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A picture book biography of Sister Corita, a nun, educator, and activist who became a celebrated pop artist while creating works meant to inspire good in others. Through her art, she called for an end to the Vietnam War and advocated for women’s rights, civil rights, and tolerance and love in a time of social upheaval. Her legacy as a teacher, activist, and artist with great creativity, compassion, and perseverance will inspire young readers.

Fiction and fact combine as a young beaked whale shares information about his pod, whales, and other aspects of marine biology as he talks to other ocean inhabitants. Backmatter includes additional source notes, a whale glossary, and a human impact glossary. Altogether, this is an unusual approach to a key environmental issue. (Part of the Science Comics series)

A teenaged artist who was deaf until he was six years old shares his story and how the lives of well-known figures have inspired him, including the painting of Vice President Kamala Harris. Tyler’s inspirations come from many people, each presented here with a commentary from the artist about the subject and their impact on him. 

Art and lyrical language weave together a history of African Americans from the time when they were taken from their homeland to the Black Lives Matter movement. The history is intertwined with principles of Kwanzaa which was first celebrated in 1966. This handsome book is meant to be shared.

Zada, an old camel now living in the Texas desert, entertains two baby birds with stories of her old life in the Middle East. Inspired by real historical events (camels in Texas), this fascinating tale unwinds in rich language and realistic but expressive sketches throughout.

An accident puts an end to Jordan’s basketball playing but after she finds wounded white elephant, things change. Jordan names him Marshmallow and helps her discover a new sport. The lush Indonesian setting comes alive in charismatic, sprightly illustrations.

Readers of all ages are sure to find a topic to intrigue in one of the eight chapters in this large volume. From Whiz Kids to Game Changers, the information is presented in digestible portions perfect for browsing. The lighthearted tone is enhanced by many illustrations.

Alcatraz prison was considered inescapable. So how did three men get out and what happened to them? The unsolved mystery is presented in illustration and text in an open format. Actual period photographs and other graphics are included. The author presents another unsolved mystery in Escape at 10000 Feet: B.D. Cooper and the Missing Money (opens in a new window).

When Hector and his mom leave their San Francisco home, the 12-year-old becomes an outsider, bullied because of his dramatic flair and love of theater. He takes refuge from his tormenters in a janitor’s closet where he meets two other outsiders — from different schools in different states. The contemporary fantasy is heartwarming with a gratifying conclusion.

Everyone knows that garlic repels vampires and so it falls to Garlic to rid her vegetable community of the newcomer. This delightfully illustrated tale with anthropomorphized plants with a kindly witch is more charming than spooky concluding with very satisfying if unexpected friendships.

Hudi’s dad is athletic, but Hudi is not. Hudi is funny and well, chunky. In this fictionalized memoir, Hudi confronts his family’s expectation, school bullies, and how to be true to his real interests. The graphic format captures the tone, tensions, and wit of the story.

Prima ballerina Misty Copeland was 16 years old before she saw a Black ballerina on a magazine cover. In short, personal essays each accompanied by a stunning portrait, trailblazing dancers are introduced.

It all started when a king learned of that a girl would unseat him and change the world. How a girl, a monk, and a goat named Answelica come together for a riveting tale handsomely illustrated to create a medieval world in which the unexpected can and does occur.

Sophisticated readers will recognize the bones of 12 well-known European folktales, recast here with a decidedly 21st century sensibility. Not for the fainthearted, the stories presented are more diverse with few “happily ever afters” as the subtitle suggests.

Written by a vocab virtuoso, this book is sure to add oomph to even the most blasé reader. A host of less often used words are presented with their meaning, a pronunciation guide, and roots all formatted to engage and entertain. 

She’s been around since 1941 but remains perhaps the best known and most popular female superhero. Wonder Woman’s evolution is also a look at women’s history presented here in lively illustration and accessible informative text with excellent backmatter.

A small shell-less slug wants a shell like a snail. The slug and a kindhearted snail share an adventure and find friendship in this early graphic novel just right for newly independent readers. Humorous art of comical critters populates the pages for a lighthearted look at camaraderie.

Hedgehog Taylor wants to fly despite his skunk friend, Sydney’s trepidation about it. This funny, warm tale of friendship is generously illustrated with complementary illustrations that augment the tone. Young readers may have met the duo in their other adventure, Sydney and Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World (opens in a new window).

Starla Jean and her parents are preparing for Willa’s first birthday celebration. But will her pet chicken, Opal Egg, lay the needed egg in time? Though Starla Jean and Opal Egg were first introduced in Starla Jean (opens in a new window), this lighthearted adventure stands alone and is equally engaging. 

Look closely. Notice the recurring shapes that create patterns that abound in nature. Senses are sure to be heightened when examining the highly realistic illustrations accompanied by minimal text in this attractive oversized volume just right to inspire.

Music is the intersection of cultures as this hopeful story of cellist Yo-Yo Ma reminds readers. He played Bach’s cello suites for people in two countries near the Rio Grande River, “a boundary dividing two countries that used to be one.” Sweeping illustration and lyrical text are completed by an afterward and additional information about the actual event. 

Ernie always had an interest in art but that was not a good thing when he was a kid. He grew up to become a professional football player, but a career-ending injury opened the door to art. Ernie’s story is sure to inspire young readers that more than one career is possible. Complete backmatter includes additional information including a bibliography and where to see Ernie’s artwork.

Readers are invited to “Come. Sit. Taste…” a female chef’s determination to succeed. Chef Niki became known for the fusion of Japanese and American foods bringing a unique flavor to America. A brief discussion of kuyashii (defeated feeling) and kaiseki (a traditional Japanese feast) plus a Wonton Pizza recipe concludes this fascinating book.

When Javier is having breakfast at 7 a.m. in Mexico, it’s 8 a.m. in New York City and Kayla is getting her backpack ready for school. Meet kids from around the world and find out what they’re doing one hour at a time. This brief look at different places, times, and cultures is expressively illustrated punctuated with visual and textual detail.