(3) K-3 Illustrated by Izzy Evans. A lesbian couple thinks that “everyone is celebrated” in their community, but a hateful act leaves them distraught until their young neighbors rally everyone behind them. Three kids bring unity by getting rainbow flags for all of their neighbors, who proudly display them. Illustrations featuring vistas of the neighborhood and community and thought-provoking questions in the text draw the reader into the story, which was inspired by a real-life event in Massachusetts (detailed in the back matter). A guide to being an “LGBTQ ally” is also appended.

Reviewer:

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe. In 1863 a woman named Eliza Davis began a correspondence with Charles Dickens. Her first letter compliments the author for his attention to social issues but criticizes his portrayal of Jewish characters ("a vile prejudice"). Dickens initially responds harshly but eventually comes to rail against prejudice and creates kind Jewish characters in future work. Stancliffe's inviting illustrations with a lush palette are interspersed with black-and-white drawings that evoke Dickens's era. Churnin's language also echoes the period and includes direct quotes from the pair's seven letters. An author's note provides additional historical context for antisemitism in Great Britain and comments on how Dickens "encouraged sympathy for the Jewish community."

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Luisa Uribe. Princess Charlotte brings a decorated yew branch, a German Christmas tradition, when she marries England's King George III in 1761. Forty years later, she hosts a Christmas party with a decorated yew tree. Based on real-life events that brought the Christmas tree to Britain, the approachable text emphasizes Charlotte's generosity, concern for children, and love of nature. Muted, soft-lined illustrations portray a relatable queen. Biographical information appended. Reading list.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2018

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Joven. This inspirational story relates African American Charles Luther Sifford's difficult struggle to break professional golf's color barrier in 1961. Churnin traces Sifford's journey from being a caddie to winning the National Negro Open numerous times to finally competing in (and later winning) PGA tournaments. Churnin's narrative is understated but moving, and Joven's muted color illustrations catch the story's setting and spirit. Includes an author's note. Timeline.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jez Tuya. The athletically gifted William Hoy could neither hear nor communicate orally, but in spite of his disability, he became an outstanding major league baseball player during the late-nineteenth century. He contributed further by helping to create a system of signals still used by today's umpires. Stylized, old-timey cartoon illustrations illustrate the uplifting narrative. More about Hoy's obstacles and accomplishments is appended. Timeline.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg