Felix Ever After is a captivating coming-of-age story from the perspective of Felix Love, a 17-year-old transgender boy who longs to fall in love. Through Kacen Callender’s richly crafted setting and dialogue, you can practically taste what it’s like to be 17 in New York City. In this triumph of a novel, the author offers a window into Felix’s many intersecting identities—Black, queer, poor and young—in a refreshingly unapologetic and deeply human way. (Teens)
“Felix Ever After is raw, funny, heartbreaking and almost impossible to put down.” –Steffany Moyer
In Still Dreaming / Seguimos Soñando, author Claudia Guadalupe Martínez and illustrator Magdalena Mora lovingly capture one family’s decision to stay together during the Mexican Repatriation, an undertaught period of history when Mexican Americans were expelled from the United States. (Growing Readers)
“This beautiful bilingual book will remind readers of the resilience and beauty of immigrant families who fight to stay together.” –Courtney Wai
In Solito: A Memoir, Javier Zamora describes his journey as a 9-year-old from El Salvador to “La USA” to reunite with his parents. The coyote promises the trip will take two weeks, but it stretches into two terrifying months. To survive, Zamora leans on his new family, who encircle him with care and love. (Teens)
“Zamora’s memoir humanizes the perspective of immigrants, particularly child migrants, who undertake dangerous treks into the U.S.” –Courtney Wai
“Grandma is the original warrior,” writes Junauda Petrus in Can We Please Give the Police Department to the Grandmothers? Illustrated by Kristen Uroda, this richly woven tapestry of words honors the liberatory inroads our elders made while also imagining a world where care and support rule the day. Beautiful imagery accompanies this magical aural experience. (Growing Readers)
“This loving work will spark imaginations and offer a fabulous example of how to freedom dream.” –Crystal L. Keels
In How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America, Clint Smith takes the reader on an amazing journey. Starting from his hometown of New Orleans and traveling to places including Monticello, Whitney Plantation, Angola Prison, Blandford Cemetery and more, he highlights how stories of slavery were constructed in support of “white comfort.” He challenges readers to confront the history of slavery “even if it means shattering the stories you have been told throughout your life.” (Adult Readers)
“For all educators, and particularly social studies educators interested in unpacking an honest history about slavery in America, Clint Smith’s book provides a powerful description of how slavery influences society today.” –Kimberly Burkhalter
Deepa Iyer’s Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection offers guidance for individuals and groups seeking to enact positive social change. Readers identify the role they might play within the social change ecosystems framework. Each of the 10 roles is described in clear detail, with thoughtful reflection prompts for readers to consider and actions they can take to connect with others and build a more just and equitable society. (Adult Readers)
“Social Change Now is a practical guide for anyone seeking to create a more equitable society.” –Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn
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