(2) 4-6 Color by Ronda Pattinson. This graphic novel celebrates the contributions of women throughout automotive history, along with providing a critique of the industry's persistent sexist practices. A prologue set in 1962 begins at an amateur car race with the skillful real-life driver Janet Guthrie. While respected by some of her peers, many others express a combination of anger, humiliation, and jealousy over her success. The story then shifts to 2019 New Hampshire, where (fictional) twelve-year-old Alexandra is similarly passionate about cars. Alex discovers a treasure trove of cars at her recently deceased grandfather's country home; however, her single father is unsupportive of her interest. Alex experiences highs and lows while working to restore a vintage Jaguar: the support of a local librarian; comments on her appearance and questioning of her knowledge. Throughout, Janet's life and career as a groundbreaking female racecar driver (somewhat coincidentally) intertwine with Alex's experiences, culminating in a multigenerational meet-up, complete with surprise appearance by Alex's favorite female YouTube mechanic. Copeland's streamlined art features a doodle-y thin black line and flat colors with minimal shading. Constantly shifting page layouts, from traditional panels to epistolary interludes to exciting (and coherent) race sequences, result in strong visual storytelling. An author's note separates fact from fiction and reminds readers that "girls can stand on the shoulders of those who came before them only if they know their stories."

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2025

(3) K-3 Silly Millies series. Illustrated by Mike Gordon. A young boy encourages construction vehicles to do their work by shouting at each one in turn: "What are you waiting for?" Readers can guess what the truck will do; a turn of the page reveals the truck in its entirety and the boy commanding: "Dump it!" "Drill away!" "Mix it!" Comical, sketchy illustrations help tell this brief story about the building of a playground.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) YA Set in 1941, this novel tells of thirteen-year-old Elin, an adopted daughter of lighthouse keepers, whose sheltered life changes after she and her father rescue two boys on a stormy night. When Elin's mother falls ill, Elin is left alone to tend the light. Unexpected help comes just in time as German U-boats torpedo a ship off the coast. While the effects of war seem forced, details of island life and Elin's coming of age are compelling.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(3) 1-3 Nine-year-old Dilly can't wait to head off to sleepover camp. In diary entries, she counts down the days and details the unanticipated adjustment to and eventual delight with camp life. The blue-lined notebook pages bustle with handwritten entries, colorful doodles, snapshots, and amusing asides. Dilly's character, and her thoughts and feelings, are funny, forthright, and believable.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli