(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Sharee Miller. Three sisters travel from Brooklyn to Oakland in 1968 to spend the summer with the mother who abandoned them, encountering the Black Panthers and unexpected lessons in identity, activism, and growing up. With themes of family, resilience, and political awakening, this graphic novel adaptation of an award-winner (rev. 3/10) blends humor, heartbreak, and history. Miller’s expressive illustrations capture both the emotional nuance and cultural backdrop and help make an essential story newly accessible for today’s middle-grade readers.

Reviewer: Summer Edward

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Sharee Miller. With Nancy Ohlin. African American girl Shai learns more lessons about life and friendship, supported by her performing-arts-school friends and loving family. In Pants, Shai is determined her tap routine will win a dance competition; Shai and bestie Emmie prep for a fundraising concert in Rescue. The plots and illustrations aren't anything outstanding, but they're satisfying and feature lots of cultural markers and appealing details for performance-loving readers. Review covers these titles: Shai & Emmie Star in Dancy Pants! and Shai & Emmie Star in To the Rescue!

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Sharee Miller. With Nancy Ohlin. African American girl Shai learns more lessons about life and friendship, supported by her performing-arts-school friends and loving family. In Pants, Shai is determined her tap routine will win a dance competition; Shai and bestie Emmie prep for a fundraising concert in Rescue. The plots and illustrations aren't anything outstanding, but they're satisfying and feature lots of cultural markers and appealing details for performance-loving readers. Review covers these titles: Shai & Emmie Star in Dancy Pants! and Shai & Emmie Star in To the Rescue!

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Sharee Miller. With Nancy Ohlin. Best friends Shai (who's African American) and Emmie (white) audition for Once on This Island, the third-grade musical at their Atlanta performing-arts school. Shai's dreams of stardom are threatened when a new girl from Hollywood goes for the lead. Co-written by teenage actor Wallis, the story is rather pat, but aspiring actors will be drawn to this new series; grayscale illustrations provide visual breaks.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester