This Is How You Know written by Kirsten W. Larson and illustrated by Cornelia Li, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "This Is How You Know: How Science Happens" by Kirsten W. Larson, with illustrations by Cornelia Li, is a beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates the wonders of science and discovery. It encourages children to embrace curiosity, imagination, and perseverance. Through lyrical text and vibrant illustrations, the book guides young readers on a journey of exploration, emphasizing that science is a process of inquiry filled with unexpected discoveries and joyful learning. The diverse cast of characters and engaging visuals make science approachable, showing that mistakes are part of the learning journey and that curiosity leads to understanding the world around us. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a great book to inspire a love for science in students! The book can be a wonderful read-aloud choice, sparking discussions about scientific inquiry and encouraging students to ask questions and explore their natural curiosity. Librarians can create engaging displays featuring the book alongside related science resources, offering students additional opportunities to dive into STEM topics. The book’s emphasis on diverse characters and real-world applications provides a platform to discuss the importance of inclusivity in science. With its cute illustrations and thoughtful backmatter, it can also serve as a valuable resource for collaborative projects with teachers, integrating science into reading and literacy programs to enhance interdisciplinary learning. This is a great way to introduce the process of scientific inquiry. There is also an easy connection with visual arts and what the illustrator created, to what the author wrote about science. Talk about interdisciplinary! While this would be a great choice for any school library, it is particularly well suited for a IB PYP library. This would be a great addition to an exploration about Inquiry. Students familiar with words from the IB Learner Profile and Approaches to Learning will be able to make thoughtful connections. This book can also easily align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals in a few different ways.

The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels #4: Claudia and Mean Janine adapted by Raina Telgemeier and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: I had to read one of the most popular series in my graphic novel collection. I was surprised how much I liked this book. The story is easy to follow of the club and and the work they do for their community in babysitting and now play groups. The meat of this story, though, is really about the importance of family. Claudia and her very smart, very studious sister do not get along. Claudia does a lot to help around the house, but her sister is always studying. When their grandmother has a stroke and needs help, the tension increases. I like the way Raina Telgemeier (originally Ann M. Martin) handles this family tension and allows both girls to grow and change in their relationships with their family. I also like how the summer play group interactions allow for this dynamic to change for the better. The pace, graphic format, and club and family depictions are well done. So, the story is about communication all said and done. Communicating is not the same as reacting to things and making time to communicate changes perspectives most of the time. Janine and Claudia are very different and rather than talk through the differences, they allow them to fester. One of the kids the club sits for has a new baby sister and he is allowing his frustrations to get in his own way of celebrating his new sister that he already loves so much. When Mimi, the grandmother of the family is diagnosed with a stroke, she has to relearn communication and Claudia learns quite a bit from that experience enabling her a chance to try connecting with Janine differently. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  I have a very mixed reaction to the book series from students and parents in my building. Kids love the series and will also read the Little Sister versions. Parents feel the girls in middle school and what they deal with at their age is too much. I had to divide and conquer with graphic novels. I have a very small budget. When I started my collections, I made a section for only 4th and 5th and put Babysitter's Club books there and the younger section is where the Little Sister books are located. Having read this one, there is no reason I can see that it cannot be read by younger students, but my families have grown used to what I did when I did not have enough graphic novels, so I keep that system. I would recommend that Elementary Librarians be ready for discussions with parents. I read over 500 books a year, but if you cannot keep up with that much reading, join our Libres Blog (https://libresbooksmi.blogspot.com/) and read about the books or use NovelList or Titlewave to get reviews. Most parents just want to be heard and know you are thinking carefully about your collections in your school library.

Jibberjack, Fibberjack written by Stefanie Gamarra and illustrated by Marta Pilosio, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Jibberjack, Fibberjack" is a picture book that begins with a series of instant camera photos, setting a delightful retro vibe and introducing characters in an engaging manner. The title itself, "Jibberjack, Fibberjack," is catchy and funny, drawing readers into a world filled with intrigue and whimsy.

The artwork throughout the book is imbued with vintage vibes, enhancing the story's nostalgic charm.  The artwork is done with shades of purple, orange and brown.   The color purple addes to the mystery, the oranges draw the attention of the reader and the browns provide an earthy, grounded feel.  I do think the illustrator achieved a whimsical, playful art style. The town of Rumorridge, cleverly named, provides a fitting backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The story kicks off with Frida, a young and inquisitive girl, who is told by adults that she's too young to understand certain things. In an attempt to quell fear, Mayor Tazzleworm assures the townspeople that he will protect them from a mysterious monster lurking nearby.

Frida's curiosity is piqued as she questions the nature of the monster, but her inquiries go unanswered. The plot thickens when two pigs vanish, leaving only a set of ordinary footprints as a clue. In response, the mayor issues a decree that everyone needs a Jibberjack trap, with prices inflating from $15 to $45.

A sense of mystery weaves through the narrative as Frida detects an odd smell and at the same time she declares she smells the"smell of stinky lies." Determined to uncover the truth, she hatches a plan to expose the mayor's deceit. This clever twist invites readers to reflect on why someone would choose to be a Fibberjack.

Straight Talk for Librarians: "Jibberjack, Fibberjack" can be a valuable tool in elementary library lessons, sparking discussions about truth in a media literacy lesson. It encourages young readers to question and explore.  I think adult readers might pick up on the idea of political fear-mongering.  But I think the targeted age range of ages 4-8 will only understand the concept that adults can lie. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and Marshmallow Tree Press for the digital ARC of this book.  The book will be published on April 28, 2026.

The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien written and illustrated by John Hendrix, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "The Mythmakers" is a graphic novel biography that explores the friendship and creative journey of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This narrative, enriched with comic panels, follows their lives from childhood through their experiences in World War I, their meeting at Oxford, and the formation of their literary group, the Inklings. The story reveals how their friendship influenced their legendary works, such as "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "The Lord of the Rings," and how they redefined fantasy as a genre for adults. John Hendrix masterfully combines historical facts with fiction, providing insights into their personal and professional lives, while also touching on themes of mythology, faith, and creativity.

Straight Talk for Librarians: I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot about how the fantasy genre came to be!  It was interesting to have this view of how and why Tolkien and Lewis's friendship developed and how it influenced their writing.  Even after all these years, students are still checking books out by both authors. I think that literature teachers (and other readers) would love this book to explore the impact of Lewis and Tolkien on the fantasy genre. There is definitely an opportunity to explore the historical context of World War I and II and their influence on literature. This would complement a World Religions class and/or Philosophy. I think that within the library a book club could be conducted like the Inklings.  I think the color palette was muted to help convey the emotion of the story and it was fun to see the characters from both authors' stories within the pages.  I think a lot of sadness was conveyed during the wars and then as the friendship started to change.  The vocabulary is pretty high level and a good choice for high school students and even adult readers. I highly recommend this book for all kinds of libraries.

Finish the Fight: The Brave and Revolutionary Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote written by Veronica Chambers and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: In a two page spread there are images of women we may have learned about who had a hand in the women's suffrage movement including 8 women all appearing white in the sketches. The next spread is a two page spread with at least 40 others who are obviously white, black, Hispanic, and Native American with mostly unfamiliar names to me. I was hooked right then. This book in 13 chapters and a conclusion puts the focus on the ways that voting rights for women mixed often with rights for other groups: Black Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanic Americans as well as the reality of the lack of rights for women in general, especially if they were not married to a man. The writing is easy to read and intermixed with photos and illustrations that highlight the time period of the suffrage movement well. Veronica Chambers and the staff of the New York Times have made a very heated and contested topic approachable for the very young. The backmatter is spectacular, which makes sense as it was written by folks with newsroom expertise. The illustrations by Ellen Duda are interesting and I had to return to the pages throughout the book when reading the Illustrator's note about the flowers along the page edges connecting to specific women in the suffrage movement. I also listened to this book using the Hoopla app through my public library and found it wonderful to hear. I believe my ability to read the names of some of these famous women was lacking and I need to do better in saying the names of these remarkable women just as I say the names of my students. Names matter. These women matter now more than ever and I am glad to have learned about them. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I see this as a great book for middle school and high school libraries to support students who want to understand the epic struggle the suffrage movement was and to recognize the things it could not do yet. I was a student who often researched beyond the textbook and I know many of my current students do the same now. I want our libraries to offer them more than they learn in class when they seek it and to support the need to research and learn as much as can from the books they have access to at school. I am sharing this with a high school library in my district where it will supplement the collection well.

A Sporting Chance: How Ludwig Guttmann Created the Paralympic Games written by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Allan Drummond and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This book is the story of a genius doctor with a passion for neurology. He was lucky enough to work under one of the best neurologists in Germany. Unfortunately, there are new laws coming from the Nazi Party that Jewish folks cannot work in government jobs. Dr. Guttmann finds a new job at an all Jewish hospital and leads their neurology department. Laws were made by the Nazi Party to single out those with physical disabilities as unworthy and send them to death camps. After Kristallnacht, Dr. Guttmann moves his family to England. At the hospital there when Ludwig begins treating soldiers, his awareness of how little improvement his soldier patients are having when not being active. He creates an archery tournament on the hospital grounds. He realizes that physical activity is not just good for the muscles it is good for the spirit. His tournament expands to other sports, some adapted for wheelchair users. It is now an international event and inspires many around the world. In his lifetime, Dr. Ludwig Guttmann changed the course of medical care for those with disabilities and changed the perspectives of many about accessibility to sporting facilities and the lack of adequate wheelchairs for sporting quadriplegics. This book has amazing back matter. Though there are photo illustrations (some that are very graphically focusing on the issues of being bedridden and immobile) most of the illustrations are drawn by Allan Drummond. Mr. Drummond is one of my favorite non-fiction author/illustrators for my elementary students. His picture books are in every library collection I have overseen. I admit to being stuck with the contrast in the drawings versus the photographic images from Dr. Guttmann's life. The Paralympic Games has given life and opportunities to so very many. I fear where we would be now had Dr. Guttmann not fought so hard for his dreams. 

This book is magnificent. It deserves readers of all ages. I hope I am wrong about the illustrations limiting those who will read it. I also listened to it using Hoopla through my public library and I could not stop driving around town as it was riveting to hear. Lori Alexander has put in so much research into a brilliant doctor and his dedication to his paralyzed patients despite so many hardships in the world in his lifetime. His reach continues even today. I look at my student's wheelchairs and cannot believe that not too long ago, the variations were not available nor even considered necessary. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Schools and public libraries need this book! Physical differences are in every community and recognizing how much has changed in a couple generations allows us to dream bigger for the future. Medical science is always changing and it has to have an impactful and committed advocate for that change to happen. Every one of us needs to know the history of medical science to accept and advocate for the current and future possibilities. This book is as much a book that is about science and commitment to improving the lives of folks with medical needs as it is a biography of an important doctor that I have never heard about, even in the field of education where I have students with physical medical challenges. Access is a universal need and this book captures that well. Ludwig's research is data based and that supports my STEAM activities that I do with students.

How to Make a Friend written by Stephen W. Martin, illustrated by Olivia Aserr and reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary: From start to finish learn to make a friend by following these instructions. Do you want a friend to play with you or a friend to help you do homework? Once you choose what you want, it is time to start building your new friend from blueprints. Remember to measure twice and cut once and don’t forget to hide your spare parts. You can play games with your friend, but remember that you have to share them with others. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is written as a mechanics manual on how to build a friend using material & tools. After a lot of sweat, we learn of the ups and downs of relationships. Some friendships last and others were not meant to last because of our differences. We should reflect and recover and take away something in every relationship. This is a funny and entertaining book relatable to everyone. Highly Recommended.

Tough Chicks Go to Bed written by Cece Meng and illustrated by Melissa Suber , reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary: Mama Hen tries to get her 3 chicks to go to bed. As children do, they come up with excuses why they can’t sleep. They have the wiggles and giggles and are ready for adventure. They walk through the farm yard noticing how all the other young animals are sleeping. They go through the nighttime rituals of counting sheep, back rubbing and snuggling like pigs to fall asleep, but Molly still has the zoomies. As she zooms through the farm, she wakes everyone. After the zoomies, Molly settles down to sleep, but the others are all wide awake. The wind whispers a lullaby and everyone falls to sleep. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: The book not only incorporates current children' s thoughts and actions, it is an activity book. Asking them to count or perform actions. There are laughable moments that every mother can attribute to feeling.

Anya #1: Anya and the Dragon written by Sofiya Pasternack and reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Anya is a Jewish girl growing up in a non-Jewish medieval Russian-inspired fantasy village where magic is banned but citizens quietly use it anyway, When a family with Fool magic authorized by the tsar arrives, Anya learns that the mayor is planning on evicting her family from their land for the new family but that she has an opportunity to earn the money to save her home by working with the newcomers to hunt the last remaining dragon. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Those with a deep love of fairytales from around the world will enjoy seeing familiar fairytale faces like the rusalka, Baba Yaga, and the Bukavac. That said, readers new to Russian mythology may find the beginning of the story heavy with Russian terminology and vocabulary more difficult to enter than other fantasy stories. Once past the beginning, the story quickly settles into an easier flow with engaging characters and an immersive story that is more accessible for the average middle school reader. More knowledgeable reviewers also have pointed out that there are some minor historical inaccuracies (for example, while Jewish men in medieval Russia would likely be able to read at least some Hebrew, it is unlikely that Anya would have been taught). Teachers could use this book to talk about world mythology, history of Russia, the expectations of children through history (ie child labor), or discussing how the depictions of dragons in stories have shifted over time. While the fairytale of Baba Yaga plays only a minor role in this story, the current resurgence in interest in Baba Yaga may spark interest in this story for some students.

Our Castle by the Sea written by Lucy Strange and reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: 11-year-old Petra, called Pet, is growing up living in a lighthouse on the coasts of England at the start of World War II and must gather her courage to survive the challenges ahead. The daughter of a German immigrant mother, Petra must deal with changing attitudes from her neighbors due to her heritage, her mother being sent away as an "enemy alien," a tragedy in her family related to the war, a saboteur in her small village, the threat of being evacuated from her beloved home with or without her sister, and the dangers of enemy aircraft. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Fans of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's The War That Saved My Life will enjoy this story, By turns, the story feels like a spooky gothic story or a girl detective novel. Educators should know that the main character faces the threat of the loss of both of her parents (her mother faces the threat of execution) and that her father does die in combat, leaving Pet as a functioning orphan for awhile. Educators should also know that this book discusses specifically the battle of Dunkirk, as well as the internment in England of those from enemy countries--which could pair with learning about the Japanese internment in the United States during WWII.

Tower of Winds #2: Song of the Abyss written by Makiia Lucier and reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: In book two of this series, main character Reyna dreams of attaining the rank of master explorer and cartographer but faces a lukewarm reception from others based on her gender. When raiders attack her ship, Reyna escapes and a mystery arises: the ship is later found but everyone aboard has vanished. As the number of ships attacked rises, Reyna must join forces with the handsome prince of a rival country to track down the missing men. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Romance in these books is an element but arises from mutual respect and is not a driving narrative force. The romance stays within PG bounds. While the first book stayed more in the realm of historical fiction (albeit in a made-up world), book two does include more magical elements.  

The author does not shy away from higher level vocabulary like this second paragraph in the novel "After, they would be all Reyna thought about: two carracks painted scorpion black. No emblem on either forecastle, no pennant flying above the mainmast to hint at a kingdom of origin." 

Teachers will have many opportunities to tie in curriculum since the novel focuses on the importance of cartographers, medieval medicine, isolationist countries, the practice of some ancient kingdoms in interring living people with a deceased ruler, and the terracotta warriors of ancient China.

Scientists in the Field: Eclipse Chaser: Science in the Moon's Shadow written by Ilima Loomis and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: Amanda Cowan's illustrations will bring in the readers for this amazing book about eclipse scientists and how they accomplish the gathering of information to better understand eclipses. Ilima Loomis' 5 chapters filled with details about the planning and execution of eclipse studies over decades and chock full of absolutely breathtaking photo illustrations with captions and maps or sketches to break up the details of scientific study. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: The Scientist in the Field series is consistently so very good at engaging my students in what they could do in the field of their choice. There is so much diversity in this series and so many fields of science to discuss with eager young science lovers. I am very happy to add this one to my collection.

A True Wonder: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything written by Kirsten W. Larson , illustrated by Katy Wu and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This book feels like a comic with this artwork by Katy Wu alongside the research history of the character by Kirsten W. Larson. I was smitten from the start! I loved Wonder Woman, but as a child did not associate her affect on women's rights as well as how she changed the way people saw women. (Very helpful before the war as during the war women were needed to keep so much running.) This book will be loved by my students and allow for great conversations with their families about how Wonder Woman, a comic and TV character, affected so many. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: So many of my students love graphic novels and comics and manga. Few seem to know what precipitated the graphics they love so much. This book allows me to show them historical changes since comic books were so huge and some characters became TV stars, as well. I am so impressed with the backmatter in this book. I love opportunities to discuss back matter and author/illustrator notes!