When life flies past you in miles instead of minutes, sometimes it takes 100 Sideways Miles (Simon and Schuster, $17.99) to make sense of it all. Finn Easton’s life hasn’t been normal since his mother was killed by a falling horse, the same accident that left Finn with unpredictable epileptic blackouts. To top it all off, Finn’s father writes a popular work of science fiction that incorporates all of Finn’s symptoms. The only person who keeps Finn grounded is his best friend Cade. That is, until Julia Bishop moves to town. With her arrival Finn begins to see that life needn’t always be ordinary. Andrew Smith’s newest work is the perfect balance of absurdity and heart that will have readers rooting for Finn’s success. Ages 16-18. KLG
Henri Matisse’s surroundings were colorless. Rain-drenched weather plagued his hometown, with only gray skies for miles around. But inside his home his mother made sure color flowed through their lives. Their curtains and rugs were of varying hues, hand-painted plates adorned the walls, and there was always The Iridescence of Birds (Roaring Brook, $17.99) on the window ledge, not far from Henri’s sight. Newbery award-winning author, Patricia MacLachlan explores what might have inspired this great artist to paint such vivid images. Coupled with vibrant illustrations by Hadley Hooper, this book is sure to make readers yearn to know more about Matisse and his colorful works of art. Ages 4-8. KLG
At a time fraught with racial inequalities and a raging war overseas, 2,000 black American men from New York answered their country’s call to arms. Regarded as men “playing [soldier]” by many of their American peers, the Germans would later rename these brave men the Harlem Hellfighters (Creative Editions, $18.99). J. Patrick Lewis uses free verse poems to convey the important role these men played in the history of World War One, while giving readers a more intimate look at the role jazz band leader Big Jim Europe played in recruitment, morale, and the unity of the regiment. Gary Kelley’s illustrations have a haunting reverence that complements Lewis’s free verse, making this a beautiful, important, and educational book not to be missed. Ages 9-12. KLG
