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!

Packs: Strength in Numbers written by Hannah Salyer and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This beautifully illustrated picture book has full double page spreads that are eye popping and so very appealing. The text explains how some animals are better together as packs provide strength and security for them. The pack names are specific to the animal group, as well. (My students love those kind of facts!) It also touches on how humans are better together, as well. Learning from these animals while delving into these magical illustrations I hope my students will get the strength in numbers message, especially now. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I love that Hannah Salyer added information about the dangers of losing animals in our world do to human choices of land, water, and lack of pollution management. Great back matter in this one. Always makes me happy to see that back matter! We have many teachers that do animal reports from K-5th grade and this one has lots of good information. Mostly it is about the language of pack by animal and their support of one another. Gorgeous illustrations allow my art teacher to join in the educational fun, too!