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Frank Einstein must figure out an alternate source of power or succumb to his archenemy T. Edison’s exorbitant prices for electricity. In this latest of over-the-top funny Einstein series, actual science fact is couched in humorous fiction.

Jack and Annie are transported back to Normandy, France, when Europe is in danger of falling to the Germans and the D-Day invasion is about to begin. Though necessarily simplified, this adventure gives an age appropriate introduction to WWII. “Track the Facts” concludes this “super edition” of the popular Magic Tree House series.

A girl discovers her family’s history, sharing some of her mother’s childhood experiences by reading what her mother wrote as a child. A series of short poems and handsome illustrations juxtapose past to present: “Memories can be like sandcastles/the waves wash away./My mama glued her memories with words so they would last forever.” As the family history unfolds, the connection between generations becomes clear in this engaging and very timely book.

Red is misunderstood. He’s a red crayon with a label that says blue so he can’t draw a strawberry or even a stoplight. But when Red learns that he’s really blue, well, he regains his self-confidence. Child-like drawings combine with precise collages for a memorable and humorous take on expectations, labels, and self-confidence.

A slightly grumpy CJ asks his grandma why they have to take a bus across town every Sunday after church. Her answers are playful, wise, and effective; CJ admits he’s glad they came to see their friends at the soup kitchen where they serve. Bright, stylized illustrations and rich, well-paced language presents a warm relationship and a diverse urban locale. (2016 Newbery Medal Winner)

Girls didn’t always have the freedom to choose what they wanted to do. This is certainly true for Callie Tate, the only girl in her family. How she follows her interests and deals with not being taken seriously is revealed in rich, well-paced language. Callie’s story started in The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate though both books can be read without the other. Both will appeal to sophisticated readers.

Pearl, a bonnet-wearing pig in pink, finds a magic bone that fell from a witch’s basket. Can she and the magic bone save Pearl from the jaws of a hungry fox? Cartoon illustration and exceptional language make this a must to read aloud.

Clementine hates change. And there’s a lot of change about to happen: summer is approaching and the end of third grade means goodbye to her beloved teacher, Mr. D’Matz. Plus her family expects a new baby. Like other books in the series, this seventh and final one is sure to cause laughter as Clementine works to come out successfully on the other side of change.

Little Llama Llama has a major meltdown when he tires of shopping with Mama in the shop-o-rama. But Mama Llama is smart and figures out how do end the llama drama. The rhyming text shares not only a common experience but a great deal of llama wisdom all told with good humor and rhyme.

The First World War comes into gritty focus through battles fought and the world changes it brought about. Photographs and other primary source material make this a riveting, sophisticated look at an impactful period in world history.

From a shy child, Eleanor grew up to be an activist and a quietly powerful First Lady. Her life is chronicled in an understandable, well documented narrative complemented by an array of photographs. This is a solid companion to Freedman’s biography of Eleanor’s husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (opens in a new window).

Fifty years ago well-known civil rights leaders came together with other lesser known but key individuals in Selma, Alabama. Events leading to breaking down the barriers to voting rights for African Americans are detailed through strong images and moving, well-documented narrative.

Abraham Lincoln comes to life as a leader, a husband and a father in this enthralling account of his life and the times in which he lived. Lincoln’s writing and other primary sources are seamlessly incorporated along with telling photographs.

This magical story begins on an island far away where an imaginary friend is born. He patiently waits his turn to be chosen by a real child, but when he is overlooked time and again, he sets off on an incredible journey to the bustling city, where he finally meets his perfect match and-at long last-is given his special name: Beekle. (2015 Caldecott Medal Winner)

The Bell twins are stars on the basketball court and comrades in life. While there are some differences — Josh shaves his head and Jordan loves his locks — both twins adhere to the Bell basketball rules: In this game of life, your family is the court, and the ball is your heart. When life intervenes in the form of a new girl, the balance shifts and growing apart proves painful. Alexander eloquently mashes up concrete poetry, hip-hop, a love of jazz, and a thriving family bond. The effect is poetry in motion. It is a rare verse novel that is fundamentally poetic rather than using this writing trend as a device. There is also a quirky vocabulary element that adds a fun intellectual note to the narrative. This may be just the right book for those hard-to-match youth who live for sports or music or both. (2015 Newbery Medal Winner)

Young people see a need and work to better their world in this upbeat chronicle of youthful activists.

Much to his horror, Charlie is assigned to perform as the Nice Gnome in “The Sorcerer’s Castle,” his 4th grade class play. Even though he perfected the laugh of the Evil Sorcerer, as the Gnome, Charlie saves the day — and the performance — in this laugh-out-loud funny story. Told through Charlie’s narration, readers will surely see themselves in these likeable characters.

Benjamin Franklin was always curious and thinking outside of the box, even as a boy. Youthful swimming (during a time when swimming was considered unhealthy) led Ben to invent paddles to be more fish-like. One episode from the life of a “smart, stubborn, sensible son of a soap-maker” is presented in humorous, detailed illustrations and lively language.

“Outside, snow falls silently on the house. Inside a boy has nothing to do.” That is, until he bundles up and creates an entire world in the snow. The soft lines and changing colors beautifully illustrate the magic of imagination in a wintry world.

Just like his counterpart the garbage truck from I Stink (opens in a new window) (Harper), this very confident and informative fire truck enjoys showing off all of his parts. Firefighter and truck aficionados will appreciate the overview of working trucks and firefighting.

More than 40 years ago, Spier won a Caldecott Honor for his illustrations of this traditional folk song. In it, a fox cheerfully poaches the farmer’s geese. Now the artist has added color to original black/white illustrations, enlivening the tale for a new generation. Music and additional verses are included.

When the bats awaken from winter hibernation, not only do their stomachs grumble, they are hungry for music! The latest in this series presents the varied music interests of very likable (and rather human) bats.

Grandma Lou joins Judy, Stink and their parents to ride out a hurricane. When the power is off, does a pretzel-eating ghost join the family? Characteristic good humor, recognizable situations and likeable characters are hallmarks of this series.

Will Freddie Ramos’ super-power shoes work in the snowstorm? Not to worry! Inventor/maintenance man Mr. Vaslov has invented superpower snowshoes — just in time to help Freddie fight crime. The latest in the series is equally charming and highly readable.