Ruby's Heart Song
Pengwee, in true best friend fashion, coaxes the value of having an extra strong heart out of Ruby, building her up with chummy assurances that his heart does the same thing when he’s uneasy, and the two discover they have quite a lot in common, as Ruby announces her heart “hip-hops when I’m happy, sinks when I’m sad,” just like Pengwee’s heart “dances when I’m delighted [and] burrows when I’m bummed.” Pengwee helps build Ruby’s confidence to take the stage, and, sure enough, a familiar face in the crowd gives her the self-assurance she needs to steal the show. Rusu’s cheery hued illustrations evoke the frosty feel of glaciers against a brilliant blue sky, and Ruby and Pengwee’s expressive eyes shine as they navigate the ups and downs of self-esteem.
Younger readers will fall for the fun words and sounds Nutley introduces: Ruby dances the “Jiggly Wiggly” after her stellar performance and “joggly woggly[s]” to Pengwee for a celebratory hug, declaring her heart is “as big and warm as sunshine.” For musical-minded readers, Nutley collaborated with a songwriter to bring Ruby’s Talent Show song to life. This is a cool tale with a warm, fuzzy center.
Takeaway: Warm-hearted tale of a penguin who finds the courage to be herself.
Comparable Titles: Rachel Bright’s The Lion Inside, Jacqueline Woodson’s The Day You Begin.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
"This book is designed to be an owner’s manual for your arteries," Driscoll writes, a claim born out by illustrations demystifying blood flow and plaque build-up and the presentation of eight healthy habits that can promote artery health such as eating better, being more active, and getting healthy sleep. Writing in crisp, clear sentences, Driscoll provides actionable advice and knowledge about atherosclerosis ("which literally means artery clogging"), strokes and dementia, and more, from the four diets recommended by cardiologists to the steps it takes to arrange for carotid artery ultrasound screening. The how-to advice for adopting healthy habits and taking charge of hearts (and arteries) is presented with a minimum of fuss, a wealth of clearly cited medical authorities, and a welcome focus on the bottom line: what readers can do now to add quality years to life.
In fact, the approach is highly practical, documenting the availability of screening for artery clogging across a host of health care systems and companies, with of-the-moment breakdowns of price, processes, and what to expect. Straight-forward and concise, Driscoll’s information is clearly organized and presented, and his case for proactive care, especially preventative screening as early as the age of 20, is quite literally heartening.
Takeaway: Practical guide to taking charge of artery and heart health.
Comparable Titles: Sian E. Harding's The Exquisite Machine, Gene McDougall's Unclog Your Arteries.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
Do Bigger Things: A Practical Guide to Powerful Innovation in a Changing World
McClure and Wilde pack Do Bigger Things with real-life examples of people using ecosystem innovation to tackle difficult social and business problems and reach for big opportunities: from AirBnB revolutionizing the hotel industry to providing education in refugee camps to COVID vaccination campaigns in Mexico. Together with clear diagrams, “ecosystem maps,” as they call them, these examples make the process of applying the lessons of the book clear and flexible. Although part of the planning process involves setting ethical guardrails, the ethical concerns raised by some of their examples, such as Uber, are not explored in depth.
This guide would serve a reader well who is facing a challenging problem, in business or in their community, and looking to solve it outside of the usual models for innovation. McClure and Wilde emphasize that some projects demand other models of innovation, such as big ones with well understood parameters (engineering innovation) or small projects with unknown restrictions (agile pilots), leaving ecosystem innovation for big, complex problems. Whether an experienced “choreographer,” or someone new to the field entirely, the guidance here will help any reader accomplish transformation in pursuit of their goals.
Takeaway: Clear, actionable guide to “ecosystem innovation” for facing challenging projects.
