THE MAD KYOTO SHOE SWAPPER: AND OTHER SHORT STORIES, by Rebecca Otowa, Tuttle Publishing/PGC

From the unique standpoint of an American woman who married into a Japanese family and has lived in Japan for more than thirty years, Rebecca Otowa weaves enchanting tales of her adopted home that portray the perspective of both the Japanese and the foreigner on the universal issues that face us all—love, work, marriage, death, … Continue reading THE MAD KYOTO SHOE SWAPPER: AND OTHER SHORT STORIES, by Rebecca Otowa, Tuttle Publishing/PGC

COLLATERAL DAMAGE: DANGER NEVER SLEEPS, BOOK ONE, by Lynette Eason, Revell/Baker Publishing Group

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others—but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant … Continue reading COLLATERAL DAMAGE: DANGER NEVER SLEEPS, BOOK ONE, by Lynette Eason, Revell/Baker Publishing Group

GRAVEMAIDENS, by Kelly Coon, Delacorte Press/Random House

The start of a fierce fantasy duology about three maidens who are chosen for their land's greatest honor...and one girl determined to save her sister from the grave. In the walled city-state of Alu, Kammani wants nothing more than to become the accomplished healer her father used to be before her family was cast out … Continue reading GRAVEMAIDENS, by Kelly Coon, Delacorte Press/Random House

GENERATION BRAVE, THE GEN Z KIDS WHO ARE CHANGING THE WORLD, by Kate Alexander, Illustrated by Jade Orlando, Andrews McMeel Publishing

An illustrated celebration of Gen Z activists fighting to make our world a better place. Gen Z is populated—and defined—by activists. They are bold and original thinkers and not afraid to stand up to authority and conventional wisdom. From the March for Our Lives to the fight for human rights and climate change awareness, this … Continue reading GENERATION BRAVE, THE GEN Z KIDS WHO ARE CHANGING THE WORLD, by Kate Alexander, Illustrated by Jade Orlando, Andrews McMeel Publishing

RIDING A DONKEY BACKWARDS, Retold by Sean Taylor & the Khayaal Theatre, Illustrated by Shirin Adl

Timeless wisdom is found in absurdity in these tales of an iconic Muslim character known as the sagest man in the village -- and also its biggest fool. Would you like to know how a thief can turn into a donkey? Whether a cow can climb a pole? Or why you should spoon yogurt into … Continue reading RIDING A DONKEY BACKWARDS, Retold by Sean Taylor & the Khayaal Theatre, Illustrated by Shirin Adl

THE FOUNTAINS OF SILENCE, by Ruth Sepetys, Philomel Books, Penguin Random House

A portrait of love, silence, and secrets under a Spanish dictatorship. Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of an oil tycoon, … Continue reading THE FOUNTAINS OF SILENCE, by Ruth Sepetys, Philomel Books, Penguin Random House

THE GRIZZLY MOTHER, by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson), Natasha Donovan, Highwater Press

An engaging look at how the animals, people, and seasons within an ecosystem are intertwined. To the Gitxsan people of Northwestern British Columbia, the grizzly is an integral part of the natural landscape. Together, they share the land and forests that the Skeena River runs through, as well as the sockeye salmon within it. Follow … Continue reading THE GRIZZLY MOTHER, by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson), Natasha Donovan, Highwater Press

STRONGER THAN A BRONZE DRAGON, by Mary Fan, Page Street Publishing, Manda Group

When a powerful viceroy arrives with a fleet of mechanical dragons and stops an attack on Anlei’s village, the villagers see him as a godsend. They agree to give him their sacred, enchanted River Pearl in exchange for permanent protection—if he’ll marry one of the village girls to solidify the alliance. Anlei is appalled when … Continue reading STRONGER THAN A BRONZE DRAGON, by Mary Fan, Page Street Publishing, Manda Group

BETWEEN THE ORANGE GROVES, by Nadia Marks, Pan Macmillan Publishers

In a small village, set among the wild mountains of Cyprus, two families of different faiths share a seemingly unbreakable friendship based on mutual respect and deep affection. Mothers and daughters share their daily secrets, fathers and sons support each other as they live their lives between the fragrant pine trees and orange groves. It's … Continue reading BETWEEN THE ORANGE GROVES, by Nadia Marks, Pan Macmillan Publishers

HOLY SQUAWKAMOLE! LITTLE RED HEN MAKES GUACAMOLE, Retold by Susan Wood, Illustrated by Laura Gonzalez, Sterling Children’s Books

This tasty take on the classic Little Red Hen story has a deliciously spicy twist! Yum, guacamole! That’s what Little Red Hen craves, and she could use some help gathering and mashing the ingredients. So she asks her friends, including an armadillo, snake, and an iguana, to lend a hand. Everyone just says “no.” But … Continue reading HOLY SQUAWKAMOLE! LITTLE RED HEN MAKES GUACAMOLE, Retold by Susan Wood, Illustrated by Laura Gonzalez, Sterling Children’s Books