Sponsored by Chicago Review Press
Bugs for Breakfast helps middle-grade readers understand the role insects fill in feeding people around the world. Readers will be introduced to the insect specialties and traditions of various countries. They’ll discover how nutritious bugs can be and why dining on insects is more environmentally friendly than eating traditional protein sources.
Hi Kid Lit Friends!
Happy first day of August! I hope this summer is going wonderfully for all of you. I wonder what kinds of books you’re reading this summer? Feel free to drop me a line to tell me what you’re enjoying – my email is at the bottom of this newsletter.
I’m a big fan of comedians and often listen to comedy podcasts while I’m doing errands around the house. I love Trevor Noah, Paula Poundstone, Hasan Minhaj, and all the panelists on Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. It’s been interesting to read some of the recent books highlighting kids who want to go into comedy; it’s made me realize how much work it is to be a great comedian! Unfortunately, despite the steady increase in authors of color writing children’s literature, there aren’t as many middle grade books on this topic written by diverse authors. I hope with time, that will change! In the meantime, here are a few middle grade books that I’ve enjoyed that are about stand-up comedy:
Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim
Yumi Chung has a secret dream: to have a Netflix stand-up special. She wants nothing more than to spend her summer studying her favorite YouTube comedians, but then her mom enrolls her in a tutoring class so she can be eligible for an academic scholarship. Instead of going to class, she stumbles into a comedy class taught by one of her favorite comedians. A case of mistaken identity later, Yumi finds herself ditching tutoring for comedy. But how long can she keep this a secret? And how much damage will it create between her and her family if Yumi follows her dreams?
Click by Kayla Miller
Olive “clicks” with everyone in the fifth grade even though she doesn’t have a “best friend”. She convinces herself that it’s fine, but then people start pairing up for the school’s variety show and Olive is left out. When funky, green-haired Aunt Molly invites her over for an aunt-niece sleepover, they spend the night watching old TV variety shows. Olive is so inspired by the witty hosts and hostesses who introduce and banter with the acts on their shows and dreams about taking on that role herself on a variety show. Can she convince her friends and family that this is the right fit for her?
The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh by Helen Rutter
Eleven-year-old Billy Plimpton has a dream to be a stand-up comedian. He wants to deliver perfect punch-lines and have his audiences hang on his every hilarious word. He knows he can do it, but one thing holds him back. He has a stammer. How will he find his voice, if his voice won’t let him speak?
What are you reading these days? Let me know! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.
Until next time!
Karina
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