Nothing Is Little  

from Holiday House

for readers 8-12 yrs 

Eleven-year-old Felix likes being the smallest kid in school.

At least he knows where he fits in. Plus his nickname, “Short-lock Holmes,” is perfect for someone who’s killing it in forensic science club. To Felix, Growth Hormone Deficiency is no big deal.

And then Felix learns that his biological dad was short, too. This one, tiny, itty-bitty piece of information opens up a massive hole in his life. Felix must find his father. He only has a few small clues to work from, but as Sherlock Holmes said, “To a great mind, nothing is little.” 

The further Felix gets in his investigation, though, the more he starts to wonder: What if his dad doesn’t want to be found? And what if Felix’s family—his mom, his stepdad, the baby on the way—needs him right where he is?

*A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION

Reviews:

"Felix's [story] is as internal as it is external. As he follows clues to his father's identity, he learns about the person and friend he himself is beginning to be." - The New York Times

"A captivating, humorous, and heartfelt story of friendship, family, and crime-solving." - Kirkus Review (To see full review, go HERE.) 

"A fresh and funny read that sells itself, and it demonstrates that there is more than one way to grow."—Booklist
 

“Written from Felix’s perspective, the story keeps a steady pace as it ­alternates between school and home, ­giving a firsthand account of what it’s like to be young and faced with decisions that are difficult to navigate. ­VERDICT: Engaging and heartfelt, Van Vleet’s title delivers big on the feels. Anyone who’s ever been made to feel small will benefit from ­hearing ­Felix’s story.” – School Library Journal

"Nothing Is Little is a, just, phenomenal middle grade novel.  Check it out; you won't regret it." - Colby Sharp (To see full review, go HERE.) 

"Nothing Is Little offers powerful proof that little things can matter in a great big way. What a beautiful book! The most huge-hearted and heartwarming story you'll read this year."—Claudia Mills, author of The Lost Language

"Smart, funny, and memorable. You can’t help but love Felix! He has big goals and a great big heart, and he’ll live large in your memory long after the final page is turned."—Margi Preus, Newbery Honor–winning author

"You Gotta Meet Mr. Pierce!" The Storied Life of Folk Artist Elijah Pierce

co-authored by Chiquita Mullins Lee

illustrated by Jennifer Mack-Watkins

from Kolila

A  biography about the barber shop of wood carver Elijah Pierce, recipient of the highest folk art honor in the United States. 

From the publisher: 

Based on the true story of Elijah Pierce and his community barber shop in Columbus, Ohio, this picture book includes cleverly collaged museum-sourced photos of his art and informative backmatter about his life. With engaging text by Pierce to the Soul! playwright Chiquita Mullins-Lee and Christopher Award-winning author Carmella Van Vleet, it’s illustrated with striking Japanese woodblock by Jennifer Mack-Watkins. A new addition to vital Black art history!

                                                               * 3 starred reviews* 

Reviews:

* "Thoughtful and enlightening." --Booklist, starred review. 

* "This thoughtfully constructed book tells an appealing story, introduces a prolific African American artist, and leaves readers to ponder the role of formal training in art." --School Library Connection, starred review.

* "The conversational framing imbues this picture book biography with warmth and intimacy ... There’s plenty of fodder here for themed storytimes on Black history and art." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review.

"An intimate encounter with an artist who should be better known." --Kirkus Reviews

"Action words (“DRAPE /SNAP,” “SAND/DUST”) evoke movement and expertise throughout, while Mack-Watkins’s use of woodcut textures brings the subject’s medium to the fore." --Publishers Weekly