Comparable Titles: Jeff Sutherland’s The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time , Leah Kral’s Innovation for Social Change.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Kelly pens an intricate historical adventure that spans millennia as he weaves in factual details of Nicholas' life in historical flashbacks and exciting travelogue elements as Maggie and Malachi touch down in Rome, Bari, and Moscow in search of answers. No one is safe in Kelly's narrative, and readers who appreciate a blend of archaeological exploration, mysteries of faith, and international chases will find much to enjoy, never quite knowing who to trust. Kelly escalates the tension as more interested parties are revealed, a host of secrets and lies face exposure, and Bruscoli faces the possibility of the miraculous.
Rich in culture, themes of belief, and the grand implications of its relic, The Malachi Covenant exemplifies its genre, blending brisk plotting, action-packed sequences, and jolting betrayals with thoughtful spiritual inquiry, keeping the suspense potent up to a satisfying conclusion. Fans of historical fiction with biblical context and globe trotting adventure will be engaged and immersed in this intricately woven story with larger than life characters.
Takeaway: Memorable thriller of the hunt for a relic and possible miracles.
Comparable Titles: Gary McAvoy; Raymond Khoury.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
The series blends surprising magic with emotional resonance and an emphasis on "the collective strengths ... of friends and family" to accomplish great things. Magical backpacks, a clever and appealing invention, provide power to the valiant teens, who each have different but complementary powers—or so they believe, until one teen attempts to steal someone else’s special gift, something that the evil Zane is determined to acquire for himself. Secrets, mysteries, and surprises abound, some seeded in the earlier entry, though Gouveia does a fine job of succinctly summarizing the relevant plot points from book one.
In some instances, paragraphs are so long as to be visually intimidating, especially for a middle-grade audience. However, the skillful world-building, bursts of inventive magic, well-drawn characters, and touchingly realized relationships will make readers forgive that, even as she ends on a tantalizing cliffhanger. Lovely paintings by Branislav Sosic punctuate the chapters, bringing the author’s world-building to breathtaking life. A host of compelling supporting characters, especially Emma (formerly known as the Ghost of Ruin) and brave Hao, add depth. Those who enjoy inventive school-age fantasy will devour Gouveia’s engaging tale.
Takeaway: Vividly imagined fantasy with an appealing magic and life-bringing heroes.
Comparable Titles: Christina Wallace’s The Light Keeper, Anna Garnet’s The Seasons.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
One Icy Night: 30th Anniversary of the '94 Delta Ice Storm Edition: A Rook Thriller
Never letting readers stop to breathe, Pepper paces the story relentlessly, never allowing a slow moment. There’s always something happening, usually something shocking, as every character Rook comes into contact with is suspicious in some way, with Pepper leaving readers, like Rook, to wonder who can be trusted. But even as Rook regularly ends up in wild situations, going from one immediately to the next, Pepper keeps the escalating perils down to Earth enough to be believable. Adding to the suspense, each chapter often changes time periods (from “last year” to “then” and to “now”), with each section offering its own urgent mini cliffhangers.
As the title suggests, miserable, cold, icy weather is a constant. Pulling from his own experiences of the real-life Delta Ice Storm in 1994, Pepper conjures a chilly sense of terror, showcasing the real dangers of the storm, from icy roads and pelting ice to tree limbs–and then entire trees–raining down everywhere, smashing into homes and cutting off electricity. One Icy Night’s frightening exploration of the perils of both mother nature and human nature will keep readers quickly turning pages.
Takeaway: Non-stop thriller of one woman’s attempt to survive a Mississippi Delta ice storm.
Comparable Titles: Luanne Rice’s Last Night, Alice Feeney’s Rock Paper Scissors.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
Max's War: The Story of a Ritchie Boy
Hellmann’s extensive research is apparent throughout this gripping novel that dramatizes the fascinating history of the Ritchie Boys, who were mostly immigrants from Germany and Austria trained to interrogate German POWs and gather intelligence to help further Allied efforts. Max’s personal struggles with love, family, and friendship also are pivotal. His perception of home is broken because of his continuous displacement, but his determination to survive stems from this loss of home and family. “You must do everything in your power to survive,” his mother tells him before they separate, and throughout Max’s War that urgent charge sees him through every obstacle and attack.
