Cursed from birth, Mendel Schlotz is the unluckiest kid in his village.He’s also the only one who can save it.Ask anyone—twelve-year-old Mendel can’t do anything right. When he tries to herd goats, they get out. When he tries to chop wood, he breaks the ax. It’s embarrassing to be called “Mendel the Mess Up,” but it’s worse to be so clumsy that he can’t even stand to read aloud without destroying the classroom. Nobody expects Mendel to keep out of trouble… least of all himself.But when the Cossacks invade Mendel’s remote Jewish village of Lintvint (famous for Lintvint kvatch, which is made from a very special ingredient), Mendel’s not the only one in trouble. When he slips away from the mountain caves where his fellow villagers are hiding, out of certainty he’ll find a way to make things worse if he’s around them, he discovers an unexpected opportunity to save the day. Mendel’s always been different because everything he does turns into disaster. Now, he’s the only one who can help the people who doubt him.Could Mendel’s bad luck be the key to saving Lintvint? Or will his plan to drive the Cossacks off go as badly as everyone—including him—expects?Sympathetic, funny, and warm, this fast-paced middle-grade graphic novel from a veteran Jewish comics star reminds young readers who feel just a little out of place in their world that sometimes our weaknesses can be our greatest strengths.

A girl and her dad move to a new town. And she’s determined to keep their traditions, no matter how busy Daddy is! A fun story about family, food, and good neighbors!Every Friday, Emi and her Papi made churros for the entire familia. Now in their new apartment in the big city, Papi is always working, and there are no churros, and no familia, on Fridays. Until, Emi smells something sweet and delicious coming from her neighbor Señora Luisa’s apartment.Emi has an idea! Maybe she can make churros after all, with a little help. From Señora Luisa, she can borrow flour. Tomas in 312 has sugar. Marisol in 512 has a piping tip. Soon Emi’s apartment is filled with the scent of fresh churros, new foods, and new friends! A story of food and community, Fridays Are for Churros celebrates old traditions becoming new, and strangers becoming friends.

In the vein of Grumpy Monkey and Unicorns Are the Worst!, this hilarious picture book introduces the adorable quokka, who—despite his ever-present smile—is definitely not as happy as he looks!With its bright eyes, puffy cheeks, and beaming smile, the quokka is clearly the happiest animal on earth. Or is it? This quokka is here to tell you…he is not happy! At least not all the time. Just like everyone else, he can be sulky, or sorry, or sad; but you’d never know from the look on his face! So, what’s a moody marsupial to do when he’s being misunderstood? Teach every other animal from kangaroos to koalas not to judge a critter by its cover!

A stunning account of the Sacred Stone Camp’s first day, where Indigenous activist LaDonna BraveBull Allard gathered water protectors to protest the Dakota Access PipelineThe land is sacred to the people. The people are sacred to the land.As Water Protectors gather to defend the water and protect the land against a black snake that threatens the rivers that millions of people depend on, a young girl looks to her Unci LaDonna and Lala Miles who are leading the way to the camp.Although she’s nervous about what might happen next, she finds strength from her family and the strangers all coming together to stand up for what’s right. Written with love by Rae Rose, who shares many memories with LaDonna, this is a deeply moving tribute to LaDonna’s work and impact with stunning watercolor illustrations by Aly McKnight.

This picture book is a celebration of Indian heritage, father-daughter relationships, and sharing with community. Includes a foreword by renowned chef José Andrés, and one of the author’s own recipes.A young girl named Monica shares special time with her father as they prepare her favorite dish in this warm and inspiring picture book for kids ages 3-7.Monica loves the Butter Chicken that her father makes. She spends the day helping him in the kitchen as he prepares the dish, stirring the sauce and adding the spices. And while the chicken bakes, the two dance around the kitchen.When the chicken is done, they get ready to sit down and enjoy the meal together. But then the doorbell rings, and Grandma, Monica’s uncles, and even the neighbors arrive to share in the feast!A warm and inspiring story of food, family, community, and sharing that includes a foreword by renowned chef José Andrés, and one of the author’s own recipes.

The child is scared, but will not be afraid. She believes in a higher power watching over them, keeping them safe–her astronaut. As she narrates, readers get a tender glimpse into a life on the front lines, one filled with love and trauma, fear and hope. A much needed perspective from Ukrainian author and illustrator.

A great American sport and Native American history come together in this true story for middle grade readers about how Jim Thorpe and Pop Warner created the legendary Carlisle Indians football team, from New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Award recipient Steve Sheinkin.“Sheinkin has made a career of finding extraordinary stories in American history.” ―The New York Times Book ReviewA Boston Globe-Horn Book Nonfiction Honor BookA New York Times Notable Children’s BookA Washington Post Best BookUndefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team is an astonishing underdog sports story―and more. It’s an unflinching look at the U.S. government’s violent persecution of Native Americans and the school that was designed to erase Indian cultures. Expertly told by three-time National Book Award finalist Steve Sheinkin, it’s the story of a group of young men who came together at that school, the overwhelming obstacles they faced both on and off the field, and their absolute refusal to accept defeat.Jim Thorpe: Super athlete, Olympic gold medalist, Native AmericanPop Warner: Indomitable coach, football mastermind, Ivy League gradBefore these men became legends, they met in 1907 at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, where they forged one of the winningest teams in American football history. Called “the team that invented football,” they took on the best opponents of their day, defeating much more privileged schools such as Harvard and the Army in a series of breathtakingly close calls, genius plays, and bone-crushing hard work.This thoroughly-researched and documented book can be worked into multiple aspects of the common core curriculum.“Along with Thorpe’s fascinating personal story, Sheinkin offers a thought-provoking narrative about the evolution of football and the development of boarding schools such as the Carlisle Indian School.” ―The Washington PostAlso by Steve Sheinkin:Bomb: The Race to Build―and Steal―the World’s Most Dangerous WeaponThe Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism & TreacheryMost Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam WarThe Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil RightsWhich Way to the Wild West?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn’t Tell You About Westward ExpansionKing George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn’t Tell You About the American RevolutionTwo Miserable Presidents: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn’t Tell You About the Civil WarBorn to Fly: The First Women’s Air Race Across America

In this whimsical picture book, a misunderstood girl with overwhelming emotions creates an origami boat and journeys to sea where she can feel free. Fans of Where the Wild Things Are will adore this fantastical tale of big feelings and boundless imagination.”Nunu reminds all of us that emotions can feel as big and as vast as the sea–if we hold tightly and sail on, the way forward becomes clear.”–Cori Doerrfeld, author-illustrator of The Rabbit Listened”A powerful journey through the highs and lows of emotions, reminding us all of the strength found in rebuilding ourselves.”–Cindy Derby, Caldecott honoreeNunu doesn’t understand, so when her emotions feel too big for her, she makes her boat out of paper origami and sails away. Out at sea, she navigates somewhere new and with the help of her origami friends, she is able to mend what is broken and find her way home.With exquisite, immersive illustrations, this near-wordless picture book is an ode to big emotions, origami, and the hope inside all of us.

FOUR STARRED REVIEWS! Beautifully illustrated with a cloth-like spine, this imaginative picture book shares an Inuk child’s experience with gratitude and celebrates family connections from the newest siblings to cherished Elders.A young boy, Kalluk, leaves his camp to tell his grandmother that his mother is about to have a baby. Along the way, Kalluk meets different animals and he asks them why they are so happy. The rabbits say they love to be fast enough to outrun the fox and clever enough to know when to hide. They are happy to protect each other from the winter wind: “I’d give you my tail if I could!” they say. A mother fox tells the boy her pups make her happy (and her pups say their mother makes them happy: “We would give her our tails if we could!” they say. Even the river and the wind have reasons to be happy. Kalluk’s encounters with nature make him reflect on his gratitude for all it provides.On the trip back, Kalluk and his grandmother talk about happiness, peace and choices. They speak to the ravens and get a lift from the wind right to Kalluk’s doorstep. And waiting inside is a new baby sister! Holding her in his arms, Kalluk discovers a new reason to be thankful.

Learning new words and phrases has never been so fun–and funny! Taro Gomi introduces toddlers to first words in unforgettable ways: From flowers to a face, to greetings and games, this one-of-a-kind collection not only provides first-word basics but a fresh and fun-filled approach all while letting the youngest of readers “travel” to Japan through its pages. At once a first word and phrases primer and an introduction to new people and places, this content-rich collection will be treasured by kids and caregivers alike. A STAND-OUT GIFT: Just right for birthdays, baby showers, and any giving occasion! A one-of-a-kind art style and unique take on a first-words book for toddlers and babies make this collection a must-have as well as a treasured keepsake. TARO IS THE BEST TEACHER: From Everyone Poops to I Know Numbers!, kids love learning from Taro Gomi! With quirky and expressive illustrations paired with first words and phrases, young children will build their vocabulary while learning about the exciting world around them. PACKED WITH HUMOR: With Taro Gomi’s attention to detail, each page captures countless laugh-out-loud moments sure to make this book a fan favorite. FOCUS ON FIRST WORDS AND FEELINGS: This book is a powerful and important springboard, modeling first words and providing important social-emotional learning by allowing kids to talk about their emotions and inner life. Perfect for: Fans of Taro Gomi’s Everyone Poops and other bestselling children’s books Gift givers seeking a book for babies and toddlers who are starting to learn new words Teachers and librarians looking for fun, engaging books that teach children a wide variety of words Readers of Richard Scarry books, First 100 Words, and other popular alphabet and early learning books for kids