Geo Librarian

BITSY BAT, TEAM STAR written and illustrated by Kaz Windness Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025 ISBN: 978-1-6659-4755-8 Source: publisher for review (Thanks!) Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover & summary provided by the publisher from Goodreads.com. ABOUT THE BOOK Bitsy meets a new nonspeaking student at school and learns the importance of being a star teammate and friend in this sequel to the “darling” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) Bitsy Bat, School Star from Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor–winning author-illustrator Kaz Windness. Bitsy Bat is a star student and the only fantastic flier at Crittercrawl Elementary…until a new nonspeaking student named Enzo Owl arrives and outflies her during recess. Bitsy worries her friends won’t think she’s special anymore, so she’s determined to beat Enzo in the upcoming Critter Games and prove she’s the better flier. But when her friend Mo needs help during the race, Bitsy must choose between winning and...

THE UNSTOPPABLE JAMIE written by Joy Givens, illustrated by Courtney Dawson Two Lions, 2023 ISBN: 978-1662505768 Source: Blue Slip Media/publisher Ages 4-8 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover, bios, & illustrations provided by Blue Slip Media. ABOUT THE BOOK Inspired by the author’s son, the story of a boy with Down syndrome who goes on a superhero’s journey to New York City and learns what truly makes him unstoppable. Jamie likes to pretend he’s a superhero. With his cape and gadgets, he feels like he can face anything. When his picture is chosen to be shown in Times Square for the NDSS Buddy Walk®, his family travels to New York City to see it. As he makes his way through the loud, busy, unfamiliar city, Jamie discovers that he doesn’t have all his special tools. But he soon realizes that it isn’t what he wears or the gadgets he uses that make him brave―it’s who he is inside. This uplifting story includes an author’s note with information about Down syndrome. ABO...

  WORST-CASE COLLIN by Rebecca Caprara Charlesbridge, 2021 ISBN: 9781623541453 Source: purchased Ages 9-12 Middle grade realistic fiction (novel-in-verse) All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover provided by publisher through Goodreads.com. REVIEW Ever since his mother's death, Collin manages his anxiety by keeping a notebook full of emergency preparedness advice. In tender free verse, Caprara allows Collin to tell of his heartache and frustration.  While he has two fabulous friends in prankster Liam, and outspoken Georgia, he doesn't dare tell them how life is deteriorating at home.  Collin's mother kept his father's hoarding tendencies under control before her death, but now that she's gone, the hoarding's taking over the house. On top of all that, a kid named Tyson continues to torment Collin, even after his companion in bullying moves. My heart broke for Collin as he struggles to keep his head above water, so to speak, being on the swim team help...