A SAKURA MEDAL BOOK 2025 (Chapter Book) Publisher Marketing: A touching and lyrical tale about a remarkable sea otter, from Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate, author of Wishtree. Meet Odder, the Queen of Play: Nobody has her moves. She doesn't just swim to the bottom, she dive-bombs. She doesn't just somersault, she triple-doughnuts. She doesn't just ride the waves, she makes them. Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she's known. She's a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself--and about the humans who hope to save her. Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature's most beloved and charming animals. Author: Katherine Applegate Illustrator: Charles Santoso ISBN: 9781250147424 Publisher: Feiwel & Friends Binding: Hardcover Pub Date: September 20, 2022 Target Age Group: 08 to 12

A SAKURA MEDAL BOOK 2023 (Chapter Book) A New York Times Notable Book, 2017 A National Public Radio Best Book of 2017 A Publishers Weekly Bestseller A Washington Post Best Book of 2017 A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017 A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2017 San Francisco Chronicle 2017 Gift Guide Los Angeles Times 2017 Gift Guide Autumn 2017 Kids' Indie Next List "Top Pick" Title Winner, E.B. White Read Aloud Award 2018 ALSC/ALA Notable Children's Book Publisher Marketing: The earth is old and we are not, and that is all you must remember . . . Eleven-year-old Willodeen adores creatures of all kinds, but her favorites are the most unlovable beasts in the land: strange beasts known as "screechers." The villagers of Perchance call them pests, even monsters, but Willodeen believes the animals serve a vital role in the complicated web of nature. Lately, though, nature has seemed angry indeed. Perchance has been cursed with fires and mudslides, droughts and fevers, and even the annual migration of hummingbears, a source of local pride and income, has dwindled. For as long as anyone can remember, the tiny animals have overwintered in shimmering bubble nests perched atop blue willow trees, drawing tourists from far and wide. This year, however, not a single hummingbear has returned to Perchance, and no one knows why. When a handmade birthday gift brings unexpected magic to Willodeen and her new friend, Connor, she's determined to speak up for the animals she loves, and perhaps even uncover the answer to the mystery of the missing hummingbears. A timely and timeless tale about our fragile earth, and one girl's fierce determination to make a difference. Author: Katherine Applegate Illustration: Charles Santoso ISBN: 9781250327970 Publisher: Square Fish Binding: Paperback Pub Date: July 30, 2024 Target Age Group: 08 to 12

A SAKURA MEDAL BOOK 2025 (Chapter Book) Publisher Marketing: There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that's what April's father tells her when his scientific research takes them to a faraway Arctic outpost. But one night, April catches a glimpse of something distinctly bear shaped loping across the horizon. A polar bear who shouldn't be there--who is hungry, lonely and a long way from home. An excellent choice for readers in grades 3 to 7, this fierce celebration of friendship includes full-page black-and-white illustrations throughout, as well as information about the real Bear Island and the plight of the polar bears. Author: Hannah Gold ISBN: 9780063041004 Publisher: HarperCollins Binding: Paperback Pub Date: March 15, 2022 Target Age Group: 08 to 12

A SAKURA MEDAL BOOK 2025 (Chapter Book) Publisher Marketing: Gregory Maguire turns his trademark wit and wisdom to an animal adventure about growing up, moving on, and finding community. When Papa doesn't return from a nocturnal honey-gathering expedition, Cress holds out hope, but her mother assumes the worst. It's a dangerous world for rabbits, after all. Mama moves what's left of the Watercress family to the basement unit of the Broken Arms, a run-down apartment oak with a menacing owl landlord, a nosy mouse super, a rowdy family of squirrels, and a pair of songbirds who broadcast everyone's business. Can a dead tree full of annoying neighbors, and no Papa, ever be home? In the timeless spirit of E. B. White and The Wind in the Willows--yet thoroughly of its time--this read-aloud and read-alone gem for animal lovers of all ages features an unforgettable cast that leaps off the page in glowing illustrations by David Litchfield. Author: Gregory Maguire Illustrator: David Litchfield ISBN: 9781536232479 Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA) Binding: Paperback Pub Date: March 26, 2024 Target Age Group: 08 to 12