(3) 4-6 What makes this book about puberty stand out is its inclusiveness. For example, Carnagey refers to changes that typically occur in those whose bodies "produce higher levels of estrogen and progesterone" and those who have "higher testosterone levels." The book defines gender and sex in clear language. Masturbation is also handled with sensitivity, and readers are encouraged to discuss these topics with a “trusted adult.” Additionally, the book covers how to deal with gossip and bullying. Frequent spot art, by Brianna Gilmartin, is included throughout. Back matter contains additional resources, a glossary, and a source list.

Reviewer:

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Mercè López. This collection features twenty poems about real-life mistakes each of the poets made in childhood. The contributors include Linda Sue Park, Matt Forrest Esenwine, Lacresha Berry, Jaime Adoff, Margarita Engle, Vikram Madan, and Naomi Shihab Nye, along with thirteen others; the poems are organized into four categories: "Oopsie-Daisy!" "Stuff Happens," "Blessings in Disguise," and "What Have I Done?" The wide range of moments captured include scoring a soccer goal for the wrong team, publicly mispronouncing a word, succumbing to peer pressure, skipping school, spreading gossip, hurting someone's feelings -- many relatable experiences. Each poem is accompanied by a prose paragraph by the poet describing the consequences of their mistake and what they learned. The poems themselves are narrative snapshots, sometimes rhyming, often in free verse, and rich in emotion and introspection. Illustrator López creates entire, emotive scenes with expressive faces, poses, and repeating motifs in the mixed-media art

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2025

(2) 4-6 Corry introduces readers to the young Emily Dickinson (1830–1886) in creative graphic-novel form. "One day Emily would become known as one of the greatest poets who ever lived!" But this is not that story; instead, it is a glimpse of some of the things that helped shape her future as a poet. We learn that she loved studying botany in school and created her own herbarium, gathering plant specimens on her "wildflower walks" with her dog, Carlo ("my shaggy ally"). Most of the book imagines one such walk to "meet the flowers." Throughout, Corry incorporates Dickinson's own words in speech bubbles as well as a selection of her poems. Watercolor, gouache, and colored-pencil illustrations reflect Emily's internal transformation as color transitions from shades of sepia for the school and home scenes to full color as she embarks on her walk. The illustrations also playfully highlight Emily's imagination at work, as insects play instruments, sail the sea, have tea, and more; when she briefly loses track of Carlo in the woods, Emily fearfully envisions what could have happened ("What if...goblins have kidnapped him?"). The varied panel layout is easy to follow, adds momentum, and reflects Emily's passionate and detailed nature. While Corry admits to taking artistic license with the timeline, the book gives readers a sense of Dickinson without overwhelming them with facts. Back matter includes additional biographical information and suggestions for further reading.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2025

(1) YA Seventeen-year-old Neon is in his girlfriend Aria's bathroom, wracked with anxiety because, for the two of them, "tonight is for our first time." Twenty-four seconds earlier, he was rushing to the bathroom and shutting the door. Twenty-four minutes before that, he arrived at Aria's house. And twenty-four hours before that...and so on. The unusual narrative device drops readers immediately into the action and then zooms out to contextualize the moment, introducing a fully realized, frequently hilarious cast of characters who offer advice on sex and relationships. Neon's mother, for example, who has no reservations about loudly discussing pleasure and masturbation with her son -- in a crowded diner. His grandmother, who, while telling stories about her deceased husband, advises that "a little imperfection takes the edge off things." And his well-intentioned friend Dodie, whose explanation of foreplay includes attention to "what he called the...volvo." Their guidance (aside from Dodie's, naturally) and obvious love for Neon has helped shape him into an attentive and respectful boyfriend; there's no betrayal or big interpersonal conflict here. Instead, this is, in Neon's words, "a special, regular story where two people meet and help each other make something beautiful, at the risk of making a mess." The simple plot is balanced by Neon's narration, which sparkles with rhythm and wordplay.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2025

(2) YA Luna, Heavenly Water, menses, period, monthly moon--menstruation by any name is a fact of life for the BIPOC main characters in these short stories that focus on cultural celebrations, social stigma, gender identity, and the myriad physical and emotional changes taking place during puberty. Christina Soontornvat's "Rules of the Lake" is a humorous and touching tale of a Thai American girl who is surprised by her first period during a school field trip. "Turning Point" by Leah Henderson is about a Black soccer player and her ballet instructor mother who find common ground in celebrating her first period. Mason J.'s "The Gender Creamsicle," written in verse, offers a much-needed perspective on the experience of a gender-nonconforming protagonist: "I am a gender Creamsicle: orange and white. / Not a Popsicle or ice cream. I am in between." The stories have broad appeal and are unified by a common thread of growing up. Issues related to race and gender, immigration status, and language diversity are set alongside culturally rich narratives about a singular and pivotal life event, giving young people an opportunity to feel seen, and less alone.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2023

(2) YA Santat, Caldecott winner for The Adventures of Beekle, shares his own adventures in this graphic memoir that focuses on a trip to Europe the summer before high school. He dispenses with his fraught middle-school years in two emotionally charged opening scenes: a humiliating speech and a disastrous party. The heart of the story is the life-changing three-week school trip, which his parents see as an opportunity: "We never got to do this when we were kids. You should feel lucky!" But for thirteen-year-old Dan, being invisible is his best coping strategy, and the trip forces him reluctantly out of his comfort zone. The visual narrative sticks to Dan's perspective, and his growth is treated with empathy and humor. This is Santat at his best: his signature palette emphasizing muted greens, browns, and nighttime shades; a variety of vertical and horizontal panels (many with no words or only sound effects and speech bubbles); and the spare text supporting the lively visuals. That summer may have been his first chance to see the cultural treasures of Europe, but for Dan it was other firsts that made indelible impressions--first Fanta (and first beer); first girlfriend; and, thus, first broken heart. Readers see Europe's landmarks, but they're background to the book's human dramas. Back matter includes an author's note and a "Recreating Old Memories" section.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2023

(3) YA Photographs by Wendy Ewald. This unique photo-essay uses the alphabet to present a snapshot of the immigrant experience. Photographer/editor Ewald collaborated with real teenage immigrants from a Philadelphia high school to choose a word for each letter; each entry includes a definition, translation in the teen's native language, a related personal anecdote, and a photographic portrait representing the word. The result is powerful and extremely relevant to young Americans' lives.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Savvy: Girlology series. A series of infographics related to girls' growing bodies address health, hygiene, puberty, nutrition, media representation, and more; overall the text demonstrates the broad range of what's normal and points out the often-harmful messages in mainstream media. The tables, graphs, timelines, trivia bits, and photographs of a diverse set of tween girls create a visually engaging, magazine-style volume.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl. The team behind Rad American Women A–Z and others offers another collective biography introducing females who've made a difference, here before age twenty. From the singer Lorde to Malala Yousafzai, this volume covers a refreshing and inclusive mix of girls' achievement stories, written in engaging, tween-appropriate prose and illustrated with Stahl's hip cut-paper portraits. Tips for becoming a "rad girl" and resources are appended. Ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Savvy: Stress-Busting Survival Guides series. Illustrated by Veronica Collignon. With Karen Bluth. Emphasizing mindfulness and directed at tweens and adolescents, these upbeat self-help books include meditations, physical exercises, crafts (e.g., an anti-stress ball), recipes (a single-serve "Treat Yourself" cupcake), suggested music, organizational tips, and more, all illustrated with photos and pastel-colored art. Appropriately, each volume ends with lists of symptoms requiring professional help, referral organizations, and suggestions for supportive adults. Reading list. Review covers these Savvy: Stress-Busting Survival Guides titles: Happiness Hacks, Me Time, and Stress Less.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Savvy: Stress-Busting Survival Guides series. Illustrated by Veronica Collignon. With Karen Bluth. Emphasizing mindfulness and directed at tweens and adolescents, these upbeat self-help books include meditations, physical exercises, crafts (e.g., an anti-stress ball), recipes (a single-serve "Treat Yourself" cupcake), suggested music, organizational tips, and more, all illustrated with photos and pastel-colored art. Appropriately, each volume ends with lists of symptoms requiring professional help, referral organizations, and suggestions for supportive adults. Reading list. Review covers these Savvy: Stress-Busting Survival Guides titles: Happiness Hacks, Me Time, and Stress Less.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Savvy: Stress-Busting Survival Guides series. Illustrated by Veronica Collignon. With Karen Bluth. Emphasizing mindfulness and directed at tweens and adolescents, these upbeat self-help books include meditations, physical exercises, crafts (e.g., an anti-stress ball), recipes (a single-serve "Treat Yourself" cupcake), suggested music, organizational tips, and more, all illustrated with photos and pastel-colored art. Appropriately, each volume ends with lists of symptoms requiring professional help, referral organizations, and suggestions for supportive adults. Reading list. Review covers these Savvy: Stress-Busting Survival Guides titles: Happiness Hacks, Me Time, and Stress Less.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 The day after twelve-year-old Addie wishes she were sixteen, she wakes up to find her wish has come true. But being sixteen isn't what Addie expected: she's a shallow jerk who's no longer speaking to her best friend. While the premise is familiar (think 13 Going on 30), it's well executed; Addie's naiveté about being a teenager will make readers laugh out loud.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) YA Drawing on casual, "feet up, shoes off" (#SockTalk) interviews with successful women and on advice she gives at leadership clinics, Olympic gold-medalist soccer player Foudy encourages young women to develop leadership skills in broad social spheres. Some of the advice and related exercises are generic, but Foudy and her interviewees address readers with sincerity and don't take themselves too seriously.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Meg Hunt. Nine fictional sixteen-year-old girls (all good friends) at camp share personal questions, experiences, health tips, and insecurities as their bodies, relationships, and emotions change. They gather their discoveries in "The Book," intended to be passed along to next summer's twelve-year-old campers. Anecdotes, notes, diagrams, doodles, and other marginalia accompany the informal text, which emphasizes self-acceptance and kindness.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA "Where do you go, where do you hide, when the world hurts too much?" ABC News correspondent Pitts shares six inspirational stories of youth who overcame difficult starts. The social issues–focused narratives have a Chicken Soup for the Soul feel. Still, Pitts handles his subjects' profound struggles--with foster care, mental illness, bullying, refugee status, and more--with consistent respect and understanding. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(4) YA What works on YouTube and other social media for the "internet personality" author unfortunately doesn't work as well in print. Aimed at newly independent young adults, Arden's advice, which touches on healthy lifestyles, mature relationships, sexuality, and--largely--living on one's own, will barely be useful to the younger teens at whom the prose, if not the information, seems pitched. Still, Rose's following may appreciate the approachable tone.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA Drawing on interviews with "super-amazing," successful young adults, Wooster gives teens relevant but commonplace advice on "connecting...to the things that make you want to jump out of bed in the morning." Interviewees offer a range of approaches, and "self-discovery quizzes" and "exploratory exercises" may prove useful. Unfortunately, a didactic adult voice predominates the narrative. A discussion guide and extensive resources list are included.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(3) YA Nineteen teenage poets--members of Get Lit, an L.A.-based organization that empowers teens to become passionate about literature, self-expression, and social consciousness--share their personal stories, a classic poem each finds meaningful, and an honest, often raw response poem he or she has written based on that classic. Writing prompts are included in each chapter. Teachers will appreciate the alignment with Common Core Standards.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) YA "Almost all youth do stupid, impulsive things. Yet only some of them turn into criminal acts." Jones deftly covers multiple aspects of juvenile justice in America, including its history, current reforms, and the root causes of delinquency. The text is detailed enough for research but engaging enough for general interest reading; glossy pages include sidebars, pull-quotes, and color photos. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay