#prek-6th

Genre or category Informational/Biography Target Age Group 4-8 years old, Prek-3rd Summary This book tells the story of Ernő Rubik, a Hungarian professor who set out to help his students understand three-dimensional movement and design. Through curiosity, experimentation, and persistence, he created what would become the Rubik’s Cube. The book shows both the invention process and the impact of the puzzle. Justification I selected this book because I was interested in how the Rubik's Cube came to be. Connecting a familiar object to a real person and a deeper story was also engaging. The idea that the cube was originally designed as a teaching tool immediately stood out to me, as I believed the cube was a simple toy. This book is perfect for readers who have tried to solve the Rubik's Cube themselves! Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating theme, characters, and illustrations.

The theme of the book focuses on curiosity, persistence, and the creative process. What makes this theme especially effective is that it focuses not just on success, but on the process of figuring something out. The book highlights how Rubik did not initially set out to create a famous puzzle, he was trying to solve a problem and help his students understand movement in space. Moments that show his experimentation, including the challenges he faced in getting the cube to move correctly, show the idea that innovation often involves trial and error.The theme also encourages readers to see everyday objects in a new way, recognizing the thought and effort behind their creation.

In terms of characterization, Ernő Rubik is presented as a protagonist rather than an abstract inventor. The book emphasizes his curiosity and determination, showing him as someone who enjoys exploring ideas and solving problems. While the format of a picture book limits the level of detail, enough is shown through his actions and motivations to make him feel real and relatable. Readers see him not as a distant historical figure, but as someone who struggled, experimented, and persisted. His students are not developed but serve an important role in illustrating the purpose behind his work.

The illustrations play a key role in making the book both engaging and understandable. Kara Kramer’s artwork uses color and movement to visually represent the concept of rotation and transformation, which is central to understanding the cube. The progression of the cubes' creation is clearly depicted, allowing readers to follow the invention process step by step. The bright, geometric style mirrors the structure of the cube itself. The illustrations also help break down abstract concepts into accessible visuals, making the story easier to read for younger readers. The artwork does more than complement the text, it also supports comprehension and enhances the storytelling experience.

Genre or Category:

Novel in Verse

Target Age Group:

9-12 years old, 4th-6th grade

Summary:

This novel follows Jude, a young girl who leaves Syria with her mother to live in the United States due to unrest in her home country. As she adjusts to a new culture, language, and school, Jude navigates identity, belonging, and what it means to find home in a new place. Through her experiences, she begins to redefine her sense of self and where she belongs.

Justification:

I selected this book for the "Novel in Verse" category after seeing the cover and reading the synopsis on the back. There are not many book covers that have a young girl wearing a hijab on the front, I immediately knew that this book would bring an important voice and perspective to young readers. The colors are also warm and inviting, which caught my eye. Reading the summary, I could see that important themes of immigration, identity and culture might be discussed. The novel also provides representation of refugee experiences, a concept that not many are familiar with.

Evaluation:

For this review, I will be evaluating theme, style/language, and setting

The theme of the book centers on identity, belonging, and what it means to redefine “home.” What makes this theme impactful is that Jude’s experience is not framed only through loss, but also through growth. She leaves Syria because of unrest, but the story focuses less on the trauma of leaving and more on the emotional process of adjusting. Jude reflects on how in Syria she was often told she was “too much,” while in the United States she is seen as “quiet” or “different.” These different perceptions show how identity is shaped by environment as much as by the individual. The novel also emphasizes that belonging is not immediate, it develops over time through relationships, such as Jude’s friendship with Miles and her connection with her drama teacher. The story also suggests that home is something that can expand rather than be replaced.

The style and language, written in verse, play a role in how the story is experienced. Jasmine Warga uses simple, clear language that is easy to read, but riddled with emotion. The short, poetic structure allows readers to think about the moments happening, whether it’s Jude describing the smell of her home in Syria, her nervousness on her first day of school, or her confusion during moments of cultural misunderstanding. One effective element is how the verse mirrors Jude’s experience with language itself. As someone learning to navigate English in a new environment, her thoughts are often direct and carefully chosen, which is shown in the writing style. The spacing and pacing of the poems also create a sense of reflection, allowing readers to process the emotional weight of each moment without feeling overwhelmed.

The setting is essential to the novel’s emotional and thematic impact, particularly through the contrast between Syria and the United States. Jude’s memories of Syria are warm and filled with family traditions as we read about her brother, her home, and her daily life there. While her new life in America feels unfamiliar and sometimes isolating, especially in moments where she experiences misunderstanding or prejudice, such as when classmates make assumptions about her background. The setting is not entirely negative or positive, instead, it evolves as Jude begins to build connections and find her place. Spaces like her school, her home with her uncle’s family, and the theater program gradually become more comfortable and meaningful. This shift shows her internal growth, showing how setting and identity are closely connected. By the end of the novel, both places are a part of her, showing that home is not limited to one place.

