“No matter how you describe it—smelly, foul, fetid, rank, putrid, bad, or reeking—in the summer of 1858, London’s River Thames STANK.” So begins a hilariously straightforward account of a grim subject: the pollution of the River Thames—and thus, Londoners’ drinking water—with sewage, and the eventual creation of a hygienic sewer system.
Informational
From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement
This riveting account of the murder of Chinese American Vincent Chin in Detroit in 1982 and the ripple effects of its impact provides an in-depth look at events surrounding the brutal attack on Chin and the subsequent response of police, the justice system, and, above all, members of the Chinese American and larger Asian American community in Detroit.
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
“Once upon a time near Tulsa, Oklahoma…” There is promise in the opening pages of this picture-book history as the Black community in the booming city of Tulsa prospers in the early 20th century.
Meltdown: Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Disaster in Fukushima
A gripping, well-researched account delves into the trifecta of catastrophes that occurred in Japan in March 2011: the magnitude-9 earthquake off the coast of the island of Honshu, the resulting tsunami, and the eventual meltdown of several reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
Hear My Voice / Escucha mi voz
“My sister and I came from Honduras.” “Our grandfather saw the gang kill our neighbor. They threatened to kill him so we all had to leave.” There is not even enough room for the baby to crawl.” “I have been here without bathing for twenty-one days.”
All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team
The rescue of 12 young Thai soccer players and their assistant coach, trapped in Tham Luang Nang cave for more than two weeks in 2018, was an effort of compassion, courage, and international cooperation.
Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, and You
This necessary book for our time is labeled a “remix” of Kendi’s 2016 National Book Award winner published for adults, Stamped from the Beginning.
Dragon Hoops
Part memoir, part history, and part riveting sports story, Yang opens his humorous graphic novel with a confession: He’s always hated sports.
A Portrait in Poems: The Storied Life of Gertrude Stein & Alice B. Toklas
A pitch-perfect picture book about Gertrude Stein’s life in Paris focuses on her art collection, her writing, her famous Salon, and her relationship with Alice B. Toklas.
Women Artists A to Z
In this accessible and arresting alphabet book for older readers, the alphabetical elements highlight artistic themes, media, and techniques as a way to engagingly introduce racially and culturally diverse women artists.