Louisa Learns to Write: Louisa May Alcott Creates Little Women, written by Kate Hannigan and illustrated by Sofia Moore. Calkins Creek, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2026. $25.99 ages 10 and up

"WRITE 

Louisa loved to climb trees and run 
through the woods, sometimes under
moonlight. On her tenth birthday, 
Mother presented her with a special 
gift. Opening the pages of a journal, 
Louisa let the words flow - from 
poetry to petty complaints and even 
private dreams." 

Louisa May Alcott wrote what she knew when she penned the story of 4 girls and their family in Little Women. Her family lived a similar life to the March sisters. Her father was a teacher who often changed jobs, leaving the family in a life of poverty with little food to eat and only used clothing to wear. The four girls loved the worlds they found in their father's books. Louisa loved being outdoors, and she loved to write in a journal from her mother. 

As they moved from place to place, the older girls worked to make the money the family needed. Their jobs were difficult and left Louisa dreaming of riches that would make life more comfortable for everyone. An inheritance left to her mother helped to ease the burden and let them buy a new home. Life became easier and Louisa could give herself over to the reading, writing, and dreaming that she loved to do. The family was happy using her writing to perform in the stories she told. 

Family friends Henry David Thorseau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson were often present for meaningful discussions about important topics. The family home became a stop on the Underground Railroad. In a search for new jobs to improve their lives, they moved to Boston. After helping with many household chores and caring for children, Louisa began to write in earnest. She hoped that she would make enough money to improve their family circumstances. 

"I will do something by and by. 
Don't care what, teach, sew, act, write, 

anything to help the family; and I'll 
be rich and famous and happy before 
I die, see if I won't!"

Family circumstances changed dramatically when one sister died, and another got married and moved away. Louisa wrote more and more, despite setbacks. As a working nurse during the Civil War, she wrote Hospital Sketches, a hit with readers and critics. She wrote, and wrote, and wrote. Would she write for girls, she was asked. Yes, she would - and write she did. She wrote what she knew; she wrote about her own family. It wasn't long until Little Women became a huge hit. 

Back matter includes an informative author's note, archival photos of the four Alcott sisters, a list of ten habits for becoming a writer (all discussed in the pages of the book), a timeline, facts and fiction comparing her family and the March family, and a bibliography.  

The focus throughout remains on the similarities between Louisa's reality and the story she created for the March sisters. Many significant quotes are included. Mixed media artwork provides a setting for the time and the family, and for Louisa's perseverance as she pursues her dreams. This might just be the spark that shows an up-and-coming writer the key to success. 

Canada: We Are the Story, written by Richard Wagamese and illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. Swift Water, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 6 and up

"Listen. The Old Ones speak to all of us.

They tell us that we are in this together
and that we always were. 

Listen and you will hear them."

As the story opens, a teacher is passing out an assignment to a diverse group of students. The questions assigned asks: "What makes you proud to be a Canadian?" One student does not seem interested. Once home, she sits to think about what she wants to say when she hears another question from a speaker not seen: "Can you hear the voices of the Old Ones speaking to you in a language you've forgotten?' 

In his adaptation of "The Canada Poem" by Richard Wagamese, David A. Robertson keeps the words and spellings true to the original in every way possible. Asking a child to listen to the voices of those who came before them recurs often, while explaining the circle that includes everyone who stepped on this land. 

Richard Wagamese and Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley are honored Ojibway book creators. The poem is a celebration of Canada, its diversity, and beauty. It asks readers and all Canadians to stop and listen to the land and to those who came before. They speak many languages and talk to us from the spirit world where there is no color, no skin, no time, and no history ... only spirit. 

The voices ask readers and listeners to take pride in their country, a place where great things happen at every turn in every area. The story of Canada is woven in threads from our diversity, our industries, our jobs, and our families. Old Ones' voices, when heard, provide comfort and pride. They offer guidance for each and every one of us.  We are all the story of Canada. 

The poem speaks to a new generation of Indigenous children, while also welcoming everyone who has played a part in honoring the past, and belonging today. Community connections hold great importance for all Canadians, past and present. The more often I read it and pay careful attention to the words, the more pride I feel for my home, Canada. 

