(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Nilah Magruder. Color by Ellis P. Background inks by Akem. After moving to a rural town, confident young Black equestrian Nora struggles to adjust to a rundown barn, a new school, and frequent microaggressions but gradually finds connection and purpose in her new community. This graphic novel explores race, class, and belonging with humor and heart. Though some imprecise equine terminology undercuts the story’s strengths, the energetic art and lively pacing make it an engaging read for horse lovers and outsiders alike.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Carlisle captures the fleeting nature of time with lyrical language and vivid imagery of a river’s journey, encouraging mindfulness and appreciation for the present. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations show two children joyfully exploring the countryside, evoking freedom and wonder. The illustrated back matter includes information on river ecosystems, outdoor exploration activities, and an author’s note. A tender, poetic read that reflects on how moments pass and nature changes, offering a gentle reminder to embrace the flow of time.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat. After moving to a new neighborhood, a young child uses scrap items to build a robot friend. The bright digital illustrations capture the child’s journey from loneliness to connection. When the protagonist meets another youngster, the two initially clash over the robot, but through teamwork and empathy, they rebuild it together. This sparely written story encourages creativity and highlights the importance of cooperation, forgiveness, and understanding in building friendship.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA In 1973, Patty Appleton, a young female congressional page, witnesses the political upheavals of Watergate, Roe v. Wade, and the Equal Rights Amendment. She grapples with her conservative upbringing and the feminist movement in this nuanced, thought-provoking exploration of political and personal growth. Historical photos and clippings add immersive context, while relatable characters and sharp social commentary may engage both teens and adults. The insightful back matter includes an epilogue, author's note, selected sources, resources, and photo credits.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA Based on her adult autobiography, Friedman recounts her childhood during the Holocaust, detailing her experiences in the Tomaszów Mazowiecki ghetto, the Starachowice labor camp, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. The book shares her heartbreaking experiences of loss, starvation, and cruelty, while highlighting her strength and resilience. The narrative’s historical importance and depth make this an indispensable tool for understanding this dark chapter in history. Suitable for upper middle-grade and older readers.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Adventures of Invisible Boy series. In this graphic novel sequel, Stan and Gene, now able to control their invisibility powers, try to fight crime, but struggle to find any real action in their quiet town until Stan’s dad’s hardware store is robbed and a new villain appears. The humorous, action-packed plot relies heavily on the first book for context, making it hard for new readers to follow. However, the quirky characters, funny illustrations, and zany vibe will appeal to fans of lighthearted superhero adventures.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(4) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old Kaya, a Chinese and Taiwanese American girl, grapples with hydrophobia and anxiety while navigating her ancestral roots and mysterious connections to a water goddess. Set in Hawaii, the novel weaves together Kaya's personal journey with historical flashbacks and family secrets. Huang’s atmospheric writing captures the archipelago’s beauty, complementing the story’s magical realism and Kaya’s emotional journey. Some unresolved plot points may leave readers wanting more, but the novel’s explorations of themes such as anxiety and identity are compelling.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 After their parents' separation, mixed-race siblings Poppy and Robin adjust to living in two homes. Through the changing seasons, they navigate their feelings, seek comfort in familiar routines, and grow sunflowers together. Despite the challenges, they discover that love conquers all, and with time, change becomes easier. Vibrant digital illustrations with lots of natural outdoor scenery and a touch of nostalgic warmth create an optimistic mood. Back matter includes a psychologist's note for caregivers, online resources, and recommended reading.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ken Daley. On a Saturday morning, a young Black boy’s mother drops him off at the barbershop. Eager for the outing, the boy narrates the lively rituals of the Black men and neighborhood sons who gather there. Amid laughter, music, games, peddling, and storytelling, the barbershop serves as a hub for community, entertainment, oral tradition, and wisdom. Prismatic digital illustrations capture the barbershop's dynamic, multi-purpose nature, making this ode to Black barbershop culture truly shine.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Leo Espinosa. A young Latina girl and her family endure a relentless drought on their Texas farm. She searches for a horned toad, hoping its wish-granting magic can bring rain, and ultimately wishes for a better world, free from environmental degradation. The family’s shared farmwork inspires a quiet reflection on ecological change and intergenerational connection. With earth-toned pencil-and-digital illustrations and an author’s note, this poignant book explores climate instability, the strength of family, and hope for a more sustainable future.