Sneed, Kenesha. Many Shapes of Clay. (2021). Prestel Junior.
Summary: Eisha is a young girl who is courageous and inquisitive. She thoughtfully inquiries about the emotions of her mother who is grieving the recent loss of her husband who is also Eisha’s father. As an artist Eisha’s mother is a sculpturer who creates and stores several pieces of work in her basement studio. One day Eisha makes a piece of art and watches how it changes over a short period of time. She drops the bright yellow piece which reminds her of a lemon, and it breaks into tiny pieces. Along the way she recognizes that she also feels some of the same emotions that her mother is experiencing. In the end, the story comes together as they both embrace how sadness and connecting are part of the healing process. Eisha and her mother weave together a necklace that symbolizes that certain thing can’t be replaced but making the best out of them is the key.
Strengths: The symbolism in this story is extraordinary! Sneed does an awesome job at cultivating her gift as a creator to talk about the emotions associated with grieving. The illustrations really tell the story. The artwork is strategically placed on the pages which provides comfort for someone who may be reading this book for self-help.  
Weaknesses: There are no weaknesses. The realistic aspect of this text will allow it to be used for multiple purposes.
Thoughts: This is a stellar read for those who need inspiration as an upcoming illustrator. It is a great book to add to your social emotional learning collection. It can also be used to share with anybody who needs to hear the message, “That which is broken can always recover and be made anew”. ​

Ramos, NoNiqueia. Your Mama.(2021). Versify.
Summary: Your Mama is like no other! She is original in her walk and spicy in her talk. She is strong like an anchor, forgiving, and even sometimes cray cray. The brainiac she is does not block her awareness or humor. She is a role MODEL who is beautiful, mighty, and powerful. Give it up for “Your Mama” because you will only have one!
Strengths: This is an inspirational story about the relationship that little girls share with their mothers. The flow of the nearly verse words grip the pages and draws you into this poignant story filled with “plain” ole English. The truths and realities of motherhood, mother-daughter and daughter-mother relationships are easily identifiable through the words and illustrations in this vibrant story. The Latinx author and illustrator provides a nice combination of Spanish translations and detailed glimpses of the culture.
Weaknesses: There are no weaknesses, but this story will leave you wanting more.
Thoughts: This book is a beautiful way to engage young girls in conversation from the parental and educator prospective. It can even be use in therapeutic settings for those dealing with grief, relational issues, and separation. ​

Miller, Christopher David. Chef Toussaint. (2021). Dare to Be King Project.
Summary: Chef Toussaint Palmer is a 9-year-old boy who resides in Georgia and is passionate about cooking. His love for food is engrained in his family where the kitchen is referred to as a magical place. It all began with Nana and her sisters who were the successful owners of a soul food restaurant in Jackson, Mississippi. Nana’s love for homemade cornbread, peach cobbler and banana pudding are a few favorites that have been influential in shaping Toussaint’s’ family traditions. The smell of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg floating through the air is an aroma that entices the community where Toussaint is known as a cooking sensation.  Toussaint shares his delightful caramel apples with sixteen local restaurants to showcase his talent.  He also enters the local “Buckhead Cook-Off” a big competition in Atlanta where the top winner is featured on a magazine cover and wins a cash prize. Will Toussaint make his mark in this challenging competition? Are the recipes influenced by Nana enough to impress the judges? Will he be the youngest chef to ever win?
Strengths: This book mirrors the importance of community and family.  Toussaint emulates what he is exposed to as young boy which shapes his outlook without limitations.  He develops a sense of self and confidently takes on challenges while growing up in a healthy environment. His passion for cooking supports his drive that screams, “I can do anything!”.
Weaknesses: It would have been nice to hear or see how Toussaint interacts with others his age somewhere in the story.
Thoughts: This book embraces ethnic pride through its content and illustrations. It is a book that will influence those who desire to become part of the culinary profession.  However, the impact of cooking is just the key storyline.  The overall message is one that has the potential to encourage young readers to dream big and to face the challenge of something new with confidence. ​

