by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow; A Denene Millner Book/Simon & Schuster, 2020.
Just Like a Mama is a tender tale chronicling a foster child’s every-child activities framed by her relationship with Mama Rose, who is just like a mama to her. Though we do not learn of blood ties (or lack thereof) linking the two characters, readers are left with no doubt of the bond of love they share.
by Kathleen M. Blasi, illustrated by Shane W. Evans; Sterling, 2019.
This picture book shines a light on Hosea Missouri Taylor, Jr. a musician with a mission. He was successful at engaging young children in his hometown of Rochester, New York with his skills at playing the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and flute. But he did more than that. He shared his passion for music–and for community service–by offering free music lessons and purchasing instruments for children. He led by example, bettering the lives of those with whom he interacted.
by Debbi Michiko Florence, illustrated by Elizabet Vuković; Farrar Straus Giroux, 2018.
Spunky, warm-hearted, and determined, Jasmine Toguchi returns in Drummer Girl, the third of four installments currently available in the eponymous early chapter book series written by Debbi Michiko Florence. Third grader Jasmine, who admits that “sometimes trouble finds me” despite her best efforts, is sure to delight young readers again as she works to solve a problem with the help of classmates, supportive family members, and her mom’s college friend.
by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds; Abrams, 2019.
The latest in a series of picture books (I Am Yoga, I Am Peace, I Am Human) by the dynamic duo, Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds, I Am Love: A Book of Compassion encourages expressions of kindness and caring toward others and oneself.
by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis; Holt, 2019.
From the flyleaves forward, you get the idea. Moon! Earth’s Best Friend is going to be learning fun. The third in the Our Universe series that began with Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, followed by Sun! One in A Billion, Moon: Earth’s Best Friend continues the theme of introducing space in an intriguing, entertaining—and accessible—way to preschoolers and primary graders.
by Jerry Craft; Harper, 2019.
Jerry Craft has created a stand-out graphic novel for middle school readers in New Kid, one that is at once funny and thought-provoking. Twelve year-old Jordan Banks lives in two worlds—his Washington Heights neighborhood and the prestigious private school he commutes to daily. Over the course of his seventh grade school year, Jordan navigates new rules, new friends, and the expectations of his parents, teachers, and neighborhood friends. Throughout, his love of drawing cartoons sustains Jordan and helps him make sense of his world.