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Lois Lane is ready for summer with a “sure-to-go-viral video” channel, and there’s no stopping when Lois sets her mind on something. The neighborhood barbecue and bike race will be the perfect backdrop to Lois and Kristen’s #friendshipchallenge video. But when the annual fireworks go missing, Lois intensifies her efforts for fame, testing her friendship in ways she couldn’t imagine. Will Lois be able to find the missing fireworks, celebrate summer, and post the best #friendshipchallenge ever? Or will she have to face her challenges IRL? From New York Times bestselling author Grace Ellis and artist Brittney Williams.
Dear Readers,
We’re back with another set of children’s new releases for you. This week there are some beautiful picture books hitting shelves, and even though Halloween is still a ways away, you can get an early start with some of this week’s spooky releases.
Maud and Grand-Maud by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Kenard Pak
This adorable picture book follows a girl who dreams of being just like her grandmother. On special weekends Maud gets to stay at her grandma’s house, having breakfast for dinner, watching old movies, and telling stories. This is a sweet and snuggly read about the power of generational relationships.
We’re Going On A Goon Hunt by Michael Rex
Halloween is imminent, and in case you weren’t aware, here’s a new Michael Rex Halloween parody for you. Off the heels of Goodnight Goon, this new one is a scary play on We’re Going On A Bear Hunt in which a family goes off on a Halloween jaunt, through pumpkin patches, swamps, and other spooky locales in search of a goon.
Finish the Fight by Veronica Chambers and the Staff of the New York Times
This illustrated primer on women’s voting rights is a perfect introduction for those looking to broaden kids’ understanding of the right to vote. After the passage of the 19th amendment, there were still women who were barred from voting, and this colorful book continues the story of how women of color, like Macy Mcleod Bethune, Mable Ping-hua Lee, and Jovita Idár rose to finish the fight for their rights, and how the fight continues today.
The World’s Poorest President Speaks Out by Yoshimi Kusaba, illustrated by Gaku Nakafawa. Translated by Andro-Ryuo Wong
This one is another great read for those looking to engage kids in social justice discussions, especially ones about poverty and what it means to have enough. Based on a speech given by José Mujica, the president of Uruguay, at the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, this asks us to consider what our purpose on Earth is: whether its to buy and to sell or to pursue happiness.
Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor
Sci-fi wonder Okorafor makes her middle grade debut with this adventure a boy named Nmadi, seeking revenge after his father, the police chief of Kaleria, is killed. Though Nmadi doesn’t think he can do much, that changes when he’s given a magical object, an Ikenga, that gives him superpowers.
Thirteens by Kate Alice Marshall
This is a fun, suspenseful middle grade story about three friends (Eleanor, Otto, and Pip) in an Oregon town fighting against fate as they unravel the town’s supernatural secrets. Including one of a local legend that promises that, on every thirteenth Halloween, and on their shared thirteenth birthday, three children will disappear. If true it means Eleanor, Otto, and Pip will be the ones to disappear.
The Second Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street by Cory Putnam Oakes, illustrated by Jane Pica
Another spooky tale for middle grade kids, this one is a hilarious tale of a family-run haunted house forced to compete against the Hauntery, a corporate-backed haunted house that opens up nearby. Worried that their haunted house won’t survive, Willow enlists the help of one of the Hauntery’s ghosts, Evie, but Evie doesn’t tell her new friend she’s still working for the competition.
That’s all for now! See you again in seven days. If you’d like to visit with me in the meantime, you can find me on Twitter.
Chelsea