THIS IS HOW WE PLAY: A CELEBRATION OF DISABILITY AND ADAPTATION, by Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp, Kayla Harren, Dial Books, Sept. 24, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)

This Is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation, by Jessica Slice, Caroline Cupp, Kayla Harren, focuses on inclusion.

With love and adaptation, this is how we play! This read-aloud with an empowering refrain, from disability rights activists Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, demystifies and respects how disabled people and their families use adaptive, imaginative, and considerate play so everyone can join in the fun.

Back matter consists of a kid-friendly guide to thinking, learning, and talking about disability; a glossary of the different disabilities represented throughout the book; and a guide for grown-ups on ways to encourage discussions about disabilities with the children in their lives. Throughout, This Is How We Play centers, affirms, and encourages the disabled children and adults who are already doing the challenging work of advocating for themselves and finding strength in community. —Synopsis provided by Dial Books

This Is How We Play celebrates the fun and joy that can be had when adapting play to include everyone. The disabilities in this book range from ALS and Down syndrome to limb differences and Parkinson’s disease.

The text in the book has a rhythmic bounce to it that echoes the positive sentiment. And the bright illustrations are full of life and movement. Where This Is How We Play excels is showing disabilities across generations — kids, parents, grandparents, friends and beyond. We’ve had to make some of these adaptations in my own home, and it’s lovely to see them represented in a picture book. This is a must-have book for every library.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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MOUSETRONAUT SAVES THE WORLD: BASED ON A (PARTIALLY) TRUE STORY (THE MOUSETRONAUT SERIES), by Mark Kelly and C. F. Payne, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Sept. 10, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

Three mice are tasked with saving Earth from an asteroid in Mousetronaut Saves the World, by US Senator and retired NASA astronaut Mark Kelly and illustrator C.F. Payne.

An asteroid is hurtling toward Earth! To save the planet, the president calls on Meteor the Mousetronaut, and Meteor assembles his team: Flint the scientist and Luna the engineer. Can they divert the asteroid in time? —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

Mousetronaut Saves the World is the third book in Mark Kelly and C.F. Payne’s Moustronaut series, which was inspired by Kelly’s experiences as an astronaut.

This book is a fast-paced adventure that reads almost like a movie. In fact, it’s the type of book that practically begs to be read aloud. Younger audiences will love the pictures while more advanced readers will focus more on the finer elements of the plot. It would be fun to include it as part of a space unit in school or to give as a gift to your favorite future astronaut.

Extensive backmatter focuses on the space program, our planetary neighbors and the risk of an asteroid hitting Earth.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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A CONSTELLATION OF MINOR BEARS, by Jen Ferguson, Heartdrum, Sept. 24, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)

Three friends grapple with the fallout from a life-changing accident in A Constellation of Minor Bears, by Jen Feguson.

Before that awful Saturday, Molly used to be inseparable from her brother, Hank, and his best friend, Tray. The indoor climbing accident that left Hank with a traumatic brain injury filled Molly with anger.

While she knows the accident wasn’t Tray’s fault, she will never forgive him for being there and failing to stop the damage. But she can’t forgive herself for not being there either.

Determined to go on the trio’s postgraduation hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, even without Hank, Molly packs her bag. But when her parents put Tray in charge of looking out for her, she is stuck backpacking with the person who incites her easy anger. 

Despite all her planning, the trail she’ll walk has a few more twists and turns ahead. . .. —Synopsis provided by Heartdrum

A Constellation of Minor Bears is one of those books that will speak in some way to whomever reads it. Author Jen Ferguson tackles topics ranging from racism and body image to parental expectations and differing kinds of love.

The story unfolds from Molly and Traylor’s first-person accounts and Hank’s AITA (Am I The Asshole?) posts. These three unique voices are very personal, raw and real. These are well-developed main characters that are dealing with real-life implications. Their individual struggles with what they want for themselves and their friends makes for a compelling read.

Author Jen Ferguson has crafted a novel that ebbs and flows like the Pacific Crest Trail. She captures nature’s rugged beauty, making you feel like you are right on the trail next to Molly, Traylor and Hank.