Reference:

Genre or category Coretta Scott Target Age Group 10-12 year olds Summary This novel, told in verse, follows ZJ, a boy whose father is a former professional football player. As his father begins to experience memory loss and behavioral changes due to head injuries, ZJ must navigate confusion and emotional upheaval. Along the way, he relies on music, friendships, and memories to cope with the changes in his family.

Justification I selected this novel for the Coretta Scott Award selection because of the easily accessible format that it's written in. Novels in verse are becoming increasingly popular because they are easy to digest and introduce children to a form of poetry. The novel's use of verse allows difficult emotions to be expressed clearly. The book also introduces complex issues like illness and family dynamics changing which could resonant with other young readers.

Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating theme, characters, and style/language

The theme of Before the Ever After centers on coping with change, memory, and the emotional impact of illness on a family. What makes this theme especially powerful is how it unfolds. ZJ doesn’t experience one defining moment where everything changes, instead, the shift happens gradually as his father begins forgetting things, losing control of his emotions, and becoming someone unfamiliar. Moments like his father repeating stories, forgetting simple details, or reacting unpredictably highlight how disorienting this change is, especially for a child. The title captures the idea that life doesn’t always move neatly into a “happily ever after.” The novel emphasizes the importance of memory, ZJ holds onto music, jokes, and shared moments with his father as a way of preserving who he was before the illness. This creates a theme that is not just about loss, but about holding on.

For characters, ZJ is a relatable protagonist whose voice carries the entire narrative. Through his thoughts and observations, readers gain insight into his confusion, fear, and love for his father. He doesn’t always have the language to explain what is happening, which makes his experience feel especially authentic. He often describes his father in terms of “before” and “now,” showing how he is trying to make sense of the changes without fully understanding them. His friendships also play an important role because his interactions with his friends provide moments of normalcy and highlight how he is trying to hold onto his identity outside of what is happening at home. His father is also a complex character, presented in two versions as the strong, charismatic football player of the past and the vulnerable, struggling person he is becoming. This adds emotional weight to the story, because readers, like ZJ, are constantly comparing who his father was with who he is now. Supporting characters, including ZJ’s mother, help shape the story, showing different ways of coping with the same situation. The characters feel real, which allows readers to form emotional connections.

The style and language of the novel, written in verse, are central to its emotional impact. Jacqueline Woodson uses short, carefully constructed poems to capture moments rather than long explanations, which makes the story feel immediate and intimate. The spacing on the page allows readers to pause and reflect, mirroring how ZJ processes what is happening around him. When describing his father’s memory loss or emotional outbursts, the brevity of the lines emphasizes what is left unsaid, making those moments more powerful. The verse also reflects the way children think in fragments, images, and feelings rather than fully formed explanations. The language remains is easy to understand making topics like illness and identity easier for young readers to engage with. Music is another key element woven into the language, serving as a recurring motif that connects ZJ to his father and to his sense of stability. The style does more than tell the story, it also shapes how readers experience it, creating a reading experience that is both reflective and emotional.

Genre or category Newberry Medal Target Age Group 8-12 Summary This novel follows Lily, a young girl who moves in with her grandmother and encounters a magical tiger connected to Korean folktales. When her grandmother becomes ill, Lily makes a deal with the tiger in hopes of saving her. Along the way, she uncovers family stories, cultural history, and the power of storytelling. Justification In some cases, judging a book by its cover can lead to an awarding read, which was exactly the case for When You Trap A Tiger. I selected this book because of the title, cover, and synopsis, as I was immediately intrigued by how one might capture a tiger and learning about Korean folktales. Lily's story is perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy, as the story blends Korean folktales and themes of grief, family, and identity into a narrative. Readers will be drawn in by the title and artwork, and will be enamored by Lily's journey and how she handles the Tigers who seem to be haunting her.

Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating theme, tone and setting.

The theme of the book is tied to storytelling, grief, courage, and family connection. One of the novel’s strongest ideas is that stories are not just entertainment, they carry memory, truth, and identity. This is most clearly seen in Lily’s relationship with her Halmoni and in the recurring tiger, which is linked to Korean folktales passed down through generations. Lily begins the novel as someone who sees herself as quiet and cautious, especially compared to her outspoken sister Sam, but the story gradually shows that courage does not always look loud or dramatic. Her decision to bargain with the tiger in hopes of saving Halmoni reveals how love and grief can push a person to act even when they are afraid. The novel also uses Halmoni’s illness to explore how families hold both love and pain at the same time. Rather than offering a happy ending, the book suggests that stories help us carry loss, remember people, and make meaning out of difficult experiences.