It's hard to do justice to the beauty of the remarkable art that accompanies Mr. Wagamese's words. Brilliant in both color and detail, it projects a true sense of the spirit world while also honoring the Canadian landscape. Its symbols of Indigenous culture for the child doing her homework, alongside images of many other people from different cultures ensure pride for those who find community here. The final spread shows all manner of people walking across a turtle's back in celebration.                                                                              

                           

                https://youtu.be/6yLJxMZvRGU?si=RbeQpL0lWFaGU0SO                                                  

Just One Gift, written by Linda Sue Park and illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng. Clarion Books, Harper. 2026. $24.99 ages 10 and up

 

"I can't explain it, but it's like dogs got some kind of
secret power that makes it easier to talk to people. 
Like they want the whole world to be friends with 
each other. 

Ever since school started last fall, I stop on my way
home to pet Percy - that's the dog's name - and throw
a stick for him, and the guy tells me what they done
together that day." 

Language arts teacher Ms. Chang has a new assignment for her students. As she did in The One Thing You'd Save (Clarion, 2021), she prompts them to draw a slip of paper from a hat. On that slip they will find one of three words: Family, Friends, or ? - a reference to the people in their lives. The question mark is for someone not in their family or a friend. 

"If you could give someone special in your life just one gift, who would you choose, and what would it be?"

There are a few rules: it cannot be monetary or fantasy, and it must be something they have never asked for. I found myself stopping to think seriously about how I would answer that question. It is meant to do the same for the students in her classroom. In an author's note that follows the text, Ms. Park explains she again based her writing on a traditional Korean verse form called Sijo (SHEE-zho) and how it is written. I find that in itself amazing and beautiful to read. 

The diversity in the classroom structure is evident in every response given. Ideas are carefully considered and explained in their responses. It takes a lot of critical thinking. The students reflect on the task at hand as they write and then share (or not) their appreciation for the people in their lives. They respect what others have to say and are empathetic to the stories of community they tell. Filled with heart and thoughtful connections, it affords an opportunity in classrooms hearing these stories for the students to tell one of their own.

"Sean

Friend
(journal entry)

I'm not going to share this out loud because it'd be dissing Kyle. 
Everybody knows how hard up his family is, 
but he doesn't talk about it, so we don't either.

I'd give him the Omni16 game system coming out next month. 
Voice control, VR projection, next gen cloud capable. 
He'd be the first to have it. Before anyone else. For once.

If you are teaching in a middle years classroom, and have not yet discovered Linda Sue Park's books, take a trip to the library and find yourself a few of them. I know you will be surprised, and happy to meet an author whose work you can again offer your students.  

Miles Ahead, written by Minh Le and illustrated by Lynnor Bontiago. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"RETRACE YOUR STEPS! 

Let's start in here. 

I don't see it ... but here's 
the wrapping paper and tape.

A CLUE! 
We're hot on the trail. 

To the living room!"

What fun it is to watch this family prepare for a celebratory road trip. The narrator is a young boy, full of excitement over meeting a new baby cousin. His list is long and his backpack is quickly filling up. Even the family dog is highly anticipating the journey. Mom and Dad are busy gathering travel cups full of coffee, blankets and pillows, and foodstuff to keep them from being hungry as they travel. The entourage is complete with a grandfather and a teenage sister. 

Once in the car, the question before departing has to do with the 'gift'. Who remembered to bring it along? Not there. They return to the house in search of said gift. A bird's eye view of the resulting chaos will have readers and listeners chuckling as they watch from above the trail their pup Miles takes in search of the gift. What he finds along the way are mementos that remind everyone of days past. Each becomes part of a new and more meaningful gift for the baby. Where is the gift they were planning to bring? You will need to check out the final spread to find the answer to that question. 

This story of a loving family and the life they lead together is welcome and heartwarming. Digital art is filled with extraordinary details that shape their story, alongside the dialogue they share as they all prepare for their road trip.                                                                                    

Busted, written by Dan Gemeinhart. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2025. $24.99 ages 12 and up

"Jimmy Deluca had kinda cried, back at the prison.
It had surprised me. 

And now he was crying for real. Sobbing. And this 
time, it didn't surprise me. It just broke my heart. 
Because here's the deal. I'd seen plenty of folks cry,
back at Sunny Days. I mean, I've been to forty-nine
funerals. I've been with people who just buried 
their wife, or husband, or mom, of dad."

