Camila constructs an elaborate charade to conceal from her family her passion for fútbol and her identity as La Furia. She tells her mother that she is with a friend when she participates in games and team practice. So that she can’t be contacted, she allows her phone to run out of minutes. She waits until no one is home to wash her uniform and pretends to study for an upcoming medical school entrance exam.
Her life is further complicated when a childhood friend, now an international fútbol star, returns to Argentina for a brief visit. It is apparent to both that this is more than friendship. The attraction is mutual. Camila faces a heart wrenching dilemma. Does she abandon her dream of becoming a world class athlete and follow the guy who makes her heart sing? Or does she remain focused on her life-long ambition and reject his offer of a life together?

This story is about choices. Hard choices. Camila agonizes over her decisions, recognizing that with each choice, she may be closing a door. Will she choose to follow her passion for fútbol or succumb to her desire to be with the boy she loves? Can she stand up to her abusive father? Will she remain silent? Can she confide in her mother?

Narration moves fluidly between Spanish and English. Madariaga flawlessly differentiates the varying degrees of English fluency among her Spanish-speaking characters. Singing flows beautifully as a natural extension of the narration. The longing, indecision, frustration, and passion of an older teen is clearly evident in this performance.

The author obviously knows and loves the sport. The play by play descriptions bring readers onto the pitch, delivering immediacy and fierce intensity to the narrative. Méndez storytelling is a polished gem. Her characters are multifaceted. The narrative reveals their sparkling qualities as well as inherent flaws. Their lives are messy. There are no simple solutions. Things are not perfect. However, there is hope.
Furia is intense, filled with desires and dreams, heartache and disappointment, pain and passion. Camila is a girl of my heart.

Born about 1832 on a Tennessee plantation, she set out to find work following Emancipation in 1865. From chambermaid, to companion, mission laborer, and restaurant proprietor, Mary was a hard worker. She had a reputation as a whisky-drinking, card-playing, sharp-shooter. She was well-regarded for her years delivering mail by stagecoach. She was the second woman and the first African American woman to drive the Star Route. She never missed a delivery, even when she had to strap on snowshoes and slog through wet snow to complete a shipment. Mary was so revered by the people of Cascade Montana that each year school would close in honor of her birthday.

Action. Intrigue. Humor. Fascinating tales well told. Kudos Mr. Smith. A must-have for library and school collections.

Learn more about these American frontier heroes with picture books created by award-winning authors and illustrators. Bonus: R. Gregory Christi's art print of Bass Reeves is available for purchase.

This explosive cover introduces Punching the Air's powerful message. Inspired by the life and writings of Yusef Salaam, exonerated after serving almost seven years for a crime he did not commit, authors Zoboi and Salaam have joined forces to create an extraordinary novel in verse.

As a young Black man falsely imprisoned, he experiences shock, confusion, despair, anger, discouragement, and mistrust. Over time his feelings slowly evolve as he meets people that he can trust and is given an opportunity to create meaningful art. He begins to hope. ​The change in Amal is evident throughout the book, revealing his developing self-awareness and literary skill.

Herrise’s narration is understated, allowing Amal’s "old soul"  to take center stage. Hearing the poetry read aloud magnifies its impact.

This is a story of pain and poor decisions, of circumstances that in an instant can change the trajectory of a life. Amal’s anguish bleeds through each phrase, each page. It’s raw. It’s real. Ultimately it is a story of overcoming impossible odds and holding on to hope. A must read.

"You're never too young for democracy"
 The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

Several books for young people published in 2020 are excellent resources for raising awareness of and starting conversations about the voting process. Titles run the gamut from picture books and graphic novels to books for young adults. Each are opportunities for encouraging kids and teens to become involved in the political process.

Stier uses an election scenario that is easy to understand and could be recreated in a classroom or home school setting. Dawson’s charming illustrations represent a diverse array of young faces.

Back matter consists of basic voter information Additional information on wilderness parks is a nice touch.

Word bubbles and short descriptive passages offer fascinating factoids. ​Clever numbering system creates its own game to engage readers: find each numeral and arrange the list of presidents in sequential order. ​

Shwed's illustrations are clever and engaging. For example, a sports analogy is used to show the process of amending the constitution. It looks like playbook complete with diagrams that are surrounded by referees and cheerleaders in colonial attire.

