(2) K-3 Illustrated by Lindsey Yankey. The narrator recalls her childhood growing up in Iran. The child accompanies her grandma on her daily routines, including spending time with friends; as Grandma and her best friend laugh, drink coffee, and knit blankets for their mosque and church, respectively, the children (and readers) witness a beautiful interfaith friendship. Yankey's muted illustrations work well to convey cherished memories and love, with thoughtful cultural details incorporated throughout.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2019

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paul Hoppe. Javaherbin dynamically relates Brazilian soccer star Neymar de Silva Santos Jr.'s biography through Neymar's imagined first-person perspective. He practices with his father, joins a local youth team, and as a teen plays professionally for Real Madrid until homesickness leads him back to Brazil to join Santos FC's team. Hoppe's illustrations reflect the story's fast pace and Neymar's loving family life. Glos.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Renato Alarcão. Soft-textured sepia-ink drawings illustrate Javaherbin's touching tribute to Brazilian children trying to better their lives via the country's beloved sport--kids like Paulo, who dreams of soccer stardom so his mother "won't have to work long hours." Rich, spare text and the art picture the seaside setting and cement the story's "homage to all soccer stars who...rise up from poverty."

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Bruce Whatley. A pet parrot asks its owner, a rich Persian merchant traveling to India, to tell the parrots there about its wonderful golden cage. Upon receiving the message the parrots fall over, apparently dead--craftily sending an escape-method message to their caged mate. Despite some stereotyping in text and illustrations, this amiable tale is effective in its own obvious way.

Reviewer: Barbara Bader

(3) K-3 Illustrated by A. G. Ford. In a South African alley, a group of friends try to protect one boy's new "federation-size" soccer ball from neighborhood bullies. The realistic oil paintings are richly detailed, conveying universal feelings of fear, friendship, and team spirit. Readers will empathize with these children although they live a very different life.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt