That is second of our roundup collection of attainable Newbery contenders for 2024. See the primary roundup right here.

Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin. Dial, 2023, 320 pages.

Studying Stage: Center Grades, ages 8-10

Really helpful for: ages 8-15

Pedro Martin (pronounced Mar-TEEN, in fact) is #7 of 9 kids.. The oldest 5 had been born in Mexico, making them full Mexi, whereas the youthful 4, together with Pedro, are American made and half Mexi. Pedro will get picked on by his siblings for being reasonably spherical, however “I’m a richly layered cake of a human being when you get to know me.” He can even draw, and we’ll get to know him fairly effectively on this graphic memoir of the household’s 1977 journey. That’s when the older Martins determined that the household patriarch was getting too outdated to dwell alone in Mexico. So Apa (Dad) buys an affordable motor house to choose up Abuelito and convey him again to the states. The children may even get an immersion of their heritage. Pedro isn’t thrilled—he’ll miss too many Completely satisfied Days reruns. However Abuelito is a legend: a mule driver throughout the Mexican Revolution of the 1910s, and hard as nails. Maybe he might even be a part of Pedro’s ranks of Marvel superheroes.

The journey is as rambunctious as is perhaps anticipated, and in addition terrifically enjoyable. Pedro encounters the same old vacationer fumbles, together with rip-offs, diarrhea, and a peculiar toy referred to as pee child. So sure, some potty humor. And youthful readers gained’t acknowledge cultural references from Nineteen Seventies. However the journey can be heartening and touching at instances, as a boy expands his information and learns extra about himself. It’s all true, too—he has the images to show it.

Undoubtedly a contender for Pura Belpre, and attainable Newbery honor. (See our overview of Sunshine, one other graphic memoir of a memorable summer time.)

Total Ranking: 4

Shira and Esther’s Double-Dream Debut by Anna B. Jordan. Chronicle, 2023, 332 pages.

Studying Stage: Center Grades, ages 10-12

Really helpful for: ages 10-14

Shira Epstein and Esther Rosenbaum weren’t solely born on the identical day—additionally they bear a placing resemblance to one another. After they get round to assembly on the age of twelve, it’s virtually like wanting in a mirror. However in background and ambition, they may have been born on completely different planets. Shira, daughter of a widowed rabbi, hungers for the stage, however her dad insists she memorize scripture. Esther, illegitimate little one of vaudeville performer Fanny Rosenbaum (a.ok.a. Purple Scorching Fanny), longs to review Torah, however her mom is assured she’ll be a star. “Oy vey. Are these mother and father mistaken.” The women turn into quick associates upon assembly, however what in the event that they turn into greater than associates? What in the event that they turn into . . . one another?

In a Comedy of Errors twist, Shira proposes they commerce locations, so she will be able to get her stage tryout and Esther can get her research. The reader should droop numerous disbelief to assist them pull that off, however the fictional metropolis of Idyllville and the unsure time-frame could recommend that we’re to not take the plot too significantly. It makes for a rollicking learn, peppered with Yiddish phrases and Jewish cultural references. Each Rabbi Epstein and Fanny Rosenbaum are loving (if clueless) mother and father, and the ladies are likeable. There’s a thriller of Esther’s parentage to unravel, and it helps clarify their bodily resemblance. Nonetheless fairly far-fetched, and the rising theme of following your coronary heart isn’t notably edifying.

It’s virtually sure to win one thing within the Sidney Taylor award subject, however a Newbery isn’t probably, despite glowing critiques. Honey and Me is one other novel about woman friendship within the Jewish neighborhood.    

Total Ranking: 3.5

The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln, illustrated by Claire Powell. Dutton, 2023, 352 pages.

Studying Stage: Center Grades, ages 10-12

Really helpful for: ages 10-14

We first meet Shenanigan Swift in the course of a household funeral: that of her great-aunt Schadenfreude. The aunt isn’t lifeless, thoughts, however she expects to be finally, and a smoothly-run funeral (“like a marriage the wrong way up”) requires common rehearsal. However there’s an excellent occasion at hand: the Swift Household Reunion, which takes place each ten years. Overbearing Aunt Inheritance arrives to orchestrate them occasion, and Uncle Maelstrom, with Shenanigan and her sisters Felicity and Phenomena are pressed into service preparing for it. The home will likely be stuffed with distant kin Shenanigan has by no means met, and she or he hopes to choose up clues towards fixing the thriller of Nice-Uncle Vile’s hidden treasure. Members of the family converge however one other thriller intrudes: Who shoved Schadenfreude down the steps on the second evening?

All of the Swifts are named from the Sacred Swift Household Dictionary and have a tendency to dwell as much as their definitions. Shenanigan is filled with (typically imply) tips and mischief, however she’s a daring risk-taker and problem-solver. The reunion brings her a sidekick, a nonbinary cousin who goes by “they” pronouns, and fixing the thriller results in precise fatalities. Like Shira and Esther, it’s a debut novel with an achieved verve and magnificence, however to not be taken significantly. The Swifts is a romp, only for enjoyable and useful for vocabulary-building.

Not my cup of tea, however could win recognition if the ALA committees are feeling playful. See our overview of one other dictionary-themed thriller, The Winterton Deception.

Total Ranking: 3.5    

Learn extra about our rankings right here.

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