We have new books coming in all the time with them on display right as you enter the Trove.  Here’s some of our recent favorite new titles!

For Wee Ones

The Great Outdoors by Ingela P. Arrhenius
(Birth to 3 Years-Old)
Library Catalog

“Shaped to capture various geographic features, this title will have children looking for a chance to go outside and adventure. Young hands will enjoy the variety of the shapes of the pages, from mountains to trees. VERDICT Interestingly shaped pages and engaging illustrations will delight. Recommended.” –School Library Journal

Let’s Go Baby!
(Birth to 3 Years-Old)
Library Catalog

“Simple text and stock photographs of a diverse cast of babies and caregivers follow children through regular activities in their day. From going to the park, taking a bath, and reading a book babies and toddlers are beautifully presented having fun and being loved by the adults in their lives. VERDICT Affirming and relatable this photo board book is delightful.” –School Library Journal

The Belly Song by Mother Moon
(Birth to 3 Years-Old)
Library Catalog

“Filled with zerbert-able bellies of various shapes and sizes, this affirming board book is based on a popular song by TikTok performer Mother Moon (Grandma's Breath). As the pages celebrate many different kinds of human bellies, they simultaneously model a wealth of loving connections between children and adults. Collage-like illustrations by Giles (When Isaac Hears the Rain), which portray individuals with various body types and skin tones, are set against radiant-hued, textured backgrounds. The opening pages (‘Big belly,/ little belly’) show a child snuggling the rounded stomach of a bald, bearded adult. A page turn later (‘round belly,/ flat’), two grown-ups with different physiques encircle a child delighted by belly tickles. Kids also dance, attempt yoga, and swing from an adult's arms, exhilarated to be in the company of someone who loves them, and likes ‘whatever kind of belly… you've got!’ The text, set in bold block type, lends a feel of joyful proclamation to this body-neutral tune. A QR code on the back cover links to the author performing the song.” –Publishers Weekly

For Younger Readers

Barrio Rising: The Protest That Built Chicano Park by Maria Dolores Águila & Magdalena Miller
El barrio se levanta: la protesta que construyo el Parque Chicano by Maria Dolores Águila & Magdalena Miller
(Preschool – 3rd Grade)
Library Catalog

“A blossoming young activist joins her neighbors in the fight to build Chicano Park in Águila and Mora's celebratory tribute to San Diego's Chicane community. On her way to the tiendita with her Mami, Elena walks through the streets of Barrio Logan, her home neighborhood by the bay. The impacts of industrialization on Barrio Logan are evident throughout their journey: pollution from a diesel truck, the colossal frame of the Coronado Bridge, and the ‘roar of cars racing on the freeways.’ Under the bridge, bulldozers sit, a promise of a park within reach. But soon, news of the city's intent to build a police station instead of a park in the Chicane neighborhood spurs Elena and her community to action. Charged with soft purples, vivid greens, and bold reds, Mora's lush digitally colored charcoal and watercolor artwork dreamily elevates this tale of social achievement, depicting pivotal scenes like a series of interconnected murals. Águila's sharp, evocative text touches upon crucial moments: the community's peaceful takeover of the disputed site, clashes with the police and city officials, and the arrival of allies in neighboring communities and across the state. A brief appended historical overview of Chicano Park provides much-needed context on Barrio Logan, celebrates key figures of the movement, and draws a line from those 12 days of protest in 1970 to the park's current status as a cultural hub. A marvelous testament to barrio-based might.” –Kirkus Reviews 

Be, Black Girl, Be by Taylor Darks & Sharee Miller
(Preschool – 3rd Grade)
Library Catalog

“Reiterative affirmations from Darks (Wash Day) celebrate Black girls in a picture book that simultaneously amplifies and inspires. Following the titular line, similarly structured phrases encourage Black girls to dance, shine, take up space, and more, each one followed by elucidative text: ‘Grow/ Black girl, grow./ Plant seeds for your hopes,/ your dreams.// Grounded by your roots, grow tough like a tree,/ soft like its leaves, and wise like its rings.’ Upbeat mixed-media illustrations by Miller (Sam's Super Seats), of Black children with various abilities, hair textures and styles, and skin tones, add to each page a feeling of power in autonomy and community, as when a suggestion to ‘breathe’ spotlights young figures flying alongside clouds and holding the sun in their hands (‘Flow with the current/ and shift with the wind,// but trust yourself// and your power within’). Other spreads show kids partaking in playground activities (double Dutch, hopscotch), cultivating passions (baking, painting, sports), and being embraced by elders. Together, the creators craft a heartfelt exhortation to ‘embrace every inch of who you are,/ in every size, shape, coil and shade.” –Publishers Weekly

Monster Hands by Karen Kane, Jonaz McMillan & Dion MDB
(Preschool – 3rd Grade)
Library Catalog

“Two friends use American Sign Language to ward off a monster. After reading a frightening story, Milo worries that there's a monster under his bed. Luckily, Milo's best friend Mel's bedroom window faces his, and both children use ASL to communicate. Mel helps Milo use ‘monster hands’–fingers spread and bent into claws–to cast shadows on the wall that will scare away anything lurking beneath the bed. With Mel's help, Milo learns to be a little bit braver, but not at the expense of his gentle nature. Many of the signs that the characters use in the dialogue are captured in the illustrations; readers who don't already sign will come away knowing the ASL signs for roar, chomp, laugh, and hug, each of which is clearly depicted. Children will eagerly sign or shout along with the most exciting moments. MBD uses color, light, and perspective to create cute yet dramatic illustrations. The shadowy monsters that Milo imagines are a bit creepy but never too terrifying. This is an excellent read for any child fretting about things that go bump in the night, as well as an effortless celebration of ASL. Milo has straight brown hair and light skin, while Mel has straight black hair and brown skin. A thrilling tale of bravery, friendship, and the power of signing.” –Kirkus Reviews

Fiction

Cruzita and the Mariacheros by Ashley Granillo
(Grades 4-6)
Library Catalog

“When Cruzita's great-uncle Chuy passes away, the family bakery is put in jeopardy, and Cruzita scrambles to save it in the only way she knows how: through her singing. Although 12-year-old Cruzita is Mexican American and growing up in the historically Black and brown Los Angeles community of Pacoima, she struggles with her identity. Her peers look down on her as a ‘no sabo kid’ and a ‘coconut’ (brown on the outside, white on the inside). After the death of her beloved Tío Chuy, the family members pull together to save the struggling panadería, Lupe's Bakery. Though Cruzita dreams of finding pop stardom–and saving the bakery–through the Encore Island theme park singing contest, her family needs her feet to be more firmly planted on the ground: for example, by helping out in the bakery over her summer vacation. Hoping to support her, Cruzita's abuela signs her up for mariachi classes, but playing the violin and singing in Spanish aren't Cruzita's idea of a good time. Still, through the classes, she begins to make friends, and these relationships help her claim her heritage. Holding on to her dreams of singing stardom while balancing the present-day needs of her family pulls Cruzita in uncomfortable new directions. Many readers will resonate with the demands on her time, and the children and grandchildren of immigrants will likely identify especially strongly with Cruzita's journey toward connecting with her roots. A sweet summer quest for identity and belonging.” –Kirkus Reviews

Gigi Shin Is Not a Nerd by Lyla Lee
(Grades 3-6)
Library Catalog

“Korean American seventh grader Jiyoung ‘Gigi’ Shin, who lives in Bluebonnet, Tex., has big dreams of following in her aunt's footsteps to become a renowned artist–even if her working-class parents would prefer that she take her math and science assignments more seriously (‘Art is just an elective, so make sure to focus on your other, more important classes first’). When she learns about the Starscape Young Artists' Program–a prestigious but expensive art camp on the East Coast where her idol, Korean American graphic novelist Christiana Moon, will be an instructor–Gigi schemes to raise money for the application fee and tuition. With her best friends Carolina Garcia, a Latinx video game enthusiast; hijabi Zeina Hassan, an aspiring picture book author; and book-smart Taiwanese American Emma Chen, Gigi forms tutoring club Ace Squad. But even though the girls initially work well together, Gigi struggles to balance running a new club, keeping her grades up, and emergent friendship troubles with Carolina. Via emphatically depicted character interactions, Lee (the Mindy Kim series) skillfully handles topics surrounding cooperation, financial anxiety, first crushes, and pursuing one's goals in this sweet and wholesome new series.” –Publishers Weekly

I’m From Here Too by Kashmira Sheth
(Grades 4-6)
Library Catalog

“In this moving verse novel by Sheth (Nina Soni, Perfect Hostess), a 13-year-old boy navigates loss and threats of violence. Anoop is aware that his brown skin and patka headwrap make him stand out (‘I am a first-generation Indian American Sikh, / surrounded by mostly white students./ A brown crystal of sugar, / in a bowl of white sugar’). The protection afforded by Jacob, ‘my friend from first grade,’ ends as they enter eighth grade; they don't have any classes together, which makes Anoop anxious. ‘Without him standing by me, for me, I feel vulnerable,’ especially when he remembers how a recent attack on Sikhs in nearby Oak Creek, Wis., resulted in ‘more than a half dozen dead.’ After he learns his beloved Baba is sick in India, Anoop and his father travel there for a visit. In his grandfather's serene presence, Anoop ponders how Baba, orphaned by the violent partition of India at the end of British colonial rule, holds fast to his Sikh faith. Sheth evocatively explains Sikhism in this compassionate story in which characters combat hate with reason. An author's note concludes.” –Publishers Weekly

Nonfiction

The Next Scientist: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of the World's Great Scientists by Kate Messner, art by Julia Kuo
(Grades PreK-4)
Library Catalog

“Fascinating and captivating, Messner's latest nonfiction book encourages elementary readers to keep digging, crafting, deconstructing, building, reading, and moving to find out more about themselves and the world around them. The book opens with a request to name the ‘world's greatest scientist.' Readers then discover that there is not one greatest scientist, but many, many who have contributed to the betterment of the world. Digitally rendered illustrations feature over 35 diverse (in gender and skin color) scientists, depicting them as children doing activities that led to them becoming great in their individual fields as adults, followed by scenes of them grown up. That offers further information about what the scientists discovered or how they contributed in some way to certain fields of study. Readers will find themselves encouraged to continue exploring with everyday materials in order to learn. Back matter includes extensive sources for further reading. VERDICT An effective and generous book that encourages exploration, maker spaces, and tinkering. Perfect for a unit on biographies, as well as a way to introduce a maker project. The inclusion of names that are not often covered is a breath of fresh air. A first purchase for all libraries.” –School Library Journal

Bridges Instead of Walls: The Story of Mavis Staples by Mavis Staples and Carole Boston Weatherford, art by Steffi Walthall
(Grades 1-4)
Library Catalog

“*Starred Review* This engaging picture-book biography offers especially rich insights into Mavis Staples of the legendary Staple Singers gospel group. The story concentrates on Mavis' younger years, telling how her parents left Mississippi for Chicago during the Great Migration and started singing at Black churches across the Midwest. Readers will learn how her family faced racism as they drove across the country, prompting their decision to tour with Martin Luther King Jr. and join his cause, and emphasis is placed on how Staples' deep faith affected her career choices. Despite constant opportunities to record independently and encouragement from celebrities like Lena Horne and Elvis Presley, Staples resisted turning into a blues or pop singer, instead devoting herself to her family and the civil rights movement. Of course, eventually Staples did expand beyond gospel, winning Grammy Awards, Kennedy Honors, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The book's final message is how Staples, now 85 years old, builds bridges with current artists like Ice Cube and Jon Batiste as they cover her signature songs. The lyrical text includes lines from gospel classics and flows freely; the vivid illustrations aptly capture the closeness and passion of the Staples family. A fitting tribute to an inspiring legend.” –Booklist

Evidence! How Dr. John Snow Solved the Mystery of Cholera by Deborah Hopkinson, art by Nik Hendersson
(Grades K-3)
Library Catalog

“Dr. John Snow, ‘the father of modern epidemiology,' discovers the cause of cholera. Behind every great scientist is evidence. When cholera broke out in London in 1854, most people blamed the ‘bad, smelly air' for the rapid spread of the disease. The English physician Dr. John Snow had a ‘bold hypothesis.' He had noticed that cholera's symptoms included vomiting and diarrhea, so the cause was likely what the victims had ingested rather than something airborne. All he needed was evidence! With expert pacing, Hopkinson sets up Snow's story as a medical mystery and a race against time. The doctor follows clues, gathers information about where the deceased people lived, plots his data on maps, notices clusters of disease, interviews local residents, and discovers the one thing the dead had in common: They had drunk from the same water pump. Henderson's moody, expressionistic art captures Londoners' confusion and concern, while Dr. Snow's urgent pace is marked with literal dashes across city maps. Hopkinson nimbly acknowledges when she's using conjecture–‘We can guess the hard questions he must ask'–and makes clear when she's presenting evidence: ‘This fact is helpful.' At the story's climax, Dr. Snow presents his findings at a neighborhood meeting, and in a final, incandescent spread, the water pump's handle is removed–‘a milestone in science, a shining moment in the long fight against epidemics.' A page-turning medical mystery that makes a compelling case for following the facts.”  –Kirkus Reviews

Graphic Novels

Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves Back by Ruth Chan
(Grades 3-7)
Library Catalog

