Horn Book Herald: May 2025

(4) YA Friddell tells the story of Virginia Hall, a Baltimore native who faced incredible danger as a British spy for the French resistance in World War II. Although the free-verse narrative style can be distracting, it paints a compelling portrait of a woman who refused to let her gender, nationality, or disability (an amputated leg) stop her from fighting for freedom in Europe. Black-and-white photos, from the war and from Virginia’s life, are interspersed.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) YA Based on her adult autobiography, Friedman recounts her childhood during the Holocaust, detailing her experiences in the Tomaszów Mazowiecki ghetto, the Starachowice labor camp, and the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. The book shares her heartbreaking experiences of loss, starvation, and cruelty, while highlighting her strength and resilience. The narrative’s historical importance and depth make this an indispensable tool for understanding this dark chapter in history. Suitable for upper middle-grade and older readers.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Cheryl Thuesday. This biography tells the story of Edie Windsor, the activist who, at age eighty, sued the U.S. government to bring down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Windsor’s story is admirably simplified for a picture-book audience, highlighting the love she shared with Thea Spyer and explaining that Windsor stood up against an unfair law after Spyer’s death. Appropriately rainbow-hued illustrations showcase Windsor’s determination and her ultimate triumph. Back matter includes a timeline and explanations of DOMA and the Supreme Court.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) YA Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1925, Malcolm grew up hearing about Black nationalism and Black self-reliance. His early years were trauma-filled; while in prison in his twenties, Malcolm was introduced to books and to the Nation of Islam, and he credits both with saving his life. Kendi intertwines Malcolm’s story with historical background and contemporary issues to help young readers see the connections between past and present. Accompanying photos, letters, and other archival reproductions are used to create a fuller picture of Malcolm X for middle-grade and middle-school readers.

Reviewer: Nicholl Denice Montgomery

(3) K-3 This picture-book biography tells the story of Mercedes Sosa, popular folklore Argentino singer and activist. Pérez-Prado uses accessible, lyrical prose and includes difficult details about Sosa’s life and the time period during which she performed, including her years of exile in Spain and a brief, age-appropriate history of los desaparecidos. Digital collage illustrations incorporate visual metaphors to emphasize Sosa’s culture, including her Indigenous roots. An afterword providing further historical context and bibliography are appended.

Reviewer:

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Rachel Hudson. A fictional American Crow named Oki is the focus of Savage’s introduction to the species. A dense text follows along as Oki hatches, learns to fly and find food, ventures away from her nest to meet new birds, and finally has hatchlings of her own. Detailed crow facts are incorporated in a natural way; the information is accompanied by flat illustrations (final art unseen). An author’s note, glossary, resources, and an index (unseen) are appended.

Reviewer: Marva Anne Hinton

(3) 4-6 In this middle-grade adaptation of her memoir In the Form of a Question, [c2]Jeopardy champion and transgender woman Amy Schneider describes her childhood, television experience, and life as a “Famous Celebrity Trans Person.” Each chapter centers on a theme such as “What Is Your Name?” and “What Did You Win on Jeopardy?” Amy’s funny anecdotes; friendly, self-effacing style; and prominent message of self-acceptance make this an approachable and enjoyable book even for readers who are unfamiliar with the reasons for her fame.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) YA Debut author Weaver shares his powerful graphic memoir about overcoming bullying and finding self-acceptance. After a failed suicide attempt, Tony, eleven, finds solace in a new school, where he bonds with other "nerdy" Black students in the Literature Club. Dynamic art, filled with anime and video game references, captures his emotional journey. This heartfelt story offers hope and healing. An inspiring read for anyone dealing with bullying, self-doubt, or finding their true self.

Reviewer: Summer Edward