Penguin

How do people survive living under a fascist government? This beautiful graphic version of Ruth Septys’ historical novel is based on interviews with Lithuanian people who actually survived their teen years under Stalinist repression. The drawings bring to life 15-year-old Lina’s experience of fear, loss, and survival. Young readers of other popular historically based graphic novels (White Bird, When Stars Are Scattered) will love this story.—Noreen

Huda Fahmy's sense of humor is undeniable, and her story is undeniably relatable. Fahmy as Huda F carefully explores not just the prejudice she faced in high school as a Muslim, but her pride and joy in her faith. At the same time, with friendly illustration and introspective narration, she explores a universal story of a teen looking for friends, connection, identity, and belief in oneself. I smiled through this story, feeling I met a new friend myself.—Jocelyn

Flubby—of Flubby Is Not a Good Pet! fame—is back and once again hilariously unwilling to participate in our cat-ish expectations of him. Author-illustrator J. E. Morris seamlessly combines simple text with engaging illustrations, providing beginning readers with plenty of hints for new vocabulary. Each of these installments serves up a slew of laugh-out-loud images: watch for Flubby and Kami eye-to-eye in a bedtime showdown, or Flubby’s clever strategy for avoiding the bathwater. Can’t wait for the next exciting adventure!—Michelle

This story about legendary singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone will captivate young readers. From her earliest years, Nina (aka Eunice) had “music on the inside” and “music on the outside.” There’s so much to think about in this story. Nina’s musical journey, which begins in North Carolina, is woven with her awareness of identity and her growing recognition of the injustice demonstrated against Black people. Christian Robinson’s whimsical illustrations make you want to sing, dance, and stand up for racial justice.—Noreen

Attorney and TikTok sensation Joanne Lee Molinaro finally graces us with a collection of her brilliant recipes, inspired by her Omma (mom). This gorgeous cookbook features vegan recipes ranging from classics like kimbap and egg rolls to crunchy garlic “wings” and power bowls, not to mention a whole chapter of various kimchi recipes and all the essentials, including “fish” sauce, BBQ sauce, and gochujang dressing. Healthy, delicious, spicy, and all vegan!—Jess

The crafting community that is visible to the public eye has for generations been perceived as the realm of cis-het white women. This Long Thread is made up of stories and essays from people who don’t fit into the mold that social media expects from its crafting influencers. The pieces from the BIPOC folks in This Long Thread address racism, family, tradition, love, and loss, all with a focus on fiber crafts. Get this for the crafter or maker in your life; it will enhance their craft and their understanding of the world, no matter their discipline.—Jae

Allison Hawthorne Deming has written a lovely ode to the makers, beginning with those most felt in her own life, her family’s lineage of haute couture women dressmakers and the Canadian weir fishermen of Grand Manan Island, home to her childhood summers. From here, she weaves across the world and time, seeking the intimate and the remarkable, infusing essay with poetry, detail, and an environmental awareness that understands the importance of craft, the purposeful act of making in a world of constant breaking.

—Melinda

American Ballet Theater principal dancer James Whiteside details his rise to fame and his life beyond ballet in this energetic and humorous memoir. Knowing he was gay at an early age, Whiteside thought that ballet “was doing something super gay” only to be disappointed by the heteronormative roles that male dancers were cast in. While keeping up with the demands of ballet, he also ventured out into becoming a New York drag queen and breaking into the pop-music scene in order to stay connected to his true self. While Center Center doesn’t delve into the details of dance technique or the wonders of performances, it’s a fun read detailing the flair and determination it takes to reach the top.—S.M.C.

Arguably one of the most enlightened people alive, psychologist, linguist, and award-winning author Steven Pinker is back to examine the roots of common sense and the growing popularity of irrational thought. Pinker frames logic and rationality as disparate yet connected concepts and outlines the way our mind can trick us into seeing patterns and coincidences that don’t have a basis in reality. In an age of spiraling conspiracy theories, Rationality serves as both a guide and a call to arms to the intellectual world.—Aric

Radical Friendship brings us a much-needed practicum in forming meaningful bonds in the 21st century. Johnson draws from the five love languages, critical race theory, and mindfulness practices in shaping an all-encompassing guide to collective growth. This book is necessary for anyone trying to find meaning in a disconnected world. Radical Friendship shows us how to heal our societal wounds through honest communication, community support, and mutual aid.

—Holly