 

Oscar Aberdeen's life has never been a normal. Following the loss of his parents at 3, he has been living with his Pops in the Sunny Hills Retirement Community where he is quite the celebrity. He spends his days listening to Sinatra, playing cards with the residents, and attending funerals. He has even delivered the eulogy for some of his friends there. 

When the owner of Sunny Hills dies and leaves the home to his son, things change big-time. The new owner and his daughter Natasha move in; he immediately starts making the changes needed to have it become a successful business. That means higher rents that will force some residents out, including Pops and Oscar. They cannot possibly afford to stay. So when Jimmy Deluca, old mob boss and unpopular resident, makes an offer Oscar can't refuse, what's a twelve-year-old to do. 

Jimmy wants Oscar to break him out of the home. If he does, Jimmy will provide all money needed to keep Pops and Oscar in the retirement home for the future. It is a hard sell. Oscar is not a rule breaker and is not at all supportive of the idea. However, the end result of doing so is all Oscar can think about. The plan is made, with Natasha added into the mix along with Jimmy Deluca's beloved cat. 

Getting him to his car is a challenge as Jimmy needs full time oxygen, is an old man who has difficulty walking and breathing. That is just the start of the misadventures that lead to the three going on the lam to fulfill a bucket list that has long been Jimmy's goal. The rest of the story is filled with a raucous twist of fate that will change their lives in ways unimaginable. Filled with madcap humor, remarkable characters, constant chaos, and poignancy, this story holds attention from beginning to end and will live long in the memories of those who read it. 

"Right and wrong can get confusing sometimes … So just do the good thing."

It begs the question: how far would you go to 'do the right thing'? 

Here Come the Aunties, written by Cynthia Leitich Smith and illustrated by Aphelandra. Heartdrum, Harper. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Here comes Auntie Kylie
with handmade moccasins. 
I pull on my new pair! 
We rock our mocs
as sun-kissed leaves
rain down from trees.

Starting in the summer when Auntie Abby visits to help with the garden, River introduces each of the aunties who are difference-makers in his daily life. One is his second-grade teacher, another takes a boatful of cousins fishing on Labor Day weekend. The list goes on. At school and at home, they bring their own special skills to families and community to help make life better for all. 

Using repetitive language to introduce each one and share their gifts lets young readers know just how special these women are. They offer help at every turn, and for each new celebration. When talk turns to anticipation of a new baby's arrival, Auntie Wendy brings a crib quilt. So many lovely supports these special women provide: games, moccasins, Halloween pumpkins, Indigenous teachings, beading, discussions about healing and hope. even wood for the fire and deer meat for dinner. They are all there when River graduates from second grade, and they will be there when River's little sister arrives. There is nothing they won't do to provide love and support when needed. 

Life on River's Muscogee reservation is full of many who accept the role of Auntie for River and his family. In an author's note, Ms. Smith explains that the aunties may be relatives, but they don't have to be. Aphelandra's art is created using ink, gouache and Photoshop. Deep color, warm settings, and expressive faces reflect Indigenous culture in clothing, traditions, and the changing seasons. The true benefits of a sharing community are aptly described in honor of those aunties who provide safety, security and a better life for a young boy and his family.                                                                                       

Ripples, written and illustrated by Katie Yamasaki. Norton, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"My toes toast in the sun. 

We tend to the river. 

As we curve around a bend, the singsong
notes of "Happy Birthday" float past, 
mixing with birdsong high above
and our own voices, splashing in the river."

An overhead view of the river that flows into a large pond is pictured on the front endpaper, in verdant color that enhances the water and its surroundings. Along the shoreline, readers will notice a number of rafts with oars at the ready. The title page shows Aunty Koko and the child narrator donning life jackets and preparing to head out in one of the inflated rafts. It is a magical day.

As they paddle forward, they notice the sparkle of sun on the water and smell the wet earth on the shore. Beavers, butterflies and turtles are out sunning themselves in the warmth of the day. As they paddle further, they continue to take note of the wildlife, and of friends enjoying a wondrous day at the river's edge. Both happy noise and moments of peaceful quiet fill the air.

Soon, the two paddle onto the pond where the amount of trash increases. It becomes almost too much to handle. Luckily, the people they have met along the river arrive to lend a hand. Together they create the ripples that improve the health of this natural habitat. The art is brilliantly colorful, and in keeping with the work being done together to improve their shared environment.