1 . Freewater
—By Amina Luqman-Dawson, $8.7 Ages 10—14
Homer and his sister run away from a big farm, escaping a life of slavery (奴隶). After crossing dangerous swampland (沼泽地), they reach Freewater, a settlement for former slaves. But their mom is still at the farm. Homer sets out to rescue her. Will they all be together again?
Iveliz Explains It All
—By Andrea Beatriz Arango, illustrated (插图) by Alyssa Bermudez, $7.8 Ages 12 and up
In this story, Iveliz keeps a journal and writes about her mental health struggles. She is hoping that seventh grade will be better than the previous year. But she has difficulty getting on well with some people in her life. It is getting in the way of a fresh start.
The Last Mapmaker
—By Christina Soontornvat, $7.5 Ages 8—12
The main character in this fantasy adventure, Sai, can perfectly copy anyone’s handwriting. Her talent wins her a job on a boat that may be heading to a land. Sai holds secrets about her past, and she discovers that she’s not the only one hiding something. This story has a great ending.
Maizy Chen’s Last Chance
—By Lisa Yee, $9.8 Ages 8—12
The Golden Palace restaurant in Minnesota has been in Maizy’s family for years. When her grandfather gets sick, she and her mom travel from their home in Los Angeles to help at the restaurant. Maizy must adapt to the fact that she is the only child of color in the town. She also tries to solve family mysteries.
1. What can be learned about Iveliz Explains It All?| A．It’s for children under ten. | B．It has pictures. |
| C．It’s about slavery. | D．It costs the least. |
| A．She has to save her mother. |
| B．She can’t get on with others. |
| C．She fears her secret will be discovered. |
| D．She is different from the other children. |
| A．The authors have special talents. |
| B．They are all about children. |
| C．They are written in simple language. |
| D．The main characters struggle with something. |
