The slowest reveal of a dystopian world I've ever read that was surprisingly tantalizing. Atwood provided just the right amount of mystery and plot movement to keep me engaged to the end.

Age: Toddler-Preschool

Alliterative words and mess-stained children celebrate the joy of getting messy with painting, baking, gardening, and playing in the sand, rain, and at the pond.

I love this series with all my heart. Bold, inviting illustrations of kids and adults engaging in relevant day-to-day activities, experiences, and emotions. Each book in the Toddler Tools series ends with tips and suggestions for parents & caregivers.

Age: Infant-3 years
Identity, Author: Black

Hairstyles and presentations for all occasions and persuasions! Solid backgrounds and watercolor/digital artwork make this an excellent group read-aloud.

Age: High School+
Fantasy: Magic, witchcraft
Identity, Main character & Author: Black
LGBTQ: Lesbian mothers, bisexual main character
Nature: Botany

Fantastically unique storyline with a fast, action-packed read.

Age: High School
LGBTQ: Gay main characters
Science Fiction: Space Travel

Schrefer kept the plot twists coming--some a little tougher to spot than others.

Spoiler

The ending is refreshingly happy and upbeat for the two characters, which is a rarity in science fiction that loves to end stories with "what ifs" and potential doom and gloom

Age: Middle School
LGBTQ: Gay uncle,

Spoiler

Trans male main character

Tough Issues: Death of an uncle/father-figure

A unique telling of an oft-written coming-of-age gender awakening story. Masterfully executed and an amazing addition to queer lit. Required reading for all.

Age: 7th grade-high school+
Location: Romania, 1989
History: Communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu

Fascinating read about the soul-crushing destruction that those with absolute power can wield. Sepetys never fails to disappoint.

Identity: Pakistani American
Location: Karachi, Pakistan

Age: High School
LGBTQ: Romance between two teen girls
Location: Ireland
Identity: Bengali Irish

I am really digging the culture-infused YA and kids literature that doesn't explain non-white cultural experiences, symbols, clothing, food, etc. to white audiences. Books like Hani and Ishu are written for Bengali audiences and white readers are just along for the ride. This is a welcome shift from the kids lit that I was reading in the 90s, hell, even the 2010s.