News & Media
A Star-Studded Year at Astra!
2024 was a dazzling year for Astra Books for Young Readers, with over 40 starred reviews across our childrens’ imprints!
What makes a starred books? These titles received shining reviews in 2024! Here’s to celebrating our star-studded titles that released this past year:
★ “As a model of a flamboyant, loudmouthed liberal, it would be hard to top Bella Abzug, and here Aronson does her justice… Could budding activists learn something from her example? Abzuglutely.” —Booklist, starred review
★ “[Will] appeal to readers who love fast, funny stories, as well as fans of the previous book who want to see what the hungry, hapless bear has gotten up to.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
★ “VERDICT This lovingly designed, poetic book introduces young readers to the life and challenges of the sea wolf species.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Beware the Dragon and the Nozzlewock
A Graphic Novel Poetry Collection Full of Surprising Characters!
★ “Juicy, joyful, and just right for reading aloud, too.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ The Horn Book, starred review
★ “This is a fascinating look into the life of a little-known environmental hero…A lively picture book biography with tie-ins to Earth Day and Women’s History Month. Highly recommended.” —School Library Journal, starred review
★ “A fabulous book…[T]his book rightfully bestows hall of fame status to a woman who insisted on accuracy when it came to getting success—not waste—from a recipe every time. For the biography shelves.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Also available in Spanish!
★ “An appealing and beautifully illustrated biography, this book deserves a place on all library shelves.” –School Library Journal, starred review
★ “(A) triumphant picture book biography […] a joyful, affectionate portrayal of a sports hero told with the reverence of a true fan.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review
★ Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ The Horn Book, starred review
★ “This joyful, exuberant picture book biography of Roy DeCarava does exactly what he strove to do through his photography: capture the beauty of Harlem.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review
★ “This memorable offering is one readers will return to for moments of inspiration.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ A “luminous tribute.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ Shelf Awareness, starred review
★ ” This fascinating book flies high and definitely rises to the occasion.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “The life of Mary Myers takes flight in this captivating biographical picture book about a barrier-busting woman scientist […] Her story will inspire budding scientists to let their dreams carry them up, up, and away.” —Foreword Reviews, starred review
★ “In a time of strife in contemporary America, this emotive story centers empathy and kindness.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “It’s such a treat when a picture book’s writing and illustrations are equally matched, and Conrad and Holmes pool their talents to lift Katie Brumbach, stage name Sandwina, to heights befitting her status as the world’s strongest woman… Spectacular!” –Booklist, starred review
★ School Library Journal, starred review
★ “Readers will come away knowing more about the multifaceted character of the man who, a few years later, sent out the Lewis and Clark Expedition and, oh yes, became our second president.”—Booklist, starred review
★ “A delightfully enlightening account and a welcome antidote to our own time’s precarious truthiness.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “This enlightening account of a president and his study of the natural world is a needed addition to the elementary library.”—School Library Journal, starred review
★ The Horn Book, starred review
★ “An account of the rocky relationship between the U.S.’s first president and his most famous portrait painter […] A lighthearted, illuminating, and thought-provoking look at a brief but meaningful historical moment.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “A captivating exploration of the making of one of history’s most famous portraits.” —Booklist, starred review
★ Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Sibert Honor winner Gail Jarrow […] continues to work magic in Spirit Sleuths, making certain that young readers can find history accessible, exciting, and surprising.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
★ “An excellent tool to teach young readers about the dangers of misinformation. […] The indomitable Jarrow crafts another enthralling narrative of nonfiction that will mesmerize curious readers and serve as an exemplar for educators and researchers.” —School Library Journal, starred review
★ “Keen prose meditates on the nature of violence fueled by bigotry and its effects, making for a layered and provocative telling that will encourage readers to critically examine their own behaviors and perceptions.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “The book utilizes white space and stark black-and-white illustrations to evoke Jump and Joy’s loneliness; the characters are in a different illustration style, further emphasizing their isolation. Only when the pair find each other do their worlds fill with color.” —Foreword Reviews, starred review
★ Shelf Awareness, starred review
★“Charming…stories….admire each cook’s aspirations and determination, while providing a dash of magic and a whisk of expertise.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “Another warmly funny story that highlights the value of improvisational thinking, the beauty of a loving family and the joys of houseplants.” —BookPage, starred review
★“Disgustingly hilarious […] Consider this little monstrosity a much-needed corrective to smarmy platitudes.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “A deeply empathetic look at the magic of love and compassion.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ A book one doesn’t see coming, Simone glows like a small, steady flame of childhood agency.” –School Library Journal, starred review
★“Stunning…. a powerful, multilayered depiction of an increasingly common situation.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★“Tender and affecting….a notable book with beautiful language and memorable illustrations that uplift the power of devotion; it will also appeal to budding ornithologists.” –School Library Journal, starred review
★ “Delightful….strikes a beautiful balance between humor and political activism, showcasing the power of youth.….Stunning…visually captivating…This book is a great addition to any library, especially for middle-grade trailblazers inspired by figures like Greta Thunberg.” —Booklist, starred review
★”Imapla’s simple yet deeply moving work evokes love and loss with language and images to which young readers will relate… a stirring mentor text for children navigating grief…. subtle yet powerful tale about love and loss.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Itty Bitty Betty Blob’s nicely balanced combination of humor, emotion and inspiration makes it an absolute treat of a read—a warm and wonderful reminder to celebrate our differences and dare to share joy with others.” —BookPage, starred review
★ “This is a refreshingly unsentimental and matter-of-fact take on being different, devoid of heavy-handed moralizing or intervention from adult characters. […] A delightful celebration of acceptance in all its forms.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