The Levinsons’ concluding consideration of the constitution is presented in text format. The authors agree on some issues and disagree on others. It is helpful to find a dialogue with opposing viewpoints presented in a respectful manner. A bibliography rounds out the backmatter.

Race and socioeconomic status are a part of the subtext running throughout the narrative. ​Duke is the son of a black father and white mother. Marva attends an exclusive private school and is the daughter of an affluent Black family.

Colbert provides information on U.S. elections including how to register to vote and what to do when there is a problem on election day. The message is clear: even if there are obstacles in the election process, don't give up the right to cast your ballot and make your voice heard.

The Voting Booth is a sweet romance. Bonus: meet an adorable kitten named Eartha Kitty who has a huge Instagram following.

Ellie is devastated when her cousin Trevor dies, leaving his grieving widow and seven-month-old son. Authorities report his death is the result of a tragic auto accident. But Ellie has reason to believe otherwise. In a dream, Trevor's ghost informs his cousin that he was brutally murdered. He identifies his killer and asks Ellie to avenge his death. She enlists the help of her best friend to locate the killer and bring him to justice. In addition to traditional sleuthing methods, Ellie relies on the assistance of a tribal Elder and other spiritualists.

The climax is a thriller which crackles with nonstop action. Look for a ghost dog, a mother-daughter team, vampires, an agile cheerleader, and basketball bridesmaids wearing rhinestone-embellished trench coats to join forces in an epic battle to defeat evil.

Little Badger lightens the tension with wry tongue-in-cheek humor. There is a discussion of veggie burgers that taste like beef because they are made with "plant-synthesized hemoglobin." When the fighting escalates there is a request to “Keep things PG” because kids are present. Ellie fires back “We’re at least PG-13...At least. But I appreciate your consideration.”

The satisfying conclusion holds the possibility of new directions for Ellie that will honor her heritage, prepare her for the future, and bring peace to the family. The final tender scenes may cause the book’s pages to be wet with readers’ tears.

Australian artist Cai's soft ink wash illustrations set off the book's mystical ethereal quality.

Set in south Texas, near the Rio Grande River known to the Lipan as Kunétai, the land is more than setting, it’s an integral part of the story. The way of the Apache Lipan is woven throughout the tale with inclusion of Apache mythology, culture and traditions.

Speculative fiction that explores timeless relationships, family loyalty, the bond between animals and people. Ties which death cannot sever. Elatsoe holds readers under its spell long after the final page.

Immigrants. Leaving the world you know and venturing into the unfamiliar. Escaping oppression, violence, poverty, deprivation. For some, the only option is to flee. Several books published in 2020 for teens and middle grade students focus on the immigrant experience. In the face of uncertainty and fear, these are stories of hope.

​Readers will note that the narrative does not move in a linear fashion. There are spirals which move forward only to fall back, then spin forward again. All are encompassed within a slowly revolving story arc. It sounds a bit messy, but the story threads are easy to follow.
Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story) is a book like no other. It's like claiming a seat in that Oklahoma classroom and being transported to a world that is somehow familiar and yet one that you never knew existed. ​

​Unfortunately, the family restaurant is experiencing a significant financial downturn. Yumi wants to quit the prestigious and expensive private school favored by her parents and enroll in the new Performing Arts Magnet School.
She is juggling working at the restaurant, attending morning test prep classes, maintaining the pretense of studying daily at the library, preparing a routine for an upcoming comedy club showcase, and assuming the identity of another workshop participant. It all comes crashing down. 
Readers will sympathize with Yumi as she tries to unravel the mess that she has created, support the family's business, honor her parents’ wishes, and find a way to realize her dream. Everything doesn't work out perfectly. There are heartbreaking moments and several compromises. However... there are jokes!
​Like Korean barbecue Stand Up, Yumi Chung! is sweet with a few salty tears but definitely savory. YUM! ​Kudos Jessica Kim.

Their fortunes begin to look up when, desperate for suitable clothing to wear in the oppressive heat, Esther designs and sews a lightweight comfortable dress to replace her heavy woolen clothing. By hand, she sews similar dresses for her friends. Several of her creations are displayed in a local shop. Then the miraculous happens. Esther receives a sewing machine. With help from her father, the two make attractive lightweight dresses for women in the village. Eventually her designs are sold to a buyer in Havana. Now there is hope that she can earn enough money to reunite her family in Cuba. After some tense moments, the family obtains the necessary money to emigrate.
Esther is the star of this story. Her resourcefulness, hard work, willingness to try new things, and acceptance of other cultures and customs make the story shine.
This epistolary middle grade novel was inspired by Behar's grandmother’s journey from Poland to Cuba. Her story offers young readers a fresh perspective on a contemporary issue. ​ Letters from Cuba is a mind-opening, heart-expanding look at the plight of immigrants, the far-reaching effects of World War II, and the stain of racism. ​

Note: ​All author royalties from this book will go to local shelters for immigrants.

​Drawings are clean and uncluttered, keeping the focus on these young siblings. Each frame becomes a metaphor for life within the refugee camp. Omar remains trapped inside the confining panel boundaries. There are a few instances where Omar breaks through the restrictive lines which limit him. The inference is that education breaks the confines that hold him captive.
Color tends to be flat except the expanse of sky, where a breathtaking array of hues ranging from soft pinks to deep blues are sprinkled with the glimmering pinpoints of tiny stars. The sky appears limitless.
​Jamieson takes a few liberties with Mohamed's story, fleshing out the narrative with additional characters. Two fictional camp residents deal with the harsh realities for girls in this society: few basic personal supplies, limited education opportunities, and arranged marriages at a young age.
​​With extraordinary grace and simplicity, Mohamed and Jamieson put a name and a face on the plight of refugees. The suffering and unsettled circumstances are evident on every page. Without undue sentimentality or overwrought emotion, young Omar’s story is simple and straightforward yet powerful in its impact.
This graphic novelization of Omar’s life as a refugee is heart wrenching and eye opening. It's the story of the bond that connects siblings, living with a disabled family member, a repressive view of women, and the long-lasting aftereffects of war. Notwithstanding these obstacles, this is a story of hope.

​She is angry with her father who mysteriously vanishes for long periods of time. She resents her mother for what she perceives as abandonment of her children. She feels that she must accept responsibility for Willy and be the mother he no longer has. This is a heavy burden for a young girl to carry.
When her life in Juárez is forever gone, she makes a startling discovery. Her father is more than a courier. He is a hit man.
​Julia is devastated. Her pain bleeds across her diary pages.
She enters an American high school with a few glimmers of hope. She makes a friend and tells him of her shameful secret. Her great grandmother becomes a source of constancy and comfort. Mamá reunites with Julia and Willy in the United States and takes tentative steps to reconnecting with family. 
The Everything I Have Lost is a story that is bleak and often terrifying. It paints a picture of survival and finding hope when things seem hopeless. Zéleny's prose is poignant and piercing in its honesty and humanity. 

​Dr Lee, his children Tommy and Roberta, and mandarin-speaking wife move from Chinatown to a suburban Metropolis home. Sadly, some people do not welcome the Lee family. They are subjected to subtle and overt racism. One night Tommy and Roberta watch in horror when hooded Klansmen chant “One Race! One Color! One Religion!" and burn a cross in their neighborhood.
Superman is having his own interior conflict. Readers follow a flashback when young Clark decides that his incredible powers are an unwelcome stigma. He resolves to conceal his capabilities, hoping for acceptance among his peers. Years later, Superman's parents from Krypton appear to their adult son and encourage him to accept and use all his remarkable strengths.
Things end well. After a frightening abduction, an injury, and a harrowing escape, the leaders of the Klan are exposed and their plans for destruction are foiled.
The script is laced with clever dialog as well as tongue-in-cheek humor. While characters remain true-to-form, Yang fleshes out the Superman with a compelling backstory. Smooth segues between the two story lines create a seamless narrative.
Gurihiru's art has a distinctive 1940's vibe. Panel size and placement moves the story forward at a fast pace. Large two-page illustration spreads are background for panel inserts which advance the action. A dazzling two-page spread exposes the horror of cross burning. Angled panels accentuate action sequences.
​The author’s note, "Superman and Me" provides context to Superman Smashes the Klan. Gene Luen Yang interweaves the development of the Superman mythos, a brief history of targeting Chinese Americans and other marginalized people, the rise of the Ku Klux Klan, and challenges faced by immigrants. The account is broad in its scope while also a deeply personal reflection on superheroes, bigotry, and the immigrant experience.

​Looking for ways to help refugees? 

The audiobook edition of 28 Days: Moments in Black History That Changed the World enhances the book’s message. Among the many imaginative sound backgrounds are an original recording of Marian Anderson singing "My Country "Tis of Thee," the back and forth dialog describing Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson that simulates a tennis match, Barak Obama reciting the oath of office, and a choir singing "We Shall Overcome." Narrators Dion Graham, William Jackson Harper, Zainab Jah, January LaVoy, Robin Miles, Lizan Mitchell, Jonathan Earl Peck, and Carter Woodson Redwood introduce themselves in the preface. Careful listeners will be able to identify each performer throughout the recording. The author and the illustrator introductions are read by Smith and Evans respectively.

For an optimal experience, pair the printed book with the audio edition. It's an elegant and informative history lesson.

King knows that Sandy’s home situation is painful. He is physically and emotionally abused by his father, the town sheriff. Sandy's life becomes unbearable when his father discovers that his son is gay. Sandy runs away to escape his father’s vicious attacks.

King is the friend who comes to Sandy's rescue, finding him sanctuary in an abandoned shack. Together in this secluded place, the two learn to forgive, to accept one another, and make plans to move on with their lives. Sandy is ready to leave his abusive home for good. King is not sure if he should join Sandy. Is he ready to leave his grieving parents? Will his father accept his gay son?

King felt bound to honor his brother in a way that required him to deny his identity and hurt a friend. He now wonders: Can he still honor his brother if he chooses his own life path?

The choice of the dragonfly is an apt metaphor This insect with large, often many-colored wings symbolizes change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization. King experiences a change in his view of himself and his world. Like the dragonfly he is emerging, ready to embrace his identity, his family, and friends.

King and the Dragonflies is a thoughtful exploration of grief, coming out, abuse, friendship, and healing.

The two have an explosive secret: a cell phone containing damning photographs and documents detailing human trafficking that originates in Mexico and extends into the United States. Those involved include a federal government employee. Before they part ways, Sara entrusts the phone to her brother. Sara and Emiliano must protect this valuable piece of evidence without endangering one another.

Stork ratchets up the tension as both lives are on the line. Sara is locked in solitary confinement within a detention center in Fort Stockton Texas because she refuses to disclose the whereabouts of her brother. Emiliano tries to stay one step ahead of a killer hired to track down the phone. It’s a nail biting, intense read.

The narrative includes fascinating details about everything from technical processes used to open a phone to some of the legal intricacies in the asylum process. There are striking contrasts: Emiliano sharing tender moments with his half brother while Sara endures horrific cruelty. A stunning betrayal keeps the central characters constantly questioning who to trust. Both siblings are faced with moral dilemmas. There are no easy solutions. Every choice has positive and negative consequences. ​

Initially, the two earn money peddling religious statues in the predominantly Catholic villages. It seems a unusual thing: Jews selling religious statues. Sadly, this venture produces little income.

Their fortunes begin to look up when, desperate for suitable clothing to wear in the oppressive heat, Esther designs and sews a light, comfortable dress to replace her heavy woolen clothing. By hand, she sews similar dresses for her friends. Several of her creations are displayed in a local shop. Then the miraculous happens. Esther receives a sewing machine. With help from her father, the two make attractive lightweight dresses for women in the village. Eventually her designs are sold to a buyer in Havana. Now there is hope that she can earn enough money to reunite her family in Cuba. After some tense moments, the family obtains the necessary money to emigrate.

Esther is a natural at reaching out and connecting with people. She quickly becomes acquainted with many of the villagers. Her father’s rents lodging from the local doctor and his wife. They befriend an Afro-Cuban woman and her grandson. A couple from China own the local store patronized by Esther and her father. She invites this diverse group to share a Seder meal in their tiny apartment. She must improvise, dipping onions in salt water and filling glasses with sour cherry tea. The celebratory dinner is a success. New friendships are formed.

Esther is the star of this story. Her resourcefulness, hard work, willingness to try new things, and acceptance of other cultures and customs make the story shine.

This epistolary middle grade novel was inspired by Behar's grandmother’s journey from Poland to Cuba. Her story offers young readers a fresh perspective on a contemporary issue. ​  Letters from Cuba is a mind-opening,  heart-expanding look at the plight of immigrants, the far-reaching effects of World War II, and the stain of racism.