Top 20 Books of 2021: 15-11

20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1

15: Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff [Dial (Penguin Random House) | Grades 5 and Up]
Because Bug and Moira have been on my mind and heart ever since I finished reading it months ago–the writing is so, so, so exquisite. -John
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14: The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen [Candlewick Press | Grades K-3]
Because almost nothing happens, yet everything happens. -Travis


13: Watercress by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chin [Neal Porter Books (Holiday House) | Grades 1-5]
Because it is a poignant slice-of-life memoir that’s beautifully illustrated and designed. -John


12: Strollercoaster by Matt Ringler, illustrated by Raul the Third and Elaine Bay [Little, Brown | Grades K-2]
Because we all need to get out of the house sometimes. -Travis


11: The People’s Painter: How Ben Shahn Fought for Justice with Art by Cynthia Levinson, illustrated by Evan Turk [Abrams | Grades K-4]
Because it shows how Ben Shahn used his passion for art to tell the story of people in difficult circumstances and help make their struggles known. -John
20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5-1
Filed under: Best of, Best of 2021
About Travis Jonker
Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.
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