A TRUE WONDER: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything by Kirsten W. Larson. Illus. by Katy Wu.  Hew York: Clarion Books, 2021.  40p.  ISBN 978-035823842-3 hc. $17.99     Gr. 2-5     J741.5973 LA

When comics books began to sell in 1941, the artists were all men and the superheros were also men.  When All-American Comics heard the idea for Wonder Woman, the boss decided to give it a try.  The children who read about Wonder Woman loved the stories, now written by a woman, and asked for more.  After all, women stepped up to do non-traditional jobs during World War II when most men became soldiers. However, men wanted their jobs back after the war, women were demoted, and job opportunities disappeared.  The 1960's brought women's rights issues to the forefront of politics, paving the way for smart, strong women to enter the workforce once more.  Wonder Woman followed suit over the years and remained a superhero for all, but especially young girls and women.  By researching the history of a comic book character, the politics of equality and opportunity get a closer look, as well.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI 

MORE THAN SUNNY by Shelley Johannes. New York: Abrams Books, 2021. 48p. ISBN 978-141974181-4 hc. $18.99     PreS - Gr.2     E PIC

When big sister knocks on little brother's door to wake him up, readers know it will lead to a day of adventure....and wordplay.  Visit a pond full of ducks to change the day from "sunny and mucky" to "sunny and ducky."  The siblings lead their readers through summer sunshine and rain to a "windy and squirrely" fall; then a "snowy and swirly" winter.  Young writers will expand their vocabulary, while enjoying the freedom to transform words into rhyming phrases.  If the text isn't already wonderful enough for the perfect read-aloud book, the illustrations are eye-popping, with the siblings' bold stroke hairstyles and huge smiles.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

BIRD HOUSE by Blanca Gomez.  New York: Abrams Books, 2021.  32p. ISBN 978-141974408-2 hc. $17.99     PreS - Gr. 1     E PIC

Solid geometric figures and patterned backgrounds enhance the sparse text of a thoughtful story about a young girl and her abuela.  On a winter's day walk in the park, they found an injured bird and took it home to heal.  The young girl, who adored her grandmother anyway, loved the adventure of restoring the bird to good health.  They set the bird free and life went back to normal.  Months later, the bird returned and the girl asked to keep it, but her abuela said, "No darling, the bird doesn't belong to us."  Readers will experience a tug to their heartstrings and a reminder that wildlife needs to be wild.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

THE GIRL FROM THE SEA by Molly Knox Ostertag. New York: Graphix, 2021.  245p.  ISBN 978-133854057-4 hc. $14.99    Gr. 8-12    Y.A. Graphic

Typical of teens raised on an island or small town, Morgan wanted to finish high school and leave her life behind.  Why was she so desperate to put space between herself and her loved ones?  Because she had a secret - she was gay.  Then she met a special girl who saved her from drowning and also had a secret - she was a selkie from the sea and Morgan's kiss allowed her to leave the sea in human form.  As Morgan helps Keltie navigate dry land and learn human ways, there are some comedic moments.  The girls devise a plan to re-route an excursion boat away from its usual course near a seal rookery where Keltie lived previously.  An act of heroism sends Keltie back to the sea for seven years, but the girls both know that destiny will reunite them.  The graphic interpretation of this story is laid out well for a large range of readers.  

Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI  49855

JUST LIKE THAT by Gary D. Schmidt. New York: Clarion Books, 2021. 387p. 
ISBN 978-054408477-3 hc. $16.99     Gr. 5-8     JUV

Schmidt takes readers back to the summer of 1968, when Meryl Lee Kowalski experiences crushing grief over the death of her friend and classmate, Holling Hoodhood, protagonist of THE WEDNESDAY WARS (2007).  Working on their own problems, Meryl Lee's parents send her to St. Elene's Preparatory Academy for Girls, a boarding school in Maine.  It is like a foreign land populated with wealthy students already sectioned off in cliques, an exacting headmistress, and a very antagonistic teacher, all of whom make Meryl Lee's life miserable.  As time goes on, she makes a couple of friends, becomes an unlikely member of the soccer team, and meets Matt Coffin, a boy with a past.  Eventually, most the adults pull through for their long-distance children, but readers are kept in suspense wondering about the well-being of Matt and Meryl Lee.  The story takes place in 1968, when the Vietnam War weighs heavy on American hearts.  This is the second spin-off from THE WEDNESDAY WARS; the first being OKAY FOR NOW (2011).  Read them all!
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

NOT NOW, COW by Tammi Sauer. Illus. by Troy Cummings.  New York: Abrams Books, 2021. 32p. ISBN 978-1-41974629-1 hc. $14.99     Pres-K    E PIC

Rooster announces the onset of spring and everyone is ready for the wind to blow, for rain to fall, and plants to grow.  Duck, Sheep, and Goat are ready.  But cow can't seem to dress for the season.  When summer, fall and winter make their way around the calendar, the farm animals participate in the proper seasonal activities.  But not cow.  What an imaginative way to introduce or review the seasons with young readers (and listeners).  The illustrations are bright and engaging, as is the repetitive text with easy-to-read vocabulary.  
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI

MOO-MOO, I LOVE YOU! by Tom Lichtenheld and Amy Krouse Rosenthal.  New York: Abrams Books, 2020  32p.  ISBN978-141974706-9 hc. $17.99     PreS-K     E PIC

What could be cuter than black and white spotted cows drawn on a paper bag?  How about clever word play with words that include the letters "m-o-o."  Mother cow loves her baby to the moo-n and back, no matter what kind of moo-d they're in.  Every child will want to they're loved just as much.  Lichtenheld wrote this book in tribute to his writing friend and famous children's book author, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, who died in 2017.  
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI