Makoons
Louise Erdrich

Louise Erdrich is well known for her books for adults focusing on Native American themes. Did you know that she has also written books for children? The books in The Birchbark Series are works of historical fiction following the journey of an Ojibwe family over one hundred years. Makoons is the fifth book in The Birchbark Series. Makoons, which means little bear, and his twin brother Chickadee are key characters in this book. Their family has moved from the forests and lakes of Minnesota to the Great Plains. The story revolves around the daily lives and cultural traditions of the family and Ojibwe people of the area. Special attention is paid to the buffalo hunts and all that surround them. The Birchbark Series is recommended for readers ages 8–12. Middle grade readers could read Makoons independently. It would work well as a read aloud for a wide range of young people. Either way, readers will come away with a better understanding of the lives of Ojibwe people in the late 19th century.

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao
Kat Zhang

Amy Wu can do a lot of things, but she can’t make a perfect bao. Have you ever tasted a bao? It is a filled bun originating in China. No matter how hard Amy tries to make these delicacies, she is disappointed with the results. But she is determined. With teamwork, practice, and a great idea from Grandma…success! Amy enjoys the feeling of accomplishment. She also figures out that the not so perfect baos taste great too. This is an inter-generational story about sharing a tradition and a tasty treat.

I Found a Kitty!
Troy Cummings  

While playing outside, Arfy discovers a homeless kitty. The pup gets right to work trying to find a home for his new friend. He tries the music teacher, the neighbor babies, and other seemingly good prospects but things just don’t work out. In the end, Kitty does find a home and brings happiness to all involved. I Found a Kitty! is told through Arfy’s eyes in a diary format. The illustrations are cute and colorful. It is sure to become a favorite.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Suzanne Collins

It’s hard to talk about the aptly named new Hunger Games novel without spoiling things. I looked forward to discovering what part of Panem’s history (before or after the Katniss Everdeen trilogy), and was floored by the audacious choice Collins made. I like this book a lot. It’s as imaginative, readable, and thought-provoking as the originals, but it’s an uncomfortable book in a different way. It’s not one I’ll reread like I have the others, but I recommend it whole-heartedly.

New Kid
Jerry Craft

In this graphic novel, Jordan wants to go art school but instead his parents send him to a private school because of the better opportunities. The new school is an enormous change for Jordan because of the diversity there and because the school is much larger than his last school. Jordan is one the few non-white students at the school and is struggling with getting called the wrong names by classmates, upper classmen, and teachers. I am a huge fan of graphic novels and was excited to read this one because it talked largely about being different and trying to fit in. I would give this book an 8/10 and recommend it for anyone over the age of 13!

Trespassers
Breena Bard

This graphic novel is about a girl named Gabby Woods who is on vacation with her family at the lake house they go to every summer. Gabby is the type of girl who likes to constantly read instead of spending her time in the outside world. A new family has just moved in next to the Woods’ cabin with kids named Paige and Bryan. Paige is the same age as Gabby but is almost the opposite of her. When they start hanging out to try and break into places to solve a mystery, Gabby starts wonders whether her friendship with Paige is more important than solving the mystery. I was interested in this book because the reader also gets to try and figure out the mystery along with the girl in the book. My guess was wrong, but I recommend others to read it and guess the ending for themselves. I would give this book a 7/10 and recommend it for anyone the age of 12 or up.

Are Your Stars Like My Stars?
Leslie Helakoski

Do blue skies look the same around the world? Is the yellow sun the same yellow? This rhyming text asks the questions that cause us to think of others. The illustrations are bold and beautiful and detail the lives of families around the world. I love how this book includes multi-generational families in the pictures.