative research on the speech’s subject a task that always leads a curious Wellman down a riveting rabbit hole All this is in ser vice of delivering a final product that is not only personalized in pristine focus, but also constructed of a totally unique pattern of language devices Wellman is clear that she never recycles speech material, and excerpts

from her work confirm that she also never relies on clichés, euphemisms, or tired tricks. The book is both a guide for aspiring orators and a poignant memoir about a writer with a gift for poignancy Wellman’s free spirit, pen chant for romance, and enduring optimism appear in ever y lesson. Courtney Eathorne

Th e B e t r a y a l : H o w M i t c h M c C o n n e l l a n d t h e S e n a t e R e p u b l i c a n s A b a n d o n e d A m e r i c a .

By Ira Shapiro.

May 2022 256p Rowman & Littlefield, $29 95 (9781538163979) 320

Kentucky’s Mitch McConnell has been the Republican leader of the Senate since the Obama administration and has built a reputation as the most ruthlessly partisan, obstructionist leader of the Senate since well, since ever. In this well researched and thoroughly documented history, Shapiro de tails how McConnell obstructed a number of Democratic social initiatives For instance, he

We’ve

got cookbooks; we’ve got parenting guides; we’ve got dark fantasy; we’ve got light time travel; we’ve got a collec tion from a master of essays and a novel from a master of horror In short, we’ve got it all, here on this list of forthcoming big deal books. Susan Maguire

Bake: My Best Ever Recipes for the Classics By Paul Hollywood Bloomsbury, $40 (9781635579291) July

One of the judges of The Great British Baking Show guides read ers through the essentials for baking delicious bread, pastries, cakes, and more, based on his years of baking experience

Book of Night. By Holly Black. Tor, $27.99 (9781250812193). May.

The first book for adults by beloved YA author Black presents a dark world where shadows can be manipulated, but at a cost, and a low level con artist must contend with a dangerous figure from her past

Fairy Tale. By Stephen King Scribner, $32 50 (9781668002179) Sept

The latest from one of the world’s most popular storytellers fol lows a teenage boy and his dog who find a portal to another world and find themselves fighting a battle of good versus evil

Happy Go Lucky. By David Sedaris Little, Brown, $29 (9780316392457). May.

America’s favorite humorist is back with a collection of new es says, the first since Calypso (2018)

How to Raise an Antiracist. By Ibram X. Kendi. One World, $27 (9780593242537) June

Inspired by his own impending fatherhood, best selling Kendi (How to Be an Antiracist, 2019) combines a personal narrative with leading scholarship in this guide for all caregivers of young people that answers the question, “How can I raise an antiracist child?”

April Coutts Cliveden was the magnetic center of a group of friends at Oxford; a decade later, the man accused of killing her dies in prison, but new evidence suggests that he may have been inno cent and that one of her old friends may be hiding something

Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up By Selma Blair Knopf, $30 (9780525659495) May

Actor and model Blair reveals the truth about her childhood as an over the top problem child and her subsequent struggles, including an addiction to alcohol and her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. With a first serial in People, this will be in demand

Ordinary Monsters. By J M Miro Flatiron, $28 99 (9781250833662) June

This Victorian era fantasy follows two children with special abili ties and the detective sent to escort them to an estate outside of Edinburgh where other gifted children gather With a 500k print run, expect enticing media coverage

Portrait of an Unknown Woman. By Daniel Silva. Harper, $29.99 (9780062834850) July

Gabriel Allon is back to fight another global threat, the details of which are under wraps, but the legion of fans of this spy thriller series will be up for whatever ride Silva takes them on

We Lie Here. By Rachel Howzell Hall Thomas & Mercer, $24 95 (9781662500329) July

On a trip home to plan her parents’ twentieth anniversary party, Yara Gibson is contacted by an estranged friend of her mother ’s, who claims to have a secret, only to end up dead, leaving Yara struggling to solve the mystery before it’s too late.

Ma rc h 1 , 2 0

The It Girl. By Ruth Ware Gallery/ Scout, $28 99 (9781982155261) July

fought Obama to kill or gut the Affordable Care Act as well as blocking some of Obama’s judicial appointments, most famously for the Supreme Court On the flip side, McConnell served as an enabler for Donald Trump Not only did he ensure Trump’s acquittal during two separate impeachment trials, he pushed through three Trump Supreme Court nomi nations with record setting alacrity Shapiro’s chronicle doesn’t stop there the extent of McConnell’s scorched earth politics makes it clear why Washington has been either dead locked or regressive Anyone interested in social justice or the advancement of the ide als of democracy can read this chronicle and come away knowing one of the principal political villains of the twenty first century Gary Day

B o d i e s o n t h e L i n e : A t t h e F r o n t l i n e s o f t h e F i g h t t o P r o t e c t A b o r t i o n i n A m e r i c a .

By Lauren Rankin.

Apr. 2022. 304p. Counterpoint, $26 (9781640094741). 363 .4.

Writer and activist Rankin presents a fer vent abortion rights histor y from the clinic escort ’ s perspective Wearing colorful vests and a smile, escorts are tasked with being a calming presence and physical barrier for pa tients as they walk through the antiabortion protestors ’ cruel harassment to get inside the clinic. After Roe v. Wade passed, the need for escorts grew as alt right religious groups such as Operation Rescue and 40 Days sought to circumvent the law and shut down clinics Rankin depicts a long and taxing war, one largely fought on the ground by volunteers and clinic staff with little help from lacka daisical law enforcement and half baked legislation like FACE, which made blocking a clinic a felony but did little to deter “side walk counseling.” She does not shield the reader from the “antis’” endless haranguing and uses clinic escort and patient inter views from around the countr y including her own experience as an escort to stress the importance of this purpose driven work An ode to her fellow volunteers and a rallying cr y for the fundamental rights that now hang so perilously close to abolition. Jenna Jay

D e a f U t o p i a : A M e m o i r — a n d a L o v e L e t t e r t o a Wa y o f L i f e .

By Nyle DiMarco and Rober t Sieber t. Apr. 2022. 336p. Morrow, $27.99 (9780063062351). 362.42.

Reality TV star DiMarco’s pride in his Deaf community radiates from ever y page of Deaf Utopia Born to a multigenera tional Deaf family and a mother who went out of her way to teach her children about their community’s heritage, DiMarco grew up immersed in Deaf language and histor y He learned to approach the hearing world with the certainty that his access needs and those of ever y Deaf person were not simply valid, but mandator y When he was cast on America’s Next Top Model and then Dancing

with the Stars, his confidence, talents, and skill at navigating an often inaccessible en vironment catapulted him to stardom. Deaf Utopia is generous to its hearing readers, offering patient insights into Deaf culture and histor y, and it takes the unique step of conveying ASL conversations that employ the grammar and rhythms of ASL as far as possible, rather than finding near equivalents in spoken English This joyful memoir cel ebrates DiMarco’s ambition and adaptability, his journey to understand his queerness, and the vibrant Deaf community that made him who he is Jenny Hamilton

Th e G r e a t S t e w a r d e s s R e b e l l i o n : H o w Wo m e n L a u n c h e d a Wo r k p l a c e R e v o l u t i o n a t 3 0,0 0 0 Fe e t .

By Nell McShane Wulfhar t.

Apr. 2022. 320p. illus. Doubleday, $30 (9780385546454). 331.4.

This engaging account describes how women flight attendants (or stewardesses, as they were known during the last half of the twentieth centur y) fought for decades for equal wages, an end to blatantly sexist work cultures, and the respect due to them as highly skilled professionals This account also offers insightful profiles of two women who successfully led these campaigns against seemingly impossible odds: Patt Gibbs and Tommie Hutto Their compelling stories un fold against the backdrop of the turbulent 1960s and ’70s. The most disturbing parts of the book describe misogynistic training schools and the job expectations enforced across the airline industr y These extremes (mandator y girdles and white gloves; routine public, super vised weigh ins) were exceeded only by shockingly distasteful advertising campaigns touting stewardesses’ presumed sexual availability. Travel journalist Wulf hart explains union wranglings, emerging legislation, and lengthy court battles within context, exposing the era ’ s expectations re garding women ’ s roles as sex objects, wives, and mothers in stark reality. This is an eye opening chapter in the histor y of feminism and women ’ s rights Kathleen McBroom

YA: Teens may have difficulty believing some of the restrictions and challenges these young flight attendants faced, and will come away with greater appreciation for the women who effected change KM

H o w F r e e S p e e c h S a v e d D e m o c r a c y : Th e U n t o l d H i s t o r y o f H o w t h e F i r s t

A m e n d m e n t B e c a m e a n E s s e n t i a l To o l f o r S e c u r i n g L i b e r t y a n d S o c i a l J u s t i c e .

By Christopher M. Finan.

Apr 2022 288p illus Steerforth, paper, $16 95 (9781586422981) 342 73

Finan, executive director of the National Coalition Against Censorship, shows “how the powerless have used free speech to pursue [the promise of ] equal rights for all ” Finan says little about how the First Amendment came to be, and his discussion of protecting

religious expression is not all that thorough Nevertheless, this illustrated, concise book is timely, discussing protests after the police murder of George Floyd, the critical race theor y controversy, and the regulation of online speech Finan also offers clear ex planations of free speech statutes and court cases, including libel law. Finan details the American Librar y Association’s long stand ing support of free speech, its Librar y Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, and support of librarians confronting censorship. He excels in using stories to bring free speech issues to life Some individuals he portrays are well known: John Quincy Adams, Fred erick Douglass, Emma Goldman, President Eisenhower, Colin Kaepernick, and Teller of the duo Penn and Teller Those who are lesser known are equally important and compel ling, including anti Federalist congressmen, abolitionists, women ’ s suffragists, trade unionists, anarchists, civil rights activists, and environmentalists Accessible, useful, and relevant. John Rowen

YA: YAs will appreciate the illustrations and concise, vivid writing in this informative look at the First Amendment and social media JR

I C r i e d t o D r e a m A g a i n : Tr a f f i c k i n g, M u r d e r, a n d D e l i v e r a n c e .

By Sara Kruzan.

May 2022. 208p. Pantheon, $27 (9780593315880). 365.

In her courageous and unforgettable memoir, activist Kruzan shares the harrow ing stor y of her young life Kruzan grew up in poverty in California, abused by her single mother and the men in her moth er ’ s orbit As a preteen, she was assaulted and groomed by a man named GG, who became Kruzan’s pimp and trafficked her into her teen years. On a fateful day, at age 16, Kruzan shot and killed GG, and later was sentenced to life without parole Kruzan had to adjust her perspective for sur vival in prison Years passed before the unthinkable happened: Human Rights Watch invested in her case. Activist groups used Kruzan’s stor y to shine a light on the injustices faced by sex trafficking victims, especially minors, as well as to speak out against juvenile offend ers being sentenced to life without parole. Released after almost two decades behind bars, Kruzan encountered a new set of social, emotional, and logistical challenges when reentering society. Now she’s an advocate for young people who face similar struggles, a fighter who fights with a hopeful, loving spirit That spirit is captured on ever y page of this memoir that’s as brave and brilliant as its author. Courtney Eathorne

YA: Older teen readers will be totally galvanized by Kruzan and inspired to speak out against injustice themselves. CE.

F i g h t a P a n d e m i c .

By Jack Lower y.

Apr. 2022. 432p. Perseus/ Bold Type, $35 (9781645036586). 362 19697

A collected oral histor y of the AIDS cri sis in the 1980s and 1990s is by no means a small endeavor. Yet Low er y, using countless sources, knits together just such a chronicle The focus is pri marily on the art that moved and sustained a silent popu lation of men and women who suffered the scourge of an unnamed disease and rage over the glacial pace of government re sponse once the HIV virus and AIDS were identified In 1985, a small group of gay men, later dubbed Gran Fur y, who profes sionally covered art, advertising, and graphic design, created a poster that displayed their pain and anger and plastered it across New York City The ubiquitous poster, Silence = Death, along with a pride parade float made to represent a concentration camp with then President Reagan at the helm, inspired those living with AIDS to gather in ACT UP meet ings and use their collective voice to demand action to stop the spread of AIDS. Lower y lovingly portrays the strength, effort, happy victories, and over whelming sadness of these historic efforts Art had a major role in the movement, and as this testimonial lays out, the people behind the art stand as pillars of beautiful humanity This is a rich and neces sar y documentation Michael Ruzicka

By Julie Pace and Darlene Super ville. Apr 2022 320p Little, Brown, $29 (9780316377508) 320

This benign biography of First Lady Jill Biden provides detailed coverage of her life and career set within political and personal context Based on recent inter vie ws with Biden and her family friends and associ ates and material taken from memoirs by both Jill and the president, the chronologi cal text weaves together multiple sources to create a pleasing narrative about a hard working, dedicated educator and devoted wife and mother. Throughout, Dr. B (her preferred professional name, as she’s still a working teacher) comes across as down to ear th, approachable, and warm, whether she’s providing hands on suppor t to militar y families, hanging out with Michelle Obama, or physically protecting her husband from protestors, as she did during a presidential campaign speech in California The authors share Biden’s candid obser vations about being wooed by a future president (he prom ised her that her life wouldn’t change), tragic and joyous family milestones, her faith, her causes, and presidential campaigns, defeats, and victories. Up to date through late 2021, this is a satisfying, enlightening profile of a

talented woman redefining the role of First Lady. Kathleen McBroom

YA: Jill Biden serves as an approachable role model for teens who want to someday have it all: family, career, and causes they believe in passionately KM

L e s s o n s f r o m t h e E d g e .

By Marie Yov anovitch. Mar 2022 416p illus Houghton/ Mariner, $30 (9780358457541). 320.

After her magnetic congressional testimony during Donald Trump’s first im peachment trial, Yovanovitch was hailed as a “rock star, ” a “badass ” She felt anything but As a career public ser vant posted to danger zones in lands ruled by corrupt regimes from Somalia to Kyrgyzstan, Yovanovitch’s prag matic mantra was “keep your head down ” Wherever her diplomatic missions took her, Yovano vitch epitomized foreign ser vice office philosophy, hewing to the principle of representing American ide als and policies with dignity and integrity This worked well for her until Trump and his henchmen came along. In a far reach ing memoir that traces her family’s migration from Russia to North America and her own trajector y from shy private school student to ambitious State Department careerist, Yovanovitch divulges in granular detail the situation on the ground in ever y countr y she ser ved while illuminating the deft jug gling act required when one is charged with bringing democracy to nations mired in to talitarianism or authoritarianism Nowhere was that task more challenging than in her posting as ambassador to Ukraine during the Trump administration, which set her in the crosshairs of nefarious politicians both abroad and at home A superbly crafted and intimately revealing self portrait of a true hero of American diplomacy. Pair this with Fiona Hill’s There Is Nothing for You Here (2021) Carol Haggas

M y t h s o f t h e Wo r l d : A n I l l u s t r a t e d C o l l e c t i o n o f t h e Wo r l d ’s G r e a t e s t S t o r i e s .

Ed. by Tony Allan. 2021 300p illus Watkins, $26 95 (9781786785732) 398 2

The 250 myths recounted here dem onstrate clearly how they shaped the way peoples looked at and interacted with their world and their circumstances The intro ductor y essay deals with the transformation of myths as old beliefs were suppressed and assimilated into new world views Cross cul tural features are treated, including creation stories and the tripartite division of creation (heaven, earth, the under world). Myths are divided into sections by continental areas and/or epochs, and each section begins with an essay which gives the background and de velopment of the myths included. The myths

themselves are uniformly one page in length The top of the page gives brief introductor y material, followed by a concise telling. If the recounting is somewhat bare bones, the colorful margin illustrations aid in filling out cultural context The volume concludes with a glossar y, three page further reading list (all print works), and a comprehensive index The organization, straightfor ward re telling, and background information make this volume suitable for high school, college, and public libraries, providing a sound in troduction to cross cultural archetypes and universal beliefs Ann Welton

O v e r d u e : R e c ko n i n g w i t h t h e P u b l i c L i b r a r y.

By Amanda Oliver.

Mar 2022 224p Chicago Review, $28 99 (9781641605311) 306.

Oliver knows that librarians don’t read all day in a quiet building; she worked for sev en years as a librarian in Washington, D C , first in its public schools, then at the Nor th west One branch of the public librar y. Like so many public libraries, Nor thwest One ser ved as a de facto day shelter, with many patrons suffering from mental health and addiction issues, creating an environment where “ even with this basic understand ing of, and patience for, trauma impacted behavior, the reality was that I felt unsafe at the librar y ever y day.” She began to suf fer from empathy fatigue, and quit librar y work when she was diagnosed with complex PTSD This well researched book is par t memoir, par t histor y of the public librar y, par t analysis of the current state of librar y ser vice, and a necessar y cure for vocational awe for those outside of the profession De spite harsh words for administrators and the capitalist forces that keep people disenfran chised, she ends with a note of hope, that libraries are a necessar y par t of American society A thought provoking read for those in and out of the librar y. Susan Maguire

By Jim Cosgrove

Apr. 2022. 208p. illus. Steerforth, paper, $16 (9781586423247) 364

Journalist Cosgrove spent decades re searching the murder of “the boy in the woods,” also known as Frank McGonigle. Frank’s body was found in Murrells In let, South Carolina, mere days after he left home on a journey of finding himself His family would tr y for nine years to uncover the whereabouts of their son and brother.

To Cosgrove, Frank was more than just an interesting stor y subject Cosgrove’s family lived near the McGonigles in Kansas City, and while he was too young to personally know Frank, he kne w the family well and his brothers and Frank were close friends Cosgrove spent many months inter vie w ing members of the McGonigle family and

J i l l : A B i o g r a p h y o f t h e F i r s t L a d y.

R i p p l e : A L o n g S t r a n g e S e a r c h f o r a K i l l e r.

he spent time in Murrells Inlet as well, in ter vie wing the locals and tr ying to piece together what happened. Cosgrove master fully weaves together the family’s fabric and spends enough time with each of them to capture their individual characters, draw ing the reader into their search for Frank. His conversational tone makes this an easy read for all, especially tr ue crime lovers

Carrie R asak

S i s t e r s o f M o k a m a : Th e P i o n e e r i n g Wo m e n W h o B r o u g h t H o p e a n d H e a l i n g t o I n d i a .

By Jyoti Thottam.

Apr. 2022. 384p. Viking , $28 (9780525522355). 362.

This is a stor y of India, starting about 1945, and the missionar y nuns from Ken tucky who ran a school and hospital in an especially poor part of the countr y. In the village of Mokama, Jesuits began a ministr y with the intention of converting locals to Catholicism They were followed by nuns with the goal of establishing a school and hospital to meet more physical needs. Wom en from rural Kentucky who had likely never left the state before traveled to a vastly dif ferent place, learned a new language, coped with the political upheaval of partition and the assassination of Gandhi, all while teach ing and caring for the poor This is told in a highly personal style the author is the daughter of one of the nurses trained at the hospital but above all it is the stor y of courage and faith seldom talked about and the longevity of a mission that is still in ex istence This would be most appropriate for collections with an interest the histor y of India, the missionar y movement, and the Catholic Church Danise Hoover

in both business and politics Her journey is indeed an interesting one, well wor th read ing. Gar y Day

U n m a s ke d : M y L i f e S o l v i n g A m e r i c a ’s C o l d C a s e s .

By Paul Holes.

Apr 2022 288p illus Macmillan/ Celadon, $28 99 (9781250622792) 364

True crime superstar Holes takes readers on a gripping journey into the mind of a cold case detective. Best known for unmask ing the Golden State Killer, Holes provides a realistic look at the painstaking process of solving the unsolvable and the emotional toll it takes on ever yone involved, from the victims and their families to the detectives themselves Holes’ passion for his profession leaps from each page, but that passion and unfettered focus on the job adversely affected his personal life. He does not shy away from exposing the unglamorous side of detective work: frequent late nights and distractions are not the recipe for a perfect husband or father. Holes also bestows readers with an inside glimpse at famous cases like the mur der of Laci Peterson and the kidnapping of Jaycee Duggard while elucidating lesser known investigations like the mysterious murder of wealthy recluse Emmon Bodfish. Holes presents a thoughtful yet fast paced and absorbing amalgamation of personal memoir and true crime novel. Crime junkies and nonfiction fans will be eager to get their hands on this book Michelle Ross

HIGH DEMAND BACKSTORY: Podcaster and true crime superstar Holes has a large audience who will clamor for this book

B u s i n e s s

By Jamie Andrea Garzot.

Apr 2022 160p Girl Friday, $24 95 (9781954854291) 330

When Gar zot was first prescribed canna bis for a medical condition, she approached the issue with more than a fe w ner ves Never having been a pot smoker, she didn’t know what to expect as she searched for a dispensar y. This was in the relatively early days of legalized medical cannabis use in California, and what she found were shops still geared, she felt, to stoner culture She wanted a dispensar y geared to a more main stream clientele so, she decided to open one herself While she had a background in retail, that did not prepare her for the com plicated legalities involved in the nascent medical cannabis field, or the politics that she was drawn into Unconventional tells of her journey into the world of retail pot the obstacles she encountered, the things she learned, and how it ended up working out. She was lucky in several ways: a help ful landlord, a sympathetic small town city council, a friendly local police force But she was also smar t, determined, and savvy

H o w t o G e t Yo u r A c t To g e t h e r : A J u d g e m e n t F r e e G u i d e t o D i v e r s i t y a n d I n c l u s i o n f o r S t r a i g h t W h i t e M e n .

By Suki Sandhu and Felicity Hassan. Mar 2022 272p Penguin, $28 95 (9780241485217) 658.3008.

The phrase life isn’t fair is usually thrown around to indicate that nothing can be changed, and a situation is hopeless In How to Get Your Act Together, authors Hassan and Sandhu counter that, showing read ers how awareness and action can alter the unconscious behaviors that lead to unfair workplace dynamics and, instead, establish equitable conditions. They provide prompts for reflection, opportunities to initiate con versations ranging from low to high stakes, concrete steps for taking action, and imple mentation strategies leading to outcomes ingrained in organizational culture. The message guides straight, white, cisgender men as they embark on a leadership journey, moving beyond basic inclusion trainings to embedded and equitable policies and pro cedures and workplace culture that strives for a more creative, productive, innovative,

and profitable company An abundance of shared resources invites the reader never to stop learning, rather to delve deeply into this work with plentiful strategies to match their circumstances Recommended for academic (particularly business school) and public librar y collections as well as professional collections in school libraries. Val Edwards

S c i e n c e

Th e L a s t D a y s o f t h e D i n o s a u r s : A n A s t e r o i d , E x t i n c t i o n , a n d t h e B e g i n n i n g o f O u r Wo r l d .

By Riley Black.

Apr 2022 304p St Martin’s, $28 99 (9781250271044) 576 8

Black blends creativity with detailed re search, placing readers center stage 66 million years ago, during the sudden, apocalyptic fifth extinction With Hell Creek in ancient Mon tana as the setting, Black describes the flora and fauna of the time, including dinosaurs, among them the imposing Tyrannosaurus Rex In her exquisitely written coverage of the life cycles and habits of saurian and other life forms, Black makes it clear that inexorable doom will soon extinguish most plant and an imal species on earth. Readers are witness to the seven mile wide, cataclysmic asteroid that journeyed from depths of our solar system to pulverize earth’s crust, creating the Chicxulub crater in the Yucatán Peninsula. Black re counts the Cretaceous Paleogene extinction event, from the initial intense heat and fire to the darkness and winter that followed, and tells stories of survivors’ evolution and adap tation As she expands her coverage through millions of years, Black’s skill as a writer and scientist and vivid imagination enable her to capture the dramatic transition from the Cretaceous period to the Cenozoic era which brought the flourishing of mammals and, eventually, humanity George Kendall

YA/S: Appropriate for teens interested in biolog y, natural history, and dinosaurs.

GK

T e c h n o l o g y

By Sophie Liard.

Apr 2022 256p illus HarperDesign, $19 99 (9780063217027) 640

Concentrating on the way different folds organize lives, first time author Liard (who has nearly four million TikTok followers) goes beyond decluttering to examine, first, mak ing spaces that fit the reader’s purpose and life goals. One of Liard’s metrics is what she calls “After Value” the happy feeling that results from doing or buying exactly what we want or need Liard got her own start in retail (where she learned much about folding), she

U n

Th e Fo l d i n g L a d y : To o l s a n d Tr i c k s f o r M a k i n g t h e M o s t o f Yo u r S p a c e R o o m b y R o o m .

explains before defining her personal goals and values. In her case, high After Value re sults from walking, reading, and eating steak dinners; for others, it might be the gym, theme parks, and sweets To each their own After a discussion of resetting space, Liard introduces her folding concepts, enlivened by a few personal case studies. The follow ing folding guide illustrates a handful of key folds thirds, half, the ranger roll guided by rules like “Put clothes away immediately after laundering” and “Use countertops pri marily for display ” There’s much common sense here, along with organizing principles worth considering Barbara Jacobs

N e v e r P a n i c E a r l y : A n A p o l l o 1 3 A s t r o n a u t ’s J o u r n e y.

By Fred Haise and Bill Moore. Apr. 2022. 224p. illus. Smithsonian, $29.95 (9781588347138). 629.450092.

“Never panic early” is learned by military pilots to stay calm in moments of crisis This advice served Haise well over the course of his 40 plus years career. Most famous as one of the three Apollo 13 astronauts and their aborted moon landing, he also worked as a test pilot in the Marine Corps and as a NASA test pi lot, and he was a member of the four person test pilot team to fly the first space shuttle, En terprise While at NASA, he served as CapCom for Apollo 14, was assigned to several backup crews, worked the closeout crew to prepare for Apollo 8 and 11, acted as a technical advisor on various projects, and even completed Har vard Business School’s Advanced Management Program He eventually went to work as an ex ecutive for Grumman Aerospace. This memoir eschews self revelation in favor of a focus on the work It’s dense with detail of the day to day reality of being a Marine pilot, engineer, and astronaut, filled with acronyms and tech nical jargon. It’s a down to Earth counterpoint to the typical dramatizations about the space race John Keogh

daughters who felt concerned, lost, and out of touch when it came to guiding their girls,” she writes. In a reassuring tone, she reminds us that “it may seem like she’s not listening to you, but she can hear you, and that’s what matters most ” Wolf includes sensitive topics that dads (and all parents) may be nervous about approaching, including sexual orien tation, gender identity, transforming bodies, and social media influence Talk with Her is an important addition to parenting collec tions. Joyce McIntosh

H e a l t h & M e d i c i n e

Th e B r a i n i n S e a r c h o f I t s e l f : S a n t i a g o R a m ó n y C a j a l a n d t h e S t o r y o f t h e N e u r o n .

By Benjamin Ehrlich. Mar. 2022. 464p. Farrar, $35 (9780374110376). 616.8.

Although Santiago Ramón y Cajal re ceived a Nobel Prize in 1906 for advances in neuroscience, he remains an obscure, even unknown figure to the general public, unlike such celebrity Nobel laureates as Ein stein, Curie, Watson, and Crick Biographer Ehrlich endeavors to elevate Cajal’s presence in this portrait of him as complicated and obsessive. Cajal was enthralled by the struc ture of neurons (those billions of specialized cells in the brain and nervous system), made thousands of sketches of them, and dubbed neurons “the mysterious butterflies of the soul ” He spent much of his adult life peer ing into a microscope Ehrlich chronicles Cajal’s youth and education, his devoted wife and the deaths of two children, professional career and achievements, and a rocky relation ship with his authoritarian father Revered as one of Spain’s greatest scientists, the political changes (and at times upheaval) of the Span ish government significantly affected Cajal’s life A restless “dreamer” gifted with a great visual memory, he was inclined toward pes simism: “I have a very low opinion of human beings.” Even with his very high appreciation of our neurons! Tony Miksanek

something new, she suggests, celebrate small wins, write in a journal, connect with oth ers. Make a retirement plan with a sense of purpose and new identity, and find common ground with community members Guerra sio sprinkles in anecdotes from her own life and refers frequently to her likable patients. A constipated woman makes a “ poop chart.” An active 83 year old says, “If you rest, you rust!” And Guerrasio reminds readers to smile It releases feel good hormones like endorphins and serotonin. A book full of good and useful words of wisdom Karen Springen

G a r d e n i n g

G a r d e n i n g f o r E v e r y o n e : G r o w i n g Ve g e t a b l e s , H e r b s , a n d M o r e a t H o m e . By Julia Watkins.

Mar. 2022. 304p. Har vest, $26.99 (9780358651901); e book, $12 99 (9780358651871) 635 9

There are many factors to consider when starting or updating a garden, and even ex perienced gardeners appreciate a guide that covers a wide range of possibilities and op tions as Watkins (Simply Living Well, 2020) offers here Designed for home growers in North America, this manual draws on the author’s personal knowledge and conven tional wisdom (sadly, a list of references is not provided) and covers the basics of gar dening from a Western culture perspective. Using pros and cons to compare various op tions, concise information is provided while leaving decisions about what’s best to each individual gardener Instagram worthy color photographs illustrate the broad concepts covered in each section In addition to details related to space planning, selecting plants, building garden beds, planting, attending to one ’ s plants, and har vesting, 24 craft projects and recipes are followed by more than three dozen short profiles of plants the author rec ommends Though prone to waxing nostalgic for the past, Watkins clearly conveys her pas sion for growing things and sharing what she knows with others Anne Heidemann

C o o k e r y

By Kimberly Wolf. May 2022 352p Penguin Life, paper, $18 (9780143135272) 649.

Though geared toward dads, this debut book from Wolf contains sage advice for ev ery parent or adult helping to shape a young woman ’ s life And by “dads,” Wolf means all kinds of fathers, whether they’re primary caretakers, long distance dads, divorced par ents, stepfathers, or grandfathers Wolf ’ s background in gender studies and human development, and her work as an educator and educational consultant, and her own lived experience inform this expert guide that is readable, relatable, and up to date “Over and over again I encountered fathers of

By Jeannette Guerrasio. Apr 2022 256p Rowman & Littlefield, $32 (9781538164228) 612 6

In this practical guide, Guerrasio, a medi cal doctor, shares her tips for addressing the challenges of getting older, including hair loss, wrinkles, osteoarthritis, incontinence, insomnia, and diminished sexual function Much of her sensible advice is the usual hydrate, eat healthy foods, exercise, avoid tobacco, limit alcohol and caffeine But then Guerrasio will throw a curveball, moving into more intimate territory and offering techni cal sexual advice for coping with disorders like erectile dysfunction Forget trying to turn back the clock Guerrasio instead empowers people to take control of how they age. Learn

By Asma Khan. May 2022. 256p. illus. Interlink, $35 (9781623718411). 641 5954

Chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Khan (Asma ’ s Indian Kitchen, 2018) takes readers on a walk down memor y lane as she presents her family life, the foods her mother made for her, and the food she enjoys cook ing as a mother herself (Fans may recognize the author from her episode of the docu mentar y series Chef ’ s Table.) Complete with family snapshots, this nostalgic celebration

C h i l d C a r e

Ta l k w i t h H e r : A D a d ’s E s s e n t i a l G u i d e t o R a i s i n g H e a l t h y, C o n f i d e n t , a n d C a p a b D a u g h t e r s .

E m b r a c e A g i n g : C o n q u e r Yo u r Fe a r s a n d E n j o y A d d e d Ye a r s .

A m m u : I n d i a n H o m e - C o o k i n g t o N o u r i s h Yo u r S o u l .

Focus on Poetr y

A n t e s Q u e I s l a E s Vo l c á n / B e f o r e I s l a n d I s Vo l c a n o.

By Raquel Salas Rivera.

Apr 2022 128p Beacon, paper, $16 (9780807014578) 861 7

Salas Rivera, a Lambda Award winning author of five previous books of poetry, wields wicked intelligence and blades of humor to crack open the minds of his readers Written in Spanish and English, this collection confronts the storied histories of Puerto Rico through the lives of the island’s inhabitants and diaspora: “ we are home libraries / gathered in a data strike / that miss their bowels / of historied flesh.”

Tracing a fraught lineage to older canons of English language literature, Salas Rivera employs figures from Shakespeare’s The Tempest Caliban and the sea to dramatize Puerto Rico’s relationships with the U.S., the Caribbean, and itself. A series of poems entitled “the independence / (of puerto rico)” culminates in a visual poem that slowly sends the letters of the poem ’ s title phrase crashing into each other from across the page In another bold act of typographical play, Salas Rivera posts full page text in all caps like headlines and includes giant swathes of cursive in the closing pages, like a journal’s final signature Punchy, funny, smart, and stylistically unmatched, this bilingual edition also allows readers to scour the poet ’ s self translation for insights to his creative process. Diego Báez

B o r d e r V i s t a .

By Anni Liu.

Apr. 2022. 88p. Persea, paper, $15.95 (9780892555451). 811.

The opening poem in Liu’s prize winning first collection, “Ars Poetica in a Dream Language,” elegantly and indelibly marks the intricate pa rameters of this piercing cross cultural inquiry The poems that follow hopscotch through signal childhood moments as a seven year old girl’s mother leaves their ancient Chinese city, as the girl’s father and grand parents care for her, as she takes English classes, and as she suddenly experiences a “double edged feeling” that will define her and her life as she immigrates to America Liu’s poems are confiding, lithe, and vital, pulling you urgently forward, while insisting that you slow down. Each line, vivid and visceral in its imagery and emotion, is meticulously com posed, the internal rhythms and rhymes exquisitely expressive, the range of implication extending as the story moves into the shadows and light of the narrator ’ s adulthood. The title poem is set along the U.S./Canada border, and borders and perspectives take many forms as Liu contrasts languages, countries, memories, and actualities, incisively tracing the blurring of night and day, aloneness and connection, interior and exte rior, the human and the wild, undocumented and documented “That skinless feeling. Your own endlessly permeable self.” Donna Seaman

C a i n N a m e d t h e A n i m a l .

By Shane McCrae.

Apr. 2022. 96p. Farrar, $25 (9780374602857); e book, $12.99 (9780374602864). 811. The recipient of numerous distinguished awards, including a Guggen heim fellowship, McCrae has divided his eighth collection, following The Gilded Auction Block (2019), into three sections The last two contain several longer poems that are “continuations” or “alternate endings” of poems from earlier books. These doom laden, prophetic narratives follow nightmare logic; heaven and hell are envisioned; Blake, the Bible, and the

Transformers and Terminator movie franchises are precursors McCrae’s lines, often unpunctuated, stutter, the rhythms stagger. In stark contrast, the tone of the lyrics in the first section is variable and personal, intimate and speculative “Vivian Maier Considers Heaven from a Bench in Rogers Beach Park Chicago” does just what it says it’s going to do, and wonder fully. “A Letter to Lucie About Lucie” fondly recalls and talks back to the poet Lucie Brock Broido. What he observes at the end of “Worldful,” “but what life does / Not have to be reduced to be imagined,” is true of any description or summary of the best of these lyrics Praise is due for their craft, but even more so for their imaginative power Michael Autrey

C u s t o m s .

By Solmaz Sharif.

Mar 2022 72p Graywolf, paper, $16 (9781644450796) 811 Sharif ’ s second poetry collection (after Look, 2016) elaborately con structs a forbidding yet alluring labyrinth. Each poem conveys a struggle to hold on to a culture while being, in many ways, required to give up that culture “Self Care” is a set of daringly specific rhetorical questions, “Have you removed / your metal fillings? Made peace / with your moth er? With all / the mothers you can? Or tried.” Sharif uses line breaks to succinctly make a point, then chal lenges the reader to gather the will to go on to the next emotion or the next obstacle to understanding from the subject’s point of view. The second part in this three part volume is a rhythmic long poem, “Without Which,” that is punctuated by pairs of bracket sym bols spaced, seemingly at random, between stanzas

The effect is like a patch of empty wall between images both ancient and contemporary. The last section repeats this technique to a greater and more personal degree by bringing in familial landmarks and personal laments The hallways and arrows of a customs office offer but one interpretation for the elements in this increasingly poignant and important collection. Sharif demonstrates remarkable talent in her abil ity to so deftly portray the traumatizing balance required to live in the West with deep roots in Iran Michael Ruzicka

L o v e Po e m s i n Q u a r a n t i n e .

By Sarah Ruhl.

May 2022 176p Copper Canyon, paper, $16 (9781556596308) 811

Multitalented and prolific Ruhl follows her acclaimed memoir, Smile: The Story of a Face (2021), a chronicle of her persistent Bell’s palsy, with a book of pandemic poems that gently track the course of a watershed year In these fleet, homey, frank, and funny lyrics, most of them haiku or tanka, Ruhl seeks deep lessons in the everyday, from folding laundry to making a meal to the turn of the seasons As she must give up so much of what filled her life, she writes: “The new task, breath.” In her love poems to family, Ruhl misses her mother but knows that “seeing her could / endanger her life” She captures the passion and skirmishes of marriage and writes: “I try to be a sun for the three planets / who are my children” The poet divines dog wisdom and watches flowers open and close, day become night. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, she reflects on being white and privileged in a racist world, and looks, again, to love, which, at its most profound, must be our polestar Donna Seaman

By Boris Dralyuk.

Apr 2022 72p Paul Dr y, paper, $16 95 (9781589881679) 811

Dralyuk translator, editor in chief of the Los Angeles Review of Books, and coeditor of The Penguin Book of Russian Poetry (2015) presents his debut poetry collection His sophisticated, musical, and often humorous reflections on constantly changing immigrant experiences in Los Angeles take the form of villanelles, sonnets, and pantoums Dralyuk speaks of his life in the Soviet Union and as a Jewish immigrant and considers the dreams of other Russian émigré poets in L.A. “Universal Horror” is an absurdist satirical take on the attractions and nightmares of Hollywood, a world dominated by shiny objects and funhouse distractions: “Motes build tract housing in the grooves of vinyl / An eerie calm prevails Not tomblike shrinal. / I come for solace. Far in back, vitrines / hold Uni versal Monsters safely penned ” In other poems, such as “Bargain Circus” and “Émigré Library,” Dralyuk documents a sort of limbo of nostalgia or longing in which immigrants gets trapped as they attempt to make sense of their past and present identities and explore their strange new environment, becoming immersed in Hollywood’s vivid, often surpris ing culture Micah Zevin

S m o k i n g t h e B i b l e .

By Chris Abani.

May 2022 80p Copper Canyon, paper, $17 (9781556596285) 808 81

Abani’s radiant seventh poetry collection emanates grit and beauty, while the senses are called to attention “Flay” tells us that a “Migrant, / punished by spice and the scent of cooking,” will be thankful for “the persistent aftertaste of a lost home ” As a political refugee from Nige ria, Abani, poet, novelist, and essayist, reflects on how displacement is always present as he fuses love and pain, loss and at tempts at resurrection, and the lingering traumas of violence. In “White Egret,” he writes, “What you taste with abandon / even God cannot take from you ” And in the sublime “A Small Awe,” “The world we carry inside follows us everywhere. / Our imagined home remains nostalgia.” In “Lineage,” colonial brutality echoes through time as the poet attempts to break the cycle, “My body is the house of tomorrow / My skin is prophecy ” Abani writes of his brother’s illness, the deaths of family members, seeking forgiveness, and the empty space that can only be filled by poetry and love. Abani’s grace and fortitude are resonant. There is elegy here and mercy and faith: “Words sung right can save us ” Raúl Niño

S o n g f o r A l m e y d a & S o n g f o r A n n i n h o.

By Gayl Jones.

Apr 2022 200p Beacon, $23 95 (9780807029909) 811

Gayl Jones has been a lauded and elusive author since the publica tion of her groundbreaking novel, Corregidora (1975) Returning after a decades long hiatus with the epic historical novel, Palmares (2021), she now presents a fusion of two book length poems, one new and one, Song of Anninho (1981), previously published Both are based on the main characters in Palmares and set in seventeenth century Brazil, focusing on Palmares, the largest community of Africans who had escaped slavery un til the Portuguese fought to destroy their settlement and re enslave them. The two “ songs ” have mirror aspects; both feature characters interacting with a shaman like figure and directly addressing their lovers Each epic also illuminates dualistic qualities connected to the concepts masculine and feminine and warrior and healer. These are songs of longing and love, journeys of discovery and wholeness, revelations about trauma ’ s deep im pact on body and soul, and simultaneous declarations of resistance and acceptance Readers enthralled by Palmares will enjoy the added dimen sions here, while others will be moved by the historical Black voices and oral traditions Jones so powerfully evokes Janet St John

Th e s e Tr e e s , Th o s e L e a v e s , Th i s F l o w e r, Th a t F r u i t .

By Hayan Charara.

Apr. 2022. 112p. Milkweed, paper, $16 (9781571315410). 811.

Charara’s latest book of poetry is an exercise in poetic form, from haiku to odes, prose poems, and exercises in free forms Politics, philosophy, and

what it means to live in America are all themes that are highlighted and pulled apart. Charara uses repetition to draw in the reader, and deploys shocking words or moments to force the reader to consider with hyper focus the thoughts the poet expresses Charara both turns away from traditions and keeps to them, making for many unexpected moments In a poem about the poet Philip Levine, for example, Charara considers the influence Levine had on him, but also how his poems illuminate such underlying situations as family expectations and the difficulties involved in stepping away from more reliable work and becoming a poet The concepts and philosophies Charara wrestles with can grow thick, but ulti mately this is a powerful and impactful collection. James Tyner

Th i n g Yo u M a y F i n d H i d d e n i n M y E a r : P o e m s f r o m G a z a .

By Mosab Abu Toha.

Apr 2022 138p illus City Lights, paper, $15 95 (9780872868601) 890

Poet and librarian Mosab Abu Toha’s first collection focuses on his life in Gaza There is a duality to the poems, a contrast of beauty and violence Images of dust, concrete, and gunfire tell a story of growing up under siege These same elements will stay with the reader for days The book is very visual both in language and in photographs that make the lines hit even harder. Some of the forms and line breaks feel loose, but they are made with passion and striking details As in the poem “Olympic Hopscotch Leap,” which describes a family playing when a missile falls onto a farm and includes this devastating scene, “Angels get hold of my infant niece, / We look around and find only / her milk bottle ” Recommend Abu Toha to readers of Naomi Shihab Nye and Brian Turner’s Here, Bullets (2005) James Tyner

Yo u C a n B e t h e L a s t L e a f.

By Maya Abu Al Hay yat. Tr. by Fady Joudah.

May 2022 120p Milkweed, paper, $16 (9781571315403) 811

Poet Al Hayyat’s latest devastating and courageous collection captures the precarious everyday lives of Palestinians with enormous empathy and glistening clarity. Al Hayyat’s slim, intimate, conversational lyrics cas cade down the page as if hastening the reader’s pace through glimpses of teargas, tanks, and the remnants of intifadas past and future Amidst the wreckage, Al Hayyat tightens her focus on mundane details, even man aging levity and humor. A complaint about underwear ends in threats of litigation, sleepy soldiers lampoon the security state, a mother makes the best of her children’s tangled hair, apricot jam, and Tom and Jerry car toons But around every turn of daylight waits another jarring reminder of life’s fragility a child’s arm protruding from rubble, bagged bodies sprayed with chlorine, and somber reminders of the region’s bloody his tory (“You don’t know how bitter / it is to search / a map for a memory / and find a cadaver”) The vivid translations by Fady Joudah (Tethered to the Stars, 2021) will jostle readers into discomfort and pin Al Hayyat’s stunning voice into their ears. Diego Báez

Z o o m R o o m s .

By Mar y Jo Salter

Apr. 2022. 96p. Knopf, $28 (9780593321317). 811.54.

Salter pairs her exceptional formal deftness with arch insouciance, bringing both rigor and wit to subtly provocative poems that revel in human ingenuity and parse fear, loss, and sorrow Her ninth collec tion opens with the first of her digital inquiries, “Your Session Has Timed Out,” a hilarious, coyly metaphysical take on online error mes sages: “Too bad You can ’ t go back / Or forward, for that matter ” “Zoom Rooms” is a wryly illuminating suite of sonnets about life on the screen meetings, teaching, a memorial service, a visit with a new grandchild and our perhaps alarming adaptation to disembodiment. Salter, who can feel Audenesque, is a supremely incisive ekphrastic poet, riffing on sources that include an extraordinarily detailed Renais sance painting by Carlo Crivelli, a haunting fifteenth century plague scene by Josse Lieferinxe, and a Walker Evans photograph, while con sidering perception and all that we bring to an image, a poem, a life. With a striking mash up of The Tempest and Robinson Crusoe, bemused reflections on her daughters calling Ken dolls Man Barbies, and the question of our future as “ a techno human species,” these are poems of piquant insight, wit, and artistry. Donna Seaman

of Khan’s upbringing is also a display of India during the 1970s and ’80s and all the cul tural influences reflected in Khan’s recipes The recipes which are easy to follow and mostly accompanied by tempting photog raphy include mouthwatering dishes such as aloo bonde (potato balls), kaddu nariyal shorba (pumpkin coconut soup), dosti roti (thin flatbread), and mini lamb koftas with mint yogurt dip. Showing readers the con nection between food and love, this book is highly recommended for families that cook together and beginner chefs seeking to rec reate their own joys of enjoying food with family. Nataya Culler

By Cathy Barrow.

Mar 2022 208p Chronicle, $24 95 (9781797210551); e book, $15 99 (9781797210568) 641 81

Barrow’s dedication says it all: “To my mish pocha” (Yiddish for “family”). Delivering the goods with intriguing sidebars and undeniable expertise, award winning cookbook author Barrow envelops 50 plus recipes with stories to remember, techniques to master, and food photographs that home cooks can attempt to emulate in real life First, the tidbits: the ex

planation of pumpernickel, what constitutes schmaltz, how to make seeds stick to bagels, and so on. Barrow’s secrets, too, are read ily shared, like resting dough for a time before kneading or working with it, making an easy crème fraîche by letting sour cream culture for 24 hours, slicing lox to the appropriate thinness (so transparent you can read a newspaper through it) Recipes strad dle traditional and contemporary cooking with offerings like hot honey and marco na almond cream cheese, carrot pineapple salad, hatch chile jack bagels, and a bacon egg and cheese bagel sandwich Barrow also offers a litany of foodstuffs beyond bagels that can be found on a platter: lox, olives, and a potpourri of salads, schmears, and other accompaniments Here, besides the well ex plained recipes, cooks will find a pleasing read and a comforting soak in Barrow’s memories and sayings. Barbara Jacobs

M y A m e r i c a : R e c i p e s f r o m a Yo u n g B l a c k C h e f.

By Kwame Onwuachi and Joshua David Stein.

May 2022 304p illus Knopf, $35 (9780525659600) 641 59 Master chef Onwuachi grew up in the

Bronx, a node of cultures and culinary traditions, and he also took advantage of op portunities to travel in both Africa and the U S , endowing him with a deeper apprecia tion for America’s extreme diversity of foods Then he embarked on the rigorous discipline of culinary school and its tradition of estab lishment cuisine. Having mastered those techniques, Onwuachi determined to recreate the cooking of his mother and other relatives from Jamaica and Louisiana. In this sequel to his first book, Notes from a Young Black Chef (2019), Onwuachi lays out an exciting battery of recipes that he enjoys making for himself and for any others who might ap preciate them, accompanied by photographs that reveal the brilliant colors of his cooking He concocts special spice mixtures ginger garlic paste for Indian, creole seasoning for Louisianan, and berbere for Ethiopian that transform, for instance, ordinary rice into signature dishes from Louisiana (jambalaya), Jamaica (peas and rice), Nigeria (jollof rice), and more Some ingredients, such as Jamaican staples ackee and callaloo, may be easiest to find online Mark Knoblauch

S a k a S a k a : o u t o f t e S a h a r a — A d v e n t u r e s i n A f r i c a n C o o k i n g.

By Anto Cocagne.

Apr 2022 208p Interlink, $30 (9781623718558) 641 5

Chef Cocagne, organizer for the African

Cuisines Festival and a consultant for the magazine Afro Cooking, teams up with food photographer Aline Princet to take readers on an adventure through sub Saharan Afri ca Named after a cassava leaf dish, this book combines recipes, portraits, and inter views that introduce African cuisine to the global consumer. Appealing dishes include ever y thing from sides and appetizers to street food and desserts, all showcas ing the beauty and art of food from Africa and the connection people have to it Cocagne encour ages readers to revise the misconceptions that food from Africa is too oily, too spicy, or too rich: in reality it is healthy and diverse, often being gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan. Princet’s mouthwatering photographs accompany dishes like tuna pies, African pear dip and yam chips, yasa chicken, pèpè soupe, and mango tart Readers will appreciate the inclu sion of difficulty levels, prep and cook times, and chef tips with each recipe Cocagne in cludes inter views from celebrities across the African continent radio host Soro Solo, Afro pop singer Mamani Keïta, and actress Sandra Nkaké discussing their favorite foods and food related memories With all the love that the continent has to offer this book is a must for cooking collections.

Nataya Culler

T h e A r t s

B e t M y S o u l o n R o c k ’ n ’ R o l l : D i a r y o f a B l a c k P u n k I c o n .

By Jean Beauvoir and John Ostrosk y. Mar. 2022. 288p. Chicago Review, $27.99 (9781641604765). 781.66.

Je a n Be a u vo i r i s k n ow n b e s t a s t h e b a s s p l a ye r i n t h e p u n k b a n d Pl a s m a t i c s , w i t h h i s s i g n a t u re p l a t i n u m m o h a w k , a n d w h o s e l e g e n d a r y s t a g e a n t i c s i n c l u d e d c h a i n s a w i n g g u i t a r s a n d b l ow i n g u p c a r s Ha i t i a n A m e r i c a n Be a u vo i r w a s o n l y 1 9 w h e n h e j o i n e d t h e b a n d , b u t h e w a s a l re a d y a s e a s o n e d p ro , h a v i n g p e r f o r m e d d u r i n g h i s h i g h s c h o o l ye a r s w i t h R & B s i n g e r Ga r y U . S . B o n d s . In t h i s c o n ve r s a t i o n a l a u t o b i o g r a p h y w r i t t e n w i t h Jo h n Os t ro s k y, Be a u vo i r d e t a i l s t h e i n s a n d o u t s o f a u n i q u e c a re e r i n t h e m u s i c b u s i n e s s , i n c l u d i n g c o l l a b o r a t i o n s w i t h s u c h a r t i s t s a s L i t t l e St e ve n , K I S S , Br u c e Sp r i n g s t e e n , Jo n B o n Jov i , Ju s t i n Ti m b e r l a k e , a n d t h e R a m o n e s Be a u vo i r h a s f a c e d r a c i s m t h ro u g h o u t h i s c a re e r, w h i c h c o u l d b e b l a t a n t b e i n g a s k e d t o s t a y o n t h e b u s w h i l e h i s w h i t e b a n d m a t e s a t e i n re s t a u r a n t s o r m o re s u b t l e , a s w h e n h e w a s p a s s e d ove r by re c o rd l a b e l s t h a t d i d n ’ t k n ow w h e t h e r t o c a t e g o r i ze h i s m u s i c a s Bl a c k o r w h i t e Be a u vo i r t r a n s c e n d e d t h e s e c h a l l e n g e s , c re a t i n g a s i n g u l a r p o s i t i o n f o r h i m s e l f i n t h e w o r l d o f ro c k a n d a s a n a c t i v i s t . Fre d a L ove Sm i t h

By Marissa R. Moss. May 2022. 320p. Holt, $28.99 (9781250793591). 781.642.

A countr y music ballad of almost a cen tur y of male domination in the industr y gets a much needed update in Nashville based journalist Moss’s stun ningly crafted debut book. Moss takes an inside look at the feminine revolution in countr y music via three of the genre ’ s current work ing artists: Mickey Guyton, Maren Morris, and Kacey Musgraves Their journeys breaking into and out of the countr y music mold are Moss’ focus as she makes a point of highlighting race, sexuality, and other factors that have impacted women ’ s success in the industr y. Moss interlocks her subjects’ stories for a captivating structure, jumping between them to effectively create a cohesive narrative of feminist uprising in “the good ol’ boys club ” This must read for music fans displays Moss’ extensive knowl edge of Nashville’s Music Row scene; she’s been writing on women in countr y music for years, and she speaks of the genre ’ s ebbs and flows with an authoritative, assertive voice. As she writes in her introduction, “This book is the stor y of how countr y ’ s women fought back against systems designed to keep them down.” Her Countr y speaks (sings, really) volumes about the rise of female artists in countr y music, and how far they still have to climb Emily DuGranrut

P o w ! R i g h t i n t h e E y e ! Th i r t y Ye a r s b e h i n d t h e S c e n e s o f M o d e r n F r e n c h

P a i n t i n g.

By Ber the Weill. Ed. by Lynn Gumper t. Tr. by William Rodarmor.

June 2022. 288p. illus. Univ. of Chicago, $22.50 (9780226814360) 759 409

“I just put ever ything in there,” Berthe Weill, the French gallerist who claimed to have bought the first three Picasso can vases ever sold in Paris, told Paul Reboux, who had been commissioned to write the preface to Weill’s memoir in 1930 “I didn’t take the trouble to write beautiful sentenc es. ” Now published in English for the first time, Weill’s fast paced and punchy account of her galler y ’ s first 25 years of exhibitions is a who’s who of emerging artists in early twentieth centur y Paris, the collectors who bought their work, and how much they paid (spoiler: close to nothing) Often addressing the reader directly, she is less interested in personal reflections “That’s enough about me, ” she writes at one point than in a straightfor ward accounting of the exhibi tions she staged and the necessity of selling antiques and books to keep her galler y afloat. She paints a clear portrait of how modern masters like Metzinger and Matisse, along side lesser known painters like Émilie

Charmy, shook up modern art and modern culture even before there was a market for their work. Maggie Taft

By Claire Gelder.

Apr. 2022. 128p. illus. Search, paper, $19.95 (9781782219750); e book (9781781269695) 746 434043

Crochet stuffed animals are a perennial craft favorite, and author Gelder (Robyn Octopus and Friends, 2020) is experienced at designing and writing straightfor ward patterns for these creatures In addition to the titular Bonnie Cow, a variety of famil iar beasts are featured here, including Elsie Cat, Finlay Dog, Mack Mouse, and an as sortment of specific birds A combination of color contrasts, yarn texture, and a handful of stitch techniques bring life and character to these endearing critters. All are meant to be slightly understuffed, giving the desired floppiness and avoiding the sometimes stiff texture of crochet UK crochet terms are used (a flap, not available at time of review, provides a guide to U.S. equivalents), and measurements are listed in metric with ap proximate imperial equivalents included in the text. Yarn from Wool Couture (the author’s company) is used throughout, but Gelder includes notes for other yarns of suit able weight that may be substituted Clearly written patterns preceded by a step by step instructional section with photographs deliver achievable projects with cute person alities Anne Heidemann

U l t i m a t e I l l u s t r a t e d G u i d e t o S e w i n g

C l o t h e s : A C o m p l e t e C o u r s e o n M a k i n g

C l o t h i n g f o r F i t a n d F a s h i o n . By Joi Mahon.

Mar. 2022. 288p. illus. Landauer, paper, $24.99 (9781947163744). 646.4.

With slow life movements gaining traction these days think slow food, slow water, slow money, and the like consumers might be galvanized into adopting a home sewing practice with the added benefit of exercis ing creativity Following author designer Joi’s (Designer Joi’s Fashion Sewing Workshop, 2016) ver y detailed instructions will help novices as well as experienced stitchers conquer the art of clothing fit Because, as many former home economics students can attest, elements like darts, seams, pock ets, and waistlines have a profound impact on the appearance of a finished garment From selecting the appropriate fabrics to troubleshooting, say, a crooked side seam or tight neckline, Joi addresses ever y aspect of fit. Charts enable readers to understand types of sewing needles, characteristics and treatments for a range of fabrics, and other relevant topics. Though no specific patterns or designs are featured, directions for creat

Ma rc h 1 , 2 0 2 2 B o o k l

C r a f t s & H o b b i e s

B o n n i e t h e C o w & F r i e n d s : 2 0 L o v e a b l e A n i m a l s & B i r d s t o C r o c h e t U s i n g C h u n k y Ya r n .

ing classic garments like a sheath dress or button down shirt are included. A one of a kind chapter on pants tackles all styles, focusing on fitting issues like flat seats and narrow thighs A true reference guide for determined and passionate seamsters

Barbara Jacobs

L i t e r a t u r e

B o m b S h e l t e r : L o v e , T i m e , a n d O t h e r E x p l o s i v e s .

By Mar y Laura Philpott. Apr 2022 288p Atria, $27 (9781982160784) 818

“All I want to do is take care of ever yone I love,” laments Philpott in a moment of profound crisis Stuck in an airpor t during a blizzard, desperate to return to her husband and children for Christmas, shell shocked after her father’s emergency triple bypass surger y, and reeling from her teenage son ’ s recent epilepsy diagnosis, all illusions of safety and control slip away “Nobody,” she concludes, “ can ever get ever yone they love under their wing ” Like her critically acclaimed I Miss You When I Blink (2019), Philpott’s latest is a memoir of beautifully written, loosely linked essays in which she frankly and often humorously details the pitfalls of her anxiety The fragility of life over whelms her, but she pushes back on those who ridicule overprotective parents and compulsive worriers, pointing out that nobody sur vives without some amount of care and protection She asks, “Did some one, some where, at least for a little while, worr y about you too?” Philpott’s eloquent investigation of parenting and family of fers pleasure and comfor t to anyone who has ever worried about someone they love Freda Love Smith

B o y s a n d O i l : G r o w i n g U p G a y i n a F r a c t u r e d L a n d .

By Taylor Brorby. June 2022. 336p. Norton/ Liveright, $27.95 (9781324090861) 920

Growing up in western North Dakota, Brorby loved the landscape he begins this affecting memoir with a beautifully written paean to it but soon discovered that he loved something else, too: boys Afraid, he remained closeted until one of his aunts out ed him to his parents, who did not take the news gladly. On the contrar y, they turned their backs on him, essentially eliminating him from their lives Brorby writes movingly about this experience and its consequences Leaving North Dakota, as he must, he nev ertheless yearns for home But, he explains, “Home for me is land I love the land, not the people ” Divided into seven parts, pref aced by a prologue and concluding with a coda, the memoir focuses on Brorby’s life as an out gay man but makes room for his efforts as an environmental activist, expe riencing the Bakken oil boom and fighting the construction of the Dakota Access Pipe

line He ends the book by lamenting that, in North Dakota, “there is no place for me. ” But there is in the pages of this fine book.

Michael Cart

I n t h e M a r g i n s : O n t h e P l e a s u r e s o f R e a d i n g a n d Wr i t i n g.

By Elena Ferrante. Tr. by Ann Goldstein. Mar 2022 112p Europa, $21 95 (9781609457372) 808 Ferrante (The Lying Life of Adults, 2020) wrote the first three essays in this collec tion for the public Umberto Eco guest lecture series at the University of Bologna Postponed a year due to the pandemic, they were finally performed by an Italian actress (the famously private Ferrante writes under a pseudonym) and televised in November 2021 In these wise and vigorous pieces ex amining Ferrante’s lifetime spent reading and writing and what it has meant to do these things as a woman Ferrante (“the author a fiction forever incomplete”) calls on the works of Woolf, Stein, Dickinson, and others, while unself consciously shar ing her experiences capturing and releasing “the discordant clamor in [her] head ” There are gems aplenty here, on writing in general and about Ferrante’s specifically; that things come together for her only once they fall apart, breaking free of genre and convention, and the “ necessar y other” at the heart of her widely ready Neapolitan Novels A fourth essay considers Dante’s Beatrice. This slim but formidable book requires a special sort of Ferrante fan, but there are plenty of those Annie Bostrom

N o t a b l e C r i m e F i c t i o n Wr i t e r s . Ed. by Rober t C. Ev ans. 2v 2021 930p Salem, $225 (9781637000311); e book, $225 (9781637000328) 809 3

Crime fiction has gained critical and aca demic credence over the last 50 years and has greatly diversified its settings, themes, and authorship The new edition of this refer ence set analyzes the lives and works of over 200 major English language mystery and detective fiction writers The first volume pro vides an introductory essay about the growing interest in crime fiction Entries are then ar ranged alphabetically and vary in length from two to eight pages Each entry begins with the author’s pseudonyms, types of plots, and main series and characters Next, the author’s unique contribution to the genre is covered. A brief biography follows, noting events re lated to the author’s fiction The main part of the entry analyzes the author’s writing style, themes, and motifs; notable titles or groups of works are usually noted, summarizing plots and sometimes providing analysis and quotations Four appendixes and five index es conclude volume two Depth of coverage among essays varies, and the usual suspects are covered (Doyle and Evanovich, for example) as well as some lesser known writers While not definitive, this set should whet the appe tite of crime fiction readers and the general public. Lesley Farmer

Th e R e d Z o n e .

By Chloe Caldwell.

Apr 2022 320p Soft Skull, paper, $16 95 (9781593766993) 813

With the title of her latest memoir refer ring to menstrual blood, Caldwell (I’ll Tell You in Person, 2016) confirms her quirky personality on page one when she asks her then boyfriend, pianist and Airbnb super host Tony, to look at photographs she took of her blood clots Caldwell had always had difficult periods, but now, in her thirties, the symptoms are debilitating. Pre Tony, Caldwell, who identifies as queer and is fun ny and self deprecating, was skimming books like Spinster: Making a Life of One’s Own Now she finds herself seriously involved with a man and a single dad. She orders Thinx pe riod under wear, which her equally witty beau calls her Stinks Finally she realizes that she has premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which includes acne, leg cramps, headaches, cr ying, anger, and irritability. Along with comic, sometimes infuriating interludes (Caldwell gets her period on her wedding day and then on their delayed honeymoon), Caldwell delves deeply into medical and social aspects of menstruation as well as complex aspects of women ’ s health, identity, marriage, and family, resulting in a fresh, intimate, and en gaging chronicle. Karen Springen

Th e S u m m e r F r i e n d .

By Charles McGrath.

June 2022. 240p. Knopf, $25 (9780593321157). 818.

McGrath, former editor of the New York Times Book Review, combines nostalgia and melancholy in this ode to summer and friend ship First as a child in slightly ramshackle cottages on the Massachusetts shore and then as an adult in his own tilting toward dilapidated vacation house, McGrath revels in the “ syr upy slowness” of summer, a time beyond time when there “ was nothing to do and nothing you were supposed to do.” That changes dra matically, though, after McGrath meets Chip Gillespie, who lives nearby An architect with the impish soul of Tom Sawyer, Chip schools his new friend in the art of summertime fun for adults Yes, there are typical pursuits like sailing and golf, but even these are enjoyed in a refreshingly off kilter manner (sailing small wooden boats, playing on rundown nine hole golf courses). There’s plenty of time, too, for firework follies, lobster trapping fiascoes, and a chaotic form of dumpster diving The fun, inevitably, is curtailed by mortality, but just as McGrath evokes summer pleasures with self deprecating wit and without sloppy sentiment, he steers a course well away from the maud lin in recounting Chip’s death from cancer

Bill Ott

Ta s h a : A S o n ’s M e m o i r.

By Brian Mor ton.

Apr. 2022. 224p. Simon & Schuster/Avid Reader, $28 (9781982178932). 818.

At a certain point in most people’s lives, the parent and the child switch roles, whether

due to disease, injury, or just plain aging It becomes the child’s responsibility to keep par ents housed, fed, entertained, and safe, a duty that comes with baggage Even good relation ships are challenged when aging parents insist on driving when they can ’ t really see or living alone despite a series of falls. Morton’s moth er, Tasha, was a gifted teacher and outspoken supporter of education, but Morton was never sure where he fit into her life In their final time together, he tries to understand a woman who remains feisty while losing her self to dementia Morton has an appealing style and shares his challenges (including finding a welcoming nursing home and spy ing on the home health worker Tasha claims verbally abuses her) with a dose of humor and self deprecation He’s also honest about his hesitancy to bring his mother into his own home and his own feelings of inadequacy. This is a personal story, but anyone facing the same challenges will be nodding along in agreement

Candace Smith

Vo i c e o f t h e F i s h : A Ly r i c E s s a y.

By Lars Horn.

June 2022 240p Graywolf, paper, $16 (9781644450895) 814

Horn’s sometimes profound, sometimes baffling autobiographical essays have in com mon a near obsession with water, aquatic life, and aquariums (hence the title) Arranged in roughly chronological order, the essays begin with Horn’s childhood living with an eccentric artist mother who delights in photographing her child encased in full body casts or float ing, as if lifeless, in a tub surrounded by dead squids. The mother once turns herself into liv ing art, too, with Horn finding her in a gallery lying naked in a vitrine of offal and maggots (truly!) Somehow, Horn survives all of this but nearly dies when an accident involving weight lifting results in the loss of the abil ity to speak, read, and write Along the way, readers learn that Horn is openly queer and transmasculine, a fact that informs a number of the essays. Though the author’s experiences are uniformly interesting and the essays about them well written, the book’s more bizarre el ements may be off putting for some readers But those who enjoy the offbeat will be right at home Michael Cart

Emily Hahn, and Jeanne Baret, who dressed

as a man to see the world in 1768, among many others. Wills’ personal story enhances the narrative: a quick marriage and equally quick breakup with husband Sam, yearslong singledom, then a surprise hookup with ex fling Guy, not to mention her own trips as an intrepid reporter. In between are lists of amaz ingly helpful counsel: Turn the phone off to have an adventure Take out one pair of shoes (and maybe more) when trying to pack light. Illustrate your travel journals. Venture out dur ing the day to keep safe and secure Rely on the kindness of strangers when things are not going well And, pandemically speaking, volunteer and get virtual on museum visits. This paean to traveling alone offers inspiration, humor, and generally great reading Barbara Jacobs

stipulated that this should continue for 200 years, after which his gift would be liquidated for public works. Meyer, upon discovering this, resolved to follow the money, and he does so from 1791 to 1991 Boston began by loaning its entire bequest the first year Philadelphia violated Franklin’s bequest from the get go. But in 1827, Boston gave much of Franklin’s money to an insurance company and ceased loans to would be tradesmen

When this was revealed in 1889, an inves tigation provoked the all American reaction to contested wills litigation Franklin’s de scendants wanted his money back; they lost Over the next centur y, Boston again adhered to Franklin’s will, building a trades school, but then veered off course Throughout this narrative of the checkered conformance to Franklin’s intentions, Meyer wr yly injects apt adages from Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Alma nack into his own lively prose. A unique and entrancing investigation Gilbert Taylor

By Maud New ton. Apr 2022 400p Random, $28 99 (9780812997927) 929 20973

“Know thyself,” said Socrates, and Newton takes this directive to heart in a memoir that strives to not only understand her specific per sonality but identify its development through multiple generations of ancestors This knowl edge of her family’s colorful history, which includes a grandfather who allegedly married 13 times; a demanding, racist father; and a speaking in tongues evangelical mother, raises more questions than it answers Fortunately, the burgeoning industry of internet ancestry research and accessible DNA testing helps Newton affix missing leaves to her family tree Yet each new data point reveals further avenues of inquiry, rabbit holes that raise doubts about physical traits, emotional vulnerabilities, and mental strengths In exploring her own back ground, Newton investigates current theories regarding DNA analysis, inherited trauma, and psychological profiling with Sherlockian verve and an academician’s tenacity Genealogy sleuths often undertake such quests hoping to discover hidden gems buried deep in those cen sus records, such as a direct link to aristocracy or a Founding Father Newton is just looking for some peace of mind, and her approach may help others realize what a worthy goal that is

Carol Haggas

A Tr i o f a

By Kate Wills. (9781728255279)

Solo travel changed journalist and freelance travel writer Wills’ life, and it could work for readers, too. Combining autobiography, bib liography, and plain good trip advice, Wills’ essay collection centers on books by female traveler writers journalist Nellie Bly, novel ist Virginia Woolf, longtime New Yorker writer

B e n j a m i n F r a n k l i n ’s L a s t B e t : Th e

F a v o r i t e Fo u n d e r ’s D i v i s i v e D e a t h ,

E n d u r i n g A f t e r l i f e , a n d B l u e p r i n t f o r

A m e r i c a n P r o s p e r i t y.

By Michael Meyer.

Apr 2022 368p illus HMH, $28 99 (9781328568892) 973 3092

Civic minded founder Benjamin Franklin perpetuated his values in a will that contained an unusual provision He donated 1,000 pounds (equivalent to $266,000 today) each to Boston and Philadelphia, to be loaned to tradesmen to start their careers. Franklin

I n W h o s e R u i n s : P o w e r, P o s s e s s i o n , a n d t h e L a n d s c a p e s o f A m e r i c a n E m p i r e .

By Alicia Puglionesi.

Apr 2022 368p Scribner, $28 99 (9781982116750) 973

The ravages of Manifest Destiny constitute much of America’s story. This narrative history from poet, professor, and scholar Puglionesi delves into how white set tlers found resources on Native land and overtook it for capitalistic gain, focusing on four geographic areas The author first discusses how whites overtook the Indig enous peoples of Virginia by spinning a myth that a “lost [white] race ” built burial mounds filled with treasure; local tribes surely killed this race, the settlers’ tale went. The dispossession of Na tive peoples from their relationship to their land becomes a theme that Puglionesi explores through the remaining three sections of the book. In Pennsylvania, tribal people used the oil found on their land in careful ways, until white people again propagated the lost race myth and overtook the oil rich fields Dam ming rivers for power required the removal of ancient petroglyphs from the Susquehanna River, obliterating the ways that Native people had coexisted with the river The book’s final section moves to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where physicists J. Robert Oppenheimer, En rico Fermi, and others were falling in love with local Native culture while creating the atom bomb and testing it on Native land Dense with research, Puglionesi’s book ought to be widely studied Joan Curbow

M y M o t h e r ’s Wa r : Th e I n c r e d i b l e Tr u e

S t o r y o f H o w a R e s i s t a n c e F i g h t e r

S u r v i v e d Th r e e C o n c e n t r a t i o n C a m p s .

By Ev a Taylor.

Apr 2022 224p Hanover Square, paper, $16 99 (9781335469533). 940.53 .

Sabine Zuur, WWII Dutch Resistance

Ma rc h 1 2 0

G e o g r a p h y & T r a v e l

H i s t o r y

A n c e s t o r Tr o u b l e : A R e c ko n i n g a n d a R e c o n c i l i a t i o n .

fighter, did everything she could to aid the Al lied powers against the German conquest over Europe. Hiding various Resistance members in her home was a dangerous task, one that led to betrayal, arrest, and being sent from one concentration camp to another Taylor, daughter of Sabine and Dutch war hero Peter Tazelaar, brings her mother’s fight for freedom to life here Using a vast array of personal let ters smuggled to Sabine in her laundry, Taylor paints life in Nazi concentration camps in stark detail. This is the story of Sabine’s quiet, stubborn, unrelenting heroism in the face of Amersfoort, Ravensbrück, and Mauthausen camps and her unwavering will to survive There is an authenticity and urgency to Sa bine’s story that isn’t found in other accounts of the time, a story found amid box upon box of letters never shared with Taylor, but one which Sabine knew had to be saved. Readers of memoirs and wartime stories will find this especially engaging Kathleen Townsend

Q

By Rober t Hardman.

Apr 2022 690p illus Pegasus, $35 (9781643139098) 941 085092

February 2022 marks Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Nearing 96 years old and on the throne for 70 years, she is the longest reigning mon arch in England’s history. This publication honors that momentous occasion, and while some might won der if the world really needs another biography of the queen (especially one that runs almost 700 pages), this offering is truly noteworthy Readers will find political history, social commentary, and fresh observations mixed in with interviews and anecdotes from an array of twentieth and twenty first century luminaries, devotees and detractors alike. Royal Family chronicler Hardman (Her Majesty, 2012; Queen of the World, 2019), an avowed royalist, sorts fact from fiction, covers an amazing amount of territory (coverage extends through the end of 2021), and seeks to mitigate misconcep tions arising from recent media creations, like television shows The Crown and Downton Ab bey It’s all here: the scandals, the triumphs, the minutiae of court life, and the grandeur of the British Empire, all framed within heartfelt appreciation for a woman who has dedicated her entire life to her country As long as Queen Elizabeth reigns, consider this to be Her Majesty’s definitive biography.

Kathleen McBroom

R e b e l s a t S e a : P r i v a t e e r i n g i n t h e

A m e r i c a n R e v o l u t i o n .

By Eric Jay Dolin.

May 2022 352p illus Norton/ Liveright, $32 50 (9781631498251) 973 3

What do you do when you possess only a small, fledgling navy, and have a formidable

imperial maritime power to overcome? You muster whichever available ships, captains, and crews are eager to fight, and you send them out with full state authority to ha rass, capture, or sink opponents That’s just what the American colonies did at the start of the Revolutionary War, as maritime historian Do lin (The Furious Sky, 2020) recounts Taking for their model English privateers of Tudor times such as Sir Francis Drake, American privateers patrolled the east coast of the colonies and disrupted Britain’s impor tant West Indian trade routes Massachusetts’ Jonathan Haraden, the white commander of the sloop Pickering, even faced down a British warship near Bilbao, Spain. These privateers’ success helped induce France’s navy to come to the colonies’ aid Moreover, the goods they confiscated from captured vessels helped to sustain the colonies and their war efforts despite the British blockade. Dolin tells the story of James Forten, a Black Philadelphian who served on a privateer ship and returned home to amass a fortune as a sailmaker Do lin’s valuable achievement in recognizing and honoring these sailors’ oft ignored con tributions to American independence more fully fleshes out American naval history

Mark Knoblauch

R e s i s t a n c e : Th e U n d e r g r o u n d Wa r a g a i n s t H i t l e r, 1 9 3 9 – 1 94 5 .

By Halik Kochanski. May 2022. 960p. Norton/ Liveright, $45 (9781324091653). 940 53

Hitler’s blitzkrieg rolled over nations east and west of the Reich, crushing armies and seizing territor y. Daring citizens who endured after their sol diers had been vanquished mounted what seemed hopeless resistance to their new overlords. Individual national histories have documented these efforts, but Kochanski (The Eagle Unbowed, 2012), pulls back to take in both Eastern and Western Europe, revealing a wider perspective on these un derground movements By their ver y nature, these diverse rebel bands were disjointed, had generally local objectives, and were unique from countr y to countr y They also operated from a wide spectrum of political beliefs and intentions Kochanski, after first sur veying the breadth of Germany’s conquests, details the growth of resistance movements in all their manifestations, from sabotage to as sassination Preexisting local disputes, sheer economic necessity, and racist ideologies complicated these responses. She also casts revealing light in chapters devoted to both the Christian and Jewish responses to the Holocaust. In this massive work of research, Kochanski brings together individual sto

ries and larger historical forces to document how ordinar y people successfully challenged what seemed over whelming militar y might.

Mark Knoblauch

By Susan Cahill.

Apr 2022 256p illus St Martin’s/ Griffin, $24 99 (9781250239686). 944.361.

Paris is a city of churches, many of them famed not just in religion, but also in ar chitecture, literature, civic life, and history Cahill (The Streets of Paris, 2017) inventories in guidebook format almost 30 of the city’s most distinctive “churches, mosques, syna gogues, chapels ” While Notre Dame without question is the city’s most famous church, religious buildings in every arrondissement have their own charms and often remarkable histories Cahill delves into the events and personalities that arose in and around these hallowed places. Focusing on architectural concerns, she also lets readers in on some of the churches’ outstanding musical and arts programming Cahill celebrates the unique social ministries for the underserved and new immigrants of individual sacred places, and her brief accounts of Frédéric Chopin’s and Gabriel Fauré’s funerals at La Madeleine are moving This useful guidebook seamlessly weaves together art, literature, music, and history, and it makes a great armchair read for those who can ’ t tread Paris’ boulevards Photographs by Marion Ranoux and de tailed transit directions help guide travelers Mark Knoblauch

Th i n P l a c e s : A N a t u r a l H i s t o r y o f H e a l i n g a n d H o m e .

By Kerri ní Dochar taigh.

Apr. 2022. 240p. Milkweed, $24 (9781571311955). 941.6.

“Where does the past cease?” ní Dochar taigh writes on the eve of Brexit in this deeply personal memoir that takes place amid a resurgence of division, violence, and uncer tainty in Northern Ireland Born in Derry to a Catholic mother and a Protestant father, ní Dochartaigh experienced the brutality of the Troubles firsthand, witnessing the shooting of a British soldier, surviving a petrol bomb ing of her home, and navigating the political landscape of a divided city Her traumatic childhood left her displaced, constantly occu pying áiteanna tanaí (thin places) between the worlds of peace and violence, joy and depres sion, silence and communication, and past and present Woven throughout is the con nection between the destruction of the natural world and the turmoil that has plagued the Irish border and her own growth, asking, “What effect does where you come from, and what that land has been through, have on the map of your self?” Ní Dochartaigh’s unique writing moves between a personal journey of healing, the fragility and importance of the environment, and a powerful call for peace.

Grace Rosean

S a c r e d P a r i s : A G u i d e t o t h e C h u r c h e s , S y n a g o g u e s , a n d t h e G r a n d M o s q u e i n t h e C i t y o f L i g h t .

By Nicholas P. Sulliv an.

Apr. 2022. 272p. illus. Island, $30 (9781642832174). 664.

Creating a sustainable future for the world’s food supply needs to include the bounty of the seas in all edible forms Sul livan (You Can Hear Me Now) here examines the changing role of seafood hunting, har vesting, and farming He obser ves from a global stance, but focuses on New England and its Gulf of Maine. Until government regulation stepped in to stem the tide, both scallops and cod had declined precipitously due to overfishing and changes in ocean cur rents New England’s fishing industr y was decimated for a while, but cod numbers have begun increasing. Sullivan details some of the fishing cooperatives and enlightened consumers whose joint efforts help reduce the amount of imported fish and sustain local producers. Advances in freezing tech niques mean that East Coast shellfish can be shipped farther with little degradation in quality Mariculture the farming of ma rine fish has begun addressing some of the destructive environmental issues it has been accused of creating Consumers who want to understand where their seafood comes from and how it is being sustained will appreciate Sullivan’s reporting. Mark Knoblauch

Th e C a r b o n Fo o t p r i n t o f E v e r y t h i n g.

By Mike Berners Lee.

Apr 2022 312p Greystone, paper, $18 95 (9781771645768) 363 705

This ne w edition of How Bad Are Bananas? (2010) comes with a ne w title and updated numbers The numbers are, as Berners Lee states, “the best estimate we can get of the full cli mate change impact of something.” His ideal for ever yone on this planet is to adopt a five ton life style, referring to a person ’ s carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) footprint per year; in the U S , the average person ’ s CO2e foot print is about 21 tons per year, so this is no small hurdle. In order to clarify what we do and use that generates this large of a foot print, chapters are divided by the amount of CO2e emitted, star ting from less than 10 grams (like a cup of water or an email) to billions of tons (like wildfires and war) to those things that have negative emissions (like planting trees) Within each chap ter are footnotes and references as to how Berners Lee arrived at the numbers. He also includes chapters on what options exist to remove atmospheric CO2 and what each of us can do to lower our individual CO2e impact. This book, a user friendly reminder of our environmental impact, will find an audience among patrons concerned about climate change Lucy Roehrig

By Daniel P Selmi

Mar. 2022. 344p. Univ. of Chicago, $30 (9780226816197). 344 73

When Walt Disney took up the sport of ski ing in the 1960s, he had a vision of converting California’s Mineral King Valley wilderness into a recreational wonderland. Disney’s dream could have become an environmental nightmare, with hotels, restaurants, and ski facilities capable of attracting millions of an nual visitors to this pristine alpine valley. The Sierra Club, then a nascent coalition, vowed to stop Disney in his tracks What followed was a legal battle that would endure for more than a decade, involve numerous government agencies and courts, and pit a relatively un known group of conservationists against one of the most powerful and popular entertain ment brands in the world. Environmental law was barely a thing when the injunctions and suits began, but thanks to a growing awareness of the region’s ecological fragility, a stalwart team of lawyers succeeded in keeping the valley free from development. Selmi’s career began in the California district attorney ’ s of fice in the early 1970’s, allowing him to bring a first person perspective to this instructional David versus Goliath preservationist struggle.

Carol Haggas

E l e p h a n t s : U p C l o s e a n d P e r s o n a l .

By Ellen Greene Stewar t. Apr. 2022. 320p. illus. McFarland, paper, $19.99 (9781476687797) 599 67

Founded in 1994, South Africa’s Knynsa El ephant Park is situated deep into the Knysna Forest. With its dense old growth reserve of yellowwood trees along the southern coast, it became home to translocated elephants from other parts of the continent While truly wild elephants are virtually extinct in the forest, the elephant park’s “controlled, free range environ ment ” allows the elephants as much freedom as possible while also providing interactions with visitors Stewart, an arts therapist, spent three weeks living with the elephant herd. His mix of memoir, travel journal, and elephant behav ioral overview offers a unique perspective on how wildlife tourism can mesh with the con servation of an endangered species. Drawing on extensive elephant research and discussions with park staff, Stewart illuminates elephant bi ology and captive management, then presents photographs and commentary on individual elephants (and people). The up close and per sonal profiles of each elephant, combined with

the author’s reminiscences about her experi ences with them, make for an unusual look at forest pachyderms and at a place successfully committed to their protection Nancy Bent YA: Teens will be fascinated by Stewart’s close encounters with free roaming elephants. NB.

E v e r G r e e n : S a v i n g B i g Fo r e s t s t o S a v e t h e P l a n e t .

By John W. Reid and Thomas E. Lovejoy. Mar. 2022. 320p. illus. Norton, $30 (9781324006039). 634.9. Conservationist and economist Reid and climate change biologist Lovejoy guide read ers through Earth’s five remaining megaforests to explain why their preservation is crucial to the future of life on Earth. Not only does protecting large intact forests keep car bon out of the atmosphere, it also preserves biodiversity. The authors expertly and en thusiastically illuminate the intricately webbed fecundity of these vast forests in New Guinea, the Congo, the Amazon, the North American boreal), and the Taiga in Russia and northern Europe They vividly describe tree species and the myriad life forms they sustain, including monkeys, orchid bees, tapirs, fish owls, forest elephants, and tree kangaroos The megaforests are also home to a grand diversity of Indigenous peoples Reid and Lovejoy write extensively about the importance of supporting Indigenous land rights and their work as stew ards for the forests that nurtured their ancestors for millennia All intact forests desperately need defenders against extreme logging, min ing, pipelines, and other industrial incursions as warming temperatures cause “massive tree kills ” Noting how ludicrously we undervalue nature, Reid and Lovejoy encourage the inclu sion of “climate costs and benefits in all business reporting” to foster an “enlightened economics” that prioritizes life over markets With stunning photographs, lively anecdotes, fresh perspec tives, spirited prose, and realistic solutions, this is deeply informative and inspiring forest advo cacy Donna Seaman

F i n d i n g E c o h a p p i n e s s : F u n N a t u r e A c t i v i t i e s t o H e l p Yo u r K i d s Fe e l H a p p i e r a n d C a l m e r.

By Sandi Schwar tz.

Mar. 2022. 292p. illus. Quill Driver, paper, $19.95 (9780941936507). 649.

It’s a stressful world out there, especially

D a w n a t M i n e r a l K i n g Va l l e y : Th e S i e r r a C l u b, t h e D i s n e y C o m p a n y, a n d t h e R i s e o f E n v i r o n m e n t a l L a w.

Facing Climate Change

Bo o k l i s t p u b l i s h e d i t s fi r s t c o re c o l l e c t i o n o n c l i m a t e c h a n g e i n 2 0 0 6, a n d a l l o f t h e b o o k s l i s t e d t h e re a re s t i l l u rg e n t l y i m p o r t a n t b e c a u s e t h e re a l i t y o f g l o b a l w a r m i n g i s s t i l l b e i n g d e n i e d i n s p i t e o f e v e r r i s i n g p l a n e t a r y t e m p e r a t u re s a n d e v e r wo r s e n i n g i m p a c t s . O n c e a g a i n , w e o ff e r a l i s t o f e x c e p t i o n a l b o o k s e x p l i c a t i n g t h e s t a t e o f t h e c l i m a t e , t h e b i o s p h e re , a n d h u m a n k i n d , b o o k s c a l l i n g f o r a c t i o n a n d o ff e r i n g p a t h s f o r w a rd . We c o n t i n u e t o h o p e t h a t c l e a r l y p re s e n t e d f a c t s a n d p e r s u a s i v e d i s c u s s i o n s w i l l h e l p g u i d e u s t o w a rd s o l u t i o n s Fo r m o re o u t s t a n d i n g t i t l e s a d d re s s i n g c l i m a t e c h a n g e , s e e t h e To p 1 0 B o o k s o n t h e E n v i ro n m e n t & S u s t a i n a b i l i t y o n p.1 8 .

All Hell Breaking Loose: The Pentagon’s Perspective on Climate Change

By Michael T Klare 2019 Holt/ Metropolitan, $18 (9781250772947)

Klare explains why the Department of Defense is on the front line in the battle against global warming, presenting a litany of climate change generated catas trophes facing the world, how they will impact global security, and what plans the militar y has for combating them Arctic: Culture and Climate Ed by Amber Lincoln and others 2020 Thames & Hudson, $60 (9780500480663)

This richly illustrated volume vividly documents, through historical analysis and inter views, how people living in the Arctic now are as connected to the land

as their ancestors were even as climate change threatens their homes, communi ties, and cultures.

Half-Earth: Our Planet’s Fight for Life. By Edward O. Wilson. 2016. Norton/ Liveright, $16 95 (9781631492525)

For decades, scientist, educator, and environmentalist Wilson ardently il luminated the grand intricacy of life on Earth and the pressing need to protect the biosphere that sustains us Here he urges us to commit “half the planet’s surface to nature ” as climate change worsens

How to Prepare for Climate Change:

A Practical Guide to Sur viving the Chaos. By David Pogue. 2021. Simon & Schuster, $24 (9781982134518)

Pogue presents practical advice and

b y D o n n a S e a m a n

reasonable actions that individuals and businesses can take to mitigate the effects of climate change, from where to live to what to insure and how to prepare for calamities ranging from droughts and for est fires to societal breakdown.

Losing Earth: A Recent Histor y. By Nathaniel Rich. 2019. Farrar/MCD, $25 (9780374191337)

Rich offers an exceptional histor y of the early political battles over climate change, a gripping report on climate denialism in the fossil fuel industr y and government, and a must read handbook for ever yone concerned about our planet’s future

The Nutmeg’s Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis By Amitav Ghosh 2021 Univ. of Chicago, $26 (9780226815459).

Ghosh uses the histor y of the exploita tion of the nutmeg tree as a portal to understanding the current climate change crisis as the result of centuries of Western colonialism, conquest, and greed, then calls for profound social change.

Oil and Honey: The Education of an Unlikely Activist. By Bill McKibben. 2013 St Martin’s/Griffin, $17 99 (9781250048714).

McKibben has been writing about cli mate change and fossil fuels for 25 years. Here “Oil” refers to his environmental activism, including his founding of the influential organization 350 org and his being arrested while protesting the Keystone XL pipeline. “Honey” alludes to his pursuit of sustainable bee raising techniques.

Our House Is on Fire: Scenes of a Family and a Planet in Crisis By Greta Thunberg and others. 2020. Penguin, $17 (9780143133575).

The personal struggles that propelled young environmental activist Greta Thun berg onto the world stage are candidly chronicled in this affecting family mem oir, as is the symbiosis between human and planetar y health and the need for us to confront the current “ acute sustainabil ity crisis.”

This Is the Way the World Ends: How Droughts and Die Offs, Heat Waves and Hurricanes Are Converging on America By Jeff Nesbit. 2018. Picador, $17.99 (9781250238627)

Nesbit reports on diverse countries cur rently suffering from climate change in the form of natural-resource depletion and societal destabilization as well as the water shortage in California’s Central Valley, where one third of the world’s food is produced, and wildly destructive

hurricanes, urging us to act now to lessen climate change, which endangers our ver y sur vival.

Throwaway Nation: The Ugly Truth about American Garbage. By Jeff Dondero. 2019. Rowman & Littlefield, $34 (9781538110324)

We produce many tons of waste ever y second, fouling our air, water, and land and threatening our future. Dondero enu merates our many wasteful ways, explains their consequences, and suggests actions that we can take as individuals and societ ies to mitigate climate change, pollution, and the reduction of natural resources.

Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future By Elizabeth Kolbert 2021 Crown, $28 (9780593136270).

Science writer extraordinaire Kolbert travels the world and reports on man made natural disasters, primarily the rising level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and oceans, and less than re assuring attempts and plans to ameliorate them, noting “how much easier it is to ruin an ecosystem than to run one ”

The Uninhabitable Earth: Life after Warming By David Wallace Wells 2019 Crown/Tim Duggan, $18 (9780525576716)

Of climate change, Wallace Wells warns: “It is worse, much worse, than you

think ” And he explains why and how in a bracing, well organized, and fully sourced sur vey of the planetar y changes happening now at shockingly rapid rates and their dire consequences But he is also adamant in his assertion that there are solutions and that it is not too late to implement them

Warmth: Coming of Age at the End of Our World By Daniel Sherrell 2021 Penguin, $17 (9780143136538)

Ac t i v i s t Sh e r re l l i s h a u n t e d by a c o n u n d r u m : i s i t re s p o n s i b l e t o h a ve c h i l d re n i n t h e m i d s t o f c a t a s t ro p h i c c l i m a t e c h a n g e ? Th i s e e r i e a n d g o r g e o u s b o o k i s a l e t t e r t o h i s u n b o r n c h i l d , e x p l a i n i n g i n v i v i d d e t a i l t h e re a l i t i e s o f d e a d l y s t o r m s , h o t t e s t a f t e r h o t t e s t ye a r s o n re c o rd , a n d b a ffl i n g s o c i a l a n d p o l i t i c a l i n a c t i o n

Vesper Flights By Helen Macdonald 2020 Grove, $17 (9780802158673)

What we can and must learn from na ture is the prevailing theme throughout bird lover Macdonald’s gorgeous essay collection in which she vividly contrasts the wonders of glowworms, ants, swifts, and many more species with the impend ing climate crisis and “planetar y ecological breakdown” threatening to destroy life’s miraculous, intricate web, from the mon umental to the microbial

To combat climate change, we need both facts and hope, and the most illuminating and encouraging books about the environment and the path to sustainability offer both in addressing forests, endan gered species, recycling, and human nature Donna Seaman

The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times By Jane Goodall and others 2021 Macmillan/ Celadon, $28 (9781250784094)

Without minimizing the daunting challenges of the climate crisis, world renowned humanist and environmental advocate Goodall shares enthralling experiences and reasons to be hopeful.

Can I Recycle This? A Guide to Better Recycling and How to Reduce Single Use Plastics By Jennie Romer 2021 Penguin, $22 (9780143135678)

Recycling expert Romer covers the specifics of what to recycle, what happens to re cycled items, and what environmental impacts result.

The Loneliest Polar Bear: A True Story of Survival and Peril on the Edge of a Warming World By Kale Williams 2021 Crown, $28 (9781984826336)

Williams recounts the scramble to save Nora, an abandoned polar bear cub at the Co lumbus Zoo, paralleling that drama with international efforts to save the polar bear from extinction.

Our Environmental Handprints: Recover the Land, Reverse Global Warming, Reclaim the Future By Jon R Biemer 2021 Rowman & Littlefield, $36 (9781538140659)

Biemer encourages readers to do all that they can to alleviate environmental damage, offering achievable ways to develop a climate neutral life plan.

Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire By Lizzie Johnson 2021 Crown, $28 (9780593136386)

Johnson delivers a harrowing chronicle of California’s massive and deadly 2018 Camp Fire, including the perilous escapes of Paradise townspeople and the heartbreaking after math.

Planet Palm: How Palm Oil Ended up in Everything and Endangered the World By Jocelyn C Zuckerman 2021 New Press, $27 99 (9781620975237)

Zuckerman illuminates the global palm oil industry (palm oil is in everything from lip stick to potato chips) and why it is having a catastrophic impact on Third World regions Rescuing the Planet: Protecting Half the Land to Heal the Earth By Tony Hiss 2021 Knopf, $27 95 (9780525654810)

Hiss visits the North American Boreal Forest and other essential intact ecosystems, explains why it’s necessary to conserve these places, and portrays passionate “extinction preventers” past and present

Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse By Dave Goulson 2021 Harper, $28 99 (9780063088207).

Goulson celebrates the wondrous world of bugs and the prodigious work an estimated five million insect species perform pollinating crops, controlling pests, keeping soil healthy, and providing food for other species, then warns that insect populations are in alarming decline

The Treeline: The Last Forest and the Future of Life on Earth. By Ben Rawlence. Feb. 2022 St Martin’s, $29 99 (9781250270238)

Rawlence investigates the forest tundra ecotone, or treeline, the transition zone be tween northerly ecosystems that crosses continents and serves as the “lungs of the world ”

Under the Sky We Make: How to Be Human in a Warming World By Kimberly Nicholas 2021 Putnam, $18 (9780593328170)

Climate scientist Nicholas explains the impact of climate change on our lives; tackles governments, the fossil fuel industry, and everyday carbon heav y lifestyles; and provides realistic options for more sustainable ways of living Sustainability Books

for many kids Schwartz, who suffered from anxiety herself as a child, looks to the natu ral world for relief. Being outdoors has been shown to slow breathing, lower blood pressure, and sharpen focus in adults, and the author contends that kids will experience the same benefits Schwartz focuses on seven different practices and offers clear suggestions on how parents, grandparents, teachers, and youth leaders can incorporate nature into each She begins with mindfulness, suggesting outdoor yoga, meditation spots, breathing into flowers, and walking barefoot in grass or sand to calm one ’ s thoughts The author encourages awe and gratitude by exposing children to rainbows and waterfalls and promotes outdoor play and exploration. Creating nature pictures and journals can make kids more aware, interacting with animals promotes calm, fresh fruits and limited sugar balance the body, and volunteer ing nurtures the soul. Each chapter ends with a checklist of activities and a list of related books and organizations Colorful illustrations and practical suggestions make this book a handy parenting resource. Candace Smith

F i r e a n d F l o o d : A P e o p l e ’s H i s t o r y o f C l i m a t e C h a n g e , f r o m 1 97 9 t o t h e P r e s e n t .

By Eugene Linden.

Apr 2022 336p Penguin, $28 (9781984882240) 304 2

Journalist Linden (The Ragged Edge of the World, 2011) continues his study of climate change with this nuanced look at U.S. policy since 1979. Starting with efforts during the Carter administration, Linden takes readers through the 13 year battle to curb chlorofluoro carbon (CFC) use and heal the ozone layer and descriptions of a litany of natural disasters, in cluding tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, and floods

He also addresses the increasing influence of climate change experts, such as NASA scientist James Hansen and former Vice President Al Gore, and the many ways in which legislative efforts and international agreements became political footballs, culminating with the back and forth over the Paris Agreement. Linden is candid in stating that this book will not appeal to climate change deniers (whom he is certain can no longer be persuaded), and his frustra tion is palpable over GOP administrations and their dogged support of fossil fuels regardless of scientific and economic research into the prom ise of renewable energy sources The narrative’s rapid pace gives some events and laws short shrift, but in all this is a sound climate change policy overview. Colleen Mondor

Fo r e s t Wa l k i n g : D i s c o v e r i n g t h e Tr e e s a n d Wo o d l a n d s o f N o r t h A m e r i c a .

By Peter Wohlleben and Jane Billinghurst. Apr 2022 240p illus Greystone, paper, $18 95 (9781771643313) 581 5

Forester and ecologist Wohlleben, whose entrancing and enlightening accounts of his phenomenal arboreal knowledge and extensive forest sojourns, including The Heartbeat of Trees

(2021), are international best sellers, joins forces with writer and translator Billinghurst to entice readers to embark on their own woodland ad ventures From the marvels of tree roots up to miraculously engineered trunks to branches and leaves, the authors cue readers to the tac tile sensations, sights, sounds, smells, and tastes (snacking on pill bugs!) of American and Ca nadian forests They elucidate with delight how lichen, slugs, ants, and fungi keep the forest vital and carbon safely buried. They share encoun ters with wolves, bears, moose, and all kinds of birds, each with a role in the forest’s multidi mensional “cascade of interactions ” Wohlleben shares his own expeditions and discoveries and the elation they bring as he encourages readers to venture forth and suggests ways children can enjoy the forest as “ a big messy playground ” Brimming with expert practical advice and “fun forest facts,” this is a profound invitation to fine tune our observational skills and fully appreciate the forest as a vibrant, complex community

Donna Seaman

H t s o f R e g e n e r a t i v e F a r m i n g.

By Liz Carlisle

Mar. 2022. 240p. illus. Island, $28 (9781642832211). 635. Climate change is perceived to be a threat that emanates from the sky above, through holes in the ozone, or via century defining storms Its solution may also lie there, through wind turbines and solar panels that provide sources of renewable energy But as Carlisle proposes, climate change may best be mitigated by cast ing our eyes earthward, to the ground beneath our feet, where soil microbes capture and store greenhouse gases A professor of environmen tal studies specializing in food and farming, Carlisle illustrates the confluence between ag riculture and climate change as she shares the personal stories of Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, and other immigrant populations com mitted to the practice of regenerative farming

How can agroforestry (planting trees along with crops) stabilize an ecosystem while simul taneously offering a way for families of color to rescue underutilized land? How can the return of the natural migratory grazing patterns of buffalo lead to healthier native plant systems? Finding answers to these and other questions through the experiences of the dedicated indi viduals she profiles, Carlisle offers restorative hope and practical help for this existential cri sis. Carol Haggas

islands during WWII, Conis follows the in discriminate spray of the chemical over this country ’ s orchards, vineyards, and croplands, and on the streets and in the homes (wall paper, mattresses, paneling, even pets) of its postwar suburbs She profiles a number of scientists whose hard earned findings from DDT ’ s catastrophically long life to the “hor mone havoc” it can produce in the human reproductive system led to the successful banning of DDT in the U.S. in 1972. At the same time, she details the massive corporate pushback that impugned the reputations of researchers, funded opposition groups and spokespeople, and sowed doubts about the scientific method that find purchase even to day A vitally important contribution to the ongoing discussion over the use of pesticides

Alan Moores

I n t o t h e Fo r e s t : Th e S e c r e t L a n g u a g e o f Tr e e s .

By Susan Tyler Hitchcock.

Apr. 2022. 352p. illus. National Geographic, $35 (9781426218903). 582.

Much of this book, like much of National Geographic magazine, hangs on its dozens of drop dead gorgeous photos, which range from an iridescent forest of bluebells and beech trees to a fly trapped in golden amber that’s 40 50 million years old, to a massive silk cotton tree in Guyana that dwarfs the man standing inside it. However, the text panels accompanying the images aren ’ t win dow dressing; they offer up to date findings on topics as diverse as the importance of mangrove forests in sequestering carbon, the power of forest fragrances to reduce inflam mation and promote sleep in humans, and how microscopic underground fungi not only live symbiotically with trees but also serve as a network through which trees share information and resources with one another. Especially recommended for strong nature collections Alan Moores

L i f e o n t h e R o c k s : B u i l d i n g a F u t u r e f o r C o r a l R e e f s .

By Juli Ber wald.

Apr 2022 352p Riverhead, $28 (9780593087305) 333 95

thorial choice, she shares the family crisis that unfolds while she researches the coral, writing of her teenage daughter’s increasingly fraught battle with debilitating anxiety and OCD In both cases, the potential for error is high, and no easy cure is available Berwald’s concern for her daughter and growing awareness of the intricacy surrounding the fight to save the reefs make for a compulsive reading experi ence Solidly researched, sharply observed, and compassionately rendered, the parallel struggles in Life on the Rocks make for science writing that is illuminating on several levels Colleen Mondor

YA: Teens interested in marine biolog y will enjoy Berwald’s clear eyed chronicle, while her daughter’s story will resonate strongly CM

P a r a d i s e F a l l s : Th e Tr u e S t o r y o f a n E n v i r o n m e n t a l C a t a s t r o p h e .

By Keith O’Brien.

Apr 2022 480p Pantheon, $30 (9780593318430) 363 738

A historian of medicine who teaches at the UC Berkeley graduate school of journalism, Conis delivers a compelling, copiously re searched account of DDT in America that is both uplifting and utterly bleak Beginning with DDT ’ s use by American forces to eradi cate mosquito populations on South Pacific

The increasing threat against the world’s reefs has been in the news a great deal, espe cially since revelations about the devastating bleaching of coral at the Great Barrier Reef Science writer Berwald (Spineless, 2017) has con ducted an excellent study of efforts to save the reefs, talk ing to a plethora of scientists around the world over the past few years Attending conferences and traveling to reefs near Key West, Bali, and Indonesia, she writes of out of the box geoengineering projects, aquarium aficiona dos, and intriguing studies of reef evolution This is a long game in terms of results, she stresses, that nevertheless must be approached at the fastest of speeds. In an intriguing au

Even now, more than 40 years after its story dominated national news, Love Ca nal remains a point of reckoning in U S environmental history A symbol of cor porate malfeasance and government inaction, the dumping of toxic chemicals in a sprawling neighbor hood near Niagara Falls was a devastating example of how casually a company could divest itself of danger ous substances while local officials looked the other way Later, they even built a school on the landfill. Journalist O’Brien (Fly Girls, 2018) contacted many of those who battled to get residents moved out of the affected areas and reimbursed for their suddenly worthless homes, gaining access to a trove of previously unseen documents. With profiles of furious housewives driven to knock on doors and organize community meetings, shocked scientists, a determined local reporter, and dedicated politicians and staff, Paradise Falls is a narrative resplendent with ordinary people who stood up against overwhelming odds The text blisters with de tails of the hard work and outrage that fueled what became a key instigator of Superfund legislation O’Brien has accomplished an outstanding work of investigative journalism and created a riveting title that should be on the shelf with The Poisoned City (2018) and Exposure (2019) Book clubs will spend hours discussing this one Colleen Mondor

Return to Nature: The New Science of How Natural Landscapes Restore Us.

By Emma Loewe.

Apr 2022 288p illus HarperOne, $26 99 (9780063061279). 155.9.

With all of us spending more and more time indoors and in front of screens, the benefits of nature can be overlooked As sustainability edi tor for a health website, mindbodygreen, Loewe is convinced that the climate crisis and cur

rent mental health crisis stem from the same cause separation from nature. She considers eight landscapes, writing about the sense of community in parks, the sense of surrender by the oceans, and the awe of a mountain view

From Loewe’s perspec tive, forests teach patience, snow embodies silence, deserts spark reinvention, rivers give flow, and cit ies teach reciprocity. For each habitat, she describes its appeal, offers a “practice” (beginning with five to 10 minute activities), lists suggestions for journaling, and provides an action plan for inner growth and ways to help preserve nature For readers not physically close to natural set tings, Loewe suggests studying pictures and films, or even just opening the window to look outside. The common thread is a heightening of the senses and a willingness to accept na ture ’ s gifts The lovely illustrations add to the book’s thoughtful message, which is so relevant in this time of virtual meetings and six feet separations Candace Smith

YA: A great way to help teens connect with the natural world CS

A R o a d R u n n i n g S o u t h w a r d : Fo l l o w i n g J o h n M u i r ’s J o u r n e y t h r o u g h a n E n d a n g e r e d L a n d .

By Dan Chapman. May 2022. 256p. illus. Island, $28 (9781642831948). 333 .72.

Tracing naturalist John Muir’s 1867 walk from Kentucky to Florida, a journalist despairs of environmental ills and fears for the future of the wild, biodiverse South. Chapman starts in Louisville, where Muir’s lushly leafy oak forests have given way to suburban sprawl In Tennes see he chronicles coal ash pollution; in Georgia, water use litigation, riparian degradation, and coastal flooding. Florida is paving its wilder ness and squandering its freshwater aquifers A veteran Atlanta reporter (currently with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), Chapman of fers a lucid feature story narrative with a splash of gonzo He sleeps rough in Savannah’s storied Bonaventure Cemetery, where Muir had an epiphany about his life’s work and contracted malaria. But it’s modern day worries about “environmental carnage, ” not mosquitoes, that haunt Chapman Despite a few glimmers of hope rebounding oyster beds, an Ossabaw Island marksman saving turtles by shooting feral hogs the prognosis is grim. Chapman may be following Muir’s footprints, but as a work of environmental consciousness raising, this book’s true inspiration may be Rachel Car son. Brendan Driscoll

nature, curious about people, and amusingly self deprecating. He lives with admirable flu idity and creativity, even when confronted by an alarming hand injury and Lyme disease It is grief over a failed relationship that pro pels him to trace the paths taken by Thoreau, whose passionately precise accounts of his epic walks and close observations are fundamental to American nature writing.

With deep family roots in Massachusetts, Shat tuck knows the New England terrain Thoreau so assiduously explored, but his expeditions tend to veer into precarious, often amusing predicaments requiring the kind intervention of strangers As Shattuck chronicles the six am bitious walks he takes over the years in warmly confiding prose and expressive, richly textured drawings, he also recounts passages in Tho reau ’ s life and quotes from his writings, notes how invaluable Thoreau’s meticulous docu mentation of the living world is to scientists, and marks how dramatically human endeavors and climate change have altered the land since Thoreau took its measure Shattuck’s involving and poignant chronicle of immersions in na ture, misadventures, family history, and a love story is shaped by his preternatural gift for dis cerning the essence of each moment and each place Donna Seaman

S o u n d s W i l d a n d B r o ke n : S o n i c M a r v e l s , E v o l u t i o n ’s C r e a t i v i t y, a n d t h e C r i s i s o f S e n s o r y E x t i n c t i o n .

By David George Haskell. Mar. 2022. 448p. Viking , $29 (9781984881540). 591.59.

In this thoughtful, insightful title, Haskell (The Songs of Trees, 2017) presents a clear eyed thesis on the impact of worldwide environ mental destruction and human noise on what we hear. “Never in the history of Earth have sounds been so rich and varied,” he writes, then continues, “Never has this diversity been so threatened.” Haskell considers the silence of the earliest life forms and reflects on the devel opment of the first sounds and the evolution of sensory systems to perceive them He resigns himself to the progressive loss of his hearing due to age while revealing the intricacies of hu man ear construction and human limitations in sound registration compared with other species In the mammal competition, bats win this contest by a mile. Listening for grasshop pers, butterflies, and cicadas, he reflects on the sounds long ago obliterated by the cacophony of human development With persistent intel ligence and understated wit, Haskell uncovers one subtle mystery after another, forming a gorgeous argument for protecting all we long to hear Colleen Mondor

delivers a gripping investigation into water and the champion sleuths who research it and en gage in daunting yet necessary efforts to restore health to a damaged planet The book begins with a question, “What does water want?” The answer is complex Gies and the “ water detectives” she highlights detail ancient and new technologies that harmonize water ’ s natu ral movements with the needs of expanding human populations and urbanization Elabo rating on the concept of “slow water ” or the restoration of more natural water flows, Gies covers the importance of watersheds, aquifers, wetlands, rivers, and lakes Traditional gray in frastructure, like manufactured dams, seawalls, and land reclamation, often damage these bodies of water, disrupting ecosystems and water flow Why? Because gray infrastructure can block water or move it too quickly, which leads to devastating flooding in some areas and drought in others. Considering exploding pop ulations, water inequality, and ever increasing climate crises, Gies persuasively argues that much must and can be done to improve our understanding of and relationship with water.

George Kendall

We A r e t h e M i d d l e o f Fo r e v e r : I n d i g e n o u s Vo i c e s f r o m Tu r t l e I s l a n d o n t h e C h a n g i n g E a r t h .

By Stan Rushwor th and Dahr Jamail. Apr 2022 368p New Press, $28 99 (9781620976692) 970.004.

By Ben Shattuck.

Apr. 2022. 288p. illus. Tin House, $22.95 (9781953534040). 818 309

Life is intense for Shattuck Emotions run deep, his dreams are harrowing. An artist, cu rator, and writer, he is humbled and awed by

Wa t e r A l w a y s W i n s : Th r i v i n g i n a n A g e o f D r o u g h t a n d D e l u g e .

By Erica Gies.

June 2022 344p Univ of Chicago, $26 (9780226719603) 333 .91.

Award winning independent journalist Gies

This timely compilation of interviews shines a spotlight on the environmental knowl edge of 20 individuals who belong to Native Nations Rushworth, a Native Ameri can educator and activist, and Jamail, an award win ning journalist, spoke with a wide variety of Indigenous academics, artists, and com munity leaders, seeking to center their voices in the ever intensifying debate about how to heal a hurting planet. Rushworth poses this question of enormous urgency to Edgar Ibarra, a college student and abolitionist activist: “Our focus is the dis ruption of Earth; how did we get here? How do we move on in the right way?” The inter viewees speak freely, generating the warmth of intimate conversation and pointing to numerous solutions already at work in Indig enous communities. Dr. Melissa K. Nelson, a proponent of tribal food sovereignty, sees the COVID 19 pandemic as proof of humanity’s failure to understand that every natural re source, including air, is communal Musician Lyla June Johnston acknowledges that since many Native Nations have survived previous epidemics and social collapse, there’s much to learn from intertribal conflicts Pulitzer Prize winning poet Natalie Diaz elucidates arising emergencies in the English language itself. Insights like these, and dozens more, deserve deep attention and will hopefully spur readers into action to save the planet and themselves.

Diego Báez

G e n e r a l F i c t i o n

A d u l t A s s e m b l y R e q u i r e d .

By Abbi Waxman.

May 2022 400p Berkley, paper, $17 (9780593198766)

Waxman (I Was Told It Would Get Easier, 2020) has a talent for creating familiar char acters who are flawed in all the ways many of us are but didn’t know anyone else was Her latest takes place in the same L A neighbor hood where readers met Waxman’s previous protagonists, a few of whom, including Nina Hill, make cameos here Laura, who recently moved across the country to attend grad school, suffers anxiety, ramped up after a car accident a few years prior. She’s ashamed for anyone to know about it, but she soon discov ers that her new friends love her because of her flaws, not in spite of them And naturally, there’s romance to be had. A subplot involv ing Laura’s new landlord distracts a little from Laura’s journey of self discovery, and the mul tiple points of view jar slightly and minimize opportunities for deep characterization (likely setups for future novels). Yet Waxman nimbly describes the normality of anxiety, and readers can count on her to provide comfort and feel good smiles Readers of Emily Henry, Linda Holmes, and Beth O’Leary will be delighted.

Tracy Babiasz

A m n e s i a o f J u n e B u g s .

By Jackson Bliss.

Apr. 2022. 320p. 7.13 , paper, $19.99 (9798985376203).

Ginger experiences her first adult trauma when she’s ditched by her upper class friends in Budapest and forced to fend for herself against aggressive young boys in Istanbul. Yet, in the very next moment, an old man saves her and sits to chat with her despite their lan guage barrier, and they develop an immediate spiritual connection. After Ginger returns to New York City, she and her graffiti artist boyfriend, Winnie, are on the C Train when Hurricane Sandy hits Trapped underground, Ginger and Winnie, who are both Chinese American, meet Aziz, a Middle Eastern Pari sian looking for a job while nursing a broken heart, and Suzanne, an Indian American seek ing excitement in her life Bliss delves deep into the strikingly different stories and expe riences that have led each character to New York at this exact moment when their paths happen to cross With his amalgamation of writing styles, Bliss upends the norms of the typical narrative. His experimental debut nov el shows humans connecting, in the midst of their various individual struggles and identi ties, in real and surprising ways Emily Park

A n i m a l P e r s o n .

By Alexander MacLeod.

Apr 2022 256p Farrar, $27 (9780374602222)

MacLeod’s engrossing short story collection follows characters navigating the transient

shallows of their lives. Relationships strain, connections to others shift, and inner desires and resentments are exposed In the haunting “The Closing Date,” a young family books a motel room for a brief stay prior to mov ing into their permanent home. As the heat index and trepidations rise, another guest comes to the rescue, later revealing a men acing secret hidden behind closed doors In “Lagomorph,” a husband is left to care for his family’s pet rabbit as he considers his notions of family as his fracturing marriage begins to involve separate living arrangements if not yet completely separate lives In the memorable “Once Removed,” Amy begrudgingly accom panies her boyfriend, Matt, with their infant in tow, across the city for a visit with Matt’s elderly relative, a weekend lunch that ends up revealing telling aspects of unexpectedly intersecting lives. Populated by family and ac quaintances of all stripes, MacLeod’s sly tales find characters reconsidering present assump tions and the unknown expanses of their own futures and those of the worlds they inhabit.

Leah Strauss

A t L e a s t Yo u H a v e Yo u r H e a l t h .

By Madi Sinha.

Apr 2022 384p Berkley, paper, $17 (9780593334256)

Maya Rao is an OB GYN who just wants to educate women about their bodies Not getting anywhere with her current hospital administration and being disciplined unfairly convinces Maya that it’s time to quit Phila delphia General Hospital How she’s going to continue supporting her husband and three kids . . . she’ll figure it out. Amelia DeGilles is the owner of Eunoia, a boutique medical practice that caters to the rich women on the Main Line A rich woman herself, Ame lia is used to getting what she wants. And what she wants is Maya to be her new gy necologist on staff Maya is hesitant because she’s not sure her medical ethics align with Amelia’s Goopesque beliefs. When the oppor tunity begins to prove too good to be true, Maya must decide what part of the American dream she actually wants Sinha’s latest (after The White Coat Diaries, 2020) is women ’ s fic tion that deftly handles various themes such as the commodification of wellness, women in healthcare, and the immigrant experience through relatable characters and smart dia logue. A must for contemporary fiction readers. LynnDee Wathen

B a d G i r l s .

By Camila Sosa Villada. Tr. by Kit Maude. May 2022. 208p. Other, $24 (9781635422023).

They call themselves “Travesti,” rejecting the term transgender women They are sex work ers, the “bad girls” of the title Set in Cordoba, Argentina, this is their story. It begins when Auntie Incarna finds an abandoned baby in the park where the Travesti ply their trade

She and her Travesti cohort take the baby to Auntie’s home, the queerest boarding house in the world, where many of the women live as a family The story of their lives is told by Cami la, the youngest of the Travesti, who also tells about her terrible childhood, living, impover ished, with her uncaring mother and violently alcoholic father. While not losing sight of Auntie and the baby, she writes, too, of her own often squalid adult life and of the experi ences she has in a dangerous profession. The vividly realized book incorporates elements of magic realism: Auntie is 178 years old, for example, and one of the women transforms into a bird; another is a werewolf Magic or not, it is an almost unbearably sad story, the saddest part of which, as Camila concludes, is that love never came Michael Cart

B e n e f i t .

By Siobhan Phillips.

Apr 2022 320p Bellevue, paper, $17 99 (9781942658993)

When Laura is summarily dismissed from her teaching position, she finds herself adrift. Having spent years dedicated to literature, she is uncertain how or if academia still fits into her life Left with no steady income, Laura returns to her hometown to live with her mother and to find work and is soon approached by an old friend, Heather, for a writing project A decade earlier, Heather and Laura studied at Oxford as recipients of the prominent Weatherfield Foundation fellow ship. Now a successful businesswoman on Weatherfield’s board, Heather hires Laura to write a historical essay for the foundation’s upcoming gala Laura begins her research and promptly uncovers the problematic roots of Weatherfield’s history, setting her on a path to reconnecting with and comparing herself to former fellows There’s acclaimed writer Justin, medical student turned professor Greta, and enigmatic Mark. As Laura’s career prospects grow increasingly murky, she must confront the divide between present truths and past perceptions Phillips’ assured debut novel blends a complex journey of personal realizations with insights into the dark side of ambition and power Leah Strauss

Th e C h e r r y R o b b e r s .

By Sarai Walker.

May 2022 432p Harper, $27 (9780358251873)

When girls grow up in a house that re sembles a wedding cake, it would seem as certain that the man of their dreams is destined to come along to whisk them to a life of romance and roses For the six Cha pel girls, however, born to a firearms fortune, fate has a more gruesome outcome in store As the eldest, Aster is the first to marr y and the first to die on her wedding night. It’s a fate forecast by their mother, Belinda, a fierce spiritual empath, and sure enough, one by one, Rosalind, Calla, Daphne, and Zellie all succumb to

their mother’s prediction Only Iris sur vives by running away to New Mexico, where she transforms herself into the artist Sylvia Wren Sylvia spends the next 60 years of her life in guarded anonymity, while forging an international career as an iconic feminist painter of botanical erotica. Now confronted with the exposure of her true identity and her family’s infamy, Sylvia gets her stor y out first, recounting the horrors of her sisters’ untimely deaths, their mother’s insanity, and their father’s indifference. Walker’s take on the classic Gothic tale fairly shimmers, titil lating with a heady concoction of terror and desire, frothy with fever pitched emotions, and dark with smothering melancholy and macabre spectres Carol Haggas

YA: The affectionate and adversarial nature of sisterhood, along with the lure of the occult, will captivate teens drawn to the dark side CH

D e e p Wa t e r.

By Emma Bamford.

May 2022. 320p. Galler y/ Scout, $28 (9781982170363).

In in her thrilling debut novel, Bamford draws on her own experience of abandoning city life and a career in journalism for sail ing around exotic islands (about which she’s written two memoirs). Malaysian naval cap tain Danial Tengku and his crew respond to a mayday message in a remote corner of the Indian Ocean. Confusion deepens when they find a frantic woman and her injured husband on a vessel that they have no apparent con nection to When pressed, the woman blurts, “I killed them ” Bamford immediately jumps backward in time to introduce English newly weds Virginie and Jake, who have embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: selling every thing to buy a yacht in Malaysia so they can sail and live independently. They are drawn to the lure of pristine beaches on faraway para dise island Amarante, and they set off They delight in Amarante’s unspoiled beauty and the camaraderie of other sailors. But when they are joined by an enigmatic couple, un neasy alliances form and suspicions descend as events shift quickly in once captivating, now threatening waters Karen Clements

D e l p h i n e J o n e s Ta ke s a C h a n c e .

By Beth Morrey. Apr 2022 336p Putnam, $27 (9780525542476)

Delphine Jones has spent the last decade of her life as a caregiver, both to her precocious eleven year old daughter and to her father, who is still struggling with grief after the sud den death of Delphine’s mother Delphine doesn’t regret having a baby at age sixteen, but she recognizes that she’s missed some op portunities Getting fired ser ves as a catalyst for a series of major changes that find Del phine singing in a band, re learning French with a ribald and brutally honest older wom an, working in an Eritrean restaurant, and coming to terms with the traumatic events of her teen years. It’s overstuffed, to be certain, but the ending provides a warmhearted, feel

good resolution As in her first book, Morrey (The Love Stor y of Missy Carmichael, 2020) explores intergenerational friendship and the power of human connection Delphine trans forms from an isolated young woman living a dead end life to a person on the verge of achieving her full potential and just as she is changed, she changes others as well. This uplifting, charming, and quirky novel will appeal to fans of Phaedra Patrick and Jenny Colgan. Nanette Donohue

Th e F r u i t Th i e f ; o r, O n e - Wa y J o u r n e y i n t o t h e I n t e r i r.

By Peter Handke. Tr. by Krishna Winston. Mar. 2022. 336p. Farrar, $28 (9780374906504).

When Handke won the Nobel Prize in 2019, the committee noted his interest in “the periphery and specificity of human ex perience.” Considering this novel, that is an understatement. The tale covers no more than three days, beginning with the narra tor ’ s departure for an agricultural region in northern France where Handke has a home, following the eponymous “fruit thief ” in her journey there by train and mostly by foot This is almost a prehistory of experience, a de manding, engrossing narrative tracking tiny moment to moment changes of mood and impression, the sort of interior detail most writers would consider insignificant Indeed, this intense focus on interior minutia creates a sense of tedium as Handke avoids providing so much of what we expect from novels. Then again, life has a way of giving us too little of the kind of excitement we crave “What could happen? What could take place? It whatever that might be. So: no rush on the in between stretches ” Handke offers a reading experience that requires, and repays, a certain surrender A collection of his essays, Quiet Places, is being published simultaneously. Michael Autrey

Th e G a r d e n o f B r o ke n Th i n g s .

By Francesca Momplaisir. May 2022. 320p. Knopf, $28 (9780593321065).

On the airplane, Genevieve reminds her son, Miles, that this trip is not a vacation They are visiting Haiti after he nearly got ex pelled from school, so he can see how lucky he is to be living in America and so Genevieve can seek a reprieve from her constant worry. A psychiatrist who was brought to New York from Haiti as a child, Genevieve also needs to prove to herself that she’s lucky, too, even with the emotional scars from her relation ship with Miles’ father stubbornly refusing to heal They are visiting Genevieve’s cousin Ateya, who watched her own dreams of get ting out of Haiti die with her first pregnancy and ferociously rules over her daughter But the family reunion and regrets are soon swal lowed by the first earthquake to hit Haiti in 100 years. Ripped apart by tragedy, the two women must fight for survival. This complex tale of motherhood, saturated with guilt and envy, examines the consequences of the past for both those who leave their homes and those who are left behind. Bridget Thoreson

By Colin Barrett.

May 2022 224p Grove, $27 (9780802159649); e book, $27 (9780802159656)

Don’t expect spectacle from these eight su perb short stories, set, with one exception, in Ireland, for they’re quiet examinations of mundane lives that are made extraordinary by the author’s remarkable talent for creating unforget table characters There is, for example, the quietly resolute female police officer who is summoned to the scene of a shooting where the victim is a would be poet driven al most mad with jealousy by the success of a much younger poet. There is also a woman smitten by an emotionally troubled young man who is unable to return her feelings We also encounter the three Hughes brothers, “shortish men with massive arses and brutally capable forearms,” as well as a woman whose arm has gone to sleep (“she liked the sensation, as if her arm were hold ing its breath”) Barrett’s stories are, without exception, beautifully written, full of arresting imagery: “the litter of dark needles that had dropped from the tree like a line of gunpow der”; “the cold that had come in with them spreading like a clear thought in the warm room. ” The stories have another thing in common: abrupt endings that seem to come within a hair of resolution before leaving it to the imaginations of readers to supply their own. Like everything else in these stories, it’s an artful strategy, which, taken in sum, dem onstrates how beautiful the ordinary can be Michael Cart

Th e I m m o r t a l K i n g R a o.

By Vauhini Vara. May 2022 384p Norton, $27 95 (9780393541755)

Isolated on an island off the coast of Wash ington State, Athena Rao, 17, has never known an identity other than the one granted her by her famous father, King Rao A tech billionaire who managed to overcome the challenges of being born into the lowest caste tier in India, King Rao continues to develop increasingly com plex creations with loads of accompanying controversy.

“Clarinet,” for example, which allows the user to im bibe another life, asks what sacrifices are expected when it comes to love. Athena breaks free from her father’s smoth ering hold but must come to terms with the feudalistic society that he has largely helped shape. The most unsurprising, and perhaps the most devastating, aspect of Rao’s tech nology heavy brand of capitalism is that it is old wine in a new bottle The very caste sys tem he escaped in India is one he perpetuates in his adopted land. But everyday citizens, consumed by the threats of climate change, might not stand for the status quo Alternat

Introducing…BAMM! (Book-a-Minute Mondays)

Each Monday, the each member of the Librar y Love Fest Team will present a book in ONE minute! These are upcoming titles that have set our hear ts aflutter We hope you enjoy these bite sized buzzes

More impor tantly, we hope they compel you to check out these great reads from HarperCollins!

Introducing…The Librar y Love Fes t Galley Club!

•

•

• the ten Up! Librar y Love Fest

ing between Rao’s childhood in a small Indian village, his early student days in the U.S., and the dystopian society in which Athena has to function, Vara’s original debut delivers chal lenging and weighty themes with a sure hand Poornima Apte

YA: YAs trying to forge their way in the world amid crushing existential crises, including climate change, will relate to endearing protagonist Athena PA

Th e K i n g d o m o f S a n d .

By Andrew Holleran.

June 2022 272p Farrar, $27 (9780374600969)

“The deep secret of Florida [is] depression,” asserts the unnamed narrator of this new nov el by Holleran, known for his classic gay novel Dancer from the Dance Set in north Florida, this is the story of the quotidian life of a sixty something gay man, whose days and evenings seem to consist of two things: tak ing walks around his small town and visiting an older gay friend, Earl, to watch old movies Introducing in cident to a novel with little plot, the eightysomething Earl hires a vaguely sinister handyman, who gradually takes over his life. Holleran is ter rific at description; because the handyman has an average upper body and an enor mous butt, he is described as looking “like a bowling pin”; the men who cruise a local por nographic video store are “glum,” “silent,” and “ egg shaped”; old age is like a pipe, “dry, and corroded ” Indeed, old age is a leitmotif that and the nameless dread that is infesting the narrator ’ s life Don’t think for a minute that any of this is dull; thanks to Holleran’s bril liant gift for characterization, the narrator and Earl come alive on the page, command ing readers’ attention to what is a splendid, remarkably good book Michael Cart

L e s s o n s i n C h e m i s t r y.

By Bonnie Garmus.

Apr 2022 400p Doubleday, $28 95 (9780385547345)

Cooking is chemistry When Elizabeth Zott enters a relationship with the brilliant Calvin Evans, she cooks him meals in exchange for sharing his home. They are both scientists at a California research institute in the 1960s, and although she has to fight for basic supplies like beakers, he is celebrated for the funding his work generates. When their relationship is tragically cut short, she turns to cooking and lands a job as the chef of a television show, allowing her to support her daughter, Mad eline. Stymied in her scientific career by the misogynistic attitudes of her colleagues, Eliza beth nevertheless persists in this unflinching examination of the hurdles women of the era had to overcome to be valued similarly to men in the workplace. With the help of a forth right neighbor, a loyal TV producer, and an astute dog, Elizabeth forges a path that in cludes an unexpected hobby as a rower and her no nonsense cooking show, in which she

draws on her knowledge of chemistry Inde fatigable and formidable, Elizabeth pushes the bounds of how women and their work are perceived in this thoroughly engaging debut novel Bridget Thoreson

L i t t l e Fo x e s To o k U p M a t c h e s .

By Katya Kazbek.

Apr 2022 358p Tin House, $26 95 (9781953534026)

Transitions and growing pains are the themes in this debut novel from Russian American Kazbek. The young protagonist, Mitya, swallows his grandmother’s sewing needle, survives, and moves forward certain of its magical protection His story embraces the shift from the USSR to modern day Russia, childhood to adulthood, and male to female (or something else entirely) Each transition carries the threat of danger, be it violence in a place where death is commonplace or the fear of disappointing one ’ s family on the way to self discovery, but on the other side is some thing completely new and hopeful, even full of love. Kazbek’s characters escape into books, drinking, and the meaning of songs, while the chapters are interspersed with a Russian fairy tale, “Koschei the Deathless,” which brings a bit of the fantastical to Mitya’s otherwise trou blesome reality. Readers may find connections to the tales of Ludmila Ulitskaya and Oksa na, Behave! (2019), by Maria Kuznetsova, as Mitya learns to discern who to trust on the way to trusting himself. Amanda ReCupido

L o s t a n d Fo u n d i n P a r i s .

By Lian Dolan.

Apr 2022 320p Morrow, $27 99 (9780062909022)

Nearing the tenth anniversary of her father’s death on 9/11, Joan Blakely gets a nasty sur prise: her husband has been living a double life, and he has five year old twins who were born halfway through their marriage. Joan immediately cuts ties and contemplates next steps As an art courier and the child of two famous artists she has strong ties to France and the glitzy life her parents led there. She takes on a job delivering a valuable set of sketches depicting her namesake, Joan of Arc, to Paris But when the sketches are stolen from Joan’s hotel room, and Joan learns that her father’s precious art notebooks may be somewhere in the city, she must go on an un likely journey to excavate her past and create her own future Dolan (The Sweeney Sisters, 2020) spins a story that is both heavy and light, spanning continents and exploring re lationships With a hint of Dan Brown and a splash of Jamie Brenner, this book will appeal to a variety of readers, especially those who enjoy character driven fiction. Cari Dubiel

L o v e M a r r i a g e .

By Monica Ali.

May 2022. 432p. Scribner, $27.99 (9781982181475).

“Happy families are all alike; ever y un happy family is unhappy in its own way ” The opening sentence from Anna Karenina might equally apply to the particular brand of dysfunction that Ali (Untold Stor y, 2011)

explores in this colorful tale of strained rela tionships. The stor y opens in media res with doctor in training Yasmin Ghorami getting ready for her wedding to Joe Sangster, a fel low professional at a London hospital But first the parents must meet Yasmin worries that Joe’s mother, a sexually liberated fire cracker of a feminist, is sure to upset the conser vative Ghoramis The cascading se quence of incidents from this first parental meet and greet steamrolls over both families and exposes decades old secrets. Ali’s strength lies in exploring the many ways in which class complications manifest Yasmin’s immi grant doctor father, Shoukat, worries about his own humble upbringing while frown ing upon his son ’ s relationship with Lucy, a receptionist The finale is rich, bawdy, and bold, a dramatization of the many ways we fail those closest to us and build lives on shift ing sediments of buried feelings. And yet we live for love Poornima Apte

M a g p i e .

By Elizabeth Day.

May 2022 336p Simon & Schuster, $26 (9781982187606)

This domestic thriller from Day (The Party, 2017) serves up a dramatic plot twist that will leave readers questioning everything. Marisa is thrilled to find Jake, who’s perfect and wants to start a family with her Jake makes Marisa feel safe and secure, feelings she never had growing up after her mother abandoned her and her hapless father. As Jake’s job falters and money tightens up, the couple decides to take in a renter to their London flat Kate is lithe and hip, everything Marisa feels she is not. Marisa’s confidence falters further after a distressing visit from Jake’s cold and con trolling mother, Annabelle, and she begins to suspect that Jake and Kate are having an affair. Marisa is a sympathetic character, but when the point of view switches to Kate’s, things take a sharp turn To say anything more would be too much, but know that Day offers a page turner that lightly incorporates mental health and infertility. While it may be unrealistic, it’s also highly readable, and fans of the genre will gobble it up Kathy Sexton

M a r r y i n g t h e Ke t c h u p s .

By Jennifer Close.

Apr 2022 320p Knopf, $27 (9780525658870)

Within two weeks, Donald Trump was elected president, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series, and Bud Sullivan died. The Sullivan family felt like the world itself had tipped on its axis, but JP Sullivan’s, the family restaurant, served as their emotional and physi cal anchor The restaurant was Bud’s legacy, and the next generation of Sulli vans had learned everything they knew about restaurant life from him Four Sul livan cousins, Teddy, Jane, Gretchen, and Riley, find themselves increas ingly unsure about their individual futures but

confident that walking into JP Sullivan’s will always feel like home. Close (The Hopefuls, 2016) drops readers smack into Oak Park, a leafy Chicago suburb, and lets them hear the hiss of fryers hitting hot oil and catch an ice cold Old Style sliding across the bar The Sullivans are a close knit Catholic family full of guilt and love and long standing grudges, but Close lets each character’s unique person ality shine Fans of Tracey Lange’s We Are the Brennans (2021) and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Malibu Rising (2021) will fall in love with these maddening, loving, stubborn relatives Setting nostalgia against progress, tradition against rebirth, Close outlines the cousins’ grief and personal growth as they work with, and against, one another Stephanie Tur za

M u s t i q u e I s l a n d .

By Sarah McCoy.

May 2022. 336p. Morrow, $17.99 (9780062984371).

Willy May’s post divorce, sail the globe voyage of self discovery fetches her up on the Caribbean island of Mustique, home to expats, ex wives, and exotic travelers of all stripes It’s the early 1970s, and it’s perfectly acceptable to name drop visiting royalty, whether rock (Mick Jagger) or Windsor (Prin cess Margaret). For Willy May, Mustique is as far as one could possibly get from her birthplace of Nowheresville, Texas, and her former marital royal adjacent carriage house As she puts down roots and puts up a new home, Willy May reluctantly gets roped into the rich and famous lifestyle of the island’s founding family and finds herself longing for the grounding influences of her adult daughters, aspiring model Hilly and college music major Joanne When Hilly’s career screeches to a halt in Paris, she slinks off to Mustique and mum, only to have an ensuing breakdown that draws Joanne to her bedside. Though sun drenched and frequently frothy, McCoy’s (Marilla of Green Gables, 2018) underlying tale of women in crisis who claw their way back to strength carries sobering messages about the importance of family loy alty and resiliency Carol Haggas

Th e P a r t i t i o n .

By Don Lee. Apr 2022 296p Akashic, $27 95 (9781636140315)

Familiar joy is immediate as one reenters Lee’s signature worlds of brilliant resonance and quiet depth. In his first short story collec tion since his lauded Yellow debut, Lee again questions identity, unlikely relationships, and fleeting connections

“Truth was a collection of falsehoods,” Lee’s filmmaker protagonist ponders in the opening “Late in the Day” as he reconnects with a one night fling, “with which you chose to define yourself, and for which you were grate ful ” Deceit haunts “Commis,” as a junior chef helps close down her family’s Chinese restaurant in Missouri during her pandemic

unemployment and confronts the married older man with whom she had an affair as a teen. Cheaters also populate “Confidants,” in which suspicions (and a gunshot) terminate an already tenuous relationship; in “UFOs,” a television journalist chasing lurid stories avoids commitments with married lovers. Lee further showcases his ingenious narrative acrobatics in “Years Later,” in which a final assignation between two twentysomethings also reveals their separate futures, and in “The Partition” (the collection’s highlight), which manages to gleefully skewer both academia and the international publishing world “Les hôtels d’Alain” is a triptych novella, which follows an untethered Korean Hawaiian teen through contented enough middle age. While Lee’ s devotees will joyfully relish casu ally dropped references to previous titles, new readers should savor plenty of first time de light. Terry Hong

P o s t -Tr a u m a t i c .

By Chantal V. Johnson.

Apr. 2022. 320p. Little, Brown, $28 (9780316264235).

Tenant lawyer Johnson’s first novel cen ters on the erratic and self conscious life of Vivian, a Black Puerto Rican lawyer in New York City whose clients are patients in mental hospitals. As the stor y unfolds, the reader discovers that Vivian embodies the titular “ post traumatic” to the fullest, set ting the tone for this somewhat depressing novel with a wounded, difficult protagonist. Vivian ruminates endlessly about her inter actions with others, from strangers to men she dates, and she is always hyperaware of her surroundings, outright panicking when a ride sharing driver misses her stop in the fear that she will be raped and killed She is obsessed about her weight and bodily imper fections. Readers get a glimpse of the root cause of her deep trauma when she goes to the extreme to avoid her immediate family Vivian is high strung, funny, and cynical, musing about social and racial injustices, the objectification of women, and the complexi ties of relationships Johnson’s prose hurries along, embodying Vivian’s anxiety, intelli gence, and vigilance, resulting in an uneven novel that veers between edgy entertainment and resonant drama Andrienne Cruz

Th e R a v a g e d .

By Norman Reedus and Frank Bill. Apr. 2022. 250p. Blackstone, $28.99 (9781094166803).

Hunter is a military mechanic turned mo torcycle gearhead who makes a cross country trek seeking answers about his father’s death Teenager Anne has suffered physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and one day decides to disappear, train hopping her way to a family whose orbit doesn’t revolve around alcohol Jack, executive of a superstore chain, wasted his whole life chasing the wrong priorities and now neglects his family This deeply atmospheric debut combines the separate narratives of these three individuals breaking free from their pasts. Alternating chapters lay

bare the choices Hunter, Anne, and Jack have made and the choices that have been made for them. Actor Reedus, known for portraying a zombie hunter in The Walking Dead, with coauthor Bill, anchors his debut with strong character development and emotionally driv en plots that wind and connect back to each character’s past trauma and self development. He also conjures hot, twisting highways, cold steel railroad tracks, and the dry heat of the Atacama Desert, creating settings with such a strong sense of place that they become charac ters themselves BoDean Warnock

Th e S u m m e r P l a c e .

By Jennifer Weiner. May 2022 416p Atria, $28 (9781501133572)

Sarah Danhauser is not so sure when her 22 year old stepdaughter, Ruby, announces she is getting married in three months at Sarah’s mother’s house on Cape Cod. Ever since Ruby brought Gabe home, Sarah’s husband, Eli, has been act ing distant, or as distant as he can while working from home In fact, their four story brownstone feels cramped with their two young sons just going back to in person school, so Sar ah rents a studio where she can play her piano and think Meanwhile, Sarah’s mother, Ronnie, is thinking about sell ing the house after the wedding; it’s too big for just her, and Sarah and her twin brother, Sam, don’t spend the summers there anymore

By alternating points of view between all the major players in the story, Weiner (That Sum mer, 2021) gives a full panoramic view of a family and their secrets leading up to the wed ding Cape Cod is vividly rendered, with the house getting a sweet metaphysical moment at the end of the book. Though the plot is somewhat soapier than usual for Weiner, she capably takes readers along for the wild ride in this funny, tender read. Susan Maguire

HIGH DEMAND BACKSTORY: A new novel from Weiner heralds the start of beach reading season, so prepare your collections accordingly

Th i n g s Th e y L o s t .

By Ok wiri Oduor.

Apr 2022 352p Scribner, $26 99 (9781982102579)

There are a small cadre of authors who re define literary genres, writing freely without barriers. First time novelist Oduor joins this exclusive literary club Lonely Ayosa is a wan dering spirit who becomes enthralled with the self possessed, wandering photographer Nambumbo Promise. After following Nam bumbo for many years, Ayosa takes on the body of Nambumbo’s daughter, but even this familial relationship fails to keep Nambumbo anchored to one place. The other spirits and creatures that inhabit Ayosa’s world are just as lonesome as she is until, in search of her mother, Ayosa makes an unlikely friend The innocent tone of Ayosa’s narration steers the

reader into a time where there are no distinc tions between the spiritual and the physical realms, instead there is the chance to see magic everywhere To express this, Odour uses ele ments of magical realism to create a riveting story about love, friendship, and belonging, transporting the reader to a whimsical yet heartbreaking world. This tale of mystery and longing is reminiscent of works by Ng u ~ gi • ~ wa Thiong’o and perfect for fans of Akwaeke Emezi. Enobong Tommelleo

Th e Th i n g s We L o s t .

By Maggie Giles.

Apr 2022 376p Rising Action, $21 99 (9781990253041)

For years Maddie Butler has been haunted by her past choices After her friend Gina’s mysterious death, she thought the best thing to do was put her past behind her Years later, Maddie is in a failing marriage and fantasiz ing about her lover, Jayson, while her husband, Nathan, works another late night at the law firm. After being blackmailed by Brian, the sketchy character she be lieves had something to do with Gina’s death, Maddie breaks off the affair. As she lies in bed waiting for her husband, she drifts off to sleep, but when she wakes up, she real izes she is no longer in the life she once knew Time has turned back 10 years, and gone are her daughters and her husband. Instead of Nathan, she wakes up next to Jayson, and Gina is still alive Maddie is lost in her new world, but she is determined to find her way back to her real life. The many plot twists and turns will keep readers flipping through the pages at lightning speed This novel has it all: love, laughter, murder, and hope Giles’ de but will attract romance and mystery readers alike. Crystal Vela

Th i s T i m e To m o r r o w.

By Emma Straub. May 2022. 320p. Riverhead, $28 (9780525539001).

On her fortieth birthday, Alice overdoes it with her best friend and wakes up, in her teenage bedroom, on her sixteenth birthday in the mid nineties. At first, this is unsettling, but then it’s pretty cool. There’s her author fa ther, Leonard, dying in the present, and the cute guy she let get away then; the stalled out career now, and the unbelievable youth her father’s especially that she took for granted back And while it costs her a day each time, she can go back over and over, making decisions in the past that alter her present both subtly and signifi cantly. Her main focus? Setting Leonard on a path that doesn’t end in the hospital in the today she started out with Despite its spar kly time travel concept (cleverly mirrored by Time Brothers, Leonard’s sf novel that became a beloved 1980s TV show), this addictive

and lovely novel is Straub’s (All Adults Here, 2020) “smallest” so far, focusing ultimately on a single character and her most treasured relationship Yet it contains no less of Straub’s signature warmth and authenticity Alice asks herself questions we all might, given the op portunity to enter a broom closet and exit as our former selves, and has trouble letting go of her newfound ability or knowing when she should Annie Bostrom

W h e n We Fe l l A p a r t .

By Soon Wiley.

Apr 2022 368p Dutton, $27 (9780593185148)

They are lost souls who find each other in Seoul. Minjun Ford (Min) is a biracial Ameri can who moved to South Korea primarily to better illuminate his identity A consultant for Samsung, he helps native South Koreans learn the basics of American culture so they can con duct business Yu Jin Kim is the lone child of the na tional minister of defense of South Korea; she is trying to break free from crush ing parental expectations and live life according to her own terms. Early in Wiley’s debut nov el, Min learns of Yu Jin’s death, an apparent suicide Convinced that his friend could not have killed herself, Min sets off on a mission to find out what really happened. The layered suspense story is, at heart, a deeply nuanced and evocative exploration of identity and per sonal freedoms and the choices that dictate them At times the connection between the Korean concept of Han, the anger and resent ment felt by an entire nation as a result of centuries of oppression, and Yu Jin’s personal struggles feels a tad forced Yet Wiley’s tale is a knockout, its assured narrative ebbing and flowing with grace while painting a haunting and anguished portrait of youth in all its quiet desperation Poornima Apte

YA: YAs will find much to love in Min and Yu Jin’s cross cultural story. PA.

Wo m a n , E a t i n g.

By Claire Kohda

Apr. 2022. 240p. HarperVia, $29.99 (9780063140882).

Mother daughter relationships are fraught enough even when the parties are not vam pires In this inventive and charming first novel that’s more What We Do in the Shad ows than Twilight (with resemblances to Milk Fed [2021] and My Year of Rest and Relaxation [2018]), Kohda explores loss physical, cul tural, and personal and how, demons or not, humans can suck the life out of each oth er We expect, we take, we project our feelings on others As a multiracial London vampire who has just left home, Lydia feels uprooted from her various identities. Food is intrinsic to Asian culture, but she cannot eat anything other than blood She is not quite alive, and yet she will live forever She is an artist who must create, but she is in constant fear that she’ll destroy in order to sustain herself. To be

a vampire, she muses, is not unlike being a woman in a society in which one is either pure or impure, human or monster. Kohda has created a provocative, sympathetic, and satis fying dive into the mind of an unusual young woman at a crossroads Amanda ReCupido YA: Teens will enjoy this inventive approach (vampires!) to self discovery in a young woman just venturing out on her own AR

C r i m e F i c t i o n

Th e B a n g a l o r e D e t e c t i v e s C l u b. By Harini Nagendra.

May 2022 304p Pegasus, $26 95 (9781639361595); e book, $17 99 (9781639361601)

Set in colonial India in 1921, this debut myster y, the first in a projected series, makes full use of the oppressive British rule of the time, matched by the oppressive treatment of women, to highlight the ingenuity and braver y of a young woman determined to solve a murder Kaveri is 19, recently married to a doctor, well off but unhap py under the expectation that her life should be con fined to childbearing and cooking The murder of a beautiful woman at the Centur y Club (the historic venue that, since 1917, has been the province of prominent Indians), on a night that Kaveri and her husband attended a sumptuous din ner there, galvanizes her into investigative action. Kaveri, who loves mathematics and biology, uses her intelligence, charm, knowl edge of the new science of fingerprints, and (often) luck in finding clues to pursue the case, aided by her husband’s admiration and his contacts within the police. Nagendra’s evocation of setting is riveting, and her use of colonial histor y is thoroughly fascinat ing, with devastating depictions of the air y condescension of the British. While McCall Smith’s No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series is an obvious parallel, Nagendra’s novel also suggests the Nancy Drew mysteries, in which the intrepid, 18 year old Nancy is helped by her attorney father. A fine start to a promis ing series Connie Fletcher

YA: The plucky character of the young detective should intrigue teen readers who enjoy historical mysteries CF

B i t t e r R o o t s .

By Ellen Crosby.

Apr. 2022. 240p. Severn, $28.99 (9780727891020); e book (9781448308064)

In Crosby’s latest Wine Country mystery, Lucie and fiancé Quinn’s Montgomery Estate Vineyard in Virginia is thriving, but then di saster strikes. Vines they nurtured for three years after purchasing them from Landau’s, a respected vine nursery, are dying Lu cie and Quinn are convinced the vines were diseased when they bought them, but when

they approach vineyard expert and Landau representative Eve Kerr about restitution, she refuses to discuss the matter, arguing that the vines were healthy when Landau’s sold them Then Lucie meets an old friend at Goose Creek Bridge and sees a woman ’ s body floating in the water under the bridge. Shockingly, it’s Eve Kerr, and she is very dead. Did someone from the wine community kill her? Then, less than a week before Lucie and Quinn’s wedding, a storm decimates the area, with no guarantee as to when power will be restored Worse, the wedding venue, a garden Lucie has been tending for months, is totally destroyed Now faced with dying vines, Eve’s murder, and a wedding fiasco in the making, Lucie and Quinn need a miracle. A treat for oenophile mystery fans Emily Melton

Th e C a r t o g r a p h e r s .

By Peng Shepherd.

Mar 2022 400p Morrow, $27 99 (9780062910691); e book, $14 99 (9780062910721)

Nell Young, whose mother died when she was a toddler, is thrilled to be working with her esteemed, if notoriously difficult, father in the Map Division of the New York Public Librar y on Fifth Avenue But when she dis covers several valuable maps in a cache with a commonplace 1930 highway map of New York State, her father inexplicably becomes enraged, ruthlessly destroying her career and that of her boyfriend, Felix. After seven anguished years of estrangement from both men, Nell is summoned to the librar y where her father has been found dead at his desk Shocked to find the highway map hidden where only she would find it, Nell embarks on what becomes an exceedingly mysterious, complexly dangerous investigation, reluc tantly joined by Felix, who now works for a mega high tech corporation. Shepherd’s second cleverly imagined novel after The Book of M (2018) turns our perception of maps upside down With an elaborately re alized plot, fanatic cartographers, maps with surreal powers generated by phantom settle ments (intentional errors), and many faceted suspense, Shepherd contrasts science and art, obsession and love in a bedazzling metaphys ical tale of lost and found. Donna Seaman

By Erle Stanley Gardner.

Apr. 2022. 320p. Penzler/American Myster y Classics, $25.95 (9781613162859); paper, $15.95 (9781613162866); e book, $15 95 (9781613162873)

Some people regard lawyers as sharks, while others would like to hire one of those Sara Breel was lucky. When a store detective tried to arrest her for shoplifting, the shar kiest shark of all, Perr y Mason, happened to be nearby, looking for trouble In a hilari ous, sharply written scene the dialogue is like a good vaudeville turn Perr y roars to Sarah’s rescue, explaining why arresting her is illegal So begins this latest entr y in the American Myster y Classics series. It’s an early Mason tale (1938), written before the

series’ elements had fully coalesced There’s no Lieutenant Tragg here, no prosecutor Ham Burger just the young Perr y, on the make, learning how to “break people down ” Mason’s good deed has gotten him perma nently attached to Sarah, who we learn is up to something dodgier than shoplifting; sud denly she’s on trial for murder. While we wait to watch Mason eviscerate his opponent, we can savor a vanished way of talking There’s something charming about hearing a movie called a “picture show.” As a kind of origin stor y, this one ’ s a treat Don Crinklaw

Th e C h a s e . By Candice Fox. Mar 2022 336p Forge, $27 99 (9781250798831); e book, $14 99 (9781250798855)

The 653 inmates in a Nevada prison that’s surrounded by desert have been set free in order to spare a busload of hostages. A wild premise, but Fox makes it work The largest manhunt in U S history includes death row supervi sor Celine Osbourne all “five foot nothin’” of her who is determined to return John Kradle, the monster convicted of murdering his family, to his cage. The re sourceful Kradle is desperate to gather the evidence he needs to prove his innocence, while Osbourne, fueled by person al pain that has “formed and deformed her,” has her own reasons to hate Kradle Kradle’s story is effectively interwoven with those of other escapees, including the engineer of the devil’s bargain that won their freedom. Several wicked twists and turns enhance a fast moving, well constructed narrative arc Cleverly defined characters, ranging from an Elvis impersonator and a ruthless mastermind to law enforcement officers both good and bad, carry the seductive story to a satisfying conclusion This engrossing new variation on The Fugitive sets a female U S marshal every bit as relentless as Sam Gerard against a runaway prisoner as compelling as Richard Kimble Fox has coauthored several books with James Patterson and penned two series of her own set in her native Australia. This one is her best yet. Jane Murphy

Th e C l u b.

By Eller y Lloyd.

Apr. 2022. 304p. Harper, $26.99 (9780062997425).

At Ned Groom’s lavish clubs, where deca dence reigns supreme, only the glitzy elite have access Named after Ned’s ancestor Henry Home, the Home line of establish ments has grown larger and more elaborate every year Ned’s new opening is the most au dacious yet He’s purchased an island off the coast of Britain, making it his Island Home. All the most famous celebrities are there: actor Jackson Crane, boy band superstar Frankie Hunter, legendary director Ron Cox’s son, Kurt, and many more. Then there is the staff: Nikki, Jess, and Annie, who’ve been drawn

into Home’s toxic web in various ways An ar ticle in Vanity Fair, interspersed with the text, draws out the suspense of what really hap pened that weekend on Island Home Lloyd (People Like Her, 2021), the pseudonym for a married set of authors, delivers a satisfying and multifaceted thriller. As in Lucy Foley’s smash The Guest List (2020), readers see the plot unfold from multiple angles while the characters’ dirty secrets are revealed A perfect suggestion for lovers of locked room and is land mysteries. Cari Dubiel

D e a d L u c k y.

By Glenis Wilson

May 2022. 224p. Severn, $28.99 (9781448306817); e book (9781448306824)

Champion jockey Harr y Radcliffe has a knack for winning races, but he’s also a tal ented amateur sleuth with a high success rate at solving tricky cases. In Harr y ’ s latest outing, he and his friend Keith are driving home from a race when a bullet pierces the windshield of their vehicle and hits Keith, who ends up in intensive care. Shocked to the core, Harr y worries that the bullet might have been meant for him and resolves to find out what’s going on Then, in a seemingly unrelated incident, a horse from the stable owned by Harr y ’ s good friend Tal is found to have drugs in its system the kiss of death for a stable’s reputation Tal begs Harr y to investigate, and because he’s a loyal friend, Harr y agrees. Then he learns that a member of Keith’s family has been threatened by a pair of thugs It doesn’t take long for Harr y to link his two cases and to put himself even more in harm’s way. An entertaining read for fans of horse racing and lovers of all things equine Emily Melton

D e a t h b y C h o c o l a t e C h i p C u p c a ke .

By Sarah Graves.

Mar 2022 304p Kensington, $26 (9781496729224); e book, $22 (9781496729248)

Jake Tiptree and her friend Ellie White, proprietors of the Chocolate Moose, a choc olate themed bakery located in the island village of Eastport, Maine, reluctantly agree to be the dessert caterers at aging film star Ingrid Merryfield’s house party. They are not thrilled to be required to stay overnight at the dilapidated mansion, the site of previous murders by a madman, but the bakery needs a new furnace. They were right to be wary, as they are soon hearing strange noises, and the guests begin dying one by one When a freak storm fells a tree, blocking the only entrance to the clifftop mansion and taking out phone service, Jake and Ellie must go to extraordinary means to rescue themselves and the rest of their staff Jake’s daughter in law and stepmother Fast pacing and multiple plot twists move the over the top story along, and Graves makes good use of her coastal Maine setting Believability suffers a bit, but fans of cooking mysteries will enjoy the baking frame, although it takes a back seat to the plot here.

Sue O’Brien

Th e C a s e o f t h e S h o p l i f t e r ’s S h o e .

By Jessica Ellicott.

May 2022 256p Severn, $28 99 (9781448306527); e book (9781448306589)

Wilhelmina Harkness has always lived in the quaint English village of Barton St Giles, where her father is the church rector But WWII changes everything Wilhelmina’s fa ther is captured in France, and her brother is missing in action. Wilhelmina wants to do her part, but her mother forbids it Determined to change her life, the young woman accepts an invitation from her hitherto unknown cousin Lydia to visit Lydia’s home in Kingston upon Hull Lydia’s warm welcome and luxuri ous lifestyle amaze Wilhelmina, and city life quickly begins to agree with her Shortening her name to Billie, she meets a young police man, finds a dead body, experiences the terror of her first air raid, and is invited to become one of the first women to join the Hull police force. From a meek “ country mouse, ” Billie, who’s always been smart, resilient, persis tent, and curious, quickly becomes a modern woman with a bright future Despite the war time setting and its attendant tragedies, this is a lovely feel good read featuring a plucky heroine, a meaty mystery, and a satisfying conclusion Emily Melton

Th e F a v o r.

By Nora Murphy. May 2022 288p Minotaur, $27 99 (9781250822420); e book, $14 99 (9781250822437)

Leah, a woman in a psychologically abusive marriage, happens to see that another woman, a stranger, is in a situation even more danger ous than her own As she observes the woman (whose name, she learns, is McKenna), Leah realizes they are in many ways liv ing the same life: frightened of their husbands, living as though they are under con stant surveillance. When she realizes McKenna is in immediate physical danger, Leah does what she believes is the only thing she can. This debut novel packs quite a wal lop; Leah’s desperate act to protect McKenna, a woman she has never actually met, is merely the jumping off point for a story that gets more and more intricate and increasingly darker. Murphy tells the tale in chapters from Leah’s and McKenna’s points of view, giving us a good look at the two women ’ s private lives; later, a third character, a police detective, is added to the mix. Many readers will detect a similarity here to what happened to a certain girl on a train, but might that connection be its own kind of red herring in a novel full of dizzying switchbacks? An audacious and com pletely successful thriller David Pitt

I c o n o c l a s t .

By Laurie Buchanan. May 2022. 312p. SparkPress, paper, $16.95 (9781684631254); e book, $9 95 (9781684631261)

How’s this for a shock inducing open

ing? A penitent enters a confessional and, skipping the “Bless me, Father,” blasts six rounds through the par tition and into the priest Such a beginning will have readers thinking they’re in for a blood fest, but au thor Buchanan has something else in mind She’s created a hot pot out of chunks of sub genres, and after the hard boiled intro, we ’ re in a cozy kitchen, sampling baked brie with ripe melon Readers who roll with this can likely absorb a third subgenre, the Christie countr y house, here ar tfully disguised as a writers’ retreat in the woods of the Pacific Nor thwest The skulldugger y goes on amid scenes with, among others, an Afghanistan war vet, a lawyer, a photographer, a chef, and the priest killer, and Buchanan shows a sure hand as an action writer as the latter comes to the fore and the botched dr ug heist behind the killings is revealed. A smooth, ultra professional read, but the character who lingers is the iconoclast of the title She doesn’t bake anything, but once, after an arrest, she murdered her cour t appointed therapist. Don Crinklaw

I n s o m n i a .

By Sarah Pinborough Apr. 2022. 336p. Morrow, $27.99 (9780062856845); e book, $14 99 (9780062856876)

Internationally best selling author Pinbor ough brings her uniquely twisted genius to her fourth psychological thriller (following Dead to Her, 2020). Emma simply cannot sleep Her fortieth birthday is almost here The “Night Night” meds are not helping Oddly, Emma’s mother also developed in somnia just before her fortieth birthday. And that was right before she did an unspeakable thing Too ill for prison, she was committed to a care facility where she has vegetated to the age of 75. Emma’s older sister, Phoebe, always said that Emma inherited the same “bad blood ” Despite her traumatic past, Emma loves her career, her family, and her home, but she feels them slipping away. Is she descending into madness, or is some one gaslighting her? Emma has given a few women reason to dislike her, but there is a spooky factor involved here that leads her to think this is something that has been on the way for quite a while. A real mind twister, guaranteed to please fans of genre bending thrillers Jane Murphy

Th e L i o n e s s .

By Chris Bohjalian. May 2022 336p Doubleday, $28 (9780385544825)

Katie Barstow, Hollywood’s hottest young actress, plans her honeymoon as a Serengeti safari and invites her brother, sister in law, and a coterie of industr y friends and col leagues to come along It’s the mid 1960s, and the pampered travelers drop into a world roiled by geopolitical crises as the grip of colonialism is being challenged by Native uprisings, each side manipulated by Russian and U.S. counterintelligence agen cies mired in escalating Cold War tensions.

No sooner do their guides set up camp then they are overtaken by kidnappers, and those who are not immediately killed or tortured are taken hostage The travelers are oblivi ous to these outside forces, however, and naively cling to the belief that rescue is at hand. She’s Katie Barstow, after all The novel’s open ing action may burst forth with a deadly ambush but Bohjalian doesn’t blind side loyal readers who have come to expect his signature combination of exotic locations, titillating characters, and energetic pacing. Stark and dark, violent and vivid, this may be versatile Bohjalian’s most harrowing work since Skeletons of the Feast (2008) Intimately researched, the Serenge ti’s beauty and brutality are vibrantly infused in ever y scene, a grounding counterpoint to the competing dynamics of human cruelty and compassion Carol Haggas

L o w P a s t u r e s .

By Bill James.

Apr 2022 192p Severn, $28 99 (9781448305728); e book (9781448305735)

Des Iles and Colin Harpur return in anoth er distinctive procedural from genre master James Assistant Chief Constable Iles wants to become a chief constable, but that means moving to another city. He’s particularly proud to have forged a kind of cease fire between two archrival drug lords, Ralph Ember and Mansel Shale, but he knows that his departure could dis rupt that, possibly opening the door to gang warfare In fact, rumors of Iles’ possible relocation already seem to be setting off waves, most notably the murder of a man shot twice in the head in the city’s wharf area Harpur and Iles surmise this might well be the first “testing” incursion by a drug gang from outside the city. What happens next is told in James’ trademark style, featuring barbed badinage between the bom bastic Iles and the long suffering but subtly disrespectful Harpur; vulgar, laugh out loud humor; wildly oddball characters; and bizarre plot turns that are as funny as they are tragic This is one of the high points in James’ long running and critically acclaimed series set in a fictional town in the south of England. A must read for devotees of British procedurals Emily Melton

Th e Ly i n g C l u b.

By Annie Ward.

Mar 2022 352p Park Row, $16 99 (9780778389408); e book, $12 99 (9781488073939)

Ward, author of Beautiful Bad (2019), returns with a dark and disturbing sopho more thriller After moving to Falcon Valley, Colorado, to help her brother recuperate from an accident, Natalie Bellman takes a job as an administrative assistant at Fal

con Academy At this private school for the wealthy elite, secrets, scandals, and contro versy run rampant. She befriends Asha and Brooke, soccer moms with marital troubles who are struggling to parent the team ’ s star players Meanwhile, Natalie falls for the soc cer coach, Nicholas Maguire, whose shady behavior has her questioning his true inten tions After he is brutally attacked, the police name Natalie as a suspect Is she responsible? She can ’ t remember! This myster y, steeped in the dark side of academia, explores the abuse, corruption, and cover ups that exist in competitive sports as well as the predators who manipulate female athletes and their unsuspecting families. Those who do not acquiesce become scapegoats and victims This book will likely appeal to readers who enjoy stories ripped from current headlines as well as to fans of Megan Abbott, Layne Fargo, Elizabeth Thomas, and Christopher Yates Jayme Oldham

N o b o d y b u t U s .

By Laure Van Rensburg. Apr 2022 320p Grand Central, $28 (9781538720462); e book, $13 99 (9781538720448)

Ellie and her literature professor boyfriend, Steven, take their first weekend away together in an isolated Chesapeake Bay retreat. Submis sive and awestruck by domineering Steven’s academic reputation, Ellie hopes their uninterrupted time together will finally crack his veneer It’s off to a shaky start: their rental’s glass walls expose them to an unexpected winter storm ’ s onslaught, and Ellie can ’ t shake the feeling that they’re being watched But Steven is her focus, and she soldiers on with her plan to bare his soul. First, she drugs him, then duct tapes his unconscious body to a wheelchair and patiently waits to be gin their talk For his part, Steven rages against his obviously love crazed girlfriend. Ellie is seeking revenge, however, not love, as she con fronts Steven with proof of his predation on vulnerable teenage girls, including her child hood friend, Wendy Ellie believes that Steven murdered Wendy when she refused to be cast aside. Revenge is within reach until Steven es capes his bonds and a tense zero sum game of wits ensues Van Rensburg deftly manipulates the narrative, leading readers to root for Ellie’s ruthless and unnervingly clever machinations as Steven’s dangerous nature is slowly unveiled This story of dueling mind games and duplic ity is a must read for psychological thriller fans, especially those with a taste for revenge.

Christine Tran

O u t s i d e .

By Ragnar Jónasson. Tr. by Victoria Cribb.

May 2022 352p Minotaur, $27 99 (9781250833457); e book, $14 99 (9781250833464)

Icelandic author Jonasson, known for the

Dark Iceland and Hulda series, offers an in tense stand alone, taking to new heights his unrivaled skill for using winter as an unpre dictable plot twister Daniel has returned to Iceland for a weekend trip with college friends Armann, Helena, and Gunnlaugur. Armann, the founder of a successful tour ism company, has persuaded the group to forgo pub crawls in Reykjavik for a hunting trip in the remote west fjords. When they’re overtaken by an unexpected winter tem pest, survival depends on finding refuge in the area ’ s emergency shelter. When they enter the locked shelter, however, they’re met with a stranger silently staring from the corner as he points his gun at them Their efforts to engage the stranger fail, and the friends’ dormant strife begins to feed on the strange, high stakes situation As each of the friends narrates, a darker story of revenge, hidden crimes, and deadly impunity emerges There is so much to like here: the complexity of the quartet ’ s relationships, Jonasson’s powerful, streamlined writing, and the parallels between an unforgiving setting and the characters’ seething grudges. Readers will be drawn into Jonasson’s forbidding Iceland landscape, where it’s anyone ’ s guess who will make it out alive Christine Tran

P e r i l o n t h e P a g e .

By Margaret Loudon.

Mar 2022 Berkley/ Prime Crime, paper, $8 99 (9780593099308); e book, $8 99 (9780593099315)

American Penelope Parish, best selling gothic author and writer in residence at the Open Book bookstore in Upper Chumley on Stoke, England, investigates when local artist and teacher Odile Fontaine drops dead at her book signing, a victim of poisoning. Penelope can ’ t resist snooping, and she soon identifies multiple suspects at the school where Odile worked. It turns out that Odile had uncovered secrets about many of her col leagues, from those having affairs to others providing liquor to minors, and was not above using these secrets for her own gain Penelope eliminates suspects one by one and ultimately uncovers the motive and the killer, but not before putting herself in grave danger Com plicating matters, Penelope is upset when her budding romance with Detective Brodie Ma guire seems to be in jeopardy as it looks like he may be married Details about working in a bookstore, writing gothic fiction, teaching, and living as an American citizen in a small English village are skillfully woven through out the story, which showcases Loudon’s nosy but well intentioned heroine Sue O’Brien

R a z z m a t a z z .

By Christopher Moore. May 2022 400p Morrow, $28 99 (9780062434128); e book, $14 99 (9780062434142)

San Francisco in the late 1940s. A killer

is on the loose, and nightclub owner Jimmy Vasco worries she’s going to be the next vic tim, prompting her to ask bar tender Sammy Tiffin (last seen in the hilarious Noir, 2018), to track down the killer Meanwhile, Sam my agrees to help a friend find a priceless Chinese relic. Also meanwhile, Sammy’s girl friend, Stilton, other wise known (but never to her face) as the Cheese, has been carr y ing out some sor t of top secret constr uction project that might have sparked the inter est of cer tain government agents. Moore, the author of many genre blending comic romps Shakespeare for Squirrels (2020) and Bite Me (2010) among them seems able to draw on an inexhaustible supply of eccentric stories and characters, along with a moun tainous stockpile of clever phrases, hilarious wordplays, and laugh out loud jokes There is literally a laugh on ever y page of this book (several, on some pages), and, with its fast paced, deliberately helter skelter stor yline, it sinks its hooks deeply and never lets go Familiarity with Noir is cer tainly not re quired, but it does add another layer of fun.

David Pitt

Th e R e d C a n o e .

By Wayne Johnson.

Mar 2022 352p Polis/Agora, paper, $16 95 (9781951709723); e book, $9 99 (9781951709921)

In t h e f a c e o f d i s a s t ro u s p e r s o n a l c o l l a t e r a l d a m a g e , Bu c k Fi n e d a y o f f e r s a s i m p l e e x p l a n a t i o n f o r h e l p i n g a n a b u s e d t e e n f a c e d ow n a r i n g o f p owe r f u l p e d o p h i l e s : “ Sh e k n e w I w a s s o m e o n e w h o w o u l d d o s o m e t h i n g ” W h e n 1 4 ye a r o l d Lu c y w a n d e r s i n t o Bu c k’s w o o d w o rk i n g s h o p, h e s e e s h e r b r u i s e s a n d b l o o d y c l o t h e s b u t k n ow s s h e w o n ’ t re ve a l t h e t r u t h u n l e s s h e t re a d s l i g h t l y No t i n g h e r a p p re c i a t i o n o f h i s c r a f t , h e o f f e r s t o t e a c h h e r t o b u i l d a c a n o e a n d s l ow l y w a d e s i n t o Lu c y ’ s d i re s i t u a t i o n . Sh e ’ s t h e t a r g e t o f a s e e m i n g l y u n t o u c h a b l e g ro u p o f p e d o p h i l e s , h e r f a t h e r ’ s f e l l ow c o p s , w h o s t e p p e d i n t o “ l o o k a f t e r h e r ” f o l l ow i n g h e r m o t h e r ’ s d e a t h . T h e y’l l k i l l h e r f a t h e r i f s h e t r i e s t o s t o p t h e m , a n d t h a t ’ s e n o u g h t o c o n t ro l h e r u n t i l t h e y m u rd e r h e r b e s t f r i e n d a n d Lu c y re a l i ze s t h e y i n t e n d t o s i l e n c e h e r n e x t L e d by b a t t l e s a v v y Bu c k , Lu c y ’ s f r i e n d s B o o k e r a n d Ry a n , a n d Ry a n ’ s m o t h e r, i n i t i a t e a r i s k y s h owd ow n i n n o r t h e r n Mi n n e s o t a ’ s i c y w i l d e r n e s s Bu c k a n d Lu c y ’ s g row i n g c o n n e c t i o n t h ro u g h t h e i r Oj i bwe l a n g u a g e , l ove o f w o o d w o rk i n g , a n d s o b e r i n g l y p r a g m a t i c t a k e o n p re d a t i o n i s b o t h h e a r t w a r m i n g a n d g u t w re n c h i n g Jo h n s o n , w h o s e e a r l i e r a n d e q u a l l y f i n e t h r i l l e r T h e De v i l Yo u K n ow ( 2 0 0 4 ) , w a s a l s o s e t i n t h e w i l d s o f Mi n n e s o t a , o f f e r s a n u a n c e d , s u p e r b l y w r i t t e n j u s t i c e t h r i l l e r l a c e d w i t h u n f l i n c h i n g g r i t a n d s o c i a l c o m m e n t a r y C h r i s t i n e Tra n

By Kelley Armstrong. May 2022 Minotaur, $27 99 (9781250820006); e book, $14 99 (9781250820013)

Popular fantasy novelist Armstrong (the Darkest Powers series; the Rockton novels; Tales of the Otherworld) launches a new se ries with this time travel mystery Mallory, an American homicide cop, is in Scotland, visiting her grandmother. After she’s viciously assaulted, she awakens feeling different Turns out she’s now 150 years in the past, in another woman ’ s body. The woman whose body she now inhabits works as an assistant to an undertaker who doubles as a medical examiner, and soon Mallory finds herself on the trail of a murderer But how to solve the bigger mystery and find the time traveler’s way back home? Readers who enjoy a good time travel mystery might notice similarities to Julie McElwain’s A Murder in Time (2016) and its sequels (in which a modern day FBI agent finds herself catapulted back to the mid 1800s), but Armstrong’s fans can be assured that this is no imitation: Armstrong has her own voice, and this is a promising start to a new series. David Pitt

R o c k o f A g e s .

By Timothy Hallinan. June 2022. 336p. Soho, $27.95 (9781641292184); e book, $14.99 (9781641292191).

Hallinan hasn’t hinged one of his Junior Bender novels on rock music in almost 10 years (Little Elvises, 2013), but there’s always a backbeat somewhere in this toe tappingly entertaining comic mys ter y series starring the forever put upon Junior, who juggles two equally dicey “lines of work”: high end burglar and low end investigator for L A ’ s crim inal class. This time it’s the notorious Ir win Dressler, aging but still feared kingpin of Holly wood mobsters, who comes calling It seems Dressler has helped fund a scheme concocted by four of his fellow geriatric wrongdoers, who have organized a music tour featuring a collection of mostly minor league geezer rockers from the 1960s and ’70s bearing grudges the size of their prostates: “The drummer and the guitarist had hated each other since FM radio was still something most people picked up on their fillings ” Dressler is convinced that the promoters are skimming from the already meager take and wants his money back Meanwhile, Ju nior must juggle the case with taking care of his teen daughter, who’s getting curious about how Dad earns a living. Junior gets ever ything sorted out, with the help of his motley crew of pals, including the lovably lethal Debbie, who believes “it’s a rare group of people that doesn’t include someone who needs killing,” The one liners come as if fired from a gatling gun in this gem of a novel that

will leave Junior’s fans wishing they’d read it a whole lot slower. Bill Ott

S o m e t h i n g W i c ke d .

By David Housewright. May 2022 336p Minotaur, $26 99 (9781250757012); e book, $13 .99 (9781250757029).

Rushmore McKenzie was a cop for many years Then he quit the force, claimed a large reward, and began working as an unlicensed private eye. His last case nearly killed him, and he was planning to retire (he is a million aire, after all), but his wife, Nina, who pretty much demanded he retire, is now asking him to take one just one more case A friend of hers is embroiled in a bitter family dispute over what to do with a nineteenth century castle that was owned by the friend’s grandmother, and Nina would like Rushmore to act as a sort of mediator. Oh, and by the way, maybe he could find out whether the grandmother was murdered? You have to like a series in which the latest book is just as good as the first book and all the books in between We’re nineteen titles into this series, and there’s no sign that Housewright is running out of stories or of the energy to tell them David Pitt

S t o r m R i s i n g.

By Chris Hauty. May 2022 320p Atria/ Emily Bestler, $28 (9781982175856); e book, $9 99 (9781982175870)

Hayley Chill, once a White House intern and now a top secret intelligence operative, has already solved a couple of big cases (Deep State, 2020, and Savage Road, 2021), but now she’s about to embark on something more complex and extremely personal: uncovering the facts about her father’s death She’s ready for some hard truths, but she’s unprepared for what she finds: a shocking, hidden side to U.S. military history and a plot that, if successful, could alter the American political landscape forever Hauty, who wrote action movies before he started publishing nov els, knows how to tell a story in shorthand: brief character introductions, lean dialogue, fast paced action scenes The Hayley Chill novels push the boundaries of plausibility, but it works; they’re exciting and suspenseful, and there’s always a rousing finale. With each book, too, the author seems to be fine tuning his writing style: as much as the earlier books pushed us through the narrative, this third in stallment draws us even more inside the story. High adrenaline adventure. David Pitt

Th e S w e e t G o o d b y e .

By Ron Corbett. Apr. 2022. 304p. Berkley, $27 (9780593440353); e book, $14 99 (9780593440360)

Tree markers are professionals hired by lumber companies to roam the forest and pick out individual trees to be har vested. Cut down this one, leave that one for next year The tree marker here is an undercover FBI agent named Danny Barrett He’s been sent to infiltrate a wood products company

in northern Maine that attracted the Fed’s attention when a big pile of money turned up in the company ’ s bank account. Maybe Danny can uncover the elusive metham phetamine sources deep in this frozen forest That’s the plot of this noir tinged effort, which displays author Corbett’s flair for striking, occasionally poetic language: A thug has “restless eyes that darted around like mercur y droplets ” An alcohol smell is so strong “it could have passed for disinfec tant. ” What really interests Corbett is the intertwining of implacable forces a failing economy, a drift toward criminality with their emotional side effects, like destructive friendships and blighted romances. Corbett is also the author of the Frank Yakabuski myster y series, which, like this novel, uses the winter landscapes of the Northeast to great advantage. Don Crinklaw

U n d e r L o c k & S ke l e t o n Ke y.

By Gigi Pandian.

Mar. 2022. 352p. Minotaur, $26.99 (9781250804983); e book, $13 .99 (9781250804990).

Tempest Raj, headliner of her own wildly popular Las Vegas magic show, returns home to Hidden Creek, California, broke and dis graced after a dangerous stunt in her new show goes horribly wrong. While the magic community considers Tempest at fault, Tem pest believes her doppelganger and former stage double, Cassidy Sparrow, sabotaged the show. Or is it the family curse? Over the gen erations, the curse says that “the eldest child dies by magic,” and it has proven true so far, most recently with the death of Tempest’s aunt, and then with her mother’s disappear ance While working at her father’s business, Secret Staircase Construction, Tempest and her father find Cassidy’s body hidden behind a wall that hasn’t been opened in years. With the help of her best friend, Ivy, Tempest at tempts to determine who killed Cassidy and how she was placed behind the wall Tempest solves the mysteries while pondering her fu ture in this satisfying story with numerous plot twists, vividly drawn characters involving close family relationships, delicious food (rec ipes are included), and a fresh magic frame interspersed with details about classic mystery books Sue O’Brien

Th e Wo r l d o f P o n d s i d e .

By Mar y Helen Stefaniak.

Apr. 2022. 368p. Blackstone, $28.99 (9781799909712).

The world enveloped by the Pondside Manor care facility is both real and unreal, as such establishments are wont to be Its resi dents, many of whom suffer from dementia, already have a hard time discerning fact from fiction, so it would seem counterintuitive to introduce them to a video universe, also called Pondside, that mirrors their daily lives in exacting detail. And yet that’s just what beloved resident Robert Kallman has done Kallman, who struggles with ALS, created a game in which players enter realms teeming

with things, events, and people from their past. In this virtual reality, they can enjoy happier, healthier times. The game becomes so addictive that when Kallman dies under mysterious circumstances, it is left to his closest friend, Foster, a young member of the kitchen staff, to discover how to reboot the game in its creator ’ s absence and in the pro cess determine whether Kallman’s death was murder or suicide Stefaniak infuses an of ten forbidding and depressing environment with joy and dignity in this Agatha Christie esque cyber caper Carol Haggas

H i s t o r i c a l F i c t i o n

B l o o m s b u r y G i r l s .

By Natalie Jenner. May 2022. 368p. St. Martin’s, $27.99 (9781250276698).

As 1950 begins, Evie Stone has gradu ated with honors from Cambridge, but she needs her Jane Austen Society connections to secure a position in London’s Bloomsbur y Books. The bookshop’s eclectic staff are fo cused on their individual areas of interest, and Evie fits right in with her unique researching abilities. But the store is struggling; they need to embrace change and work together on a spe cial project Evie proposes or face losing it all. Jenner follows The Jane Austen Society (2020) with another top notch reading experience, us ing the same deft hand at creating complex, emotionally engaging characters through subtle details and actions, while providing a backdrop chock full of factual historical information Readers will enjoy surprise ap pearances and references to notable authors of both the eighteenth and nineteenth cen turies, sparking interest in the discover y of unfamiliar women writers of the past and in the culture of postwar London. Although Jenner’s novels share some connections, each can be enjoyed on its own Fans of Christina Baker Kline, Kate Quinn, and Pam Jenoff, as well as readers who enjoy novels about bookstores, such as Madeline Martin’s The Last Bookshop in London (2021) and Kerri Maher’s The Paris Bookseller (2022), will ap preciate this gem Stacey Hayman

Th e D o l p h i n H o u s e .

By Audrey Schulman.

Apr 2022 320p Europa, $27 (9781609457846)

If you could tell the story of the ignored, would you? In Schulman’s (Theory of Bastards, 2018) fifth novel, Cora works as a waitress in St Thomas On a break, she happens upon dolphins caged in a lagoon Cora has lost her hearing due to a childhood fever and so can hear more clearly than most humans under water, which makes her a perfect helper for Blum and Tibbit, researchers working to teach human language to dolphins. Cora is adept

at understanding nonverbal language, giving readers the benefit of knowing through her ob servations what characters mean and not just what they say Meanwhile, her experiences of sexual harassment, rape, and generally being demeaned recall painful norms for the book’s 1960s era, and ultimately lead to the scandal that shuts down the experiment. Schulman occasionally flashes back through Cora’s life to give readers a fuller picture of the charac ter ’ s motives, which can sometimes make for a slightly disjointed story. Still, patient readers will enjoy this novel of the human need for connection, conversation, and community Emily S Wade

Th e E n d o f N o w h e r e .

By Patrick Dearen.

Apr 2022 224p Five Star, $25 95 (9781432888541)

When confronted with a stark reminder of devastating loss, reporter Jack Landon abandons all he’s ever known In Dearen’s (Apache Lament, 2019) capable hands, this inauspicious beginning meanders in a direc tion that’s both tender and tragic. Landon leaves San Angelo, Texas, in August 1917, racked with self loathing, and arrives in a small border town called Esperanza Al though Landon expects to depart quickly, the hardscrabble lives of the villagers com pel him to stay and help He designs a levee to save the town from flash floods, reopens the local school to teach Mexican Ameri can children English, and tries to keep local teens from joining a gang of bandits But when he learns a rogue outfit of Texas Rang ers has been blackmailing Esperanza’s elderly priest, Landon’s stubborn braver y endan gers both him and the town Dearen ends the novel with a fictionalized retelling of the massacre in Por venir, Texas, on Januar y 28, 1918. Though the outcome of the mas sacre is heartbreaking, Dearen gently guides the reader to a hopeful ending fitting for a town called Esperanza Sarah Steers

A G i r l d u r i n g t h e Wa r.

By Anita Abriel.

Mar 2022 320p Atria, paper, $17 (9781982181178)

In this historical drama, Marina Tozzi confronts the secrets of her father and the impending threat of the Nazi occupation. Hell bent on snatching up the artwork and treasures of Italy, the German forces remove Jewish families and pillage museum collec tions at will. Marina discovers her father hiding a Jewish artist in Rome, and he pays for it with his life Well versed in antiqui ties, Marina flees to the security of Bernard Berenson and Bella da Costa Greene’s villa in Tuscany, where she meets the captivating Carlos and the sweet, friendly Desi Bernard begins the difficult task of moving Italian art to the neutral lands of Switzerland, while Car los recruits Marina to help him rescue families fleeing the German advance Marina’s path carries her to Argentina, where a new crop of art seekers has found refuge amongst the rel

ics of the past in art and in love The heat of new romance and the suspense of the escalat ing war culminate in a period drama that is steamy yet bittersweet Abriel’s latest will ap peal to fans of women ’ s fiction set in WWII Monica Gar za Bustillo

L a s t D a n c e o n t h e S t a r l i g h t P i e r. By Sarah Bird.

Apr 2022 432p St Martin’s, $28 99 (9781250265548) Awakening exhausted on the Galveston beach after a dance marathon, Evie Grace Devlin witnesses the fiery destruction of the Starlite Palace, a performance venue, while recalling a terrible mistake she made Follow ing this striking opening, the story rewinds three years to 1929 as Evie flees her traumatic vaudeville past and her vain, abusive mother by enrolling in nursing school in Galveston Here she finds friendship and her calling. When her nursing pin is unjustly withheld, Evie grudgingly returns to the entertainment world as nurse for a dance marathon group, including its dashing star, Zave Bird (Daugh ter of a Daughter of a Queen, 2018) is a master at crafting narrative voices, and Evie’s is an irresistible blend of scrappy determination and vulnerability Despite her street smarts, her instincts sometimes lead her astray. The Depression is a multifaceted character in this addictive tale, which evokes ferocious dust storms, dance marathons’ demanding rules, and Chicago nightlife as acutely as the emotions of desperate Americans seizing happiness wherever they can As the novel stirringly demonstrates in multiple ways, home can be found amid people who accept us for ourselves. Sarah Johnson

Th e S c h o o l f o r G e r m a n B r i d e s .

By Aimie K. Runyan. Apr. 2022. 384p. Morrow, paper, $16.99 (9780063094208).

Hanna and Tilde are intelligent, strong willed, and compassionate unwelcome qualities in 1938 Germany After her mother’s sudden death, Hanna is sent to live with her wealthy aunt and uncle, who waste no time grooming her to be a suitable wife for an SS officer, her own feelings notwithstanding Tilde runs the fabric shop her Jewish mother started, hoping the Aryan features she inher ited from her absent father can keep them safe as tensions mount When Hitler’s rheto ric leads to violence, each woman understands that one step out of line can mean torture and death for themselves and those they care about Though they barely know each other, their lives intertwine when Tilde finds herself in a desperate situation and Hanna may be the only one who can help. Despite their very different circumstances, Hanna and Tilde each embody a delicate balance between utter helplessness and defiant bravery as they share their moving stories. Readers who enjoyed Martha Hall Kelly’s Lilac Girls (2016) or Pam Jenoff’s The Woman with the Blue Star (2021) will hold their breath as they root for these strong women Maribeth Fisher

Th

By Lianne Dillswor th.

Apr 2022 320p Harper, $27 (9780358627913)

Marcus Crillick is known for his variety show, and his main attraction is The Great Amazonia Zilah, who plays the part of this “ savage queen from darkest Africa,” is a young, mixed race woman who grew up in the slums of Victorian London. Zilah knows that her performance depends upon her keeping the secret that she isn’t actually from Africa She has been able to keep her identity under wraps until she meets Lucien, who makes her believe there are better futures for the Black poor of London While Zilah struggles with her fu ture and her self revelations, Crillick brings a young African woman into his underground oddity variety show. Zilah knows this woman isn’t here by her own choice and is deter mined to help her escape Crillick’s abusive captivity Tension builds as Zilah maneuvers her way around powerful and cruel men in order to get herself and this captive woman out of London Rich with historical details of Victorian life, freak shows, and racial tension, Dillsworth’s debut is an empowering tale of strength and determination. Emily Borsa

R o m a n c e

B o s s W i t c h .

By Ann Aguirre.

Apr 2022 368p Sourcebooks/ Casablanca, paper, $15 99 (9781728240190).

Can a witch hunter and a witch find true love on a Ducati motorcycle? The second entr y in Aguirre’s delightful Fix It Witch se ries, following Witch Please (2021), focuses on Clementine Waterhouse, who has always tried to make things right While her cousin, roommate, and fellow witch Danica is find ing true love with the new baker in town, Clem sets out to find the newly arrived witch hunter and make sure ever yone stays safe. Gavin Rhys does not love the career thrust upon him by his heritage, but he truly be lieves hunting witches is what he must do, bringing his vintage Ducati along on his mis sion in America After engineering a meeting with Gavin, Clem finds herself liking him enough to give him a pet mouse As she tries to keep the coven hidden and safe, she takes Gavin on fun outings while he makes friends, helps senior citizens, and drinks coffee at the firehouse, all of which have him question ing his calling. Balancing humor with heart, Aguirre’s latest feel good witch romance is a winner Diana Tixier Herald

Th e C a t c h .

By Lisa Harris.

Apr 2022 352p Revell, paper, $15 99 (9780800737320); e book, $15 99 (9781493434176)

The links between a missing woman and child, a dead woman, and shots being fired at a local courtroom are hard to connect at first, but deputy U S marshals Madison James and her partner, Jonas Quinn, discover

that the child’s mother, Becca, was having an affair with the judge, and that Becca’s friend Ava, who was taking care of the boy, is in the witness protection program As Madison and Jonas race against the clock to find the boy and his babysitter before anyone else does, Madison struggles to recall who killed her husband and tried to kill her. Madison has been falling for Jonas, but needs the closure of finding her husband’s killer before she can truly give him her heart. Harris goes lightly on both faith and romance while keeping readers on the edges of their seats in the lat est thrilling entry in her U S Marshals series, following The Chase, 2021 Fans of Natalie Walters, Rachel Dylan, and Irene Hannon will enjoy this one C L Quillen

C l a i m i n g H e r L e g a c y. By Linda Goodnight. Apr. 2022. 368p. Love Inspired, paper, $14.99 (9781335418760); e book, $9 99 (9780369706256)

To avenge her father’s murder, Willa Malone is going to bring Charlie Bangs to justice. Not only will seeing the notorious outlaw pay for his crime give some measure of peace to Willa and her two sisters, but the bounty on Bangs’ head will help Willa hold onto the family’s homestead. While Willa can ride and shoot better than many men in the Oklahoma Ter ritory, she will still need help in tracking Bangs down Hiring Gideon Hartley, therefore, seems like a good idea. The problem is that Gideon

not only isn’t interested in helping Willa, he currently spends most of his days and all of his nights drinking away his troubles. Can Willa find a way to convince Gideon to not only take the job but also to give up the bottle? A heroine with grit and gumption to spare and a realisti cally flawed hero battling past demons anchor the plot of Goodnight’s compelling historical romance, a tale that thoughtfully explores the themes of faith and forgiveness while never glossing over the challenges and dangers inher ent to life in the nineteenth century American West John Charles

F i n d Yo u r Wa y H o m e .

By Jackie Ashenden.

Apr 2022 312p Sourcebooks/ Casablanca, paper, $8 99 (9781728247311); e book, $7 99 (9781728247328)

When former oil executive Isabella Mont gomery replaces the third woman of a trio going to Brightwater, New Zealand, to help revitalize the economy of the small, scenic, but remote and fading, town she is running away from being ditched by her fiancé and losing her job. Little does she realize that her three month commitment will become permanent when she falls in love and into bed with the town ’ s leader, Chase Kelly, an ex paratrooper with a 13 year old daughter. Chase, however, does not want anyone to know that they are seeing each other, having been burned by several others in his life He is also afraid of the effect the small town gossip

might have on his daughter This entranc ing story, the first in Ashenden’s Small Town Dream series, is all about how Isabella and Chase manage to overcome these and other barriers, especially his propensity for telling her what to do, and hers for resisting him to do it on her own. It takes a while, but they both learn that being “difficult” has its charms.

Mary K Chelton

J u s t t h e Tw o o f U s .

By Jo Wilde.

Apr 2022 288p Grand Central/ Forever, paper, $15 99 (9781538755068)

As her thirty fifth wedding anniversary approaches, Julie heads for home with an en velope holding divorce papers, planning to tell Michael that they are over But before she can talk to him, Derbyshire, along with much of the rest of the world, goes into COVID 19 lockdown. The two of them are alone together. Their three children are all out on their own, and Michael’s mother has other plans to wait out the pandemic. Alternating day by day scenes of their present life and snippets of their past together, their relationship, its strengths and where it went wrong, is exposed Neither of them cheated, was cruel, or did anything egregious. The biggest tragedies they faced were the deaths of his father and her mother. Little misunderstandings just mounted up until it seemed to Julie she had to get out This is a quiet, thoughtful novel and an important look at life during a pandemic and the effect it has on relationships Wilde tells this story in just the right low key but powerful way, with win ning characters and the surprising rediscovery of lost joys. Diana Tixier Herald

Th e M a r q u e s s M a ke s H i s M o v e .

By Diana Quincy.

Apr. 2022. 384p. Avon, paper, $8.99 (9780062986849); e book, $5.99 (9780062986825).

Being a footman is far more difficult than Alex Worthington, marquess of Brandon, first imagined. Fortunately for Alex, posing as a servant is more of a temporary ruse than a long term career plan Alex just needs covert access to Roger Fleming’s household to find proof that the Lon don mapmaker has cheated him So, if acting as a foot man for Roger’s wife, Rose, is the price Alex must pay to discover the evidence he needs, it is a small one indeed, especially once Alex discovers just how truly fascinating Rose turns out to be Quincy (Her Night with the Duke, 2020) deftly illustrates just how skill fully she is changing the map for historical romance with the latest stellar addition to her Clandestine Affairs series Featuring superbly rendered characters, some sensually charged love scenes, and a fabulously fresh plot that not only delves into the business of cartogra phy but also celebrates the richness of Arabic culture in the Regency era, this is an incom parable delight. John Charles

A P r o p o s a l Th e y C a n ’ t R e f u s e .

By Natalie Caña.

May 2022 368p MIRA, paper, $15 99 (9780778386094); e book, $12.99 (9780369718440).

Childhood best friends Kamilah Vega and Liam Kane grew up in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood where their grandparents started their businesses. Kamilah’s abuelo opened a traditional Puerto Rican restaurant, El Coquí, in the same build ing that Liam’s Granda opened Kane Distillery, where they make tradition al Irish whiskey Decades later, gentrification is turn ing their old neighborhood into a hipster enclave, and lonely workaholics Kamilah and Liam have grown apart But the sneaky old matchmakers have a plan In exchange for their permission to update their busi nesses and let their grandkids take the lead, Kamilah and Liam must get engaged Their fake arrangement has a rocky start, but as they spend more time together, Liam and Kami lah recognize that they understand each other better than anyone else and will do anything to support each other’s hopes and dreams

With beautiful references to Puerto Rican and Irish folklore, the cultural and linguistic nuances Caña inserts into her heartwarming contemporary romance are flawless, as is the slow buildup of romantic feelings This spec tacular debut has tremendous series potential and is highly recommended for all libraries, especially those looking to highlight authors who deliver diverse true to life characters that leap off the page with originality and heart Kristina Giovanni

S a r i , N o t S a r i .

By Sonya Singh.

Apr. 2022. 304p. Simon & Schuster Canada, paper, $17.99 (9781982185916); e book, $11.99 (9781982185923).

Singh, a former entertainment reporter turned PR expert, sets her debut novel in the world of Bollywood dancing, mehndi (a body art in which henna is used to draw pat terns on hands and legs), and matchmaking aunties Manny Dogra is the multimillion aire CEO of Breakup, a company that helps clients gracefully split from their partners through a perfectly crafted email. In the midst of her success and intimations of her architect fiancé’s racism, Manny realizes she is badly missing the Indian part of her American identity. So she negotiates an exchange with her Indian American client, Sammy Patel He will get an email for a temporary breakup with his girlfriend while she will get a week to experience being Indian at his family wed ding Because of his girlfriend, Sammy had been distant from the family he loves Being at the wedding is like reconnecting with his soul, while Manny enjoys being a part of a huge Indian family, truly to her heart’s con tent Love cannot help but blossom between them in the midst of this outpouring of hap piness. Keira Soleore

S e a G l a C

By Irene Hannon.

Apr 2022 352p Revell, paper, $16 99 (9780800736163); e book, $16 99 (9781493434145)

Hannon brings readers back to Hope Har bor in this appealing second chance romance Formerly wealthy Christi found strength and determination after some terrible turns in her life. She goes to Hope Harbor planning to ask a former boyfriend for financial help. Jack is happy writing and working in law enforce ment in this small Oregon town He never forgot how much Christi hurt him 11 years ago. But soon he has bigger concerns when he has to care for a daughter he didn’t even know existed Christi finds work in the town as well as a place to stay in an abandoned cot tage. Jack realizes that Christi has changed and that he, she, and his daughter can have a very different, happier future than what he envisioned A subplot about two grieving parents finding their way back to each other adds even more warmth and hope. Hannon hits the right notes of romance and comfort in this winning story Amy Alessio

S u m m e r o n t h e I s l a n d .

By Brenda Nov ak.

Apr 2022 368p MIRA, paper, $16 99 (9780778311850); e book, $9 99 (9780369717603)

Exhausted by all the high stakes hostility involved with so many divorces, Marlow Mad sen decides to shut down her L A law practice and head back home to Florida Along for the ride are Marlow’s best friends Aida Trahan, who has just weathered her own acrimoni ous divorce, and Claire Fernandez, who lost her home to the wildfires sweeping through southern California and her yoga practice to the COVID 19 shutdown. Once the three women arrive on Teach Island, they soon dis cover this will be more than just a summer of sun, sand, and secrets It is going to be a chance for each to chart a new course in life. Best selling Novak (The Bookstore on the Beach, 2021) once again demonstrates her signature skills for emotionally layered storytelling and nuanced characterization to perfectly enhance a well crafted plot centered on self discovery and second chances Neatly bridging the line between contemporary romance and women ’ s fiction, Summer on the Island will resonate with many readers who, in the midst of a global pandemic, may be rethinking what is truly important in life John Charles

S F / F a n t a s y & H o r r o r

B l a c k T i d e .

By KC Jones

May 2022. 259p. Tor Nightfire, paper, $15.99 (9781250792693); e book, $9 99 (9781250792709)

Screenwriter Jones’ debut novel unfolds like a movie, a terrifying nightmare come to life, an intense, realistic portrayal of an alien in vasion. Beth and Mike are flawed, lost souls, holed up in neighboring homes in an upscale, Oregon coastal development during the off

season When Beth ventures over the fence, the two have a one night stand, a very per sonal experience that coincides with a tear between multiple universes, opening up a flood of angry, confused, and violent creatures who descend upon Earth and start destroying everything in their paths. The action orient ed, blisteringly fast paced plot is authentically rendered; but beware, not all make it out alive Beth and Mike take turns telling the story in an engaging conversational tone, a narrative choice which not only captures the chaos and disorientation of the action but also allows for character development to flow naturally A solid, harrowing, apocalypse as it unfolds, this horror sf hybrid is for fans of The Silence, by Tim Lebbon (2015), and Bird Box, by Josh Malerman (2014), with a dash of Lovecraftian sensibility in the vein of Caitlín R Kiernan’s Tinfoil Dossier series. Becky Spratford

D e s t i n y o f t h e D e a d .

By Kel Kade.

Mar. 2022. 320p. Tor, $27.99 (9781250293824); e book, $14.99 (9781250293831).

Prophecy says the people of Aldrea are doomed The Chosen One has been killed, and the gods are intent on fulfilling the prophecy. But all is not going according to plan. In Kade’s sequel to Fate of the Fallen (2019), the forester Aaslo has taken up the quest of his slain friend and confounded the gods by gaining magical powers, including

the ability to claim the souls of the dead He is enlisting those souls to fight the army raised by the God of Death’s chosen disciple. As he struggles to understand his new abili ties, Aaslo realizes there is more power deep inside him, if he can figure out how to use it. Despite concerns he has gone mad Aas lo talks to himself, carries a head in a bag, and has been targeted by an invisible assas sin his companions follow him because he is tr ying to save their world. Witty bat ter lightens the doomsday atmosphere, and readers will be eager for Aaslo’s return in the proposed third book in the Shroud of Proph ecy series Lucy Lockley YA: Teen fans will enjoy the continuation of this epic fantasy LL

Th e D i s c o r d o f G o d s . By Jenn Lyons. Apr. 2022. 528p. Tor, $29.99 (9781250175687); e book, $15 99 (9781250175694)

At the end of the fourth book of the Cho rus of Dragons series (The House of Always, 2021), all that’s left is to stop the plans of Xal torath and Relos Var Kihrin has assumed the form, powers, and memories of Vol Karoth in a desperate attempt to prevent the destruc tion of half the population of their world. This has all happened before, and Xaltorath, the Lord of Demons, has been able to “ re wind” histor y to tr y to free the demons and overrun the world, so they must be stopped

utterly Relos Var is enacting three rituals that will end all demons, deliver the power of the Guardians for his use, and send Vol Karoth (Kihrin) through the Nythrawl Wound to seal it permanently Teraeth, Janel, Talon, Jarith, Galen, Qown, and the host of charac ters, which includes demons and Immortals who have supported Kihrin through out, know their parts and are willing to sacrifice all they love to stop those ritu als Thur visher and Senera are on hand as well to pro vide their snarky footnotes

Lyons delivers thrills and surprises, including the promised chorus of dragons, to conclude this masterfully written epic Don Vicha

F l i n t a n d M i r r o r.

By John Crowley. Apr 2022 256p Tor, $26 99 (9781250817525); e book, $13 99 (9781250817532)

The latest from the award winning Crowley (And Go Like This, 2019) is a slim novel fol lowing the career of Hugh O’Neill, the Earl of Tyrone and leader of the Irish rebellion during the Nine Years’ War Crowley cap tures not only the known facts of O’Neill’s life, presented through confessions made to a priest during his years of exile, but also the mystical undercurrents of these events As he rises to power, O’Neill attempts to balance

his surface loyalty to England with his desire to free Ireland from the English colonials’ rapid expansion and exploitation of the land. These conflicting desires are represented by an obsidian mirror given to O’Neill by John Dee, through which O’Neill and Queen Elizabeth main tain a psychic connection, and a piece of flint given to O’Neill as a boy by the ancient, prehuman inhab itants of Ireland. Crowley deftly handles the balance between histor y and fiction without ever lowering the quality of his ex cellent prose. This enthralling secret histor y of the last great rebellion against the Tudor conquest of Ireland, complete with invisible angels, fairies, and the restless dead, is highly recommended for fans of historical fantasy and general readers alike. Nell Keep

G o d o f N e v e r l a n d .

By Gama Ray Mar tinez.

Apr. 2022. 352p. Harper Voyager, $27.99 (9780063014633); e book, $14 99 (9780063014657)

Maponos, the god of Neverland, aka Peter Pan, is missing Children all over the world dream of him being trapped. Without its cre ator, Neverland is slowly falling into ruins. No longer the bright and happy place where all children have adventures, it will become a darker form of itself, if it even sur vives at all. The Knights of the Round, an order that protects humanity from supernatural threats, enlists Michael Darling to help them find Peter Michael previously ser ved as a knight but decided to grow up and live away from the supernatural Now he is swept back into the magic and facing powers he has never known before As this fast paced adventure begins, readers get to see new parts of Nev erland: an under world filled with gremlins, ghosts of characters long missed, and villains Michael never thought he’d fight again Tiger Lily, Smee, Captain Hook, and even the no torious crocodile make an appearance. Peter Pan fans will enjoy meeting with old friends and even enemies in this action packed fan tasy Emily Borsa

H i d d e n P i c t u r e s .

By Jason Rekulak. May 2022 384p Flatiron, $27 99 (9781250819345); e book, $14.99 (9781250819369).

The Pottery Barn perfect town of Spring Brook promises to be a safe haven for Mal lory, who needs a job and a second chance at life After all, Mallory does a pretty good imi tation of squeaky clean suburbia for someone who’s a year and a half sober When the Max wells take a chance on her as a nanny for their adorable son Teddy, Mallory is overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity, the cozy cottage provided for her to live in on the property, and the wholesome environment so unlike her own childhood But things start going sideways pretty quickly. Who’s going to believe a recovering addict when she tries to

tell them about Teddy’s gruesome drawings? And is the property haunted by a long hidden secret? Rekulak (The Impossible Fortress, 2017) expertly injects the story with a supernatural twist, sowing doubt in the minds of readers who must decide: is Mallory backsliding into her old ways, or is there something rotten beneath the Maxwell’s glossy surface? The ex plosive third act gives this story a nail biting ending sure to thrill Paranormal perfection

Erin Downey Howerton

HIGH DEMAND BACKSTORY: This crime horror mash up has a large print run (250k) so expect lots of attention

I n t o t h e R e a l .

By John Ringo and Lydia Sherrer. Apr. 2022. 448p. Baen, $25 (9781982126001); e book, $9.99 (9781625798589)

In a not so distant future, waves of novel viruses have pushed humanity toward virtual reality experiences and virtual environments. This is the world in which teenager Lynn has grown up, and she is a gamer extraordinaire She even uses this skill to help her single mother pay the bills as a for hire player in a popular game, WarMonger. Because the masculine world of gaming culture has not improved much, Lynn hides her identity and deals with comments from her friends about how girls can ’ t play, even though she is a leader in WarMonger She is asked by the owner and creator of WarMonger to beta test the next new VR game, TransDimensional Hunter, in which players walk around their city in VR, killing demons. She is ready to accept this honor and quickly proves that her skills transcend her body conforming chair But when people start to mysteriously die, and there are strange power outages around the countr y, there are hints that something about this new game is off The futuristic world of the gamers and the game itself will interest sf readers. Emily Whitmore

YA: Teens will relate to Lynn, the main character, and if they are gamers, they will enjoy her gamer and VR adventures EW

K u n d o Wa ke s U p.

By Saad Z. Hossain.

Mar 2022 208p Tor com, $15 99 (9781250823922); e book, $3 .99 (9781250823939).

Set in dystopian future Bangladesh, Kundo Wakes Up follows the middle aged titular character as he obsesses over the wife who left him, disappearing without a trace This per sonal tragedy spirals into a myster y involving thousands of missing people, a worldwide, immersive VR game, and rumors about magic Those who’ve read Hoassain’s Cyber mage (2021) or The Gurkha and the Lord of Tuesday (2019) will recognize the world with its vast populations of lost souls kept alive purely to provide a literal barrier between the wealthy and the deteriorating climate.

Kundo teams up with a single mother, a dead woman, and a geriatric hustler to discover what’s behind the so called Black Road The book frankly discusses what brings meaning

and worth to life for those who have been abandoned by their loved ones, society, and even the all powerful AI who controls the city Hossain showcases the values of cyber punk, where even cities become corporations to disenfranchise the majority of the world’s population. But even at its darkest, the novel provides hope that people will fight, sur vive, and thrive Sarah Rice

By Janelle Monáe.

Apr 2022 368p Harper Voyager, $28 99 (9780063070875); e book, $12 99 (9780063070899)

In five satisfyingly long short stories, singer Monáe and her five collaborators paint a picture of a technocapitalist dystopia ruled by an organization that monitors the memories of its populace. While the New Dawn erases the memories of “deviants” to create a standardized future, underground, gender nonconforming rebels fight back by remembering, sharing, stor ytelling, and creating.

A student tired of sprint ing through life finds a pantr y where time stands still; Director Librarian Ses het discovers that rebels are clogging memor y collectors with impossible, made up memories; a protective sister tries to figure out the best moment to use her father’s pendant, which can supposedly turn back time but only once Monáe’s tales, coauthored with Alaya Dawn Johnson, Danny Lore, Eve L Ewing, Yohanca Delgado, and Sheree Renée Thomas, are blistering, hopeful, and richly written Knowledge of Monáe’s 2018 album and short film Dirty Computer isn’t required, but fans will enjoy finding familiar faces and Easter eggs throughout the book. All read ers will finish the book craving more of these extremely queer, bold stories that battle gate keeping and erasure, digging into both the worst potential of a sur veillance state and the gritty glimmer of the rebellion that can de feat it Leah von Essen

HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY:

Grammy nominated Monáe captured fans’ imaginations with her cyberpunk vision, and they and new readers will flock to this collection

N e t t l e & B o n e .

By T. Kingfi sher.

Apr. 2022. 256p. Tor, $25.99 (9781250244048); e book, $13 .99 (9781250244031).

It’s easy to assume that Kingfisher’s latest (after The Hollow Places, 2020) is a fair y tale There are three sisters who are to be married off to a neighboring prince; three impossible tasks to complete; witches, magical markets, and fair y godmothers But fair y tales are also cautionar y tales Nettle & Bone leans into the macabre and evokes the Grimm est of stories. As youngest sister, protagonist Marra knows she’s just a pawn in political

Th e M e m o r y L i b r a r i a n : A n d O t h e r S t o r i e s o f D i r t y C o m p u t e r.

games She’s glad to live in a quiet abbey, away from the royal drama of being a prin cess. But when her sisters are threatened by horrific marriages, Marra goes on a grueling journey to help them. The world building involves bone dogs, ghosts, and a disturbing puppet, all of which add to the eerie atmosphere; but the charac ters of the main party are lovable and easy to root for, and seeing how the next happily ever after trope will be subverted is a big part of the fun Highly recommended for fans of fractured fables like Naomi Novik’s Uprooted (2015) and Helen Oyeyemi’s Gingerbread (2019) Ashley Rayner

YA: The journey of the plot and the relatable heroine will appeal to teens who don’t mind a little strangeness in their fantasy novels AR

O r p h a n ’s Te s t .

By Richard Coxson. Mar 2022 352p Endpapers/ Heliosphere, paper, $15 99 (9781937868888)

Ten years ago, a coup shattered the Core Empire. Hugh Cascade was a boy on Deft, but he still remembers the terror he felt as well as the immense grief after his father’s death He has lived on Jeffco since then at the Hacienda Mirabel Estate. Under the watchful eye of Dona Carlota and Sergeant Major Ward, he has been training as a ca det to enter the Fleet After the estate comes under attack, Carlota and Ward realize that the rebel leaders have discovered that Hugh is on Jeffco, and, as an heir to the throne, his safety is paramount; and they have to inform Hugh of his true identity Hugh must take the Test of the Heirs, which either results in success or death. He has to manufacture a new Galactic Starburst that will give him control over the empire, but he must go to Lost Earth to find the device he needs to make it. With its fast paced narrative, action packed battle scenes, and likeable, youthful main character, militar y sf readers will enjoy this one John Faria

YA: With an orphaned teen as the central character, this will appeal to young adult readers who have struggled with loss and finding their identity JF

By T. L. Huchu.

Apr 2022 368p Tor, $29 99 (9781250767790); e book, $14 99 (9781250767813)

Ropa Moyo has an inter view for a proper apprenticeship, a paid position within the Society of Sceptical Enquirers The inter view goes awr y, though, and she’s downgraded to intern. Unpaid. Ropa isn’t going to let that stop her, and when her friend Priya calls for help with some patients whose sickness seems “extranatural,” Ropa sees op portunity. There is a tangled web of deceit and gatekeeping before her, though, and

her tendency to fling herself headlong into problems will cause even more trouble. Post catastrophe Edinburgh is full of compelling background characters, villains, and details of ever yday life and Ropa is a delight to read, even as her tumble into danger can turn into a bit of a nail biter. She may have mercenar y digressions after all, she is the primar y breadwinner in her family, and an unpaid internship doesn’t help one bit with food or housing but ultimately she sticks to her ethical principles. Readers will want to be prepared for an ending that opens up more doors than it closes in understanding what’s going on in the venerable halls of the society. Regina Schroeder

S e c o n d S p e a r.

By Kerstin Hall. May 2022. 256p. Tor.com, paper, $17.99 (9781250250179); e book, $4.99 (9781250250162).

The second book in Hall’s Mkalis Cycle will not disappoint readers of her standout fantasy The Border Keeper (2019). When readers reenter this rich, complex world of twisting godly politics and r ule based realms, Hall zooms them in on Tyn She’s still recovering from the last book’s events, hur t and reel ing, tr ying to balance ne w revelations with her loyalty to Res Lfae, r uler of Tah mais. When a lying villain with an impossible weapon comes to her realm to tear it apar t, Tyn has to band together with the reticent First Spear Vehn, who hates her, and the cynical Rion, who’s still ne w to Mkalis and completely lost All three characters go through convincing transformations in this eerie, suspenseful stor y based in Hall’s deeply unsettling world that gleams at the corners. The scenes are cinematically visceral, with pages soaked in sensor y detail, atmosphere, and the tense promise of danger lurking at the edges of ever y r ule bound realm. Readers will feel they’re dropped into the stor y and that will undoubtedly make their skin crawl, in all the right ways This horror fanta sy will have readers waiting impatiently for the next volume in Hall’s dark series

Leah von Essen

S h a d o w F l i c ke r.

By Gregor y Bastianelli.

Mar 2022 Flame Tree, $26 95 (9781787586789); paper, $16 95 (9781787586765); e book, $6 99 (9781787586796)

Something strange is going on in Kidney Island, Maine. People (and even some live stock) are behaving erratically, experiencing brain splitting headaches, seeing visions Is it all due, as some of the residents claim, to “shadow flicker,” the disruptive effect of the shadows cast by the enormous blades on the nearby wind turbines? Or is there something darker at work? Insurance investigator Oscar Basaran is given the assignment of determin ing what’s happening at Kidney Island, but is

he prepared for what he might find? Bastianelli (Snowball, 2020) taps into a much discussed issue, the effects of wind farms on residents in the area: some say “shadow flicker” is a myth, others that it’s a real phenomenon and quite harmful The author, of course, comes up with another explanation, and it’s a scary and surprisingly believable one. This is a gripping horror story from an author who deserves a wider audience David Pitt

S o n g b r o ke n .

By Heather Osborne.

Mar 2022 280p Forest Path, paper, $19 99 (9781951293468); e book, $5 99 (9781951293451)

In the world of Osborne’s debut, biologi cal sex and gender are not linked, and people are able to choose their gender when they come of age Strict gender norms still exist, however, and ever y aspect of people’s lives whom they can marr y, how they can dress, and what profession they are able to pur sue is determined by that one choice Nils, an apprentice healer reeling from the shock of unexpected loss, and Kell, a trader who is determined to forge their own path and not marr y to satisfy a contract ’ s demands, chafe at the constraints put upon them by their rural community. Together, they leave their isolated home for the city in the hopes of finding like minded people, breaking free of the enforced restraints on ever y facet of their lives and living wholly as themselves. Readers may be left unsatisfied by the under development of certain fantasy elements and a wavering connection to the main charac ters but will find much to love in a premise that explores transcending established gen der constructs and living life fully on one ’ s own terms Judith Utz

Th r o w M e t o t h e Wo l v e s .

By Lindy R yan and Christopher Brooks. May 2022 300p Black Spot, paper, $17 95 (9781645481171)

Britta Orchid never wanted to return to Cal casieu, Louisiana, after the trauma that resulted in losing her family. She’s summoned by Cal casieu PD, requesting her presence to identify a dead body found in her old house She re luctantly makes an appearance at the station, and upon discovering that the body belongs to her archnemesis the woman responsible for the deaths of her mother, stepfather, and brother she feels a pressing urgency to see the investigation through. Taking up residence at a local hotel, Britta unwittingly finds her self making unexpected allies with the officer assigned to the case and the town librarian, but she also hides a secret that she hopes no one will discover a secret directly related to the day her family was murdered Part mystery and part fantasy (witches and werewolves fea ture prominently here), the novel is laid out in both flashbacks and present day, building ten sion that will keep readers glued to their seats. Britta’s eventual acceptance of her new found powers and finding hope in the face of tragedy drive the book through to its thrilling conclu sion. Carrie Rasak

O u r L a d y o M y s t e i o s A i l m e n t s .

O l d e r R e a d e r s

A n d We R i s e : Th e C i v i l R i g h t s M o v e m e n t i n P o e m s .

By Erica Mar tin.

2022 160p Viking , $17 99 (9780593352526) Gr 9 12 811

This striking collection of poems documents milestones in the civil rights movement A combination of free verse, effortless rhymes, and precise word placement evokes nuanced settings and triggers deep emotional responses The poems build on each other, occasionally repeating passages to simulate the long, weary struggle. They address harsh circumstances and deplorable events and use accordingly harsh language and imagery (including frequent racial slurs but only in historical context or direct quote; never gratuitously). Black and white archival photos, newspaper headlines, quotes, and brief, one sentence historical ref erences provide insight and add poignancy but never interfere with the flow. While each entry can stand alone, the power is magni fied when the poems are read in sequence Back matter includes a bibliography, an an notated time line of the events, and slightly expanded versions of the incorporated quotes, adding further context This is a strong, his torically accurate collection that can enhance any social studies or language arts unit More important, audiences will appreciate these po ems that leap off the pages, bringing history, pain, dignity, and fierce determination to life Kathleen McBroom

She further goes on to commute poetr y into the virtual age by producing poems that are formatted like text messages (“Sorr y for the long text; / There are no small words in the mouth”). Another innovative use of poetic form is when Gorman intersects histor y with the present by superimposing her words on historical documents Gorman lays out our pandemic world like a map, providing us hope and solidarity as lights to guide us In a world filled with the crippling ebb and flow of the pandemic, Gorman offers hope and a push toward a collective society that values and fights for each other. Gorman’s poetr y operates as a perfect combination of elegy and call to action This stunning collection belongs on ever y shelf Nashae Jones

M a r s h m a l l o w C l o u d s : Tw o P o e t s a t

P l a y a m o n g F i g u r e s o f S p e e c h .

By Ted Kooser and Connie Wanek. Illus. by Richard Jones.

Mar 2022 72p Candlewick, $19 99 (9781536203035) Gr 5 9 811

tion, inspiration can be found anywhere, a sentiment echoed in the authors’ after word, which also encourages readers to write their own poems An overall intriguing, often thought provoking addition to collections, one poetr y aficionados will likely revisit to discover and appreciate new meanings and connections in the verses and in the world around them Shelle Rosenfeld

Y o u n g e r R e a d e r s

I f Th i s B i r d H a d P o c ke t s .

By Amy Ludwig VanDer water. Illus. by Emma J. Virján.

Mar 2022 32p Astra/ Wordsong , $17 99 (9781635923865) Gr 1 3 811

Gorman’s full length poetr y collection (originally titled, like her inauguration poem, The Hill We Climb), offers a stun ning amalgamation of poems formatted in different styles to convey a message of sorrow, unity, and collective healing Gor man aptly organizes her poems into seven sections, navigating such topics as the pandemic, racism, big otr y, and erasure She uses a variety of styles, includ ing concrete and visual poetr y. Within these modes, Gorman eloquently uses the shapes of flags, whales, and buildings to outline the prevailing injustices happening in America and the fragility of the planet as a whole.

Featuring poems ranging from whimsical to reflective, this illustrated collection by poets Kooser former U S Poet Laureate and Wanek spans an array of topics drawn from the natural and human worlds, which here sometimes intersect in unexpected ways Grouped into sec tions by elements Fire, Water, Air, Earth the free verse poems show case sundr y activities, objects, wildlife, and more “Fire,” for ex ample, includes meteor showers and summer heat (“I was the crimson crayon / melting in a sunny car, / the color of firecrackers and flags / and Mars”); “ Water” spotlights boats, tadpoles, and reflective puddles. Others in corporate droll wordplay, like “Flyswatter” (“Fly’ s an active verb, present tense, / always present, always tense”), or humorously cel ebrate books as sandwiches (“Oh, sandwich delicious / The folded pita of your cov ers, / a layer of mayo your table of contents”) Lovely, richly hued and textured paintings, a blend of evocative abstract and figural im ages, complement and reflect the poems ’ multifaceted sensibilities Whether more esoteric or concretely imagistic, train of thought musings or deeper introspections, the poems exploring varied subjects and in an array of tones convey that, with imagina

As a child considers possibilities for Poem in Your Pocket Day, a bird outside provides inspiration: “Suddenly I’m thinking / about creatures everywhere / Which poems would they carry? / Which poems would they share?” Imagined poems from the perspective of a va riety of creatures follow, each incorporating some of their characteristics Ruby Throated Hummingbird begins, “My feathers / are tiny. / I sing / with my wings”; on a starry night, Spotted Turtle writes, “My old shell is sprinkled / with golden constellations / I am a walking sky ” Some vocabulary might need extra explanation, but the imaginative, whimsical tone should easily resonate with children, and the child’s finished poem, con cluding “I am an animal child,” encourages solidarity with wildlife. Throughout this de lightful collection, VanDerwater (Read! Read! Read! 2017) employs various poetic forms and attitudes, which enliven the reading experi ence, as do the vibrant, cartoon illustrations Some Poem in Your Pocket Day information is included, and though this is connected to that celebration, this collection also provides an engaging introduction to both poetry and animals. Shelle Rosenfeld

By Nadim. Illus. by Yasmeen Ismail. Mar. 2022. 32p. Candlewick, $17.99 (9781536223163). PreS Gr 2 811

This charming collection of original poetr y is accompanied by vibrantly joyful illustra tions. A majority of the poems have been attributed to a four year old named Nadim. This may seem a little suspicious, considering that his mother is an educator and literature instructor, but once the poems start rolling out, readers will immediately respond to their authenticity Ever ything from cadence to word choice to imager y rings true to a preschool perspective, and audiences of all ages will enjoy the imaginative descriptions of and fresh insights about ever yday activi ties featuring family, pets, friends, teachers, feelings, and various firsts Poems are ap propriately brief and usually appear one per page, occasionally continuing onto the

Ta ke O f f Yo u r B r a v e : Th e Wo r l d t h r o u g h t h e E y e s o f a P r e s c h o o l P o e t .

facing spread The naive, cartoonlike illus trations feature a diverse cast of preschoolers happily engaged in all sorts of adventures, rendered in bold primar y colors that perfect ly complement the upbeat text. As engaging introductions to writing poetr y and to po ems themselves, these selections beg to be read aloud and will enhance classroom les sons and stor y hours. Kathleen McBroom

Yo u A r e t h e L o v e l i e s t .

By Hans Hagen and Monique Hagen. Illus. by Marit Törnqvist. Tr. by David Colmer. Mar 2022 56p Levine Querido, $17 99 (9781646141289) K Gr 3 811

The Hagens, former children’s book poet laureates of the Netherlands, offer a selec tion of shor t verses that explore children’s questions about hard to express topics “For You” cites the need for superlative language to express affection, “Soon” interprets ex pressions of time and their meanings, and “Clouds” asks how that fluff stays up Most are quietly upbeat; a fe w contemplate death (“Like Grandpa”); others play with language (“Little”). Törnqvist’s whimsical illustra tions approach the poems from a child’s perspective and include many small details “1, 2, 3,” for example, imagines a child play ing teacher to all her book reading stuffies. The ar t conveys emotions mostly through settings rather than facial expressions In “Drops of Sadness,” a child with a bloody knee cries, surrounded by his over turned doll buggy and toys. Still other spreads (“Sunflower Sea”) radiate imagination and joy Concluding with “Enough” (“how many words have I got left / enough / to last a lifetime / to last as long as I live”), this smooth translation is a contemplative gem.

Kay Weisman

Z o o b i l a t i o n s !

By Douglas Florian. Illus. by the author. Mar 2022 48p Simon & Schuster/ Beach Lane, $17 99 (9781534465909) K Gr 3 811

The latest offering from the grizzled wiz ard of wordplay presents 20 creatures, from llamas, who “llove to graze on grass ” and “have a llot of mass, ” to giraffes that “ eat the leaves / of tallest trees / most all giraffe ternoon ” In verses r unning from just a couplet to a dozen or so lines each, Florian intersperses snippets of natural histor y with imaginative flights of fancy, putting centi pedes and millipedes on bicycles to admire how fast they “centi pedal,” or setting an unhappy circus elephant to dreams of fly ing in “ele fantasies ” The poems are paired with like wise free wheeling por traits that treat vie wers to sights ranging from a naked mole rat tr ying on a pair of shor ts to a ham merhead shark pounding nails into a board, all rendered in scribbly preschooler style (though he does stay inside the lines, barely) with crayons or pastels on paper bags. It’s beastly fun, as usual, whether read silently or bellowed aloud John Peters

These outstanding works of poetr y for youth, revie wed in Book list over the last five years, include thematic collections, creative approaches to form, and inspirational takes on Black histor y Ronny Khuri

Bookjoy, Wordjoy. By Pat Mora. Illus. by Raúl Colón. 2018. Lee & Low, $18 95 (9781620142868) PreS Gr 2

Two stellar vets combine to pair inventive, fun, adventuresome poems with exciting, exuberant art Mora writes about her love of poetry and wordplay, emphasizing that each person is unique, so their wordplay will be as well

Cast Away: Poems for Our Time By Naomi Shihab Nye 2020 Greenwillow, $16 99 (9780062907691) Gr 3 6

In this poignant collection, Young People’s Poet Laureate Nye challenges readers to consider their definition of trash and leaves them with a consciousness of Earth’s precari ous environment

In the Past: From Trilobites to Dinosaurs to Mammoths in More than 500 Million Years By David Elliott Illus by Matthew Trueman 2018 Candlewick, $17 99 (9780763660734) K Gr 3

In vivacious, often humorous verse, Elliott walks readers through prehistoric times, treading a fine line between scientific and poetic as it introduces dinosaurs and other ancient creatures

Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance. By Nikki Grimes. 2021. Bloomsbury, $18 99 (9781681199443) Gr 5 8

Grimes showcases the work of lesser known women poets of the Harlem Renaissance in this thought provoking, heartening collection of golden shovel poems, a form that takes a striking line from one poem and uses it to create a new poem

Lion of the Sky: Haiku for All Seasons By Laura Purdie Salas Illus by Mercè López 2019 Lerner/ Millbrook, $19 99 (9781512498097) Gr 1 4

Inventive riddle poems paired with winsome artwork playfully invite readers to think hard about seasons, with Salas employing a form she calls “riddle ku,” a first person haiku that hints at the speaker, inviting readers to guess its identity

Martin Rising: Requiem for a King By Andrea Davis Pinkney Illus by Brian Pinkney 2018 Scholastic, $19 99 (9780545702539) Gr 5 8

Dr. King ’s final months of life, tireless campaign for workers’ rights in Memphis, and the emotional aftermath of his assassination are recounted in this collection of poignant poetry

The Proper Way to Meet a Hedgehog and Other How To Poems. Ed by Paul B Janeczko. Illus. by Richard Jones. 2019. Candlewick, $17.99 (9780763681685). Gr. 1 4.

In this charmingly illustrated collection, poets classic and modern offer a variety of how to poems, ranging in tone from serious to playful and providing young readers with instructions both jocular and sincere

This Poem Is a Nest. By Irene Latham. Illus. by Johanna Wright. 2020. Astra/ Wordsong, $17 99 (9781684373635) Gr 3 8

In this clever collection of found poems, Latham suggests poems are nests in which poets “gather words, ideas, and dreams, and then set about weaving, arranging, and structur ing ” These nestlings, no more than a few lines each, are divided into broad subject areas

The Undefeated. By Kwame Alexander Illus by Kadir Nelson 2019 Clarion, $17 99 (9781328780966) Gr 3 6

Alexander and Nelson combine their considerable talents in this powerful, Caldecott winning ode to inspiring Black American heroes in the fields of sports, the arts, and political activism, as well as everyday champions whose very survival exemplifies success

The Women Who Caught the Babies: A Story of African American Midwives By Eloise Greenfield. Illus. by Daniel Minter. 2019. Alazar, $17.95 (9780997772074). Gr. 3 6.

This unique, moving book of verse, beautifully illustrated by archival photos and full page paintings, pays tribute to the long tradition of African American midwives guiding babies into the world “with gentle, loving hands ”

To p 1 0 Po e t r y B o o k s f o r Yo u t h

U r g e n t M e s s a g e f r o m a H o t P l a n e t : N a v i g a t i n g t h e C l i m a t e C r i s i s .

By Ann Eriksson. Illus. by Belle Wuthrich. 2022 216p Orca, paper, $24 95 (9781459826328) Gr 6 9 333 72

Rather than employ the oft used term cli mate change, Eriksson calls out this global impact for what it is: a climate crisis. In this comprehensive overview, she also doesn’t shy away from the truth: “It’s real It’s now It’s bad ” Beginning with an introduction to global heating and climate science, the text features longer chapters comprised of short sections for easier comprehension It progresses to a detailed look at the consequences of global heating and the causes of the climate crisis, with an emphasis on ecological destruction and inequity, particularly of marginalized people The author’s personal reflections, writ ings and art by concerned teens, photos that reflect both the climate crisis and activists in action, and brightly colored graphics add to the accessibility and relevancy To alleviate any mounting eco anxiety and counter the doom and gloom subject matter, Eriksson dedicates the last chapters to changemakers (includ ing numerous Indigenous youth activists and Indigenous led organizations), overarching so lutions to the climate crisis, and ways ordinary citizens can make a difference. Angela Leeper

sloths, as well as some of the outreach efforts Cliffe undertakes to encourage communities to cultivate sloth friendly environments Oc casional QR codes link to videos of sloths in the wild, and robust back matter, including easy steps kids can take to help sloths, closes out this visually engaging volume Kids pas sionate about animal conservation will love this. Sarah Hunter

B a n d o o l a : Th e G r e a t E l e p h a n t R e s c u e .

By William Grill. Illus. by the author. Mar. 2022. 80p. Flying Eye, $19.99 (9781838740238). Gr 3 6 599 67

es environmental sustainability in this nifty handbook that focuses on nine related sub jects: stuff, waste, food waste, the food system, water, energy, transportation, money, and connection He devotes an eight page chapter to each, with each chapter employing a com mon format: the first four pages give essential information, the next two feature Greenfield’s related adventures, and the final two offer commonsense ideas about what readers can do. For example, the chapter on waste reports that the average person creates 1.63 pounds of trash a day, most of it problematically going to landfills What did Greenfield do? He wore a suit made of his trash for 30 days to attract attention to his cause. What can readers do? Set up a compost bin, buy unpackaged food, purchase used stuff, etc Most readers will find his adventures of the greatest interest: riding a bamboo bicycle across America, not show ering for a thousand days, being a dumpster diver, and more Highly illustrated with pho tographs, charts, and graphs, this salute to sustainability works for both individual read ing and classroom use. Michael Cart

By Suzi Eszterhas Illus by the author Apr. 2022. 40p. Lerner/ Millbrook, lib. ed., $30.65 (9781541589391) Gr 3 6 599 313

Plenty of full color photos adorn this account of scientist Rebecca Cliffe’s work researching sloths and advocating for their conservation. On splashy pages, Eszterhas describes some of Cliffe’s projects and research outfitting sloths in little backpacks containing radio trackers, for instance along with some of her find ings. In addition to ample information about sloth anatomy, behavior, and habitat, Eszter has offers a fascinating glimpse at the work of a scientist currently active in her field Cliffe spends long hours observing animals in the jungle, climbs high into the trees, and learns a lot about sloths by sifting through their poop Many sloth populations are facing habitat loss, and Eszterhas devotes many pages to efforts to preserve natural spaces and rehabilitate injured

This is the extraordinary true story of a man and an elephant, both born in 1897, one in England, the other in Myanmar. Circumstanc es throw them together in the teak lumber industry of rural Myanmar, and James Howard Williams, along with an ookie (trainer) named Po Toke, change the paradigm of elephant training from cruel to compassionate. These men recognize the majesty and value of elephants and the rewarding possibilities of collaboration between humans and animals When WWII breaks out, the inhabitants of the elephant camp find themselves in mortal danger Williams and Po Toke concoct a plan to take all the occupants across uncharted ter rain to safety. Grill’s narrative is interspersed with panels depicting deeper context. Colored pencil illustrations render the sheer scope of this environment with acute clarity Bandoola is the name of the elephant who is at the cen ter of Williams and Po Toke’s world, and theirs is a tale of love and courage. Bandoola is also about the teak industry, the trainers and keep ers of Asian elephants, the environment, war, colonial exploitation, and the importance of conservation of elephants and other wildlife. In addition to the story itself, Bandoola includes maps, graphs, a powerful epilogue, and other text features that will appeal to curious readers and inspired teachers. This remarkable book is a must read Amina Chaudhri

B e t h e C h a n g e : R o b G r e e n f i e l d ’s C a l l t o K i d s M a k i n g a D i f f e r e n c e i n a M e s s e d U p Wo r l d .

By Rob Greenfield and Antonia Banyard. Apr 2022 96p illus Greystone Kids, $18 95 (9781771645911). Gr. 4 6. 363 .738.

Adventurer and activist Greenfield embrac

C e l i a P l a n t e d a G a r d e n : Th e S t o r y o f C e l i a Th a x t e r a n d H e r I s l a n d G a r d e n .

By Phyllis Root and Gar y D. Schmidt. Illus. by Melissa Sweet.

May 2022 40p Candlewick, $18 99 (9781536204292) Gr 1 4 712

As a young child in the mid 1800s, Celia was the lighthouse keeper’s daughter on a rocky is land off the coast of Maine Each spring, she planted a garden and enjoyed its colorful flow ers In winter, cold winds destroyed her garden, but each spring, she replanted. When she was 12, her family moved to a larger island, where her father built a hotel She tended a larger gar den there, when not greeting guests or making beds. Eventually, she married, becoming Celia Thaxter, and moved inland. While raising a family, she wrote poems and painted pictures, often inspired by her memories of the flow ers, the ocean, and the islands. Eventually, she returned there to stay. The quiet, precise text tells of a person who brought beauty to a barren place, while within the illustrations, hand lettered lines from Thaxter’s poems and other writings add her voice as well. Sweet’s vivid, beautifully crafted illustrations capture the story ’ s period setting and quiet, reflective subject This handsome picture book biogra phy will resonate with those who love flower gardens and long for the sea. Carolyn Phelan

Forest Fighter: The Stor y of Chico Mendes. By Anita Ganeri. Illus. by Margaux Carpentier. Mar. 2022. 48p. Interlink/ Crocodile, $19.95 (9781623718565) Gr 1 4 920

This beautiful picture book biography brings readers the story of Brazilian environmentalist Chico Mendes and his important work to pre serve and protect the Amazon rain forest and represent rubber tappers working there The book is organized chronologically and its short paragraphs of text relate the details of Mendes’ life, from tapping rubber trees at a young age

O l d e r N o n f i c t i o n

M i d d l e N o n f i c t i o n

Th e A d v e n t u r e s o f D r. S l o t h : R e b e c c a C l i f f e a n d H e r Q u e s t t o P r o t e c t S l o t h s .

with his father to recognizing injustices suf fered by the workers as seen in the great wealth of estate owners and the poverty of the rubber tappers to fighting to stop deforesta tion These events come to life in Carpentier’s eye catching, full page illustrations, which use vibrant shades of red, green, pink, and deep purple to bring out the beauty of the rain for est, its animals, and the people who live there Much like the work of Cesar Chavez and Do lores Huerta, Mendes’ fight for workers’ rights included forming a Rural Workers’ Union, leading protests, and successfully asking the Brazilian government to create protected areas of rain forest where rubber tappers could live and work. The book also covers Mendes’ assas sination and lasting legacy and concludes with rain forest facts Rosie Camargo

F r e s h A i r, C l e a n Wa t e r : O u r R i g h t t o a H e a l t h y E n v i r o n m e n t .

By Megan Clendenan. Illus. by Julie McLaughlin.

Mar 2022 112p Orca, $24 95 (9781459826793) Gr 4 7 333 72

Clendenan’s introduction to environmental inequalities and rights opens with how these became personal for her when, as a child, her family’s water wasn ’ t reliably drinkable This and other experiences led the author to ask, “Do we have the right to a healthy environ ment? And if we don’t, what can we do?” In answering these questions, this attractive text explains the benefits of clean air and wa ter and the problems created by pollution, drawing attention to things children will be familiar with The author then gets into ac tion, reassuring readers that they have rights and offering case studies of how people world wide have fought for environmental justice. Throughout the book, large photos and il lustrations of environmental hot spots and those helping to keep them clean break up the text, which can be visually dense. A list of ways young people can help recommends doable things like talking to your neighbors and collecting data about local environmental issues. A helpful glossary and list of books and websites closes the work. A worthy purchase where readers enjoy a personal approach to science instruction Henrietta Verma

I t ’s U p t o U s .

By Christopher Lloyd.

2022 34p illus What on Earth?, $21 99 (9781913750565) Gr 1 4 363 738

This picture book version of the Prince of Wales’ global sustainability initiative, the Terra Carta (think Magna Carta for Earth), is divided into three sections ”Nature,” “People,” and “Planet” based on the initia tive’s aim to unite them. Throughout these sections, Absolutely Everything! (2018) author Lloyd describes the importance of natural re sources, humans’ negative impact on Earth, and the effect of climate change on the plan et A fourth section presents action plans, inspired by the Terra Carta, in kid friendly

Top 10 Environment & Sustainability Books for Youth

Wildlife appreciation is naturally a theme in this year ’s Top 10 books on the environment and sustainability for youth, reviewed between March 1, 2021, and February 15 , 2022, but the human impact on climate change is just as im portant to these selections. Sarah Hunter

Amara and the Bats. By Emma Reynolds Illus by the author 2021 Atheneum, $17 99 (9781534469013) Gr 1 3

Amara loves bats, and, when she moves to a new school, she joins an environmental club to help make a local park more bat friendly Approachable and informative, with lots of bat facts and labeled illustrations

Conservation Canines: How Dogs Work for the Environment By Isabelle Groc 2021 Orca, $24.95 (9781459821606). Gr. 4 7.

Eye catching photos feature dogs working in conservation efforts in this robust, engag ing title that highlights not only important work of conservationists but how their canine companions contribute

The Deadliest Hurricanes Then and Now. By Deborah Hopkinson 2022 Scholastic/ Focus, paper, $7 99 (9781338360196) Gr 3 6

The second volume in the Deadliest series focuses on the devastating hurricane that struck Galveston, Texas, in 1900, combining first person accounts with an engaging narra tive and a wealth of informative context.

The Elephant Doctor of India. By Janie Chodosh 2021 Chicago Review, $19 99 (9781641603072) Gr 5 8

Transforming notes and interviews into an anecdotal narrative, Chodosh profiles Kushal Konwar Sarma, a veterinarian from Assam who specializes in elephants in one of the last places with a viable wild Asian elephant population

Fashionopolis ( Young Readers Edition): The Secrets behind the Clothes We Wear By Dana Thomas. 2022. Dial, $17.99 (9780593325018). Gr. 5 8.

This young readers’ edition of Fashionopolis (2019) introduces the complicated world of apparel manufacturing, establishing the history of fast fashion, the environmental im pact of the industry, and glimmers of hope for the future

A Hot Mess: How the Climate Crisis Is Changing Our World By Jeff Fleischer 2021 Lerner/ Zest, $37 32 (9781541597761) Gr 8 12

This science and social studies crossover offers a global perspective on climate related developments, showing how weather extremes have ecological, political, economic, and social repercussions that ripple across continents.

Jayden’s Impossible Garden. By Mélina Mangal Illus by Ken Daley 2021 Free Spirit, $16 99 (9781631985904) K Gr 3

Jayden and his neighbor transform their apartment building ’s lawn into a garden with repurposed materials, and soon their block is an urban wildlife sanctuary

Saving American Beach: The Biography of African American Environmentalist MaVynee Betsch By Heidi Tyline King Illus by Ekua Holmes 2021 Putnam, $17 99 (9781101996294). K Gr. 3 .

This lushly illustrated biography tells the story of MaVynee Betsch, an opera singing African American environmentalist who saved an important stretch of Florida shoreline

The Story of More: How We Got to Climate Change and Where We Go from Here (Adapted for Young Adults) By Hope Jahren 2021 Delacorte, $16 99 (9780593381120) Gr 8 12

In fresh, anecdote filled writing, Jahren details how our planet got to the state it’s in and offers a hopeful guiding premise: use less and share more Well researched, reassur ing, and deeply informative

When the World Runs Dry: Earth’s Water in Crisis By Nancy F Castaldo 2022 Algonquin, $16 95 (9781616209711) Gr 5 8

With impeccable research and sourcing, Castaldo makes a strong case that water is in crisis: for myriad reasons, people around the world don’t have access to safe sources

Another Look at

THw e n t y y e a r s a g o, C a r l H i a a s e n w ro t e h i s fi r s t b o o k f o r c h i l d re n , a n e c o m y s t e r y c a l l e d H o o t , w h i c h w o u l d g o o n t o w i n a N e w b e r y H o n o r I l o v e d H o o t w h e n i t c a m e o u t , b u t w h e n p re s s e d t o re c a l l w h a t i t w a s a b o u t , I c o u l d o n l y re m e m b e r i t s b ro a d e s t s t ro ke s : a b o y i n F l o r i d a t r i e s t o s a ve c u t e , b u r ro w i n g o w l s . T h i s i s , i n d e e d , a t t h e b o o k ’s h e a r t , b u t u p o n re re a d i n g t h e n o v e l I w a s s t r u c k b y s e v e r a l o t h e r t h i n g s t h a t m a ke i t a s t o r y t h a t m o re t h a n h o l d s u p t o t h e t e s t o f t i m e .

I t ’s m y s t e r y - d r i v e n , n o t m e s s a g ed r i v e n .

Because Hoot has become such a staple of environmental kidlit, it was a refreshing surprise to (re)discover that it’s not laced with messaging about conser vation or animal protection. It starts with bullied middle school kid Roy Eberhardt’s obses sion with a barefooted boy he’s spotted from the school bus. This kid runs like the wind and doesn’t attend school, and Roy needs to know why. As for who the runner is, Roy eventually learns that the mysterious boy goes by the name Mullet Fingers (Mullet Fingers!) and is the step brother to tough girl and jock Beatrice

Meanwhile, there’s trouble at the construction site for a Mother Paula’s All American Pancake House. Someone keeps sabotaging the foreman’s efforts to break ground and start building, and a kind but slightly inept police officer is on the case Neither of these grown ups is a shining example of virtue or responsibil ity, and, frankly, it’s funny to see adults get pranked. Uprooted sur vey stakes, alligators hidden in Porta Potties, patrol car

windows spray painted (while the cop sleeps behind the wheel) these things delay construction, and, yes, it’s Mul let Fingers behind them all. But, again, there’s the pesky question of why?

This is where Hiaasen brings ever ything together. It all comes down to the bur rowing owls (which stand “’Bout as tall as a beer can”) nesting at the pancake house site. Roy’s personal investment in Mullet Fingers’ activities transfers easily to the boy’s owl cause, prompting Roy to go beyond pranks and hit the construction project with research and legalities Hi aasen also avoids turning this part of the novel into a “teaching moment ” for owls and activism A few owl facts namely that the burrowing owl is a protected species are integrated as Roy discovers them, and then he and other kids take action. And it works! It feels real and is inspiring as a result.

H i a a s e n d o e s n ’t t a l k d o w n t o h i s re a d e r s .

“Sometimes you ’ re going to be faced with situations where the line isn’t clear

between what’s right and what’s wrong Your heart will tell you to do one thing, and your brain will tell you to something different. In the end, all that’s left is to look at both sides and go with your best judgment.”

Roy’s mom lays this truth on him after he tells a sizable lie to help Mullet Fingers get treatment at a hospital, following a prank gone awr y, and it’s something that Roy reflects on through the rest of the novel. Admitting to life’s gray areas feels ver y adult, but it’s information that’s in credibly useful for kids to know It guides Roy as he decides what steps he should take to help the owls. Ironically, kids can often see matters much more clearly than adults kill owls for pancakes, or don’t kill owls for pancakes? but Hiaasen importantly gives his characters agency, allowing them to come to their own con clusions

K i d s s t i l l g i v e a h o o t a b o u t t h e e n v i ro n m e n t .

“‘Look,’ said Roy, ‘ ever yday we ’ ve been reading about regular people, ordinar y

b y J u l i a S m i t h

Americans who made histor y ’ cause they got up and fought for something they believed in Okay, I know we ’ re just talking about a fe w puny little owls, and I know ever ybody is crazy about Mother Paula’s pancakes, but what’s happen ing out there is just plain wrong So wrong. ’”

Climate change is increasingly a young person ’ s cause, helmed by activ ists like Greta Thunberg and others, but other environmental issues (ocean plastics, animal protection, etc.) are regularly taken up by today’s youth Because Hoot doesn’t get in the weeds with how kids can address a wrong and protest it, the stor y remains relevant and compelling These are impor tant facets of a rounded narrative containing hu mor, intrigue, bullying, child abuse and neglect, good friends, and suppor tive parents. Those are some elements of the complicated, uneven texture of many kids’ lives, and Hiaasen captures this texture without belaboring any of these points. What’s more, he shows kids from different walks of life taking a stand because they believe it’s the right thing to do, and that’s a lesson that never goes out of style

Fu r t h e r Re a d i n g

While Hoot was the first of Hiassen’s five environmental themed middle grade books, other novelists have followed his lead Here are 10 novels that tackle a vari ety of environmental issues and keep young folk at the fore of the action.

Belly Up. By Stuart Gibbs 2010 Simon & Schuster, $18 99 (9781416987314) Gr 5 7 Gibbs got his start writing FunJungle mysteries, this being the first In this zoo based who dunnit, 12 year old Teddy investigates the suspicious death of a hippo at a brand new zoo.

The End of the Wild. By Nicole Helget 2017 Little, Brown, $16 99 (9780316245111) Gr 3 6

Fern loves wandering in the woods, but they become threatened when a fracking com pany comes to town. Fern decides to use her STEM fair project to showcase the useful flora the community would lose if the frackers chop down the trees

Fins. By Randy Wayne White 2020 Roaring Brook, $16 99 (9781250244659) Gr 3 6

In the first of the new Sharks Incorporated series, Doc Ford recruits preteen siblings to help him tag sharks, which are being poached for shark fin soup The three kids, recently emigrated from Cuba, encounter challenges related to this work and their new life in the U S

Fuzzy Mud. By Louis Sachar. 2015. Delacorte, $15.99 (9780385743785). Gr. 4 7.

The woods behind Woodridge Academy are being overtaken by fuzzy mud, an insidious substance somehow linked to a local biofuel company Sachar ’s suspenseful novel digs into topics such as overpopulation, the energy crisis, and bioengineering risks

A Good Day for Climbing Trees. By Jaco Jacobs Illus by Jim Tierney Tr by Kobus Geldenhuys 2018 Oneworld/ Rock the Boat, $11 99 (9781786073174) Gr 4 7

Thirteen year old Marnus’ summer takes an unexpected turn when Leila comes to his door with a petition to save a tree Marnus accompanies her to the park, and, before he fully realizes what’s happening, they are sitting in the tree to protect it from being felled.

Me and Marvin Gardens. By Amy Sarig King 2017 Scholastic/Arthur A Levine, $16 99 (9780545870740) Gr 3 6

On a routine visit to a creek, sixth grader Obe Devlin discovers a capybara like animal that only eats plastic Obe keeps the creature a secret until neighborhood vandals threat en its safety, prompting Obe to tap into his Devlin fierceness and take a stand

The Queen Bee and Me. By Gillian McDunn 2020 Bloomsbury, $16 99 (9781681197517) Gr. 4 7.

Seventh grader Meg struggles to stand up to her longtime best friend as the pair grows apart and takes different sides in a divisive neighborhood debate on whether backyard beekeeping should be permitted

A Snake Falls to Earth. By Darcie Little Badger 2021 Levine Querido, $18 99 (9781646140923) Gr 7 12

Environmental themes run strongly through Little Badger ’s sophomore novel, which examines species extinction and environmental destruction through Lipan Apache story telling traditions and the entwined tales of teenaged Nina and Oli, a cottonmouth snake boy

Strange Birds: A Field Guide to Ruffling Feathers By Celia C Pérez 2019 Penguin/ Kokila, $16.99 (9780425290439). Gr. 5 8.

In this story of friendship and activism, four rising seventh graders form a secret club that endeavors to make a local scout troop (the Floras) stop using an unethically made feathered hat in its annual pageant

The Summer We Saved the Bees. By Robin Stevenson. 2015. Orca, $9.95 (9781459808348) Gr 4 6

The summer Wolf ’s family sets off on a road trip to raise awareness about vanishing honeybees, the boy takes drastic measures to save his family, rather than the world Pas sionate environmentalism blends with the importance of choosing one’s own path.

language, such as “We will bring wild plants and animals back to where they used to live.” Readers won’t discover anything new from the generic text alone, but they will linger and consider the writing more in conjunction with the gorgeous artwork. Using styles rang ing from realistic, geometric, and whimsical to folk art, comic book, and surreal, 33 artists from around the world (many of whom will be new to American viewers) depict both the beauty of Earth and its need for help. Con cluding with the original Terra Carta tenets, this book will appeal most to readers already interested in the cause.

—Angela Leeper

A Kid’s Guide to Saving the Planet: It’s Not Hopeless and We’re Not Helpless. By Paul Douglas. Illus. by Chelen Écija. Mar. 2022. 112p. Beaming, $22.99 (9781506466392). Gr. 5–8. 577.2.

Meteorologist Douglas explains how climate change, pollution, and plastic use have damaged the planet and offers solutions to combat that damage in this informative book. Sidebars profile dozens of young people mak ing a difference like Ann Makosinski, who invented a flashlight that works using her hand’s heat and won the Google Science Fair at 16. Clean-energy solutions are proposed, and one section describes climate careers. The conclusion jumps ahead to 2050 and de

scribes how people have adjusted for higher water levels by incorporating water taxis, floating homes, and flood-proof construction. Écija’s plentiful color illustrations are inviting, and the book contains a bibliography but no source notes. Some of the recommended so lutions are more adult-focused (insulate your home; buy an electric car if you can afford it), while others, while solid tips, gloss over some of this country’s more difficult realities (a sug gestion to drink tap water presupposes that the water is safe to drink.) Douglas reassures readers of this useful book that the climate situation isn’t impossible to solve, and readers will be inspired by what other young people have already accomplished. —Sharon Rawlins

Save the People! Halting Human Extinction.

By Stacy McAnulty. Illus. by Nicole Miles. May 2022. 256p. Little, Brown, $16.99 (9780759553941). Gr. 5–8. 576.84.

This upbeat offering manages to cheerfully summarize the history of the world through mass extinctions. While that might sound ma cabre, the author maintains that it’s important to understand the past before we can do any thing about the future. Engaging, graphics-rich chapters trace how life on earth pivoted after each of the five major mass-extinction events (all long before humans arrived), delve into dangers that have always affected human sur vival (asteroids, supervolcanoes, war, disease,

overpopulation), and then relate almost all of this material directly to our greatest challenge: climate change. Despite detailed descriptions of calamities and symptoms and comparative casualty charts, the book’s overall tone is reas suring. Early on, readers are told that it takes courage to look at these difficult events, are warned when something particularly disturb ing is coming up (Hiroshima, COVID-19), and are congratulated upon reaching the solu tions and action steps listed on the final pages. Cheeky banter wrapped around accessible sci ence, a pages-long time line, charts, graphs, a bibliography, and extensive chapter notes con tribute to this fresh take on saving our planet.

Kathleen McBroom

The Snowy Owl Scientist.

By Mark Wilson. Illus. by the author. Apr. 2022. 96p. Clarion, $18.99 (9780358329596). Gr. 4–7. 598.9.

The terrific Scientists in the Field series gets another installment, this time focusing on the stunning snowy owl. Photographer and owl afficionado Wilson follows long-time field researcher Denver Holt to the Alaskan tundra, home to nesting snowy owls for mil lennia. Holt has been keeping an eye on the owls for years, and readers are treated to an intimate look at the spectacular raptors, Holt’s tireless fieldwork, and the remote town of Utqiagvik and its human residents. It’s an in credibly detailed and engrossing inquiry, and

“Beautifully told and illustrated, this book is a gem on many levels. The relationship with wise Nana illustrates the importance of intergenerational stories; Britta’s determination shows how strong girls can be, and it shows that we all have an impact on the natural world.”

— School Library Journal (starred review)

“The caring little sailor’s tale presents basic information about humans’ threats to whales along with a heartfelt exhortation for young readers to join in the effort to save the oceans and the whales.”

—

the frequent first person narration makes the text urgent and inviting, transporting readers into a wild, windswept world. Tinted sidebars point the audience to brief biographies, ob servation tools, or anatomical information, so the dense material never feels overwhelming The abundant humor and honesty about the sometimes difficult conditions and repetitive aspects of fieldwork is delightfully re freshing, though it is clear that it remains rewarding and es sential work Truly astonishing photos appear on nearly every spread midflight skirmishes, sudden strikes on a scientist’s backpack capturing an impressive range of flora and fauna along with the beauty of the stark landscape. There is much still unknown about the owls, and a concluding discussion of the warming oceans makes it obvious that the ecosystem hangs in a delicate balance An extraordinary crash course in geography, biology, conservation, and ecol ogy that goes far beyond its wonderful winged subject Emily Graham

A Wa r b l e r ’s J o u r n e y.

By Scott Weidensaul. Illus. by Nancy Lane.

May 2022 32p Gr yphon, $17 99 (9780940719477) Gr 1 4 598.8.

In his first book for children, wildlife re searcher and Pulitzer finalist Weidensaul describes the epic flight of a yellow warbler making its spring migration from Nicaragua to Canada’s Northwest Territories. His evoca tive language puts the reader in the warbler’s shoes, so to speak, bringing to life the twitchy instinct she feels to embark on an epic journey First she bulks up, eating cat erpillars and berries, and then her flight begins Lane’s marvelously detailed paintings fill three quarters of every double page spread, where one white strip is reserved for the text. The soft, light dappled scenes are awash with color and convey the scale of the tiny bird’s trip through the much larger world Readers will delight in finding the small, yellow bird in every illustration, whether it’s amid the branches of a shaded coffee farm, above a moonlit ocean, or resting in a backyard garden There is also a lovely incorporation of racial diversity in the few instances where people appear: Nicaraguan farmers, a Black grandmother and grandson, and a Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation family

The appended spread titled “Easy Ways for Everyone to Help Warblers (and All Migrat ing Birds)” provides extra details about the yellow warbler’s migratory route, followed by bulleted tips on keeping migratory birds safe and healthy. An awesome account of an awe inspiring feat. Julia Smith

Wa s h e d A s h o r e : M a k i n g A r t f r o m

O c e a n P l a s t i c .

By Kelly Crull. Illus. by the author. Mar 2022 36p Lerner/ Millbrook, $19 99 (9781728430300) Gr. 2 5. 731.

Artist Angela Haseltine Pozzi saw a problem, took action, and now uses her work to educate others, something readers might be inspired to do by this book. Introductory pages describe how Pozzi saw trash on the beach near her Or egon town and enlisted the help of locals to gather it and create giant sculptures of marine animals. Pozzi then created Washed Ashore, an organization that teaches youngsters how trash harms marine wildlife Following the intro

duction, Crull introduces readers to 14 of the sculptures created by Pozzi and her volunteers, such as a giant Pacific octopus, a rockhop per penguin, and a sea jelly Clear, close up photographs show the creations looking fasci nating but also suitably forlorn Each is accom panied by details on the animal in question, how it is endangered by gar bage, and how to help easy to implement tips include, for example, eating ice cream from a cone rather than using a plastic spoon

Readers at the younger end of the grade range will enjoy searching the images for the items shown beneath each photo and learning how to make their own art from trash, while a section of more advanced activities, such as keeping a field journal, might appeal more to older students. An excellent work on an unusual topic and a must for school and library shelves.

Henrietta Verma

By Catherine Barr. Illus. by Jenni Desmond. Apr 2022 48p Bloomsbur y, $23 99 (9781547607983)

Gr 1 5 333 95

Artful writing and comprehensive re search combine in this wide ranging, lyrical picture book about returning wolves to the Yellowstone ecosystem Desmond’s soft but poi gnant illustrations set a strong tone, with soulful portraits of individual wolves, vast landscapes of mountains and meadows, and scenes of wolves rang ing through the habitat It’s a compelling accompaniment to the rig orous science in Barr’s text (longer than what you typically find in a picture book), which addresses the state of the ecosystem before the wolves returned, tensions with area ranchers who objected to the initiative, the slow pro cess of getting the 14 wolves acclimated to the park, and the gradual but steady recovery of a healthy and balanced ecosystem once the wolves were reintroduced Beyond the imme diate benefits of, for instance, elk population control, the wolves’ presence in the park led to renewed biodiversity across the board, as well as some surprising results, like stabilized river banks. Richly detailed back matter includes the ultimate fate of the original 14 wolves brought to the park, a succinct chart explaining trophic cascade, and information about other rewild ing efforts across the globe. The book ends on a note about continued resistance to rewilding efforts, emphasizing the role human commu nities have in maintaining healthy ecosystems This captivating, illuminating exploration of rewilding is dense with science and reassuring in its message that unbalanced ecosystems can be repaired with thoughtful, sustained policy changes Sarah Hunter n e e r.

By Danica Novgorodoff. Illus. by the author. 2022 40p Crown, $17 99 (9781524773083) PreS Gr 3 509.2.

This appealing picture book biography in troduces Humboldt as a curious German boy who grew up to become a naturalist and travel the world in order to understand it better. In 1799, he sailed to Venezuela, beginning a five

year journey to study the plains, rain forests, mountains, and volcanoes of South America while learning from the Indigenous people there Though he was initially struck by the differences between European animals and plants and those in South America, his partic ular gift was the ability to see connections with in the natural world He formed valid theories explaining, for example, why there are chains of volcanoes In the back matter, Novgorodoff, the writer illustrator of Slow Storm (2008) and Refresh, Refresh (2009) and the illustrator of the graphic nov el version of Jason Reynolds’ Long Way Down (2020), notes her longtime fascination with Humboldt, who “established the foundation of modern ecology.” She uses the interplay of text and art beautifully On one page, the young Humboldt is encircled by curving questions posed in a simple, childlike way, while a later picture shows him looking down from near the top of a mountain, literally and figuratively gaining new perspective The sto ry unfolds in an engaging text, illustrated with pleasing pencil drawings and vivid watercolor washes. A memorable introduction to Hum boldt Carolyn Phelan

A t t h e P o n d .

By David Elliott. Illus. by Amy Schimler Safford.

Mar 2022 40p Candlewick, $18 99 (9781536205985) K Gr 2 577 63

This is a lovely picture book about plants and animals native to pond ecosystems Each critter (e g , mallard, catfish, beaver, dragonfly) and plant (cattails, water lilies) is highlighted in a double page spread, with illustrations that span both pages, creating inviting vistas. The rhyming text features a variety of cadences and rhythms, ranging from lyrical descriptions of physical features to catchy rhymes (“Polly! Pol ly! Pollywog! Golly! Golly! Golly! Frog!”). The action begins at dawn with a blackbird sing ing its morning song and progresses through the day as turtles come out to sun themselves, herons hunt in the shadows, and muskrats and deer emerge as the daylight ebbs away. The mixed media illustrations are vibrant and detailed and, like the poems, capture the in terplay between the various entities that share the pond habitat. Back matter offers brief notes and fun facts for each subject Perfect for read ing out loud, this selection will pair nicely with nonfiction titles, reinforce curriculum standards, and enhance STEAM collections.

Kathleen McBroom

B r a i n s O n ! P r e s e n t s . . . E a r t h F r i e n d

Fo r e v e r.

By Molly Bloom and others. Illus. by Mike Orodán.

Mar 2022 48p Little, Brown, $17 99 (9780316459419)

K Gr. 3 . 363 .72.

Set down that single use water bottle and

listen up, because your forever buddy Earth has some straight talk about the environmental harms of plastics. Plastic is pretty incredible, but Earth reveals that it has landed in oceans, forests, mountains, and deserts, where it nega tively impacts animals “Some of them have tried eating it. Others have gotten tangled up in it. All of them are sick of it.” Earth levels with “little humans” and offers us suggestions, including using metal straws, reusable totes, and refillable water bottles in order “ to use less pesky plastic.” Pencil sketches on paper with digital coloring vary in layout and per spective and feature a diverse array of slightly exaggerated people, a personified Moon, and our wide eyed and chummy protagonist. Back matter includes additional facts about plastics, although no citations or source material This second book from the team behind a popular podcast series brings warmth and humor to STEM content and invites approachable envi ronmental action by young readers who may share an invigorated sense of loyalty to their pleading pal Earth. Kit Ballenger

H e l l o, P u d d l e !

By Anita Sanchez. Illus. by Luisa Uribe. Mar 2022 40p Clarion, $17 99 (9780358381440) PreS Gr. 3 . 577.

Observing the plants and animals in and around the puddle at the end of her drive way, Sanchez invites readers to join her there and watch the tadpoles hatch from eggs in the water. They soon grow into “tiny toadlets.” Around the perimeter, seeds sprout and become flowers, grasses, and tree seedlings Swallows swoop down to drink, while a turtle lays her eggs nearby. Ducks, snails, wasps, butterflies, squirrels, and deer stop by the puddle, which dwindles until the next rainfall and, in winter, turns to ice On a typical two page spread, the dual text includes a short, large type sentence for younger children and a longer sentence or two for kids who are ready to read or listen to more facts related to the topic The helpful back matter discusses common wild animals visiting puddles and points out the creatures ’ many ways of using mud as well as water The appealing illustrations include a night picture in deep, dusky hues, contrasting nicely with the bright, colorful daylight scenes. An appeal ing introduction to an often overlooked part of nature Carolyn Phelan

H ow t o M a ke a M o u n t a i n : F r o m G e o l o g i c Fo r m a t i o n t o Th r i v i n g H a b i t a t i n J u s t 9 S i m p l e S t e p s a n d O n l y 1 0 0 M i l l i o n Ye a r s !

By Amy Huntington. Illus. by Nancy Lemon. May 2022 68p Chronicle, $18 99 (9781452175881) K Gr. 3 . 551.82.

Most how to books give instructions for projects that will take somewhere between a few minutes and a few weeks Making a moun tain takes 100 million years! And the “ easy steps ” may not be quite so simple. Using a friendly but informative second person voice, the humorous narrator treats readers as full par ticipants in the geologic process, complete with explanations as needed. For example, Hunting

Th e Wo l v e s o f Ye l l o w s t o n e : A R e w i l d i n g S t o r y.

ton defines the word glacier and relates glaciers to Earth’s ancient cooling, then instructs, “To make a glacier, . . . [gather] snowmaking ma chines, bazillions of them This could take a while Let’s say tens of thousands of years ” Lemon’s sketch like illustrations match the engaging tone. Even as they bring to life the huge changes undergone by the mountain in the making, they also convey the delight of the child creator and her raccoon assistant at their accomplishments. An “Additional Mountain Crafting Projects” section at the end introduces more specialized mountain features and vocab ulary, and the afterword addresses the general complexity of geological change on our planet Earth science charmingly disguised as a how to manual Miriam Aronin

invites the reader into the city’s life and de picts diverse families and neighbors meeting on the street, in a garden, and at a block party. The author adds frequent interactive touches (through questions like “How many wheels can you count?” or “Can you spot something fast and something slow?”) that help make the book a good read aloud for preschoolers. Bright, busy illustrations capture the urban feel as well as environmentally conscious details. At the same time, the city feels reassur ingly familiar, like it could be the reader’s own home A closing two page spread of a back yard highlights “More Ways to Be Green,” such as growing herbs in window boxes and using a compost bin. Overall, a light, positive

take on urban community and sustainability Miriam Aronin

Th e T i d e P o o l Wa i t s . By Candace Fleming. Illus. by Amy Hevron

Apr. 2022. 40p. Holiday/ Neal Porter, $18.99 (9780823449156) PreS Gr 2 577 69

“The waves CR A A A A SH in / And then cr e e e e p out / Swish, gurgle, trickle, drip drip drop. / Seawater collects between the rocks. And quiet settles over the shore. And . . . / The tide pool waits ” Using lyrical language that appeals to the senses, Fleming introduces these Pacific Coast intertidal zone features, explaining how they form, what creatures are

By Tera Kelley. Illus. by Marie Hermansson. Mar 2022 32p Sourcebooks/ Dawn, $16 99 (9781728232164). K Gr. 2. 582.16.

Recent research has discovered that trees communicate with each other through their roots and underground fungi networks This picture book introduces these findings through a story about a young sapling sprouting in the shade of a giant Doug las fir. A squirrel buries a pine cone that still carries a seed, the seed begins to grow, soon the result ing sapling’s roots stretch down into the forest network, and other trees (including the neigh boring giant) send nutrients to help the sapling thrive Then the towering Douglas fir is struck by lightning, loses a huge branch, and becomes infested by beetles. The big tree sends out a combined warning and distress signal, and the other trees respond by sending back healing nutrients The detailed illustrations offer both above and below ground views and help em phasize how the trees support the entire forest ecosystem There’s a gold mine of information in the back matter: accessible explanations of the science, a list of what scientists know about tree communication and what still needs to be learned, and suggestions and activities that tie to social emotional learning There’s not much out there on tree talk for young readers, and this informative and engaging book fills that void nicely. Kathleen McBroom

O

In Our Green City, the text describes a somewhat idyllic place where “ we take care of all living things.” These practices include everything from using solar panels and wind mills to creating backyard farms and rain gardens. Another focus of the book is com munity. Told in first person plural, the book

found there (barnacles, mussels, snails, limpets, opaleyes, octopuses, and sculpin), and how sea life adapts to these temporary abodes. These animals are most active (eating, hunting, ex ploring) during high tides when they are fully submerged and free to move about; those caught in tide pools during low tides must wait for the next high tide to break free Seattle based illustrator Hevron’s artwork, rendered in acrylic paint and pencil, employs a color ful palette to depict this dynamic ecosystem. Her stylized creatures appear in minimal detail with shape and hue employed as distinguish ing features This is particularly effective in the back matter, which offers additional infor mation about each creature and the layers of the intertidal zone, enabling readers to easily identify and distinguish among black mussels, purple sea urchins, green and white barnacles, and more. The result is a pleasing and painterly portrait of the intertidal zone, fairly bursting with color A perfect introduction to these amazing rock pools, appropriate for primary science lessons and curious beach goers alike.

Kay Weisman

M i d d l e F i c t i o n

Th e T i l t e r s m i t h .

By Amy Herrick.

Apr 2022 320p Algonquin, $17 95 (9781643750996) Gr 5 8

The four middle schoolers who saved the world at the winter solstice in The Time Fetch (2013) do it again at the spring equinox as an age old conflict plays out in a Brooklyn park. Even as winter weather persists through April and sparks intense discussions of climate change, shy Brigit, outgoing Danton, and abrasive Feenix find themselves struggling to keep three magical tokens that they have been given by an enigmatic Green Man out of the clutches of the decidedly creepy, goat footed Tiltersmith, who has taken up residence in their school Meanwhile, secretive science geek Edward discovers that a seemingly empty co coon is really a gateway to a mazelike prison where the Tiltersmith has secreted the charis matic Lady of the Bees until she surrenders to him. Despite the contemporary setting, a di versified cast, and topical themes, events take on ritualistic elements that readers up on their Greek mythology will recognize American fans of Susan Cooper’s The Dark Is Rising sequence will find themselves on familiar footing, albeit a bit closer to home John Peters

Tu r n t h e T i d e .

By Elaine Dimopoulos. Illus. by Melati Wijsen.

Mar 2022 368p Clarion, $16 99 (9780358538158) Gr 4 7

Twelve year old Mimi, whose family recently relocated from Massachusetts to a Florida is land, has spent her life working to be a classical

pianist, with her sights set on Carnegie Hall’s Young Artists competition. It’s an ambition she shared with her best friend, Lee, but in her new home a new interest emerges After seeing an inspirational TED Talk, Mimi becomes deeply involved in the movement to ban the use of plastic bags on the island. It means navigat ing new acquaintances and making decisions about her passions, politics, and priorities Her parents are immersed in opening a new restaurant and not always available to help her through this transition, but she navigates the life lessons thrown her way with growing maturity Written in verse, this eco conscious novel also features a foreword by Melati Wijsen, who cofounded Bye Bye Plastic Bags with her sister as a young teen in Bali, and back matter on plastics pollution An inspirational success story for young activists and those who just need a nudge. Beth Rosania

Y o u n g F i c t i o n

A m I E v e n a B e e ?

By Felicity Muth. Illus. by Alexa Lindauer. Apr 2022 40p Baobab, $17 95 (9781936097401) PreS Gr 3

Osmia has always considered herself a bee, but lately she’s been questioning her iden tity The bees depicted in magazines and on T shirts all look the same (round, fluffy, black and yellow bodies) and are “social, hanging out in groups, ” but Osmia has a slender form, patchy hair, and blue green color ing And she lives alone Luckily, Os mia meets Xyla, an all black carpenter bee, who explains that she too is unlike the black and yellow honeybees She points out what different bees have in common and in troduces Osmia to a sweat bee, a cuckoo bee, and a digger bee. The book concludes with Osmia knowledgeable about the character istics shared by all bees and commenting on their diversity: “There are many ways to be a bee.” Both Muth and Lindauer have advanced degrees in biology A Professor at the Univer sity of Texas at Austin, Muth presents ideas to children in an appealing, sometimes amusing way. While a few of Lindauer’s colorful, dou ble page pictures include fanciful elements related to the story, the bees and flowers are illustrated with accuracy as well as vitality and grace This playful but enlightening picture book introduces some less familiar members of the bee family, while showing that physical characteristics and activities vary among types of bees Carolyn Phelan

Th e G a r d e n We S h a r e .

By Zoë Tucker. Illus. by Julianna Swaney. Mar 2022 32p NorthSouth, $18 95 (9780735844841) PreS Gr. 1.

This lovely evocation of a small community

garden emphasizes the social aspect of group gardening. The narrator is a little girl who, along with an older brown woman carrying seed packets and a coffee thermos, meets two other older women, one white, one Black, in a fenced in city garden at the first hint of spring. The process of tending to a garden, and to friendships, is beautifully delineated as the women guide the girl through the stages of gardening and they all wait, visiting, nap ping, reading. The text conveys the sights, smells, and sounds of a garden, while the il lustrations, done in pastels, feature the garden’s plenty in gorgeous detail The harvest is shared with neighbors in a big outdoor neighborhood feast. Near the book’s end, the sudden death of the older woman who accompanied the girl is somewhat jarring, upsetting the prior emotion al arc Still, this story should inspire family and neighborhood gardening. Connie Fletcher

H a r r i e t ’s R u f f l e d Fe a t h e r s : Th e Wo m a n W h o S a v e d M i l l i o n s o f B i r d s .

By Joy McCullough. Illus. by Romina Galotta. Mar. 2022. 40p. Simon & Schuster, $17.99 (9781534486768) PreS Gr 3

Harriet had “ a great big ostrich of a prob lem ” Ladies in the late 1800s wore spectacular hats festooned with massive bird feathers. Harriet loved her hats, but when she and her friend Minna discovered that more than 5 mil lion birds were killed every year for fashion, they were determined to stop the slaughter. They convinced 900 Boston women to boy cott the wearing of feathered hats With the help of influential people, they formed the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and by 1898, even President Teddy Roosevelt was on board Today, this national organization has helped create conservation legislation that protects habitats for wildlife and important ecosystems. The writing in this fictionalized biography, sprinkled with bird metaphors, sparkles: “Minna kept chirping until she was ninety two, ” while Harriet “twittered all the way to her one hundred and third birthday ” Pastel watercolors depict ladies in fashionable hats and dresses, the glorious plumage of many birds, and realistic natural environments Back matter gives information about the Audubon Society, provides instructions for making pre tend binoculars, and encourages children to become citizen conservation scientists and en vironmentalists

Lolly Gepson

Th e L a s t T i g e r : A S t o r y o f H o p e .

By Beck y Davies. Illus. by Jennie Poh.

2022 32p Tiger Tales, $17 99 (9781680102727) PreS Gr 1

In this companion to Little Turtle and the Changing Sea (2021), a tiger finds herself in peril this time Bright orange Aasha and her fellow tigers stand out amid the lush green forest and abundant wildlife, but soon sunny days become hotter and rainy days be come wetter until there’s a flood. While the adorable tiger loves swimming in the newly formed watery playground, she notices that other animals, like the boars, have lost their grazing grounds and are leaving. With the

boars her favorite meal! gone, Aasha starts to run out of food as well. As she finds herself alone among stumps, forest colors also begin to fade A dark, nighttime scene transitions the story to the cause of the deforestation and disappearing wildlife: humans and ma chines with “bright silver teeth.” Wandering solo, Aasha notices another orange spot an orangutan friend and together they search for a new home Once again, verdant colors and wildlife return in an untouched land. Back matter offers more information on tiger habitats, deforestation, and climate change to little conservationists Angela Leeper

M i g u e l ’s C o m m u n i t y G a r d e n .

By JaNay Brown Wood. Illus. by Samara Hardy.

Mar 2022 32p Peachtree, $16 99 (9781682631669)

PreS Gr 1

Miguel is hosting a garden party and needs sunflowers to enhance his decor. He visits his community garden, determined to find them Sunflowers stand on a single stem, grow tall, have smooth leaves, and have yellow petals with many clustered seeds at the center. Now that readers know what Miguel is looking for, they can help him find them Along their hunt, they will learn that the properties applicable to sunflowers also apply to other fruits and veg etables such as apricots, artichokes, cherries, mulberries, spinach, mushrooms, celery, and bell peppers Yes, these plants and fungi have lot of similarities thick stems, round centers, clustered seeds, and so on but only one is an actual sunflower Hardy’s colorful double page spreads feature lots of garden detail and thoughtfully depict each plant feature Miguel examines. Along with the lesson on some basic plant biology, this book offers a breezy intro duction to gardening A recipe for a salad (to be made with the help of an adult) composed of some of the plants featured in the book con cludes. Vivian Alvarez

By Jennifer Lav allee. Illus. by Natalia Colombo. 2022 36p Greystone 95

PreS Gr 1

Nature, personified, leads young explorers through a day of rambling and creative play in a vibrant, cheerful story extolling the ease and joys of artistic adventure Five rosy cheeked children depicted in a range of skin tones fol low a yeti like, chartreuse and jade Nature as it shows the group that merely by observing the outdoors for inspiration they “ can all be art ists ” The oversize leader “paints a scene / hills against the sunrise, / gold and rose and green, ” “makes a fine collage” of summer flowers, and molds the earth over time with its wind and rain In turn, the children enthusiastically fin gerpaint bumblebees, paste paper masterpieces, sculpt towering sandcastles, and more. Laval lee captures the making process in a rhythmic cadence with compelling action verbs like dab, etches, and splashed Energetic illustrations in lively hues vary in texture and style while ref erencing both the children’s artistic efforts and

their environmental inspiration A solid debut suited to early elementary classrooms, outdoor programs, and caregivers seeking approachable craft inspiration Kit Ballenger

Wo u l d Yo u C o m e To o ?

By Liz Garton Scanlon. Illus. by Diana Sudyka. Apr 2022 40p Simon & Schuster/ Beach Lane, $17 99 (9781534452060) K Gr 2

A group of children with varying skin tones lives in a small cluster of wooden homes gath ered around a river that flows to the sea. In this celebration of the natural world, one child in a red shirt stands out against the appealing land scape composed of lush greens, deep blues, and soothing grays. A neighbor comes out to play,

then they are eventually joined by three more In this simple outdoor setting, no technology or adults are present or needed. Breezy, rhyth mic text effectively captures small elements of nature in language young children will under stand and enjoy, inviting them to consider their surroundings in new ways. What if we were walls, the wind, or a pond? Perhaps a muddy bank, birds, or a seed? Watercolor gouache il lustrations, finished digitally, combine fantasy and realism as the children discover and con sider different parts of the scene. The characters explore the outdoors in an atmosphere of safety and freedom, resulting in a narrative that could inspire both contemplation and adventure

Lucinda Whitehurst

Thought-Provoking Y A N O N F I C T I O N

Desert Biome. By Elizabeth Andrews 2022 24p illus lib ed , $20 95 (9781098241001); e book, $37 95 (9781098241704) 577 54 Forest Biome. By Elizabeth Andrews 2022 24p illus lib ed , $20 95 (9781098241018); e book, $37.95 (9781098241711). 577.3. Freshwater Biome. By Elizabeth Andrews. 2022. 24p. illus. lib. ed., $20 95 (9781098241025); e book, $37 95 (9781098241728) 577 6 Grassland Biome. By Elizabeth Andrews 2022 24p illus lib ed , $20 95 (9781098241032); e book, $37 95 (9781098241735) 577 4

The design of the Beautiful Biomes series is pleasing in its sim plicity An understated, patterned border stretches across each double page spread, upon which half of the available space is de voted to wide spaced lines of large print text on a white background, while the other half displays a large, clearly reproduced photo or the occasional digital diagram or picture. The texts are brief, but the colorful illustrations are well chosen and pertinent to the topics dis cussed Each volume introduces several specific categories within the biome indicated by the book’s title. Besides pointing out animal and plant adaptations to arid conditions, Desert features the driest biome, which includes ranges from arid, sandy regions to those with long, freezing winters Forest looks at the land, the trees, the climates, and some of the varied animals living in temperate and tropical forests as well as the boreal forests of the far north. Freshwater encompasses rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands (marshes, swamps, bogs), while highlighting a few of the animals and plants that thrive there From equatorial savannas to temperate plains, Grassland presents these lands, the plants and wildlife they support, and the fires that occasionally sweep across them. An attractive addition to primar y grade units on biomes Carolyn Phelan

for Little Environmentalists This appealing board book series looks to leaders in the field (sometimes literally), giving light accounts of their lives, work, and values. Each book begins with the statement, “An environmentalist cares for and protects the world around us: the land, water, and air, and the animals and people who live on our planet,” and closes with encouraging ways in which kids can be en vironmentalists themselves. Conservation with Jane Goodall, naturally, looks to Goodall’s work with chimpanzees, paying particular attention to her efforts to protect these animals and their habitats Ecosystems with Rachel Carson accessibly defines ecosystems as “communities of liv ing and nonliving things working together in nature ” and highlights their interconnectedness. In Preservation with Aldo Leopold, readers get a good sense of Leopold’s love and respect for the outdoors, which he encouraged people to treat “like we would treat a neighbor ” Restora tion with Wangari Maathai effectively shows how planting trees helped “ to heal and repair damaged land.” Cute digital illustrations will hold the attention of the littlest readers, but the longer text, big ideas, and reader directed questions will also work with those who have gradu ated to picture books Julia Smith

Big Ideas for Little Environmentalists: Conservation with Jane Goodall. By Maureen McQuerry. Illus. by Robin Rosenthal. Mar. 2022 20p $8 99 (9780593323601) 590 92

Big Ideas for Little Environmentalists: Ecosystems with Rachel Carson By Maureen McQuerry Illus by Robun Rosenthal Mar 2022. 20p. $8.99 (9780593323649). 570.92.

Big Ideas for Little Environmentalists: Preservation with Aldo Leopold By Maureen McQuerry Illus by Robin Rosenthal Mar 2022 20p $8 99 (9780593323724) 333 9516

Big Ideas for Little Environmentalists: Restoration with Wangari Maathai. By Maureen McQuerry. Illus. by Robin Rosenthal. Mar. 2022 20p $8 99 (9780593323687)\ 333 72092

Following the success of the Big Ideas for Little Philosophers series, McQuerry and Rosenthal now turn to the physical world in Big Ideas

Endangered Animals in the Deserts. By Emilie Dufresne 2022 24p illus lib ed , $23 60 (9781725336209) 591 754

Endangered Animals in the Rain Forest. By Emilie Dufresne 2022 24p. illus. lib. ed., $23.60 (9781725336247). 591.734. Endangered Animals in the Sea. By Emilie Dufresne. 2022. 24p. illus lib ed , $23 60 (9781725336322) 591 77

Endangered Animals on the Grasslands. By Emilie Dufresne 2022 24p illus lib ed , $23 60 (9781725336360) 591 74

The entries in the Endangered Animals series promise to spark curiosity as they inform readers about creatures that need our pro tection Each book explains what it means to be an endangered species and features a chart for classifying an animal’s status, from “least concern ” to “vulnerable” (“high risk of extinction in the wild”) to “critically endangered” (“extremely high risk of extinction in the wild”) to extinct The books’ highly visual design utilizes colorful text, clear photos showcasing the animals, a small map pinpointing where they live, and a fast facts box. Each volume examines a partic ular habitat, highlighting five at risk animals from around the globe that call it home Endangered Animals in the Deserts includes Africa’s dorcas gazelles (vulnerable) and the desert pupfish (vulnerable) of the southwestern U S and northwest Mexico Endangered Animals in the Rain Forests introduces South America’s okapis (endangered) and Su matran orangutans (critically endangered), as well as the now extinct Spix’s macaw Endangered Animals in the Sea swims alongside criti cally endangered hawksbill turtles, angel sharks, and bluefin tuna Endangered Animals on the Grasslands focuses on iconic creatures like tigers and African elephants. The causes for each animal’s threat ened status are given when possible, ranging from climate change to habitat loss to pollution and other human activities Concluding sec tions include animal “Success Stories” and “Save the Animals!” tips.

Aurora Dominguez

Earth Friendly Energy. By Nick Rebman 2021 32p illus lib ed , $28 50 (9781644938362); e book, $24 95 (9781644939284) 550 Earth-Friendly Transportation. By Nick Rebman. 2021. 32p illus lib ed , $28 50 (9781644938379); e book, $24 95 (9781644939291) 550

Pollinator Gardens. By Nick Rebman 2021 32p illus lib ed , $28.50 (9781644938386); e book, $24.95 (9781644939307). 638. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. By Nick Rebman. 2021. 32p. illus. $28.50 (9781644938393); e book, $24 95 (9781644939314) 628 4

This series emphasizes reasonable, ever yday choices young readers can make to minimize their impact on the environment. All the titles use the same basic four chapter format, beginning with examples of

B

B i g I d e a s o L t t E

E n d a n g e re d A n i m a l s S e r i e s . Ro s e n / Po w e r K i d s . G r. 1 3 . ( 6 t i t l e s )

individuals modeling earth friendly actions The second chapter ex plains how a variety of current behaviors has caused environmental harm and how low income communities have been disproportion ately affected by these actions Next come solutions to a major, sometimes even global, scale, and the final chapter brings these so lutions back down to the personal level Each title also includes a special “That’s Amazing” profile of a kid friendly green project or kid innovator. Earth Friendly Energ y introduces a girl who invented a propeller powered by ocean waves Earth Friendly Transportation suggests using a “walking school bus” to get to school, which pro duces zero emissions while providing exercise. Pollinator Gardens tells of homebound students who started backyard gardens during the pandemic Reduce, Reuse, Recycle shares the stor y of a boy in New Delhi who successfully campaigned to eliminate plastic straws Pages are filled with wide spaced, easy to read text, colorful graphics, inset fact boxes, and fresh photos (the shots in Pollinator Gardens are es pecially effective) Back matter includes a quiz (from basic recall and vocabular y to open ended, persuasive prompts), glossar y, and grade appropriate bibliography There’s also a link to a teacher resource website. This handsome set will resonate and hopefully inspire young environmentalists. Kathleen McBroom S.

Butterflies Soar. By Amber Hendricks Illus by Gavin Scott 2022 20p. $8.99 (9781681527055). 638. Wildflowers Grow. By Amber Hendricks. Illus. by Gavin Scott. 2022 20p $8 99 (9781681527062) 582 13097

The Little Nature Explorers series introduces common natural pro cesses in short, rhyming verse and colorful illustrations, printed in board book form for little hands. Butterflies Soar presents the meta morphosis of a butterfly, leading readers through the stages from presumably very hungry caterpillars to chrysalises and, finally, but terflies Double page illustrations give wide but up close views of the critters in their habitats while a repeating patterns of action verbs and short descriptive phrases carry readers through. “Crunch, crunch, munch, / Caterpillars lunch ” Wildflowers Grow employs the same technique, this time following the journey of flower seedlings and the creatures around them from the soil toward the sky. “Down, down, deep / Little seeds asleep.” The sing song text, coupled with the soft, warm artwork, makes these appealing, accessible options, and the repetition of action verbs builds the groundwork of a nature based vocabulary Preliterate fans of Phyllis Root’s charming Flip, Flap, Fly (2009) will appreciate these gentle nature primers. Ronny Khuri

O B K– G (

Caves. By Sara Green 2021 24p illus lib ed , $26 95 (9781644875209) 551 44 Prairies. By Karen Latchana Kenney. 2021. 24p. illus. lib. ed., $26.95 (9781644875230). 577.4.

Rain Forests. By Karen Latchana Kenney 2021 24p illus lib ed , $26 95 (9781644875247) 577 34

Rivers. By Sara Green. 2021. 24p. illus. lib. ed., $26.95 (9781644875254). 551.48.

Spectacular, colorful, high quality photos are the highlight of the Our Planet Earth series Each installment introduces an ecosystem including physical characteristics, representative plants and animals, and the dangers of human impact through a few sentences of ac cessible text in an early reader format Numerous infographics with ecosystem examples from around the world, charts, and labeled photos reinforce comprehension and interest Caves looks at three kinds of caves (solution, lava tube, and glacier), how each is formed, and how some animals have adapted to live in these mostly dark environments Prairies shares how adaptations help grasses sur vive hot, windy summers and long, cold winters and how natural distur bances, such as droughts, fires, and grazing, actually keep prairies healthy. Rain Forests presents both tropical and temperate rain forests

and what plant and animal life is like in these forests’ different layers. Rivers emphasizes the formation and shifting nature of these bodies of water as well as how currents contribute to these changes The volumes each conclude with another infographic, spotlighting how people affect each ecosystem and ways they can protect them Back matter includes a glossar y, related books, and a publisher portal to curated web content. This series satisfies both curricular needs and browsing readers Angela Leeper

Ro l y a n d Fr i e n d s S e r i e s . D K / D K C h i l d re n . P re S – G r. 1. (4 t i t l e s )

Roly the Hedgehog. By Frances Rodgers. Illus. by Ben Grisdale. Apr. 2022. 40p. $9.99 (9780744054712). 599.33.

Ror y the Garden Bird. By Frances Rodgers Illus by Ben Grisdale Apr 2022 40p $9 99 (9780744054729) 598 0941

Rosy the Bumblebee. By Frances Rodgers. Illus. by Ben Grisdale. Apr. 2022. 40p. $9.99 (9780744054743). 595.79.

Roxy the Butterfly. By Frances Rodgers Illus by Ben Grisdale Apr 2022 40p $9 99 (9780744054736) 638

These books in DK’s new Roly and Friends series aim to involve young readers directly in conservation work. Each book begins with the animal, bird, or insect introducing itself by name and type and then telling the reader “I need your help ” The following pages offer a variety of small, concrete suggestions for making backyards friendly for these important visitors. For example, in Roly the Hedgehog, the little hedgie notes that he can get stuck in nets and asks readers to “Please lift them up when not in use ” Rory the Garden Bird contains requests for a clean bird bath, bird seed in summer, and suet balls in winter Rosy the Bumblebee invites readers to “Please plant lots of flowers in your backyard.” Unlike the other books, Roxy the Butterfly briefly details a butterfly’s life cycle before introducing garden tips for welcoming butterflies Though writing for an American audience, Rodgers’ work retains some of the flavor of the British countryside Ben Grisdale’s painted illustrations one large picture per spread add charm in a similar style. Several pages at the end of each book provide pithy additional facts about and photographs of the animal Despite some potentially over general statements about looming extinction, this sec tion adds much needed context for why certain creatures require help.

Miriam Aronin

O l d e r R e a d e r s

B l a i n e f o r t h e W i n .

By Robbie Couch.

Apr 2022 336p Simon & Schuster, $19 99 (9781534497467). Gr. 9 12.

When rich, ambitious Joey, who is deter mined to become the first gay U S president, dumps 16 year old white artist Blaine for not being serious enough, the dumpee is devastated and determines to win Joey back by running for president himself of the senior class, that is Helping him are his best friend and campaign captain Trish, who is Black; her girlfriend Camil la; and Danny Nguyen, a Vietnamese American teen who is bi and with whom Joey has a meet cute over an aloe vera plant (don’t ask) Things quickly become complicated: Blaine, who has no political experience and is an unknown at school (he prefers painting murals on local storefronts) is definitely the underdog Worse, his opponent, Zach, is a serious guy and Joey’s new boyfriend Meanwhile, Blaine is starting to crush on Danny, but does Danny feel the same way? Will Blaine win the election? Stay tuned Couch (The Sky Blues, 2021) has written an en

gaging novel with likable characters and a clever plot that requires only a slight suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader An altogether winning read. Michael Cart

B l o o d S c i o n .

By Deborah Falaye. Mar 2022 432p HarperTeen, $18 99 (9780062954046) Gr. 8 12.

This epic fantasy debut, inspired by Yoruba Nigerian mythology, reminds readers that sometimes monsters are not born; they are made Living in a land ruled by the ruthless Lu cis, 15 year old Sloane is a powerful Scion and descended from the ancient Orisha gods She can destroy enemies by burning them at will, but it’s an ability she must hide or risk being killed One day, she is forced to join the Lucis army, which she uses as an opportunity to learn how to get rid of their overpowering rule from the inside The story is fast paced and engag ing as it follows Sloane’s quick rise through the army ’ s ranks As she grows more powerful, it becomes clear that she might be losing herself in the process Full of lessons about the conse quences of revenge and of losing one ’ s purpose,

the story also features compelling character de velopment and shocking events that will keep the pages turning. Aurora Dominguez

D i a m o n d P a r k .

By Phillippe Diederich

Mar. 2022. 288p. Dutton, $17.99 (9780593354254). Gr. 9 12.

Ajoyous

Look for reviews of these high demand titles in forthcoming issues of Booklist

Bravely. By Maggie Stiefvater. Disney, $19.99 (9781368071345). Gr. 7 12. May.

The acclaimed author of Raven Boys brings her fantasy chops to this story of Princess Merida, set years after the events of the hit movie Brave

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza. By Mac Barnett. Art by Shawn Harris. HarperCollins/ Katherine Tegen, $15 99 (9780063084087) Gr 3 7 May

Barnett and Harris, two acclaimed kidlit creators, join forces for this rollicking middle grade graphic novel about a cat in space

I’d Like to Be the Window for a Wise Old Dog. By Philip Stead. Illus. by the author. Doubleday, $18 99 (9780593375082) K Gr 3 Apr

Award winning Stead brings his signature print making style to this offbeat, contempla tive picture book posing imaginative questions about what we can see through a window Inheritance. By Elizabeth Acevedo Illus by Andrea Pippins HarperCollins/ Quill Tree, $16 99 (9780062931948) Gr 8 12 May

Pippins’ bold, evocative artwork brings the words of Acevedo’s acclaimed spoken word poem about Afro Latinidad identity powerfully to life Singing with Elephants. By Margarita Engle Viking, $16 99 (9780593206690) Gr 3 7 May

Cuban American Oriol befriends a Nobel Prize winning poet and tries to save a baby elephant in this novel in verse from kidlit mainstay Engle.

The World Belonged to Us. By Jacqueline Woodson Illus Leo Espinosa Penguin/ Nancy Paulsen, $18 99 (9780399545498) K Gr 3 May

In this ode to summer, Woodson’s lyrical verses and Espinosa’s buoyant art capture the freedom and playfulness of hot days on a city block.

The author of Playing for the Devil’s Fire (2016) brings readers a new gritty coming of age story rooted in that most universal of teenage dreams getting a car. When Magaña tells Flaco and Tiny that they’re all skipping school to pick up his dream car, a 1959 Chevy Im pala convertible, from his godfather Rayo’s house in Diamond Park, the boys don’t put up much of a fight What should have been a simple trip goes sideways when Flaco’s crush, Susi, in vites herself along While Susi chooses to stay at the house with Rayo and his thug like associate, Anaconda, the boys leave to get the Impala from a nearby farm. Upon their return, the boys are confronted with an awful scene: yellow crime scene tape, Susi covered in blood, Rayo’s body being loaded into an ambulance, and no sign of Anaconda. What ensues is Magaña and Flaco’s desperate (and idiotic) plan to clear Susi’s name by tracking down Anaconda in Mexico Died erich paints a complex picture of teenage life in a world that regards one with suspicion for hav ing brown skin Susi, Magaña, and Flaco are all Mexican American, and Tiny is an undocu mented Mexican He broaches heavy subjects with a light touch, creating a realistic backdrop for the tense action that unfolds. Flaco’s feelings of guilt and responsibility ring true, as does his struggle to decide what to do with his life after graduation please his hardworking mother or follow his dreams? This novel packs a punch while managing to wrest tough situations into the realm of hope Julia Smith

E v e n W h e n Yo u r Vo i c e S h a ke s .

By Ruby Yayra Goka.

2022 240p Norton/ Young Readers, $18 95 (9781324017110) Gr 9 12

Amerley’s life is fraught with discord Her father has left, her mother suffers from de pression after the loss of a child, and she is the oldest among four girls When a distant relative comes to offer Amerley work in exchange for wages to feed and house her family, Amerley reluctantly accepts. Although Amerley’s ac ceptance of the job signals a move away from poverty for her family, it also creates new con flicts, particularly when a cruel man sets his sights on her. Goka’s coming of age story per fectly showcases the modern Ghanaian setting and the impact of income inequality While the climax of the book, in which Amerley is raped, seems a bit rushed, Goka’s details and characterizations, especially of Amerley in the aftermath, make the story meaningful Novels set in Ghana are unusual in the U S YA mar ket, and it is through Goka’s character driven narrative that the reader can traverse the class

picture book about summer and a prequel to a blockbuster thriller are just a couple of the big titles we’re looking forward to in the coming months Sarah Hunter

H i g h - D e m a n d H o t L i s t f o r Yo u t h

lines of modern Ghana and connect with char acters that offer them glimpses of the country ’ s triumphs and flaws. Nashae Jones

F a m i l y o f L i a r s .

By E Lockhar t

May 2022. 320p. Delacorte, $19.99 (9780593485859). Gr 8 12

In a highly anticipated prequel, Lockhart re visits the Sinclair family one generation before We Were Liars (2014). Caroline Lennox Taft Sinclair, oldest daughter of Harris and Tipper, reluctantly tells the story of her seventeenth summer at the urging of her son, Johnny, who wants to know the absolute worst thing she ever did. Carrie spends the summer of 1987 in a haze of painkillers and sleeping pills after an excruciating jaw surgery It’s the year she sees her first ghost, and the summer three intrigu ing boys join the family on their private island. Jealousy leads to a shocking act of violence, foreshadowed in the bloody fairy tales Carrie tells to obscure her darkest truths This novel was written explicitly for fans of the original; parallels and spoilers abound. Readers will ap preciate the climactic reveal which, while not quite as shocking as the twist in We Were Liars, goes far to explain the Sinclair sisters’ dynamics and exposes a family of immense wealth and privilege crippled by greed, secrets, silence, and selfishness Angela Carstensen

HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The built in audience for this is huge, thanks to the im mense popularity of We Were Liars

G r e a t o r N o t h i n g.

By Joy McCullough and others.

Mar 2022 400p Delacorte, $18 99 (9780593372593) Gr 8 11

The March sisters have always leaned on each other during hard times, but as WWII rages on, they find themselves scattered across the globe More than distance separates the girls, as they are also detached emotionally while they attempt to work through the grief of losing their fourth sister, Beth As the girls come into their own, they must learn how to be sisters to each other again Little Women is an often revisited novel. What makes Great or Nothing unique among other ad aptations, beyond its new 1940s setting and having four different authors (McCullough, Caroline Tung Richmond, Tess Sharpe, and Jessica Spotswood) penning the perspectives of the girls, is the expanded breadth of the idea of sisterhood In addition to navigating their literal sister relationships, these young women forge strong bonds with friends and colleagues that allow them to see all the things their relationships with each other can evolve into as they move towards adulthood

A must read for Louisa May Alcott fans and anyone who believes in the power of sister hood Molly Horan

I A m t h e G h o s t i n Yo u r H o u s e .

By Maria Romasco Moore.

Apr 2022 432p Delacorte, $18 99 (9780593177211)

Gr 9 12

Who hasn’t wished at some point to be in

visible? For 17 year old Pie (short for Pieta), who was born invisible, it’s not a cool su perpower or liberating escape, it’s an exile. Unlike her equally transparent mother, who views invisibility as necessar y camouflage, Pie yearns for a normal life, where they aren ’ t al ways on the move, stealing through people’s homes like ghosts. Pie’s already broken her mother’s biggest rule and fallen in love While staying in a punk house full of queer teens, Pie dreams of confessing her love to Tess, whom Pie spooked years ago into thinking she’s haunted Then Pie’s mother vanishes for real, leaving Pie desperate enough to risk let ting others know about her To her surprise, the other teens become her friends, giving her the space and voice she’s never had Moore’s intimate stor y uses this compelling concept to authentically convey loneliness and the need for connection. Pie’s open hearted, present day narrative is interspersed with res onant thematic flashbacks Teens will relate to Pie’s deep sense of relief at being seen and loved, as she truly is. Krista Hutley

M a g i c S t e e p e d i n P o i s o n .

By Judy I. Lin.

Mar 2022 352p Feiwel and Friends, $18 99 (9781250767080). Gr. 8 12.

Lin’s stunning debut follows Ning, who comes from a family of Shénnóng magic wielders with the ability to cure physical and emotional ailments with their meticulously and thoughtfully brewed teas But the shénnóng shī, powerful as they are, are mortal, and when a mysteri ous chain of tea poisonings that is wracking the land fi nally hits Ning’s house, she realizes she was responsible for pouring the fated cup of tea that killed her mother and poisoned her sister Then, Princess Li Ying Zhen announc es a magic competition with an invaluable prize a favor from the princess herself so Ning takes it upon herself to enter the con test in the hopes that she can have the royal physicians save her sister from the poison Ning’s unforgettable voice and the lush, at mospheric settings will enchant readers in this high stakes story of deadly magic As Ning grows more assured of her own abilities and more determined to unravel the mystery of the tea poisoner, an ominous figure called the Shadow, Lin blends Chinese folklore with a thrilling mystery It’s the perfect recipe for a page turner, also exploring the nuances of Ning’s grief and determination to set things right and save her community as she attempts to figure out who, if anyone, can be trusted Stephanie Cohen

M e s s a g e N o t Fo u n d .

By Dante Medema.

Mar 2022 400p HarperCollins/ Quill Tree, $17 99 (9780062954435) Gr 9 12

Bailey’s best friend, Vanessa, dies in a car crash on a snowy night, and Bailey is devas

tated She wonders why Vanessa was so far from home and where she was supposed to be going. Frustrated and desperately missing her friend, Bailey “borrows” an AI computer app from one of her moms that’s designed to replicate an individual based on uploads of personal data, such as emails, texts, journals, and social media posts. The app works, and Medema’s novel is punctuated with Bailey’s chats with the persona she calls V At first, V can ’ t answer Bailey’s most heartfelt questions, so “feeding” the app becomes an obsession. Bailey shuts out and alienates people impor tant to her in her quest for more data for V Medema captures perfectly the crushing grief of losing a friend and the mess of emotions it involves The characters are well developed, including Vanessa, who appears in flashbacks or as V in the app Finally, there is bitter ac ceptance of loss, which is not something to get over but rather something to learn to live with Donna Scanlon

M y D e a r e s t D a r ke s t .

By Kayla Cottingham.

Apr 2022 368p Sourcebooks/ Fire, paper, $10 99 (9781728236414) Gr 10 12

Terrifying paranormal elements and a heart wrenching sapphic romance entwine in My Dearest Darkest, where outsider Finch joins the ranks of the esteemed Ulalume Acad emy, located on a damp island off Maine aptly named Rainwater. Finch’s eccentricities do not go unnoticed in the posh boarding school specifically by Selena St Clair, queen bee of the popular posse and the last person wanting to spend time around pallid, awk ward Finch, whose parents did not survive the tragic accident that she did, when she was seemingly spared by some dark force hiding in the woods When Selena, her friends, and an unwitting Finch accidentally summon a demon like creature who grants wishes in re turn for a steep price, the girls are willing to put their fears and worries aside to have their deepest desires granted. But when it becomes clear that the monster will not be sated, they must figure out how to save their school and all of Rainwater Fans of cult classic film Jen nifer’s Body and similar scary tropes will revel in Cottingham’s atmospheric, spine tingling horror romance Stephanie Cohen

R e a d y W h e n Yo u A r e .

By Gar y Lonesborough.

Mar. 2022. 256p. Scholastic, $18.99 (9781338749540). Gr 9 12

Aboriginal 17 year old Jackson is frustrated

Despite the fact that he and his girlfriend have dated for five months, he has yet to be able to get an erection when they attempt to have sex After the latest failure, he thinks, “What kind of man are you?” Readers will find a clue when his Aunt Pam comes from Sydney for Christmas. With her is 16 year old Tomas, a foster child whom Aunt Pam is sheltering while he’s on parole from juvie Late that first

Ma

evening, Jackson watches Tomas, also Ab original, sleeping and has what strikes him as a weird thought: “I think I thought he was cute ” Jackson tries to banish the notion, but the reality of what happened persists, and, by fits and starts, a re lationship develops between the two boys, which turns physical (with its own failed attempt at sex). Through it all, though, Jackson remains painfully ambivalent, even insisting to him self, “I’m straight I like girls ” But does he? Lonesborough’s novel, first published in Australia as The Boys from Mish, is extremely well crafted and a model of verisimilitude Important both for featuring gay Aboriginal characters and the complexities of under standing one ’ s sexuality, this makes a very welcome addition to YA literature’s LGBTQ IA+ cannon Michael Cart

R i g h t W h e r e I L e f t Yo u .

By Julian Winters.

Mar 2022 400p Viking , $17 99 (9780593206478) Gr 9 12

Because 18 year old Isaac, who is Black and gay, and Diego, who is Latinx and bi, have been best friends forever, Isaac is bummed that he will be going to college alone, as Diego is taking a gap year to de sign a video game. So Isaac is determined to make the summer before college all about Diego, starting with their attending Atlanta’s Teen Pride and, a day lat er, the Legends Con But things don’t go as planned Distracted by hunky Davi (bi and Latinx), Isaac develops a killer crush and misses the deadline for getting tickets to the Con, dashing Diego’s hopes of meeting a celebrated video game designer Suddenly, Diego is remanded to the back seat of their relationship, and, perhaps accordingly, he begins seeing a girl, making Isaac jealous as a result Things go south pretty quickly, com ing to a head at Pride, which results in what could be the end of Isaac and Diego’s friend ship. Winters (The Summer of Ever ything, 2020) has written a classic gay romance, which is enhanced by the all too rare fact that both heroes pursuing a happy ending are people of color. This is one summer romance that won ’ t go out of season Michael Cart

Tr i g g e r.

By N. Griffin.

Mar 2022 256p Atheneum/ Caitlyn Dlouhy, $18 99 (9781534487178) Gr 10 12

Didi, 15, is a high school junior and the school’s fastest runner, due to her single father training her from a very early age. He’s also trained her in chess, hunting, shooting, and obedience: don’t talk to strangers, don’t take things from strangers, and don’t let strangers

know about the trouble stick, a rifle he beats her with when he is displeased with her skills. Didi’s father is an angry man, but she believes he only wants her to be the best: a grand mas ter at chess, faster, better, good enough, and a worthy opponent, though he never says what game they’ll be playing. The perspective al ternates among Didi at ages 15, 5, 11, and 8 years old, with snippets of what we assume is present day Didi being hunted by someone or something. Reading as a nonlinear stream of consciousness, with paragraphs and quotes added in seemingly at random, this novel is not for all readers: the abuse, both physical and mental, is definitely written so as to be realistic and difficult enough to trigger some.

Stacey Comfort

M i d d l e R e a d e r s

A l i c e A u s t e n L i v e d H e r e .

By Alex Gino.

Apr. 2022. 176p. Scholastic, $17.99 (9781338733891). Gr. 4 7.

Gino, author of 2015’s award winning Me lissa (previously titled George), crafts another tour de force about the ways in which mod ern LGBTQIA+ kids are connected to that community’s history. Sam and TJ, two nonbinary best friends, know there’s more to history than dead, straight, cis white men. Unfortu nately, their history teacher doesn’t agree, and he assigns the class a project research ing local historical figures of note, the highest grade for which will also receive a contest entry for a new statue in Staten Island Sam and TJ agree not to do a project on a straight, white man, and after Sam learns about LGBTQIA+ photographer Alice Austen, the project becomes more than just a homework assignment This delicately and thoughtfully introduces the essential idea that LGBTQIA+ people have existed through out history, seamlessly weaving Staten Island’s queer history into the plot Gino has written fun, smart characters who have the passion to challenge their teachers on difficult top ics, emphasizing the idea that adults are not always right just because they’re older author ity figures Sam explores the importance of connecting with their queer and trans elders while at the same time honoring their real life LGBTQIA+ chosen family An essential story to kids of all identities, offering a timeless re minder to readers of all ages: like Alice Austen, LGBTQIA+ people lived and continue to live here and everywhere Alaina Leary

Th e C a l l e r s .

By Kiah Thomas. Apr. 2022. 232p. Chronicle, $16.99 (9781797210780).

Gr 3 6

On the barren continent of Elipsom, Call ers hold the power, sustaining society with the apparent ability to conjure objects from noth

ing Quin’s intimidating mother heads the Council of Callers, and although their family has led for generations, Quin is unable to Call. When he is suddenly and mysteriously trans ported across the planet to another continent called Evantra, he learns that Calling, in fact, steals objects from this land. Callers have been oppressing Evantra in secret, exploiting forced labor in order to maintain Elipsom’s prosper ity, and Quin must decide between loyalty to his family and to the self he is coming to dis cover. Thomas’ debut middle grade novel is poignant in its simplicity, with tight, effective prose, a slim page count, and a minimal style of world building that allows readers to con centrate on the thought provoking questions being raised about oppression, consumerism, and our relationship to our planet, as well as Quin’s search for identity outside of his family’s legacy. A refreshing, affecting work that shows what thoughtful fantasy can do.

Ronny Khuri

A D a r ke n i n g o f D r a g o n s : S o n g s o f M a g i c .

By S. A. Patrick.

Apr 2022 400p Peachtree, $17 99 (9781682633762) Gr 4 7

Patch stumbles into Patterfall barely alive, unable to remember what brought him there or who he is But he does know this: he is a Piper, with the magical power to use music to affect the world and its inhabitants. Pip ing is a respected and admired skill, but its use is tightly regulated after the rogue Piper of Hamelyn led away a group of human children and promptly disappeared a group of dragon children as well. Patch uses his gift to help the town, but when his piping goes terribly amiss, the boy is thrown into a world of nefarious plots and dangerous magic Joined by a gutsy girl turned rat and an amicable dracogriff (a dragon/griffin combo), Patch sets out to re store his reputation and save the kingdom Patrick’s clever, compelling story is set apart by the incredibly rich history and mythology of its world. It is by turns dark and funny, and the interspecies friendships ring warm and true An abrupt ending is softened by the promise of a sequel Emily Graham

D i f f e r e n t K i n d s o f F r u i t .

By Kyle Lukoff.

Apr 2022 320p Dial, $17 99 (9780593111185) Gr 4 7

This coming of age story is told from the perspective of a sixth grader named Anna belle, who attends a small town school that runs a different program from the traditional public school When a new student joins her class, which is composed of the same kids she’s known for years, it’s a big deal The bigger deal? Her new friend Bailey is nonbinary, and just like that, her world expands tenfold Through her friendship with Bailey, Annabelle learns to navigate all the new things she’s learning about queer

communities while also finding names for her own identity and totally crushing on her new friend. Meanwhile, Annabelle learns that her own dad is trans, and his attitudes about gender cause friction with Bailey’s more fluid understanding Lukoff offers a story with vivid, well rounded characters that never talks down to kids; Annabelle’s teacher attempts to instruct the class in some different per spectives on history, but pushback from the administration (and one very vocal member of Annabelle’s class) will likely resonate with plenty of middle schoolers and encourage them to consider who has power in their own classrooms Themes of inclusion and privilege in today’s society are seamlessly integrated into the familiar plot of a kid’s first crush, and the focus on the great ways that com munities can come together to keep everyone within them safe is a gratifying through line.

Kristina Pino

By Alyson Noël.

Mar 2022 352p Simon & Schuster/ Margaret K McElderr y, $17 99 (9781534498235) Gr 3 7

Noël’s latest middle grade offering is full of quirky characters, ghosts, and zany adven tures Maxen (Woodbead) Smith is 12 years old and completely normal in every way except for the fact that he can see ghosts It’s probably because he’s the grandson of the famous ghost hunter Ramhart Woodbead. When Max is sent to live with his oddball grandfather in Woodbead Mansion for the summer, everything seems normal at first too normal. Until Max discovers the truth about Ramhart and a book called Field Guide to the Supernatural Universe Max must face his worst fears, but there are scarier things in the normal world than demon dogs and mischievous spirits. Noël’s fast paced story combines humor and action, along with the more serious theme of losing a loved one Ide al for kids who appreciated Katherine Arden’s Small Spaces (2018), a spookier story that also focuses on the themes of loss and grief, and a natural read alike for Lamar Giles’ super natural romp, The Last Last Day of Summer (2019). Bobbie Peyton

Th e G r a v e Th i e f.

By Dee Hahn.

Mar. 2022. 368p. Puffin Canada, $17.99 (9780735269439). Gr. 6 8.

When a heist goes awry for 12 year old grave digger Spade, he becomes embroiled in a royal trap that requires him to find the master of a fearsome creature who stalks the castle grounds by night: the Woegon In at mospheric Wyndhail, Spade and his family put food on their table by selling the jewels they dig up from the dead. Introverted and nocturnal by nature and invested in his role that often allows him to hide his limp from prying eyes Spade soon finds himself sucked into the castle mystery. When Miss Ember, the queen ’ s niece, complicates mat

ters by unexpectedly joining his quest, they must learn to cooperate in order to save those they love, and together they discover that the graveyard holds more secrets than they ever imagined Hahn’s poignant messages about courage, loss, and forging new friendships are wrapped in an action packed shell, bound to excite readers who would love Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book (2008) crossed with me dieval fantasy Stephanie Cohen

H o n e s t l y E l l i o t t .

By Gillian McDunn. Mar 2022 288p Bloomsbur y, $16 99 (9781547606252) Gr 4 6

Elliott, who has ADHD, loves cooking, and he’s really good at it When he’s creating special dishes, Elliott has no trouble focusing on the tasks at hand, but when it comes to schoolwork and chores, he’s easily distracted. In fact, he nearly failed the first se mester of sixth grade His one good friend left town a year ago. His parents are divorced, and his father has remarried Now that his stepmother is pregnant, El liott fears that Dad may be shifting away from him and toward his new family. Paired with smart, popular Maribel for a group project, Elliott befriends her He’s surprised to dis cover that even she has trouble dealing with a condition (celiac disease) that even her friends don’t really try to understand McDunn has a talent for creating sympathetic characters who don’t always communicate well with each oth er. Noting that his father is “trying to squeeze in all the father son stuff he can before the new baby comes, ” Elliott’s perceptive first person narrative is frank up to a point, though for dramatic effect, McDunn holds back one revelation for quite a while. This well paced, heartfelt chapter book offers a lovable main character, a lively supporting cast, and a satis fying conclusion. Carolyn Phelan

H u n t e r s o f t h e L o s t C i t y.

By Kali Wallace.

Apr 2022 304p Quirk, $16 99 (9781683692898) Gr 5 8

Twelve year old Octavia wakes up every morning to the ringing of the town ’ s bells, which signal to the people of Vittoria that it is safe to venture outside its walls and they’re safe from the monsters lurking in the forest. The bells ring again at twilight, calling them to return before the gates close for the evening Vittoria and its people are the sole survi vors of a war fought 50 years ago, as are the monsters or so Octavia believes, until she is caught outside the walls one night When she is saved by a strange girl from far beyond Vit toria, Octavia begins to question everything she knows about the outside world. Wallace’s latest middle grade book (after City of Islands, 2018) takes readers on a fantastical adven ture through a world of magic and monsters It also explores the consequences of a com munity that locks out the larger world due to

fear and suspicion A strong pick for fans of another hard to put down fantasy about dis covering truth, Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon (2016) Bobbie Peyton

L o u i s a J u n e a n d t h e N a z i s i n t h e Wa v e s .

By L. M. Elliott.

Mar 2022 320p illus HarperCollins/ Katherine Tegen, $16 99 (9780063056565) Gr 4 7

As the U.S. is drawn into WWII, life on the East Coast changes drastically for Louisa June and her family Her older brothers and sister enlist in various forms of service to support the war efforts, and Louisa June puz zles about how she can help Then her favorite brother

gentle, poetic Butler goes out with their father on a boat that gets torpedoed, the blast killing Butler and seriously injuring Dad This sends her frag ile mother into a deep depression, while the reality of U boats trolling the nearby waters galvanizes locals to protect their homes and country Louisa June and her friend Emmett persist in their efforts to find a way to help as she also manages home life, stepping up while her parents are incapacitated in their own ways Elliott weaves a deeply moving historical tale, including small but significant details that flesh out the situations and char acters, even the secondary ones. Louisa June and Emmett along with her elderly, adven turous cousin, Belle carry the story with their spunk and individualism Additionally, the extensive and fact filled backstory shared in the author’s note gives readers even more context for understanding the times on the home front during WWII and includes black and white photos. An excellent middle grade read that balances adventure, emotions, and family Beth Rosania

M o n s t e r s i n t h e M i s t .

By Juliana Brandt.

May 2022 320p Sourcebooks/ Young Readers, $16 99 (9781728245447) Gr 4 7

Glennon and his mother and sister are spending the summer with his uncle, one of the lighthouse keepers on Isle Philippeaux, a tiny, isolated island in the middle of Lake Superior, while his father works abroad Days before they’re set to return home, a ship wrecks ashore, and the few survivors are act ing oddly, talking about a mysterious event called The Waning Glennon doesn’t know what The Waning is, but he knows his fam ily must escape before it comes. Brandt’s atmospheric prose makes Isle Philippeaux feel alive literally: “The windows of the Third Keeper’s home at Graving Lighthouse quivered, restless in their frames as the wind outside crept against their edges and tried to sneak in ” The book’s slow, creeping pace matches the slow, creeping dread that fills both Glennon and the reader as the island’s secrets unravel. A sense of unease and wrong

Ma rc h 1 , 2 0

F i e l d G u i d e t o t h e S u p e r n a t u r a l U n i v e r s e .

ness permeates every page of this story where the inhabitants of the island are all haunted by something, figuratively and literally. Hand this to fans of atmospheric horror tinged with hope and healing Mia P Manansala

O n t h e L i n e .

By Paul Coccia and Eric Walters. Mar 2022 312p Orca, paper, $12 95 (9781459827134)

Gr 6 8

Thirteen year old Jordan is close to his parents, especially his dad, who taught him everything he knows about basketball But his parents fight constantly, and Jordan wants them to stop One day, they tell him that they are separating. Jordan throws his attention into basketball and his new teammates, one of whom turns out to be a pretty girl named Tammy However, Jordan soon discovers that his parents are not going to get back to gether and that his dad has a huge secret that throws Jordan’s world upside down: he’s gay It takes a startling revelation from Jordan’s best friend, Junior, to understand that life is full of changes but there are things, like be ing true to oneself, that don’t change Coccia and Walters highlight a young teen navigating obstacles he’s never encountered before, such as homophobia and progressive masculinity, while living in a conservative small town. An emotional, thought provoking journey ex ploring identity, with a basketball backdrop Savannah Patterson

Th e S h e e p, t h e R o o s t e r, a n d t h e D u c k .

By Matt Phelan. Illus. by the author. Mar. 2022. 240p. Greenwillow, $16.99 (9780062911001).

Gr 3 6

Ten year old Emile lives a staid but satisfying life as a house ser vant in eighteenth centur y France, looking after a vis iting Benjamin Franklin. Franklin keeps a treasured notebook in his study of in progress inventions, and when Emile catches a mouse seemingly spying on his employer (clutch ing a tiny notebook and pencil in his paws), the boy follows the rodent to the secret lair of France’s most revered undercover guardians

To his astonishment, the accomplished secret agents are Jean Luc, a duck of tactical genius; Bernadette, an exceptionally inventive sheep; and Pierre, a swashbuckling masked rooster

A gallant (human) aeronaut, Sophie, rounds out the remarkable team, and Emile is filled in on a nefarious scheme to swipe Franklin’s ideas and transform them into weapons

It’s up to the avant garde assembly to foil the plot and save the world! The whole en terprise is incredibly creative and equally silly, mixing historical figures and locations with offbeat humor and adventure There are outrageous inventions, whimsical secret societies, and dastardly villains, along with miniature swords for masked roosters and

cheese shaped hot air balloons for mice on the run. The cheer y, chatty text is accessible and mixes in illustrated action sequences to keep any reader absorbed (final art not seen)

A little bit of histor y, a touch of myster y, and heaps of fun Emily Graham

S h i n e O n , L u z Vé l i z !

By Rebecca Balcarcel. May 2022 276p Chronicle, $17 99 (9781797209678) Gr. 4 7.

Sixth grader Luz Véliz’s identity has always been wrapped up in soccer, but then a knee in jury leaves her sidelined and feeling lost One day, however, Luz catches sight of a seriously cool looking class (Robotics Two) where ro bots are scooping up Ping Pong balls To join, she must first take an intro to coding class (with fifth graders) and drop soccer as her elective. She quickly decides to go all in, join ing the intro class, getting extra lessons from a tech savvy neighbor, and deciding to enter a coding project at the science fair, which could get her into Robotics Two early. Then Luz gets some news that shakes up her life even more than the soccer injury: her dad has a 13 year old daughter in Guatemala who is coming to live with them Full of family drama and ef forts to find oneself, this tale brims with hope as Luz learns to open her heart, connect with her heritage, accept change, and ponder what the future might hold A lovely and touching coming of age story. Aurora Dominguez

S t e p.

By Deborah Ellis.

Mar 2022 144p Groundwood, $15 99 (9781773065946) Gr. 4 7.

In Ellis’ latest, linked short stories all involve birthdays, decisions, and literal and figurative steps into the future Should Connor walk his dog on a street he’s never been on before, and if he does, will the fragments of pottery he finds there change his view of his parents, sister, and what he calls “the mangy mon grel?” Can a rose crystal link two boys who live half a world apart? What will happen to Oma when the refugee boat she’s on capsizes? And will Lazlo be able to walk away from the shock of discovering his father’s ties to a Nazi organization? Readers who like to ponder the lives of kids both like and unlike themselves will find much to chew on in this companion to the author’s previous collection, Sit (2017) While the stories aren ’ t comfortable, they all reassure young people they are capable of making important discoveries and decisions on their own Royalties from the book are being donated to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. A worthy addition for all collections Karen Cruze

Ta m a r i n d a n d t h e S t a r o f I s h t a .

By Jasbinder Bilan. Apr. 2022. 256p. Scholastic/ Chicken House, $18.99 (9781338769432) Gr 4 6

Tamarind longs to know more about her mother, who died when she was a baby, but her father is uncomfortable talking about her.

So when Tamarind has the opportunity to visit her mother’s family in India for the first time, she seizes it. Staying in their large country home for a week, she comes to love her grand mother and learns to avoid the cousin who instantly dislikes her, but her relatives are re luctant to talk with her about her mother’s life, too. Gradually, she’s pulled into an otherworld by a girl she meets in the garden at night Drawing closer to her mother in both dimen sions, she gains the elusive sense of belonging that she needs. Tamarind’s story unfolds in a first person narrative that reveals her yearning, her discomfort while adjusting to a different culture, and her courage in taking risks to reach her goal. While the realistic conversa tions with family members are informative and move the story forward, young readers may find the vivid, magical night scenes more compelling. An intriguing intergenerational family story. Carolyn Phelan

Th e Tu r t l e o f M i c h i g a n .

By Naomi Shihab Nye.

Mar. 2022. 336p. Greenwillow, $16.99 (9780063014169).

Gr 3 7 This long awaited follow up to The Turtle of Oman (2014) reunites readers with an eight year old boy named Aref, who’s from Oman. Audiences finally learn what happens to Aref after he moves with his parents to the U S while they attend grad school Aref ’ s beloved grandfather, Sidi, stays behind in Oman, and they miss each other deeply. This very gentle read captures Aref ’ s experiences in his new town of Ann Arbor, including attending his new, inclusive school While the story is written in the third person, Aref ’ s notebook entries, sprinkled throughout, provide an in timate look into his thoughts and emotions Set in a handwriting like font, these lists and notes add to Aref ’ s precocious and humor ous voice. This slower paced story is driven by the characters and the discoveries they make about themselves and their surround ings. The included illustrations (final artwork not available) enhance the reading experience through intricate, small illustrations on the top and bottom of each page Enjoyable as a standalone, this accessible read offers a com fortingly warm, joyful view of moving to a new country Van McGary

Wa t e r, Wa t e r.

By Car y Fagan. Illus. by Jon McNaught. 2022. 160p. Tundra, $16.99 (9780735270039). Gr. 4 6.

In a tale that reads like an outtake from Chris Van Allsburg’s The Chronicles of Har ris Burdick (2011), Fagan spins a short novel around a child waking up one day to find his bedroom floating in an endless sea As weeks pass, Rafe gathers random flotsam, survives storms and teenage pirates, has glancing en counters with other free floating survivors, and takes aboard Dao, a younger child from Thailand with fragmentary memories of a sudden huge flood that swept her and her cat away on an air mattress. The author offers no clear rationale for what happened, but he does

tuck in oblique hints notably a rescue (of sorts) that leaves the two children joining an idyllic community on an enormous floating island of rubbish There is something about the long drift, underscored by Rafe’s eventual realization that the days of the week have lost their meaning, that may resonate with read ers who have spent the past couple of years in similar semi isolation McNaught’s variously sized two tone illustrations have a staid, solid look that plays well with the episodic tale’s flexible reality. John Peters

Wa v e .

By Diana Farid Illus by Kris Goto Mar. 2022. 320p. Cameron Kids, $18.99 (9781951836580). Gr 5 8

Thirteen year old Ava always feels caught in between The Persian American girl struggles with her OCD and has trouble fitting in with either of her identities as she grows up in sun ny 1980s California, but she finds confidence in surfing and in Phoenix, the boy teaching her. Through a free verse narration, accompa nied by Goto’s woodblock style illustrations, Ava comes into her own as Phoenix’s lympho ma returns and Ava navigates the possibility of life without him Farid (When You Breathe, 2020) brings her expertise as an MD to Ava’s story, simplifying the complexity of lym phoma while packing an emotional punch with the musical references that Ava uses to cope. Through poetry, food, language, and traditions, Farid brings in elements of Persian culture, explaining them further in footnotes

As Ava confronts being a child of divorce and her mixed identity, along with the fear of los ing Phoenix, she considers her world with a thoughtful and poetic lens A solid selection for fans of The Brave (2020), by James Bird Abby Hargreaves

Th e W i t c h , t h e S w o r d , a n d t h e C u r s e d K n i g h t s .

By Alexandria Rogers.

2022. 432p. Little, Brown, $16.99 (9780759554580). Gr. 5 8.

In the year 715 YATRDOC (Years After the Regretful Demise of Camelot), aka AD 2019, two children are conscripted by the Knights of the Round Table, fabled guard ians of the Twenty Five and a Half Realms. Twelve year old Ellie would rather attend the Fairy Godmother Academy, despite secretly being a witch. Caedmon, however, finds it easy to follow the summons and the call to destiny by Merlin from his Wisconsin hometown, where his best friend has just been murdered by a dark power Ellie and Caedmon meet as fel low outsiders at the knights’ castle, where they compete in dangerous trials to become anointed Knights. But a strange curse plagues the order, and if the two budding heroes can ’ t unravel the mystery, reforge Excalibur, and thwart a nefarious witch, all that’s left will fall. From page one, Rogers’ debut de

livers Anchored and elevated by the sassy voice of narrator Madame Mystérieuse, always ready with a cheeky footnote, it alter nates between the perspectives of Ellie and Caedmon, leading readers through an intri cately spun adventure of magic, mystery, and friendship. Drawing on Arthurian legend, the quirky world building comfortably unites various classic fantasy elements, including fairies, witches, pirates, dragons, knights, and original additions, but it’s the vibrant bond between the two leads that gives the story its abounding heart Middle grade fantasy at its most epic Ronny Khuri

Y o u n g

B i g D o g, L i t t l e D o g.

By Sally Rippin. Illus. by Lucinda Gifford. 2022. 32p. Kane Miller, $12.99 (9781684643837). PreS K.

This picture book offers a winsomely doggy slant on the ever popular “that brand new family member has got to go!” theme. Gif ford’s bright, relaxed pictures tell most of the story while clearly tracking the emotional ups and downs through expressions and body lan guage: the new housemate that moves in with (very) Big Dog’s owner comes with a (very) Little Dog, who turns Big Dog’s settled, pre dictable life upside down Determined to see Little Dog gone, Big Dog contrives to im plicate the furry mite in a series of domestic mishaps, from laundry pulled out of a basket to a muddy bone left on the sofa In a badly miscalculated ploy that will have young audi ences howling, he leaves a mountainous pile of poop next to his dinky rival’s floor pillow. Sternly ordered into the backyard, Big Dog howls mournfully into the night but so does Little Dog until the two are reunited Readers tempted by new arrivals at home to resort to similar strategies can draw comfort from the cozy resolution John Peters

B i k i n g w i t h G r a n d m a : A “ W i s h Yo u We r e H e r e ” A d v e n t u r e .

By Chris Santella. Illus. by Vivienne To. Mar 2022 40p Abrams, $17 99 (9781419748042) K Gr 2

Do kids write postcards anymore? Well, if they go on worldwide adventures with Grandma Rose, they’ll want to! Grandma’s al ways traveling for work, but for the first time, a multiracial child gets to go along for the wild ride. They wheel through National Parks (Banff, Canyonlands, Crazy Horse Monu ment) and continents (they eat a banh mi in Vietnam, bike past elephants in Botswana, visit marsupials in Tasmania, raft a jungle river in Costa Rica, and folk dance on Cape Breton Island) Each adventure displays a descrip tive postcard, which includes information about authentic food, greetings, animals, and spectacular scenery. Back home, the family is encouraged to bike around the neighborhood, seeking new adventures Children will absorb a geography lesson as they follow Grandma’s red dotted trail around the world using the closing endpapers. colorful cameos and half

and full page spreads done in digital paint and watercolor depict the pair’s exploits at each location. Not only will kids get an ex citing travelogue and a clever introduction to geography, they will also get pointers on let ter writing and developing careful observation skills. Lolly Gepson

C a n S o p h i e C h a n g e t h e Wo r l d ?

By Nancy Elizabeth Wallace. Illus. by Aura Lewis. Mar. 2022. 32p. Chronicle, $16.99 (9781452181561).

PreS Gr 3

When Sophie asks her grandfather what he would like for his birthday, Grandpop requests that she change the world by do ing mitzvahs (kind deeds) She worries about how a small girl can change the big world, but the next day she tries, sharing her pup pets with one classmate, teaching a clapping song to another, and asking a new student to play catch Later that week, she recycles litter, waters a neighbor’s plants, and helps her mother by playing with her little sis ter. Though her actions seem insufficient to change the whole world, Grandpop assures Sophie that they do and that she and her mitzvahs make him happy Precisely worded and straightfor ward in approach, the quiet narrative is sensitively illustrated in a series of delicate mixed media scenes This picture book may have particular resonance in Jewish households, but its message is universal. Pair this volume with Stacy McAnulty’s A Small Kindness (2021) and Marta Bartolj’s Ever y Little Kindness (2021), which show the ripple effects of good deeds within a community A gentle picture book on the power of kind ness Carolyn Phelan

D a n c i n g D e v i .

By Priya Parikh. Illus. by N. Dejeshwini. 2022. 40p. Modern Marigold, $19.95 (9781735031934). K Gr 2

Dancing Devi demystifies the ancient Indi an dance form of bharatanatyam for cultural outsiders and provides a delightful reflection for those in the know, particularly children of the Indian diaspora who are sustaining such art forms in the West Parikh skillfully blends details of bharatanatyam such as the mudras (hand gestures), the navarasa (facial expressions), and the distinctive, percus sive beat that dancers follow with a simple and familiar plot that will resonate with all readers. Rare is the child who has not felt the sting of losing a competition or a lack of confidence after a mistaken stumble When Devi’s name is not among the winners of the dance competition, she is crushed, believing she will never be a perfect dancer like her mother was She has some lessons to learn about perfectionism, practice, and reframing expectations, and the resolution is a happy one. Bright contemporar y illustrations and informative back matter add context and depth to this sweet stor y that makes for a worthwhile read aloud with the potential for rich discussions. Amina Chaudhri

Ma

E l e p h a n t I s l a n d .

By Leo Timmers. Illus. by the author. Tr. by James Brown.

Mar 2022 40p Gecko, $18 99 (9781776574346)

PreS Gr. 2.

After a boisterous wave sinks his boat, Ar nold the seafaring elephant swims for hours before climbing onto a tiny island A mouse rows by and offers him a ride, but when Ar nold steps aboard, the rowboat shatters. They use the wood to build a structure extending the minute island Increasingly larger boats come to their rescue, break apart, and add to the ramshackle scaffolding and platforms, making space for a large crowd of creatures who join in the nightly singing and dancing Even after “the sea lost its temper, ” smash ing Arnold’s strangely uplifting construction, the elephant uses the debris to build another fantastic structure, full of animal friends who enjoy the ongoing celebrations Timmers, a Belgian writer illustrator, creates a likable main character with a creative imagination and engineering skills From the image of the solitary, stranded elephant quoting the ancient mariner, “Alone, alone, all, all alone Alone on a wide wide sea, ” to the scenes de picting his joyous community at the story ’ s end, the tender yet dynamic verbal and visual narrative never falters in this engaging picture book. Carolyn Phelan

E x t r a E z r a M a ke s a n E x t r a - S p e c i a l F r i e n d .

By Kara LaReau. Illus. by Vincent X. Kirsch. Mar. 2022. 32p. Harper, $17.99 (9780062965653).

PreS Gr 2

Known for his exuberance, Ezra can make any day seem extraordinary When Jane joins his class, one look at her kind eyes, her rain bow barrettes, and the glittery soccer ball dangling from her backpack and he knows she’s going to be an extra special friend On the playground, Ezra begins a conversation and learns that she’s missing her nana. But his response, a song and silly dance, irritates Jane, who asks him to leave After he confers with Mom, who advises, “When you want to make a friend, you have to listen to what they want, ” Ezra tries a more restrained approach And when Jane hears that Nana will be visiting soon, she and Ezra do a happy dance together The concise, upbeat story has broad appeal, and Ezra’s mother’s advice could be help ful to many kids who, like Ezra, aren ’ t quite sure how to befriend someone Created with black ink, graphite, and colored pencils, the illustrations feature strong, expressive lines and bright colors, which show up beautifully against the white pages A satisfying picture book Carolyn Phelan

Th e F r i e n d s h i p S u r p r i s e .

By Giorgio Volpe. Illus. by Paolo Proietti. Tr. by Angus Yuen Killick.

Mar. 2022. 32p. Red Comet, $17.99 (9781636550282).

PreS Gr. 2.

In the second book about Little Red, a fox, and his gray dormouse friend, Hazel, readers

will be charmed by the simple story of the deep bond of loyal companions. Stunning illustra tions, reminiscent of Marjolein Bastin’s nature drawings, are the highlight of this tale for very young children learning about friendship Proietti’s soft hued pictures are charming, dis playing texture and color and featuring sunny days filled with flowers, birds, and butterflies.

Pictures of beautiful poppies, trees in spring bloom, and lush undergrowth are delightful to scrutinize. While Hazel hibernated over the winter in her teapot, Little Red made a new friend, a badger named Brock As usual, Little Red plans a pleasant surprise for Hazel as she emerges from her sleep, but he is concerned the dormouse may feel “ two ’ s company, three’s a crowd” and be offended by her pal having made a new friend in her absence How the an imals adapt to the introduction of a potential third playmate is comforting and may be reas suring to youngsters new to social situations. Visually enchanting Maryann Owen

G o l d i e ’s G u i d e t o G r a n d c h i l d i n g. By Clint McElroy. Illus. by Eliza Kinkz. Mar 2022 40p First Second, $18 99 (9781250249326) K Gr 2

Addressing young readers who have made the big decision to be grandchildren, McEl roy and Kinkz offer a guide to the care and feeding of elders from sharing proper toys (“NO video games It’s just too much for them”) to getting them into rocking chairs for a lullaby at bedtime. In the scribbly illustrations, a small child squires her exu berant, if clueless looking, grandpa through after school playtime, a trip to the local ice cream buffet (“They live on a diet of all the things your parents tell them are bad for them This can work to your advantage”), and other activities involving, for example, simple magic tricks, burping on command, and pulling a finger. The resulting cozy sense of togetherness makes all the responsibil ity well worthwhile, and “ you will find that grandparents can be loyal and loving com panions.” A great addition to the childing shelf, alongside such classic manuals as Jean Reagan’s How to Babysit a Grandpa (2012), illustrated by Lee Wildish, and its comple mentar y sequel, How to Babysit a Grandma (2014) John Peters

Th e G r e a t Z a p f i n o. By Mac Barnett. Illus. by Marla Frazee. Apr. 2022. 32p. Simon & Schuster/ Beach Lane, $17.99 (9781534411548) PreS Gr 2

In a nearly wordless tale, Barnett and Frazee unfurl the story of a former circus performer who overcomes a fear of heights. The dra matic opening takes readers beneath the big top, where the Great Zapfino (a small, bald boy in a striped outfit) peers over the edge of a stories high platform. Rather than leaping to the small trampoline, as the ring master ’ s booming voice announces he will, Zapfino books it back down the ladder, hops on a plane, and takes up a new much safer life as an elevator operator in a high rise apart

ment building Frazee’s pencil illustrations intersperse panel like sequences with full page renderings, all filled with soft detail and well timed drama Zapfino’s life comes full circle when a toaster mishap sets his apart ment ablaze, forcing him to leap from his window to the fire department’s trampoline below. At once his circus training kicks in, and the Great Zapfino tumbles through the air, sproings off the trampoline, and sticks the landing. This fun mini adventure will delight kids as they pore over the illustrations and fill in story details with their imaginations

Julia Smith

HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The combination of Barnett’s popularity and Frazee’s Caldecott Honor cred will make this a hot commodity

I A m Yo u : A B o o k a b o u t U b u n t u .

By Refiloe Moahloli. Illus. by Zinelda McDonald.

2022 32p AmazonCrossing , $17 99 (9781542035668)

K Gr 2

Ubuntu is a somewhat complex concept to explain to children, but the simple text of this book, originally published in South Africa, is illuminated by illustrations that will make the idea easier to grasp An author’s note traces the word ubuntu to the Nguni language, defining it as “I am, because you are. ” Throughout, children of varying skin tones interact with one another and with elements of nature to demonstrate the idea Embracing a tree, a girl becomes part of its larger existence, with birds and a monkey in the branches and rabbits, worms, turtles, and mice burrowing beneath A child who uses a wheelchair dances with another who does not, and sharing makes ev eryone feel happy, whether they originally had something to share or not Listening, laugh ing, loving, the children readily demonstrate that the collective whole is happier when each individual is valued. The illustrations use settings and images that children will under stand, thereby helping them comprehend the messages of “ to hurt you is to hurt myself ” and “To care for you is to care for myself.”

Lucinda Whitehurst

I f I H a d a K a n g a r o o.

By Gabby Dawnay. Illus. by Alex Barrow. July 2022. 32p. Thames & Hudson, $14.95 (9780500652688) PreS K

In this follow up to If I Had a Dinosaur (2017), the same brown skinned girl now imagines what it would be like to have a pet kangaroo (spoiler alert: it’s awesome!) First, though, readers will want to note the “Aus sie words” defined on the title page and the Australian animals introduced in the open ing spread. From there, they’ll embark on a fittingly bouncy journey told in rhyming cou plets as the girl enumerates all the activities she and her kangaroo would do: they’d mow the lawn for snack time because kangaroos are herbivores, keep fit by bouncing on a tram poline, and have baths made extra bubbly “from her super turbo kicks!” But, as with

any pet, it wouldn’t be all fun sometimes you’d have to stop and scoop the kanga poop. Still, getting to snuggle on the couch and read a bedtime book together more than makes up for that Barrow’s colorful, simple illus trations are energetic and entertaining, and one spread even demands turning the book vertically to accommodate a particularly high kangaroo jump A fun exercise in imagination

Rosie Camargo

I ’ l l S a y G o o d b y e .

By Pam Zollman. Illus. by Frances Ives. Mar 2022 40p Eerdmans, $17 99 (9780802854995)

PreS Gr 1

A young child enjoys spending time at the beach with Uncle Mike On the days when Mike feels well enough, they spend time searching for hermit crabs, flying kites, and avoiding jellyfish. On other days, his cancer keeps him in bed or at the hospital; then the child brings him shells so that he can hear the ocean After Mike’s death, the child is sad that she didn’t get to say goodbye but finds comfort in wearing his old baseball cap and returning their pet hermit crab to the ocean Zollman’s simple, direct text reflects a child’s point of view and limited understanding of illness and death. No scientific explanations are given, but Zollman describes postfuneral rituals (visiting and telling stories about the deceased) and notes sadness in everyone Ives’ tastefully subdued artwork highlights mul tiple shades of blue: lighter hues for the ocean on good days and darker shades for when Mike’s illness progresses and storms ensue The emphasis on natural landscapes is both appealing and soothing, providing solace for the child and readers alike Kay Weisman

I ’ m N o t S m a l l .

By Nina Crews. Illus. by the author. Mar. 2022. 32p. Greenwillow, $17.99 (9780063058262).

PreS K

In this charming picture book, a young Black boy goes outside to play before break fast. Encouraged by his clearly loving parents, who proclaim him a big kid, he goes out to the yard on his own At first, he feels small compared to the sky, the trees, and the backyard Then, he finds that he is bigger than many things: his dog and cat, his rab bit, a scary bee, and a busy ant He enjoys observing his surround ings while feeling big and confident, if a bit nervous about the bee. And though he knows he can use his bigness to crush the ant with a foot, he decides not to and watches it work instead At last, when he is lifted inside by his mother, the narrator is happy to still be small. The illustrations incorporate elements of collage that pop with color and texture

A blue dotted sweatshirt, yellow boots, leafy trees, a tiny ant, and the little boy’s hair are all depicted with charm and care. Crews captures

the joy of early childhood exploration in a book that adults and children can both enjoy. Her relaxed portrayal of a loving family and the boy’s universally relatable activities only add to the appeal Miriam Aronin

K u n o i c h i B u n n y.

By Sara Cassidy. Illus. by Brayden Sato.

Mar 2022 32p Orca, $19 95 (9781459827806) PreS Gr 1

In the father’s eyes, it’s just another day at the park, picking up his daughter’s bunny doll ever y time she drops it. But the girl knows it’s much more; it’s an adventure Together, she and her fearless bunny save a child in a stroller from rolling off a bus,

rescue a duckling that fell through a grate, cheer up a lonely elderly woman, and even deflect a baseball that was heading straight for a boy’s head This wordless picture book skillfully uses graphic novel panels to focus the reader’s eye on the tiny acts of heroism as they occur. Kunoichi is the Japanese word for a female ninja, and while the muted pastel palette of gentle lavender and warm yellow keep the tone soft (rather than an exuber ant manga style that the title would suggest), that surprise is as welcome as the book’s depiction of a gentle, tender father daugh

Focus on Early Readers

B u s y S t r e e t .

By Edward Miller. Illus. by the author.

2022 48p Random, $9 99 (9780593377253) K Gr 1

Out for a car ride with Mommy, young Bonnie notices all the ve hicles they pass: garbage trucks, street sweepers, tractor trailers, school buses, pavers and road rollers, trucks for moving and mail, fire engines, car carriers, buses, front end loaders, concrete mixers, crane and dump trucks, and more. Along the way they stop while a family of ducks crosses the road, wait for a train to pass, and purchase more gasoline. And as they return home Bonny falls asleep Miller’s rhymed couplets are accompanied by artwork featuring bright, neon colors, simple shapes, minimal backgrounds, a cast of anthropomorphized animal characters, and striking endpapers that depict various road signs. A worthy sequel to the works of Richard Scarry, this will be popular with vehicle enthusiasts who are just beginning to read Kay Weisman

C a t a l i n a I n c o g n i t o.

By Jennifer Torres. Illus. by Gladys Jose. Mar 2022 128p Aladdin, $17 99 (9781534482791); paper, $5 99 (9781534482784) Gr 1 4

This start to the Catalina Incognito series follows Catalina Castañeda, a Mexican American eight year old who is given a magical sewing kit. Catalina is initially disappointed in the gift from her telenovela star of a great aunt, Tía Abuela, who also happens to be her namesake But when the rhinestones are stolen out of one of Tía Abuela’s theatrical costumes, Catalina must use the magical sewing kit to create a disguise that can help her investigate, solve the mystery, and catch the thief. Catalina’s voice is simultaneously sweet and sassy, creating an image of a young per son who wants to be taken seriously by the adults around her, knows that she has talent, and is capable of problem solving Accompanied by Jose’s charming illustrations, Torres’ story reminds readers that with some pa ciencia y fe (patience and faith) in oneself, plus encouragement from loved ones, kids can achieve their goals Catalina is a hilarious middle child, and readers will delight in her intuitive observations of the world as she sleuths and sews her way into their hearts. Stephanie Cohen

C o r n b r e a d & P o p p y a t t h e C a r n i v a l .

By Matthew Cordell. Illus. by the author.

June 2022 80p Little, Brown, $15 99 (9780759554894) K Gr 2

In this sequel to Cornbread & Poppy (2022), Poppy convinces her re luctant friend Cornbread to accompany her to the carnival She longs to ride The Nauseator, but he is leery of thrill rides They choose the Ferris wheel, only to discover that Poppy is afraid of heights After sharing treats and winning dubious prizes, they find a peanut and ar gue over who will eat it. A passing elephant settles the dispute. Divided into three chapters, this beginning reader book will capture readers’ attention with its strong portrayal of the two main characters, their apparent differences, and their close friendship The narrative includes intriguing details and conversations, while the illustrations, expressive pen and ink drawings with crosshatching and pale watercolor washes,

are brimming with imagination, energy, and wit. Just right for young readers. Carolyn Phelan

D o g g o a n d P u p p e r S a v e t h e Wo r l d .

By Katherine Applegate Illus by Charlie Alder

Mar. 2022. 96p. Feiwel and Friends, $9.99 (9781250621009). K Gr. 3 .

The second installment in this easy reading series trots in a roster of positive behaviors and values (itemized at the end) as frisky young Pupper’s wish to be a hero like Wonder Dog on TV is fulfilled when he discovers a baby bird hiding in a bush and, overcoming his nagging fear of giant squirrels, passes up a chance to hear a concert in the park to wait protectively with his older, slower canine companion, Doggo, until the fledgling is reunited with its mama Before strolling back home paw in paw, the two pooches also take time to appreciate the “music” of ordinary sounds in the park and make a little of their own using twigs as drumsticks Alder illustrates Applegate’s simply phrased, contraction free narrative with amiably informal cartoon scenes that capture all of the episode’s sweet harmonies John Peters

F r a n k a n d t h e B a d S u r p r i s e .

By Mar tha Brockenbrough. Illus. by Jon Lau.

Apr 2022 64p Levine Querido, $14 99 (9781646140886) Gr 1 3

Everything was going great for Frank, a tuxedo cat; he had toys, snacks, and plenty of peaceful naps. But then his humans bring home a corgi puppy and his orderly existence is plunged into chaos Feeling fed up and underappreciated, Frank types a few disgruntled letters to his humans (to no avail) and leaves in search of a better home Unfor tunately, this is easier said than done, leading Frank to see his humans and the puppy in more loving light. Cute and hilarious, this early chapter book is just right for the Mercy Watson and Doggo and Pup per crowd Lots of white space, repeated vocabulary, and humorous spot and full page illustrations create a welcoming reading environ ment for youngsters. The fact that Frank’s humans are a mixed race gay couple only boosts this book’s value Julia Smith

G i g i a n d O j i j i .

By Melissa Iwai. Illus. by the author.

May 2022 32p Harper, $16 99 (9780063208063) K Gr 2

Gigi is so excited! Today, Ojiji (Grandpa) is coming from Japan to live with her family She has so many ideas for them to do together playing tag, reading books, and teaching her dog new tricks. But Gigi’s plans are almost immediately scuttled when they pick Ojiji up from the airport Not only does Oji ji need help adjusting to life in America, Gigi’s afraid he doesn’t like her! Gigi spills all her worries to her mother, who explains that some things are done differ ently in Japan For instance, people often bow rather than hug Feeling reassured, Gigi’s excitement returns along with some new plans for her time with Ojiji As

A

a level 3 reader, this book for independent readers uses longer sentences and more complex vocabulary, but the text is well supported by the en dearing illustrations, which capture all of Gigi’s big emotions and depict her as a biracial child, with a white father and Japanese mother A sweet rapport begins to develop between the girl and her grandfather by story ’ s end, giving this tale of relatable worries a comforting end Julia Smith

H o g g y We n t a C o u r t i n ’ .

By Ethan Long. Illus. by the author. Mar 2022 32p Holiday, $14 99 (9780823451487) Gr 1 4

Three animal friends are shooting hoops in their driveway when Hog gy (a pig, naturally) asks to join and, before long, is being a bad sport. Luckily, Hoggy’s little sister has some good advice, and Hoggy, after of fering a genuine apology, gets to show off his fancy footwork in a much friendlier way Long brings an invitingly cartoonish style to the artwork in this I Like to Read Comics book, with bright colors and dynamic motion in the large format panels Simple sentences each is fewer than 10 words appear in a big, legible font in speech balloons with lots of white space, which will help emerging readers Long’s play on the term ball hog makes for a comical premise, and the resolution of the friendship conflict will resonate with plenty of kids. Sarah Hunter

M a d d i e a n d M a b e l .

By Kari Allen. Illus. by Tatjana Mai Wyss.

Mar. 2022. 80p. Kind World, $16.99 (9781638940029). PreS Gr. 2.

This playful book introduces self sufficient Maddie and her younger sister, Mabel, who wants to be helpful, then launches into four fam ily stories First, Maddie recalls when she was an only child and her mother asked whether she would rather have a baby sister or a rabbit. Next, Mabel watches Maddie put on a musical show that lacks just one element In “The Fight,” Mabel is angry but eventually gets over it In the final chapter, Mabel can ’ t sleep, and Maddie knows just what to do Throughout the amiable, episodic text, readers can see each girl’s point of view, and the expressive illustrations have their own breezy charm. Considering how many early reading books feature two main charac ters, it’s surprising that the sibling dynamic isn’t explored more often An inviting, amusing series debut Carolyn Phelan

M a r c o P o l o B r a v e E x p l o r e r.

By Cynthia Lord. Illus. by Stephanie Graegin.

Mar 2022 80p Candlewick, $12 99 (9781536213553) Gr 1 4

Originally a soft, mouse shaped Christmas ornament, Marco Polo becomes a Book Buddy (a doll or stuffed toy to check out from the library) A brave explorer, he’s thrilled when a boy named Seth chooses him to take to Ben’s house to bolster his courage for his first sleepover All goes well until a cat picks up Marco Polo during the night and stashes him away. Undeterred, the intrepid mouse finds his way back to Seth along with Ben’s long lost monster stuffie Lord’s engaging nar rative is well attuned to the concerns of readers who find comfort in stuffed animals, though they may be reluctant to admit it The book’s reader friendly design includes wide spaced lines of type and grayscale illustrations on most double page spreads. An appealing addition to the Book Buddies series Carolyn Phelan

O n c e u p o n a T i m .

By Stuar t Gibbs. Illus. by Stacy Cur tis. Mar 2022 160p Simon & Schuster, $12 99 (9781534499256) Gr 2 5

Tim and his friend Belinda (disguised as a boy), two peasants during the Middle Ages, seize an opportunity to become knights by accom panying a cowardly prince and his ineffectual wizard on an expedition to save a princess from the dreaded Stinx that has captured her Af ter an action packed journey through the Forest of Doom, down The River of Doom, and across the Chasm of Doom, they reach the Stinx’s lair. Gibbs peppers his prose with entertaining side comments as well as “IQ boosters,” explaining terms such as malodorous, iconoclast, and infinitesimal, while maintaining the pace of the narrative This giddy romp through a medieval setting, complete with menacing trolls and gigantic, bloodthirsty butterflies, is the start of a promising series from the author of Spy School (2012) and its sequels. Carolyn Phelan

P a r ke r D r e s s e s U p.

By Parker Curr y and Jessica Curr y. Illus. by Brittany Jackson and Tajaé Keith.

2022 32p Simon & Schuster/ Simon Spotlight, $17 99 (9781665902564); paper, $4 99 (9781665902557). K Gr. 1.

Parker is back in another adorable Ready to Read book for beginning readers A rainy day sends Parker to the dress up box, where she and her younger siblings don costumes and their imaginations As Parker dreams of being a ballerina, a doctor, and a princess, an argument breaks out among the siblings over some unconventional choices (e.g., being a firefighter cook) Mom rushes to intervene, doling out a valuable lesson about people’s ability to be more than one thing just like she’s a mom and a writer. White or solid pastel backgrounds will help readers focus on the simple sentences (one to two per page), and the large, realistic illustrations, which show a variety of skin tones and facial features, lend visual support to the text A solid choice touching on sibling relation ships, make believe, and conflict resolution Tiffany Flowers

Ty ’s Tr a v e l s : L a b M a g i c .

By Kelly Starling Lyons. Illus. by Nina Mata. 2022 32p Harper, $16 99 (9780062951175) PreS Gr 1 Ty and Corey are brothers who love science, so their mother takes them to a museum where they explore the butterfly garden, dig for fossils, and play with boats The only hiccup in the visit is that Ty isn’t big enough to enter the science lab, but his disappointment is forgot ten when they get home and his parents set up a science lab in the kitchen. Wearing goggles and their father’s white shirts as lab coats, the boys dive into a series of experiments Designated as a My First I Can Read! book, this engaging reader is intended for shared reading The colorful illustrations match the storytelling well and capture the boys’ imaginations and enthusiasm for science. Starring a Black family, this installment in the Geisel winning Ty’s Travels series adds some much needed diversity to the beginning reader shelf Rosie Camargo

We d n e s d a y a n d Wo o f # 1 : C a t a s t r o p h e .

By Sherri Winston. Illus. by Gladys Jose. Apr 2022 96p Harper, $15 99 (9780062976017) Gr 2 4

Walia has been running the Wednesday & Woof Detective Agency for ages (two months!) and is eagerly seeking new challenges A new sleuth ing opportunity comes in the form of an opera singer neighbor wailing about her missing cat, so Walia and her beloved pup, Woof, get busy tracking the wayward feline Woof is an invaluable detective and service dog, helping Walia sniff out crucial clues and tackle life while dealing with juvenile arthritis, gently introducing a young audience to both the chronic disease and the concept of service dogs. The humorous narrative will easily engage early readers, and a smattering of twists and red her rings maintains the mystery without overcomplicating the plot Playful illustrations add visual interest, and peeks at Walia’s detective pad clev erly act as a review for plot points and new concepts. Each chapter ends with an adorable visual record of chapters completed and an occasional word count congratulations a touch sure to encourage reluctant read ers Walia and Woof are a winning combination for any young gumshoe looking to dip their toes into chapter books. Emily Graham

Th e Wo r l d o f E m i l y W i n d s n a p : E m i l y ’s B i g D i s c o v e r y.

By Liz Kessler. Illus. by Joanie Stone. Apr. 2022. 64p. Candlewick, $14.99 (9781536215229). Gr. 1 4.

Whimsical illustrations reminiscent of traditional hand painted art are front and center in this charming beginning reader about Emily, who discovers she is a mermaid Her mother has always warned her that swimming in the ocean is dangerous, but she’s more worried about what might happen to Emily’s legs when she enters the water when Emily sneaks out for a nighttime swim in the ocean, her legs turn into a beautiful tail She even meets a new friend below the waves This gentle, pleasant episodic story will please kids with lively imaginations, and Emily’s loneliness before she discovers her innate gifts will resonate with plenty of young readers. With wide spaced text and inviting art work, this is a perfect bedtime or partner read for little ones learning to tackle short chapter books on their own Kristina Pino

Ma rc h 1 , 2 0 2 2 B

Trade Secrets

If you ’ ve noticed an uptick in the number of questions you ’ re getting about books for new readers, you ’ re not alone. The pandemic has impacted learning for many chil dren, and even in the Before Times (aka 2019), third grade reading scores across the nation were dropping. As librar y workers, we have many oppor tunities to provide suppor t to new readers (and their grown ups). Not sure where to star t? Here are some tips for engaging around commonly asked read er ’ s advisor y questions.

D o y o u h a v e b o o k s f o r f i r s t g r a d e r s ?

Try: “Yes, we definitely have books for your first grader!”

Follow up by asking about hobbies/interests, other books they’ve loved (or hated), and all the other RA questions you ask readers of all ages. It can be tempting to explain your librar y ’ s method of cataloging and shelving books Resist! Instead, focus on building trust and confidence by validating their question and showing you ’ re there to help.

D o y o u h a v e l e v e l G / 5 0 0 / 2 .6 b o o k s ?

Tr y : “ Ye s , w e h a v e b o o k s a t t h a t l e v e l . Le t ’s s e e w h a t w e c a n f i n d t o g e t h e r.”

Leveling systems can be inconsistent, confusing, and down right unhelpful! The thing to remember is that levels are just a starting place. While not all books are leveled, if you find one book at approximately the requested level you can look at sen tence length, size of font, number of pages, etc. to find other books at a similar level

D o y o u h a v e b o o k s t h a t t e a c h m y c h i l d t o re a d ?

Tr y : “ Ye s , w e ’ve g o t a s e c t i o n j u s t f o r k i d s l e a r n i n g t o re a d ! Le t m e s h o w y o u . ”

This question generally comes from caregivers with kids who are just starting the learning to read process. Human brains are innately wired to learn to talk, but people invented reading and, therefore, must be taught to read We don’t just learn to read by having the right kind of book. It takes explicit systematic pho nics instruction and a whole lot of practice Lean toward books for ver y new readers with just a few words per sentence and one sentence per page

D o y o u h a v e d e c o d a b l e t e x t s ?

Tr y : “ Ye s , w e ’ve g o t q u i t e a f e w b o o k s t h a t s u p p o r t d e c o d i n g.”

It can be easy to be intimidated by words like “decodable” or “fluency.” Often, caregivers are just using the same words they’ve heard from their child’s teacher, and in some cases they’re not quite sure what they mean Here are some commonly used terms and ways to find books that support those skills.

• Decodable or Decode: Decoding means seeing a letter, knowing the sound it makes, and then using this letter sound relationship to accurately read a word. Kids don’t need a specific series of books to practice this skill Instead, look for books that have frequent word and letter sound repetition.

• Fluency: To read fluently is to read aloud accurately and with expression It’s a hard skill to master when a reader is encoun tering and decoding a lot of new words, so look for books that are familiar or “below level ” This allows readers to focus on the sentence as a whole, rather than word by word.

• Comprehension: This is why we read! Comprehension is be ing able to understand and explain the meaning of what we ’ re reading Any book works for building comprehension when scaffolded with open ended questions during or after read ing Tr y questions like, “ Why do you think that character did that?” or “ What’s your favorite fact that you learned from this book? Explain it to me ”

• Background Knowledge or Vocabulary: Background knowl edge is what a reader knows (concepts and vocabulary) before they start reading a book If a reader encounters a lot of new ideas and words, it will take them longer to move through a text If they have more background knowledge on a topic, they’re more likely to have a successful reading experience. Try recommending some high interest nonfiction Encourage grown ups to explore the glossary with their child or to stop and discuss new ideas and words as they come upon them

What do you recommend for my kid who hates to read? Tr y : “ S o m e t i m e s i t t a ke s a w h i l e f o r k i d s t o f i n d t h e b o o k t h a t s p a r k s t h e i r l o v e o f re a d i n g. W h a t a re t h e i r f a v o r i t e t o p i c s o r t h i n g s t o d o ? Le t ’s s t a r t t h e re . ” Learning to read is hard! Make practice more fun by encourag ing caregivers to pick books on topics kids already love Even better, let the child choose! Kids will often read a book “above their level” because they want to know the stor y or information inside it. Another aspect to seeing yourself as a reader is seeing yourself reflected in the books you read While the #WeNeed DiverseBooks movement has impacted children’s literature overall, the number of early reader books by/about BIPOC and marginalized creators/characters is still abysmally low. There have been some amazing titles that reflect diversity since then, but just a few each year, and that’s not enough to shift the landscape significantly. Be intentional about purchasing, displaying, and recommending early readers with diverse representations

Amy Seto Forrester ( she / her ) is a youth ser vices super visor at Eugene Public Librar y ( OR ) She ser ved on the 2016 Geisel Aw ard Committee and co founded the mock blog Guessing Geisel

S a y Ye s t o E a r l y Re a d e r s

B y A m y S e t o F o r r e s t e

ter excursion While the bunny is never anthropomorphized it remains a lifeless doll the girl’s braver y reveals her as the true kunoichi of this tale Becca Worthington

L u l i a n d t h e L a n g u a g e o f Te a .

By Andrea Wang. Illus. by Hyewon Yum.

May 2022 40p Holiday/ Neal Porter, $18 99 (9780823446148). PreS Gr. 2.

Ten young children gather in a classroom for supervised play while their immigrant parents attend the ESL class next door Since the children speak different languag es, each is playing alone But Luli, a Chinese American girl, has a plan. After unpacking a teapot, teacups, and tea leaves, she makes tea When she calls out “Chá,” the children respond in their own languages (Russian, Hindi, Persian, Turkish, Arabic, Spanish, German, Swahili, and Portuguese) with their words for tea, which are amazingly similar to hers. Gathering at a circular table, they pass around cups of tea. Now Luli brings out a box and uses her new favorite English word, “Cookie?” Watching the children engage with

one another, “Luli’s heart is full ” The author of Watercress (2021), Wang writes a simple, precise narrative that is more than the sum of its parts Few writers could conjure up the characters’ contentment as concisely as this: “Hands curled around warm cups Mouths curved into shy smiles.” Yum’s sensitive colored pencil illustrations use clean lines, rounded shapes, and soft hues to depict the setting and reveal the characters’ emotions

The back matter introduces the 10 children, their countries of origin, and the place of tea in their cultures A rewarding read aloud choice Carolyn Phelan

O u r Wo r l d I s a F a m i l y. By Mir y Whitehill and Jennifer Jackson. Illus. by Nomar Perez.

Mar 2022 32p Sourcebooks/eXplore, $17 99 (9781728231839). PreS Gr. 2.

This warm, welcoming picture book opens the door to discussions about how to be a good neighbor and build a compassionate community. The words “I’m Here” colorfully cover the endpapers and are written in sev eral languages, including English, Arabic, and Somali In a child friendly manner, reasons for human migration are briefly explained

The succinct text, cowritten by the founder of Miry’s List (a nonprofit organization assisting refugee families), emphasizes, with empathy, commonalities: “No matter what language they speak, people everywhere want to feel

safe and loved and important ” The conver sation continues with actionable suggestions to help new arrival families feel at home, like sharing a friendly smile, cooking a new food, or just saying “I’m here ” Perez’s winsome dig ital cartoons highlight personal connection in scenes of cooperative play and joyful em braces. Accepted and received into their new neighborhood, adults and children of many different cultures, religions, and abilities gaze directly at the reader, waving and holding up welcome signs of their own. A good choice to inspire acts of kindness and galvanize positive change Linda Ludke

P e a n u t G e t s Fe d U p.

By Dana Wulfekotte. Illus. by the author. Apr 2022 40p Greenwillow, $17 99 (9780062455826) PreS Gr 1

Peanut, a stuffed animal penguin, remem bers Pearl as a baby. Her first word was Peanut, and the first time she walked, she was holding on to her pal It hasn’t always been fun Pearl sometimes drools on her stuffie or drags it though a puddle in the rain. But after Peanut is caught in the middle of a tug of war and their flipper gets torn, the injured stuffie ponders while Pearl’s mom mends the wound The pen guin decides to take action. At the park, the toy “accidentally” falls out of Pearl’s backpack and escapes At first, the penguin rejoices to be free, but soon they miss Pearl, who finds her toy and takes it home. Korean American artist and ani

I n t h i s l a s t w e e k , t h e r e a r e s e v e n d a y s . ”

A child cherishes every second of their grandmother’s last week of life in this sensitive portrayal of medical assistance in dying (MAiD).

“

mator Wulfekotte has illustrated a number of books, but this appealing picture book appears to be the second that she has written as well. Told from Peanut’s point of view, the first per son text is simply written and satisfying, while the expressive, digitally colored pencil drawings reveal the characters’ emotions with clarity. An endearing read aloud choice for young children. Carolyn Phelan

P e o p l e A r e W i l d .

By Margaux Meganck. Illus. by the author. Mar 2022 40p Knopf, $17 99 (9780593301944) PreS Gr 2

People get a wake up call from birds, bugs, beasts, and other wild creatures in this colorful picture book written from the animals’ points of view. Each time a human family wanders into the territory of a different species, a young animal asks its mother, “What is that?” and hears the reply “That’s a person, ” followed by safety warnings, necessary because “people are wild ” They’re loud, messy, smelly, nosy, and strange But the young ones point out that they’re also “just like us ” cuddly, cute, unique, and fun to watch. In the illustrations, the children and young animals are constantly watching each other, fascinated But when a young elephant wants to keep a little girl, the mother elephant nixes the idea, explaining that “People are wild. And all wild creatures should be free ” The conversational narra tive reads aloud beautifully, perhaps echoing words that children have heard from their own parents. Created with colored pencil and watercolor, the artwork features pleasing color combinations and softly shaded forms within varied natural habitats A fresh perspective on people and animals. Carolyn Phelan

S t e l l a r p h a n t .

By James Foley. Illus. by the author. Mar. 2022. 32p. Kane Miller, $12.99 (9781684644247). PreS Gr. 3 .

A nicely dressed elephant walks into a space agency and applies to become an astronaut Shocked, the man at the desk makes an ex cuse: they have no spacesuits in her size. She returns with a well designed elephantine suit Each time he thinks up a new objection, she overcomes it: Their training program equip ment won ’ t support her weight? She works out hard, hires tutors, and gets a PhD. She’s too large for their spaceships? She builds her own The astronauts don’t want an elephant on board? She trains her animal friends to become her crew. Finally, tired of waiting for official approval, she realizes that she doesn’t need it She and her crew blast off and enjoy a space walk together Children will pore over the appended portrait galleries, one depicting animal astronauts at Stellarphant Aerospace and the other honoring actual animals sent into space, beginning with fruit flies (1947) With its well told story, sympathetic heroine, and detailed, engaging illustrations, this pic ture book will easily win over kids who have their own big dreams and can do attitudes

Carolyn Phelan

T i n y D i n o.

By Deborah Freedman. Illus. by the author. Apr 2022 40p Viking , $17 99 (9780593352649) PreS Gr 1 Tyrannosauruses and triceratopses may be long gone, but a tiny hummingbird bursts into view with some news for a nearby turtle: “I’m a DINOSAUR!” The turtle is skeptical Didn’t dinosaurs have huge clomping feet? The hummingbird points out that its feet look remarkably simi lar to a T. rex ’ s. But don’t dinosaurs have giant bones, a frog wonders? The bird responds that the important thing is bone structure, not size. The remark able comparisons continue, until a mole finally thinks that it has the last word: Aren’t dinosaurs fierce? When the hummingbird declares with intensity that it is so, so, SO FIERCE, they can ’ t help believing it. Things get more compli cated when a crocodile wanders onto the scene (“I am not a dinosaur!”), but the hummingbird remains prepared to shed light on the situation The spritely story is an appealing introduction to the concept of modern birds evolving from their dinosaur ancestors, quietly illustrating the core evidence in entertaining fashion The wa tercolor artwork is soft in texture but bold in color and construction, cleverly inserting wispy scientific sketches behind the main action, making it easy to see comparisons and compre hend the basic concepts The characters are also flat out darling, and their adamant declarations beg to be read aloud It’s an absolute delight to learn and laugh with this curious animal crew

Emily Graham

Th e Tu n n e l .

By Sarah Howden. Illus. by Erika Rodriguez Medina.

Mar. 2022. 32p. Owlkids, $18.95 (9781771474276). Gr. 1 3 .

A boy, sitting alone, says, “Something bad happened ” The specifics are not explained, but the house is empty except for him, his mother, and occasional adult visitors Possibly his father has left or died. From this realistic premise, the story takes a fantastical direction as the boy copes by digging a hole through his bedroom floor, traveling down through a tunnel, experi encing the novelty of being underground, and emerging in his backyard. He briefly considers disappearing but sees his mother through the window and decides to return home The tun nel is a manifestation of his mental state and desire to leave the sadness behind. Outside, he appreciates the light the moon provides, then draws a connection between the moon and his mom Back inside, he acknowledges “the secret places” he and his mother both have, the pain they keep to themselves, though he is glad they are together The illustrations are nonthreaten ing, but the text explores complex emotional responses. An effective tool to open discussion about grief with individuals or small groups of children Lucinda Whitehurst

W h o A r e Yo u r P e o p l e ?

By Bakari Sellers. Illus. by Reggie Brown. 2022 32p HarperCollins/ Quill Tree, $18 99 (9780063082854) PreS Gr 3

Sellers and Brown join forces in this affirm ing picture book that traces the struggles, dreams, and pride of African Americans Us ing the question of “ Who are your people?” as a refrain, the book looks to accomplish ments of Black Americans through histor y, touching upon the escape from the bondage of slaver y to the sit ins and protests of the 1960s and ’70s The thoughtful text focuses on the heritage and sense of belonging for African Americans with sentences such as, “ Your people were mighty activists, champi ons that struggled for justice and equality” and “ You are from a place filled with love and hope and expectation.” Brown’s illustra tions convey both the joyful experiences and painful histor y of African Americans, using bright colors and pastels to signal hope and healing to the reader. They also do an excel lent job of blending moments from the past with the present, subtly reinforcing their continued importance to life today Pair this with Shani King’s Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter (2021). Tiffany Flowers

Th e Wr i t e r.

By Davide Calì. Illus. by Monica Barengo.

Mar 2022 36p Eerdmans, $17 99 (9780802855855)

PreS Gr 2

How’s a dog to sleep when “he’s already sitting there with his tic tic tic”? In this Ital ian import, Calì’s spare, amusing text relates the frustrations of a black French bulldog with a white belly as its portly look alike owner in black pajamas and white socks (“some days he doesn’t even get dressed”) types away at a keyboard. In a reversal of roles, the bulldog wonders what the writer (who, in the dog’s opinion, has never appeared ver y intelligent) thinks about. Why, if it weren ’ t for the bulldog, the writer wouldn’t even remember to eat Luckily, she also has a scheme to find the writer a human com panion, which goes slightly awr y when the writer disregards the bulldog’s suggestion and cozies up to a woman with a look alike dog of her own Barengo’s delicate illustra tions, with muted yellow backgrounds that give prominence to the intricately drawn black dog and owner, tell the real stor y in wordless and nearly wordless spreads It’s no small feat to not only depict an emotion ally expressive French bulldog but make it adorable in the process. Readers can ’ t help but laugh and empathize with the misun derstood pooch, especially when the woman and her Afghan hound move in. A waggish tale for those who understand dogs (or think they do) Angela Leeper

A d u l t

Th e F i n a l C a s e .

By David Guterson. Read by George Newbern

2022. 7.5hr. Books on Tape, DD, $66.50 (9780593454909).

Guterson’s first novel in years is a family stor y wrapped inside a criminal case sur rounding the death of an adopted child George Newbern narrates our unnamed pro tagonist, who drives for his elderly father as he litigates his final case as defense for the adoptive parents accused of the crime Gut erson ’ s writing is beautiful yet restrained, and the stor y, though compelling, is not the Grishamesque courtroom thriller a synopsis might suggest, but a profoundly insightful examination of the relationships between love, family, vocation, and the changes in each with age. The audio production is excel lent, but the reason to experience this book as audio is Newbern There is not a single mis step in his performance. His voice is strong without force and moves fluidly within the graceful prose Performance, just as writing, is most compelling when drawing from the well of experience, and I suspect this is the case for both men. Adam Schulmerich

F u l l O u t : L e s s o n s i n L i f e a n d L e a d e r s h i p f r o m A m e r i c a ’s F a v o r i t e C o a c h .

By Monica Aldama. Read by the author. 2022. 7hr. Simon & Schuster Audio, DD, $17.99 (9781797130705)

Luck has nothing to do with winning 14 National Cheerleading Association cham pionships. Hired as a co ed cheerleader coach without experience in 1994 at Texas’s Navarro College, Aldama faced a variety of challenges in creating a performance excellence program and investing in the lives of young adults. Hear her narrate her stor y of persevering with authenticity, uphold

ing integrity, and character building with a palpable understanding of failure, focus, hard work, self accountability, and high standards Her business acumen is translated through a look at the big picture of cheer: pyramids, stunters, tumblers, flyers, and the mat Inspirational attributes are analogous to her leadership perspectives as she empha sizes communication, asserting confidence, navigating difficult situations, emotional intelligence, self management, and building a culture of diversity and inclusion. These qualities, she relates, help in developing friendships and mentors The audio stands alone and is the perfect complement to Net flix docuseries Cheer We all make mistakes, but who do you trust to catch you if you fall? Coach tells her stor y while cheering for your Daytona moment Vanessa Denby

I C a m e A l l Th i s Wa y t o M e e t Yo u :

Wr i t i n g M y s e l f H o m e .

By Jami Attenberg. Read by Xe Sands. 2022 6 5hrs HarperAudio, CD, $24 14 (9780063039827)

As Attenberg reflects on her life, she focuses on times that shaped her emotional growth and craft Travel is a constant in her life (pos sibly inherited from her traveling salesman father), and she recalls years of couch surfing, book touring, and impulsively visiting foreign countries alone Her career takes time to flour ish, and Attenberg is honest about the work of book promotion Her memories aren ’ t always happy ones, but they’re vivid and detailed She seems to be drawn to haunted places and old boneyards that cause her to reflect on her past and shape her writing journey and willing to share even painful moments. Even tually she does find a home in New Orleans where she is able to welcome travelers, share her love for the city, and finally come to peace with her past. Sands reads in a confident but self deprecating tone that fits well with Atten

berg’s text and outlook Listeners who enjoy thoughtful memoirs and insightful accounts of the writing life will be drawn into Atten berg’s story Candace Smith

I r o n A n n i e .

By Luke Cassidy. Read by Eleanor McLoughlin.

2022 8 5hr Books on Tape, DD, $76 (9780593554838)

When Aoife, a small time drug dealer in Dundalk, Ireland, is presented with an op portunity to make a pile of cash offloading a huge haul of cocaine, she decides to bring her beguiling girlfriend, Annie, along for the ride The two head to England, where Aoife figures they’ll find easier takers, but An nie also finds much more and soon Aoife finds herself spiral ing away from her simple plan. Debut novelist Cassidy’s caper wrapped in a tangled love stor y is rich with a sense of place mainly the north of Ire land, but also London and a smattering of English towns and infused with the slang of its settings. Such a challenging text re quires particular narrative skill, and narrator McLoughlin’s audiobook debut is one for the ages She pins down the book’s narrator, Aoife, with such gobsmacking precision it’s quite easy to forget that there’s any source material at all Start to finish, this feels like Aoife’s monologue and that McLoughlin, with her sweet, gruff voice and deep Irish ac cent, is Aoife. From mumbled memories to bold declarations to deepest fears whispered under her breath, the narrator captures ev er y nuance, and reads Annie’s lines with a slightly throatier English accent. A crack au dio from an author and narrator to watch.

Heather Booth

Th e M a i d .

By Nita Prose. Read by Lauren Ambrose. 2022 10hr Books on Tape, DD, $76 (9780593452691)

2021.

Longtime fans of and newcomers alike will be delighted by this full cast performance of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s classic Full of absurd humor and a cast of wonder fully bizarre characters, Good Omens feels like it was made for audio Crowley (devil) and Aziraphale (angel) are supposed to be on opposite sides of the ongoing war between heaven and hell, but after 6,000 years, they’ve forgotten about that Until Armageddon arrives and they find themselves scrambling to keep up Over a dozen narrators give pitch perfect performances, expertly voicing precocious twelve year olds, elderly witch hunters, impatient demons, suburban fathers, and one extremely competent witch. But Michael Sheen as Aziraphale and David Tennant as Crowley steal the show. Sheen gives Aziraphale a round, refined, sometimes squeaky voice David Tennant’s performance is the embodi ment of cool nonchalance Listening to them banter back and forth is worth the price of admission though the rest of the book is a rollicking good time, too Laura Sackton

Molly the maid loves her job Cleaning up clutter and polishing imperfections to reveal gleaming surfaces at the Grand Regency Ho tel fulfills her need for order and routine She is appreciated by her boss, though her co workers find her straightfor ward nature and lack of guile off putting. When Molly dis covers a high profile guest dead in his suite and she is thrown into an investigation and media spotlight that she is not well equipped to handle, her attention to detail is both a blessing and a curse. The stor y has all the makings of a cozy myster y but it has sharper elbows and far more ninety degree angles than that genre usually contains Narrator Lauren Ambrose delivers a pitch perfect per formance of Molly and the interesting cast of characters that populates this upscale hotel With a fast moving plot, fresh characters, and satisfying resolution, The Maid is highly recommended. Jennifer Kinnavy

Ma h 2

G

By Neil Gaiman Read

Podcast Connection

By Chloe Dulce Louvouezo. Read by Joniece Abbott-Pratt. 2021 5 5hr HarperAudio, DD, $20 99 (9780063139107)

Challenging trials and tribulations in life’s journey can lead women places where disappointments can bruise and permanently scar the healthiest mind in a traumatic fashion Chloe Dulce Louvouezo, host of the podcast Life, I Swear, created a safe, judgment free zone for extraordinar y women of color to share with her their most personal and infrequently discussed struggles and offer an antidote that could lead to their self healing and wholeness. Abbott Pratt is compelling and authentic as she reads content curated directly from the podcast, making the journeys of these phenomenal women navigating love, loss, motherhood, sexual assault, self identity, and lack of in clusion relatable The simpatico to each woman ’ s honest testimony is eerily prescient: the listener can easily forget that Abbott Pratt is reading the narratives of many from the African diaspora, as she uses seemingly endless variations in accents and tone With a contributing foreword from Elaine Welteroth, this audiobook is emotive, with in spirational insights in each chapter encouraging for anyone seeking to be healed and embraced from the inside out. Vanessa Denby

Th e N i n e t i e s : A B o o k .

By Chuck Klosterman. Read by Chuck Klosterman and Dion Graham.

2022 12hr Books on Tape, DD, $95 (9780593555552)

Amidst his musings on aspects of the 1990s, which range widely from Garth Brooks and Titanic to the Persian Gulf War and Ross Pe rot, the Y2K bug and Dolly the sheep, and Nirvana and Crystal Pepsi, Klosterman, in one line, encapsu lates the vibe of the decade: “It was a confusing time to care about things ” Part deconstruction of pop culture, part explanation of the political landscape, this audiobook keeps the listener engaged by bouncing from one topic to the next, but not before diving just deep enough to allow thoughtful, clever, even profound connec tions to occur The author narrates the bulk of the book himself, making clearly audible the nuance in his reluctant enthusiasm about the generation that came of age in this decade (“One accolade can be applied with convic tion: Among the generations that have yet to go extinct, Generation X remains the least an noying This is mostly due to size ”) He reads quotes from public figures in ways that imi tate and evoke their tones without mimicking them. Mellifluous narrator Dion Graham is on hand to read chapter titles and footnotes, and in doing so, bolsters the authority and enjoyment of Klosterman’s somewhat nasal, occasionally sardonic, and always entertain ing exposition Heather Booth

N o o r.

By Nnedi Okorafor. Read by Délé Ogundiran. 2021. 7.5hr. Tantor, DD, $19.99 (9781666138320).

Using cadence and tone, Ogundiran drops

the listener into near future Nigeria, where the consequences of capitalism, climate change, and technology play out against the rich backdrop of African jujuism, his tor y, and culture Ultimate Corp’s biotech innovations allowed AO to overcome her physical disabilities However, as AO flees into the deser t toward the Red Eye, she be gins to discover the darker side of Ultimate Corp’s imperialism She quickly par tners with Fulani herdsman DNA, who clings to his heritage despite pressure While both did commit the crime of which they are accused, is either tr uly to blame? Ogundi ran captures AO’s determined strength as well as DNA’s compassionate tenacity As the intricate backstor y is slowly revealed, a tale of corporate greed in which humans have become pawns and the biosphere is in sidiously destroyed, all in the name of the greater good, grabs the listener. Overall, a thought provoking work of social com mentar y per fect for any discussion group

Karen Toonen

O f f t h e E d g e : F l a t E a r t h e r s , C o n s p i r a c y C u l t u r e , a n d W h y P e o p l e W i l l B e l i e v e A n y t h i n g.

By Kelly Weill. Read by Xe Sands. 2022. 7.5hr. Workman, DD, $31.14 (9781649040800).

Humans’ inclination to believe implau sible, irrational, or scientifically disproven assertions is nothing new Weill tracks the development of the flat earth theor y and the lengths to which its champions will go to defend their perspective and forcefully, sometimes violently, shut down their de tractors This leads into an examination of similar methods being used and experienced in modern society: COVID 19 issues, the Januar y 6 insurrection, and adjacent topics Veteran narrator Sands is an ideal voice for this nonfiction title. Her careful pacing fa

vors that of natural speech, which helps the listener stay connected as she recounts his torical facts and scientific claims and reads quotes Weill’s perspective on these topics is clear, and Sands brings just enough of the author’s opinions into her narration to con vey the tone without going overboard, even as sometimes disturbingly outlandish claims are recounted A pleasant and engaging pre sentation of a topic that will be high on the list of contemporar y concerns for many li brar y patrons. Heather Booth

R a d i a n t F u g i t i v e s .

By Nawaaz Ahmed Read by James Fouhey 2021. 14hr. HighBridge, DD, $24.99 (9781696606806).

Experienced children’s and YA narrator Fouhey demonstrates his ability to deliver an engaging performance for adults in this literar y fiction production. Told nonlinearly from the unique perspective of an unborn child, the stor y benefits from Fouhey’s clear, deep voice and measured pacing, which will pull audiences in quickly. Listeners fol low the baby’s mother, Seema, who is nine months pregnant and estranged from the baby’s father As her deliver y draws near, Seema attempts to reconcile with her Mus lim Indian family, from whom she has been cut off after coming out as a lesbian With varied tones ranging from sonorous to soft, and nuanced shifts in pace, Fouhey evokes the painful depths of each character’s inter nal struggles and longing. While the narrator pronounces Muslim names convincingly, he loses authenticity in repeatedly using the Americanized pronunciation for “Muslim ” Nonetheless, the complex characters and their portrayal will linger Great for fans of A Burning (2020), by Megha Majumdar, and Patsy (2019), by Nicole Dennis Benn Van McGar y

S m a l l Wo r l d .

By Jonathan Evison. Read by William DeMeritt.

2022. 16hr. Books on Tape, DD, $95 (9780593452219).

This novel that seems like it’s about trains is actually about how our lives can connect to future and past generations: a stor y of the American dream that spans from the 1850s to 2019. Beginning with a fateful event in 2019, the stor y then zigzags across eras as we meet immigrants from Ireland and China, Native Americans, runaway slaves, and more. Each character’s stor y would be interesting enough for an entire novel on its own, but the deft way Evison connects them makes them all the more enjoyable Reader DeMeritt’s nar ration is engaging and well done. Each of the many point of view characters has his or her own voice and style and is easily differenti ated Some characters have accents that are believable enough to add to the stor y, not pull the reader out of it. In the end, it’s about how family long gone can influence where we are today Matt Matkowski

L i f e , I S w e a r : I n t i m a t e S t o r i e s f r o m B l a c k Wo m e n o n I d e n t i t y, H e a l i n g, a n d S e l f-Tr u s t .

Poetr y in Audiobooks

A d u l t

A l l t h e F l o w e r s K n e e l i n g.

By Paul Tran. Read by the author.

2022 2 5hr Books on Tape, DD, $38 (9780593557815)

The debut collection from Tran, a Nuyorican Poets Cafe Grand Slam winner and the first Asian American to hold this honor in nearly three decades, is nothing short of electric on audio. Tran performs their own words as if on stage, but the beautifully compressed audio production removes the echo, sibilance, and boom of a live venue, pushing these poems of trauma and self awareness into a terrifically intimate range ideal for an im mersive session with your best headphones

The listener can feel every word, from those barely audible, spoken under Tran’s breath, to bold, accusatory, celebratory declarations. So expressive is Tran’s narration that even fa cial expressions translate: we hear the smile, the sneer, the furrowed brow, the defiant glare. As many of Tran’s poems were clearly written to be performed, this recording is essential for understanding their intent. Intonation, emphasis, and precise pauses are as integral to the presentation of their poems as is ink on the page An intense, impassioned performance imbued with Tran’s anger, inventiveness, wisdom, and reaching for connection. Not to be missed. Heather Booth

C a l l U s W h a t We C a r r y : P o e m s .

By Amanda Gorman. Read by the author.

2021. 3 .5hr. Books on Tape, DD, $28 (9780593459911).

This collection is poetry that speaks for all of us. The first half reflects on the COVID 19 years Poet Amanda Gorman, who was named the nation’s first Youth Poet Laureate in 2017 and came to prominence as the youngest inaugural poet in American history, narrates, and gives it to us soberly straight in a poem called Fugue, “Every cough seemed catastrophe, / Every proximate per son a potential peril ” To hear Gorman read is like hearing songwriters play their music as the only people to do their work justice and convey its full meaning. The second half deals with race in America Gorman’s inflec tions, pauses, and enunciations are integral to her work. Her voice moves the reader to feel in their soul how humans felt like cap tive animals during the isolation period of the pandemic Occasionally throughout this work, there are some sound effects: a light breeze, some waves crashing, and in one poem Gorman alters her voice to give it the sound of an old timey radio. Fear not, these are not gimmicks and are used sparingly The reader will mainly hear the clear, crisp diction that transfixed the nation during the 2021 Inauguration of President Joe Biden Gorman ends the collection with the now famous poem, “The

Hill We Climb ” Prime for repeat listening, this is poetry for people who say they don’t read poetry When historians are researching this era and pandemic, Gorman’s work will be considered an essential key to understanding how humanity fared warts and all Shellie Zeigler

O r d i n a r y B e a s t : P o e m s .

By Nicole Sealey. Read by the author. 2022. 1hr. HarperAudio, DD, $10.99 (9780063157262).

Five years after the release of Sealey’s much lauded 2017 debut col lection, it comes to audio Sealey is also the author of the forthcoming The Ferguson Report: An Erasure, a collection that relies heavily on the visual presentation of the page. But here, the words and the poet ’ s voice provide a satisfying experience all on their own The poems are narrated by Sealey in her steady and measured tone, letting shine her command of both playful, clever wordplay and imager y of pierc ing clarity. The brief collection focuses on an array of contemporar y experiences and sentiments, most often centering the perspective of Black women There is an openness in Sealey’s voice and an acces sibility in her deliver y that allows the listener to fluidly absorb her lines, inviting easy repeat listening and in doing so, allowing the listener to sink deeper into the many layers of undertones and subtle ties of these poems Discussable, sharable, and highly recommended on audio Heather Booth

Y o u t h

A f r i c a n To w n .

By Charles Waters and Irene Latham. Read by Cassandra Campbell and others.

2022 7hr Listening Librar y, DD, $63 (9780593503188) Gr 9 12

Fourteen voices (each embodying a specific poetic form!) enliv ened by 14 performers take turns bearing witness in this novel in verse. Perspectives shift among the enslavers, the enablers to such in humanity, their victims, and their descendants, revealing decades from capture to post Civil War freedom to the founding of African Town by survivors of the ship Clotilda Despite such a stellar full cast, the imme diate reaction at recording’s end couldn’t be more diametric: gratitude for who read whom acknowledgment (far too rare) overshadowed by disappointment (far too common, alas) over why producers don’t prioritize consistency Between narrators and chapters, pronunciation seems especially challenging (Kêhounco, Kossola, and Cudjo all vary, and characters can become unrecognizable depending on who’s nar rating) And yet overall, Waters and Latham’s superb verse epic is an illuminating and necessary record of the Clotilda, a ship on which 110 kidnapped African people were transported to be enslaved in Alabama in 1860 52 years after the U.S. ban on human importation as the result of a wager between boastful, entitled white men Waters and Latham also append extensive backmatter (available as a PDF down load) for further enlightenment Terry Hong

Video Watch

Th e M a g n i t u d e o f A l l Th i n g s .

2021 85min Grasshopper, DVD, $375

As filmmaker Jennifer Abbot watches her sister fighting breast cancer, she draws par allels to the devastation of global warming: like greenhouse gases, cancer cells destroy without warning, leaving the hosts overwhelmed and depressed. Abbot travels across the world talking to Indigenous peoples who mourn the loss of their environment. In Canada they point to the melting ice; in Australia the land is being destroyed by mining In the Amazon there are fires; on marine islands the seas are flooding homes; in Sweden a young woman speaks out Advocates (sometimes subtitled) talk about the need for truth and taking responsibility for our actions. Hope is necessary, they say, but even more important is acknowledg ing what we ’ re facing Intercut with the beautifully shot footage are tender scenes of two young girls (representing the filmmaker and her sister) exploring the natural world and finding comfort in each other. Poignantly, excerpts from Abbot’s sister’s letters speak of a growing grat itude for life and the beauty of nature as she accepts the inevitable It’s a story of loss and transformation as both the sisters and the fighters for the natural world suffer grief, and through grief find the means to adapt and accept. This very personal production is painful at times, but its message is an important one. Candace Smith YA/M: Older teens will be moved by this heart breaking film CS

O n c e Yo u K n o w.

2021. 1.75hrs. Video Project, DVD, $89.

In this very personal production, French filmmaker Emmanuel Cappellin is discour aged by the specters of unlimited consumption and global collapse that surround him He sets off on an odyssey to talk to climate experts and those directly experiencing the effects of climate change (some speakers are presented with subtitles). The experts uni versally predict increasing famine, fires, and war as the population and our reliance on fossil fuels continue to grow In the U S , he speaks with a scientist who questions whether knowing the future does any good, and in Greece the discussion is about the already collapsing financial world The author’s own French village welcomes refugees fleeing drought; in Bangladesh, he sees flooding caused by the rising seas At the Paris Climate Summit, speakers lament that it’s already too late for the poor countries, and that the rich countries will soon face the same shortages and extreme weather, unless there’s a transition away from fossil fuels and a revamping of systems but who will make this work? In the end, Cappellin is drawn into protests against energy companies and into do ing his part with his film to spread the message The film, poetically narrated by Cappelin in English and stylishly filmed, has a grim message. An eye opening reminder that future generations will face the consequences of today’s actions, and that we each need to do the right thing Candace Smith

YA/C: A little long for classroom viewing, but the message is moving CS

C o n t i n u e d f r o m p . 6 8

Th e S t a r s A r e N o t Ye t B e l l s .

By Hannah Lillith Assadi. Read by Hillar y Huber.

2022 6hr Books on Tape, DD, $47 (9780593458587)

Veteran narrator Huber (soon to hit 700 credits) seems exactly in her element in embodying Assadi’s (Sonora, 2017) elegiac second novel of devolving connections, re called through the scattering memories of an aging woman facing dementia. Once upon a time, Elle was madly in love with unteth ered drifter Gabriel In an act of protective parental love borne of financial despera tion, her father promised her to Manhattan heir Simon. The new couple relocates to

Lyra Island off Georgia’s coast, where Si mon spends a half centur y seeking the source of the offshore “shimmering blue ” Gabriel reappears for a time, introduced as Elle’s cousin, but like so much in Elle’s life, nothing retains permanency. As her future dims, bits and pieces of her past erratically sparkle for readers to parse just enough of Elle’s histor y Huber, who excels in voicing the intimate, inner lives of women struggling and searching (Sigrid Nunez’s What Are You Going Through?, Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan series), deftly engages her enviable range es pecially for Elle, from innocently lovesick to detachedly unsure of possibly ever y thing, and the endless decades in between Terr y Hong

Th M

By Sarah Echav arre. Read by Joy Regullano. 2021 9 5hr Brilliance, DD (9781713608592)

For Chloe, a workaholic pharmacist, seeing a reminder to call her mom makes her feel like a neglectful daughter Still, she does her duty and they talk, but soon she’s on her way home, after the horrible news that her mom has suffered a fatal heart attack. As she and her brother grapple with regret and prepare for the funeral, she discovers herself transport ed three months earlier, her mother still alive Not knowing how long this time will last (or if it’s even “real”) Chloe makes the most of it, learning valuable life lessons that transform her The audio production reflects the real personalities involved as Filipino American narrator Regullano infuses Mom’s and Aun tie’s Filipino accents with authenticity and the inflections that Chloe and Andy sometimes lapse into, while voicing other characters with a Midwest feel. Being able to hear the vo cal characterizations elevates the connection in this fantasy/romance/family tale, giving the listeners a fully rounded experience of the characters in a way that is very different from the mere written word. Recommended!

Beth Rosania

U n d e r O n e R o o f.

By Ali Hazelwood. Read by Emma Wilder. 2022. 4hr. Books on Tape, DD, $28.50 (9780593584644). Hazelwood follows her wildly popular de but novel, The Love Hypothesis (2021), with a trio of audio first novellas set to release in 2022 following three best friends and STEM academics Mara, Sadie, and Hannah In the first, Under One Roof, Mara moves across the country to start her job at the EPA Her re cently deceased mentor, Helena, left her half of the family manor to Mara As Mara comes to her new home for the first time, a very hunky man opens the door their attraction is palpable then Liam, the other owner, counters Mara’s introduction with an offer to buy her out Liam is a big oil attorney; oil and environmentalists definitely don’t mix, and Mara is determined not to sell Over time, Mara and Liam come to a truce and acknowl edge their growing attraction Emma Wilder’s Mara is bold, smart, and funny, while Liam is narrated as quiet, with a deep voice Wilder does an excellent job of creating tension in the dialogue. Hazelwood’s fans will devour this and look for the remaining novellas in in this smart and funny series Sharon Hrycewicz

W i s h Yo u We r e H e r e .

By Jodi Picoult. Read by Marin Ireland.

2021 12hr Books on Tape, DD, $45 (9780593508633)

Sotheby art specialist Diana O’Toole and her boyfriend, Finn, a resident at a New York City hospital, plan a trip to the Galapagos Islands, where Diana is convinced that Finn will finally propose But COVID 19 has other plans. Diana makes the trip alone at Finn’s urging, but the pandemic has reached the islands, and Diana is stranded there long past their allotted two weeks She’s taken in

by a kind, older woman and is drawn into the lives of the woman ’ s son and granddaughter.

Stranded in paradise and away from her carefully planned life, Diana finds her life goals and perspective chang ing COVID 19 is a main character in this vivid account of life during the pandemic. The plot has unexpected twists and turns Ireland reads with compassion as Diana flounders through a world turned on its head She handles the Spanish speaking characters with authority and gives even minor speakers distinction Picoult addresses the big issues of the pan demic including disorientation, isolation, and loss viewed from Finn’s viewpoint as an overworked and often overwhelmed frontline doctor But she also shares the TP shortage, masks, and the bewilderment and survivor guilt of those who face the disease and come out the other side. Picoult has a huge fan base, and her latest, read so feelingly by the talented Ireland, lives up to the hype Candace Smith

Y o u t h

B o o g i e B o o g i e , Y ’ a l l .

By C. G. Esperanza. Read by the author. 2021. 3m. HarperAudio, DD, $1.99 (9780063112865).

How can a picture book as vibrant and visu ally engaging as Esperanza’s bold love letter to graffiti art work on audio? By turning it into a song that you can ’ t possibly listen to while sitting still This winner of the 2022 Odyssey Medal for Children is not a readalong The rap inflected, rhyth mic text moves far too fast for that. In stead, it is an audio translation of the vi sual. Precision barril de bomba beats with a salsa flair lead into the words, which are read by the author in whispered tones for a few bars before booming ahead. Sometimes his words are echoed by the voice of a child, adding to the party feel The Afro Latino vibe increases halfway through as the narration pauses and a bold brass section chimes in, bol stered by more percussion and the sounds of a DJ’s record scratch so that, suddenly, “Boom, alakazoom! The art boogied off the wall!” Af ter one listen, the print book will never feel the same, but one listen is surely just the be ginning for this standout, immersive, wholly original audio celebration of art, creativity, and imagination Heather Booth

C i t y o f V i l l a i n s .

By Estelle Laure. Read by Rebecca Soler. 2022 7 5hr Disney, DD, $26 59 (9781368080682) Gr 8 10 Estelle Laure creates unique versions of fa vorite Disney villains in the first book of a new

trilogy Mary Elizabeth Heart is a high school senior and intern for the city police depart ment living in the Scar, a neighborhood once the focal point of all magic When a classmate goes missing, Mary Elizabeth is surprised to be put on the case, but seizes the opportunity to prove herself. As she investigates, she starts to uncover plots of magic, monsters, and threats to everyone she loves Narrator Soler grounds this mystery filled with twists firmly in Mary Elizabeth’s emotional journey, making her excitement, fear, confusion, and anger stand out vividly for listeners while keeping the ten sion and pacing building Along the way, she enlivens even the most minor characters with flair, with her performance truly shining dur ing the book’s climax when she can let loose some truly villainous attitude A solid start to a series that will enchant fans of new takes on familiar fairy tales. Lizzie Matkowski

C o m i n g U p f o r A i r.

By Nicole B. Tyndall. Read by Phoebe Strole. 2021. 9.5hr. Listening Librar y, DD, $63 (9780593510889). Gr. 9 12.

The minute a handsome boy in a dripping wet Speedo shows up, high school junior Hadley Butler reconsiders her decision not to get involved in another relationship. But what could go wrong? Braden is smart and personable, if a bit of a bad boy When Had ley’s mom gets breast cancer, her siblings and close friends rally ‘round to support her as the family tries to navigate the new situa tion And when a shoulder injury threatens his chances of getting an athletic scholarship, Braden chooses higher and higher doses of pain medication over surgery. Starting with a bubbly and happy voice mirroring fun and flirty romance, Hadley’s words turn desperate and sad as she realizes her dreamboat is ad dicted to opiates. The teens voices reflect their friendship and authenticity as they as they banter with snappy teasing, realistic off color dialog, and honest, sympathetic support We can hear Hadley’s life falling apart and coming back together on the other side as she matures and faces difficult challenges, realizing that sometimes love can ’ t actually conquer all Lolly Gepson

H i d e a n d G e e k .

By T. P. Jagger. Read by Danice Cabanela. 2022 7hr Listening Librar y, DD, $50 (9780593505519) Gr. 4 6.

Narrator Danice Cabanela brings a boun cy, youthful energy to this entertaining myster y perfect for fans of the Mr Lemon cello’s Librar y series Residents of Elmwood, New Hampshire struggle financially when the town ’ s largest employer threatens to shut down The Van Houten Toy and Game Com pany has been in decline since the founder died, but rumor has it that her fortune is hidden somewhere in town for anyone who can follow her elaborate set of clues to find it With their parents on the verge of leav ing for jobs in distant places, a quartet of 11 year old friends races against time to

solve the puzzle Cabanela creates distinct voices to convey the unique personalities of class politician Kevin, thespian Edgar, scien tist and daredevil Elena, and journalist Gina Her bright voice reflects the lighthearted tone of the stor y and the intelligence of the four friends, who are proud that their initials spell GEEK. Sonja Cole

I a n d I B o b M a r l e y.

By Tony Medina. Read by Jaime Lincoln Smith.

2021 1 5hr Live Oak, CD, $19 95 (9781430144632) Gr 4 8 Poet Medina and narrator Smith combine talents in this melodious take on storytelling in the griot tradition. Adding up to a biog raphy written in verse, each poem feels like a window into the life of the legendary reg gae artist Bob Marley The first poem, “I Am the Boy from Nine Miles,” introduces young Marley. Each subsequent poem builds on what has come before, drawing the reader in with lyrics, narration, and a soundscape, which work together to evoke a feeling much like the songs Marley himself wrote. The pro duction features samples of Marley’s songs, sounds such as footfalls and crashing waves, and Smith’s lulling voice and measured enun ciation of each word. I and I Bob Marley is an excellent book for late elementary and middle school students and will help children understand poetry, culture, and this legendary artist who is still recognized for bringing his message of peace and his hope for unity to the African diaspora Tracy Ramey

L a s t C h e r r y B l o s s o m .

By Kathleen Burkinshaw. Read by Yuuki Luna.

2021 4 5hr Dreamscape, DD, $24 99 (9781666520965) Gr 4 6

During WWII, Yuriko’s widowed father, a newspaper man, remarries, leaving Yuriko worr ying about her place in her Papa’s af fections Luna gives Yuriko a youthful voice and one hears her uncertainty about her family in flux and worr y as she begins to question whether Japan will win the war Ef fer vescent narration portrays adolescent joys like listening to forbidden Western jazz re cords. A strength of the stor y is the details of daily life from propaganda slogans to the rituals obser ved when a boy is sent to war Japanese names and words are deftly spoken The stor y ’ s confessional tone makes it pain ful when the bomb drops and the rich life shared with the reader is shredded Narra tion does not shy from the horrors Yuriko experiences as she frantically searches rubble for a buried friend and as she encounters radiation burned victims Her numbness in the aftermath is palpable, as is the final note of hope as she finds a new path after great loss. Based on the life of the author’s mother and set in the less often featured Pacific the ater, this is an obvious compliment to Anne Frank’s diar y and a compelling addition to middle grade historical fiction collections.

Amanda Blau

Ke e p i n g U p w i t h S c i e n c e

B y J o h n Ke o g h

Th e p a s t s e v e r a l y e a r s h a v e w i t n e s s e d o n e o f t h e m o s t e x c i t i n g p e r i o d s o f s c i e n t i fi c d i s c o v e r y i n t h e m o d e r n e r a N e w t e c h n o l o g i e s h a v e f o s t e re d n e w re v e l a t i o n s w h i c h u p e n d o l d u n d e r s t a n d i n g s . B i o l o g y, e v o l u t i o n , p s y c h o l o g y, s o c i o l o g y, c o s m o l o g y, c l i m a t o l o g y : a l l t h e s e fi e l d s a n d m o re a re e x p a n d i n g i n f a s c i n a t i n g a n d c o m p e l l i n g d i re c t i o n s . T h e s e p a s t y e a r s h a v e a l s o s e e n a p ro l i f e r a t i o n o f s c i e n c e b o o k s w r i t t e n f o r p o p u l a r a u d i e n ce s T h i s i s a w o n d e r f u l t i m e t o d i v e i n a n d l e a r n ! Climate Chaos: Lessons on Sur vival from Our Ancestors By Brian Fagan and Nadia Durrani. 2021. PublicAffairs, $30 (9781541750876)

Paleoclimatology our ability to discern ancient climate con ditions by examining physical traces left behind has expanded our understanding of the Earth’s climate both into deep time and with greater detail. This is a compelling exploration of how climate change has influenced the histor y of human beings, from our expansion across the globe, to the rise and fall of em pires, with an eye toward learning how past adaptation strategies might help us cope with climate change today.

The Evolution of Beauty: How Dar win’s Forgotten Theor y of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World and Us By Richard O Prum 2018 Anchor, $17 (9780345804570)

Dar win originally proposed two mechanisms by which evolu tion operates: natural selection and sexual selection However, virtually all of our subsequent understanding of evolution has focused exclusively on natural selection Prum revisits the idea of sexual selection and offers a passionate argument that it must be independent from but just as important as natural selection

First Steps: How Upright Walking Made Us Human By Jeremy DeSilva 2021 Harper, $27 99 (9780062938497) Few other areas of research have experienced as much upheaval recently as paleoarchaeology New discoveries have vastly complicated our under standing of human evolution and our spread across the planet. DeSilva offers a one stop sum mar y of our current best knowledge in the field

The Knowledge Illusion: Why We Never Think Alone. By Steven Sloman and Philip Fernbach 2017 Riverhead, $17 (9780399184369).

A provocative assessment of how the human mind actually understands the world around us. Spoiler alert: Individual understanding is less effective than collective knowledge Knowl edge is communal and social: we know more as a group than any one person can know This perspective has important ramifica

tions for ever ything from our educational systems to social media to politics

Life Is Simple: How Occam’s Razor Set Science Free and Shapes the Universe By Johnjoe McFadden. 2021. Basic, $32 (9781541620445)

Occam’s Razor “Do not multiply entities be yond necessity” is more than just an oft quoted rule of thumb. It formulated a revolutionar y new way to understand the medieval world and helped spark the scientific revolution A fascinat ing reassessment of the historical context behind this axiom and how it continues to prove its value to science.

The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New Histor y of a Lost World By Stephen Brusatte 2018 Morrow, $18.99 (9780062490438).

Incorporating the newest discoveries and cutting edge theories, this work is a wonderful introduction to what we currently know about the evolution and near extinction of the dinosaurs Perhaps most impressive is Brusatte’s play by play of the Chicxulub impact which wiped out most of life on Earth

Super Fly: The Unexpected Lives of the World’s Most Successful Insects. By Jonathan Balcombe. 2021. Penguin, $18 (9780143134275).

The order Diptera which includes flies, mites, and mos quitoes tends to be derided as annoying pests of little value. Balcombe begs to differ: these two wing insects are major players in a wide range of complex ecologies, with significant benefits for environmental health They also help unlock a deeper under standing of life itself.

Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe. By Brian Greene. 2020 Knopf, $17 95 (9780525432173).

Greene has been one of the lead ing lights in cosmology for the past two decades In this meditative work, he explores different theories about the origin, evolution, and pos sible end of the universe, with an eye toward the rise of human consciousness, searching for the meaning of life, and our place in existence.

Where Did the Universe Come From and Other Cosmic Questions: Our Universe, from the Quantum to the Cosmos. By Chris Ferrie and Geraint F. Lewis. 2021. Sourcebooks, $17.99 (9781728238814)

Two leading physicists discuss the current state of our under standing of how the universe came to be, how it operates, and where it’s going. Of particular value is the exploration of the intersections and contradictions of the major components of the Standard Model: quantum mechanics and Einsteinian relativity.

John Keogh is a librar y manager, a lifelong librar y lover, and a Booklist re vie wer who gre up to be a scientist in another life

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