Thunder Boy Jr.Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Yuyi Morales

This eagerly awaited picture book from National Book Award winner Sherman Alexie and illustrated by Pura Belpre Illustrator Award winner Yuyi Morales is everything audiences have hoped for. Based on Alexie’s own experience as a “junior,” the book finds a young boy, named for his father, who wishes he had his own name. Thunder Boy Jr. comes up with many suggestions for his own name, such as “Mud in His Ears” or “Can’t Run Fast While Laughing.” As he asserts his individuality, his father takes notice and eventually assigns him his own name. Vibrant illustrations solidify this title’s status as a must-read.