(2) YA Translated by Larissa Helena. In this translated novel from Brazilian debut author Rocha, three young gay men (two protagonists are eighteen, one is twenty-one) living in contemporary Rio de Janeiro strive to define romance and relationships for themselves in the modern era. Henrique is HIV-positive, and when he reveals his status to Victor after several dates, Victor breaks off the relationship. Victor and Ian meet in a clinic, where they are both waiting to hear the results of their HIV tests. When Victor tests negative but Ian tests positive, Victor puts Ian in contact with the only other person he knows who is living with HIV: Henrique. In alternating narration, this trio navigates awkward conversations, tense doctor's visits, and turbulent family drama while looking for love and connection. This heartfelt novel full of earnest dialogue about everything from coming out to the side effects of HIV drugs is a result of the author's time spent working at a Brazilian foundation that sponsors free HIV medication. While it can often read like a primer on how to live safely with HIV, it will provide welcome insight to readers curious about the subject or experiencing it for the first time. Back matter includes an author's note and an afterword with resources.

Reviewer: Jennifer Hubert Swan | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(4) 4-6 Secrets of Bearhaven series. Rocha's series about intelligent, technologically savvy bears and their relationships with humans of varying ethical stripes continues with this third book. Young Spencer is placed in the thick of an attempt to rescue his parents and several bears being held in a zoo-cum-prison. Suspend disbelief and stay for the action. The ending hints that at least one more book is coming.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) 4-6 Secrets of Bearhaven series. Illustrated by Ross Dearsley. Readers who were swept up into the world of intelligent, technologically sophisticated bears in the first three books of this series will be happy to continue the breakneck adventures of the animals and the humans who struggle to capture or protect them. In this fourth book, Bearhaven must be rebuilt in a new location safe from evil smuggler Pam. A plot line that's becoming repetitive won't deter die-hard fans.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) 4-6 Secrets of Bearhaven series. Illustrated by Ross Dearsley. Spencer discovers a secret city created by his "bear activist" parents, where bears invent and use technology, communicate with humans, and govern themselves (Secrets). In book two (Mission), Spencer is settling into life in Bearhaven when his cub friend Kate goes missing. Many plot elements are preposterous, but the fast pace and sympathetic cause are compelling; occasional illustrations bring the bears to life. review covers these titles: Mission to Moon Farm and Secrets of Bearhaven.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) 4-6 Secrets of Bearhaven series. Illustrated by Ross Dearsley. Spencer discovers a secret city created by his "bear activist" parents, where bears invent and use technology, communicate with humans, and govern themselves (Secrets). In book two (Mission), Spencer is settling into life in Bearhaven when his cub friend Kate goes missing. Many plot elements are preposterous, but the fast pace and sympathetic cause are compelling; occasional illustrations bring the bears to life. review covers these titles: Mission to Moon Farm and Secrets of Bearhaven.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) K-3 Translated by Lyn Miller-Lachmann. Illustrated by Madalena Matoso. Originally published in Brazil in 1987, this newly translated picture book captures the amazement of learning to read. Pedro finds letters he's just learned miraculously appearing on signs, posters, and T-shirts. Portuguese illustrator Matoso uses a limited palette, broad fields of color, and flattened perspective, creating enigmatic graphics that play with the concept of visual representation and cleverly pointing to the way written language works.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin