Special Collections
California Department of Education Recommended Literature List 2025
Description: The California Department of Education (CDE) coordinates the development of Recommended Literature List with the assistance of teachers, teacher librarians employed by schools and public libraries, administrators, curriculum planners, and parents.#CDE
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Insha'Allah, No, Maybe So
by Rhonda Roumani and Nadia RoumaniA sweet and playful picture book about a common Arabic word for life's uncertainties that will ring true for all families.Ranya wants to go to the park. &“Insha&’Allah,&” her mom tells her. But doesn't that just mean no? Ranya's mom says &“Insha&’Allah&” when Ranya asks to make cookies. She says it when Ranya wants to sleep over at Jayda's house. She says it when Ranya begs to go to Disneyland.This might sound familiar to parents and caregivers . . . It&’s hard to know what to say when you can&’t promise anything! Sometimes grown-ups say &“Maybe&” or &“We&’ll see.&” And in millions of Arab and Muslim homes around the world, families use the phrase &“Insha&’Allah&” when talking about the future. So, what does &“Insha&’Allah&” really mean? In this warmly illustrated picture book, Ranya and her mom tackle the meaning of the powerful phrase and ponder the best way to talk about their hopes and dreams—and maybe, sometimes, the things they want to put off. (Like cleaning up toys!)Cozy art and joyful, loving characters make this a perfect family read aloud.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Cece Rios and the Queen of Brujas
by Kaela RiveraThis stunning conclusion to the Cece Rios trilogy is perfect for fans of J. C. Cervantes and Kwame Mbalia!Cece Rios and her friends have escaped Devil’s Alley, but the fight to save their world is just beginning.Despite her growing comfort with her curandera abilities, Cece is worried that she won’t be strong enough to stop her most dangerous enemy yet: her tía, Catrina. Desperate for power and revenge, Catrina has seized the throne of Devil’s Alley and set her sights on the living world.Catrina’s first move is a brutal attack on the Sun Sanctuary that leaves Tierra del Sol reeling. And no matter how hard they try, Cece and her friends are always one step behind the bruja queen as she seeks to attain the powers of the gods and take control of the four elements.Cece Rios saved her sister. She rebuilt her familia. But can she take down her vicious tía before Catrina destroys everything Cece has fought so hard to protect?
Everything We Never Had
by Randy RibayWinner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for LiteratureLonglisted for the National Book AwardFrom the author of the National Book Award finalist Patron Saints of Nothing comes an emotionally charged, moving novel about four generations of Filipino American boys grappling with identity, masculinity, and their fraught father-son relationships.Watsonville, 1930. Francisco Maghabol barely ekes out a living in the fields of California. As he spends what little money he earns at dance halls and faces increasing violence from white men in town, Francisco wonders if he should&’ve never left the Philippines.Stockton, 1965. Between school days full of prejudice from white students and teachers and night shifts working at his aunt&’s restaurant, Emil refuses to follow in the footsteps of his labor organizer father, Francisco. He&’s going to make it in this country no matter what or who he has to leave behind.Denver, 1983. Chris is determined to prove that his overbearing father, Emil, can&’t control him. However, when a missed assignment on &“ancestral history&” sends Chris off the football team and into the library, he discovers a desire to know more about Filipino history―even if his father dismisses his interest as unamerican and unimportant.Philadelphia, 2020. Enzo struggles to keep his anxiety in check as a global pandemic breaks out and his abrasive grandfather moves in. While tensions are high between his dad and his lolo, Enzo&’s daily walks with Lolo Emil have him wondering if maybe he can help bridge their decades-long rift.Told in multiple perspectives, Everything We Never Had unfolds like a beautifully crafted nesting doll, where each Maghabol boy forges his own path amid heavy family and societal expectations, passing down his flaws, values, and virtues to the next generation, until it&’s up to Enzo to see how he can braid all these strands and men together.
Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . .
by Jason ReynoldsA Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner A New York Times Bestseller Seven starred reviews! &“Jason Reynolds has done it again!...Fresh from start to finish…This is what it could be, should be, if only we were all as lucky as Aria. Girls (and everyone) wait for your Neon!&” —Judy Blume, New York Times bestselling author of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. and Forever... #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds tackles it—you know…it—from the guy&’s perspective in this stream of consciousness story of a teen boy about to experience a huge first. &“Reynolds&’s foray into romance is as spectacular as expected…Undoubtedly, a story for everyone&” (Booklist, starred review).Twenty-four months ago: Neon gets chased by a dog all around the parking lot of a church. Not his finest moment. And definitely one he would have loved to forget if it weren&’t for the dog&’s owner: Aria. Dressed in sweats, a t-shirt, hair in a ponytail. Aria. Way more than fine. Twenty-four weeks ago: Neon&’s dad insists on talking to him about tenderness and intimacy. Neon and Aria are definitely in love, and while they haven&’t taken that next big step…yet, they&’ve starting talking about…that. Twenty-four days ago: Neon&’s mom finds her—gulp—bra in his room. Hey! No judging! Those hook thingies are complicated! So he&’d figured he&’d better practice, what with the big day only a month away. Twenty-four minutes ago: Neon leaves his shift at work at his dad&’s bingo hall, making sure to bring some chicken tenders for Aria. They&’re not candlelight and they definitely aren&’t caviar, but they are her favorite. And right this second? Neon is locked in Aria&’s bathroom, completely freaking out because twenty-four seconds from now he and Aria are about to…about to… Well, they won&’t do anything if he can&’t get out of his own head (all the advice, insecurities, and what ifs) and out of this bathroom!
The Chainbreakers
by Julian RandallIn this action-packed fantasy, thirteen-year-old Violet Moon must rescue her father and save her enchanted underwater world—perfect for fans of The Marvellers and Tristan Strong series.All Violet Moon has ever wanted is to be a Reaper captain like her father. Born on the Tides of the Lost, a magical world beneath the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, Violet has spent her life at her father’s side rescuing souls lost in the water.But when a rescue mission turns to disaster after the arrival of the dreaded Children of the Shark, weaponized ghost-sharks who steal the souls for themselves, her father is seized and pulled down into the darkness of the Depths. With no choice for Violet but to inherit the captain's powers and helm the ship as the next in line, it'll be up to her to save her father—if he even still lives—and stop the Children of the Shark before they devour the world."A fantastical, mind-blowing adventure. . . Violet and her friends don’t just smash barriers; they’ll win over your heart, too." —Mark Oshiro, #1 New York Times–bestselling co-author of The Sun and the Star
All the Things We Never Said
by Yasmin RahmanSixteen-year-old Mehreen is overwhelmed by her anxiety and depression, and she doesn't believe anyone in her life will understand if she tries to talk about it. She's been thinking about suicide for a while when she discovers a website called MementoMori.com. The site matches people with partners and assigns them a date on which to end their lives, together. Mehreen is partnered with Cara and Olivia, strangers dealing with their own struggles. But as the girls get to know one another in preparation for their "date of termination" they find themselves developing a strong bond—even becoming friends. For the first time, they're each able to share their darkest secrets with people who won't judge them. They realize that, with the right support systems, life is worth living after all. So they decide to abandon the suicide pact. Except the website won't let them stop. As their assigned "date of termination" draws nearer and MementoMori continues to manipulate them, the girls will have to rely on one another to survive. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential 24/7 support.
Red Bird Danced
by Dawn QuigleyWith lyrical verse and powerful emotion, Dawn Quigley (Ojibwe) tells the story of urban Native kids who find strength in connection with those who came before and in the hope that lets them take flight. Ariel and Tomah have lived in the city’s intertribal housing complex all their lives. But for both of them, this Dagwaagin (Autumn) season is different than any before.From his bench outside the front door of his building, Tomah watches his community move around him. He is better at making people laugh than he is at schoolwork, but often it feels like his neighbor Ariel is the only one who really sees him, even in her sadness. Ariel has always danced ballet because of her Auntie Bineshiinh and loves the way dance makes her feet hover above the ground like a bird. But ever since Auntie went missing, Ariel’s dancing doesn’t feel like flying.As the seasons change and the cold of winter gives way to spring’s promise, Ariel and Tomah begin to change too as they learn to share the rhythms and stories they carry within themselves.This first middle grade novel by Dawn Quigley is a tour de force. She is known for her American Indian Youth Literature Award–winning Jo Jo Makoons chapter book series and young adult novel Apple in the Middle. Give Red Bird Danced to readers who love Jasmine Warga and Christine Day!
The Sherlock Society
by James PontiIn the tradition of Nancy Drew, four kids and one grandfather in Miami tackle a decades-old mystery in this first book full of &“atmosphere, history, and lively humor&” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) in the Sherlock Society middle grade series from New York Times bestselling, Edgar Award–winning author James Ponti!Siblings Alex and Zoe Sherlock take their last name as inspiration when choosing a summer job. After all, starting a detective agency has to be better than babysitting (boring), lawn mowing (sweaty), or cleaning out the attic (boring and sweaty). Their friends Lina, an avid bookworm, and Yadi, an aspiring cinematographer, join the enterprise, and Alex and Zoe&’s retired reporter grandfather offers up his sweet aquamarine Cadillac convertible and storage unit full of cold cases. The group&’s first target is the long-lost treasure supposedly hidden near their hometown Miami. Their investigation into the local doings of famed gangster Al Capone leads them to a remote island in the middle of the Everglades where they find alarming evidence hinting at corporate corruption. Together with Grandpa&’s know-how and the kids&’ intelligence—plus some really slick gadgets—can the Sherlock Society root out the conspiracy?
Invisible Isabel
by Sally J. PlaFrom award-winning author Sally J. Pla comes an illustrated middle grade novel about introverted Isabel Beane, who learns to speak up to quiet her worries. This thoughtful, earnest story is perfect for fans of Elana K. Arnold and Leslie Connor.Isabel Beane is a shy girl who lives in a home full of havoc and hubbub and hullabaloo. With five siblings, there is always too much too much-ness.At school, there’s a new girl who is immediately popular, but she’s also not very nice to one person—Isabel.Isabel has never felt more invisible. She begins to get bombarded by fears, like being abandoned by her classmates and taking the upcoming Extremely Important standardized test. Her fears feel like worry-moths that flutter in her belly. With every passing day, they seem to get stronger and stronger. How can Invisible Isabel make people listen?
All Are Welcome: Wherever You Go
by Alexandra PenfoldFrom the creators of the bestselling All Are Welcome comes a modern and inclusive picture book that celebrates the many milestones of a child's life ranging from a school play to graduation with an emphasis on kindness and community.Where will you go? Who will you be?I savor the momentsthat you&’re here with me.Follow a set of kids and their families through the big and small moments with colorful illustrations and beautiful, rhyming text--a book that parents and teachers will love reading over and over to their kids--both young and old.With a gorgeous fold-out spread, this is a great gift for any occasion, but a stand-out for graduation with its loving and inspiring message: Wherever you go, whatever you do. I want you know I&’m so proud of you.
Golden Gate
by Elizabeth PartridgeThe Golden Gate Bridge, beloved landmark and symbol of San Francisco, finally gets a gorgeous picture book that tells the thrilling story of how it was built!Across a treacherous strait where deep ocean waters rip back and forth with the tides, and during the depths of the Great Depression, daring teams of engineers and builders set out to make something many thought impossible.Begun in 1933 and officially opened on May 27, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge and its awe-inspiring and groundbreaking construction are truly a testament to the power of hope and perseverance. Told from the point of view of the lighthouse keeper’s kids, who watch in fascination as the trucks and crews arrive and steel towers coated in heavy red paint begin to rise above the tempestuous water, Golden Gate shares a thrilling visual perspective on each stage of the breathtaking project.Young readers can look and learn as each turn of the page reveals dazzling, color-soaked artwork paired with text that blends factual details into the narrators’ keen observations. By the final spread, where fireworks explode in celebration over the mighty bridge, the tale is complete—not only of an astonishing feat of engineering but of the potential of human ingenuity to defy the odds and make the impossible possible.EXTRAORDINARY NONFICTION BOOK FOR KIDS: Painstaking research went into the writing and illustrating of this story, making it an outstanding resource for learning about an American engineering marvel. The author’s afterword summarizes key facts and offers a powerful reminder of why the Golden Gate is beloved around the world as one of the most beautiful and inspiring bridges ever built.GREAT GIFT: For visitors to the foggy City by the Bay and those who live close to the scenic Golden Gate, this stunning picture book makes a perfect keepsake and tribute to California’s most recognizable landmark.FUN CALIFORNIA HISTORY: A fascinating slice of California history comes alive with detail and drama that will captivate kids of all ages!Perfect for:San Francisco Bay Area locals and visitorsFans of the Golden Gate BridgeTeachers and librarians looking for a nonfiction picture book that teaches history and STEM topicsParents, grandparents, and caregivers seeking engaging nonfiction children’s booksAnyone who has left their heart in San Francisco
A Map for Falasteen
by Maysa OdehA young Palestinian girl living in diaspora struggles to find her homeland on a map in this gentle and heartfelt picture book.At school, Falasteen and her classmates are tasked with finding their families' home countries on a map, but no matter how hard she looks, Falasteen can't find Palestine.Can a place exist if it's not on a map? Confused, Falasteen turns to her family for answers. Her grandfather, grandmother, and Mama encourage her to see their homeland from a different perspective, and each of their stories helps her understand her people's history and her own place in the world.Filled with beautiful, inspiring illustrations and thoughtful back matter that outlines key terms and historical moments, this is a story of family, resilience and home always being where the heart is.
Joyful Song
by Lesléa NewmanWhat a happy day! Zachary’s baby sister will have her naming ceremony. In the temple! With his moms, the congregation, and all their friends! He’s so excited he can barely contain it. On the walk from their home, they meet neighbor after neighbor who want to know the baby’s name. But – not yet! – his mothers tell him. The tradition is to have a great reveal at the ceremony. So they invite each neighbor to come along. A colorful, diverse parade blooms along the route, until…At last it’s time, and Zachary gets to reveal his sister’s name…What is it? A truly joyful moment for everyone.
Not Dead Enough
by Tyffany D. Neiheiser"A riveting page-turner."--Kirkus reviewsGirl in Pieces meets Cracked Up to Be in this raw and candid look at trauma about a girl who is being haunted and stalked by her definitely dead ex-boyfriend.Charlotte survived the car crash that killed her boyfriend Jerry, but that night, everything changed. Charlotte wants desperately to get back to &“normal,&” --whatever that means now-- and start reconnecting with friends she hasn&’t spoken to in months. And she&’s trying to work through her PTSD with the help of her therapist, only she can&’t tell the truth about Jerry or what really happened the night he died.Just when Charlotte thinks she might be moving on, someone starts sending her threatening messages claiming to be Jerry, saying things only he would know. But it can't really be Jerry because there's no such thing as ghosts. The cold spots in her room must be a draft and the noises she hears must be the house creaking. There has to be a logical explanation for all of it. Because if ghosts are real, then Jerry came back for her—just like he always said he would.Not Dead Enough is a gripping exploration of trauma from debut author Tyffany D. Neiheiser about a girl who realizes that running from the past will help you survive, but everything you try to escape will eventually find you in the end. Perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Kathleen Glasgow! Authors note included.Praise for Not Dead Enough: "Neiheiser&’s prose is confident and compelling . . . a riveting page-turner . . . Goose bump inducing and thought provoking." --Kirkus reviews"A harrowing and fresh foray into the thriller genre." --PW"[A] fast-paced thriller [of how] the unspoken past can rise up and haunt the present." --Booklist "Compelling . . . an unsettling story of the unseen hauntings of trauma and violence." --BCCB
Fail-a-bration
by Brad Montague and Kristi MontagueNew York Times bestselling duo Brad and Kristi Montague are throwing a big party to celebrate failures, in this fun and affirming book that finds the joy in trying and learning, even if you don&’t succeedYou are cordially invited to a giant fail-a-bration party! Bring with you the cake that came out lopsided, the spelling test mistakes, or the plant that died.Brad and Kristi Montague have started a movement for kids and adults alike to celebrate the way failing actually means you tried and learned something. Failing doesn&’t have to bad! It's just part of the process of learning to do something better.So if you missed the goal during that soccer game or burned the cookies, put on a party hat and join the fail-a-bration, to let the fail fires light the way to success!
Home in a Lunchbox
by Cherry Mo**WINNER OF THE CALDECOTT HONOR**Cherry Mo's stunning debut is about a young girl who immigrates to America and finds home in an unexpected place.When Jun moves from Hong Kong to America, the only words she knows are hello, thank you, I don&’t know, and toilet. Her new school feels foreign and terrifying.But when she opens her lunchbox to find her favorite meals—like bao, dumplings, and bok choy—she realizes home isn&’t so far away after all.Through lush art and spare dialogue, Cherry Mo&’s breathtakingly beautiful debut picture book reminds readers that friendship and belonging can be found in every bite.
Feel Calm
by Andy J. Pizza and Sophie MillerFrom the creators of the New York Times bestseller Invisible Things, this hands-on board book leads toddlers on a whimsical and reassuring journey from chaos to calm. When you feel wound up, how do you get the knots out? Follow along to unwind the tangled mess of ups, downs, and loop the loops and find the way back to calm. With this book in hand, take a moment to pause, take a deep breath, and practice mindfulness and grounding techniques perfectly suited for young readers.Invisible Things introduced the wonderful concept of exploring the invisible things that make up the human experience, encouraging us to look past the visible and connect with the things that are not seen. This inviting board book brings the idea into an interactive format, offering kids a great way to explore and take charge of their emotions.FEELINGS BOOK: Educators, therapists, and caregivers looking to have nuanced or challenging discussions with kids about their experiences can use this as a jumping-off point for conversation: What are your chaos feelings? What helps you feel calm? SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING: One common exercise teachers use is to ask kids to point to their emotions on a chart and then name them, for which this book will be a powerful tool. REVIEWED BY MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT: This book was vetted by a licensed independent clinical social worker specializing in mental health for kids. Pair it with the Invisible Things book or Invisible Things Feelings Flash Cards to create an effective home or classroom resource.POPULAR AUTHOR: Andy J. Pizza is one of the creative minds behind several children’s books, including the bestselling Invisible Things, A Pizza with Everything on It, and A Sundae with Everything on It. He also hosts the popular podcast Creative Pep Talk.Perfect for:Parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, and educatorsAnyone interested in social-emotional learning (SEL) and entertaining ways to explore emotions with kidsAnyone looking for interactive books about emotional health for babies and toddlersYoung readers who enjoy tactile board books like Press Here and Mix It Up!Fans of Pixar's Inside OutFans of Andy J. Pizza, the Creative Pep Talk podcast, or his bestselling books, including Invisible Things and A Pizza with Everything on It
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All
by Chanel MillerA Newbery Honor book and instant New York Times, USA Today, and indie bestseller!Award-winning author and artist Chanel Miller tells a fun, funny, and poignant story of friendship and community starring Magnolia Wu, a ten-year-old sock detective bent on returning all the lonely only socks left behind in her parents' NYC laundromat.Down at the bottom of the tall buildings of New York City, Magnolia Wu sits inside her parents&’ laundromat. She has pinned every lost sock from the laundromat onto a bulletin board in hopes that customers will return to retrieve them. But no one seems to have noticed. In fact, barely anyone has noticed Magnolia at all. What she doesn&’t know is that this is about to be her most exciting summer yet. When Iris, a new friend from California arrives, they set off across the city to solve the mystery of each missing sock, asking questions in subways and delis and plant stores and pizzerias, meeting people and uncovering the unimaginable. With each new encounter, Magnolia learns that when you&’re bold enough to head into the unknown, things start falling into place.
A Long Stretch of Bad Days
by Mindy McGinnisFrom award-winning author Mindy McGinnis comes a thrilling and gripping YA mystery about a small town’s past and the secrets unearthed by way of two teen girls—and a podcast. Perfect for fans of Sadie, The Cheerleaders, and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. A lifetime of hard work has put Lydia Chass on track to attend a prestigious journalism program and leave Henley behind—until a school error leaves her a credit short of graduating.Bristal Jamison has a bad reputation and a foul mouth, but she also needs one more credit to graduate. An unexpected partnership forms as the two remake Lydia’s town history podcast to investigate the Long Stretch of Bad Days—a week when Henley was hit by a tornado, a flash food, as well as its first, only, and unsolved murder.As their investigation unearths buried secrets, some don’t want them to see the light. When the threats escalate, the girls have to uncover the truth before the dark history of Henley catches up with them.
Go Forth and Tell
by Breanna J. McDanielFrom an award-winning author and illustrator comes this picture book biography about beloved librarian and storyteller Augusta Braxton Baker, the first Black coordinator of children’s services at all branches of the New York Public Library.
Before Augusta Braxton Baker became a storyteller, she was an excellent story listener. Her grandmother brought stories like Br’er Rabbit and Arthur and Excalibur to life, teaching young Augusta that when there’s a will, there’s always a way. When she grew up, Mrs. Baker began telling her own fantastical stories to children at the 135th Street branch of the New York Public Library in Harlem. But she noticed that there were hardly any books at the library featuring Black people in respectful, uplifting ways. Thus began her journey of championing books, writers, librarians, and teachers centering Black stories, educating and inspiring future acclaimed authors like Audre Lorde and James Baldwin along the way.
As Mrs. Baker herself put it: “Children of all ages want to hear stories. Select well, prepare well and then go forth and just tell.”
This Is Me Trying
by Racquel MariePerfect for fans of Nina LaCour, This is Me Trying is a profound and tender YA contemporary novel exploring grief, love, and guilt from author Racquel Marie. Growing up, Bryce, Beatriz, and Santiago were inseparable. But when Santiago moved away before high school, their friendship crumbled. Three years later, Bryce is gone, Beatriz is known as the dead boy’s girlfriend, and Santiago is back.The last thing Beatriz wants is to reunite with Santiago, who left all her messages unanswered while she drowned alone in grief over Bryce’s death by suicide. Even if she wasn’t angry, Santiago’s attempts to make amends are jeopardizing her plan to keep the world at arm’s length—equal parts protection and punishment—and she swore to never let anyone try that again.Santiago is surprised to find the once happy-go-lucky Bea is now the gothic town loner, though he’s unsurprised she wants nothing to do with him. But he can’t fix what he broke between them while still hiding what led him to cut her off in the first place, and it’s harder to run from his past when he isn’t states away anymore.Inevitably drawn back together by circumstance and history, Beatriz and Santiago navigate grief, love, mental illness, forgiveness, and what it means to try to build a future after unfathomable loss.
Mama's Chicken and Dumplings
by Dionna L. MannGrowing up in segregated 1930&’s Charlottesville, ten-year-old Allie is determined to find a man for her mama to marry— but not just any man will do!Allie&’s life with Mama isn&’t bad, but she knows it could be better if Mama would find someone to marry. Allie&’s worst enemy, her NOT-friend Gwen, has a daddy, and Allie wants someone like that—someone to fix things when they break, someone who likes to sing, and has a kind-smile. So Allie makes a plan—her super secret Man-For-Mama plan. She has a list of candidates with a clear top choice: Mr. Johnson, who owns the antique store. Best of all, Mr. Johnson went to school with Mama, and he wants to get reacquainted! The battle&’s half won, and Allie is sure that when he tries Mama&’s yummy chicken and dumplings, he&’ll be head over heels. But someone else is interested in Mama: Mr. Coles, Allie&’s teacher, who&’s also Gwen&’s uncle! Mama can&’t marry him—no way is Allie going to be related to Gwen. On top of it all, Allie&’s best friend is moving to Chicago; Allie keeps getting in trouble; and everyone seems to think she&’s jealous of Gwen, for some reason. Nothing is going how she planned, but Allie is determined to get things back on track toward the life she knows she and Mama both deserve. . . even if Mama doesn&’t agree yet.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Sing It Like Celia
by Mónica MancillasPerfect for fans of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise and Merci Suárez Changes Gears, Sing It Like Celia is a revelatory story about a Mexican American girl who finds her voice and herself with the help of her role model and icon, Celia Cruz.Twelve-year-old Salva Sanchez has always been a fan of Celia Cruz, also known as &“the queen of salsa.&” Her love of Celia stems from her mother, who leaves Salva without explanation one awful day. Now Salva is stuck with her investigative journalist father in an RV campground. In the middle of nowhere.As Salva acclimates to her new environment and desperately tries to figure out why her mother left, she befriends a posse of campground kids who have started a band. When the kids discover that Salva has an amazing singing voice, they convince her to join their group. Soon, Salva learns how to find her voice—and herself—with the help of her newfound friends, her dad, and the one and only Celia Cruz.
Noodles on a Bicycle
by Kyo MaclearA vibrant historical picture book about Tokyo's bicycle food deliverers, or demae, who balanced towering trays of steaming hot noodles on their shoulders while navigating crowded city streets.When the deliverymen set off in the morning, the children wait for the flicker of pedal and wheel. It's the demae-- delivery men-- setting off to deliver steaming trays of noodles to hungry customers all over the city. They are acrobats: whizzing past other bicycles, soaring around curves, avoiding the black smoke of motorcycles. When the children see them, they want to be them. And so they practice with bowls of wobbling water stacked on trays. The day passes, and, finally, exhausted, the demae return home, to their families, and, yes, to steaming bowls of noodles.This beautifully crafted, visually exciting story by a powerhouse author and illustrator team is sure to be adored by food lovers, young and old.
Time to Make Art
by Jeff MackDoes art have to be perfect? Where do you begin? This inspiring picture book about making art doubles as an introduction to the multifaceted and diverse global history of art empowering readers to get creative.Awed by the endless possibilities, a young girl begins asking meaningful questions about creating art. Her questions are answered by a diverse group of artists throughout time and history: from the earliest cave painters to the most recent digital illustrators. Rethinking the familiar Western European timeline of art history, this book introduces readers to diverse works from every era and continent in a playful and inspiring way.Making both art history and art making accessible to all, Time to Make Art nourishes creativity, encouraging young readers to see the artist in themselves.