Each month we post an annotated bibliography of books that were rated ‘Outstanding’ and nominated for our Distinguished List at our previous month’s meeting. Members can see full reviews of these books and many more in the August edition of BayViews. Not a member? Join, come to our monthly meetings, and hear about these Outstanding books in person!
PICTURE BOOKS
Alma and How She Got Her Name written and illustrated by Martinez-Neal, Juana; Candlewick, 2018.
Young Alma grows to appreciate her long name as her father describes each of her familial namesakes. Simultaneously published in Spanish. (Grades K-2.)
FICTION
Little Do We Know written by Stone, Tamara Ireland; Hyperion/Disney, 2018.
Stone explores complex aspects of faith and trust in this respectful, character-driven novel. White Seniors Hannah and Emory had been best friends for 17 years until a shattering argument 3 months ago. But when Emory’s boyfriend Luke has an accident everything changes for all three of them. (9-12.)
Ruby Redfort: Blink and You Die written by Child, Lauren; Candlewick, 2018.
As Ruby finally unravels all the dangerous threads of scary goings-on in the spy world she inhabits, readers will find this finale of the six-book series to be action packed and complex, and it should keep most readers guessing until the very end. Well-written and gripping. (5-9.)
Ship It written by Lundin, Britta; Freeform/Disney; 2018.
When fanfic writer Claire asks actor Forest a a con panel if the character he plays in her favorite show is gay, she creates a viral storm around issues of identity and representation. Lundin uses her inside knowledge of TV show production, social media, and comic cons in this warm-hearted debut. (8-12.)
NONFICTION
The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs written by Messner, Kate and illustrated by Forsythe, Matthew; Chronicle, 2018.
Ken Nedimyer saw the deterioration of the coral in his neighborhood and masterfully developed a process to rebuild. This high interest biographical sketch with extensive back matter would be a strong resource for Earth Day activities and beyond. (1-3.)
Rad Girls Can: Stories of Bold, Brave, and Brilliant Young Women written by Schatz, Kate and illustrated by Stahl, Miriam Klein; Ten Speed/Crown/Penguin Random House, 2018.
A diverse group of 50 females who made a significant impact on society before the age of 20 are profiled in one or two-page essays, celebrating their accomplishments. Most are still alive and many are from California. (5-12.)
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