Melisa A. Bailey

Jan 1, 2025 | slj.com | Melisa A. Bailey

Gr 4-7–Tia, 11, never thought she would get accepted into the NASA school program, believing it wasn’t for someone like her—a girl with absentee parents, raised by her brother, and much more comfortable working on cars than sitting in a middle school classroom. But against the odds, Tia is in, and is soon bonding with new teammates, enjoying zero gravity, struggling through endurance trainings, and enjoying space simulations all in preparation for a real trip to a space station.

Oct 21, 2024 | slj.com | Melisa A. Bailey

Gr 8 Up–Dishing up a comprehensive history of cooking, this graphic novel uses engaging, vibrant panels, beginning with prehistory, to explain how the use of fire, climate change, social abilities, and travel, among other things, were the seeds to modern cooking. From there, Simmat covers how cooking methods, utensils, and social norms develop, and that food and dietary trends repeat again and again.

Sep 20, 2024 | slj.com | Jennifer Harris |Melisa A. Bailey

Gr 1-4–Milo spends his nights, after reading with his mother and tapping his father’s picture ritualistically, helping the Keeper of Stars, a large stoic bear with a star on its forehead. The two spend nights tidying up the sky, washing (occasionally ticklish) stars along with fun things like juggling those stars and cavorting with bats before enjoying cocoa and sandwiches together. Milo then catches a comet home and slides into bed with a very familiar looking stuffed bear and a snoozing mom.

Jul 26, 2024 | slj.com | Natasha Tarpley |Melisa A. Bailey

K-Gr 2–Second grader Keyana is full of big ideas, so when her teacher announces it’s time to celebrate their school’s 100th anniversary, she has the perfect idea for her class’s project. She and her classmates work hard on the project, and then it’s up to Keyana to present it during the schoolwide assembly. Keyana isn’t sure about this—it’s a little scary to talk in front of so many people. But with help from family and classmates, Keyana shines.

Jun 18, 2024 | slj.com | Melisa A. Bailey |Magnolia Porter Siddell |Maddi Gonzalez |James Tynion IV

Gr 3-7–Young inventor Benjamin Carver III strives to emulate his namesake George Washington Carver—who happens to be his great-great-great uncle. Even so, Ben prefers the moniker Mr. Smarty Pants. He spends his time creating in his garage, trying to navigate his peanut butter allergy and fighting his arch nemesis Deon, aka Dark Midnight, with his sidekicks Peter and Jemma. Deon has a chance at growth but quickly backslides, creating an opening for a sequel.