“Thirteen-year-old Ruth knows the move from her beloved Toronto, Canada, to Hong Kong is going to be harder on her than on her parents-her dad is moving there for a new job, and her mom is planning to reconnect with relatives. Ruth, meanwhile, has to deal with navigating her mom's energetic family, making new friends, and taking difficult coursework at school. Ruth feels like she doesn't quite belong anywhere, but she finds solace when having bedtime ‘talk-to-talk' chats with her dad. The more she learns about her family's hardships and how they overcame them with courage, perseverance, and patience, the more Ruth learns how to grow her roots in a new home. While there are lighthearted and humorous insights in this graphic memoir debut, many of the cartoon panels beautifully linger on young Ruth's quiet and lonely moments as she settles into an entirely new country. A mix of English, Cantonese, and Chinese characters in the speech bubbles is especially effective in showing Ruth's disconnection from her mom's family, and single-page panels hold emotional weight, placing Ruth against a bold red background as she shouts at her parents about how miserable she is without a support system. The nightly conversations between Ruth and her dad demonstrate their strong bond, and the art transitions effortlessly to a brown color palette when her dad shares his story about his birth amid the Sino-Japanese War. Her family's history makes Ruth deeply reflect on how she is adapting to a new place better than she thought, and young readers will be reassured by Ruth's dad's reminder that ‘It's okay to be nervous about change and the unknown. Just remember that you'll be okay. The unknown is simply a part of life.' An author's note is included.” –Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

The Happy Shop by Brittany Long Olsen
(Grades 4-7)
Library Catalog

“Adjusting to a new town, Darcy struggles to embrace her nice life while missing her friends who are now in a different time zone. Stumbling upon the Happy Shop, she breaks a jar, tarnishing a first impression with one of the owners. To repay her debt, Darcy begins working at the Happy Shop, learning more about the happiness they are selling to customers. When Darcy tries to go rogue and bottle up sadness in an attempt to help her mom feel grateful, she realizes that the Happy Shop could benefit from broadening its stock to include feelings other than happiness. Through plot development, this graphic novel demonstrates the value of diversity and inclusiveness. The vibrant, comic-style illustrations will appeal to fans of graphic novels. Readers of all ages will find ways to relate to Darcy, as this coming-of-age graphic novel addresses the stress of financial burdens, the weight of loneliness, the fear of trying something new, and various other universal experiences. Through her characterization of the shop owners, Olsen emphasizes the value of honoring tradition, but more importantly, adjusting longstanding ways of life to address today's world and challenges. VERDICT Great for fans of Disney's Inside Out, this graphic novel belongs on classroom and library shelves for all readers.” –School Library Journal

Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol
(Grades 5-8)
Library Catalog

“*Starred Review* Jane Brown has problems. Shunned for her plain appearance, she has no one to turn to when her parents die and a contemptuous cousin, the only male heir, plans to kick her out of her family home. No sooner do things take a turn for the better (the gorgeous Peter agrees to marry her for the wealth he'll inherit) than they take a turn for the worse: gorgeous Peter is kidnapped by a gorgeous mermaid. Embarking on a quest to save her prospective husband and thus ensure her future, Jane plunges into the depths of not only the ocean but also a confrontation with her own demons and her own family history. Flowing with the power of Brosgol's expressive, animated art, which is at turns fierce, poignant, eerie, and hilarious, Jane's story serves as both a captivating tale of personal growth and an authentic, sometimes very angry reckoning with the cultural idea of beauty. Here, that beauty can lure, trick, and betray even those who possess it, and the only hope is a deep, hard look into the mirror and asking what makes someone the fairest of them all. In a story bolstered by a wonderful cast, an otherworldly setting, and poignantly accessible feelings, Brosgol once again captures magic, menace, and humanity.” –Booklist

Tiffany’s Griffon by Maddi Gonzalez and Magnolia Porter Siddell
(Grades 6-8)
Library Catalog

“Fantasy becomes reality when preteen Marnie is gifted a griffon egg. However, the egg is really meant for someone else–The Chosen One, who it turns out is actually a girl named Tiffany. Marnie is a dedicated reader while Tiffany is a sports-loving social butterfly, but the two girls form an unlikely friendship. Readers will delight in the adventure as Marnie's favorite story ‘Griffon Riders' goes from fiction to fact, but their friendship is tested when Tiffany discovers the truth that Marnie was never The Chosen One. At its core, this quest-filled story is about friendship and integrity. Fans of The Witch's Throne by Cedric Caballes and Magical Boy by The Kao will find lots to love in Gonzalez and Porter Siddell's graphic novel. VERDICT A good addition to any middle grade graphic novel collection.” –School Library Journal