The Goody, written and illustrated by Lauren Child, is an important book about both good and bad behavior being a little mixed up.  It’s a lovely story of siblings, one who always does what he is told (the goody) and the other who does whatever she likes regardless of ramifications to herself or others. Children in K-2 will appreciate this story as they can relate to not always being able to be good, and most importantly, having that uncomfortable-tummy feeling when one misbehaves. The book is a subtle laugh-out-loud using a narrator to emphasize an overall message that states “being nice when you can be nice can make you feel good”. Child’s use of the double negative, such as “he never forgot to remember this,” and “the least favorite of all his least favorite vegetables,” produces a nice rhetorical effect that young readers are sure to enjoy. The writing is quirky and humorous, creating a need to read and read again. The illustrations are composed of delightful paper cuts complete with patterns that look like fabric and create an interesting texture. The sweet life-lessons pointed out by the narrator and shown in red print are sure to capture the students’ attention and help them realize that when we are nice or when we share with others, it actually makes us feel better.

That’s Betty! The Story of Betty White by Gregory Borsignore is a quick and fascinating tale about Betty White’s remarkable 80-year career. The story begins with a student confidently wearing his Betty White t-shirt stating he will research her for his biography assignment about a trailblazing woman. One of his dads is supportive, but the other is not so sure, asking if maybe his son should pick somebody more traditional. But all along the reader knows a mysterious character appears on the pages with a big hat, dark glasses, pearls and a scarf who looks an awful lot like Betty White. It’s no surprise that the character is Betty herself and in true Betty fashion she is ready to tell her story with a confident flair. Together the two review all of Betty’s great accomplishments as the young boy discovers she co-hosted a live TV show in 1949 that ran for 51/2 hours a day and 6 days a week! Betty also wrote and produced her own show, The Betty White Show in 1954 when very few women were involved in TV. At this time, she casted talented Black singers and dancers and stood up to prejudice push back from the television studio. Betty simply  said  “live with it” and then gave performers such as Arthur Duncan twice as much air time as before and the audiences loved it! The illustrations are fun and colorful, taking readers on an extra special adventure in show business. The book ends with a timeline of Betty’s life, including a list of all her awards, honors and other extraordinary details about a woman with the courage to lead her life in a nontraditional way.

Both Sides Now, by Peyton Thomas, provides an honest and hopeful
glimpse into the trans teen experience. Finch Kelly, a trans boy living in Olympia, Washington,
chases his dream of attending Georgetown University by competing in the National Debate
Championship. Finch’s goal of winning Nationals is jeopardized by the financial difficulties of his
family and his growing attraction to his best friend and debate partner, Jonah Cabrera. As they
battle through the rounds of debate against their privileged rivals from Annable academy, they
must face an internal battle when the National debate topic is announced: trans bathroom
rights. Without successfully debating against his own rights, Finch’s dreams of Georgetown and
a future in politics is in jeopardy. Integration of social media formatting into the narrative
enhances the relatability of the story, but some references to other mainstream tech feels a bit
forced. The story feels very relatable as the characters navigate realistic obstacles that many
young people discover standing between themselves and their childhood dreams. Throughout,
the outcome of the story remains tantalizingly obscure right to the last chapter. Difficult
conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and racism are addressed in relatable ways that speak to all
age groups. As teenagers learn to navigate this ever-changing world, Both Sides Now is a
coming-of-age story that speaks to modern situations and dilemmas.

Francisco X. Stork’s On the Hook is a reimagining of his very first book from 2007, Behind the Eyes. In this story, Hector’s moral dilemma is front and center. A gifted student living in a rough area of town, Hector is put in the position of showing a machismo he doesn’t have to defend his brother’s honor. This is the struggle of inner turmoil that young men face more often than society probably acknowledges. Can you be smart and tough at the same time? Hector has a great support system around him, but only he can figure out the type of future he wants to have.

Stork’s writing is quick-paced and takes surprising turns. Readers might be frustrated with Hector’s choices when he clearly has an easy way out of his situation but doesn’t take it. But this allows for Hector’s character development, which 7th- 10th graders need clear examples of. On the Hook is a good addition for collections that need more options male readers.