There are few pleasures a librarian can experience to compare to rolling out a whole new list of fantastic publications for one and all to enjoy. This year the staff members serving on The 101 Great Books for Kids List Committee literally read hundreds and hundreds of publications printed for children between the ages of 0-12 in 2024. Here’s a peek:
After an entire year of work, we are pleased to present to you the fruits of our efforts. We urge you to stop by our library whenever we’re open to request any of the titles you would like to see. They represent some of the best books of the year and should not be missed.
For your convenience, here are the categories of the list:
Folk Tales, Fairy Tales, and Religious Tales
Picture Books
1. Being Home by Traci Sorell, ill. Michaela Goade
“Today is moving day!” A happy tale of one Cherokee family’s relocation from the city to their ancestral lands. An buoyant look at a “change in tempo.” Call Number: JPicture Sorel.T
2. Dance Fast by AR Cribbins
Bizzy cannot WAIT to make her own dance regalia dress for an upcoming ceremony. But what happens when a mistake in it is evident to everyone? A great Pomo tale on how perfection is the enemy of good. Call Number: JPicture Cribb.A
3. The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
Why should books with stories get all the fun? A jealous dictionary attempts to tell a tale, with incredibly disastrous results. A truly original delight of a tale. Call Number: JPicture Jeffe.O
4. Emma, Full of Wonders by Elisha Cooper
Do dogs dream? Emma does. Little dreams that culminate in a great big dream she can share. Call Number: JPicture Coope.E
5. Exactly As Planned by Tao Nyeu
Moose and Fox are about to have tea together and each wants to make something special for the other. Read one story two different ways, and watch how things don’t always go according to plan. Call Number: JPicture Nyeu.T
6. Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo
This completely wordless tale tells the story of one little immigrant girl and the ways that food ties her to her memories. Evocative, engulfing art tells a story of empathy and delicious dumplings. Call Number: JPicture Mo.C
7. I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff, ill. Julie Kwon
Jack knocks down Zoe’s block castle and now has to write an apology. It does not go well. Will Jack ever learn how to write a real apology? Touching and hilarious by turns. Call Number: JPicture Lukof.K
8. Jam, Too? by JaNay Brown-Wood, ill. Jacqueline Alcántara
A rhythmic jam-session is brought to life on the page! When an impromptu drum circle appears on the beach, a drumless kid yearns to join. Rhyme, rhythm, and song combine in this upbeat tale. Call Number: JPicture Brown.J
9. The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker
In a flooded world, a single giant robot works hard to save all the animals it can find. Wall-E meets Noah’s Ark in this magnificent, wordless tale. Call Number: JPicture Becke.A
10. My Block Looks Like by Janelle Harper, ill. Frank Morrison
“My block looks like a collision of cultures / a melting pot of cool.” A young girl pays homage to her city on pages that spring to life. A book that crackles with heart, heat, and energy. Call Number: JPicture Harpe.J
11. My Daddy Is a Cowboy by Stephanie Seales, ill. C.G. Esperanza
When everyone’s asleep, before the sun has even risen, a girl and her daddy ride their horses through the city. A beautiful father/daughter story infused with some serious horse-love. Call Number: JPicture Seale.S
12. Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear, ill. Gracey Zhang
Who can make towering piles of noodles and deliver them with acrobatic speed and agility every day? The demae of Japan, of course! A love letter to these skilled workers of the past. Call Number: JPicture Macle.K
13. Pretty Ugly by David Sedaris, ill. Ian Falconer
You know that old saying not to make faces or one might stick that way? Anna Van Ogre finds this out the hard way, but fortunately comes up with a truly disgusting solution in this twisted take on finding beauty within. Call Number: JPicture Sedar.D
14. A Star Shines Through by Anna Desnitskaya
“We left for another country. It’s not like home here.” A girl and her mother leave everything behind to start a new life. A beautifully wrought tale of immigration and making a new home. Call Number: JPicture Desni.A
15. Terrible Horses by Raymond Antrobus, ill. Ken Wilson-Max
A little brother adores his older sister but when they clash he writes stories of terrible horses and the pony they ignore. An amazing inclusive story of sibling love and frustration. Call Number: JPicture Antro.R
16. That Always Happens Sometimes by Kiley Frank, ill. K-Fai Steele
This humorous and empathetic tribute to neurodivergent children features Max, a well-meaning kid whose life may be messy but ultimately leads to a creative triumph. Call Number: JPicture Frank.K
17. Touch the Sky by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, ill. Chris Park
Vern loves to swing, but doesn’t know how to pump yet. Why is it so hard to learn? It takes a patient friend like Gretchen to set Vern on the right path. Call Number: JPicture Lucia.S
18. We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang
A group of someones has crashed in Mr. Li’s field and they are quick to assure him that they are “definitely” human. A hilarious and strangely touching story of helping strangers in need. Call Number: JPicture Fang.X
19. What’s New, Daniel? by Micha Archer
When Daniel visits the park he discovers that many of his animal friends have changed. And Daniel has changed, too! The collage work in this charmer astounds. Call Number: J Picture Arche.M
20. The Yellow Bus by Loren Long
“There was once a bright yellow bus who spent her days driving.” The life cycle of a familiar vehicle, and the changes she witnesses as her town grows older too. Call Number: JPicture Long.L
Fairytales, Folktales, & Religious Tales
21. Godfather Death by Sally Nicholls, ill. Júlia Sardà
In this adaptation of a lesser-known Grimm fairy tale, a poor fisherman sets out to find an honest godfather for his new baby and ends up recruiting Death for the role. But what happens when you try to cheat Death out of a deal? Call Number: x398.20943 Nicho.S
22. The Good Game by Arihonni David
When two of the smallest animals in the forest want to play lacrosse, or Twewa’á:raton, with the other animals, they are told they are too small. It takes a bit of ingenuity to make them worthy opponents in this traditional Akwesasne tale. Call Number: JBegin David.A
23. Kadooboo! A Silly South Indian Folktale by Shruthi Rao, ill. Darshika Varma
Leaving his friend Anya’s house with a delicious bag of kadooboo, Kabir just can’t remember its name. Is it book-oo-doo or dub-oo-koo or duck-oo-boo? A fun and silly read aloud with a surprise ending. Call Number: JPicture Rao.S
24. Mythical Monsters of Greenland: A Survival Guide by Maria Bach Kreutzmann, ill. Maria Bach Kreutzmann and Coco Apunnguaq Lynge
What do you do if a tupilak is sent to attack you? What if your sled dog is an inorruit? How do you escape an ikusik? Get the low down on a wide variety of ancient creatures, from the fascinating to frightening. Call Number: x398.209982 Kreut.M
25. Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu by Ying Chang Compestine, ill. Crystal Kung
Why learn dancing and embroidery when you can learn cooking instead? When Princess Ra Pu Zel locks herself in a tower rather than doing boring princess stuff, it takes some pungent tofu to lure her out once more. Call Number: JPicture Compe.Y
26. The Slug and the Snail by Oein DeBhairduin, ill. Olya Anima
Once, when there were only slugs and no snails, two slug siblings met a crow that demanded to know where they made their home. A Mincéirí about assumptions and “home.” Call Number: JPicture Debha.O
Easy and Early Chapter Books
27. Ava Lin, Best Friend! by Vicky Fang
It’s the first day of first grade and Ava Lin is determined to get herself a best friend for the very first time. Small stories about a girl with a big personality in a very funny package. Call Number: JChapter Fang.V
28. Bat, Cat & Rat: The Cozy Home / Vacation by Ame Dyckman and Mark Teague
Bat, Cat & Rat all decide to move into a cozy house together. But can three such different animals get along? Funny stories of jokes, jobs, and vacations. Call Number: JBegin Dyckm.A
29. Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer, ill. Steve McCarthy
Every little banshee (or bansheenie) connects itself to a human so that it can warn it when it’ll die. But when Beanie fails to connect to her girl, she finds herself in the role of protector. A sweet, strange Irish tale. Call Number: JChapter Colfe.E
30. The Best Worst Camp Out Ever by Joe Cepeda
A cacophony of calamities almost ruins an ideal camping trip for father and son. Perfect for fans (and foes) of camping everywhere! Call Number: JEasy Ceped.J
31. John the Skeleton by Triinu, ill. Marja-Liisa Plats, translated by Adam Cullen
Most skeletons don’t get a chance to retire after being on display in classrooms, but John’s a special case. Small, sweet stories about the people who adopt him and how he touches their lives. Call Number: JChapter Laan.T
32. Lone Wolf Goes to School by Kiah Thomas, ill. K-Fai Steele
Chronically grumpy Wolf would rather go to the movies, beach, or mountains by himself but doggone humans ALWAYS want to be friends with him! The solution? It’s not what you may think. Call Number: JEasy Thoma.K
33. Loose Threads by Isol, translated by Lawrence Schimel
When Leilah decides to sew up the holes in her world single-handedly, she has no idea of the consequences of her actions. A beautifully illustrated combination of needlework and hand-drawn characters. Call Number: JEasy Isol
34. Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary by Jean-Luc Fromental & Joëlle Jolivet, translated by Jill Phythian
Miss Cat is desperate for her next case, so when a sad man comes in looking for his kidnapped canary, she’s willing to look into it. But is there more to this feathered fiend than meets the eye? Call Number: JChapter Frome.J
35. A New Car for Pickle by Sylvie Kantorivitz
Oh no! Pickle was just about to go to Clover Farm to get some delicious strawberries and cream when his car broke down. Will he find the perfect replacement? Call Number: JEasy Kanto.S
Poetry
36. Beware the Dragon and the Nozzlewock by Vikram Madan
Looking for funny poetry? You’ve come to the right place! From nozzlewocks to squishosaurs and everything in-between (whatever that means) you’ll be rolling in the aisles thanks to this hilarious collection. Call Number: J Graphic Madan.V
37. Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson, ill. Ekua Holmes
A robust, incredible poetry collection for older readers recounting both Renée Watson’s own life and the lives of other Black girls and women everywhere. Call Number: x811.6 Watso.R
38. Haiku, Ew!: Celebrating the Disgusting Side of Nature by Lynn Brunelle, ill. Julia Patton
Prepare yourself. In this book you’ll find a world filled with fish farts, bee barf, hagfish, lobster pee and more. Uproarious and fact-filled, don’t say we didn’t warn you! Call Number: x811 Brune.L
39. Home by Isabelle Simler, translated by Vineet Lal
From lofty aeries, to straw apartment complexes, to a grassy lodge just big enough for a mouse, dive into these sumptuous images alongside fun poetry about all the different homes created by the architects of the natural world. Call Number: x811 Simle.I
40. The Mighty Pollinators by Helen Frost, ill. Rick Lieder
“Here come the pollinators, / small and mighty, / holding the world together.” Get up close and personal with the tiny critters that pollinate our world. Breathtaking photography coupled with beautiful verse. Call Number: x571.8642 Frost.H
41. The Mistakes That Made Us: Confessions from Twenty Poets selected by Irene Latham and Charles Waters, ill. Mercè López
Think of your most embarrassing moment or the mistake that seemed terrible at the time and turned out okay. Twenty poets relive their childhoods in a stellar collection of highs and lows. Call Number: x811 Latha.I
42. Windsongs: Poems About Weather by Douglas Florian
Whether it’s twisty tornadoes, arid deserts, flooded homes, or rainy days, there’s a poem somewhere in here for everyone everywhere. Catch wind of it! Call Number: x811.6 Flori.D
Middle Grade Fiction / Novels for Kids
43. Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar
Spain, 1492. Jewish people are being forced to convert to Christianity or else leave the country forever. As we follow a girl on her journey out of Spain, the story quickly transports us to her subsequent descendants and their own journeys to freedom, centuries later. Call Number: J Behar.R
44. Benji Zeb is a Ravenous Werewolf by Deke Moulton
As if Benji didn’t have enough to worry about! He has to study constantly for his upcoming bar mitzvah, he’s a werewolf in a kibbutz full of other werewolves, and now his frenemy/crush from school Caleb Gao has just shown up as a werewolf too! Call Number: J Moult.D
45. Benny Ramirez and the Nearly Departed by José Pablo Iriarte
Benny and his family move into the mansion belonging to his recently deceased grandfather, a trumpet playing music legend. Imagine Benny’s surprise when Abuelo’s ghost pops up, needing his help! A funny family story with a paranormal twist. Call Number: J Iriar.J
46. Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan
When 12-year-old Summer starts having intense dreams about a Cree girl named Buffalo Dreamer who is attempting to escape a residential school, she is determined to find out what happened to this brave hero from the past. Call Number: J Dunca.V
47. Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody by Patrick Ness, ill. Tim Miller
Zeke’s having a rough time. He has family problems, bully problems, and the country of France on his knee (it’s a whole story). A hilarious tale of friends, villains, and fromage. Call Number: J Ness.P
48. Flying Through Water by Mamle Wolo
Living in rural Ghana, Sena knows his future depends on his schooling and grades. But when a chance to make money for his family arises, he jumps at the chance. Now he’s trapped and must make his way back home so he can help others escape too. Call Number: J Wolo.M
49. A Game of Noctis by Deva Fagan
In the city of Dantessa nothing is more important than games. Now Pia needs to compete in the ultimate challenge if she’s going to save her grandfather from life as a pawn. But when everything’s a game, who do you trust? Call Number: J Fagan.D
50. The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts by Alex Bell, ill. Tim McDonagh
Bookish librarian-in-training Eli must save his ailing Nana by taking part in a wild contest involving magical creatures, dastardly villains, and risk-taking pals. A satisfying and fast-moving fantastical adventure. Call Number: J Bell.A
51. Island of Whispers by Frances Hardinge, ill. Emily Gravett
Milo knows he’s not cut out to be a ferryman like his father, transporting the dead to their next destination, but when tragedy strikes and danger threatens the dead, it’s up to one dreamy boy to do what’s best for both the living and the deceased. Call Number: J Hardi.F
52. Jamie by L.D. Lapinski
What are you supposed to do when it’s time to choose a boy or girl’s middle school and you’re non-binary? Maybe that’s when it’s time to speak up! A brave tale of one kid standing up for their rights. Call Number: J Lapin.L
53. Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Kareem lives in the Chicago area with his loving Syrian family. In 2017, his mom has to travel to Syria due to a family crisis, and when the Muslim Ban takes effect, she finds she cannot come home! Kareem must take action if he wants to see her again. Call Number: J Safad.S
54. Kwame Crashes the Underworld by Craig Kofi Farmer
After a tricky little aboatia steals something precious from him, Kwame takes a dive into the underworld to get it back. Soon he meets figures from Ghanian mythology, including one with diabolical plans. Can Kwame save us all? Funny, fast-paced, and with lots of heart. Call Number: J Farme.C
55. Lion of the Sky by Ritu Hemnani
Set in 1947 in the tumultuous days of Partition, Raj and his best friend Iqbal love nothing more than flying their kites. But when their country is split in two, the two friends will find everything changing as Raj must flee his beloved India. Call Number: J Hemna.R
56. The Long Way Around by Anne Nesbet
Cousins Owen, Vivian, and Amy may be young, but their parents are allowing them to do a little camping on their own. When an earthquake cuts them off from help and other people, they decide to search for help on their own, no matter how treacherous. Call Number: J Nesbe. A
57. Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All by Chanel Miller
Magnolia Wu and new friend Iris are on the hunt to locate the owner of every missing sock found at her parents’ laundromat. An investigation that delves into the heart of what makes NYC special and fun. Call Number: J Mille.C
58. Mid-air by Alicia D. Williams, ill. Daniel Egneus
Isaiah and his friends love biking, skating, and trying to break world records. When an accident claims the life of his buddy Darius, he feels responsible and lost. Will he ever learn to forgive and accept himself? Call Number: J Willi.A
59. Not Quite A Ghost by Anne Ursu
There’s something deeply wrong with Violet’s new house, but only she seems to know it. Too bad, since the thing in her wallpaper has its eyes on her, and as she becomes more and more ill, it seizes this horrible opportunity. Call Number: J Ursu.A
60. On a Wing and a Tear by Cynthia Leitich Smith
What do you get when you combine a living legend, a mystery, an unmissable game, and a road trip all together? Humans and animals join forces in this combination of Muscogee folklore and a modern day journey. Call Number: J Smith.C
61. One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome
It’s 1879 and Lettie’s daddy has decided the family needs to pick up and move from Mississippi to Nebraska to start a new life. A marvelous glimpse of the Black exodusters and what it took to cross America on foot. Call Number: J Cline.L
62. Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston
Seventh grader Sharkita “Kita” embarks on a tumultuous journey to keep her family together while handling the consequences of her mother’s alcoholism. Call Number: J Winst.S
63. Slugfest by Gordan Korman
The Bad News Bears meets The Great British Bakeoff… sorta. Can a group of kids that all failed physical education not only make up for it, but go on to win a football seven-on-seven championship? A hilarious tale of slugs, stars, and sumptuous baked goods. Call Number: J Korma.G
64. Warrior on the Mound by Sandra W. Headen
In this mix of history, sports, and a coming of age story, it’s 1935 and 12-year-old Cato loves baseball. But when he and his friends play on the “whites-only” baseball field in town, that act threatens everyone he knows and loves. Call Number: J Heade.S
65. Wrong Way Home by Kate O’Shaughnessy
Fern is miserable. Her mom has taken her away from the only home she’s ever known, and now the girl is desperate to get back. But what if the home you’re looking for is the wrong one to seek? Call Number: J Oshau.K
Graphic Novels & Comics for Kids
66. Alterations by Ray Xu
“Sometimes you have to take risks … and DEAL with the consequences!” When Kevin Lee brings a century egg to lunch, he has no idea the chaos he’s about to unleash (or the nickname he’s about to acquire). A hilarious tale of owning who you are. Call Number: JGraphic Xu.R
67. Ant Story by Jay Hosler
Rubi’s always been a lonely little ant in a colony of leafcutters, but that’s before she meets Miranda. Now the question is, can your greatest enemy also be your greatest friend? Call Number: JGraphic Hosle.J
68. Bunnybirds by Natalie Linn
Why are all the bunnybirds missing? Princess Aster seems to be the only one who cares, and finding the rest of her people will mean pairing with exiled thief Carlin and the many footed dog Feet. Adventure awaits! Call Number: JGraphic Linn.N
69. Continental Drifter by Kathy Macleod
Kathy may live in Thailand but her heart is filled with a love of America. When her family, including her Thai mom and American dad, visit Maine for the summer, will it live up to her expectations? Call Number: JGraphic Macle.K
70. The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival by Estelle Nadel with Bethany Strout, ill. Sammy Savos
The gripping true-life story of Enia/Estelle and her family’s struggles. It’s 1939 Poland and when the Nazis invade, it means that she and her loved ones must go into hiding for several years. A harrowing and ultimately triumphant tale. Call Number: JGraphic x940.5318 Nadel.E
71. K Is in Trouble by Gary Clement
It doesn’t really matter how nice and polite K is, because he is always getting into trouble. Is it his fault? No! Three stories follow his adventures in a world that never makes sense but is always interesting. Call Number: JGraphic Cleme.G
72. Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol
In danger of being removed from her home upon the death of her parents, Jane proposes to good-looking Peter as a marriage of convenience for both of them. But when Peter is kidnapped by an amorous (and hungry) mermaid, it’s up to Jane to become a hero. Call Number: JGraphic Brosg.V
73. Puzzled: A Memoir of Growing Up with OCD by Pan Cooke
When the intrusive thoughts first appeared in Pan’s mind when he was ten, he had no idea what they were. Now they’re taking over his entire life. A smartly rendered memoir on the puzzle that is OCD. Call Number: JGraphic Cooke.P
74. Sky and Ty: Howdy, Partner! by Steve Breen
Sky needs a worthy steed and Ty, the T.rex, wouldn’t mind helping her out. However, this dynamic duo is going to have to learn how to work together if they’re going to be the best delivery service in the west. Call Number: JGraphic Breen.S
75. Upstaged by Robin Easter
Drama’s perfect for the stage, and this summer Ash is dealing with it offstage as well. At their favorite theater camp they can’t wait to spend time with their crush Ivy. But when the summer goes in another direction, will they still have a good time? Call Number: JGraphic Easte.R
76. Weirdo by Tony Weaver, Jr., ill. Jes & Cin Wibowo
After dealing with some truly horrifying bullying, Tony shuts down and refuses to let the world know who he is. But a new school, new friends, and counseling help him to understand when it’s important to be yourself. Call Number: JGraphic Weave.T
Nonfiction Picture Books
77. Are You Big? by Mo Willems / Are You Small? by Mo Willems
Are you big or are you small? To a cloud, our moon, the sun, or even a galaxy cluster you might be small, but to a little insect you are big! Books on relative size brought to us by the man who created The Pigeon, Elephant & Piggie, and more. Call Number: JPicture Wille.M
78. Call Me Roberto! Roberto Clemente Goes to Bat for Latinos by Nathalie Alonso, ill. Rudy Gutierrez
The highs and lows of one of the greatest baseball players of all time is told here with a special focus on how Clemente fought racism throughout his whole career. A bio of a hero. Also available in Spanish! Call Number: x796.357 Pirates Alons.N
79. Comet Chaser: The True Cinderella Story of Caroline Herschel by Pamela S. Turner, ill. Vivian Mildenberger
Was Caroline Herschel going to be doomed to be her mother’s servant for the rest of her life? Find out how this 18th century woman became the world’s first professional female astronomer in this scintillating tale. Call Number: xBiog Hersc.C Turne.P
80. The Fastest Drummer: Clap Your Hands for Viola Smith! by Dean Robbins, ill. Susanna Chapman
Born into the family band, Viola Smith was a drummer from the start. Watch and see how for a century she broke barriers and drummed her heart out in this energetic book full of voom and pizzazz! Call Number: xBiog Smith.V Robbi.D
81. Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller by Breanna J. McDaniel, ill. April Harrison
A hero librarian who paved the way for so many others! An award-winning author/illustrator pair recount the life of a woman who made change wherever she went. Call Number: xBiog Baker.A Mcdan.B
82. The Great Lakes: Our Freshwater Treasure by Barb Rosenstock, ill. Jamey Christoph
A deep dive (literally!) into the Great Lakes, their history, present, and future. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about their six quadrillion gallons of freshwater and how vital they are to the world. Call Number: x977 Rosen.B
83. I See Color: An Affirmation and Celebration of Our Diverse World by Valerie Bolling and Kailei Pew, ill. Laylie Frazier
You say you “don’t see color”? “Do you not see me?” A celebration of people and the vast array of colors they represent, celebrated in this collected picture book biography of over thirty incredible leaders. Call Number: x305.8 Bolli.V
84. The Iguanodon’s Horn by Sean Rubin
What did the iguanodon really look like? Follow its discovery and the different ways humans have pictured it over the centuries in this magnificently illustrated investigation into how we’ve changed our minds about dinos. Call Number: x567.914 Rubin.S
85. Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall by Lynn Brunelle, ill. Jason Chin
Death for one whale means life for an entire ecosystem of creatures. Learn the fascinating science behind a single whale’s contribution to ocean life. Call Number: x577.79 Brune.L
86. My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story by George Takei, ill. Michelle Lee
What would it feel like if your country went to war and then imprisoned you for no reason? A kid’s-eye-view of living through the Japanese internment camps. Call Number: xBiog Takei.G Takei.G
87. The Noisy Puddle: A Vernal Pool Through the Seasons by Linda Booth Sweeney, ill. Miki Sato
“LOOK! LOOK! Look over there… / a noisy puddle cold and clear.” Gentle rhyming text describes a vernal pool and all the critters that rely upon it. Call Number: JPicture Sween.L
88. Nothing: John Cage and 4’33” by Nicholas Day, ill. Chris Raschka
On August 29, 1952, pianist David Turdor sat down at a piano and played… nothing. How can nothing be something? A celebration of one of John Cage’s iconic pieces of music, and why it was so important. Call Number: x780.92 Day.N
89. The Painter and the President: Gilbert Stuart’s Brush with George Washington by Sarah Albee, ill. Stacy Innerst
Everyone loved posing for Gilbert Stuart, one of the most renowned painters of his day. Everyone, that is, except for George Washington. The true story of what happened when Stuart was asked to paint Washington’s most famous portrait. Call Number: xBiog Washi.G Albee.S
90. Space: The Final Pooping Frontier by Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White, ill. Lars Kenseth
Waste in space is the focus of this hilarious exploration of number two amongst the stars. Think we’ve always had this problem figured out? Think again. Call Number: x629.45 Bondo.A
91. This Is My Brain: A Book on Neurodiversity by Elise Gravel
My brain isn’t like your brain and your brain isn’t like mine. Find out how to make them happy and what it is that they can and can’t do. Call Number: x612.82 Grave.E
92. Time to Make Art by Jeff Mack
What exactly is art? What can it be? As one small girl asks questions, artists ancient and modern make it clear that art is whatever you want it to be. Inspiring and fun! Call Number: x701.1 Mack.J
93. The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants by Philip Bunting
Are you ready for some ant facts? Are you ready to laugh out loud? Are you ready to learn more than you ever thought you’d be able to about these tiny little workers? Get ready for factual hilarity that’ll give you a newfound respect for our tiny friends. Call Number: x595.796 Bunti.P
Nonfiction for Older Readers
94. Born Naughty: My Childhood in China by Jin Wang with Tony Johnston, ill. Anisi Baigude
The antics of a mischievous 8-year-old living in Nan Ba Zi, China in 1982 are recounted in this endearing memoir. Joyful stories full of wonder and optimism. Call Number: x951.7 Wang.J
95. The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets, and Helped Win World War II by Candace Fleming
Imagine you’re just a teen and you’ve been recruited to monitor, break codes, and catalog German intelligence information. The thrilling story of the young women who helped break the German ciphers! Call Number: x940.5486 Flemi.C
96. Mountain of Fire: The Eruption and Survivors of Mount St. Helens by Rebecca E.F. Barone
When the earthquakes started, it looked like Mount St. Helens would blow. But when would it happen? A gripping and terrifying recounting of the people who survived (and the ones that didn’t). Call Number: x551.21 Baron.R
97. My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots, and So Much More by G. Neri, ill. Corban Wilkin
Take a trip with G. Neri as your guide to the coldest, windiest, highest, and driest place in the world. Ideal for budding scientists of all stripes! Call Number: x998 Neri.G
98. The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien by John Hendrix
If you love the Narnia and Lord of the Rings books and want to know the story behind them, look no further! A fascinating dual biography of the best friends who wrote the titles together. Call Number: JGraphic x820.9 Hendr.J
99. The Observologist by Giselle Clarkson
You don’t have to be an adult scientist to explore the world. Become an observologist and use this highly hilarious and factually accurate book to explore nature in your own backyard. Call Number: x508 Clark.G
100. Outspoken: Paul Robeson, Ahead of His Time: A One-Man Show by Carole Boston Weatherford, ill. Eric Velasquez
From the moment he was born to the day he died, this book chronicles the remarkable life of one of America’s great heroes. Activist, actor, athlete, and scholar, there never was, nor will there ever be, anyone quite like Paul Robeson. Call Number: xBiog Robes.P Weath.C
101. What Is Color? The Global and Sometimes Gross Story of Pigments, Paint, and the Wondrous World of Art by Steven Weinberg
We use colors all the time but what are they exactly? Join this wacky look at all your favorites and their murky, dangerous, and often gross beginnings. This is color like you’ve never seen it before! Call Number: x535.6 Weinb.S
Our Committee Members this year included: Patrizia Alm, Karina Andrus, Stephen Barnes, Betsy Bird, Lisa Dallas, Kyria Dickerson, Betsy Haberl, Jessica Iverson, Kennedy Joseph, Taylor Keahey, Leigh Kennelly, Martha Meyer, Jeny Mills, Olivia Mo, Katrina Moravec, Bill Ohms, Bridget Petrites, Julie Rand, Jennifer Shreve, Robin Sindelar, Elizabeth English Steimle, Kasandra Trejo, Lulu Tripp, Michael Warren, and Brian Wilson