Action is crisp and clear, and the touch of romance has an appropriately desperate edge, a welcome reprieve as Max faces the worst of humanity and at times suffers anguish over the impact of his choices. A page-turning reminder of the horrors of fascism, Hellmann’s novel informs as its story surges ahead, through tragedies and breathless escapes, and the personal cost of vengeance. This thriller will resonate with history enthusiasts but also anyone seeking stories about standing up against hate.
Takeaway: Urgent thriller of a Jewish refugee taking on the Nazis with the Ritchie Boys.
Comparable Titles: Linda Kass’s A Ritchie Boy, Bruce Henderson’s Sons and Soldiers.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Equally encouraging and motivational, Murray explores the harvest that comes from the “seeds” one plants in their own life and the way they take root and bloom over time. Emphasizing the importance of being a creator, taking risks, expressing gratitude, and facing life's biggest obstacles or goals "a single step" at a time, Murray makes the case that discovering one’s own path starts with discovering one’s own heart, urging readers to always trust in yourself, be yourself, and "do what feels right.” “Who can provide you with the best advice?” he asks. “Yourself.” Anecdotes are blended with practical advice, such as three illuminating things to consider when delaying gratification by working hard to achieve long-term goals.
Each chapter ends with a section entitled "What Do I Want For You?” in which Murray both reinforces key takeaways and touchingly underscores why they matter. While this work originated as a guide through life for his children, Welcome to My Garden will resonate and offer clear-eyed, practical lessons for any readers entering into a new phase of life, whether it be a new job, college, or taking steps toward becoming an entrepreneur.
Takeaway: A father’s wise, touching guidance on being yourself and finding success.
Comparable Titles: Charlotte Pence's Where You Go, Richard Reed’s If I Could Tell You Just One Thing.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Tragedy tears Daniel’s world apart when the Guadalupe river floods and rips through his family home stealing away his wife Bree and daughter Annabelle to a watery death. Remorse, guilt, and sorrow traumatizes Daniel so deeply he can barely look at a glass of water without being haunted by the ghosts of his actions. Reeling from these events, he seeks psychiatric help while awakening to the humanitarian efforts of Anthro, a subversive environmental protection group. Anthro challenges the established order of the corrupt oil business Daniel had so faithfully served. Led by Eco and Verde, their discreet clandestine activities permeate Daniel’s consciousness, opening his eyes to the suffering his actions caused to his family, and the entire planet. His soul-searching journey is slow and methodical as he realizes he has already lost his world.
He tries to earn his way into Anthro through small tasks he must diligently fulfill. Working through the chaos of giving up his life and income, his actions threaten those who mentored him yet he realizes there is no going back. Ried exposes the harsh reality of sexist and misogynistic mentalities, the looming threat of global warming, and the formidable power of lobbyists, attorneys, and unscrupulous politicians. Against this persuasively disheartening backdrop, Two Degrees combines suspense, environmental activism, and personal redemption. Daniel’s challenge captivates the reader, prompting reflection on the real-world implications of our choices, leaving no doubt that the ongoing battle to preserve our planet for future generations is in our hands.
Takeaway: Searing thriller of an attorney, big oil, and the planet’s climate tipping point.
Comparable Titles: Ryan Steck’s Fields of Fire, Feargus O’Connor Greenwood’s 180 Degrees.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Katakam writes with buoyant spirits despite the grim realities he exhaustively outlines. A capitalist who rejects socialism in favor of an inclusive economics that “prioritize[s] inclusive growth and social justice,” he calls for individual and societal change, making the case that the former, as seen in “conscious” consumers embracing “abundance mindset”s and a spirit of interconnectedness, will spur the latter. Rather than tear down current systems, he advocates for improving, regulating, and restoring an inclusive version of the capitalism that once “drove innovation, created products and services for the good of society, reduced poverty, increased the standard of living, and made a modest profit along the way.”
This inclusive capitalism—embracing growth, participation, opportunity, stability, and sustainability rather than “superprofits”—might strike readers as fanciful, but Katakam argues with persuasive power that the very act of imagining it, and manifesting it on an individual basis, is the crucial first step to making change. The book is nonpartisan, as quick to quote David Brooks as Robert Reich, and at times rambles, but Katakam’s critique is as unstinting as his belief in positive change is inspiring.
