Written by Terrance Crawford, Illustrated by Dave Bardin

The After-School Heroes series is aimed at beginning chapter book readers. Larger print, illustrations on most pages, and simplified sentence structure all support early reading skills. Shuri Takes Control follows Shuri, from the Black Panther universe, as she works to stop an evil takeover of Stark Center. While other superheroes make appearances, it’s Shuri who takes the lead in saving her friends.

The story highlights the importance of perseverance, and Shuri herself is a fantastic role model, especially for kids interested in STEM. Her intelligence, creativity, and bravery are highlighted throughout the book.

The vocabulary will be more accessible for kids who are already fans of superheroes, particularly those familiar with the Marvel universe and Black Panther. That said, early readers may still need support with some of the trickier words. Overall, though, this is a strong addition to any early chapter book collection, particularly for superhero-loving kids looking for adventure.

Written by Gloria Amescua and Illustrated by Mariyah Rahman

A sweet story inspired by the author’s own invented lullaby, Abuelita’s Song is a beautiful celebration of family connection. Spanish words and phrases are woven naturally throughout the text, along with the lullaby itself (presented in both Spanish and English), which adds depth to the story. Since the song appears many times throughout the book, readers should be prepared to sing if reading it aloud.

The illustrations are bright and full of warmth, perfectly capturing the love shared by this family. There is a deep sense of heart and affection on every page, and I can see many kids gravitating toward this book for a sense of comfort and love.

By Marc González Rossell

Octavio and His Glasses is unique for several reasons. The pages are a striking yellow, with only black and white contrasting the bright background. The story doesn’t follow the usual cute or sweet tone; it leans more into the dark and mysterious. The experience of getting new glasses is shown as transformative, though I had to read all the way to the end to fully grasp how. 

This book won’t appeal to every kid, but that’s part of its charm. I’ll be keeping it in the table bins in my library because I think it will spark curiosity. Kids of all ages might find themselves drawn in by the unusual visuals and compelled to puzzle out the ending. For a book with so little text, it delivers a surprisingly powerful punch. I can easily imagine readers coming back to it more than once, both to admire the visuals and confirm their understanding of Octavio’s journey.

Written by Gabriele Davis. Illustrated by Craig Stanley.

Our Joyful Noise celebrates the sounds of daily life. As a family moves through their week, we hear the sounds that accompany their routines. From the “whisper” of their mom’s satin shirt to the “snappity-snap” of green beans, to the hallelujahs at church, we experience all the sounds that fill their lives. At the back of the book, you learn that titles and lyrics from hymns, spirituals, and gospel and jazz songs, all reflecting the African-American experience, are woven into the text.

This book celebrates the small things that bring joy to everyday moments. The illustrations capture that joy, while the thoughtful use of silence makes the sounds feel even more powerful. It would make a wonderful addition to any school or home library.

By Phil and Lily Rosenthal, Illustrated by Luke Flowers.

Every parent of a picky eater will instantly relate to the father trying to get his daughter to try the variety of foods at the food truck festival, and every picky eater will connect with the daughter’s dramatic “ewwwwww!” when faced with unfamiliar dishes. The title reflects the family’s rule (a rule that eventually gets turned on the father), and it encourages the daughter to try something new. While the outcome is undeniably optimistic, it still offers a positive example for kids. The vibrant cover art will likely draw many kids in, and many parents will be grateful this book is coming home.

Written By Aisha Saeed. Illustrated by Neha Rawat

Zuni’s family decides to keep a jar full of memories this year. Throughout the story, Zuni watches as her family members shine in different ways, each adding a memento of their special moment to the family’s memory jar. While Zuni hasn’t yet found her moment, her family gently reassures her that her time will come. The ending, when Zuni finally adds her own memory, delivers a sweet and unexpectedly powerful message.

The concept of a family memory jar, and the tradition of sipping tea while reflecting on a year’s worth of special moments, is likely to inspire many families to start their own version. Zuni’s journey is also a lovely example for young readers: she never shows envy toward others’ successes, but instead finds her own way to create memories. It’s a great reminder of the joy in both shared and personal milestones and would be a great story to share with young readers.