Rhodes Parker, Jewell. Ghost Boys. (2019). Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.  
Summary:  A single mistaken moment is all it took for 12-year-old Jerome a Chicagoan, to lose his life.  In hindsight his spirit never dies and becomes the voice of reason.  The voice of reason turns out to be a ghostly connection to the 1955 historical civil rights’ wrongful death of Emmett Till that took place in Mississippi.  Jerome who is a vibrant young boy and son to working class parents meets his fate when he is observed to have a gun. It turns out to be toy gun that unfortunately cost him his life.  In the afterlife Jerome develops a relationship with Emmett with whom he has multiple conversations with regarding wrongful death, racism, and law enforcement.  The big question is “Will the police officer who killed him confess and be truthful?”.  Jerome continues to be present in his ghostly state and recognizes how his family is coping.  He also becomes intrigued by his ability to tap into the thoughts of the police officers’ daughter.  In the end, how much influence will she truly have on her fathers’ decision to do the right thing?                       
Strengths: This is a wonderful presentation of “mistaken”.  Jerome’s afterlife is the life that truly makes this story memorable as it correlates to the life of Emmett Till.
Weaknesses: It will be helpful if the reader has had prior knowledge on the history of Emmett Till and the incident that took place in Mississippi in 1955. The book gives the reader some idea but the details will give them a better connection. 
Thoughts:  This is a clever way to engage students to talk about racism.  It also very ingenious that both Jerome and Emmett were victims who were born in Chicago, Illinois.
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Woodson, Jacqueline. Before the Ever After. (2020). Nancy Paulsen Books.
Summary: ZJ is a boy who loves his father. He enjoys the games and family gatherings that accompany the professional football career that he has been exposed to all his life.  He always felt on top and possessed a heart of gratitude about what his father Zachariah did for a living.  The relationship takes a pivotal turn when his father encounters an onset of illnesses that lead to a diagnosis because of his career.  ZJ is often confused and does not know how to interpret the signals or moods that he may experience with his father daily. ZJ refers to his father who he once saw as the world and how he wants to turn that world back around. How will ZJ cope with the ongoing challenges that have changed the lives of his family?
Strengths: Although, this heartfelt book has such a sad undertone the relationships are positive and interwoven throughout ZJ’s support system.
He has a healthy extended family and well-established friendships.
Weaknesses: The book moves quick and is such an easy read that you do not want it to end. 
Thoughts: The “verse” style of this book is appealing for the tween reader.  This a perfect storyline for those who aspire to be professional athletes.  It provides a real perspective on just one of the many illness that often leaves lives unchangeable.  
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Jackson, Tiffany. Grown. (2020). Kathern Tegen Books. ​
Summary: Everyone is a dreamer at some point in life.  Sixteen-year-old Enchanted Jones wants nothing more than to become a singer. She finally gets an opportunity after she convinces her mother to take a detour which is supposed to be a swim meet.  Instead, she is headed to an audition that might be her grand opportunity to showcase her vocal skills.  It is her turn next when she takes the stage and is noticed by the one and only R&B phenomenon Korey Fields.  Not only is he present, but instinctively notices Enchanted.  She is mesmerized by his greeting.  He also includes her parents by gracing them with celebrity introductions and later on monetary gifts. In a flash, Enchanted is receiving text messages from Korey informing her of ways to improve her singing but has an uncannily way of doing it.  He woos her into a dysfunctional web which is sticky and reveals who he truly is with fate lurking nearby. Will Enchanted make good choices?  How will she make a comeback?  Can she trust the people around her? Is she truly grown?
Strengths: Enchanted experiences several typical teen issues throughout the story.  She has healthy relationships with her family and friends that mimic the lives of so many. Prior, to her encounter with Korey, she is a happy teen trying to find her way.
Weaknesses: The family dynamics are a little complex.  It is hard to follow how supportive the grandmother was in a healthy aspect during Enchanted’s teen years.  She reflects on her as a memory at length throughout the story.  However, some of her appearances are questionable.
Thoughts: This story is a clear depiction of power and control.  It includes the elements of sexual abuse which often leads to trafficking. The content is heavy but realistic. It places emphasis on how prevalent this issue is in communities everywhere. The book also gives insight on how parenting is challenging. It shows moments of vulnerability when split decisions are made that have an adverse impact.
 
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Gonzalez, Sarai. Sarai and the Meaning of Awesome. (2018). Scholastic Inc.
Summary: Sarai is a fourth-grade student who loves her family.  She is proud of her parents who are both immigrants and reflects on their strengths even through transition.   She talks about celebrations and struggles that are part of the family journey including her extended family.  Sarai describes herself as awesome and refers to it as being super amazing!  Trouble arises when the home that her grandparents have rented for over twenty years will be sold.  Sarai becomes frantic but remains optimistic.  How can she help?  Will her cupcake business make enough money to save the home that all her family has found refuge in?
Strengths: This book is the face of how many immigrants thrive when transitioning to a new country. The content is relatable for students who have similar experiences. It allows them to make connections which could be extremely challenging especially for English Language Learners.
Weaknesses: The illustrations capture the reader’s attention; however, the cover is so vibrant it makes the black and white less favorable.
Thoughts: This is one of three books in the Sarai series. These books are great for students who are elevating from picture books to chapter books.  The storyline covers everything from assimilation to problem solving.  ​