When the World Runs Dry: Earth's Water in Crisis
by Nancy F. Castaldo

When the World Runs Dry: Earth’s Water in Crisis opens with an examination of water pollution due to lead, coal production, fracking, pesticides, fertilizer, sewage, pharmaceuticals, and harmful bacteria. Some of these factors such as lead contamination have received extensive news coverage. Some less. Case in point: In 2003 scientists discovered more than three-quarters of Chesapeake Bay smallmouth-bass had female egg cells growing inside male reproductive organs. The fish were ingesting synthetic estrogen found in waterways. Basic information is supported with photographs, case studies, quotations, personal accounts, background, call out boxes, political implications, a variety of examples from around the globe, and financial details.

Companion Titles

Some Days: A Tale of Love, Ice Cream, and My Mom's Chronic Illness
by Julie A. Stamm art by Chamisa Kellogg

Meet Wyatt and his mother Rosie. Wyatt believes that his mom has superpowers. For example, she makes delicious chocolate chip pancakes, educates groups of people, and plan family adventures. Mom also possesses one special superpower: the power to battle multiple sclerosis. Stamm ingeniously introduces this medical term as Wyatt struggles to correctly pronounce the two word diagnosis. The initials M.S. are also used as an identifier. Narrative centers on the phrase “some days,” emphasizing the unpredictable nature of M.S. Wyatt knows that life with mom will include visits to museums, parks, and ice cream shops. But there will also be days when mom must rest at home, quickly locate a public restroom, or even go to the hospital for treatment.

Monarch Butterflies:
​Explore the Life Journey of One of the Winged Wonders of the World 
by Ann Hobbie art by Olga Baumert

Monarch Butterflies offers young readers an in depth look at these "winged wonders of the world."  Hobbie doesn't shy away from using precise vocabulary. Spiracles, maxillary palps, cremaster, and proboscis are some of the terms which are accompanied by enlarged illustrations and succinct paragraphs. Baumert's detailed illustrations present up-close inspection of these insects' anatomy, life cycle, and habitats. The author devotes a considerable number of pages to ecological patterns, monarch conservation, symbiotic relationships, and caring for the environment. Readers will find information on caring for butterflies, a Glossary, links to educator guides, topics for additional research, and Day of the Dead celebrations.

Señorita Mariposa
​by Ben Gundersheimer art by Macos Almada Rivero

Artfully composed couplets trace the journey of Señorita Mariposa. Mimicking the butterfly's flight, text in English and Spanish are intertwined. Initially, English, the language spoken in the continent where the flight originates, appears first. Each phrase is followed by a Spanish translation. ​Midflight, the format changes. At the poem's conclusion each line of poetry is displayed first in Spanish, followed by an English translation. Supporting matter includes a map tracing the migratory path from Canada to Mexico, an Author's Note, and a link to Gundersheimer's Mariposa Project website. Rivero's joyful illustrations are awash with color, smiling animals, children with a variety of skin tones, and a wide-eyed monarch butterfly with fancy eyelashes.

Moth & Butterfly: Ta-Da!
​by Dev Petty art by Ana Aranda

Petty takes readers into the worlds of two flying insects that have obvious similarities as well as distinct differences. And that's a good thing. Moth & Butterfly: Ta Da! makes clear that both insect classifications are fascinating subjects for investigation. Aranda uses a riot of color. Butterfly emerges from the chrysalis with an explosion of bright yellow and pink. Moth pops from the cocoon in shades of beige and blue. The effect is stunning. The final page lists identifying characteristics for moths and butterflies. ​ Bonus: The end papers are stunning. I wish that I could purchase prints of these bold graphic designs.

We Are Still Here: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know
by Traci Sorell art by Frané Lessac

We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know introduces critical issues in a format that is readily accessible for young readers. The narrative features presentations for Indigenous People's Day on the topics of ​"Assimilation," " Allotment,"  "Indian New Deal,"  "Termination,"  "Relocation,"  "Tribal Activism,"  "Self Determination,"  "Indian Child Welfare and Education,"  "Religious Freedom,"  "Economic Development,"  "Language Revival," and "Sovereign Resurgence." While the Native Nations Community School students are fictional, the history and ongoing conditions described are accurate. Text simply yet precisely defines each concept, gives background information, offers concrete examples, and concludes with the powerful refrain "We are still here!"

African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History
​by Tracey Baptiste art by Hillary D. Wilson

"the history of Africa is...the longest of anywhere on Earth." Baptiste is a master storyteller with a solid background as the author of numerous informational books for young readers. All her skills come into play with African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History, the collected biographies of individuals who had a significant impact on African and the world civilization. ​Each featured person is introduced with a brief description of geography and setting, followed by a full-page portrait with a name pronunciation guide. These segments neatly segue the biographical profiles from one time period to a succeeding moment in history. ​Some of the featured individuals: Imhotep, Aesop, and Hannibal Barca are familiar historical figures. Others are less well known. Information is presented in such vibrant detail that the narrative takes on a multidimensional quality.

Meet the Creators

Code Breaker, Spy Hunter:
​How Elizebeth Friedman Changed the Course of Two World Wars
by Laurie Wallmark art by Brooke Smart narrated by Romy Nordlinger

Wallmark’s thoroughly researched picture book biography Code Breaker, Spy Hunter: How Elizabeth Friendman Changed the Course of Two World Wars, spotlights the achievements of one woman in the evolving science of cryptography. Elizebeth began her work during World War I as a cryptanalyst for the Army Signal Corps. In addition to decoding wartime communications, she and her husband developed the first government unit devoted to cryptology. She also worked for the Army, Coast Guard, FBI, and the Office of Strategic Services, later to become the CIA. Her expertise resulted in the conviction of thirty-three German spies during World War II. Elizebeth identified the woman responsible for the secret “doll” messages that revealed the location of wartime ships She and her team also cracked the Enigma Code developed by Germany.

Listen to a sample

More True Stories of Amazing Women

Hurricane: My Story of Resilience I Witness, #2
​by Salvador Gómez-Colón

An intriguing new nonfiction series, I Witness features first person accounts of young people “ordinary kids and teens who have faced extraordinary challenges.” In an introduction to the series, editors speak directly to readers, encouraging them to find ways to make a difference in their communities and throughout the world. Salvador Gómez-Colón had just turned fifteen when Maria, a Category 4 hurricane struck Puerto Rico. Its aftermath and devastation were unlike anything he had experienced. “It was a storm without mercy.” Inspired by his mother and a former teacher, Salvador decided that he wanted to help those suffering from the damage caused by Hurricane Maria. As he observed the conditions of his neighbors, an idea for a project began to form. “Light and Hope” would distribute solar lamps and hand-powered washing machines to members of his community.

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
by Angela Johnson art by E. B. Lewis

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom takes a fresh approach to the story of Juneteenth, a United States federal holiday celebrating African American freedom and achievement. Johnson, recipient of several ​Coretta Scott King Awards and a MacArthur Fellow, sets her story in a Texas community, when the day begins like every other day.  People rise early, preparing to toil in the cotton fields.  Gradually, word of the Emancipation Proclamation spreads throughout Texas, eventually reaching a young girl and her family. The narrative builds momentum as the day unfolds.

Join in the Celebration

Juneteenth for Mazie

Juneteenth Jamboree

Curated list of suggested books. Meaning of the Juneteen flag.

Listening to the Stars: Jocelyn Bell Burnell Discovers Pulsars
She Made History Series
by Jodie Parachini art by Alexandra Badiu

From her childhood, Jocelyn was particularly interested in the stars. By the time that she was fifteen she had set her sights on becoming an astronomer. As a graduate student she helped construct the first radio telescope and went on to identify the first four neutron stars. The 1974 Noble Prize awarded for this discovery mentioned only two men. She was not included as a prize recipient. Parachini emphasizes the numerous contributions Bell Burnell has made to astrophysics and of her efforts to support women pursuing scientific research. In 2018 Jocelyn used her three-million-dollar Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics to create a fund for young women to study astronomy.

Women Who Changed Our World

From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry:
The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement
​by Paula Yoo

June 2012. Jarod Lew came face to face with his past, a past that he never knew existed. Eventually he would uncover a thirty-year-old family secret. June 1982. Vincent Chin was sitting in front of a McDonalds when he was bludgeoned with a baseball bat. Days later, he died of massive brain injuries. Yoo's narrative introduces several seemingly unconnected individuals and brilliantly interweaves their life stories. Jarod Lew wanted to understand his past. Vikki Wong fought for justice after the violent death of her son. Detroit auto workers Ronald Ebens and Michael Nitz worried about job security when Toyota, Datsun, and Honda began to dominate the car market. Vincent Chin's life and death is the common factor that connects these people. It is a real life drama: a heinous hate crime and the resulting mobilization of the Asian American community.