(2) YA Fourteen-year-old Harriet is convinced she's responsible for her older brother Tunde's tragic death and wishes more than anything that she could take back the cruel words she spoke to him that fateful morning. Others' efforts to surround Harriet with community (her mother transfers her to her cousin Nikka's school) and to look out for her (Tunde's friend Luke promised to) prove less than helpful. Harriet's solace is swimming, but that small joy is shattered when she begins to see her brother's face in the pool and is pulled underwater by an unknown force. New classmate Alisia seems to be an ally, but there's something strange about her. In an attempt to discover the truth, Nikka and Luke join Harriet in an underground journey into a fantasy world. As the line between what's real and what isn't begins to blur in Harriet's mind, she dreams of a new world for herself -- one where she is forgiven. In this moving work, Rhuday-Perkovich has created characters whose internal struggles are palpable and an intriguing narrative with both tension and introspection that delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the possibility of second chances.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Andrea Pippins. From childhood in segregated Georgia to millinery school in Chicago during the Great Migration to small-business success in mid-century Philadelphia: hatmaker Mae Reeves's biography also conveys much about Black American history writ large. Rhuday-Perkovich's sonorous language ("Hats were a way for these queens to be SEEN") is further strengthened by repetition of the titular theme: "Mae, like so many, made a way out of no way." Pippins's digital art has an abstract design aesthetic befitting the fabulous hats and accessories. Material from the related Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture exhibit is appended, along with a bibliography.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(2) 4-6 Thirteen-year-old genius Emmett Charles is well aware he's "smart smart and not people smart," but with his impeccable academic record and older brother Luke's ­protection, Emmett could not care less. When Luke receives a scholarship to an art school in Maine for the upcoming school year, Emmett throws his energy into thinking of amazing summer plans for the two of them and a few ideas about how to convince Luke to stay. Those plans are altered when Luke is hired as a counselor at the historically Black (and slightly bougie) Camp DuBois. Emmett's resourcefulness leads him to send a last-minute application to DuBois, which is accepted. To his surprise, Luke is less than excited, and Emmett is left to fend for himself. While he makes friends relatively quickly, for the first time Emmett is no longer a standout--nearly everyone at the camp is gifted, and they know way more about Black history/excellence than he does (who was Marcus Garvey again?). It's now up to Emmett to learn who he is outside of being the genius kid brother of Luke--which requires a new kind of intelligence altogether. Fully realized characters are cleverly introduced in Emmett's first-person narrative, along with Black history references dispersed throughout. Fans of Jerry Craft will enjoy this exceptionally witty offering, based on the 2019 movie Boy Genius.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2021

(4) 4-6 This roughly chronological history of NASA touches on its inception; space missions with and without humans; the many scientific experiments conducted during missions; and the scientists, engineers, and astronauts associated with these endeavors, including a chapter on the decades-long path to diversification of the agency. Some topics are explored in depth, while others receive more superficial treatment. Sidebars, profiles of personnel, "fast facts," and frequent photographs crowd the pages. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(2) 4-6 This sequel to Two Naomis finds new stepsisters Naomi Marie (who's black) and Naomi E. (white) adjusting to their blended family's changing dynamic. At their Brooklyn middle school, Naomi Marie experiences racism; meanwhile, Naomi E. feels pressure to be as academically successful as her stepsister. The Naomis must learn how to advocate for themselves and each other. The story unfolds authentically through both girls' points of view in alternating first-person chapters.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2019

(2) 4-6 Two ten-year-olds' worlds collide when (black) Naomi Marie's mom and (white) Naomi Edith's dad fall in love. The situation is uncomfortable at times, but the Naomis handle it with creativity and humor, emerging with a greater sense of each other, their changing family, and themselves. This novel will resonate with young readers who've experienced a change in family dynamics, particularly divorce.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2016

(4) 4-6 As perennial loser Reggie McKnight gets involved in the school elections, he must also juggle his other commitments: his home life, the church youth group, the homeless shelter, and the big buddy program. The unwieldy length and some weak characterizations are offset by the novel's strengths: a likable protagonist, a positive message, and a nuanced exploration of spirituality and religion.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt