The Bronx Is My Home

K-Gr 2--A love letter to the Bronx, the only New York City borough with a definite article in its name. Afro-Latinx Santiago Alvarez-Rosario and his mom spend Saturday visiting all of the cool places their borough has to offer--the Bronx Zoo, Orchard Beach, Little Italy, and more. Striking down stereotypes, this joyous picture book shows the city's northernmost town as a place of rich history and culture. It also offers eye-opening stats, such as how Pelham Bay Park is more than three times the size of Central Park and the High Bridge is the oldest bridge in the city. Passing mentions of Fordham University and the Edgar Allan Poe Park highlight some of the more recognizable sites, but much of Santiago's narrative focuses on unsung gems. The boy's energy is contagious, which is reflected in the effusive text. The illustrations add to the work's liveliness. Bright colors take up full spreads. The art is digitally rendered in acrylic and pencil, giving the pages a textured feel. The expressions on the characters' faces will bring smiles to readers' own, especially as they slurp spaghetti at the Italian restaurant and act silly at the zoo. The endpapers feature a lovely tour guide-like map, and the back matter includes info on more sites and a selected bibliography. The fun there is in spending the day with someone you love in the place you call home will resonate with all readers. VERDICT An ode to the Bronx that natives and tourists alike will cherish, this is a great choice for picture book shelves.--Shelley M. Diaz