Juvenile fiction

In 2024, The Last Zookeeper, a beautifully rendered picture book by the acclaimed author-illustrator Aaron Becker, arrived, offering a wordless journey that resonates deeply with both children and adults. Becker, known for his intricate, richly detailed illustrations and his “Journey” trilogy, has once again crafted a visual narrative that transcends language, exploring themes of loss,

In 2009, Sarah Ockler gifted the young adult literary world with Twenty Boy Summer, a poignant exploration of grief, first love, and the complexities of female friendship. Ockler, known for her emotionally charged narratives aimed at teenagers, crafts a story that resonates deeply, particularly with those who’ve navigated the turbulent waters of loss and self-discovery.

A Day So Gray by Marie Lamba, published in 2022, is a poignant young adult novel that navigates the turbulent waters of mental health, familial expectations, and the search for self-acceptance. Lamba, an author known for her nuanced exploration of complex emotions, brings her expertise to this story, weaving a narrative that’s both heartbreaking and

George the Hero Hound, a delightful children’s picture book penned and illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler, was published in 2019. This heartwarming tale, aimed at early readers, immediately captures the imagination with its vibrant artwork and engaging narrative. Ebbeler, known for his playful illustrations and knack for creating relatable animal characters, has crafted a story that

Beyond Me by Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu, published in 2015, is a powerful exploration of grief, identity, and finding your own path in the face of overwhelming loss. This young adult novel, while categorized as fiction, resonates with a raw authenticity that feels intensely personal. Donwerth-Chikamatsu, a writer known for her ability to capture the complexities of

A Sweet Smell of Roses, penned by the celebrated author Angela Johnson and published in 2005, is a poignant journey into the heart of the Civil Rights era told through the innocent eyes of a young Black girl. Johnson, known for her powerful yet tender portrayals of the African American experience, crafts a story that

Joyce Carol Oates’s Big Mouth & Ugly Girl, published in 2002, is a gripping young adult novel that transcends its genre, exploring the complexities of truth, perception, and the devastating power of rumor. Oates, a prolific and critically acclaimed author known for her exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, brings her signature psychological

Aaron Meshon’s Tools Rule!, published in 2012, is more than just a children’s book; it’s a vibrant celebration of the tools that shape our world. Meshon, known for his quirky illustrations and knack for storytelling, takes us on a journey through a whimsical landscape where tools come to life. This book stands out for its

Stepping into the past with a touch of mystery, The 100-Year-Old Secret by Tracy Barrett, published in 2005, is a captivating middle-grade historical fiction novel that blends intriguing family history with a dash of suspense. Barrett, known for her ability to weave together historical detail and compelling narratives, creates a story that resonates with both

Yoko Writes Her Name, a gentle yet powerful picture book penned and illustrated by the acclaimed Rosemary Wells, was first published in 2000. Wells, renowned for her endearing characters and insightful narratives that often navigate the complexities of childhood, brings her characteristic warmth to this tale. This story, while seemingly simple, offers a poignant exploration