Horn Book Herald: July 2025

(3) PS Illustrated by Leeza Hernandez. It’s “back-a” to school time for Alpaca, who gets out of bed, grabs a “snack-a,” and hops on the bus. At school, “Miss Yak-a” leads circle time and art class, and Alpaca enjoys the playground’s train “track-a.” The bouncy couplets and invented “alpaca” rhymes (displayed in bold font) are well-matched by the energetic digital art showing Alpaca and friends enjoying the day. This is a good read-aloud choice for young readers transitioning to a new school year.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) K-3 The first day of school is approaching, and Yeti is feeling nervous. She comes up with several excuses to stay home (a missing pencil, a lost backpack), but her dad steps in each time to reassure her and urge her to keep her cool. Once she arrives at school, she discovers that other students are anxious too, and that gives her the confidence to make friends and stay calm. Carter’s digital illustrations lean into the humor of the situation, while the text is comforting.

Reviewer: Marva Anne Hinton

(3) 4-6 Last Chance Academy series. Twelve-year-old Megumi lands in boarding school after her grades fall following her mother’s death. Determined to survive (or be homeschooled by her crotchety aunt), loner Meg surprises herself by making friends while caught up in a mysterious treasure hunt. The author handles the subject of grief well, and the cliffhanger ending will leave readers eager for the next series entry.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr.. Proper Badger (from Proper Badger Would Never!) is going to school (inadvertently, having boarded the wrong bus). The text enumerates poor (and sometimes extreme) classroom behaviors that Proper Badger “assuredly...undeniably...obviously did NOT” do—while the childlike illustrations humorously make clear that the text is protesting too much. Pure silliness, with perhaps some reassurance for those apprehensive about school that at least they know not to...say...eat the class pet.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) K-3 On a “beautiful, blue sky morning,” Eunny wakes up, eats breakfast, and walks to school with Mama. During the walk, Eunny takes the time to notice and appreciate the world around; the childlike second-person narration gently instructs readers to do the same (“You’re not in a hurry today. Stop for a moment, and look up”). Delicate watercolor and pencil illustrations depict a bustling neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea, and, in the middle of it all, a child and mother enjoying each other’s company.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) 4-6 Bubblegum Shoes series. Although snooping cost her a best friend and made her a social pariah, seventh grader Maya Mendoza is proud of her sleuthing abilities. But she’s the prime suspect when she’s caught (along with the former BBF and two other girls) breaking into the school’s notorious Contraband Closet, which they find shockingly empty of confiscated items. Maya makes a deal: if the girls haven’t nabbed the thief in a month, the principal “can toss [her] out of this school.” Balancing hard-boiled detective tropes with relatable middle-school situations, this satisfying whodunnit features a likable and believably flawed protagonist.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 1-3 Stepping Stone series. Adapted by Colleen AF Venable. Illustrated by Honie Beam. Colors by Kiwi Byrd. Junie is excited to start kindergarten but terrified of riding the school bus. After a bad bus experience the first morning, she decides to hide rather than ride the bus home. She has fun exploring the nearly empty school oblivious to the panic she has caused. A call to 911 when she desperately needs to find a restroom leads to the story’s resolution. Venable captures the humor of the original, and the colorful digital illustrations bring Junie to life.

Reviewer: Marva Anne Hinton

(3) 4-6 Due to redistricting, Bunny starts seventh grade at a new, unfamiliar school. It’s a rough start — so bad that she tries to misbehave enough to be expelled — but Bunny eventually finds joy, and friendship, in planning and planting a pollinator garden as a class project. Bunny’s passion for insects and plants is evident, even contagious (gardening resources are appended for those interested in learning more) and her “metamorphosis” from wanting to escape her situation to finding a place to belong is deeply satisfying.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) 4-6 Color by K Czap. In this heartfelt graphic novel, Mira, a sixth grader with selective mutism, navigates middle school, bullying, and friendship problems. At school, she struggles to speak, but at home, her creativity shines through stop-motion films. Support from a therapist and a classmate helps her slowly open up. Expressive illustrations with well-paced panel layouts capture Mira’s inner world with honesty and care. In an author’s note, Steinke shares personal experiences that inspired this nuanced, empathetic look at anxiety, identity, and self-expression.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) 4-6 Seventh grader Grace copes with her parents’ divorce, a fractured friendship, and a strained relationship with her mother. Finding refuge in her school’s fencing club, she begins to rebuild her confidence and form new bonds. Clean panels with minimal background details keep the focus on characters’ expressions and emotional arcs. Back matter enriches this emotionally resonant graphic novel with fencing facts and concept art. An author’s note highlights Wasserman’s connection to the sport and to Grace’s journey.

Reviewer: Summer Edward