Picture Books:
Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse - Marcy Campbell/Corinna Luyken, Illustrator
Beautiful illustrations and a heartfelt story teach children about kindness without hitting them over the head.
Dreamers - Yuyi Morales
Beautiful and timely story of a new American and her son and the impact that libraries and picture books had on their assimilation. I loved it even more after hearing the author/illustrator speak, bringing the audience to tears.
A House that Once Was - Julie Fogliano/Lane Smith, IllustratorAs a lover of old houses and history, this book was a slam dunk for me and Lane's Smith's gorgeous pictures demonstrate how far away he's evolved from The Stinky Cheese Man.
Ocean Meets Sky - Terry and Eric FanEverything the Fan brothers do knocks my socks off and this latest is no exception. Simply stunning!
We Don't Eat Our Classmates - Ryan T. Higgins
And finally--a good laugh with an underlining social message. this is my new first choice to bring on school visits, sure to become a back-to-school favorite for teachers.
Middle Grade:
The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge - M.T. Anderson/Eugene Yelchin, Illustrator
This book was so deliciously weird that it may just be one of my new favorite books of all times. I never wanted it to end! Yelchin's medieval-like illustrations match the kooky, yet formal, text perfectly. Certainly the most original book I read this year.
Louisiana's Way Home - Kate DiCamillo
It feels almost cliche to pick Kate DiCamillo, but she truly is the best writer for middle grade currently on the planet. She has never put out a clunker and this one, although a rare sequel, stands alone as one of her best yet. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll beg for a third in the series.
The Parker Inheritance - Varian Johnson
A mystery, historical fiction, and a realistic problem novel all rolled into one. My favorite thing about this book is how the author calls boys out for being afraid to read "girl books". Why can't we just have everyone books? Hear Hear!
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle - Leslie Connor
Mason is my new favorite character in children's literature so fully drawn that you will feel as if you know him. A great mystery that also pulls at your heartstrings.
Teen:
The Faithful Spy - John Hendrix
A non-fiction graphic novel featuring an unlikely German spy against Hitler and the overall German resistance carefully researched and artfully drawn.
The author/illustrator pens an autobiographical account of growing up with a drug addicted mother, while being raised by eccentric, yet loving, grandparents. We see how art truly can save lives.
The Poet X - Elizabeth Acevedo
We experience the life of a Harlem teen as she writes poetry in her journal, all while struggling to find her voice and place in the world. A well deserved National Book Award win!
It feels almost cliche to pick Kate DiCamillo, but she truly is the best writer for middle grade currently on the planet. She has never put out a clunker and this one, although a rare sequel, stands alone as one of her best yet. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll beg for a third in the series.
The Parker Inheritance - Varian Johnson
A mystery, historical fiction, and a realistic problem novel all rolled into one. My favorite thing about this book is how the author calls boys out for being afraid to read "girl books". Why can't we just have everyone books? Hear Hear!
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle - Leslie Connor
Mason is my new favorite character in children's literature so fully drawn that you will feel as if you know him. A great mystery that also pulls at your heartstrings.
Teen:
The Faithful Spy - John HendrixA non-fiction graphic novel featuring an unlikely German spy against Hitler and the overall German resistance carefully researched and artfully drawn.
Hey, Kiddo! - Jarrett Krosoczka
The author/illustrator pens an autobiographical account of growing up with a drug addicted mother, while being raised by eccentric, yet loving, grandparents. We see how art truly can save lives.We experience the life of a Harlem teen as she writes poetry in her journal, all while struggling to find her voice and place in the world. A well deserved National Book Award win!
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