We Are Water Protectors
By: Carole Lindstrom
Illustrated by: Michaela Goade
Medal Winner
NOT REVIEWED
Water is the first medicine, it affects and connects us all...
When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource.
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, this bold and lyrical picture book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption.
From the dust jacket
The Cat Man of Aleppo
By: Irene Latham, Karim Shamsi-Basha
Illustrated by: Yuko Shimizu
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
When war came to Syria, many fled the once-beautiful city of Aleppo and were forced to become refugees in far-flung places. But Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, an ambulance driver, stayed behind. He wanted to help care for his neighbors who could not leave. He noticed quickly that it wasn't just the people who needed care, but the animals as well. The hungry, abandoned cats who called out to him on the streets were as lonely and scared as Alaa.
He used what little money he had to buy food for the city's abandoned cats, but there were too many for Alaa to care for all on his own, so he asked the world for help. Soon, his call was answered.
From the dust jacket
Me & Mama
By: Cozbi A. Cabrera
Illustrated by: Cozbi A. Cabrera
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
On a rainy day when the house smells like cinnamon and Papa and Luca are still asleep, when the clouds are wearing shadows and the wind paints the window with beads of water, I want to be everywhere Mama is.
With lush artwork every bit as poetic as her words, Cozbi A. Cabrera introduces readers to a spirited daughter and the wonder of her world as a special day with her mother unfolds—a world where differences are respected, nature is admired and, above all else, love is abundant. Beautifully so.
Me & Mama is a gorgeous celebration of the bond between mother and daughter.
From the dust jacket
Outside In
By: Deborah Underwood
Illustrated by: Cindy Derby
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
Perfect for fans of Joyce Sidman and Julie Fogliano, Outside In reminds emerging readers of the ways nature creates and touches our lives in homes, apartments, and cars, and is the perfect homeschooling tool to reflect on the world’s connectedness.
Outside is waiting, the most patient playmate of all. The most generous friend. The most miraculous inventor. This thought-provoking picture book poetically underscores our powerful and enduring connection with nature, not so easily obscured by lives spent indoors.
Rhythmic, powerful language shows us how our world is made and the many ways Outside comes in to help and heal us, and reminds us that we are all part of a much greater universe. Emotive illustrations evoke the beauty, simplicity, and wonder that await us all . . . outside.
From the publisher
Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart
By: Zetta Elliott
Illustrated by: Noa Denmon
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
In this powerful, affirming poem by award-winning author Zetta Elliott, a Black child explores his shifting emotions throughout the year.
There is a place inside of me
a space deep down inside of me
where all my feelings hide.
Summertime is filled with joy—skateboarding and playing basketball—until his community is deeply wounded by a police shooting. As fall turns to winter and then spring, fear grows into anger, then pride and peace.
From the publisher
