(3) K-3 Guatemalan Maria, Korean Jin, and Somalian Fatimah appeared in I'm New Here. Now the focus is on their American classmates and how everyone benefits from interacting with the new kids. For instance, Jesse gets Maria to play on their soccer team, and she's "unstoppable." Watercolor and digital illustrations depict welcoming, diversely populated classrooms, and the simple text with speech balloons supports young readers. A note further discusses "connecting across differences."

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) 4-6 Immigrant Experiences series. This series provides general glimpses into many immigrant groups' struggles in the U.S. Each book's vignettes (with direct quotes) on real immigrants striving for citizenship and acceptance in America add intimacy and impact to the presentation; frank discussions of discrimination are included. Photographs extend the narratives. There are four other fall 2017 books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Immigrant Experiences titles: Mexican Immigrants, Somali Immigrants, Japanese Immigrants, and German Immigrants.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Museum Mysteries series. Illustrated by Lisa K. Weber. These museum-set mysteries involve the disappearance of paleontologists and dinosaur fossils (Mom) and Sally Ride's space suit (Space). The diverse cast (including an African American computer geek with two moms and a headscarf-wearing Somali American who loves astronomy) is superficially developed, but the fast-paced plots will appeal to mystery fans. Full-color illustrations, discussion questions, and writing prompts are included. Timeline. Glos. Review covers the following Museum Mysteries titles: The Case of the Missing Mom and The Case of the Stolen Space Suit.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) YA Unbarred series. Shakespeare's tragedies--Antony and Cleopatra (Duty), Hamlet (Fight), Othello (Friend), Romeo and Juliet (Heart)--are adapted to modern settings. Gangs, racial conflicts, drug trafficking, and correctional institutions feature strongly in these unsubtle attempts to make Shakespeare relevant to readers unfamiliar with aristocratic politics or the Roman Empire. Short chapters, fast action, and lots of dialogue increase the hi-lo appeal. Review covers the following Unbarred titles: Duty or Desire, Fight or Flee, Friend or Foe, and Heart or Mind.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) K-3 Jin from Korea is having trouble learning English letters but has a great imagination. Maria from Guatemala wants to show off her soccer skills, but she's afraid to play because of her limited English. Fatimah from Somalia slowly begins sharing her drawings with the class. Watercolor illustrations extend the simple, direct text of this useful introduction to assimilation. An autobiographical author's note adds value.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) 4-6 Inspired by the author's personal interactions with Somalian refugees in her Maine town, this book provides unique insight into the cultural and social challenges children can encounter when they move from one country to another. Although Kiki, a Somali girl, and Jacques, a boy from Maine, have different life experiences, this novel emphasizes the importance of building on similarities to find friendships in unexpected places.

Reviewer: Breanna J. MCDaniel

(3) YA As captain of his Maine high school's soccer team, Tom's focused on defeating their rival school. But the controversy surrounding his town's Somali refugees--some of whom are on the team--forces Tom to confront some larger, harsh realities. Told through Tom's genial voice, this coming-of-age novel unflinchingly tackles issues of class, prejudice, and religion, culminating in a bittersweet, community-affirming ending.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith