January 2022 Prime picks

Two new photography books stand out from the crowd as highly recommended picks for collections that already hold basic primers, but are looking for books on how to take the next step in creating better images.

Chris Gatcum's "How Do I Photograph A Sunset?" More than 150 Essential photography Questions Answered (9781781578216, $19.99) comes from a pro who has worked for over two decades as a journalist and best-selling author, creating memorable photos for over two decades.

It's unusual to see a question-and-answer format in a photography guide; but this approach streamlines and simplifies the process of finding answers to basic questions surrounding common issues that every photographer will face at some point in their education.

The intuitive layout of these sections, the progressive learning opportunities of well-constructed chapters, and the wealth of accompanying color images on every page that cover subjects ranging from shutter speeds to finding photographic inspiration makes for an outstanding survey highly recommended for all levels of photographic experience.

Gatcum's #Photo52: 52 Weekly Projects to Make You A Better Photographer (9781781578506, $24.99) continues the theme in a book designed to challenge upward-bound photography students with a progressive course that will help develop skills and techniques that go to the next level.

52 photography projects present something new to shoot every week of the year, supporting this effort with specific lessons and advice designed to build existing basic photography skills.

From using filters and diffusers to lens choices and light, each weekly project outlines an approach and insights that create a powerful knowledge base and lend especially well to self-study.

Both books are highly recommended picks for aspiring photographers who already have the basics down and want to move ahead.

Symphonies for the Soul
Oliver Condy
Cassell
9781788403184 $20.00
www.octopuspublishing.com

Symphonies for the Soul: Classical Music to Cure Any Ailment comes from a magazine editor with 20 years experience in music publishing. It presents a solid connection between classical pieces and emotional responses, prescribing classical music remedies for all kinds of situations.

It's unusual to find a classical music discourse that is actually an A-Z of self-help treatments, but this guide links physical, mental, and spiritual conditions to classical works in a manner that makes the book appropriate for healing, new age, and classical music audiences alike.

Accompanying each recommendation are in-depth insights about why the piece was chosen to address a particular ailment, blending music history and artistic insights with a lively inspection that classical music fans will find unusually, satisfyingly specific.

Reviewer's Choice

An Answer for Everything
Rob Orchard, et.al.
Bloomsbury
9781526633644 $25.99
www.bloomsbury.com

An Answer for Everything: 200 Infographics to Explain the World comes from Delayed Gratification, a quarterly publication that synthesizes world news stories, adding data-driven explanations and lovely designs for visual impact.

It's designed to be lively, entertaining, and thought-provoking, exploring bigger-picture thinking with delightful insights into everything from the best book ever to if there are actually plenty of fish in the sea, and who has all the money in the world.

The result is more than a trivia question collection, but more easily accessible than any general-interest information book could be, adding delightful embellishments, color, and whimsical inspections into life questions to invite readers to both learn and enjoy the power of infographics.

You Sexy Thing
Cat Rambo
TOR Books
9781250269300 $25.99
www.tor-forge.com

You Sexy Thing represents a space opera jaunt at its best as it explores a retired army admiral who has chosen a remote TwiceFar station to get away from the battles that once ruled her life.

She and her unit are intent on running a restaurant, The Last Chance. But it's hard to let go of military associations and responses to adversity, especially if the enemy has a vested interest in military retirees.

Niko and her crew become involved with a sentient ship (that is convinced it's being stolen) because the outcome of this conflict will affect The Last Chance and change their lives...and their retirement plans.

Cat Rambo is a breath of fresh air in the sci-fi world. Her scenarios are anything but predictable, her female protagonists are spunky and powerful, and the sci-fi scenarios are emotionally charged, fun, and thoroughly engrossing.

Genre fans looking for a fresh voice which presents unpredictable twists and turns will find You Sexy Thing a winner.

Larger Than Yourself
Thibault Manekin
New World Library
9781608687596 $17.95
www.newworldlibrary.com

Larger Than Yourself: Reimagine Industries, Lead With Purpose, & Grow Ideas Into Movements comes from an author who, as a new college grad, moved from Baltimore to South Africa with the idea that basketball could bridge divides and solve the nation's social issues.

While this sounds idealistic, his strategy worked, and Thibault Manekin returned to Baltimore with the lessons he'd learned from South Africa to apply them to re-envisioning industries and relationships alike.

Larger Than Yourself is about how he made these transitions, and how his ideas have fostered change-makers and influencers in a variety of industries. It covers the innovations he encouraged over the years.

Any business collection strong in leadership and transformation should have this book's specific insights on how to create revised purpose and change at all organizational levels.

Its winning approach is presented with an accessible, chatty tone that includes many case history examples from Manekin's real-world experiences.

More Mediterranean
America's Test Kitchen
America's Test Kitchen, Publisher
9781948703888 $34.99
www.americastestkitchen.com

More Mediterranean: 225+ New Plant-Forward Recipes takes the Mediterranean Diet another step forward by providing Test Kitchen foolproof dishes to expand the range of dishes and ingredients that adhere to Mediterranean cooking principles.

While these dishes are plant-forward, meat is also included, and may be added to many of the recipes.

From Kamut with Carrots and Pomegranate to Fregula with Chickpeas, Tomatoes, and Fennel and Chicken and spiced Freekeh with Cilantro and Preserved Lemon, all that's really required in order to enjoy these fresh new ideas (and this cookbook) is access to a local market that holds a variety of grains and fresh ingredients.

Readers who adhere to the Mediterranean diet and want more inspiration and variety will find More Mediterranean just the ticket for inspiring creations that are foolproof, easy, and feature tastes the entire family will enjoy.

The Numinous Cosmic Year
The Numinous with Bess Matassa
Aster/Octopus
9781783254422 $14.99
www.octopusbooksusa.com

The Numinous Cosmic Year: Your Astrological Almanac should be considered for any new age collection strong in astrological discussions. It provides a guide to 2022 which operates as both a planner and almanac to shifting astrological influences.

While it may sound as though this book requires prior experience with astrology, the only real prerequisite is an interest in the topic. Newcomers receive an overview of what's in store for 2022 that's organized by month and sun sign, outlining key dates, events, and planetary phases that connect to them.

The result will delight readers who want a prediction geared towards the different signs of 2022's potentials.

Relationship Essentials
Lauren Reitsema and Joneen Mackenzie
New World Library
9781608687619 $17.95
www.newworldlibrary.com

Relationship Essentials: Skills to Feel Heard, Fight Fair, and Set Boundaries in All Areas of Life may sound like it will be weighty reading, but Lauren Reitsema and Joneen Mackenzie synthesize an extraordinary amount of insights into ten easily-digestible tools for improving all kinds of relationships, whether they be in the workplace or at home.

These concrete discussions of boundaries and skills are designed to improve existing relationships by understanding how forgiveness, conflict resolution, and handling differences can be approached in a more effective manner.

Those interested in improving existing relationships to enhance health and satisfaction, or incorporating the guidelines into better approaches for relationship-building, will find that Relationship Essentials features a format that is appealing and easy to translate to everyday experiences.

It's a perfect addition to psychology and self-help libraries.

Super Volcanoes
Robin George Andrews
W.W. Norton
9780393542066 $27.95
www.wwnorton.com

Super Volcanoes: What They Reveal About Earth and the Worlds Beyond comes from a volcanologist and science journalist who considers not just volcanoes on Earth, but their presence in the solar system.

Readers who anticipate the usual focus on Earth will thus find Super Volcanoes a much wider-ranging discussion than usual, which links their presence and activity to geologic observations of other worlds.

This broader focus on volcanoes and their legacy offers readers a much richer inspection of the remnants of their activity than most books, adding a history of volcanology theories and explorations that are key to understanding the development of Earth's diverse geologic history as well as that of other planets.

Anyone interested in volcano science and research will find Super Volcanoes riveting.

Tech to Table
Richard Munson
Island Press
9781642831900 $32.00
www.islandpress.org

Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food draws important connections between technological advancements and the new world of industrialized food, introducing over twenty entrepreneurs who are offering tech-based solutions to the world's food problems.

Many social issues, from pollution and animal cruelty to health issues, can be traced to the habits of Big Ag and past habits which can be transformed by disruptive technology's alternative approaches.

From innovators to new start-up businesses based on these changes, Richard Munson examines the science, promise, potential, and social impact of new markets and processes influenced by technological advancement.

This book provides hope to an industry and society replete with despair, giving positive perspectives on technological advancements and their potential for social improvement.

Young Adult/Children

Candlewick Press
www.candlewickpress.com

These new arrivals from Candlewick provide young readers with thought-provoking, colorful reads, and are highly recommended choices.

Gail Armstrong's Space (9781536219876, $24.99) appears in an oversized book of papercut depictions of space, and hold over 30 flaps to lift.

Adults working with kids who seek interactive representations of astronomy will find its vivid facts and displays lend to read-aloud fun as the little space ship at the center of the cutouts leads to flaps harboring space discoveries.

