(3) K-3 Illustrated by Leah Giles. This accessible picture book explains the concept behind Purple Up! for Military Kids, an annual day to honor children with family in the military, as one town prepares to celebrate it. Friendly pastel-hued illustrations emphasize purple. An author’s note gives more information about Purple Up!

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Deborah Melmon. In line at a pizza place, Missy meets Jane, who exchanges Post-its from the restaurant's wall for her pizza. After Missy's dad explains that each Post-it represents a slice pre-purchased by another customer as a mitzvah (good deed), Missy is inspired to pay forward slices herself. Cheerful cartoonlike illustrations are a good match for the girls' friendship; an author's note describes the Philadelphia shop on which the story is based.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) YA After a bomb threat shuts down the school, Gabi joins the staff of a new anonymous helpline, then suspects that one of her callers may be planning another attack. A disingenuously tidy ending weakens the plot, but the lead-up is inexorably tense, and Gabi's newfound friendships and earnest but fumbling efforts to help her peers make her a relatable and engaging protagonist.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross