by Veera Hiranandani; Kokila/Dial, 2018.
Set in India in 1947, this moving middle-grade historical fiction novel won a Newbery Honor. Written in diary form, it examines the effects of India gaining independence from Britain and becoming two countries: India and Pakistan. Known as the Partition, the division brought about widespread violence between Hindus and Muslims and resulted in the largest mass migration in human history. The novel, composed of diary entries written by twelve year-old Nisha to her deceased mother, personalizes the ramifications of this pivotal historical decision. Readers journey with Nisha and her family across new boundaries, navigating dramatic changes in the world they once knew and loved.
Social-Emotional Learning
Hello Summer!
by Shelley Rotner; Holiday House, 2019.
Shelley Rotner is the author and photo-illustrator of a number of exuberant, timely, and highly-regarded informational books accessible to young children. Hello Summer! is her latest, the fourth and final installment in the Hello series of photo-illustrated celebrations of the seasons of the year.
Squirrel in the Museum
written by Vivian Vande Velde, illustrated by Steve Björkman; Holiday House, 2019.
Squirrel in the Museum features Twitch the squirrel. He is curious, spontaneous, and through his humorous (squirrely) adventures in this chapter book, the young reader gains insight into science and human nature—between giggles.