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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DOÑA FELA’S DREAM: THE STORY OF PUERTO RICO’S FIRST FEMALE MAYOR, by Monica Brown and Rosa Ibarra, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Learn the story of Puerto Rico’s first female mayor in Doña Fela’s Dream, written by Monica Brown and illustrated Rosa Ibarra.

Though she was born before women on her island were allowed to vote, Felisa Rincón de Gautier did not let that stop her from becoming the first female mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1946. Easily spotted on the streets of San Juan by her flair and the jasmine flowers braided into her hair, she radiated style and grace. Doña Fela, as she affectionately came to be called, loved her city.

Doña Fela was always ready to listen to problems and find solutions. With determination and resilience, she brought lasting change to the island. Doña Fela’s inspiring story as a visionary leader is brought to life on the page through stunning paintings that evoke the vibrant colors and culture of Puerto Rico. —Synopsis provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Doña Fela’s Dream tells the story of a trailblazing woman that is often overlooked in discussions of how Latin American figures have shaped our country. To be honest, I was a history major, and I had no idea who Doña Fela was before reading this book. And now I want to know even more. The same holds true for my 10-year-old, who loves biographies.

It’s easy to see how Doña Fela’s Dream would appeal to lots of young readers, especially girls. The idea that Doña Fela believed love, not just politics, that got things done resonates.

Author Monica Brown’s text is clear and inviting. And illustrator Rosa Ibara’s oil on canvas paintings set the tone. Her use of color and patterns truly give readers a sense of what Puerto Rico is like.

Doña Fela’s Dream is a fascinating nonfiction picture book that is sure to inspire.

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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ODE TO GRAPEFRUIT: HOW JAMES EARL JONES FOUND HIS VOICE, by Kari Lavelle and Bryan Collier, Knopf Books for Young Readers, July 30, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

Ode to Grapefruit: How James Earl Jones Found His Voice tells the story of how the famous actor overcame his stuttering to become one of the best-known voices in the world.

Before there was Mufasa…Before there was Darth Vader… There was a young boy names James Earl Jones, who spoke with a stutter and dreaded having to talk in class.

Whenever James tried to voice his thoughts, his words got stuck in his throat. But James figured out a solution for his shame: if he didn’t speak, he wouldn’t stutter.

And so he was silent…until he wrote his own poem, Ode to Grapefruit, and found a love for poetry.

Lyrical text, stunning art, and compelling backmatter about stuttering pair together for a remarkable picture book about how a boy who refused to speak for eight years learned to manage his stutter through poetry—and grew up to become an EGOT-winning performer with a voice few could forget. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

James Earl Jones has a voice you never forget. Whether you first hear it in The Lion King or Star Wars or even The Sandlot, you can’t help but stop whatever you’re doing and listen.

When James was young, his stutter made him silent, but when he found the rhythm and meaning behind words, he was able to find his voice.

Author Kari Lavelle’s prose is such that you feel the weight behind it. You can almost hear James say the words. It, too, has a smooth cadence to it. Artist Bryan Collier’s watercolor and collage illustrations have a lovely texture, perfectly pairing with the text.

Excellent backmatter includes further information about James Earl Jones through author and illustrator notes and information about stuttering.

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 SECRET GARDENS OF FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT, by Angelica Shirley Carpenter and Helena Pérez García, Bushel & Peck Books, July 23, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Discover the story of one of the most beloved children’s book authors in The Secret Gardens of Frances Hodgson Burnett, by Angelica Shirley Carpenter and Helena Pérez García.

Frances Hodgson Burnett―best known for writing The Secret Garden, Little Lord Fauntleroy, and The Little Princess―had a difficult childhood, losing her father when she was very young and moving with her family from England to Tennessee in hopes of a better life.

She’d been making up stories her entire life but didn’t try to write professionally until she was a teenager to help feed her family. Her first submissions to a magazine were published and she eventually became well known all over the world. —Synopsis provided by Bushel & Peck Books

The Secret Gardens of Frances Hodgson Burnett is a gorgeous picture book that immediately catches your eye. From the cut-out keyhole cover to the collage-style front papers, you know this book is something special from the beginning.

Author Angelica Shirley Carpenter sets the stage early:

Fanny Hodgson lived in an ordinary house in and ordinary English village. The inside was ordinary. The sofa and chairs and nursery were ordinary.
 
But Fanny Hodgson wasn’t ordinary.
 
With a blink of her eye, fairies filled the rosebushes.
 
With the wave of her hand, elephants and tigers prowled the lilacs.
 
From under the apple tree, clouds became moving maps of islands and mountains.
 
Fanny could imagine anything.

 Carpenter’s engaging prose invites readers to explore a story of imagination and hope. Illustrator Helena Pérez García’s vibrant artwork helps you step back into a different time and place. Extensive backmatter includes more about Frances Hodgson Burnett, a timeline, list of selected works for children and adults, a bibliography, and keys to cultivating your own imagination.

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 MIND OF HER OWN: THE STORY OF MYSTERY WRITER AGATHA CHRISTIE, by Robyn McGrath and Liz Wong, Beach Lane Books, May 28, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (Ages 5-10)

Learn about detective novelist Agatha Christie in A Mind of Her Own: The Story of Mystery Writer Agatha Christie, by Robyn McGrath and Liz Wong.

Before Agatha Christie became the greatest mystery writer of all time, she was a girl who loved books, make-believe, and puzzling out problems. She was a keen observer, always noticing the secrets hiding in the shadows and the clues just waiting to be uncovered. More than anything, Agatha loved detective stories. She longed to write her own mysteries, but she struggled when she put pen to paper. The letters came out jumbled, the words twisting and snagging. Writing became a new puzzle for her to solve.

Her family and teachers chided her for being lost in her head, but Agatha wasn’t lost…she had a mind of her own! —Synopsis provided by Beach Lane

When my daughter was in third grade, she asked me if she could read Agatha Christie books. I told she’d have to wait a year, and she now has The Mysterious Affair at Styles on her bookshelf. She’s fascinated by anything Agatha Christie, and has read A Mind of Her Own multiple times. Like so many readers before her, Christie’s work calls to her.

Author Robyn McGrath’s present tense prose adds an immediacy to A Mind of Her Own. It’s a treatment that pairs well with the biography of arguably one of the most famous mystery authors of all time. Though well researched, A Mind of Her Own feels almost conversational, drawing readers in.

Illustrator Liz Wong listened to Christie’s audiobooks while working on the art for A Mind of Her Own. This inspired Wong to include references to her life and novels in the illustrations. It’s a nice touch to her already engaging illustrations.

Backmatter includes more about Christie; author and illustrator notes; mystery vocabulary; and a bibliography.

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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WAT KEPT PLAYING: THE INSPIRING STORY OF WATARU MISAKA AND HIS RISE TO THE NBA, by Emily Inouye Huey and Kaye Kang, Shadow Mountain, March 5, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 3-8)

Learn about the first person of color to play in the NBA in Wat Kept Playing: The Inspiring Story of Wataru Misaka and His Rise to the NBA, by Emily Inouye Huey and Kaye Kang

As the child of Japanese immigrants, Wataru “Wat” Misaka often felt like he didn’t fully belong in either Japanese or American culture. He was sometimes excluded, treated differently, and bullied, even though he was born in the United States. As he grew up, however, Wat discovered he had a very special talent for playing basketball. Even at just five foot seven, he was unstoppable.

After leading his high school team to a state championship, Wat played for the Utah Utes and helped the team win the 1944 NCAA championship. Wat kept playing even as Japanese Americans from the West Coast were sent to incarceration camps for the duration of World War II. Then, after two years serving in the United States Army, Wat returned to basketball, leading the University of Utah to Madison Square Garden and winning another national championship. The cheering crowd recognized Wat the way he wanted to be seen — as a person who was both Japanese and American and an amazing basketball player. Talent scouts from the New York Knicks were so impressed, they drafted Wat to their team. Wat’s undeniable talent changed history as he became the first person of color to play in the NBA. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

Wat Kept Playing is an inspiring story of determination and grit in the face of racism. Author Emily Inouye Huey captures Wat’s drive with clear text that drives the story forward. And illustrator Kaye Kang’s use of space and silhouettes expertly conveys emotion. This is a book that will appeal to a large cross-section of readers — fans of history, basketball, WWII, etc. It’s a compelling picture book biography.

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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Guts for Glory: The Story of Civil War Soldier Rosetta Wakeman, by Joanna Lapati, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Feb. 27, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 7-12)

Learn about one of the women who secretly served as soldiers during the Civil War in Guts for Glory: The Story of Civil War Soldier Rosetta Wakeman, by Joanna Lapati.

In 1862, the war between North and South showed no signs of stopping. In rural New York, 19-year-old Rosetta Wakeman longed for a life beyond the family farm. One day she made a brave, bold choice: she cut her braid and disguised herself as a man. No one suspected that “Lyons” was a woman—not even when she signed up to fight for the Union. As Rosetta’s new regiment traveled to Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Louisiana, she sent letter after letter home to New York. Army life wasn’t easy, but Rosetta knew it was where she belonged— supporting her family and serving her country. —Synopsis provided by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

In 2000, author Joanna Lapati began researching women soldiers who served in the Civil War. During that research, she came cross The Uncommon Soldier, by Lauren Cook Burgess. That sparked a 12-year interest and inspired Guts for Glory.

Private Rosetta “Lyons” Wakeman’s letters are the only ones written by female soldiers to survive and offer a unique point of view. Lapati includes excerpts in this picture book biography.

Lapati’s writing is smooth and accessible and forms a framework for her gorgeous illustrations, which she crafted out in scratchboard. These intricate illustrations are full of texture and movement, providing a look that echoes the time period in which they are set.

Lapati’s extensively researched book is presented in chronological order and follows Rosetta’s time in service. Rosetta died June 19, 1864, from dysentery. Excellent backmatter includes glossaries, author’s note, a timeline and more about Rosetta and the Civil War.

Guts for Glory is one of those books to which young readers will instantly be drawn.

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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MAMIE TAPE FIGHTS TO GO TO SCHOOL: Based on a True Story, by Traci Huahn and Michelle Jing Chan, Crown Books for Young Readers, May 7, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)

Learn the true story of how children of Chinese heritage earned the right to attend public school in Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School, Traci Huahn and Michelle Jing Chan.

Mamie’s mom always reminded her a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So, when Mamie wanted to go to school, even though Chinese children weren’t allowed, she took her first step and showed up anyway. When she was turned away at the schoolhouse door, she and her parents took another step: they sued the San Francisco school board…and won! Their case Tape v. Hurley made its way up to the California Supreme Court, which ruled that children of Chinese heritage had the right to a free public-school education. But even then, Mamie’s fight wasn’t over.

Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School is the story of one young changemaker’s steps on the long journey to end school segregation in California. It began with a single step. —Synopsis provided by Crown Books for Young Readers

In 1885, the California Supreme Court ruled in Tape v. Turley that all children, including those of Chinese heritage, had the right to a free public-school education in California. It was a victory laced with disappointment for Mamie Tape and her family. Though Mamie could attend school, the state could still segregate her from white students. Still, the ruling changed the lives of thousands of children.

Though some details of Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School are imagined, the steps her family took are true. Author Traci Huahn paged through the original legal documents, read books, journals, government reports and newspaper articles about Mamie’s case. Huahn also interviewed several of Mamie’s living relatives and listened to a recorded interview with Mamie when she was 96.

Huahn took all that information and boiled it down into an engaging first-person narrative that follows the highs and lows Mamie faced. She includes further information in an epilogue and author’s note. Illustrator Michelle Jing Chan adds context through expressive images.

Mamie Tape Fights to Go to School is a fascinating read that will inspire young readers to make change in their own communities.

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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NOT YET: THE STORY OF AN UNSTOPPABLE SKATER, by Hadley Davis, Zahra Lari, Sara Alfageeh, Orchard Books, Feb. 6, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

A universal story about courage and determination that is loosely based on the life of five-time Emirati National Champion, Zahra Lari, who was the first figure skater to compete internationally in a hijab.

After watching an ice-skating movie, young Zahra sets her mind to learn how to ice skate even though her family and friends doubt her abilities. After all, she’s too old to learn, the rink is too cold, and figure skaters don’t look like her… not yet at least! Illustrated with Sara Alfageeh’s energetic lines and colors that pop right off the page, we follow Zahra’s story as she glides across the floors of her house in her socks all the way to the ice rink… and as she repeatedly says ”not yet” to naysayers — including herself — who try to convince her to stop pursuing her dream. An inspiring tale of self-empowerment and perseverance as we see the refrain — not yet — grow from a low, meek mumble to a mantra and promise filled with determination. —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books

LOVE IS IN THE AIR: THE STORY OF AVIATION PIONEER NANCY HARKNESS LOVE, by Dee Romito and Vivian Mineker, Aladdin, Sept. 26, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Take off with Nancy Harkness Love, first female pilot to serve in the Army Air Forces and founder of the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) during World War II, in this picture book biography perfect for readers of Fly, Girl, Fly! or Fearless Flyer.

In 1930, when Nancy Harkness was sixteen years old, she took a ride in a biplane and fell in love with flight. But at that time, women weren’t encouraged to pursue careers in aviation.

Despite the barriers, Nancy took to the air and earned her pilot’s license. She continued to fly in college, becoming known as “The Flying Freshman.” After traveling to Boston for a job, she met her future husband and fellow pilot, Bob Love, and began her official career in aviation, eventually becoming director of the WAFS during World War II.

By pursuing her dreams, Nancy paved the way for other female pilots to soar. —Synopsis provided by Aladdin

YOU ARE A STAR, JANE GOODALL, by Dean Robbins and Hatem Aly, Scholastic Press, April 4, 2023, Paperback, $8.99 (ages 5-7)

It’s Jane Goodall like you’ve never seen her before!

Using a unique mix of first-person narrative, hilarious comic panels, and essential facts, Dean Robbins introduces young readers to an scientific trailblazer. The second book in an exciting new nonfiction series, You Are a Star, Jane Goodall focuses on Jane’s lifelong mission to understand the chimpanzees and protect the planet.

Hatem Aly’s spot-on comic illustrations bring this icon to life, and engaging back matter instructs readers on how to be more like Jane! —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press

SMARTY MARTY TAKES THE FIELD: A PICTURE BOOK, by Amy Gutierrez, Anika Orrock, Alyssa Nakken (Afterword), Harry N. Abrams, March 19, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 6-9)

Smarty Marty Takes the Field is an inspiring picture book from Emmy Award-winning sports journalist Amy Gutierrez—better known as Amy G—and award-winning author/illustrator Anika Orrock about the courage it takes to break down gender barriers in the world of sports and beyond.

Having proven her baseball chops in Smarty Marty’s Got Game, this time Marty is making a play for manager, something no girl has ever done in her town’s Little League history. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks she can do it, but a chance encounter with a very special trailblazer gives her the courage to turn her fear into opportunity.

Complete with plenty of baseball knowledge and go-get-’em-girl empowerment and a special interview with Alyssa Nakken, this story is sure to inspire young readers to ask themselves, “If not you, who?” —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF SKATEBOARDING: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE WITH OLYMPIC MEDALIST SKY BROWN, by Sky Brown and Shaw Davidson, Magic Cat, March 26, 2024, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 6-10)

Drop into the beginner’s guide The Life-Changing Magic of Skateboarding, with secrets from world champion Sky Brown!

Meet Sky Brown, the youngest person to win a medal in skateboarding at the Olympics and discover how she fell in love with the sport. Then, give it a try yourself as she offers tips to get you started.

Learn how to start . . . and stop. Then follow along as Sky takes you through ollies, kick turns, nose grabs, and more.

This practical biographical handbook features:

• • • A joy-filled introduction to the sport of skateboarding presented in an engaging graphic-novel style
    • Practical tips and inspiration from Sky Brown
    • Illustrated step-by-step instructions of basic and advanced skateboarding tricks
    • Advice on safety and how to get back up after a fall —Synopsis provided by Magic Cat

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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GIFTS FROM GEORGIA’S GARDEN: HOW GEORGIA O’KEEFFE NOURISHED HER ART, by Lisa Robinson and Hadley Hooper, Neal Porter Books, March 19, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Gifts from Georgia’s Garden: How Georgia O’keeffe Nourished Her Art, by Lisa Robinson and Hadley Hooper, is a celebration of art.

Most of us have heard the name Georgia O’Keeffe— she’s one of the most famous women in art history. But did you know that for most of her life, she lived on her own land in New Mexico, grew her own food, bought locally, and even made her own clothing?

Georgia’s garden and her art fed and enriched one another, just as her bean plants enriched the soil and her home-grown feasts fed her friends. In spite of the era’s prejudice against female artists, Georgia lived and thrived in her verdant sanctuary well into old age.

Gifts from Georgia’s Garden illuminates the life and philosophy of a figure every child should know. Backmatter adds context to O’Keeffe’s story and invites families to try out her sustainable gardening techniques— and her pecan butterball cookies. —Synopsis provided by Neal Porter Books

“To Georgia, everything was art, and art was everything.”

Author Lisa Robinson tells Georgia’s story through often-sparse text is lyrical in its phrasing. Her text mirrors Georgia’s paintings in its elegance and simplicity. Artist Hadley Hooper’s beautiful illustrations pay homage to the artist while remaining unique. An excellent section at the back offers more about Georgia, discusses sustainable gardening, and features Georgia’s Pecan Butterballs recipe.

Gifts from Georgia’s Garden is a fascinating picture book biography that will especially appeal to budding artists and horticulturists.

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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