The Spice Box

Because his grandmother is arriving from India, Rishi wants to cook curry alongside his dad using the flavors from his family’s special spice box, but when he drops the box that holds the family’s heart and history, he draws courage and meaning from their treasured past to set things right.

Featured in WOW Review Volume XVII, Issue 1.

Mango Memories

Every summer, the branches of a little girl’s favorite tree droops heavy with mangoes. And this year, she is finally old enough to help her family harvest them. Her brother shares a memory about his first time mango picking: his father holding him steady as he reached high above for the fruit. But when the girl climbs the tree, she becomes too dizzy. Then her grandma shares a mango memory: learning, many years ago, to toss a stone that knocked the fruit from the branches. But when the girl throws her stone, she keeps missing. How can this little heroine create her own mango memory if she can’t even pick a mango?

As The Seas Rise: Nicole Hernández Hammer And The Fight For Climate Justice

A picturebook biography of environmental scientist and activist Nicole Hernandez Hammer, who was recognized by former First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2015 State of the Union address for her efforts to educate people about climate change and its disproportionate impact on communities of color.

This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.

Daughter Of the Light-Footed People: The Story Of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez

From the copper canyons of Mexico her swift footsteps echo. Clip clap, clip clap. Experience a 60-mile run with Indigenous athlete Lorena Ramirez, who captured the world’s attention when she won an ultramarathon in Mexico wearing a skirt and rubber sandals — the traditional clothes of the Rarámuri, the light-footed people.

This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.

Featured in WOW Review Volume XVIII, Issue 1.

Where the Dark Stands Still

When attempting to rid herself of magic, 17-year-old Liska is captured by the demon warden of the spirit wood who offers her one year of servitude in exchange for any wish, but she soon discovers the sinister truth at the heart of their deal.

This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.

Frizzy

A middle grade graphic novel about Marlene, a young girl who stops straightening her hair and embraces her natural curls. Marlene loves three things: books, her cool Tía Ruby and hanging out with her best friend Camila. But according to her mother, Paola, the only thing she needs to focus on is school and “growing up.” That means straightening her hair every weekend so she could have “presentable”, “good hair”. But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn’t understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her. With a few hiccups, a dash of embarrassment, and the much-needed help of Camila and Tia Ruby—she slowly starts a journey to learn to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair.

The Very Best Sukkah: A Story From Uganda

Sukkot is Shoshi’s favorite Jewish holiday. She and her brothers love to decorate their sukkah, the hut where her family will celebrate. But who will win the Ugandan Abayudaya community’s annual sukkah contest? While only one sukkah can be the best, everybody wins when neighbors work together.

Featured in WOW Review Volume XVII, Issue 1.

The Dark Constellations

Un pequeño niño de los Andes nos llevara de la mano a través de sus recuerdos y experiencias a entender y apreciar, todo lo que el cielo de los ancestros puede reflejar en nuestra mirada.

A small child from the Andes will take us by the hand through his memories and experiences to understand and appreciate all that the sky of the ancestors can reflect in our gaze.

Dear Street

“Alice loves her neighborhood. She loves the maples trees and marigolds and the colorful balconies on her street. But — “grumble, grumble, more construction” — it seems not everyone does. “Poor street,” says Alice, then she has an idea. “Dear Street …” she begins to write, and when she’s finished writing her love letter, she hides it for someone to find. A grumpy neighbor discovers the anonymous letter and her mood brightens. As the seasons pass, Alice writes more letters to the things she loves, hiding them for people to find and transforming grumbles into smiles and wonder. Until one gloomy day, when Alice herself can’t stop grumbling … Lindsay Zier-Vogel perfectly captures the everyday joys and simple pleasures experienced by children, and the transformative capacity of sharing what we love about where we live. Alice, a girl full of compassion and optimism, demonstrates that a small, simple act can have a powerful impact on others and lead to a ripple effect. This is a delightful, uplifting picture book that celebrates community and connecting with others, and inspires readers to look around them in a more grateful and engaged manner.”–

Let’s Build A Dam!

“Siblings May, Lily, and Noah build a dam. Stone by stone, their dam grows higher and higher, until their creation attracts the attention of fishermen, pirates, and even the King and his fleet. The sky’s the limit, until Noah wants his stone back…Each page builds upon the previous scene as the children’s imaginations also grow. Children will delight in pointing out the changing details on each page as they laugh along to this picture book about the boundlessness of imagination and sibling friendship.” —