Format: Picture Book Nonfiction

Black Hands: Builders of our Nation

Black Hands: Builders of our NationBlack Hands: Builders of Our Nation by Carole Boston Weatherford, R. Gregory Christie
Genres: Cultural / African American, History
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Black Hands: Builders of our Nation” is a non-fiction picture book about how Black people helped build the United States, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Readers see as Black hands survived the Middle Passage and arrived as slaves in the Americas and then as they build the White House and Capitol, and then through the Civil Rights movement and beyond as lawmakers, astronauts, scientists, athletes, and doctors. The painted illustrations are bright and beautiful and the information is presented in a simple and rhythmic way. Historical references are included in the back of the book for more detailed information about the illustrations. A must-buy for non-fiction picture book collections. This book is recommended for ages 4-8.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Melodies of the Weary Blues

Melodies of the Weary BluesMelodies of The Weary Blues: Classic Poems Illustrated for Young People by Langston Hughes, Various
ISBN: 0063327058
Genres: Cultural / African American, Poetry
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This poetry picture book is a stunning anthology of Langston Hughes’ poems collected by the editor, Shamar Knight-Justice. Each page is a different illustrator’s work, working with different moods and themes all the way to the end. A total of 23 poems, and 23 of the most talented Black artists in the industry. Highlights include: “The Negro Speaks of Rivers (To W.E.B. DuBois)” and “Aunt Sue’s Stories” which speak so powerfully of the African American experience. Knight-Justice’s Author’s Note at the beginning of the compilation is a great explanation of why the picture book was created, as well as Hughes’s small biography in the back with additional timeline. Surprisingly, one of his most popular poems, “Harlem,” was absent.

Highly recommended for all poetry collections and Black history curriculum. Ages 6-10.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Lulu and the Others

Lulu and the OthersLulu and the Others: A True Story―A Charming Picture Book about a Bonobo Monkey for Kids (Ages 4-8) by A.G. Ford, Eliot Schrefer
ISBN: 0063205378
Genres: Animals, Emotions & Feelings, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction, Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

We are introduced to Lulu, a bonobo who lives very similarly to her human family members. Lulu can look at comic books, play with her “sister,” get food out of the refrigerator, and use the bathroom just like her family. But after some time, Lulu seems sad and uninterested in life. The parents realize it’s time for Lulu to meet the apes on the island where she came from.

Based on a true story of bonobo rehabilitation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the apes are raised in safe places until they’re ready to go to the island Lola ya Bonobo (Paradise for Bonobos). When the apes are reintroduced back into the wild, there is always a unique transitioning period to where the bonobos learn who they actually are. Lulu’s story is one of those stories and shows readers how bonobo rehabilitation can be done.

A sweet and educational story about our close relatives, the bonobos.

Recommended for ages 2-6.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

three-stars

Galaxy Mapper

Galaxy MapperGalaxy Mapper: The Luminous Discoveries of Astrophysicist Hélène Courtois by Allie Summers, Sian James
on November 18, 2025
ISBN: 1536228974
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

If readers haven’t already heard of Hélène Courtois and her marvelous contributions to astrophysics, this picture book biography illuminates her amazing life. This picture book, through mit Kids Press, starts at Courtois’ early years mapping her French countryside and onto her experiences being a woman in the sciences. Allie Summers writes a compelling tale of how she discovers Laniakea in 2013, a special supercluster of galaxies that includes our Milky Way.

This is a great contribution to any picture book biography section. The graphic design illustrations are bright and eye-catching and the writing is full of new science terms for kids to learn in tandem with Courtois’ life story. End papers include her Timeline, a Glossary of Galactic Terms, “Other Fiercely Intelligent Women in Astronomy,” and a guide to putting your telescope in the right location. Recommended for Ages 5-9.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Houdini’s Library

Houdini’s LibraryHoudini's Library: How Books Created the World's Greatest Magician by Barb Rosenstock, Mar Delmar
on February 17, 2026
ISBN: 0593570138
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
This engaging picture book of the world’s most famous magician also affirms the magic of  books, reinvention, and determination. Author Barb Rosenstock relates the story of Harry Houdini’s life and his passionate connection to the written word. This love of literacy was inherited from his father, a rabbi whose impressive library was sadly diminished and sold when the family fell upon hard times after emigrating to the United States from Hungary.  Rosenstock posits that books and Houdini’s reverence for them, are precisely what helped Harry become the world’s greatest illusionist.
As a self-educated lover of knowledge, Houdini’s every escapade is tied back to his desire to learn and his devotion to collecting volumes “thick and thin, small and tall, older and newer.” Keys serve as both a visual and literary theme, appearing on the endpapers and throughout the story to symbolize how books unlock knowledge.
The narrative brings Houdini’s era to life alongside stunning illustrations made from incredibly detailed, three-dimensional miniature paper scenes that match the text’s dynamism. Back matter includes an author’s note on the vast breadth of Houdini’s real-life collection and an illustrator’s note explaining the deep historical research required to create the artwork.
Highly recommended for public and elementary school libraries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS/MLIS
K-2 School Resource Librarian, Scarborough Public Schools

 

 

five-stars

The Big Bang and Beyond

The Big Bang and BeyondA Comic Book History of the Big Bang and Beyond by Anna Claybourne, Rikus Ferreira
Published by Kids Can Press on May 5, 2026
ISBN: 152531503X
Genres: STEM
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

The Earth was born 4.5 billion years ago and this book allows us to follow along until the extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Formatted in comic book, graphic nonfiction styling with funny yet on point speech bubbles throughout, this book is highly accessible and easy to read. The quick bits of informational text and highly-detailed, colorful illustrations enable kids, and adults, in the evolution of Earth including how our solar system formed including the sun and moon, the beginning of lifeforms on Earth and the dinosaurs.

Backmatter includes a comprehensive glossary and an index.

Ages 8-12
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

five-stars

Seven Million Steps

Seven Million StepsSeven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory's Run for the Hungry by Christian Gregory, Derrick Barnes, Frank Morrison
ISBN: 0063357526
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, History, Inspiration, Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Seven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory’s Run for the Hungry

Written by: Derrick Barnes and Christian Gregory

Illustrated by: Frank Morrison

 

This non-fiction picture book for ages 4-8 tells the story of activist Dick Gregory’s remarkable 1976 Food Run- his two-and-a-half month run from Los Angeles to New York City to raise awareness about the epidemic of hunger and poverty in America. Mr. Gregory underwent this run while sustaining himself with only water, juice, vitamins, and some seeds. His goal was to raise attention and compassion to those who go days without food. The end contains a direct quote from Dick Gregory, as well information about the persistent reality of hunger and food insecurity today. Although the author mentions that individuals can support organizations like Feeding America and No Kid Hungry, inclusion of practical and child-friendly strategies (i.e. giving to a local food pantry, volunteering at soup kitchens) is lacking. This may have helped inspire activism and volunteerism in young readers by providing ideas for small and meaningful ways they can impact their communities. The underlying issue of wealth inequality remains relevant and deserving of attention.

3 stars

Reviewed by Lindsey Hopkins, Jay-Niles Memorial Library, Jay

three-stars

Two Artists, Grandad and Me

Two Artists, Grandad and MeTwo Artists, Grandad and Me by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers on January 20, 2026
ISBN: 0593571231
Genres: Arts, Family
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Art and music move hand in hand throughout this story featuring a granddaughter with her artist grandfather. The book is the depiction of memories the author has with her artist grandfather, Jerry Pinkney.
In his music-filled studio this young girl is given the creativity to explore her artistic side with the guidance of her grandfather’s skills and love.
The cadence of this book and liberal usage of onomatopoeia moves the reader along much as the music carries the author through her paintings with her grandfather.

Ages 4-7
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

five-stars

Teaching for Change: How Septima Clark Led the Civil Rights Movement to Voting Justice

Teaching for Change: How Septima Clark Led the Civil Rights Movement to Voting JusticeTeaching for Change: How Septima Clark Led the Civil Rights Movement to Voting Justice by Abigail Albano-Payton, Monica Clark-Robinson, Yvonne Clark-Rhines
ISBN: 0063251604
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Teaching for Change: How Septima Clark Led the Civil Rights Movement to Voting Justice is an important and engaging picture book biography that should be included in school and public libraries. The author beautifully balances quality information with keeping it accessible. Readers will learn a lot about Septima Clark and the Civil Rights Movement but in a digestible way. This would be a great text for a biography unit, a unit on the Civil Rights Movement, or a history class. This would be a best fit for readers in second through fifth grade, with a place in secondary classrooms studying these topics looking for a more accessible text or a starting place to study elements of biography texts or learning about this time period. This was a five-star read for me. Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars

Animal Heroes: Supersquads!

Animal Heroes: Supersquads!Supersquads!: Animal Heroes by Heather Lang, Jamie Harper
ISBN: 1536217980
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This is the latest in the series after the popular Super Moms and Super Dads books. In this one, we get to see how groups of animals (or squads) work together and use skills like communication to accomplish super things. The illustrations are stunning and engaging, just like the other books in the series, and the information is high-quality, engaging, accessible, and humorous. This will be a great fit for readers in grades K-4 and could apply to upper grades as a model for writing engaging non-fiction or sharing information about animals or other research topics. I would strongly recommend adding it to any collection that serves elementary-aged readers. This was a five-star read for me.  Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars