Pair these Lee & Low titles with birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays that are happening in the month of October!
The Reel Wish
By Yamile Saied Méndez
⭐4 STARRED REVIEWS⭐
⭐"This age is difficult to capture, and Méndez portrays it beautifully; Florencia has very grown-up feelings and actions interspersed with childlike observances. . . . Seeing a fellow tween navigate a difficult time will inspire not just dancers but any young person finding their way back to themselves." —Booklist, starred review
Generation Queer: Stories of Youth Organizers, Artists, and Educators
by Kimm Topping, illustrated by Anshika Khullar
⭐"Khullar's realistic portraiture focuses on figures' faces, and spot illustrations emphasize queer symbols that underscore the history and culture conveyed via Topping's empathetic and conversational text. This lush history is a necessary addition to the literary canon for anyone invested in facilitating a radically empowered future." —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Zombies Don't Eat Veggies
by Megan Lacera and Jorge Lacera
TEXAS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION TEJAS STAR READING LIST
⭐"Tasty and homegrown, this hits a strange and specific trifecta: a lightly bilingual book that feels inclusive not only for Latinx kids, but also for different eaters and for those who aren't afraid of gory, monster-themed humor." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Watch Storyline Online's Storytime with Jaime Camil in English and Spanish!
The Doomsday Detectives: How Walter and Luis Alvarez Solved the Mystery of Dinosaur Extinction
by Cindy Jenson-Elliott, illus. by Theo Nicole Lorenz
⭐3 STARRED REVIEWS⭐
⭐"Using the framework of the scientific process to structure the content, Jenson-Elliott effectively builds on explanations that contextualize the major concepts that drive the Alvarezes' discovery. . . . Emphasizes the thrill of these discoveries, which are made all the more thrilling by the fact that there is still so much more to learn. Perfect for kids who want to go all-in on dinosaurs." —Bookslist, starred review
Bonnie's Rocket
by Emeline Lee, illus. by Alina Chau
ALABAMA SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION YELLOWHAMMER BOOK AWARD HONOR
"An engaging father-daughter STEAM story full of support and scientific inquiry." —Kirkus Reviews
Watch author Emeline Lee's guide to building a model rocket!
Watch author Emeline Lee's interview her grandfather, who inspired the story!
Animal Poems of the Iguazú / Animalario del Iguazú
by Francisco X. Alarcón, illus. by Maya Gonzalez
AMÉRICAS AWARD COMMENDED TITLE
NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY
Following the Amerindian oral tradition, award-winning Chicano poet Francisco X. Alarcón lets the animals of the Iguazú speak for themselves in their own soaring, roaring, fluttering voices, and the resulting poems are as urgent as they are beautiful and humorous. Maya Gonzalez’s mixed media illustrations bring the colors and textures of the Iguazú rainforest to vibrant life.
When Aidan Became a Brother
by Kyle Lukoff, illus. by Kaylani Juanita
STONEWALL BOOK AWARD WINNER
⭐4 STARRED REVIEWS⭐
⭐"Lukoff writes with sensitivity and candor as Aidan takes his first steps toward claiming his identity. . . The creators' exploration of one transgender child's experience emphasizes the importance of learning 'how to love someone for exactly who they are.'" —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Unite Against Book Bans When Aidan Became a Brother Book Résumé
Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon
by Kelly Starling Lyons, illus. by Laura Freeman
ORBIS PICTUS AWARD RECOMMENDED TITLE
"Will inspire children who have trouble reading, like Phil, and those who aspire to have careers as artists and architects. Both an inspiration and an excellent companion for a trip to the museum its subject designed." —Kirkus Reviews
Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words
by Karen Leggett Abouraya, illus. by Susan L. Roth
CALIFORNIA READING ASSOCIATION EUREKA! NONFICTION CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD HONOR
⭐"This contemporary biography is excellent for conversations about the power of words, resilience, and the ability of one person to inspire meaningful change." —School Library Journal, starred review
Knockin’ On Wood: Starring Peg Leg Bates
by Lynne Barasch
⭐"Inspiring. . . Barasch's watercolor-and-ink cartoon paintings capture the poverty of the dancer's early life, the adulation of his fans, and his joyous love of dancing." —School Library Journal, starred review
Indigenous Peoples and Native American Book List
Lee & Low publishes a range of stories centering Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples, with many written and illustrated from within the community. Discover beginning readers, picture books, middle grade, and YA novels that celebrate Native voices and experiences.
A Sky That Sings
by Anita Sanchez & George Steele, illus. by Emily Mendoza
"Ideal for any educator teaching listening skills or the science of birding, this book is also an inclusive tool perfect for a variety of content connections, including science and ELA." —School Library Journal
As Fast As Words Could Fly
by Pamela M. Tuck, illus. by Eric Velasquez
NEW VOICES AWARD WINNER
"This is a story to share across generations." —Booklist
Nacho's Nachos: The Story Behind the World's Favorite Snack
by Sandra Nickel, illus. by Oliver Dominguez
DELAWARE DIAMONDS AWARD WINNER
CALIFORNIA READING ASSOCIATION EUREKA! NONFICTION CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD HONOR
⭐"Nickel's thorough research, including communications with the descendants of the principals, brings to life the man behind the world's favorite cheesy bites. Dominguez's detailed facial expressions and vibrant, full-bleed, double-page period illustrations successfully capture the people, the era, and its fashions. . . A celebration of ingenuity and kismet." –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Louis Sockalexis: Native American Baseball Pioneer
by William Wise, illus. by Bill Farnsworth
NCSS CARTER G. WOODSON AWARD
NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY
"Wise and Farnsworth collaborate to great effect in rendering this story both informative and poignant. The color-drenched paintings do an excellent job of bringing this period to life and capturing the intense emotion of the ballpark drama. This finely crafted look at a little-known sports pioneer should intrigue a wide audience of readers." —School Library Journal
A Two-Placed Heart
by Doan Phuong Nguyen
THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL CHILDREN'S HISTORY BOOK PRIZE WINNER
SCBWI GOLDEN KITE AWARD FINALIST
⭐"This highly readable verse memoir beautifully portrays the internal anguish of growing up and adapting to life in a new country." —School Library Journal, starred review
The Wild Ones
by Megan Lacera and Jorge Lacera
"Full-color panels of charming digital illustrations make this an accessible graphic novel, and the main characters' enthusiasm results in a lighthearted tale interspersed with details about folklore. . . Wild monsters from diverse cultures lurk (and smirk) in this not-so-scary story of fighting for home." —Kirkus Reviews