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA Illustrated by Fred Fordham. This graphic-format adaptation masterfully captures the quiet introspection and mythic quality of Le Guin’s classic. The muted watercolor-style art, with its fluid linework, enhances the ethereal tone, immersing readers in the journey of Ged, a young wizard, as he confronts a dark force he'd unwittingly unleashed. Although the minimal text may challenge newcomers to the tale, fans will appreciate this visually distinctive reimagining. (To fit the format, and in consultation with Le Guin's son, Fordham trimmed and truncated some of the text and events.) A thoughtful, atmospheric adaptation that remains true to Le Guin’s vision.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) YA Debut author Lessore delivers a humorous and heartfelt story about a thirteen-year-old Black British aspiring rapper navigating social media disasters and personal setbacks. Shaun “Growls” Thompson’s journey to overcome embarrassment and reclaim his dreams is filled with relatable struggles and vibrant friendships. Lessore’s use of first-person narration and beatbox poems adds depth to Growls’s character. The book’s witty dialogue and diverse cast make it an enjoyable read with a powerful message about perseverance.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Expelled from yet another boarding school, intrepid almost-twelve-year-old Rowan interns at her grandfather’s Library of Curiosities where she must solve a mystery involving stolen enchanted objects, a hidden item, family secrets, and her parents' deaths to clear her name. Along the way, she forms new friendships and navigates tensions with the enigmatic magician Silverjack. This middle-grade novel offers a compelling blend of adventure, intrigue, humor, and self-discovery. A delightful exploration of family and the magic of curiosity.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Color by Maddie Sackett. When eleven-year-old Galen’s parents' divorce, he finally understands the pain of his friend Kyle, whose parents have also split, and together with pal Luna, they make a documentary to process it all. This engaging graphic novel explores complicated family dynamics, friendship, and big emotions with nuance and honesty. Warm illustrations with cinematic touches add energy and clarity, with expressive art heightening the emotional stakes. A thoughtful, relatable read for kids navigating change and seeking connection.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Andrea Bell. This comforting graphic novel blends culinary charm with a sensitive exploration of grief. Emily’s family bakery magically bakes good emotions into their treats, but after her aunt’s sudden death, she learns the consequences of mixing “bad” feelings into a crumble. As Emily heals, she discovers the power of support and self-expression. Characterful illustrations in confectionary-inspired hues capture Emily’s personal growth. Splash pages sprinkled throughout the book display recipes for various confections, inviting readers into her magical kitchen.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Dare Coulter. This powerful picture-book adaptation of a poem from a 2022 prayer gathering for Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson celebrates the strength, resilience, and boundless potential of Black girls, showing that their crowns shine with the legacies of those who preceded them. Luminous, star-spangled, mixed-media illustrations connect Jackson’s journey to the U.S. Supreme Court with African American women’s history, highlighting such luminaries as Harriet Tubman and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. A lyrical invitation to young readers to believe in themselves and embrace their dreams.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Violeta Encarnación. After reminiscing about good times “when Mami was here,” Giselle and Papi create new dreams of their own, embarking on fantastical journeys to a city run by animals, a concert on the moon, and more. The illustrations blend surrealist elements, contrasting colors, and dynamic lines, effectively capturing the thrills and emotional depth of the whimsical adventures, while the text celebrates the power of imagination and memory. A beautiful, imaginative, vibrant tribute to love, family, and resilience.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by DeAndra Hodge. A young girl learns about the history of Juneteenth through conversations with family and neighbors. Bright, cartoony digital illustrations showcase the joy and unity of the celebration. Hodge shows much restraint while depicting slavery on one double-page spread. The book reflects on both the past and present, emphasizing the warmth of community and African American cultural traditions. Back matter provides additional context and a recipe. An upbeat testament to the importance of remembering history with resilience.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Yana Popova. A child comes to terms with her parents’ separation and subsequent remarriages, experiencing both joyful and sad family moments. With the support of Mom and Dad and new family members, the child discovers that love prevails and learns emotional acceptance. The illustrations are largely rendered as cutouts against blank, textured, watercolor paper backgrounds, and become grayscale when the child’s father leaves. The resulting non-finito effect perfectly complements this story about navigating divorce with imperfect grace.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) PS Illustrated by Raahat Kaduji. In this playful story, a little groundhog named Tess resists hibernating, despite her parents' best efforts to tuck her in and help her sleep. From warm cocoa to lullabies, nothing works until Mommy and Daddy doze off themselves and Tess tires herself out playing in the snow, almost sleeping through Groundhog Day. Full-color illustrations in a palette of soft, earth-toned hues combine anthropomorphic appeal with bedtime humor. A wintry confection that proves even the most determined little ones need rest.

Reviewer: Summer Edward