While Alexander's short poems celebrate those who have "gone" before it is Nelson's illustrations that make this book inspiratonal. Muscular athletes, dedicated artists, a civil war soldier or a field worker are all portrayed in their strength and courage. And these characters make the empty page, which symbolizes sacrifice, all the more memorable.

Saeed Aisha Amal Unbound Amal becomes a servant in the home of the local Pakistani despot to pay off her father’s debts. She has dreams of being a teacher but as the eldest daughter had to drop out of school when her mother suffered post partem depression There are many issues here, boys valued more than girls, famiy obligations but they don’t drive the story, Amal’s humanity does and the way she reflects the dreams of young girls everywhere

The Vanderbeekers are back, this time the children plan to surprise their neighbor who has suffered another stroke by creating a garden on an abandoned lot. Their is guilt here, and some growing up and lots of sweet moments as each child, in his/her own way tried to create some good around them. A wonderfully positive book in these troubled times and a great sense of the joy of inner city life and human connectedness.

Following his Statue of Liberty book Eggers directs readers to be active and engaged, a part of society. With a slight rhyme to his text which moves us from one possibility to another this is all about being a part o society. Harris's illustrations are powerful and eye-popping, most double page spreads, all making clear what the possibilities are. An important book especially at this time.

Coming in September from the author/illustrator Drowned city and The Great American Dust Bowl this is a powerful visual experience of the horrors that have caused the Syrian people to flee their country and those they face as refugees. The final pages of the book describe three refugee camps that Brown visited in researching this book and it is clear he has seen life that is hard and ugly and at times hopeless....but the people keep coming and his book helps us understand why. It can be read in one sitting but will long be remembered. Pair with Kate March's fiction book coming the same month, Nowhere Boy about a Syrian boy who hides in the home of an American family living in Belgium.

Edie's Top Shelf: Coming in Sept. 11 this is a wonderful multigenera...

Edie's Top Shelf: Coming in Sept. 11 this is a wonderful multigenera...: Coming in Sept. 11 this is a wonderful multigenerational story of a young girl much loved by her family, especially her grandfather, who i...

Coming in Sept. 11 this is a wonderful multigenerational story of a young girl much loved by her family, especially her grandfather, who is trying to find her place in her privileged school and in her family. Things don't always go her way, she can't join the soccer team because of family obligations and she is assigned to the role of sunshine buddy despite her hesitation but she is resilient and finds her way, slowly but surely. Spanish is interspersed throughout this book as it is in Merci's life. Her school situations ring true, the projects, group work, know it all, misunderstandings and mishaps. It all rings true and Merci is someone you are happy to share time with and root for.

Coming in August 2018 this book, with its lively and colorful illustrations and careful, evocative wording, in true Woodson style, affirms children who at some time or other do not fit in, be it because of race, hair style, lunch ingredients, life style, clothing choice. There are many ways to be excluded, which is what we are reminded of as the book begins, but you can find your voice, and when you do, "the world opens itself a little wider to make some space for you". Readers are reminded of their courage and steady self and the good things that follow. Sensitive to children's sense of being outsiders and affirming of how that can change.

Coming in October, this is a compelling read about a group of talented and dedicated high school basketball players who bring glory to their all black high school in segregated Indianapolis and help to integrate both the school system and the basketball world. We learn about several outstanding players, their coach, the injustices they faced and their ultimate victories on and off the court.

Max and his mom have a "small" adventure in terms of driving to a family birthday party but their trip exemplifies the affection between them, the wisdom they learn from each other and fulfills Max's dream of being an explorer in the footsteps of Ernest Shackleton (full disclosure, he is also my hero). There is a lot packed into this short book about bravery and hardship and just plain affection and Kath's illustrations add to the sweetness. A great mother/son book and there aren't a lot around.

Adrian Simcox Does Not have a Horse, by Marcy Campbell, illustrated by Corinna Luyken is a lovely story about one child's unkindness to another that changes when the girl who has been unkind meets her classmate on his own turf and really sees him as a person and gets to appreciate his imagination. Lovely illustrations build on the closeness that develops. A book to prompt discussion and encourage imaginings.

Mabel and Sam at Home by Linda urban, Illustrated by Hadley Hooper. Chronicle Books. Very true to childhood chapter book about a somewhat bossy older sister and a somewhat compliant younger brother who embark on a series of adventures tied to moving to a new home. the sister leads the adventures, the younger brother follows along but adds his own "panache" at times. They travel in a boat, tour a museum and visit space. The language can be a bit challenging but that adds to the fun and the illustrations have the incompleteness that relate to children's art. Imaginative, original and fun.

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A story that begs for a child's participation.   A young child is confronted by a bear on the porch who is quickly joined by many other insistent animals, all of whom refuse to leave.  There's rhyming and repetition with colorful illustrations that add to the fun.

A young adult book about passion, for friends and for basketball and for family.  Told in two voices, we learn about Bunny, a super star  who has transferred to a mostly white school outside his neighborhood for better opportunities and Nasir, the friend he left behind, who resents his decision and who is also concerned about the struggles of his cousin, Wallace, about to be evicted with his grandmother and a person who makes all the wrong choices but also never seems to have any of the possibilities that others are offered.  There are lots of bad choices here but a sense that this is real life.

An inspiring story about a relationship between a dog who needs a job and a girl who needs support.  Both Jessica and Patrick lost a leg because of the Boston Marathon bombing and ultimately Jessica lost her second leg.  Rescue was trained to be a service dog and when they are teamed together together they find a way not just to survive but to thrive.   move ahead.   Young readers will love all the characters in this book and root for their future.  Coming spring 2018.