Congratulations to Erika Lynne Jones on the Starred Review from School Library Journal for her debut author-illustrated picture book, Zara in the Middle (Harper Collins). The reviewer writes, “Themes of self-expression, family dynamics, and compromise make this a standout read for young audiences navigating big personalities in their own lives…A warm and empowering story about finding one’s voice while celebrating the love of family.”
A Voice of Hope: The Myrlie Evers-Williams Story, illustrated by London Ladd and written by Nadia Solomon, has received a Crystal Kite Award Honor in the West region. The book is published by Penguin/Philomel Books.Congratulations to London! See the full list of winners here.
Congratulations to Joanie Stone! Her illustrated picture book, The Wire Zoo (Simon & Schuster), has won the Colorado Book Award in the Children’s Literature category. See the full list of winners here.
Congratulations to Elise Gravel on being named a member of the Order of Canada! Elise was awarded this prestigious honor in April. On her Facebook page, Elise wrote, “I am honored to have received the Order of Canada today. This recognition moves me deeply and encourages me to continue supporting all children, as well as those who educate them.” From the Governor General of Canada’s Website: “Children’s book author and illustrator Élise Gravel has published some 50 picture books internationally that have been translated into over a dozen languages. Her work, exploring such key topics as diversity, gender equality and social justice, has significantly contributed to developing and sharpening young people’s critical thinking skills while encouraging them to broaden their horizons” CBC highlighted Elise and other writers who are new Order of Canada appointees in an article HERE.
School Library Journal gave a Starred Review to PUSHING HOPE: AN ILLUSTRATED MEMOIR OF SURVIVAL, written by Raymond Santana, one of the Exonerated Five, and illustrated by Keith Henry Brown. SLJ writes: “A powerful illustrated memoir of one of the Central Park Five, who were exonerated in 2002… Readers will feel anger, heartbreak, and hope as they witness Santana transition from a fun-loving teen to wronged prisoner and artistic entrepreneur… This touching, heartrending work will inspire young people to action. With so many curricular tie-ins and as a powerful choice for aspiring activists and artists, and striving readers, this is a must-purchase for all collections.”
Run Home, the follow-up title to Alyssa Bermudez‘s graphic novel memoir, Big Apple Diaries, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection! The book will be released by Roaring Brook Press in January 2026. Congratulations Alyssa! From the publisher: This heartrending graphic memoir by Alyssa Bermudez (Big Apple Diaries) is a moving and unforgettable story about inner strength, healing, and finding hope. It’s 2002, and 14-year-old Alyssa is a freshman at a new high school where she knows NO ONE and the uniforms are hideous! What a disaster… Even worse? Her parents are forcing her to join the cross-country team. No one needs to run, or sweat, this much! Over time though, Alyssa actually starts to like running. She’s getting better with practice, and some of the girls on the team are really nice. Alyssa begins to find a steady rhythm with high school, cross country, and her new stepfamily. But Alyssa’s dad is sick, and she doesn’t know what to do. When the worst thing imaginable happens, Alyssa will need to count on her friends, family, and herself to keep running forward.