Takeaway: Impassioned call for an inclusive economy that leaves no person or planet behind.
Comparable Titles: Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac’s The Future We Choose, Mariana Mazzucato’s Mission Economy.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A
Wintur, a pseudonym for collaborators identified only as Lando and Kori, engages with a familiar, YA-tinged blend of dystopia, rebellion, and rousing heroes. The domed metropolis’s cultures and dangers, Ren's extraordinary abilities, and the discovery of a sinister truth all create a strong foundation for an immersive, polished thriller. The dialogue sparkles, with each of the strong supporting cast representing a fascinating culture or backgrounds—including Jardinerans, who “have a separate evolutionary tree from modern humans, completely unique”—as the heroes collaborate, crack jokes, face wild challenges, and face some awkward moments of flirtation.
The story surges ahead even as it introduces its surprising future, drawing a contrast between virtual and all-too-real worlds, and between the intricacies of MetiCity-6, city of flybikes, high rises, and even a castle, with the harsh Outskirtz beyond its dome. Readers can expect a lively, exciting time as the story weaves through these inventive, oppressive environments. While Ren’s engineer’s-view of the world’s nuts-and-bolts is memorable, and developments involving “brainwave syncs” have an intriguing and uncanny edge, the briskness of storytelling may leave readers wanting a deeper exploration of the characters’ backgrounds, motivations, and struggles, which could add a bit more heft and urgency. Still, this is a slick, promising start, bursting with memorable characters, setpieces, and ideas.
Takeaway: Exciting SF-series starter of a domed dystopian city and an engineer’s revolt.
Comparable Titles:Jeanne DuPrau’s City of Ember, Chandler Klang Smith’s The Sky Is Yours.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
Spillage
This saga of urbane comic deviltry unfolds at a fast pace, with disjointed scenes and multiple characters crossing paths at several junctions heightening the boisterous New York-ness of the narrative. Gross masterfully employs the character arcs of Joan and Elliot to paint a rich picture of 1960s counterculture stalwarts—they tripped at Woodstock and have busked as a folk duo on the subway—facing the hard 1970s hangover. Joan’s obsession with The Swan leads her to strike a Faustian deal, setting the stage for a twisty love story intertwined with a search for identity as Joan and Elliot both face crises of the soul.
Gross’s potent blend of garbage strike-era New York portraiture, brisk comic dialogue (“Satan’s not so scary. He just don’t conform to bourgeois norms”), yellow-tabloid press accounts, earnest belief in baseball, and incisive socio-cultural and political explorations power a wild story rich with wicked humor but also a sense of humane street poetry. At its core, Spillage is an ornate portrait of New York, still vital at its lowest ebb: its politics, its neighborhoods, its diversity, and the abiding belief of the Flatbush Faithful. This is a crackerjack novel of love and self discovery that echoes themes of resilience and of redemption.
Takeaway: Faustian comedy of 1970s New York, the counterculture, and the Yankees.
Comparable Titles: Colum McCann’s Let the Great World Spin, Philip Roth’s The Great American Novel.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Young readers will revel in Kimble’s evocative language as Mr. Mouthful expresses himself in the most fanciful terms possible. When a pothole threatens their walk, he cautions Dupree “Such a perilous situation! For your personal safety and comfort, take heed,” and when Dupree breaks out into a dance, Mr. Mouthful sings “Disport, disport. Strut your stuff.” The neighborhood kids who can’t get enough of the pair make merry in their own way, though accidents abound as they lag behind: an open paint can becomes a tripping hazard (“a most unfortunate outcome,” according to the story’s star), and when the children join in the chase to rescue Dupree from the local ne’er-do-wells, a bike crash stops them in their tracks.
Just as Kimble delivers loads of effusive entertainment, Bell’s sprightly illustrations—showcasing the characters as they stumble, dance, and scamper after Mr. Mouthful—overflow with subtle amusement. A pair of thieves kidnapping Dupree sport underwear emblazoned with hearts, the “youth brigade” saves the day with juice box projectiles, and Mr. Mouthful’s green bowtie and matching plaid pants steal the spotlight. In the end, Dupree’s rescue leaves Mr. Mouthful a bit tongue-tied, as he thanks the youngsters with his least extravagant speech yet: “Thank you, kids. You saved my pal.”
Takeaway: Charming adventures with a “fancy-pants” and his pet monkey.
Comparable Titles: Hudson Talbott’s A Walk in the Words, Anya Glazer’s Thesaurus Has a Secret.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A-
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
Earthly Vessels
Isaak crafts a riveting contemporary urban fantasy with inventive world building, rich language, crisp dialogue, and out-of-this-world but entirely believable characters. Featuring mages, giants, and astral planes, Arby's heroic journey is an intricate adventure that explores growth, destiny, and acceptance of things one can not control in life. As Arby learns more about his allies, their powers, and the potential evil he must face, he must place faith in himself and learn to trust those around him as he prepares for a battle with an enemy that could mean life or death for the physical world.
Isaak smartly updates classic hero's journey tales for the complexities of real life, as spunk, awkward Arby believes, in a relatable way, that he is anything but a hero. This genre-blending story, published posthumously, captivates as Isaak weaves readers in and out of the physical planes and rewards them with surprises, insights, and scintillating prose.
Takeaway: Smart, surprising literary fantasy of cults, “Talents,” and an unlikely hero.
Comparable Titles: Aleatha Romig's Into the Light, Lev Grossman’s The Magicians.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Green adds authenticity to the depiction of the trial, legal procedural elements and the advice Ace gives to Robbie about the potentially painful nature of his testimony. With the focus on coaching and the nature of the relationship between a coach and a child team member, the author is spot-on, not only with the element of vulnerability as a potential for abuse, but the prevalence of sexual abuse in sports.
As the author establishes the timeline for the incidences of abuse, she intersperses these horrific incidents with the believable reactions of the parents when faced with the idea that their children were harmed, from disbelief to horror that their child was a victim. With incisive empathy, Green explores cycles of trauma, as one of the elements that acts to compel the plotline forward is the suggestion that a significant event in the past of Ace’s father, Steve, led to his possible alcoholism, fractured relationship with Ace’s mother, and to Steve’s inability to cope with either. This debut is distinguished by both Green’s legal acuity and clear-eyed humanity.
Takeaway: Emotional story of childhood sexual abuse and a quest for justice years later
Comparable Titles: Kate Walbert’s His Favorites, Vikki Petraitis’s The Unbelieved.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
That premise and Sparky’s rich imagination will wow young readers in this rollicking adventure from Antonino (author of (ShBeep the Unique Sheep), as the hero sets sail to encounter rough seas, savage enemies, new friends, and delightful place names. When Sparky makes a deal with her pirate pals—in exchange for learning how to become a pirate herself, she’ll teach them nice manners—her creative juices really start flowing. Before long, she has a fun-filled story ready to present to her English class, and fans will enjoy hearing the tale alongside Sparky’s classmates. As Sparky—and the pirates—sally forth into the water pipes at the pool, she learns exciting new pirate tricks and words along the way—like why a williwaw can help move a ship in the right direction, or just how dangerous landlubber fever can be.
The group eventually run aground on Jerky Turkey Island, headed by King Fry, a larger-than-life turkey sporting a crown who threatens to peck holes in their ship, but even that doesn’t stop Sparky’s thirst for adventure. Readers will cheer when an unlikely rescue by a baby sea hippopotamus saves the day, prompting Sparky’s English teacher to declare “that was one wonderful story.” Antonino includes black and white sketches throughout that add to the merriment, making this a rousing good time for young readers.
Takeaway: Pirates, imagination, and rollicking good times combine in this high seas adventure.
Comparable Titles: Peter Bently’s Captain Jack and the Pirates, Melody J. Bremen’s The Boy Who Painted the World.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: B
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
