Warning!
This post is not your typical From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors blog.
It does not involve Middle-Grade books.
It is not a review of an up-and-coming release.
It is not an author or agent interview.
But it does involve Magic!
It does involve books.
It does involve those who create them.
And it does involve those who serve as stewards of children’s literature.
Okay, so now that I have your attention, allow me to share an incredible experience at the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum.
Not familiar with the Mazza Museum? Understood. Even Dare Coulter, illustrator of Kwame Alexander’s An American Story was not aware of this special place.
The Mazza Museum has the largest collection of original artwork from picture books in the world. IN THE WORLD!
Their mission is to Promote literacy and enrich the lives of all people through the art of picture books.
Trust me, after any visit to the Mazza Museum one feels enriched. However, I had the magical experience of taking Dare Coulter to the museum for the first time, in conjunction with her participation in Claire’s Day. I’m sure it will not be her last.
Dare was in awe from the moment we stepped into the galleries. The walls are lined with framed, original artwork from children’s book illustrators. Beneath each piece, a copy of the book from which the illustration came is on display, ready for visitors to explore and connect with.
Even cooler yet, is a plaster mold of the artist’s hand. Not to be confused with the actual hand of the illustrator, as one young visitor thought, Mazza Museum Director Ben Sapp offered.
Ben was so gracious to give Dare and me a private tour, which began with a huge connecting point for Dare.
When she was a young student, Dare’s teacher recognized her artistic talent. Patricia Polacco was creating a mural at Dare’s school. The teacher allowed Dare to miss regular classes and spend time with the famous illustrator and artist.
The Mazza Museum proudly displays Ms. Polacco’s original Keeping Quilt, framed behind glass. The worn edges and tattered cloth reflect how loved the quilt was through the generations.
Dare nearly cried when seeing the quilt.
The three of us walked quickly through the galleries, taking in the nearly 300 original works by children’s book illustrators throughout the history of picture books.
Then, after asking about Leo and Diane Dillon and Lois Mailou Jones, Ben unlocked the secured and temperature-controlled vault. Over 19,000 works are carefully stored and cared for here. 19,000 original works by children’s book illustrators.
Children’s book illustrator Dare Coulter and Mazza Museum Ben Sapp with an original piece from Wanda Gag
Dare with an original piece from Leo and Diane Dillon.
Mind-boggling.
Our visit wrapped with an invitation from Ben to have Dare sign “the wall” in the staff offices. Within minutes, Dare created this beautiful work.
As she turned to say goodbye to Ben, she looked directly across the room, and there, was Patricia Polacco’s signature and illustration.
It was a full circle moment, taking Dare back to her childhood when as a little girl, her teacher encouraged her talent and gave her the opportunity to spend time with the renowned artist at work.
It was not lost on any of us that Dare was visiting Northwest Ohio as a result of celebrating a little girl who was passionate about books.
Just think of the power we all have, as educators, authors and illustrators, library media specialists, children’s book festival organizers, and museum curators, to touch the lives of children through books.
We create Magic.
Happy to see a debut MG book from acclaimed Cherokee author Brandon Hobson, The Storyteller. Ziggy is already dealing with anxiety and the disappearance of his mother only makes things worse. In a search for answers about where his mother (and so many other Native women) have gone Ziggy is drawn to a nearby cave and the story tradition of the Cherokee for answers. (Scholastic Press, 4/18/23)
Books about neurodivergent girls are few and far between. I was thrilled to find Good Different by 
Two graphic novels caught my eye this month, both with Asian-American protagonists. Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter is about the second oldest daughter finding some autonomy and space to make her art in a family of seven siblings. A large family is its own culture beyond race and ethnicity. I belong to a big family and found lots of scenes here that resonated. (Graphix 3/7/23) Parachute Kids by Betty C Tang is about being left in America with siblings or relatives while parents remain behind in an Asian country. (Graphix 4/4/23)
Two stories about African-American athletes will appeal to sports fans. Colin Kaepernick Change the Game by Eve L Ewing and Orlando Caicedo is a graphic novel (Graphix 3/7/23). Track and field fans will devour the story of national champion, world champion, and four time Olympian, Chanunté Lowe in her debut MG biography Boundless. (Scholastic focus 3/7/23)
And finally there are four notable additions to the genre of MG protagonist meets magical creatures and discovers hidden powers. They are Once There Was by Kiyash Monsef (S&S 4/423), Momo Arashima Steals the Sword of the Wind (Labyrinth Road RH 4/4/23), Hamara and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf (HC 3/28/23), and The Scroll of Chaos by Elie Chapman (Scholastic Press 3/7/23)
2) Spell it Like Samar by Shifa Safadi and illustrated by Saliha Caliskan
3) Farah Rocks Fifth Grade by Susan Muaddi Darraj and illustrated by Ruaida Mannaa
5) Muslim Girls Rise: Inspirational Champions of Our Time by Saira Mir and Aaliya Jaleel
6) If You Were a Princess: True Stories of Brave Leaders Around the World by Hillary Homzie and illustrated by Udayana Lugo