A Constellation of Minor Bears isn’t a particularly fast-moving novel, but it’s one you want to stick with. It’s a story of self-discovery and connection that will resonate with many readers.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE MYSTERIOUS AFFAIR AT STYLES (Mini Mysteries), by Marci Kay Monson and Greg Paprocki, Gibbs Smith, Sept. 24, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles is adapted for young readers in Marci Kay Monson and Greg Paprocki’s new book by the same title.

The Mysterious Affair at Styles is Agatha Christie’s first detective novel (a cozy mystery―no violence or gore), and where she introduces her fictional detective Hercule Poirot. The story, set in England during World War I, is a true who-done-it full of mysterious characters and teasing clues.

Monson’s retelling of the original book captures the plot and distills it for children, gently ushering them into the literary world of Christie’s mysteries. Along with the story, there are activities, games, and puzzles throughout to help with children’s engagement, and might just foster a few budding detectives.

There is also a glossary of terms and French words. —Synopsis provided by Gibbs Smith

This retelling of The Mysterious Affair at Styles is the first in a series of interactive picture book “mini mysteries” for children. And it’s tons of fun.

Marci Kay Monson’s rhythmic text ushers in new information and further activities, which help them solve the mystery alongside Poirot. Artist Greg Paprocki’s playful illustrations are colorful and bright and perfectly matched to the text.

There are a number of novels for middle-readers that feature a young Agatha or are inspired by her works. My 10-year-old has a number of them and read the original The Mysterious Affair at Styles this past summer. She loves everything to do with Agatha Christie, and was excited about this picture book, even though she’s too old for it.

This is a great start to what looks to be a really fun new series.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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GUAVA AND GRUDGES, by Alexis Castellanos, Bloomsbury YA, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (young adult)

Two teens from rival Cuban bakeries find themselves falling for each other in Guava and Grudges, by Alexis Castellanos.

Ana Maria Ybarra dreams of becoming a pastry chef. She loves developing new and exciting Cuban-fusion treats in her family’s bakery, but her dad refuses to change the menu created by her abuelo decades ago-meanwhile, the rival bakery across the street, Morales Bakery, is thriving with their Instagram-famous desserts.

Ana Maria’s only hope to change her dad’s mind and save up for culinary school is winning a recipe competition with a social media angle. But then the ultimate distraction shows up in her small town: Miguel, a boy she spent one magical day with six months ago, and who she never thought she’d see again. Ana Maria thinks maybe fate has brought them together again-until she learns the horrible truth. Miguel is a Morales.

An Ybarra cannot be associated with a Morales, let alone fall for one. But when she finds out Miguel is behind the Moraleses’ viral success and he offers to help her with the competition, she is so desperate to win she can’t turn him down. All she needs to do is keep Miguel at arm’s length and make sure their families don’t find out. After all, teaming up with Miguel is just business and nothing more…right? —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury YA

Guava and Grudges has a little Romeo and Juliet vibe with family grudges not even allowing for simple friendships. In this version, though, there’s no deadly tragedy, only an appealing story that ends with the happily ever after you want from a romantic comedy.

The story unfolds from Ana Maria’s point of view, and she’s a likeable character. She comes across and smart and driven and devoted to her family. Miguel is less developed, but is the kind of guy you’d want your kid to date.

The third main character/s in Guava and Grudges are Ana Maria’s recipes. These delectable dishes are key to the story and so well developed, you can almost smell them through the pages of the book. It’s clear author Alexis Castellanos has a passion for baking, and she’s even included a recipe at the end.

Guava and Grudges is a fun YA rom-com that moves quickly. It’s a sweet romance that feels familiar and unique at the same time.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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LIBRARY GIRL, by Polly Horvath, Margaret Ferguson Books, Sept. 10, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 9-12)

A girl learns that the real world is not as perfect as the stories she’s grown up with in Library Girl, a middle-grade novel by Polly Horvath.

