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Khosrou is just a misunderstood refugee kid telling a story in front of his class in Oklahoma (and everyone calls him Daniel). As Daniel begins to speak, he embodies the great Persian storyteller Scheherazade (of One Thousand and One Nights), recounting numerous tales to entertain, distract, and placate an inhospitable audience (including you, dear reader). Woven with threads of vivid metaphors and a few too many (hilarious) poop stories, Daniel’s patchwork (true) story will break your heart and mend it again. Storytelling at its finest.
-Kara
A delightful odd-couple story. Badger is a dedicated rock scientist. He likes everything contained and in its proper place. When Skunk arrives on his doorstep, Badger’s life is turned upside down. Skunk and Badger end up on some wonderful adventures involving lots and lots of chickens! The writing is joyful and lyrical, and Klassen’s wistful illustrations make you want to linger in the story. A wonderful book to share and read aloud.
-Karlyn
All her life, quiet, good Suraya has only needed one friend: her ghost, Pink, who is sworn by blood to protect her. But when Suraya makes her first human friend, Pink’s extreme jealousy sets off a dangerous chain of events that will alter their bond forever. Does fortune favor the bold? In a hair-raising quest across the Malaysian countryside, Suraya is sure to find out!
-Katie
Crowds, loud noises, and physical contact: gentle Lou knows these fears make her different, but a transient life with her mom has helped them avoid Lou’s sensory processing disorder. After an accident reveals their living conditions, Lou is sent to live with relatives. Finally, she has the support she needs to tune out the noise and discover courage! A tender, inspiring, and necessary story that opens a window into the neurodiverse mind.
-Stacy