Hi Kid Lit Friends!
Let’s talk about one of my favorite topics: independent bookstores! I’m so grateful for my local independents— they truly support authors and communities in a meaningful and integral way. They host festivals and authors, and sometimes even arrange for schools to have visiting authors (for free!). The people who work at indie bookstores are passionate about books and spend their free time reading advance copies so they can recommend books to customers. In celebration of indie bookstores, a group of middle grade authors will be shouting them out through the summer through #Indie500Books. Follow them using the same hashtag and also make sure to follow the American Booksellers Association @ABAbook !
 |
Library Card Earrings by LizaandLulus
Show off your love for libraries with these adorable earrings. This lightweight wood pendant comes with a sweet, vintage library checkout card and sterling silver french wire tops. $24
New Releases
Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Hyewon Yum
New from award-winning author Andrea Wang comes the story of how a class of ESL students bond over the shared language of tea. I love Hyewon Yum’s cheerful illustrations, especially the teacups featured in the end papers.
Charlie Thorne and the Curse of Cleopatra by Stuart Gibbs
The Charlie Thorne series continues in this third book by prolific author and fantastic and hilarious human Stuart Gibbs. After tracking down incredible discoveries by Einstein and Darwin, Charlie the genius is back. This time, the great ruler Cleopatra has left behind an extremely valuable and powerful treasure, its location encoded on an ancient stone tablet. Can Charlie solve the two-thousand-year-old mystery to prevent the most powerful treasure of the ancient world from falling into the wrong hands?
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, granddads, and father figures out there! These four picture books give me all the feel— check them out!
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Zuri’s hair is beautiful and it also has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Daddy is in charge of styling it for an extra special occasion, and he will do his best to make Zuri feel amazing.
Daddy Speaks Love by Leah Henderson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
This book celebrates all the ways that dads all over love their kids. Whether it’s answering a million questions, scaring away imaginary monsters, or being honest about how to confront the real ones, too, daddies can encourage their young ones to fight for a better world. With the comfort of knowing their dads are right beside them, they can do anything.
Eyes that Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho
When a friend at school creates a hurtful drawing, a young boy turns to his family for comfort. He realizes that his eyes are like his father’s, his agong’s, and his little brother’s, and he realizes that his eyes hold history and love. Inspired by the men in his family, he recognizes his own power and strength from within.
My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Pena
This is one of my favorite picture books! I just love the color palette and the joy and connection between daughter and father and community. Even though her neighborhood is changing, Daisy Ramona knows that the love she feels for her dad and their community will always be there.
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
*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*