(3) K-3 Illustrated by Betty C. Tang. Brayden Harrington has techniques that help with his "bumpy speech," but public speaking still causes stress and embarrassment sometimes. When he meets Joe Biden at a presidential campaign event, Brayden is astonished when Biden tells him: "'When I was your age, I had bumpy speech, too.'" The encounter inspires both Brayden and the soon-to-be president, who invites the thirteen-year-old to (virtually) address the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Like Harrington's viral speech, his autobiographical account is sympathetic and moving, with cheery digital illustrations that emphasize feelings of hope. Appended with tips and other information on stuttering.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) 1-3 Faeries' Promise series. Illustrated by Sandara Tang. Alida's faerie colony adjusts to living in hiding in the meadow while making preparations for the upcoming winter using both old and new magic. The faeries and their human neighbors take one step closer to living in harmony, and Alida's path becomes unexpectedly entwined with Ellen, daughter of the evil Lord Dunraven. The stakes are thus gently raised in this unassuming, entertaining series.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) 1-3 Faeries' Promise series. Illustrated by Sandara Tang. Princess Alida's faerie colony members, defying evil Lord Dunraven's edict, return to their magical meadow near Ash Grove. The queen teaches Alida a potentially dangerous invisibility spell to protect the group during its treacherous journey; Alida also uses her magic to help her human Ash Grove neighbors. The story line and illustrations are engaging and uncluttered.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) 1-3 Faeries' Promise series. Illustrated by Sandara Tang. Human boy Gavin helps release imprisoned faerie Alida from evil Lord Dunraven’s tower (Stone). Together they search for her exiled faerie colony, which Dunraven's predecessor had banished, and in finding it they discover Alida is a princess (Following). This new companion series to Duey's Unicorn's Secret books, illustrated with anime-inspired pictures, is sweet without being too cloying. Review covers these Faeries' Promise titles: Following Magic and Silence and Stone.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) 1-3 Faeries' Promise series. Illustrated by Sandara Tang. Human boy Gavin helps release imprisoned faerie Alida from evil Lord Dunraven’s tower (Stone). Together they search for her exiled faerie colony, which Dunraven's predecessor had banished, and in finding it they discover Alida is a princess (Following). This new companion series to Duey's Unicorn's Secret books, illustrated with anime-inspired pictures, is sweet without being too cloying. Review covers these Faeries' Promise titles: Following Magic and Silence and Stone.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) K-3 On My Own Folklore series. Illustrated by Tang Ge. In these stories, trickster Anansi wins a box of stories from the sky god; the Yellow Emperor fights the Black Dragon; a young man wins a princess's hand with his magic pomegranate; and a self-centered girl becomes the ghost La Llorona. Each tale is paired with an illustration style that nicely reflects the culture. Back matter provides further information. Review covers these On My Own Folklore titles: Anansi and the Box of Stories, The Tale of La Llorona, The Magic Pomegranate, and The Dragon Emperor.

Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett