(2) K-3 Illustrated by Julia Kuo. The protagonist of this emotion-filled story is a little girl in Taiwan who loves her popo, or grandmother. She dreams with Popo, walks with her in the park, and bows to her on New Year's Day--until one day the girl and her parents move to San Diego. She can then only dream of Popo, talk with her from across the sea, and pray for her recovery from an illness. Upon returning to Taiwan for a visit, the girl is dismayed that her language skills have slipped ("Now 'ni hao' is what feels strange in my mouth"), yet the bond between granddaughter and grandmother remains as strong as ever. Kuo's digital illustrations, of a rosy-cheeked girl and active grandma, complement Blackburne's text by showing details that accurately and authentically depict Taiwan and its culture. Iconic buildings (Taipei 101, the Grand Hotel), Chinese New Year traditions, street signs, and cityscapes are only some of the abundant details that invite readers to look closely at the images. In a few spreads, the gutter is cleverly used to delineate the characters' two very different worlds. Blackburne's nuanced narrative and Kuo's eye-catchingly hued illustrations bring readers on a heartwarming journey, providing an opportunity to explore and discuss the themes of identity, roots, connection, and emigration. Appended author and illustrator's notes and a glossary provide more detail.

Reviewer: Weileen Wang | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2021

(3) YA Rosemarked series. Since fighting in--and spying on--the Amparan military in Rosemarked, Dineas faces suspicions about his loyalty from his Shidadi tribemates. With the Amparan Empire invading, Dineas's love interest Zivah, a healer and a carrier of the horrific rose plague, resists the call to weaponize her disease against the enemy. Thoughtfully explored ethical dilemmas and a heart-tugging love story will engage reader sympathies in this compelling fantasy.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) YA Her incomplete recovery from the rose plague leaves healer Zivah contagious and outcast. But Zivah's memory-erasing potions help rebel soldier Dineas recover from the Amparan Empire's torture enough for him to go undercover as a spy. Zivah's growing romance with memory-erased Dineas complicates an already fraught mission. Gripping action and heart-wrenching emotional conflicts make this exploration of identity and loyalty a real page-turner.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) YA Now working for the Palace, former thief Kyra (Midnight Thief) hides her demon cat shapeshifter side, but when Head Councilman Willem uses an anti–demon cat campaign to camouflage a coup attempt, her claws come out. A satisfying romance with erstwhile knight Tristam and a painful denouement with imprisoned thief James combine for a textured, well-coordinated plot that leads to a decisive conclusion.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) YA Cat-burglar Kyra joins the Assassins Guild to protect her street "family"; Sir Tristram seeks to avenge his friend's death at the hands of the Demon Riders--humans working with monstrous cats. When Kyra discovers she is one of the shape-shifting Demon Riders, her partnership with Tristram becomes tangled. Double-crosses and shifting alliances keep the action moving, while Kyra's preternatural abilities keep readers intrigued.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam