Cristiano Ronaldo (Sports Superstars Series)

“Sports Superstars” presents biographies of some of today’s most popular athletes. These books introduce the athlete’s background with a focus on how they became the superstars they are today. There are also numerous “fun facts” about everything from their favorite hobby to what’s on their trophy shelves. Full of nonfiction text features, these books would be great for students writing reports, getting an introduction to biographies, or just learning about one of their favorite athletes.

The debate about whether Messi or Ronaldo holds the title of greatest soccer player of all time is often heard in the sports section of my library. This book is the perfect resource for all those kids needing some backup for their argument that it is, in fact, Ronaldo. The book provides a timeline of Ronaldo’s rise to soccer stardom and also gives information about his business enterprises. This one won’t stay on the shelf.

Chloe Kim (Sports Superstars Series)

“Sports Superstars” presents biographies of some of today’s most popular athletes. These books introduce the athlete’s background with a focus on how they became the superstars they are today. There are also numerous “fun facts” about everything from their favorite hobby to what’s on their trophy shelves. Full of nonfiction text features, these books would be great for students writing reports, getting an introduction to biographies, or just learning about one of their favorite athletes.

Chloe Kim has been a competitive snowboarder since the time she was six years old. By age eight, she was training with the U.S national team. Young snowboarders and athletes of all types will love learning about Kim’s path and successes. There are numerous interesting facts about Kim’s traditions, her favorite things, and even her own Barbie doll. This is a great addition to any school library.

Like Lava in My Veins by Derrick Barnes

Derrick Barnes has created yet another empowering and engaging picture book that will inspire elementary age kids. Like Lava in My Veins follows Bobby Beacon as he starts at a new school for kids with superpowers. Bobby has the power to control fire and lava, but when he gets heated, those powers can get away from him. His teacher at his new school doesn’t understand Bobby or see his amazing talents, and he ends up in the principal’s office. When he’s transferred to a new class, though, Bobby finally starts to feel seen and understand how to control his fire. This picture book is drawn in graphic novel style, which will make it immediately appealing to many readers, but it’s also a phenomenal story for social emotional development. I love that his “fire” is shown to be a superpower. The book showed the value of controlled anger when faced with injustice, which is something I haven’t seen tackled in a picture book. Like Lava in My Veins is a unique and powerful book that will be appreciated by adults and kids alike.

This Wolf Was Different by Katie Slivensky

A wolf cub is born to a pack, but she doesn’t feel or act like her brothers and sisters. She is, as the title says, a little bit different. Eventually the wolf finds something else in the forest that is quite different, and a bond is formed. This lovely imagining of how wolves began their transition to domestication will capture the hearts of young wolf and dog lovers alike. The beautiful illustrations add to the dreamy quality of this envisioned tale. The text is simple enough to be understood by very young readers but the ideas are complex enough to capture the imagination of mid level elementary students as well.

Yaya and the Sea by Karen Good Marable

Yaya and the Sea lets readers follow along on a special trip to the ocean. The book begins with Yaya and her mom waking before dawn and traveling through the city to meet Yaya’s aunties on the train. On the train, Yaya listens to her mom and her friends chat, and we understand how fortunate she feels to be included on this journey. When they reach their destination, we get to watch along with Yaya as the four friends participate in a special ritual to welcome spring and new beginnings. Tonya Engel’s illustrations depict this peaceful and significant moment in beautiful detail. Yaya and the Sea is a lovely story, and I can see many readers wanting to take this serene journey with Yaya time and time again.

These Olive Trees by Aya Ghanameh

Aya Ghanameh tells the story of her grandmother’s youth in Palestine. Oraib has a deep connection to the olives she collects with her mother, and, together, they use the olives in many ways to aid and improve their lives in the refugee camp. When the war comes to their camp, Oraib is forced to quickly gather her things to leave the only home she has known. As she leaves, Oraib uses an olive to give a message of hope for a better tomorrow. Ghanameh does a nice job presenting a complicated and heartbreaking story in a child-appropriate manner. The illustrations of Oraib and her family are charming, while the illustrations of the occupying forces as large ghostly hands are powerful and haunting. The author’s note in the back gives additional information about her grandmother’s story and the Israeli occupation of Palestine. 

All You Have to Do by Autumn Allen

Set in Boston, All You Have to Do presents two parallel stories of 16-year-old Black students navigating predominantly white schools. In 1968, in the immediate aftermath of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, Kevin joins a student led protest at his university and faces harsh ramifications for his choices. In 1995, Gibran faces similar challenges as he navigates microaggressions and the controversy and consequences of his choice to honor the Million Man March. Both teens must confront the complexities of race, privilege, and belonging as they struggle to find their voices and fight for justice. This powerful, dual-timeline novel explores themes of racial identity, social justice, and the enduring impact of history. It will move readers and resonate deeply with contemporary issues of race and equality.

Chasing Pacquiao by Rod Pulido

Set in 1990s Los Angeles, Chasing Pacquiao follows 15-year-old Bobby, a Filipino-American queer teen, who faces relentless bullying in high school. After Bobby is viscously attacked by a trio of bullies and badly injured, he takes up boxing in the hopes of fighting back. As Bobby immerses himself in the world of boxing, he discovers that true strength comes from more than just physical power—it comes from persistence, self-acceptance, and community. But when Bobby’s hero, world champion fighter Manny Pacquiao makes his views opposition to homosexuality public, Bobby is deeply shaken. This compelling coming-of-age story touches on themes of homophobia, fallen heroes, and more with nuance and sensitivity. Readers will connect with Bobby’s authenticity and root for him too!

Kingdom of Without by Andrea Tang

Set in a dystopian New Beijing, where society is divided into class based rings, Kingdom of Without follows 17-year-old Zhong Ning’er, a Sixth-Ring thief. After her addict father empties her bank account, Zhong starts working with Red Yaksha, a Robin Hoodesque masked hero, and his crew of rebels to earn some much needed money. Zhong’s first assignment? To free a rebel leader trapped inside a secret lab. In the face of dangerous and daunting assignments as well as widespread political corruption, Zhong, a reluctant rebel, finds unexpected friendships, purpose, and perhaps most importantly, hope. With its gripping plot and strong, complex protagonist, Kingdom of Without is a perfect choice for fans of dystopian tales who love a mix of technology, intrigue, and ethical dilemmas!

Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen by Geri Halliwell-Horner

After her mum dies leaving her an orphan, Rosie Frost, a spirited, ginger-haired 13-year-old, is sent to a school with ties to the Tudors located on the mysterious Bloodstone Island. As Rosie begins to discover secrets and connections to her family’s past, her most prized possession (a red case of her mum’s) is taken by the headmaster and Rosie suddenly finds herself uncovering a disturbing plot that threatens Bloodstone Island’s incredible endangered animals. In the hopes of reclaiming her beloved red case and exposing this sinister plot, Rosie enters the infamous Falcon Queen Games and competes in three dangerous and daunting physical and mental challenges. This fast-paced adventure is filled with mystery, historical and royal intrigue, and a touch of magic. Rosie is a deeply relatable and empowering protagonist whom readers will eagerly root for!