The tone of the novel balances gentleness, sadness, wonder, and quiet tension effectively. Much of the book has a soft, reflective tone, especially in Lily’s narration, which often feels thoughtful and observant. At the same time, there is an unease that grows whenever the tiger appears. The tiger is not written like a comforting fantasy creature because she is mysterious, powerful, and a little frightening, which gives the story a sense of danger even in its quieter moments. Lily’s encounters with the tiger feel dreamlike, but they are never entirely safe or predictable. This mirrors Lily’s emotional life because she wants to believe she can fix what is happening to her grandmother, but she also senses that some things cannot be controlled. The novel also includes moments of warmth and humor, especially in family scenes and in Lily’s interactions with Sam, which prevent the book from becoming too heavy. This balance is important because it allows readers to engage with grief without feeling overwhelmed.

The setting plays a major role in shaping the atmosphere of the novel. Much of the story unfolds in and around Halmoni’s home, which becomes more than just a physical location. It is a space full of memory, stories, family tension, and cultural connection. The house feels intimate and layered, which suits a story focused on intergenerational relationships. At the same time, the ordinary setting of small-town life is repeatedly interrupted by the magical presence of the tiger, and that is what gives the novel its magical realist quality. The tiger moving through grocery stores, roads, and neighborhood spaces makes the everyday world feel charged with meaning, as if folklore exists just beneath the surface of ordinary life. The setting is also enriched by Korean cultural elements, especially through Halmoni’s stories, food, and family traditions. These details reinforce the central message about the power of inherited stories. In this way, the setting does not simply provide a backdrop, it also actively supports the novel’s themes by showing how memory, culture, and imagination can live inside familiar places.

References

Genre or category Pura Belpre Winner Target Age Group 9-12 years old, Summary The story follows Marlene, a young girl who struggles with her natural curly hair and the pressure to straighten it to meet beauty standards. During visits with her aunt, she begins to learn how to care for and embrace her curls. Through this journey, Marlene gains confidence and starts to redefine how she sees herself. Justification

I selected this book for the Pura Belpre Winner because I saw myself in the protagonist, a feeling that I believe will resonate in other female readers. The book also addresses identity, cultural expectations, and self-acceptance through an easy to digest graphic novel format. This is also a book that reflects the experiences of many children who navigate beauty standards related to race, culture and family expectations. Its format supports engagement while also deepening emotional understanding, making it especially effective for reluctant readers.

Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating theme, design and plot.

The theme of Frizzy centers on self-acceptance and the tension between personal identity and expectations. Marlene’s struggle with her hair becomes a broader metaphor for navigating society and familial pressures. This emphasizes that children are often influenced by the standards placed on them, but their confidence grows when they are supported in finding who they are. The story also focuses on cultural and generational standards, which shows how ideas are often passed down even unintentionally.

The design of the graphic novel is one of its strongest elements, because it shapes both the pacing and emotional impact of the story. The artist's use of layout, spacing, and visual transitions allows readers to move seamlessly between dialogue, internal reflection, and action. Moments of tension, like Marlene’s discomfort with her hair, are often emphasized through tighter panels or repeated imagery, which reinforces how she is feeling. In contrast, scenes of growth and self-acceptance feel more open, giving the reader a sense of relief alongside the character. The depiction of hair itself is the most meaningful element as it is drawn with texture, volume, and movement, making it a symbol of both struggle and identity. The color palette and expressive character design help with readability, as readers are able to easily identify the reader's emotions. The design not only deepens the meaning of the story but helps the reader to understand Marlene's experience.

The plot of the story is driven by everyday experiences, which is what makes the story effective. All of the moments are relatable as family expectations, school interactions, and personal insecurities are all depicted. This creates a narrative that is relatable for readers. The pacing allows Marlene's growth to unfold gradually especially when she interacts with her aunt, who sets up a turning point in the story. The resolution of the story is not perfect but shows the reader that progress and self-understanding take time.

Genre or category LGBTQ+ Target Age Group 4+, K-3rd Grade Summary This story follows a child whose shadow is purple in a world where others are expected to be either blue or pink. As the child navigates expectations about how they should act, dress, and play, they begin to question why they must fit into a single category. With support from their father, they learn to embrace who they are and define themselves on their own terms. Justification I selected this book because of the cover which highlighted a child who is male presenting, stand before a shadow that was more non-binary appearing. Reading the story I felt it was perfect for the LGBTQ+ genre and selection because of the way it introduces concepts of identity and self-expression in a way that is easily understood. Because of the colored shadows, children will be able to visually see a depiction of binary and non-binary which could lead to conversations about gender norms and self-expression. These are conversations that are should be encouraged and not shied away from which makes this an excellent selection.

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating theme, characters, and illustrations.

The theme of My Shadow Is Purple centers on identity and the freedom to exist outside expectations. The story uses the metaphor of color, blue, pink, and purple, to represent societal norms around gender. The message for parents is that children should be allowed to explore who they are without expectation. The book promotes inclusivity and finding one's own path.

The child protagonist is not given extensive background details, the character feels believable through their emotional journey, as they experience confusion, curiosity, and eventual self-acceptance. The father plays an important supporting role, acting as a guide who accepts and understands the child's conflict. He functions as a positive influence rather than a strict authority figure, reinforcing the emotional aspect of the story. These characters show a relationship that feels supportive, allowing readers to connect with all aspects of the child’s experience.

The illustrations are central to the book’s effectiveness, using bold colors and simple shapes to communicate the ideas of the story. The contrast between blue, pink, and purple visually reinforces the theme, making the abstract concept of the binary easier to understand. The use of shadows as a metaphor is effective, as it allows identity to be represented in a way that is symbolic and easy to understand. The images are clean and simple which ensures that the message is clear, while the color is what contributes to the emotional depth of the story. The illustrations work with the text, allowing easy comprehension and engagement without being overwhelming.

References:

Genre or category Disability and Difference Target Age Group 5-9 years old, K-5th grade Summary This picture book memoir tells the story of Minda, a girl who was born in India, lost the use of her legs as a baby, and was adopted by an American family. Through determination, problem-solving, and support from those around her, she learns to navigate a world not built for her. The story follows her journey toward independence and confidence, and how she made sports history by being the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the toughest triathlon in the world. Justification I selected this book for my disability and difference pick because of it was also a bluebonnet 2025 winner and because of the significance that Minda Dentler has in sports history. Her story shows what it means to persevere through life's challenges. It also represents disability as capability which is important for children to see. Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating theme, characters and illustrations

The theme of the book is perseverance. The story does not suggest that challenges are easy to overcome or that success happens all at once. Instead, it emphasizes the process Minda goes through trying, adjusting, and trying again. As a reader, you see that “figuring it out” is not about perfection, but about persistence. The book also introduces the idea that environments can create barriers, encouraging readers to think about inclusion.

From a character standpoint, Minda is a well-developed protagonist. Even within the concise format of a picture book, we get a clear sense of her personality as she is curious, determined, and thoughtful. Her responses to challenges are realistic, which makes her easy to connect with. She is not portrayed as extraordinary in an unrealistic way, instead, she feels like a real child navigating her world. The adults in her life serve as supportive characters but are not central to the story. This balance allows Minda to remain the center of the story, which shows her independence and growth.

The illustrations play an important role in making Minda’s experiences accessible to young readers. They provide visuals for her environment and the challenges she faces, helping readers understand her journey more clearly. Expressions and body language are used to show determination and emotion, even in moments where the text is minimal. The artwork maintains a sense of warmth because of the colors that are utilized, which balances the more serious aspects of the story.

Genre or category Fantasy, Gothic Target Age Group 3-7 year olds, prek-3rd grade Summary Millie Fleur moves to a town where everything is bright, cheerful, and perfectly ordinary, but she prefers things a little darker. Instead of planting flowers like her neighbors, she grows a garden filled with unusual and poisonous plants. Though the townspeople are initially wary, Millie’s uniqueness eventually transforms how they see beauty and difference. Justification

I chose this book for fantasy because of the cover. The child on the front reminded me of Wednesday Addams and because she is currently a popular character I figured some children may find her as captivating as I did. This book stands out as a picture book because of the whimsical setting of the garden, the individuality of the character and her willpower to not conform to what her neighbors want. The book is slightly spooky due to Millie's unusual garden and some children may be drawn to the "creepy" plants that are found in the book like I was. I have identified this book as fantasy-gothic in nature because of the setting, the plants, mood and overall atmosphere. Though her garden has "real" plants it is depicted in a magical and exaggerated manner, marking this book as fantasy. Evaluation For this review, I will be evaluating themes, characters, and illustrations.

The theme centers on individuality and redefining what is considered “normal.” What makes this especially effective is that Millie does not change to fit in, because others change their perspective of her garden. That shift is powerful and sends a clear message: difference is not something to fix, but to be embraced.

Millie is a memorable and well-developed protagonist. She is confident, imaginative, and unique. Her experience of being different feels real, which makes her easy to connect with. The townspeople serve as a contrast, for a majority of the book they are static characters who turn their nose up at Millie and her garden. But their changes in perspective highlight Millie's influence.

The illustrations are a standout element. The contrast between the bright town and Millie’s dark, detailed garden visually reinforces the theme of the book. The artwork is rich, textured, and incredibly detailed, particularly the plants in Millie's garden, these all make for captivating elements that children will want to linger on as they read. My favorite scene is depicted when the townspeople finally visit and enjoy Millie's garden, particularly as you see contrast in detail between the design of the townspeople and the garden.