Essie has grown up in the public library, raised in secret by the four librarians who found her abandoned as a baby in the children’s department. With four mothers and miles of books to read, Essie has always been very happy living there.

But now that she is eleven, Essie longs for a little more freedom . . . and maybe a friend her own age. She seems to get her wish when her moms let her go by herself to the mall. On her second trip there, she meets G.E., a mysterious boy who looks so much like her she can’t help but think they may be twins. Maybe he was raised by four dads in the appliance section of the department store. Maybe his story is intertwined with hers, and their happy ending is as one big family. But as she gets to know G.E. better, she learns that nothing is as simple as it seems in her stories — not even her own past. —Synopsis provided by Margaret Ferguson Books

First things first: If you are a reader, or your kid is a reader, then you/they will immediately be drawn to Library Girl, both for its cover and title. And the content inside lives up to the cover.

Library Girl is a whimsical story that teeters on the edge of possible.

At the center of the book is Essie, a girl who is very much a product of her rearing — four moms and a library full of books have opened multiple worlds of possibilities. But the world beyond the library is as unexpected as one found in a new book, and Essie learns she must be the protagonist in her own life. Essie is bright and curious and a joy to get to know.

The plot of Library Girl is unexpected, especially a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. Author Polly Horvath’s writing is warm and inviting. And her own love of books sings throughout. This gentle adventure is a lovely story about what makes a family and discovering where you fit in that family and the world at large.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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AS EDWARD IMAGINED: A STORY OF EDWARD GOREY IN THREE ACTS, by Matthew Burgess and Marc Majewski, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

Learn about creative genius Edward Gorey in As Edward Imagined: A Story of Edward Gorey in Three Acts, by Matthew Burgess and Marc Majewski.

Discover the unique childhood and life of the enigmatic and eccentric Edward Gorey whose artwork and books had a profound impact on creators such as Neil Gaiman, Lemony Snicket, and Tim Burton.

Even as a young boy, readers learn that Edward constantly forged his own path, passions, and pursuits never forsaking his individuality for fame.This brilliant picture book biography is paired with a whimsical art style that captures the unrelenting creativity Edward brought to his playfully macabre creations. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

I’ve been a fan of Edward Gorey since I was a kid, and my older sister gave the three of us still living at home Amphigorey: Fifteen Books. The book fascinated me, and it was read on repeat. So, I was very excited to see a picture book biography about this beloved writer/illustrator.

As Edward Imagined follows Gorey’s life from childhood up until his death in April 2000. It explores his motivations, personal flair and how he lived “the life he imagined.”

Author Matthew Burgess brings Gorey to life with his expressive prose:

“At three and a half, Edward
taught himself to read.

His father gave him permission
to prowl his personal library,

and Edward stalked the shelves
like an inquisitive cat,
pawing this and reading that.”

It would have been easy for artist Marc Majewski to emulate Gorey’s style. Instead, his illustrations are acrylic paintings on paper that truly tell Gorey’s story rather than copy the artist’s work. Majewski captures Gorey’s free spirit and creativity.

As Edward Imagined is a joy to read. I plan on passing it on to my daughter along with a new copy of Amphigorey (the old one was worn out years ago) so that she can fully delve into Gorey’s life and work.

About the creators:

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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ALL THE WAYS TO GO, by Jessie Janowitz, Sourcebooks Young Readers, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 8-12)

A chess prodigy struggles to tell his mom he wants to quit the game in All the Ways to Go, a middle-grade novel by Jessie Janowitz.

Milo Bloom, chess prodigy, has a secret: he doesn’t want to play chess anymore. So, he blows a major tournament on purpose instead of telling anyone. If no one knows he wants to quit, then no one can be disappointed.   

The problem is, winning that tournament was a ticket to chess camp, and the loss means his summer plans are shot. Enter Roxie, a girl he’s never met, who shows up at his door to tell him he and his mom will be spending the summer at her house…what? 

Surprise! Before Milo knows what’s hit him, he’s living at Roxie’s house, where creepy cats rule, meat products are banned, and Roxie, who doesn’t seem to understand the concept of personal space, won’t give him a second alone.  

 But when Milo and Roxie stumble across two people playing a fascinating game they’ve never seen before, they become determined to learn the ancient game of Go. Between late-night library adventures and creating a Go club at their camp, Milo and Roxie form an unexpected friendship, but none of that matters if Milo can’t face his fears and tell his mom how he really feels. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Young Readers

Sometimes you’re really good at something, but your heart isn’t in it. Maybe you started out loving it, but something changes, making it a chore rather than a passion.

That’s what happens to Milo in All the Ways to Go. Milo’s life used to revolve around chess — the strategies, being in the zone. Chess is what defined him. Now, not so much. Milo’s predicament is relatable — both to kids and adults.

Milo is smart, likeable kid with a great dislike of cats. Roxie is the kind of kid that would get labeled “odd.” She doesn’t understand social cues and has a great love for cats. The two of them make for a compelling pair. And though Milo is the star of All the Ways to Go, Roxie is as equally well developed. There’s a large cast of supporting characters that really round out the story, providing humor and heart.

Go becomes a metaphor for real life as Milo and Roxie progress, learn and teach the game. I’d never heard of the game before, but author Jessie Janowitz explains it in such a way that it’s easy to follow.

All the Ways to Go is a quieter contemporary fiction novel. There are no explosions or magical wizards. Janowitz, however, creates a kind of magic of her own with a story about friendships, family and choosing your own path.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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I WANT TO READ ALL THE BOOKS, by Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A curious girl searches for the answers to all her questions in I Want to Read All the Books, by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Hana wants to know everything about the world around her. When she starts asking questions, her mother gives her a book. She learns so much, but now she has even more questions! She also has a big mission: she will read all the books—every single one! She reads every book in her house…and then her friends’ houses…and then the whole block. Nonfiction, fiction, romance, mysteries, and science fiction.

But when her mother takes her to the downtown library, she realizes there are a lot more books than she thought…way more. Maybe she can’t really read all the books—now what? —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

I Want to Read All the Books is a celebration of curiosity and reading.

Debbie Ridpath Ohi’s joyful story will appeal particularly to inquisitive kiddos who also want to know all the answers to all their questions. Ohi perfectly captures the love of reading through her expressive illustrations. And if you look closely, she provides little Easter eggs throughout. It’s the sort of book that will inspire kids to explore different options at the library, school or store.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE LIGHT OF HOME: A STORY OF FAMILY, CREATIVITY, AND BELONGING, by Diana Farid and Hoda Hadadi, Orchard Books, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (Ages 4-8)

A girl struggles to feel normal after being forced from her home in The Light of Home: A Story of Family, Creativity, and Belonging, by Diana Farid and Hoda Hadadi.

Nur has always loved her home by the sea, where water glimmers along a straight horizon. But when Nur and her family are forced to leave, they begin a long journey to an unfamiliar place. Here the horizon curves and twists, and the moonlight no longer glitters across the water. For Nur, nothing in this new place feels like home. 

Then one day, Nur’s mother brings her a new set of paintbrushes. Nur’s brushstrokes help her connect the place she’s lost to this new horizon, and she finds home again through her own creativity and heart. —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books

The Light of Home is a tender story of carrying home with us wherever we may go. Diana Farid explains this in her author’s note: “It honors how new places can feel unfamiliar and strange, but the same sky and the same light imbue the world, unbound by lines on a map. … when our art reflects the beauty of the different horizons we’ve encountered, we find the home that always beats within — the love in our own hearts.”

That sentiment is clear in Farid’s text, which has a gentle sway to it, particularly when read aloud. Artist Hoda Hadadi’s paper collage illustrations are full of movement and texture. Her use of color ties in perfectly with the emotions expressed throughout.

Though The Light of Home is the story of a family forced to move, it will resonate with any child who has had to leave familiar surroundings. The idea of using art and creativity to reconnect with the past while embracing the future is one to be celebrated. It’s a lovely read.

About the creators:

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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