The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater (9780374303235)

The skill evident in this book is remarkable. This is the nonfiction book that teen readers today need.

A Boy, A Mouse, and a Spider: The Story of E. B. White by Barbara Herkert, illustrated by Lauren Castillo (9781627792455)

The illustrations by Castillo are wonderful, creating moments of time and beautiful spaces that show White on his journey to becoming one of the most beloved children’s authors.

Bravo!: Poems about Amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle, illustrated by Rafael Lopez (9780805098761)

An important book for public libraries, this is a celebration of Latino impact on the world as a whole.

Creekfinding: A True Story by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Claudia McGehee (9780816698028)

A fascinating topic that is just right for environmental units or Earth Day, this picture book is a celebration of nature and man working together.

Danza!: Amalia Hernández and El Ballet Folklórico de México by Duncan Tonatiuh (9781419725326)

Tonatiuh uses his signature illustration style that is a delightful mix of folk images and modern edge. The illustrations are a match for the topic, each strengthening the other.

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra (9780735842694)

An appealing and unique look at Frida Kahlo.

Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers (9781452162812)

Rumbles of awards surround this title. It deserves all of them. Unique and fabulous.

Let’s Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout; Dance, Spin & Turn It Out!: Games, Songs & Stories from an African American Childhood by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by Brian Pinkney (9780375870880)

This book is almost an encyclopedia of games and songs. Page after page will have readers humming along, singing aloud and looking for a partner to play a newfound or best-loved game.

Muddy: The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters by Michael Mahin, illustrated by Evan Turk (9781481443494)

A strong and special book about a musician who didn’t do what he was told and succeeded because of that.

A New School Year: Poem Stories in Six Voices by Sally Derby, illustrated by Mika Song (9781580897303)

A great book to start the new school year with poetry.

Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth, illustrated by Ekua Holmes (9780763680947)

This book belongs in every elementary school collection and every public library. It is extraordinary.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Stacy Innerst (9781419725593)

This is a strong biography of Ginsburg and her importance to the entire country.

Silent Days, Silent Dreams by Allen Say (9780545927611)

Filled with grace and a deep understanding, this picture book biography is truly exceptional work from a master.

This Is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe (9781452150185)

Wonderful for classrooms and libraries, this nonfiction picture book is exceptional.

The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter (9781481446693)

Winter has a gorgeous way with biographies, keeping them brief enough for even preschool audiences but detailed enough to intrigue and to speak to the individual and their life.