Hi Kid Lit Friends,
A couple of weekends ago, the Tony Awards were announced in New York City. This award is for theater and musical theater, and it was so fun to watch it live online. A lot of my favorite productions were given awards, including Kimberly Akimbo, Shucked, Parade, and Some Like It Hot. You can watch the performances, and even the whole broadcast, online! If you’re looking for good middle grade books about theatre, try Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle, The Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker, and Drama by Raina Telgemeier.
Bookish Goods
Book Sleeve by MarigoldBookClubCo
Summer is the time for taking a good book outside, and what better way to protect your book from grass and sand than a book sleeve? I like the floral print of this one. $13+
New Releases
Picture Day by Sarah Sax
Seventh grade can be a rough time, especially with the advent of social media and the constant documentation of life online. When Viv decides to cut off her braid in anticipation of picture day, she livestreams the event and instantly becomes the must-have consultant for everyone who wants to plan their next big moment.
Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrations by Hatem Aly
When Muhammad receives a special salat rug for his seventh birthday, he looks forward to doing all five prayers at the right time. But one salat happens during the school day, and he has seen how his father is mocked when he prays in public places. He isn’t sure what to do, until a beloved teacher helps him.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
I’ve seen a number of very funny picture children’s books come across my desk lately. Check these out and let me know what you think!
I Want To Be Spaghetti by Kiera Wright-Ruiz, illustrated by Claudia Lam (July 11)
This book is a humorous take on belonging and acceptance. When Ramen sees how much more popular spaghetti is, he wants to be spaghetti too! The illustrations are very fun and the book has a sweet message about the power of being yourself.
I Can Open It For You by Shinsuke Yoshitake (September 26)
Shinsuke Yoshitake is one of my favorite children’s book authors. He always gets to the heart of a child’s frustrations and desires! In this book, a young kid wants to be able to open anything and not have to ask for help. The book gets sillier and sillier with each page turn, and you really get an understanding of just how many things there are to open in this world!
100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli by David LaRochelle, illustrations by Lian Cho
This fun and inventive counting book is about, yes, 100 dragons all named Broccoli! Over the course of the book, they scatter to all areas of the world until just one is left. Seasons change, and the last dragon emerges…with 100 babies, all with different names and adorable portraits!
My Head Has A Bellyache by Chris Harris, illustrations by Andrea Tsurumi (July 18)
From the creator of I’m Just No Good At Rhyming, Chris Harris has a new book filled with silly poems and illustrations. This is a perfect book for those who love Shel Silverstein or silly poems in general! I love Andrea Tsurumi’s fun illustrations.
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.
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Happy reading!
Karina