Reach for the Stars: A Year in Review
Every year Lerner aims high, striving to create quality fiction and nonfiction for K-12 readers. In 2024 we’ve landed among the stars with 46 starred reviews for Lerner titles and our distribution partners’ titles! Check out the recognized picture books, middle grade and young adult fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction below.
Picture Books
A Better Best Friend by Olivier Tallec
Grade Level: PreK – 1
Age Level: 3 – 7
A feel-good picture book about best friendship told with dry comedy and an open ending—squirrel and mushroom are best friends until another best friend (a fly) comes to play.
★”Demonstrates the value of a best friend—or two.”—starred, Foreword Reviews
Best Believe: The Tres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good by NoNieqa Ramos and illustrated by Nicole Medina
Grade Level: 1 – 4
Age Level: 6 – 10
Rhythmic verse presents three sisters who moved from Puerto Rico to New York City as children and grew up to be pioneering activists in their Bronx community, focusing on schools, libraries, and the arts.
★”The sisters’ fiery spirit runs through the text, which frankly calls out disparities and celebrates the Tres Hermanas’ many victories as they passionately defended the rights of Puerto Rican Americans and lifted up their culture. . . Illustrations channeling the sisters’ Puerto Rican roots feature saturated colors, tropical flower embellishments, moving portraits of the family and community, and a clean, modern aesthetic.”—starred, Booklist
The Doll Test: Choosing Equality by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by David Elmo Cooper
Grade Level: 2 – 5
Age Level: 7 – 11
Narrated by dolls, this book tells the little-known story of two Black psychologists who used Black and white dolls in their research about the effects of school segregation on children.
★”This powerful picture book effectively documents the research that validated the substantial damage to generations of students wrought by segregationist, separate-but equal education policies . . . Suitable for kids, but deserving of a much wider audience, award winners Weatherford and Cooper have created an impactful and compelling book.”—starred, Booklist
Everybody’s Book: The Story of the Sarajevo Haggadah by Linda Leopold Strauss and illustrated by Tim Smart
Grade Level: PreK – 2
Age Level: 4 – 8
The true story of the famous Sarajevo Haggadah begins long ago in Spain. Used for centuries and declared a treasure, people of many faiths have protected the haggadah up to this day.
★”Bright watercolor illustrations follow the true story of a book’s remarkable journey through generations and across multiple wars…People of all cultures and faiths come together to protect the book from Nazi invasions, Serbian bombs, and the passage of time.”—Foreword Reviews
The Mistakes That Made Us: Confessions from Twenty Poets by Irene Latham and Charles Waters, illustrated by Mercè López
Grade Level: 2 – 5
Age Level: 7 – 11
Whoops! Ack! Darn it! Twenty brave poets share real-life blunders they made as young people. With a wide range of mistakes and a diverse group of poets, this anthology speaks to a wide audience.
★”The strength of this collection comes from the authors admitting their mistakes and going on to explain the value of the resulting learning opportunities. A gentle reminder of the stepping stones making up the path to growth, discovery, and creativity.”—starred, Booklist
★”Dynamic mixed-media artwork from López (Sylvie and the Wolf) offers energetic visual support for each poem in an anthology packed with a broad spectrum of human emotion and experience.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
The Rock in My Throat by Kao Kalia Yang by Jiemei Lin
Grade Level: K – 4
Age Level: 5 – 10
In this moving true story, Kao Kalia Yang shares her experiences as a Hmong refugee child navigating life at home and school in America while carrying the weight of her selective mutism.
★”A heartfelt story that teaches children about diversity and reflects difficulties with being different, understood, and accepted.”—starred, Booklist
Slippery, Spicy, Tingly: A Kimchi Mystery by Yangsook Choi
Grade Level: K – 3
Age Level: 5 – 9
Keo loves kimchi! And he loves his halmoni! When his grandmother visits and digs a big hole in the backyard, Keo isn’t sure what’s happening. A story with heart, humor, and lots of cabbage!
★ “Based on Korean author and illustrator Choi’s relationship with her own grandmother, the story’s playful drawings and writing create a fun, lighthearted feel. The gentle pastel illustrations capture Halmoni’s quirky personality through her facial expressions and movements, as well as Keo’s curiosity and wonder.”—starred, Booklist
Touch the Sky by Stephanie V. W. Lucianovic and illustrated by Chris Park
Grade Level: K – 3
Age Level: 5 – 9
Both heartfelt and hilarious, this picture book captures the unforgettable moment when a child learns how to pump on a swing. It’s a story for every kid on the cusp of learning something new.
★”This is a book that soars on multiple levels, grounded in the sense memories of the playground while not only serving as a practical guide but also capturing the challenge, excitement, and wonder of conquering your first swing.”—starred, Booklist
★”Lucianovic demonstrates a keen, child-friendly understanding of what it’s like to master a new skill. . . The energetic, loosely drawn mixed-media illustrations zing with color. . . It’s swing, hit, and no miss with this rip-roaring charmer.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
Chapter Books/Early Readers
Imani Picks Up the Pieces by Cicely Lewis and illustrated by Anastasia Magloire Williams
Grade Level: 1 – 3
Age Level: 6 – 9
Imani learns resilience when she loses her research project the night before it’s due. This early chapter book introduces Imani’s hair magic and includes critical thinking questions and a nonfiction feature on African spirituals.
★”Written in flowing sentences ideal for practicing readers, this title celebrates Black history, hearth, and hair, and makes any reader feel like they are special and worthy. . .Vivid illustrations paired with a relatable story equals a must-have for any library.” –starred, School Library Journal
One Wise Sheep: An Untraditional Christmas Story by Ulrich Hub and illustrated by Jörg Mϋhle
Grade Level: 1 – 4
Age Level: 6 – 10
This retelling of the nativity story from the point of view of the sheep is laugh-out-loud funny and full of the warmth of Christmas—a cheeky illustrated chapter book by a bestselling author/illustrator pair.
★ “A Christmas tale to hold the whole family spellbound.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
★ “Through humorous third-person narration that purposefully occludes the size of the flock, Duck’s Backyard collaborators Hub and Mühle explore Christmas through the lens of a bonded animal family in this unique and sweet holiday tale.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist by Anders Sparring and illustrated by Per Gustavsson
Grade Level: 1 – 4
Age Level: 6 – 10
Theo can count pretty high and knows several French words. But he can’t lie or steal. “You must try harder,” says his mother. After a prison break and a diamond heist, Theo surprises everyone with a lie that saves the day.
★ “Appealing and playful . . . A family engages in cheerful criminality while their youngest makes vain efforts to tell the truth in the delightful caper novel The Pinchers and the Diamond Heist.”—starred, Foreword Reviews
The Remarkables: The Most Incredible Children I’ve Met — So Far! by Clotilde Perrin
Grade Level: 1 – 5
Age Level: 6 – 11
Picture book and comics combine in this imaginative encyclopedia of 38 imaginary children with superpowers. An electric child, a flying child, a stone child, a cake child—each spread celebrates uniqueness and individuality. What superpower would you wish for?
★ “The author makes the introductions in this tongue-in-cheek, wild ride of a picture book about remarkable children—some of them fantastical, others closer to reality than you think.”—starred, Foreword Reviews
Middle Grade
The Color of Sound by Emily Barth Isler
Grade Level: 6 – 8
Age Level: 11 – 14
Musical prodigy Rosie stops playing the violin, upsetting her ambitious mother but making room in her life for new experiences, including a glitch in space-time that lets her meet her mom as a twelve-year-old.
★ “Intricately entwining interpersonal growth with each character’s relationship to their Jewish faith and culture, Isler highlights the role of family history in identity formation through metaphorical time travel. Color-centric imagery rendered in immersive prose translates Rosie’s synesthesia in this salient celebration of family, music, and neurodiversity.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
★ “Isler crafts an exceptionally honest portrayal of complicated mother-daughter dynamics, and a protagonist whose independence and kindness is a stunning solo. . . a perfect book club pick and a reminder to all that patience and understanding can change lives.”—starred, School Library Journal
Cruzita and the Mariacheros by Ashley Granillo
Grade Level: 6 – 8
Age Level: 11 – 14
Cruzita wants to be a pop star. She doesn’t want to take mariachi lessons—until she and her fellow mariacheros come up with a plan to save her family’s struggling bakery and to let Cruzita shine.
★ “Mariachi, family, and pan dulce are the ingredients for this perfect middle grade novel. Highly recommended for all middle grade collections.”—starred, School Library Journal
The Rule of Three by Heather Murphy Capps
Grade Level: 6 – 8
Age Level: 11 – 14
As a biracial kid in a mostly white town, Wyatt feels like an outsider everywhere except the baseball field. But when travel team tryouts get tense, mysterious wisps of smoke surround him. Can he discover the cause of—and learn to control—this unusual stress reaction?
★ “The author’s willingness to tackle difficult topics with thoughtfulness and compassion makes this compelling novel a must-read. Readers will connect to Wyatt’s strife and journey of self-discovery. This book belongs in all middle school libraries; it deftly discusses important histories and hot topics facing young readers today.”—starred, School Library Journal
Young Adult Fiction
Eyes Open by Lyn Miller-Lachmann
Grade Level: 9 – 12
Age Level: 14 – 18
Living under the Salazar dictatorship in 1960s Portugal, Sónia must find her voice as a poet and an activist after the government arrests her boyfriend and shuts down her family’s business in this moving novel in verse.
★ “Beautifully and fluidly written, Miller-Lachmann’s memorable verse novel captures the setting splendidly, dramatizing the abysmal condition of women under the dictatorship.”—starred, Booklist
★ “The verse format allows Sónia’s poetic voice to shine, drawing readers into the stark reality she’s dealing with. . . Conveys harshness, beauty—and lingering hope.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
Pangu’s Shadow by Karen Bao
Grade Level: 7 – 12
Age Level: 12 – 18
When Ver and Aryl, rival apprentices at the most prestigious biology lab in the Pangu Star System, become the prime suspects in their teacher’s murder, they must team up to clear their names.
★ “This dual-perspective tale maintains a vivid connection to each narrator’s voice while keeping up an exciting pace and unfurling a satisfying mystery. Hard to put down: A strongly written work that pulls no punches while providing much-needed representation.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
Graphic Novels
Just Another Story: A Graphic Migration Account by Ernesto Saade
Grade Level: 9 – 12
Age Level: 14 – 18
When Carlos was nineteen, his mother decided to leave her life in El Salvador. Refusing to let her go without him, Carlos joined her journey north. Together they experienced the risks countless people face as they migrate.
★”Powerful vignettes weave the epic odyssey of one family’s migration while highlighting the risks and sacrifices undertaken daily by migrants searching for the American dream. The striking illustrations deftly convey complex emotions and poignant symbolism.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
★”With delicacy and grace, Salvadoran cartoonist Saade crafts a resonant and distinctive graphic novel debut . . . Each panel is a testament to individual resilience, culminating in an expansive story of human beings triumphing against unspeakable odds.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
Second Strike: Book 2 by Zack Soto, illustrated by Zack Soto and Jason Fischer Kouhi
Grade Level: 4 – 8
Age Level: 9 – 14
Kaz and Truly barely survived one alien invasion. When the Horde strikes again, it kidnaps Kaz’s parents and sidelines space-knight Cyclo. To rescue the grown-ups, the cousins will need all the luck they can get . . . or maybe just Kaz’s UFO-obsessed uncle, Lucky.
★ “Readers will find themselves enraptured by the tale and will await the next installment with strong anticipation. This ongoing series will bring graphic novel readers a great delight. Young heroes and aliens always work well together.”—starred, School Library Journal
Nonfiction
Call the Bee Doctor!: How Science Is Saving Honey Bees by Sandra Markle
Grade Level: 4 – 6
Age Level: 9 – 14
Since colony collapse disorder began decimating honey bees in 2006, scientists have been researching its causes and how to prevent it. Get an up-to-date look at what we know and how new innovations are saving honey bees.
★ “Markle provides a heartening update on honeybee health. . .An important peek into how scientists work to solve big problems.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds by Rebecca E. Hirsch and illustrated by Eugenia Nobati
Grade Level: 7 – 12
Age Level: 12 – 18
A must for fans of science and history—and also armchair detectives—this entertaining and informative illustrated compendium delves into nature’s deadliest plants and their fascinating histories as implements of medicine, warfare, and foul play.
