In MIRROR’S EDGE, by Scott Westerfeld, Frey returns to Shreve to rescue her closest ally, Boss X, and to “shore up the alliance between the rebels and the free cities.” But, she’s also there to oust her father, who “rules with force and lies.” Book 3 of 4, with a great cliffhanger to set up the finale, is set in the same world as the fabulous Uglies series. (MG/YA)
Graphic Novels:
THE OKAY WITCH AND THE HUNGRY SHADOW, by Emma Steinkellner, is an excellent followup to the first Okay Witch book. Moth is still having trouble fitting in at school, so when she comes across a charm that “may transform its wearer into a bolder, more self-assured version of themself with increased powers of persuasion and magnetism,” she can't resist! It’s an engaging story illustrated with engaging art. (MG)
Picture Books:
In BRIGHT STAR, Yuyi Morales uses “the most beautiful things she can find,” including drawings, painted paper, hand-dyed wool yarn, and words—both English and Spanish—to depict her story of a desert borderland, tough yet teeming with life, and a migration stopped by a barbed wire fence. It is a story of love for a child who is learning to find their voice. It is exquisite.
MIMIC MAKERS: BIOMIMICRY INVENTORS INSPIRED BY NATURE, written by Kristin Bott Nordstrom and illustrated by Paul Boston, delivers a fascinating look at how human ingenuity can be inspired by the natural world. Among others, we see how Nakatsu Eiji redesigned Japan’s bullet train after watching kingfishers “plunge like an arrow into the water.” And Yueh-Lin Loo studied the wrinkles and folds of a maple leaf to create a better solar cell. Clear and colorful digital illustrations will help young readers make the connections.
In NORMAN DIDN’T DO IT! (YES, HE DID.), by Ryan T. Higgins, porcupine Norman and his best friend Mildred (a tree) do everything together. From baseball to birdwatching to checkers, it was always “just the two of them.” Until the day another tree shows up. Life isn’t the same, and something just has to be done… Bold, cartoony, digital art shows Norman humorously hitting rock bottom before he figures things out. Kids will love it.
ORIGINAL CAT, COPY CAT, by Sarah Kurpiel, is the appealing story of Pineapple, an only cat whose “sweet routine” is hijacked when Kiwi joins the family. Everywhere Pineapple goes, everything Pineapple does, and every spot Pineapple loves now include Kiwi, in “fast,” “loud,” and “exhausting” ways. But when Pineapple sets this little kitty straight, the quiet of his old routine now has him worried… An uncluttered text and fun, stylized digital illustrations help keep the topic fresh with their Cree translations. The delicate, pastel and pencil illustrations, composited digitally, are brimming with whimsy. It’s a lovely book.
--Lynn
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