Category: Cream of the Crop Nominees

A Smile Like Yours

Genres: LGBTQ+, Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
five-stars

A Smile Like Yours is a YA graphic novel about a group of teens in their first year at university who struggle to find their way in this new phase of their lives. One of the standout aspects of this book was the inclusion of an invisible disability of prosopagnosia or face blindness. Rhys can only recognize people by identifiers like their clothes or hair but can’t recognize them by their faces, even his family members. The graphic novel style paired beautifully with this aspect by highlighting the identifiers Rhys uses to recognize people and highlighting them in a different color from the rest of the artwork. Another standout aspect was the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ identities in the book and the discussions the characters have around sexuality. Since these were the two main themes (invisible disabilities and sexual orientation), a lot of the book was also about trust and developing relationships with other people, which I think is so important for young people to read about. This book is definitely the next Hearstopper, and I can’t wait to see kids reading it. This is a must-add to any library serving young adults and up. This was a five-star, cream of the crop read for me.

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars

I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy

I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library JoyI'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Lorraine Nam, Mychal Threets
Genres: Emotions & Feelings, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

In this love letter to libraries, Mychal the Librarian (a librarian, viral social media personality, and literacy advocate) conveys the most important message shared by all librarians: “I’m so happy you’re here.” The very simple text is a gentle reminder that everyone belongs in the library, just as they are. And while libraries have lots of books, you can also do so much more at the library by attending activities and programs. The paint and collage illustrations are pure joy and full of color and emotion. The text and illustrations are incredibly inclusive, showcasing different races, ages, families, abilities, and housing situations. A sweet addition to any library collection. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 (Preschool to 2nd Grade). Cream of the crop nominee.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars

Some of Us Are Brave

Some of Us Are BraveSome of Us Are Brave by Saadia Faruqi
Published by Quill Tree Books on 2/10/26
ISBN: 0063389533
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Summer is winding down in Houston and kids are enjoying the last part of summer before school starts, including playing soccer at the local rec club. Soccer is on the minds of Cody and Yasir, two boys competing for team captain.  Mona is also at the field, but only because she is babysitting her little brother Omar while their parents are away. The kids try to focus on soccer, but the weather reports of tropical storm Harvey are becoming more concerning to those living in the low-lying areas of Houston.  When Harvey makes landfall, Yasir, Cody, and Mona are driven from their homes and find themselves forced to survive the storm together.  Cody, Yasir, and Mona were not friends before the storm, but they know their survival depends on them becoming a team.  The situation is life or death, and the three older kids are able to help each other work through their fears, one step at a time.

Readers who enjoy realistic fiction with strong characters will enjoy this book.  There is depth and growth to these protagonists.  Mona and Yasir build their confidence and leadership skills and Cody decides to turn over a new leaf, leaving behind his bullying behaviors and disdain for foreigners that he inherited from his father. The chapters are relatively short and are told from the perspective of one of the older kids.  Mixed in throughout the book are weather reports that are based on real weather reports Houstonians would have heard at the time.  Readers might also enjoy learning about flood myths from different religions and cultures that are woven into the text throughout the novel.  This book would be a great addition to libraries serving students in 4th-7th grade.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

five-stars

Looking at the Sky

Looking at the SkyLooking at the Sky: How Dr. Janusz Korczak Fought for Children's Rights by Abigail Rajunov, Amanda West Lewis
Published by Kids Can Press ISBN: 1525310240
Genres: Historical Fiction, History, Informational
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Based on a first-person account of a student’s experience with  Dr. Janusz Korczak, but using fictional characters, Looking at the Sky is the story of the Polish doctor’s influence on the children in his care during the first half of the 20th century. His approach to education and child development used storytelling as a way to build morality, and he respectfully allowed children to fully occupy the realm of adults in order to make sense of their surroundings. They were encouraged to work hard, respect each other, and even serve as judges that would determine both verdict and punishment when problems arose. The book uses muted and subtlely expressive illustrations to follow one small boy, whose sisters raise the money for him to attend Korczak’s school, resulting in his chance to leave Poland before it was invaded by Germany. The rest of the characters are not so fortunate, which leads to an unflinching and emotional end. Don’t be deterred by the sadness; the book passes along Dr. Korczak’s messages of hope, respect, and joy clearly and lovingly, making this an essential addition to a library collection.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

The Winter of the Dollhouse

The Winter of the DollhouseThe Winter of the Dollhouse by Laura Amy Schlitz
on September 2, 2025
ISBN: 153623608X
Genres: Magical Realism
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Eleven-year-old Tiphany is enchanted by her town’s dollhouse store and would love to own a small antique doll, named Gretel, for her own. Tiph is longing for a friend and wishes she could feel more at home with her family as she tries to connect with her stepmother and young half-siblings. After helping an old lady named Szilvia from collapsing on the street, she lands a job walking her dog. Come to find out, Szilvia is actually planning to restore an old dollhouse from her childhood. During a visit to the dollhouse store, Tiph shoplifts Gretel while Szilvia purchases another doll named Red, only for Tiph to lose Gretel somewhere in Szilvia’s house. From there, while Tiph holds the guilt of her shoplifting secret and continues to bond with Szilvia, the two dolls hatch their own plans to have the lives they’ve been dreaming of.  

The escapades of Gretel and Red as they try to navigate the human world and find their own fulfillment are endearing. Each doll has its own distinct personality, and the longing to belong and be loved by a child mirrors Tiph’s own desires to be understood and seen. The inclusion of older and younger generations making close connections is lovely, and the development of our flawed main characters is well done. A warm, sweet, emotional story exploring mistakes, forgiveness, loneliness, friendship, and the complexity of family–blended, found, or otherwise. 

Ages 9-12

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

five-stars

Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave

Mystery James Digs Her Own GraveMystery James Digs Her Own Grave by Ally Russell
Published by Delacorte Press on September 16, 2025
ISBN: 0593896912
Genres: Horror, Supernatural
Format: Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Mystery James is 13, very smart, fond of spiders, and devoted to Tía Lucy, who found Mystery as an infant and has been caring for her ever since. Tía Lucy runs a funeral home, which Mystery helps her with, and after a cherished heirloom goes missing from a recently buried prominent town member, the future of the funeral home, and Mystery’s relationship with Tía Lucy, is threatened. Fortunately, Mystery has her wits, her best friend Garrett, and a spider named Coffin who lives in her hair to help her find out what happened to the heirloom, and how to clear her aunt’s name. Easier said than done, since Mystery soon discovers an elaborate plan to keep a malevolent spirit attached to a cemetery that has failed due to the grave robbing her aunt has been blamed for. Mystery finds herself wrestling some complicated emotions in a Faustian bargain that will solve her aunt’s trouble, but will allow a truly despicable, vampiric menace to escape its eternal entrapment.

With the exception of the vampire and his familiar, the grave robber, everyone in this book is so relatable and reasonable; Mystery is a wonderful kid, torn between some hideous choices and the chance to do right by her Tía Lucy. This is a step up in scares from many other middle grade horror titles, and will be a great transition into scarier YA books. Readers will be left wanting more, and as luck would have it, they’ll be able to get it with the sequel being released later this year.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

SPARK: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone

SPARK: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the MicrophoneSpark: Jim West's Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone by Ainissa Ramirez
Series: Black Inovators
Published by MIT Kids Press on October 21, 2025
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Cultural / African American, STEM
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
The first book in the MIT Kids Press Black Innovators series. This picture book biography is for science lovers. Author Ainissa Ramirez shares the story of Jim West who patented the foil-electret microphone, a unit integral to everything from cell phones to hearing aids. Her explanations of the science are in-depth and sure to appeal to STEM-minded kids. Growing up on a farm, West had a compulsion to take things apart to see how they worked and had a fascination with electricity. He studied science in college, where he was one of only two Black students, and then went on to work at Bell labs. West’s advocacy for more diversity in the technology field paved the way for many scientists of color to follow their interests and curiosity. Back matter provides an author’s note, a time line, a bibliography, and more information on the life and work of Jim West. Ages 8-12.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

A Knot is Not a Tangle

A Knot is Not a TangleA Knot Is Not a Tangle by Daniel Nayeri, Vesper Stamper
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on November 25, 2025
ISBN: 0593809696
Genres: Immigrants, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
There is so much I love about this book. There are multiple topics for discussion in this poignant picture book about an Iranian boy learning to make a new family rug with his grandmother. Together, they wash and dye the wool, design the rug, and tie the knots. He becomes frustrated when his knots aren’t perfect like his grandmother’s. She teaches him about imperfection, tradition, and togetherness. The beautiful illustrations and descriptions of rug-making in this book make it a one that every library should own, especially in the current social climate in this country. All ages.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

five-stars

Magicalia

MagicaliaMagicalia by Jennifer Bell
on April 2, 2024
ISBN: 1536241601
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars
Bitsy and her best friend Kosh are having a regular sleepover – playing Mario Kart and recording the next episode of Bitsy’s local news podcast (which much to her disappointment, the most exciting news she has to report on includes odd-shaped vegetables and potholes). Bitsy feels disappointed and wants more than anything to live up to her deceased mom’s legacy of being a world-famous news reporter. But their evening gets turned on its head when a gorilla-sized rodent called a Grobble crashes into her house, eating everything in sight. They overhear Bitsy’s dad arguing with a strange woman, and watch as he summons his own magicore – a Wayworm charged with protecting the kids at all costs. Then in an instant the woman has kidnapped Bitsy’s dad and vanished into thin air.

Bitsy and Kosh, who have (up until this point) led “regular” lives, are now faced with the impossible – can they follow the clues available hiding in Bitsy’s house into this magical world to save her dad? They discover a world beyond their wildest imaginations based on conjuring magical creatures called magicores, which are made from the energy of emotions. They find themselves at the heart of a conflict between different groups of conjurers that goes back centuries. A conflict so engrained in conjurer culture that it ostracized many from society, tearing apart families and loved ones in the process. They are also forced to question everything – including who they can trust. Bitsy finds herself following in the footsteps of her mom, and discovering there was so much more she didn’t know.

This story is a thrilling adventure to read. Beyond the fantastical creatures, it includes deep friendships, long-lost family members, questioning of established systems, and bringing people together to resolve conflict against all odds. Recommended for ages 8 to 12 (3rd to 6th Grade). Cream of the Crop nominee.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars

I am my Name

I am my NameI Am My Name: A Girl's Journey to Finding Her Cree Family by Judith Henderson, Na'kuset, Onedove
ISBN: 0593648765
Genres: Cultural / First Nations, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
This is an eye-opening autobiographical story of how a young Cree girl was removed from her family without consent during Canada’s Sixties Scoop, which took Indigenous children from their families, and fostered or adopted them out to primarily white families. She was put in a new home and given a new name, completely losing her identity and missing her biological sister. While she finds some joy in her childhood, and develops a special bond with her adopted grandmother “Bubbie”, she longs to know her true identity. After she is grown, Bubbie helps her find her biological sister. Finally, reconnecting with her Indigenous roots, she is given a Spirit name by an Elder. She is Na’kuset, or the Sun. The life-like illustrations carry you on this emotional journey with Na’kuset. This is an important story for any collection, and particularly for education around colonization. Recommended for ages 6 to 9 (1st to 4th Grade). Cream of the Crop nominee.

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

five-stars