Hi Kid Lit Friends,
This summer has been full of uncertainties. A couple of weeks ago, a COVID outbreak at my kid’s sleep away camp had my husband driving out to pick our child up in the middle of the night. My friend’s daughter was evacuated from her camp because of a tornado. My other friend might have to cancel her family trip to Europe because of extreme heat and forest fires. Between the pandemic and the weather, this summer is reminding me that life is full of uncertainties, and kids these days are being asked to be flexible in so many ways.
Bookish Goods
Cat Book T-Shirts by 4leafcloverarts
A perfect tee for all those book loving cat people out there (and I know there are a lot of you!). $11
New Releases
A Spoonful of Frogs by Casey Lyall, illustrated by Vera Brosgal
This delightful picture book is sure to make young readers laugh out loud! When a witch is getting ready to make her favorite frog soup, it’s not so easy to add the key ingredient. The frogs hop, they leap, they hide. Will dinner ever be ready?
Remixed: A Blended Family by Arree Chung
A companion to Mixed: A Colorful Story, this picture book follows a community of colors and shapes that make up all different types of families. But sometimes those sizes, shapes, and colors can change, which can lead to all sorts of emotions.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Even though summer weather seems as if it will be around for a long time, school will be back in session before we know it. Here are some books that will get us all back in the school mood!
That’s Not My Name! by Anoosha Syed
Mirha is so excited about her first day of school, but when she arrives it seems like no one can pronounce her name! She is too shy to correct her classmates and her teachers, and she goes home wondering if she should change her name to something people can pronounce.
Stacey’s Extraordinary Words by Stacey Abrams, illustrated by Kitt Thomas
Stacey Abrams shares a childhood memory of the school spelling bee in this sweet picture book. Growing up, Stacey loved everything about words, so a spelling bee should be no problem, right? But Stacey is worried that the words won’t come when she’s up on stage, just like how words escape her when she’s faced by bullies. Can Stacey step into the spotlight and speak out?
The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei by Christina Matula
Holly Mei is thrilled to move with her family to Hong Kong. Her school is right by the beach and she loves her new home. But school isn’t as fun as she thought it was going to be, especially when the most popular girl in the school becomes a frenemy. Can Holly Mei figure out how to fit in?
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
This is one of my absolute favorite middle grade books. Set during the Vietnam War, Holling Hoodhood is starting seventh grade and is certain that his new teacher hates his guts. The book goes through the whole school year, charting Holling’s progress through the year as he gains an appreciation for Mrs. Baker, diagramming sentences, and running while also facing the ramifications of the Vietnam War.
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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