(3) K-3 Illustrated by Felicia Hoshino. When her friend Hector moves away abruptly, Juna's kind brother tries to divert her sadness with gifts to put in her special kimchi jar. A fish, plant, and cricket inspire nightly dreamlike adventures to find Hector, but a daytime encounter with a new friend sets her on a happy path. Soft, whimsical watercolors contrast Juna's ordinary days and exciting nights.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Felicia Hoshino. In this WWII Japanese American internment story, Mari and her family are living at Topaz Relocation Center. Art classes, friendship, and sunflowers help Mari feel as if she can rise above a bleak situation and look to the future. Like the text, which is presented bilingually, the illustrations contrast the dreariness of the desert and barracks with Mari's blossoming hope.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander