A deeply heartfelt picture book about sea turtle conservation efforts in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Papá Grande was once a sea turtle poacher but now he spends his days and nights caring for these endangered creatures. From greeting the turtles on the beach to protecting their eggs in the carefully constructed hatchery, there’s always something to do to help these turtles fight against looming extinction. With elegant text, lush illustrations, and detailed backmatter this book is the perfect way to introduce little ones to sea turtle conservation, ocean habitats and animal life cycles.
A great book that is educational and fun to read!
This novel in verse, based on a true story, follows twelve-year-old Roberto Alvarez as he becomes the lead plaintiff in a landmark school desegregation case against the Lemon Grove School Board, challenging the enforced segregation of Mexican children into a retrofitted barn school during the Great Depression.
Twelve-year-old Roberto Alvarez is the youngest of his siblings, born on United States soil. He’s el futuro, their dream for a life away from the fire of the Mexican Revolution.
Moved by anti-immigrant and anti-Mexican propaganda, the Lemon Grove school board and chamber of commerce create a separate “Americanization” school for the Mexican children attending the Lemon Grove Grammar School. But the new Olive Street School is an old barn retrofitted for the children forced to attend a segregated school.
Amid threats of deportation, the Comité de Vecinos risk everything to stand their ground and, with the support of the Mexican Consulate, choose Roberto as the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the school board in this vivid and uplifting novel in verse based on true events.
From critically-acclaimed author María Dolores Águila (Barrio Rising) comes an inspiring novel in verse set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and Mexican Repatriation, based on the true story of the United States’ first successful school desegregation case, two decades before Brown v. Board of Education ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. It is an extremely powerful story!
For fans of School’s First Day of School, this is a picture book about a young girl who is feeling mixed emotions about her first day of school.
Some feelings are so big, one word just doesn’t cut it.
It’s the first day of school for Afua! There’s no one word to name her feelings. Is she scared? Excited? Oh wait, she’s scarecited! Her own combination of both. Why should she have to choose?
Scarecited on the First Day of School is a charming picture book that reminds us all that having the courage to be our authentic self is always just enough, and you can feel more than one big emotion at the same time. But if there isn’t one word to describe those feelings . . . there’s beauty in making it yourself.
Helena Garcia
$16.99 | hardcover | 978-1-57715-543-0
he Little Gothic Bakeshop showcases over 50 spooky and inventive recipes from The Great British Baking Show star, Helena Garcia, who impressed the judges and audiences alike with her creepy creations. Brewing with mystique, this cookbook is your go-to guide to easily transform ordinary recipes into macabre masterpieces, including devilishly delicious cakes, cookies, pastries, breads, desserts, and drinks.
Covering Bewitching Beverages, Spooky Cookies and Candies, Ghoulish Breads and Pastries, To-Die-For Desserts, and Macabre Cakes and Bakes, this book will be a hit!
A combination of tactile illustration and darkened photography throughout the book is a homage to the old Victorian aesthetic of gothic elegance. Step into the dark side of baking and discover recipes that are easy to make, fun and spooky to design, and delicious to consume. Whether you’re an everyday goth or Halloween-obsessed, The Little Gothic Bakeshop is filled with tricks and treats designed to bring some ghoulish fun to your baking repertoire! The perfect cookbook for Halloween!
About the Author:
Author, baker, and television personality Helena Garcia was born in Spain. Helena was one of the 2019 Great British Bake Off contestants, winning the hearts of the nation with her eccentric style, spooky approach, and fun-loving personality. She has also appeared in several television shows, including the hit series What We Do in the Shadows, and she continues to write for national and international publications.
Obsessed with anything witchy, Helena’s self-published book, Introduction to Witchery: A Magical Guide for Witches that Craft, is a go-to guide for crafty witches that covers a bit of history of witchcraft in Britain, a guide to magical plants, and plenty of craft projects and recipes to help you live like every day is Halloween. Her second book, The Wicked Baker, was released in 2020, followed by The Witch-Crafting Handbook in 2021 and The Book of Gingerbread in 2023. Her first picture book, My Mummy, was also published in 2023.
Helena lives in Yorkshire with husband Will, daughter Flora, and rescue wolf-dog Kato.
This dual-timeline story follows two young heroes—one in 731 China, and one in 1931 Chinatown—on perilous journeys to save their families. While Han Yu and Luli are living centuries apart, Karina masterfully weaves their stories together through the characters’ shared love of bao, silks, poetry, furry friends, and their families. The result is a timeless story that will encourage young readers to trust their instincts, step outside their comfort zones, and see the magic in their own lives.
Middle school readers will love this book! It has adventure, and readers will be able to really relate to the characters! I also love that there are animal friends, and it truly is a magical story!
Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature as book choices. I only feature books that I recommend. Cover images were also provided.
