Maggie Tokuda-Hall Libri

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows Tama, a Japanese American girl living in an incarceration camp. Amidst the harsh realities of camp life, she finds solace in the library, where she befriends George, a fellow book lover. Their growing friendship unfolds as they navigate the challenges of their situation. The narrative is enriched by beautiful illustrations and includes a poignant afterword that offers historical context, highlighting themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of literature.

A desperate orphan turned pirate and a rebellious imperial daughter find a connection on the high seas in a world divided by colonialism and threaded with magic. Aboard the pirate ship Dove, Flora the girl takes on the identity of Florian the man to earn the respect and protection of the crew. For Flora, formerstarving urchin, the brutal life of a pirate is about survival: don’t trust, don’t stick out, and don’t feel. But on this voyage, as the pirates prepare to sell their unsuspecting passengers into slavery, Flora is drawn to the Lady Evelyn Hasegawa, who is en route to a dreaded arranged marriage with her own casket in tow. Flora doesn’t expect to be taken under Evelyn’s wing, and Evelyn doesn’t expect to find such a deep bond with the pirate Florian. Soon the unlikely pair set in motion a wild escape that will free a captured mermaid (coveted for her blood, which causes men to have visions and lose memories) and involve the mysterious Pirate Supreme, an opportunistic witch, and the all-encompassing Sea itself.

"Becca moves to an upscale Silicon Valley suburb and is surprised when she develops a bond with girls who belong to the popular clique-and even more surprised when she learns their secrets"--

In this gripping sequel, the aftermath of a significant victory against the Emperor sets the stage for a battle for the future of the Sea. As Genevieve struggles to uncover her identity on Wariuta island, tensions rise between warrior Koa's kindness and his sister Kaia's suspicions. Meanwhile, pirate-spy Alfie faces a moral dilemma as loyalties shift and a duplicitous senator threatens his newfound connections. Amidst a backdrop of mermaids, spies, and aristocrats, alliances form as characters navigate a treacherous landscape toward a hopeful rebirth.

Chihiro Ito, a 16-year-old aspiring samurai, seizes the chance to prove herself when her father is conscripted, teaming up with her idol, the flawed and troubled Tatsuo Nakano. Tasked with defeating the yamauba demon, their mission reveals Tatsuo's struggles with her past and the samurai code. As they navigate epic battles and conspiracies, Chihiro learns that heroism is complex, forcing both to confront their differences and personal demons in a journey that challenges their understanding of strength and honor.

Celebrated for its engaging storytelling and beautiful illustrations, this award-winning picture book captivates young readers with its imaginative narrative. It encourages creativity and exploration while delivering a heartwarming message that resonates with both children and parents. The book's vibrant visuals and relatable characters make it a delightful addition to any child's library, promoting a love for reading and storytelling from an early age.