★ “The striking page design evokes a strong sense of the macabre and is reminiscent of dark academia . . . An engaging, visually appealing guide for science buffs, true-crime enthusiasts, and herbalists alike.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
★ “This compendium is perfect for science buffs, true-crime lovers, herbalists, and teens drawn to the macabre. A must-have for anyone with a curiosity about nature’s most sinister secrets.”—starred, School Library Journal
Defending Nature: How the US Military Protects Threatened and Endangered Species by Sneed B. Collard III
Grade Level: 4 – 8
Age Level: 9 – 14
On Eglin Air Force Base, scientists and soldiers work together to protect endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, and reticulated flatwoods salamanders. Discover the challenges endangered species face and how the military works to protect them.
★ “Essential, and eye-opening, reading for serious students of wildlife conservation.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
The Gender Binary Is a Big Lie: Infinite Identities around the World by Lee Wind
Grade Level: 6 – 12
Age Level: 11 – 18
Author Lee Wind takes readers on a journey to examine gender identity and representation throughout history—from ancient burial sites to people identifying as gender fluid today. Learn how cultures past and present debunk the idea of a gender binary.
★ “An accessible, thorough, curiosity-provoking introduction to gender.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
The Great Wolf Rescue: Saving the Red Wolves by Sandra Markle
Grade Level: 4 – 6
Age Level: 9 – 12
Red wolves had been hunted until only fourteen survived in the wild. So scientists hatched a daring plan—capture all of the wild red wolves and breed them in captivity. Discover the story of their recovery.
★ “This educational read is certain to be valued and enjoyed by all who seek to learn more about the native red wolf. A fabulous addition to all nonfiction library shelves.”—starred, School Library Journal
Indigenous Cultures Today: Protecting Native Families and Practicing Cultural Traditions by Cayla Bellanger DeGroat
Grade Level: 3 – 6
Age Level: 8 – 12
Native peoples are teaching young people the traditions—including languages, religions, and ceremonies—once denied to their ancestors and elders who were forced into boarding schools or non-Native adoptions. Advocates for Native rights work to protect families and preserve these cultural connections.
★ “The language is clear and concise, doesn’t sugarcoat events, and presents information not generally available for this age group.”—starred, Booklist
Nature Spy Guide by Shelley Rotner
Grade Level: PreK – 3
Age Level: 4 – 9
What can you find in nature? Use all five senses to explore the outdoors. This book is full of tips and activities to encourage close observation and foster connection with nature!
★ “A marvelous primer for learning about nature and developing curiosity about the natural world in a playful way.”—starred, School Library Journal
The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions by Giselle Clarkson
An observologist is someone who makes small scientific expeditions every day. By looking at more than 100 small creatures and features of the natural world under the microscope in this fascinating catalog, you’ll discover an extraordinary world—right under your nose.
★”[T]his book will have readers sharpening their senses in no time. A charming work sure to spark a lifelong habit of looking closely at the natural world.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
★”Clarkson’s fond factoids and mindful sketches express joy in learning while promoting empathy for tiny creatures . . . Nature nerds will rejoice in this compendium of creepy-crawlies.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
★”An amusing approach to a traditional field guide, displaying intricate illustrations. Clarkson’s environmental book is well suited for developing naturalists as well as curious observers. It deserves a place of honor on every library shelf and will be a valuable asset in classrooms.”—starred, School Library Journal
Starlight Symphony by Buffy Silverman
Grade Level: PreK – 3
Age Level: 4 – 9
Nature is full of music. Listen in as a wood thrush, a cricket, a woodpecker, and many other animals perform a symphony under the stars. Rhyming verse and eye-catching photos will draw in animal lovers and music lovers alike!
★ “The clever concept of comparing the natural world to an orchestra works beautifully, offering both an introduction to animal communication and a range of musical instruments. . . A pleasing and playful performance with something for everyone to applaud.”—starred, Booklist
★ “Whether a bedtime story for the very young or a nature text for early elementary schoolers, this title has broad appeal and utility. Perfectly pitched for its audience.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
We Shall Not Be Denied: A Timeline of Voting Rights and Suppression in America by Cayla Bellanger DeGroat and Cicely Lewis
Grade Level: 4 – 8
Age Level: 9 – 14
Voting is a powerful right. Throughout history, Americans from underrepresented groups have fought, suffered, and even died for the right to vote, yet challenges still remain. Learn how to make a difference, even if you are not old enough to vote.
★ “The authors have successfully written a thought-provoking, informative book, providing ample information without overwhelming readers with huge blocks of text. Delightfully to the point and packed with information, this book would serve as a great starting point for students who are doing research.”—starred, Booklist
Wildfire: The Culture, Science, and Future of Fire by Ferin Davis Anderson and Stephanie Sammartino McPherson
Grade Level: 8 – 12
Age Level: 13 – 18
Environmental scientist Ferin Davis Anderson and author Stephanie Sammartino McPherson examine how Indigenous people, farmers, and forestry departments have used fire to manage resources and how climate change is impacting the future of fire.
★”It’s nice to have this balanced, reassuring offering that puts wildfires into ecological perspective. . . This authoritative STEAM selection has multiple crosscurricular applications, engaging live action-style reporting on narrow escapes and heroic deeds, and serves as a buffer for climate anxiety.”—starred, Booklist
Stars from our Lerner Publishing Distribution Partners
The Brighter I Shine by Kamee Abrahamian and illustrated by Lusine Ghukasyan
Grade Level: K – 3
Age Level: 5 – 9
On their birthday, an Armenian child listens to their mother tell stories—stories of ancestors and homelands, of births and new beginnings, and of the land they now call home.
★ “An Armenian child of refugees muses on ancestral stories as vehicles of connection and identity in this moving picture book.”—starred, Foreword Reviews
Inkflower by Suzy Zail
Published by Walker Books Australia
Grade Level: 9 – 12
Age Level: 14 – 18
Lisa’s father has six months to live when he decides to tell a story he has kept hidden about a boy sent to Auschwitz—a boy who lost everything and started again. But Lisa doesn’t want to hear it because she has secrets too.
★ “[T]his novel is both extremely personal and extremely universal . . . . Equally heartbreaking and uplifting, this recommended book reminds readers that a forgotten past is irreplaceable, and the present is a gift.”—starred, School Library Journal
A Ramadan to Remember by Marzieh A. Ali and illustrated by Najwa Awatiff
Published by Soaring Kite Books
Grade Level: K – 3
Age Level: 5 – 9
Ramadan is almost here! It’s Zain’s favorite time of the year. Well, it usually is. After a recent move, will Zain find a new Muslim friend to celebrate with him?
★ “This lovely picture book shares the specifics of the Ramadan holiday with readers of all backgrounds, while illustrating the very real emotions of one boy who feels alienated from his peers. . . . [A] heartfelt and detailed book to share with all children, whether or not they celebrate Ramadan themselves.”—starred, School Library Journal
Oy, Santa!: Or, There’s a Latke to Learn about Hanukkah by Joyce Schriebman and illustrated by Gila von Meissner
Published by Intergalactic Afikoman
Grade Level: PreK – 3
Age Level: 4 – 9
Oliver Overstreet tries to get Santa to understand Hanukkah. Oliver soon loses patience when Santa doesn’t fully grasp the customs of his favorite holiday—especially latkes! Helping people understand his traditions is a never-ending job!
★ “A highly entertaining holiday book that will be popular with readers of all ages. . . . Highly recommended for all collections.”—starred, School Library Journal
Sedimentary Rocks: Hit the Road and Discover a World That Rocks! by Sarah Eason
Published by Cheriton Children’s Books
Grade Level: 5 – 8
Age Level: 10 – 14
About three-quarters of our planet is covered with sedimentary rock. Discover the extraordinary science behind the rock cycle, read case studies that reveal the best places on Earth to find sedimentary rocks, and more!
★ “Ah, the striated beauty of sedimentary rock. If you didn’t appreciate it before, you will after reading this selection from The Rock Cycle Road Trip series . . . . [A]n effective approach.”—starred, Booklist
Space Torah: Astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman’s Cosmic Mitzvah by Rachelle Burk and illustrated by Craig Orback
Published by Intergalactic Afikoman
Grade Level: K – 3
Age Level: 5 – 9
As a child, Jeff’s head was often in the clouds. As an astronaut, he journeyed far beyond them. On his final mission, Jeff brought a miniature Torah into orbit for an out-of-this-world Shabbat celebration!
★ “A beautiful and meaningful juxtaposition of ancient Jewish tradition with modern space exploration.”—starred, Booklist
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