The astronomical facts are presented in a manner that young picture book readers will find both educational and memorable.

Susan Hood's We Are One: How the World Adds Up (9781536201147, $17.99) receives fun illustrations by Linda Yan as it offers picture book readers the opportunity to understand basic math ideas such as part/whole relationships and fractions.

This is presented in a survey of themes of peace and unity, which will appeal to adults seeking more than just a math-oriented coverage alone.

From definitions of terms from ancient Mesopotamia to how equations apply to the simplest concepts of being part of a family and team, We Are One is enlightening and supportive on many different levels, and is recommended as both a math book and as a story of cooperative understanding.

Helen Yoon's Off-Limits (9781536207316, $17.99) tells of a curious child who understands that Daddy's home office is off limits...but sees no harm in just looking around.

There, she discovers all kinds of fun and different things.

As she gets into a tangle of trouble, the young protagonist begins to understand just what 'off limits' means, and why Dad's office is on that list.

Most whimsical of all is David Ezra Stein's Interrupting Chicken Cookies for Breakfast (9781536207781, $17.99), which presents a new spin on nursery rhymes with a little chicken who is hungry for cookies.

It turns out that everyone loves cookies, and the sassy little red chicken provides interpretations of Mother Goose that inject cookies into almost every scenario.

What's Papa to do with such a single-minded child?

Lovely, colorful drawings support an engaging story that's perfect for read-aloud fun.

Winter Lullaby by Dianne White (9781536209198, $17.99) features lovely illustrations by Ramona Kaulitzki as it follows Mama Bear and Small Bear, who are on their way to sleep for the winter.

There's only one problem. Small Bear sees the other animals preparing for winter, and doesn't want to just go to sleep while the world moves through the season wide awake.

Can Mama Bear lull him into hibernation with an offer that counters the inviting activity that Small Bear observes around him?

An inviting story pairs with lovely, gentle winter scenes to invite kids to sleep and into understanding how the world operates.

Wild by Sam Usher (9781536220001, $17.99) tells of a boy and his grandfather, who look after a feisty cat.

The boy thinks that "All we have to do is play with her, feed her, and cuddle her! Easy!"

The truth is something more, as the cat resists all efforts to be friendly and lets them know that she has her own ideas about moving into a new home.

Any household with a cat well knows how this will go...and will appreciate the fun story of a family that must learn new boundaries from their pet.

Walrus Song by Janet Lawler (9781536207552, $17.99) sports lovely drawings by Timothy Basil Ering that support a simple, rollicking rhyme about the walrus: "In icy waters/Walrus thrives/seeking spots/where bivalves thrive."

Natural history facts are presented in a format designed to engage and educate the very young with large-size full-color pages, action-packed rhymes, and descriptions that adults will want to use as the jumping off point for further discussions about the sea world in general and walrus in particular.

The Robin & the Fir Tree (9781536220025, $18.99) is retold by Jason Jameson. It tells of a fir tree that grows in a great forest. While friend Robin spins stories of travel and adventure, he can only stay rooted and listen to these magical tales of other places.

One day, everything changes. It's Christmas, and the fir has a role to play. But, is it one that will take him away from his beloved friend forever?

This gorgeously illustrated, captivating story is the perfect ticket for holiday season read-aloud and year-round contemplation.

Pamela Butchart's Jeremy Worried About the Wind (9781536220186, $17.99) delights with a story about a kid who worries about everything from evil squirrels and spotted bananas to the wind.

In contrast, his friend Maggie doesn't worry about anything.

What's the worst that could happen?

Jeremy finds out...and receives a lesson about worrying during the course of an extraordinary adventure and lesson in courage.

All are exceptional presentations, highly recommended.

Disney/Hyperion
www.disneybooks.com

Three new titles from Disney are attractive, fun additions for libraries catering to advanced elementary readers.

Catherine Hapka's The Little Things in Life: Simple Reflections from the Hundred-Acre Wood (9781368076098, $22.95) features pictures by Mike Wall that accompany Milne's classic Winnie-the-Pooh quotes with lessons to be gained from Pooh's world.

A wide age range will find these tales of a day spent wandering the woods to be evocative, thought-provoking affirmations that encourage readers to consider how little experiences in life translate to big opportunities for positivity and reflection.

Guess What!? By Mo Willems (9781368070935, $12.99) features the Unlimited Squirrels in an adventure that tells of Zoom Squirrel's foray to the beach. The fuzzy friends experience a conundrum: "I love going to the beach. I just do not like being there."

Their zany reflections on life's pleasures and challenges will appeal to the very young with appealing picture antics.

Tales of Courage of Kindness by Disney Princess (9781358077118, $16.99) gathers a range of princess stories that follow both Disney characters and the theme of kindness and courage.

These stories lend to bedtime reading for those beyond the early picture book age. Sidebars peppered into the mix review each female character's traits, dreams, and heroic moments, while descriptions are supplemented by full-color, full-page Disney illustrations.

These are unusual, fun recommendations for discriminating collections.

Dumpling Day
Meera Sriram
Barefoot Books
9781646862825
www.barefootbooks.com

Dumpling Day is a recipe exploration of a family tradition of making dumplings together, pairing recipes by Laurel P. Jackson with art by Inés de Antuñano, as Meera Sriram describes the event.

There's a dumpling party in town, and ten families cook their ethnic dumpling delights, from Italian ravioli to Indian samosas.

From Nigeria and China to Syria and Russia, dumplings create a delightful interplay between ethnic groups who each have their favorite dumpling dish.

Adults looking for kids' cookbooks and ethic discussions will find a delicious combination of topics in Dumpling Day.

Home of the Wild
Louise Greig and Júlia Moscardó
Floris Books
9781782507130 $17.95
www.florisbooks.co.uk

Home of the Wild tells of a young boy who finds an orphaned fawn in the forest. He brings it to his cottage and helps her heal during a summer in which fawn and boy become close friends.

But, a wild animal needs to return to its home, eventually. Can the boy bear to part with his new best wild friend?

A lovely rhyme accompanies the warm story of a boy who learns the real meaning of friendship in a delightful picture book exploration.

Ocean Planet
Ben Rothery
Tilbury House
9780884489160 $29.95
www.tilburyhouse.com

Young nonfiction readers receive plenty of stories about the sea and the seashore, but the oversized presentation and captivating illustrations in Ocean Planet: Animals of the Sea and Shore presents a different format and approach that delights the eye and mind and lends to library display.

Included in the discussions are reptiles, deep sea life, island animals (such as the lemurs of Madagascar), and other creatures usually not included in a typical focus on the sea-influenced world.

This allows for a broader natural history that is captivating in its intersections between shore and sea, promising to delight a wide audience with its broad inspections of and connections between different natural worlds.

Random House
www.rmhbooks.com

Two new picture book presentations are attractive stories that will appeal to the very young.

Kyo Maclear and Gracey Zhang's The Big Bath House (9780593181959, $17.99) covers a day spent at a traditional Japanese bath house, and uses a lilting rhyme to outline the experience.

Tasteful drawings of the group bathing place incorporate the idea that "clothes will be shed," but that adults and children will follow special routines, and will have fun at the big bath house.

Donna Jo Napoli and Naoko Stoop's Words to Make a Friend: A Story in Japanese and English (9780593122273, $17.99) tells of two girls who don't share the same language, but do share a love of snow.

Each teaches the other about snow and their language through phrases presented in Japanese and English, inviting young readers to embrace both the pleasures of winter and cultural differences.

Both are fine picture book choices that parents will find involving.

Middle grade readers receive some excellent new leisure reading choices, as well.

Iggy is the Hero of Everything by Annie Barrows (9781984813367, $13.99) provides black and white illustrations by Sam Ricks to supplement a heavy dose of humor as it tells of Iggy, who thinks his rescue plans are ingenious, and larger than life.

Unfortunately, the world operates on a slightly different level, and others do not always share his perspectives on what happened and why.

As Iggy embarks on some hilarious mishaps, young readers receive a vivid series of misadventures that are unexpected in their outcomes, and hard to put down.

Phil Corbett's Kitty Quest (9780593205464, $12.99) is a full-color graphic novel that's also packed with humor. It introduces two kittens who are down on their luck and in need of cash. What better vocation to embark upon than being monster slayers, even if they know nothing about the art!

A huge beast willingly provides the threat they need to gain experience, but it isn't the last thing the precocious kitties will encounter as ghosts, warriors, and magic enter the picture to test the would-be feline heroes.

Ashlyn Anstee's Shelby & Watts: Tide Pool Troubles (9780593205310, $12.99) is recommended for advanced elementary readers beyond the picture book stage who are entering into the world of full-color graphic novels.

Shelby likes mystery. Her best friend Watts is an intellectual. The dynamic duo's blend of scientific and detecting skills are challenged by a hermit crab's contention that all the shells are missing from the beach (and he didn't do it).

Can they solve what appears to be an impossible mystery?

All are highly recommended library and home acquisitions.

Scholastic Inc.
www.scholastic.com

Scholastic's latest lineup of inviting titles will reach all ages with books that are compelling and fun.

Picture book readers will find these five new stories wonderful choices.

Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose by Lauren Tarshis (9781338680256, $17.99) features whimsical illustrations by Lisa Bronson Mezoff and tells of friendship and the special relationship between a boy and his dog.

The narrator does everything right...or, does he? Only his faithful dog friend knows the things he does wrong.

This inviting story is a warm representation of not just a relationship, but a boy's ability to be honest.

Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds (9781338572322, $17.99) presents the lovely story of a girl whose family is too busy to share a meal together.

Violet fondly remembers a time when the table was a central place for "Laughter, singing, celebrating, sharing. Making memories together."

Recently, Violet's been alone as her family "finds new places to be." How she brings them back together makes for an evocative tale.

Lauren Child's The Goody (9781338789546, $17.99) tells of Chirton, a good child who always obeys the rules...unlike his sister, who specializes in defying them.

One day, Chirton wonders why he's devoted to being a Goody. Maybe it's time to try something different?

Chirton's experiences and reflections are accompanied by admonitions (in red text) that advise kids about being good ("If people have decided you are good, do not disappoint them by being bad.").

The interactive dialogue invites kids and read-aloud adults to consider Chirton's choices and their consequences, creating a story that will delight adults looking for new ways of engaging the very young with thought-provoking lessons about life.

Jane Yolen and Mark Teague's How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodbye? (9781338363357, $17.99) imparts a serious message about mustering courage, facing fears, and coming to terms with various absences. It is a top recommendation for adults seeking to engage the young picture book readers with attractive characters (dinosaurs) and serious subjects (saying goodbye in different ways).

Kids receive a humorous story about dinosaurs that have different ways of saying goodbye, whether it's to a father departing for work, or a grandmother whose departure after a visit provokes a resentful response.

The lively, understandable ways dinosaurs can react provides both whimsical fun and much food for thought.

Just in time for January celebration is Bryan Collier's We Shall Overcome (9781338540376, $18.99), which uses the Civil Rights song as a backdrop for exploring young Collier's journey as she travels from past to present, considering early Civil Rights events and modern-day political protests.

The focus on overcoming adversity with hope and courage creates a message that brings alive the girl's world and her interpretation of overcoming wrongs, and is paired with lovely, full-page drawings of her movements through daily life.

Elementary to early middle grade readers will appreciate Bassem Youseff and Catherine R. Daly's The Magical Reality of Nadia (9781338572285, $14.99), which receives engaging black and white illustrations by Douglas Holgate as it explores a young Egyptian immigrant who moved to America when she was six years old.

Her desire to win a design contest is just one facet of her interests and personality, which lend her plenty of strength until a new schoolmate shows up and teases her about her Egyptian heritage, shaking her confidence.

It takes a magic amulet to inject the dose of confidence that shows her how to win in more than one way.

Chris Newell's If You Lived During the Pilmoth Thanksgiving (9781338726374) arrived too late for Thanksgiving mention this year, but deserves a place in libraries for years to come. It provides a lively blend of history and questions about what it was like to live during pilgrim times.

Kids learn details about the pilgrims through a history that comes with a "you are there" feel to reflect on the lives of the English colonists and those around them.

Plenty of detail supplements invitations for kids to think about the pilgrim experience on a more personal level than most books provide.

Kids who like ghost and monster stories will relish Dan Sasuweh Jones and Ponca Nation's Living Ghosts & Mischievous Monsters: Chilling American Indian Stories (9781338681628). Over thirty short stories have been gathered from American Indian cultures across North America in this volume.

Witches, ghouls, skeletons, and more supernatural forces converge under one cover to present a satisfyingly diverse set of stories that will appeal to advanced elementary grade to early middle school readers.

Black and white art by Weshoyot Alvitre (Tongva) compliments an outstandingly diverse collection.

Candace Fleming's The Curse of the Mummy: Uncovering Tutankhamun's Tomb (9781338596618, $18.99) gives middle grade readers a lively chronicle of the search for the young Egyptian's tomb, and the underlying belief that the tomb was cursed.

Myths, realities, archaeological inspections, and history combine in a animated survey that reads with the drama of fiction, but is reinforced by solid facts and supplemented by intriguing black and white illustrations liberally peppered throughout. These devices bring the story to life.

Catherine Fisher's The Velvet Fox (9781536214925, $17.99) provides a Clockwork Crow story that will appeal to prior series readers and newcomers alike.

Orphan Seren Rhys is looking forward to a quieter life after her adventure of rescuing Tomos from enchantment, but when a mysterious new governess brings a magical toy that introduces a dilemma about her future, she must once again embark on a rescue mission...this time, involving her new family.

Young readers of magic and fantasy will find the Welsh folklore and adventure make for a spellbinding stand-alone tale that's hard to put down.

Simon and Schuster
www.simonandschuster.com/kids

These new arrivals are fine leisure reading choices that will attract picture book learners and their parents with satisfyingly original presentations.

Parker Curry & Jessica Curry's Parker Shines On: Another Extraordinary Moment (9781534454743, $17.99) receives engaging drawings by Brittany Jackson as it tells of big sister Parker Curry, who plays dress-up and dances with her little sister. When a dancer joins her class, the opportunity for friendship and expanded lessons will engage ages 4-8 in a tale replete with ballet dreams and colorful representations of a child's experiences.

Trees by Tony Johnston and artist Tiffany Bozic (9781534475175, $17.99) offers a simple exploration packed with gorgeous drawings of trees and how they harbor songbirds, blooms, and beauty, both day and night.

Bozic's drawings are featured in an oversized format that is one of the most colorful renditions of natural environments available for the very young, while Johnston's simple, evocative coverage of the atmosphere and beauty of trees creates an appeal that will attract nonfiction and fiction young readers alike.

Patricia Polacco's Go Ask Ozzie (9781534478358, $17.99) presents a Rotten Richie story about siblings. It focuses on Polacco's older brother in another fun adventure.

Patricia can't get away from her biggest problem in life: her rotten older brother, who is "the most embarrassing brother in the world." From his refusal to take baths to his infatuation with her best friend's older sister, this autobiographical story of siblings whose relationship changes is appealing and thought-provoking.

Carla Hall's Carla and the Christmas Cornbread (9781534494695, $17.99) features inviting illustrations by Cherise Harris which capture the holiday atmosphere and special celebrations of Carla, who accidentally eats a special cookie intended for Santa.

Kids ages 4-8 will find this story of a grandmother's warm house and the special sights, smells, and learning opportunities it brings to be a fun exploration of a different kind of Christmas.

Thankful by Elaine Vickers (9781534477346, $17.99) features pictures by Samantha Cotterill and holds an invitation for young readers ages 4-8 to consider what they are thankful for in life.

A girl writes down the simple things she is thankful for, which include "snow that softens the whole world" and "a smooth road for riding bikes with friends."

The story invites kids to consider gratitude and the good things in their lives—a message parents will find particularly important to discuss with a young picture book reader.

All are recommended picks for discriminating picture book enthusiasts.

Those past the picture book stage who look for chapter books filled with action and adventure will find Stuntboy In the Meantime by Jason Reynolds (9781534418165, $13.99) just the ticket for a fun leisure read.

Stuntboy is a superhero...or so he likes to think. Intent on saving others and carving out a reputation for himself, he becomes involved in rescue efforts that both challenge his perception and somehow involve a cat.

Vivid drawings and unexpected encounters keep this graphic novel energetic and fun.

Older readers ages 8-12 will appreciate two interrelated books that explore an 11-year-old girl's struggle to communicate with the world.

Not since Karen and With Love From Karen (both told from the viewpoint of the mother of a child with cerebral palsy) has the subject received such a close inspection.

Sharon M. Draper begins the story with Out of My Mind (9781416971719, $9.99), which presents the first-person experiences of Melody Brooks, a disabled girl whose powerful brain struggles with her incapacitated body.

Melody can't talk, move, or write. She's stuck inside her head. But her determination to communicate and succeed against all odds creates a thoroughly engrossing story about positivity, disability, and courage that follows Melody as she struggles to become part of the world.

Her 'hidden superpowers' enable her to approach the world in a different way, earning a place in it that is thought-provoking and ultimately uplifting.

Draper's Out of My Heart (9781665902168, $18.99) continues her saga, is set a year later, and follows Melody's ongoing attempts at independence.

Here, readers receive her first summer camp experience and move through the fears that haunt her encounters with a completely different environment.

The camp helps Melody confront and move past her fears and the barriers to her success, creating opportunities that move her forward as she becomes braver, stronger, and more resilient.

The two books together are enlightening, heart-warming, and filled with a positivity that preteens will find thoroughly absorbing.