Hi Kid Lit Friends!
Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to get an advance look at the centennial exhibition for the Museum of the City of New York. The reason I got to attend was because one of my books, A Duet for Home, was one of 20 books selected for an exhibit highlighting how artists have told stories about home in New York that reflect on the best — and worst — aspects of urban living. The exhibit included an interactive component — you could pick up a book from the shelf and place it on a table with a sensor, which would activate a screen that showed a small video that included a synopsis of the book and a short reading.
To say that this was a thrill is an understatement! I love museums, I love NYC history, and I was so honored that A Duet for Home was selected alongside classic and beloved NYC books like From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Harriet the Spy, Eloise, and The Last Summer with Maizon. If you’re in New York, City, I highly recommend you stop by and check out the exhibit — it is truly amazing!
Bookish Goods
Book Heart Garland by ThePathLessTraveled
I love these garlands made from books and music. This would be a lovely background on an Instagram wall or for a book-themed party! $9+
New Releases
You: The Story by Ruta Sepetys
In this wonderful guide to writing, award winning author Ruta Sepetys shares her tips and encourages writers to look into their own life experience for inspiration. This has become one of my favorite books about writing alongside On Writing by Stephen King and Bird by Bird by Anne Lemmott.
Shark Princess: Shark Party! by Nidhi Chanani
In the second book in the Shark Princess series, Kitana doesn’t feel like going to a party with all of her friends. But when she realizes that another shark hasn’t been invited, Kitana sets off on a new adventure. A great book for newly emerging readers!
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
There are so many wonderful new middle grade books out. Check these out and let me know what you think!
The Cobra’s Song by Supriya Kelkar
In this absorbing, magical middle grade novel, 10-year-old Geetanjali knows that her mom and grandmother are famous classical singers from India. But when Geetanjali freezes up when singing in a concert, she hopes that her grandmother will help her when she comes to visit. But her grandma doesn’t come alone, and Geetanjali has no idea what to think about these new aunties. A mystery follows — one that Geetanjali needs to solve in order to discover a missing part of herself.
When Clouds Touch Us by Thanhhà Lai
This is the sequel to the Newbery Honor award winning novel-in-verse Inside Out and Back Again. Just when Ha’s family is making progress on adjusting to life in America, Ha’s mom decides to move the family to Texas. Suddenly, Ha has to readjust all over again — can she find a home in Texas?
Penny Draws a Best Friend by Sara Shepard
Penny is a lovable and endearing character who begins a journal because her feelings teacher, Mrs. Hines, says it might be a good idea. But instead of beginning it with, “Dear Diary,” she decides to write to her dog, Cosmo, instead. I love Penny’s honesty about her anxiety, which she diligently writes about in her journal. This is a very timely book that I think lots of young readers will connect with.
Grounded by Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, and S.K. Ali
When a thunderstorm grounds all airplanes for a night, four kids find themselves together in an airport following a huge Muslim convention. While all of them are preoccupied with their own personal troubles, they quickly band together for a night of adventure that they will never forget.
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.
One more thing before I sign off. Book Riot has a new podcast! BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. In one episode, you can listen as Kelly and Vanessa dig into the legacy of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.
Happy reading!
Karina