2024 Texas Topaz List

"Butts are used for breathing, eating, swimming, talking, and even killing in the animal kingdom. Focusing on ten different animals and their derrières, and offering fun facts about their origin, habitat, and "posterior power," this hilarious book captures the wonder of our ecosystem. Which animal has the coolest butt power? That's up to you to decide!"--Provided by publisher.

Learn the funny and fascinating story of Charles Darwin and the groundbreaking discoveries his love of the humble worms led to in this hilarious illustrated book. Charles Darwin is widely known for his "Origin of Species" book, yet Darwin had another great love, and that was for worms. Told for the first time for children, this is the silly and fascinating true story of how Charles Darwin came to discover that the humble earthworm is the most important...

"An informative picture book about the origins and present day uses of -- and obsession with -- glitter"-- Provided by publisher.

"Find out how books are made in this entertaining and engaging exploration of how to make a nonfiction picture book about author Chris Barton's real-life dog, Ernie"-- Provided by publisher.

"A book exploring the life and habitat of a mother polar bear and her cubs"-- Provided by publisher.

A non-fiction exploration of the different kinds of beaks birds have and what they use them for.

"The true story of John Meyers and Charles Bender, who in 1911 became the first two Native American pro baseball players to face off in a World Series, teaches important lessons about resilience, doing what you love in the face of injustice, and the fight for Native American representation in sports"-- Provided by publisher.

From sandy beaches to mysterious, inky depths, this beautiful book is the story of ocean exploration, from shore to ocean floor. Seen from space, Earth is a swirl of blue and white. The blue is Earth's oceans, which cover 70 percent of its surface. Yet the ocean is the most unexplored region of our planet. From Shore to Ocean Floor is the story of how humans went from building the first boats to discovering the secrets of the deep. Marvel at incredible...

"When Jackie Ormes sees an opportunity, she takes it. She's a journalist, cartoonist, fashionista, philanthropist, and activist -- and she wants to use her artistry to bring joy and hope to Black people everywhere. But in post-World War II America, Black people are still being denied their civil rights, and Jackie has a dilemma: How can her art remain true to her signature Jackie joy, while also staying honest about the inequalities Black people have...

"Scientists know surprisingly little about sloths, but Becky Cliffe is working to change that. Visit the steamy jungles of Central and South America to see these adorable animals up close--and find out ways to protect them"-- Provided by publisher.