(2) K-3 Illustrated by Kim La Fave. A perilous flash flood threatens a young Sri Lankan girl's life and her village's livelihood. A spare and lyrical text that details Malini's harrowing adventure is accompanied by expressive, brightly colored illustrations with ample open space. Endnotes explain the realities of child labor, poverty, and a dependence on rice as a staple crop in Sri Lanka. A powerful portrait of a child's bravery and perseverance.

Reviewer: Megan Dowd Lambert | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2017

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Renné Benoit. Although "girls can't fish" in her Filipino village, Nina persuades her grandfather to take her fishing with him and watches closely as Lolo shows her what to do. She waits patiently and finally triumphs, landing a big fish. Repetition in the lively prose conveys the steady rhythm of the craft ("hand over hand, fish after fish"). Simple illustrations in muted blues and greens complement this empowering story.

Reviewer: Alicia K. Long

(3) YA A teenage boy is anguished when his mother falls into a permanent coma after attempting suicide. This novel in verse uses imagery of birds in cages and blooming and withering flowers as the boy contemplates what it means to be alive. Readers will be touched by the boy's questions about whether living on life support is really life at all.

Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett