diversity – Susan Uhlig

cover of Adventures in the City of Stories shows three kids in front of one of the lions at the NY Public Library

Adventure in the City of Stories

Posted on August 10, 2026August 4, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Adventure in the City of Stories (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2026) by Emma Otheguy and illustrated by Poly Bernatene is a fun novel of time travel that just came out in July.

Seventh grader and honor roll student Camilla is crying because she got in trouble with the school principal for bringing inappropriate books* to her Miami school, and now a letter has been sent to all the parents talking about how they were confiscated. Cami thinks she can’t ever go back to school. To cheer her up, Jorge shows her their aunt’s old folktale book and puppets. But when an eighth grade bully threatens to throw the book in the dumpster, the two jump into a magic tinajón (large pot) to escape and get transported in time and place. Back to 1930s New York. Where more trouble awaits.

I loved the mix of contemporary and historical in this story. It was a pleasure to “meet” some people from the past, including Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. I learned some Spanish as well as history. And who doesn’t love magic?

The book is a companion to Cousins in the Time of Magic, which I hadn’t read, but now want to. This story definitely stands alone. (I was given a copy of the book from the publisher for review.)

Read about the author here and see Emma’s other books here.

Read about the illustrator here–there are spot illustrations throughout the book. See Poly’s books here (he’s an author as well) and check out his his kid friendly illustrations here.

*The books were in Spanish about Latino students.

Our Favorite Day of the Week

Posted on July 31, 2026July 31, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Our Favorite Day of the Week* (Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2026) by Ashley Franklin and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell is a fun book about how different days of the week are special. (This book is a sequel to Our Favorite Day of the Year and comes out the end of September.)

Musa is excited about tying his own shoes, but Zohra is sad about missing tomorrow–Tuesday–because it’s her favorite day of the week. He shares his favorite day, and then Zadie, Mo, Luna, and Moises share theirs. The kids are surprised to find out their teacher’s favorite day.

Favorite days include recycling, swimming, family time, religious events, sports, culture, and time with students. “‘What makes a day special is how it make you feel,’ said M. Gupta.” So true!

Read about Ashley here and check out her books here. Previously I recommended her book Not Quite Snow White.

See Rahele’s books and sample illustrations here and read about her here. I love how the cover hints at what we’ll find inside with each kid having something to represent their favorite day.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.

PB, So Many Good Books

Just Like Me

Posted on July 24, 2026July 23, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Just Like Me (Alfred A. Knopf, 2020) by Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a picture book of poems for girls. All kinds of girls.

There are lighthearted, serious, happy, sad poems and more. Some rhyme, others don’t. Some are long, some are not. All have beautiful or sweet or silly collage illustrations. My favorite poems in the collection are “Feelings” and “I Am.” I can’t choose just one favorite image–too hard since I love so many.

Read about the author/illustrator here as well as take a look at her art and books on the same page.

I previously recommended the book Sewing Stories that Vanessa illustrated, and Grandma’s Purse that she wrote and illustrated.

cover of The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup - stairs going down the left side of the cover with someone in black running away with a gold trophy

MG Novels, So Many Good Books

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy

Posted on July 13, 2026July 6, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy (Henry Holt and Co., 2026) by Angela Cervantes is a fun and timely story with secret tunnels! And was released in both English and Spanish.

Sixth grader Diez Espada is named after the number from the jersey of his father’s favorite futbol (soccer) player. His dad has high hopes for Diez’s futbol career, but Diez would rather be a detective. He notices things. Sees clues. And right now he’s on the case of the missing school mascot, Louis the Lobster. He has to leave the futbol game before it is done for the big reveal of “who done it,” which makes his father unhappy. But all this is just the prequel for the big important mystery of the stolen World Cup Trophy.

Along the way, we meet Diez’s first crush Rio, a famous detective, and plenty of bad guys. Plus, a parrot named Soledad.

Read about the award-winning author here. See her books here. And here’s an interview with her about this book.

Award Winners, MG Novels, So Many Good Books

Mascot

Posted on June 22, 2026June 16, 2026 by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Mascot (Charlesbridge, 2023) by Charles Waters and Traci Sorell is a fascinating multi-point of view novel in verse that should be in all school libraries.

Six kids, six opinions about the middle school mascot, a tomahawk-wielding brave, and the first pep rally of the year.

For Callie (Cherokee Nation), it’s hate, fear, and disgust. Franklin (Black) loves the team and the fight song, “We are the mighty, mighty Braves!” and gets his face painted in red and yellow stripes. Luis (El Salvador) thinks all this celebrating should be for futbol–the greatest sport in the world. Priya (grandparents from India) believes the rally is racist. Sean’s (white) too shy to get his face painted but thinks the Braves bring people together. Previously home-schooled vegan Tessa (white) is shocked and thinks it should be stopped. All are in the same eighth grade honors English class.

The assignment: “Persuasive Writing and Oration, “Subject: Pros and Cons of Indigenous Peoples as Mascots.” Each student is matched up with a partner and the pair are told whether to be pro or con on the topic, no matter what they personally believe. No two agree on the issue.

I love how the emotions come through as each express their differences of opinion. Can each student change their partner’s point of view?

The book has received an American Indian Youth Literature Award Honor and a Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Honor.

Read about the co-authors here (Charles) and here (Traci). Traci’s books are here and Charles’ here. Previously, I recommended Powwow Day by Traci.