Author: Emily Martin

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Queen Latifah Adapting THE CONDUCTORS by Nicole Glover: Today in Books

Queen Latifah Adapting The Conductors by Nicole Glover

Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit Entertainment and the Jim Henson Company are working on a film adaptation of Nicole Glover’s fantasy/historical fiction/mystery novel The Conductors. Set in post–Civil War Philadelphia, The Conductors introduces readers to Hetty Rhodes, a magic-user who used to be a conductor on the Underground Railroad and now solves crimes that law enforcement won’t touch. The second book in the Murder & Magic series, The Undertakers, is set to release in November. On the upcoming adaptation of the first book in the series, Queen Latifah said in a statement, “From the moment I first read the book, I was captivated by the world Nicole created and we are eager to tell a story that will drive forward the importance of diverse and inclusive storytelling.”

Amazon Releases Trailer for Panic, Based on the Bestselling YA Thriller

Amazon Prime is releasing their new series adaptation of Lauren Oliver’s bestselling YA Thriller Panic later this month. Yesterday, a full trailer was released for the upcoming series, along with exclusive images from the show. The story follows a group of graduating seniors who play a high-stakes, life-or-death game in order to win enough prize money to get them out of their dead-end small town. Panic‘s trailer features a brand new song from Tones and I, “Not Going Home.” When can you watch the show? All 10 episodes premiere Friday, May 28 on Amazon Prime Video.

New Literati Book Clubs from Roxane Gay, Cheryl Strayed, Jesmyn Ward, and More

Literati, an Austin-based literary startup, announced earlier this week that they’re launching a whole list of new book clubs hosted by celebrated authors across multiple genres. The new book clubs launch June 1, and they include clubs lead by authors like Cheryl Strayed (Wild), Jesmyn Ward (Sing, Unburied, Sing), and Elin Hilderbrand (What Happens in Paradise). Additionally, bestselling author and New York Times columnist Roxane Gay is merging her existing club Audacious Book Club with the Literati platform. The Audacious Book Club pick for June is Gabriela Garcia’s Of Women and Salt.

A Reaction to Shadow and Bone From a Fan of the Books

Netflix’s new series Shadow and Bone is a huge hit, but how do fans of the book series feel about it? One fan offers up her thoughts here. Warning: spoilers!

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Colin Kaepernick’s Publishing Company to Release ABOLITION FOR THE PEOPLE in October: Today in Books

Regina King to Direct Adaptation of Image Comics Series Bitter Root

Regina King is producing and directing a feature film adaptation of the Image Comics Series Bitter Root by David F. Walker and Chuck Brown. Bryan Edward Hill is currently working on a script. Set during the Harlem Renaissance in 1924, Bitter Root explores the story of a family of monster hunters who face a great evil descending upon New York City.

Colin Kaepernick’s Publishing Company to Release Abolition for the People in October

On Tuesday, former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick announced that his publishing company Kaepernick Publishing would be releasing an anthology of essays. The anthology, Abolition for the People: the Movement for a Future Without Policing and Prisons, will contain essays from 30 different contributors writing about abolishing police and prisons. On Twitter, Kaepernick Publishing wrote, “Join us on our collective journey toward building a better world — a world without and beyond policing and prisons.” The book is set to release on October 12.

Airini Beautrais Wins New Zealand’s Okham Fiction Prize

Airini Beautrais’ short story collection has won the top prize at the Okham New Zealand Book Awards: the NZ$57,000 Jann Medlicott Acorn prize for fiction. Beautrais won for her collection Bug Week & Other Stories, which she describes as “unhappy love stories.” While the author has published several books of poetry, this is her first work of fiction.

7 Exciting New Murder Mysteries

Listen up, murder mystery fans! Here are 7 new murder mystery titles you’ll want to give a read.

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Watch the New Trailer for David Lowery’s THE GREEN KNIGHT, Starring Dev Patel: Today in Books

LeVar Burton’s Book Club is Launching Today

It’s been almost 40 years since LeVar Burton began introducing kids to the joys of reading as the host of the show Reading Rainbow. Now, he continues to share his love of books through his podcast LeVar Burton Reads. And as of today, LeVar Burton has launched his book club via the new social reading app Fable. To start things off, the actor has chosen three books that he says “represent how my identity as a reader has been shaped.” Those books are Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin, Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, and essay and poetry collection The Fire this Time, edited by Jesmyn Ward. In the first month, the book club will cover Go Tell It on the Mountain. Three new book club picks will be announced every three months.

Ghost Boys Pulled from Florida Classes After Police Union Complaint

Complaints from a police union and parents prompted a South Florida school system to temporarily stop the teaching of Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes. In Ghost Boys, a young Black boy is fatally shot by a white police officer. Paul Kempinski, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police district lodge, complained that the book in question is “propaganda that police officers are liars, racists, murderers.” A spokesperson from the school district said in a statement, “Procedures were not proactively followed prior to the assignment of the novel… Subsequently, upon receiving parental concern, the use of the book was paused in two 5th Grade classrooms until procedures are implemented.” Author Jewell Parker Rhodes declined to comment.

Watch the New Trailer for David Lowery’s The Green Knight, Starring Dev Patel

Earlier today, a new trailer for The Green Knight was released. After being pushed back for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, David Lowery’s film adaptation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, entitled The Green Knight, will finally hit theaters on July 30, 2021. The film stars Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, and a talking fox.

Why You Should Start a Dungeons and Dragons Club At Your Library

Looking for a fun, immersive activity for the school library? One librarian suggests starting a Dungeons and Dragons club, and here’s why.

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SUPERGIRL Star Melissa Benoist Publishing Her First Book: Today in Books

The Magic Order Television Series is Back in Development

After the Netflix adaptation of Mark Millar’s comic The Magic Order was delayed last year due to the pandemic, Millar announced that the series is now back in development. In a Netflix blog post, Millar wrote, “Some time away has given us a chance to come back with a completely fresh look at the material, and we should be getting into our new writers’ room very shortly.” The Magic Order is the story of five magician families who are able to blend in with normal humans during the day, and at night they wage mystical battles against dark forces. Milar has also announced volume 2 of the comic, which will launch in October. Volume 3, according to Millar, will come out “immediately afterwards.”

Inaugural Winners of Comic Creators’ Prize Announced

The Comic Creators’ Prize was created at the end of 2020 as a way of helping Black creatives get editorial feedback. Entrants in all stages of their career were invited to submit up to 20 pages of one long-form project or up to 20 pages of a selection of unfinished projects or proposal. The entries were then evaluated by the Thought Bubble and Cape Graphic Novels. Now, the five winning entries have been announced for the inaugural prize: Bimpe Alliu and Folarin Akinmade, Manon Wright & Frankie Mcintosh, Daniel Lucas, Sarah Ushurhe and Rumbidzai Marilyn Savanhu. For more information, visit the Thought Bubble website.

Supergirl Star Melissa Benoist Publishing Her First Book

Last week, Supergirl star Melissa Benoist took to Instagram to announce that she would be publishing her first book this fall. Haven’s Secret is the first book in a new middle grade fantasy series that Benoist cowrote with her sister Jessica Benoist and author Mariko Tamaki. In her Instagram post, Melissa Benoist wrote, “Haven’s Secret is the first in our middle grade fantasy series from Abrams Kids about two sisters with extraordinary powers. Available for preorder now!”

Summer Tasks to Prepare You For Fall School Library Reopenings

Since many school libraries will be reopening in the fall, here’s one librarian’s tips for how to prepare for book events, shelving, and more.

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WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING Adaptation Set for June 2022 Release: Today in Books

Adam Silvera Adapting His YA Novel They Both Die at the End as TV Series

Entertainment One has acquired the rights to adapt Adam Silvera’s bestselling YA novel They Both Die at the End into a television series, with Silvera himself attached to write the adaptation. Silvera’s novel made history as the first YA novel with queer Latinx characters to make the number one spot on the New York Times bestsellers list. After the book became popular on TikTok last year, They Both Die at the End once again hit the top of the bestsellers list last month. Silvera has expressed interest in exploring more stories in the same world as They Both Die at the End, so writing a series might only be the beginning of what Silvera has planned for this story. Stay tuned.

Where the Crawdads Sing Adaptation Set for June 2022 Release

The New York Times bestselling novel Where the Crawdads Sing, written by Delia Owens, is being adapted into a film produced by Reese Witherspoon’s production company Hello Sunshine and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones. And now the movie has finally set a release date: you can expect to see it in theaters on June 24, 2022. Crawdads will also star Taylor John Smith, Harris Dickinson, Michael Hyatt, Sterling Macer, Jr., and David Strathairn.

Salt Lake City Resident Kaitlyn Mahoney Raises Over $53K To Open Up A “Queer Little Bookstore” in Her City

Salt Lake City resident Kaitlyn Mahoney had long dreamed of opening up Under the Umbrella, a bookstore to represent everyone in the LGBTQ+ community. And now, after raising over $53,000 towards opening her bookstore, Mahoney’s dreams are becoming a reality. Mahoney realized that Salt Lake City is home to one of largest populations for queer people in Utah, and she wanted to create a safe space for that community, a space that was accessible to everyone. So with that in mind, Mahoney started a crowdsourcing campaign to bring a “queer little bookstore” to the city. Along with selling books, Mahoney plans to set up resources inside the store like a community pantry and a closet where people can get free clothing that aligns with their identity. Mahoney is still finalizing a location for the store.

Bid in the Books for Hope Auction to Raise Money for India’s COVID-19 Relief

India is currently suffering through a record-breaking COVID-19 surge. How can you help? Bid on these signed books, limited edition sets, and other bookish prizes to raise money for India’s Covid relief efforts.

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LOKI Star Tom Hiddleston Announces Premiere Date Change: Today in Books

Brandy Colbert Takes a New Spin on the Classic Parent Trap Story in Her Latest Middle Grade Book

On Thursday, author Brandy Colbert took to Twitter to announce her latest middle grade book, which will be a new twist on the classic Parent Trap story. Colbert wrote, “The Parent Trap is one of my very favorite stories and I’m so excited to put my spin on it with my next middle grade book! And we love what we love, but please don’t talk to me about the ‘90s movie remake. This is a Hayley Mills household.” Publication is scheduled for 2023.

Loki Star Tom Hiddleston Announces Premiere Date Change for the Series

“Wednesdays are the new Fridays,” Tom Hiddleston boldly announced when he let Marvel fans know that the new Disney+ series Loki would be premiering on Wednesdays instead of the usual Friday schedule. That means the premiere date of Loki has been pushed up to Wednesday, June 9. You can watch the full announcement on YouTube.

Greta Lee Executive Producing, Starring, and Writing Series Adaptation Of Cathy Park Hong’s Minor Feelings

Russian Doll‘s Greta Lee will be executive producing, starring, and writing a series adaptation of Cathy Park Hong’s book Minor Feelings with production company A24. Poet, writer, and professor Cathy Park Hong delves into memoir, history, and cultural criticism in her book Minor Feelings, a collection of essays examining racialized consciousness in America. Now the bestselling book will be a television show. Hong shared her excitement for the project on Twitter: “Minor Feelings has been optioned for a TV show! With the brilliant & badass Greta Lee starring & writing & A24 producing. I can’t believe this is my life.”

Attention Unpublished and Underrepresented Women Writers: Apply to Lit Up!

Calling all diverse women writers! LitUp, a writer’s fellowship from Reese’s Book Club and We Need Diverse Books, is accepting applications.

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Henry Golding Joins the Cast of Netflix’s PERSUASION Adaptation: Today in Books

Game of Thrones Prequel House of the Dragon Reveals First Look Photos

The Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon has released the first official photos from the series. The photos include Emma D’Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen; Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon; and Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower and Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower. House of the Dragon is set a few hundred years before the events of Game of Thrones, and it tells the story of House Targaryen and the civil war that was named the “Dance of the Dragons.” HBO is looking at a 2022 debut for the 10-episode series.

Blake Lively and Diablo Cody Teaming Up for Adaptation of Dark Horse Comics’ Lady Killer

Blake Lively and Diablo Cody are teaming up for a new Netflix feature adaptation of the Dark Horse Comics book Lady Killer by Joëlle Jones and Jamie S. Rich. The story is set in the 1950s and focuses on a woman who seems like the perfect housewife but is secretly a deadly killer for hire. Lively will star and produce while Cody will write the script. Also producing are Dark Horse Entertainments’s Mike Richardson and Keith Goldberg and Kate Vorhoff from B for Effort.

Henry Golding Joins the Cast of Netflix’s Persuasion Adaptation

Henry Golding has just joined the cast of Netflix’s Persuasion adaptation alongside Dakota Johnson. However, many will be surprised to learn that Golding was not actually cast as the romantic lead in this Jane Austen adaptation. Rather, Golding will play Mr. Elliot, Anne Elliot’s (Johnson) cousin. Netflix has not yet announced what actor will play Frederick Wentworth.

Still No Half Stars: the Pros and Cons of the New Goodreads Book View

Goodreads recently introduced a new look for all of its book landing pages. Here are the pros and cons of the new layout.

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Barack and Michelle Obama Adapting Heather McGhee’s THE SUM OF US As Spotify Podcast Series: Today in Books

Meghan Markle Announces Her First Children’s Book Based on Poem She Wrote for Prince Harry

On Tuesday, Meghan Markle announced that she will be publishing her first children’s book on June 8. The Duchess of Sussex’s book The Bench explores the bond between fathers and sons from a mother’s perspective, and the story was inspired by a Father’s Day poem she wrote for Prince Harry. The book is illustrated by Caldecott-winning artist Christian Robinson. In an interview, Meghan Markle said, “Christian layered in beautiful and ethereal watercolor illustrations that capture the warmth, joy, and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life; this representation was particularly important to me, and Christian and I worked closely to depict this special bond through an inclusive lens.”

Barack and Michelle Obama Adapting Heather McGhee’s The Sum of Us As Spotify Podcast Series

Higher Ground, the production company set up by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, is adapting Heather McGhee’s bestselling book The Sum of Us as a Spotify podcast series. The new series will provide an insightful look at American racism and greed and how a “Solidarity Dividend” is possible when we seek common solutions across cultural divides. The stories will feature characters from The Sum of Us book while also introducing new storylines. The podcast is expected to launch in 2022.

Journalist Jamal Jordan Publishes Photo Book Celebrating Diverse LGBTQ+ Relationships

This week, journalist Jamal Jordan published a new photo book that celebrates diverse LGBTQ relationships. The book, Queer Love in Color, is based in part on an article Jordan wrote in 2018 and the response he received. After he published his article “Queer Love in Color” in The New York Times, Jordan said he received dozens of messages from LGBTQ couples of color from around the world who wanted their family stories and their photos. Jordan said, “People really wanted to let me and the world know that a love like theirs exists…I started to wonder what would happen if every little queer kid knew early on Black queer people can find love and could say to themselves, ‘That could be me.’” This is where his idea for the photo book came from. Queer Love in Color is now available wherever you buy books.

Dear Netflix, Please Adapt These LGBTQ+ Books

Hey Netflix, here are some suggestions for for LGBTQ+ books and graphic novels to adapt into films. Also, please populate the roles with queer actors!

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Berkley Publishing Three Romance Novels by Stacey Abrams: Today in Books

Julia Roberts and Reese Witherspoon Are Turning Laura Dave’s The Last Thing He Told Me Into A Show

Bestselling author Laura Dave’s domestic suspense novel The Last Thing He Told Me was just released today, May 4. But an adaptation is already in the works. The limited series adaptation will be on Apple TV+ and will star and be coproduced by Julia Roberts as well as Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine company. Laura Dave is also helping with the adaptation, and the author says Roberts and Witherspoon are “truly the most amazing partners. It’s been so great to get to be a part of creating a second life for these characters that mean so much to me.”

Pride Book Fest Coming in June

A brand new virtual book fest has been announced! Pride Book Fest, celebrating LGBTQ+ authors and books, will kick off its inaugural virtual festival on June 11-13 of this year. So far, the fest lineup includes Arvin Ahmadi (How It All Blew Up), Becky Albertalli (Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda), Kalynn Bayron (Cinderella Is Dead), Mason Deaver (I Wish You All the Best), Leah Johnson (You Should See Me in a Crown), Claribel A. Ortega (Ghost Squad), Mark Oshiro (Each of Us a Desert), Adam Silvera (They Both Die at the End), Nic Stone (Odd One Out), Julian Winters (The Summer of Everything), Ashley Woodfolk (When You Were Everything), and many more. You can join in on Pride Book Fest on their YouTube account. Be sure to follow them on Twitter and Instagram for more announcements and updates.

Berkley Publishing Three Romance Novels by Stacey Abrams

Berkley announced earlier today that it has acquired the rights to three out-of-print novels by Stacey Abrams. Abrams wrote the novels 20 years ago under the pen name Selena Montgomery, and now the Penguin Random House imprint Berkley will be reissuing the books. In a statement Abrams said, “As Selena and as Stacey, I am proud to be a part of the romance writing community and excited that Berkley is reintroducing these stories for new readers and faithful fans.” Expect all three titles — Rules of Engagement, The Art of Desire, and Power of Persuasion— out in 2022.

7 of the Best Audiobooks for AAPI Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Celebrate by listening to these 7 excellent fiction audiobooks.

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Author Arundhati Roy Speaks Out on India’s COVID-19 Problem: Today in Books

Author Arundhati Roy Speaks Out on India’s COVID-19 Problem

In a column for The Guardian, author and activist Arundhati Roy criticizes Narendra Modi’s handling of the coronavirus crisis. “The system hasn’t collapsed. The government has failed,” writes the the Booker Prize-winning Indian novelist. “Perhaps ‘failed’ is an inaccurate word, because what we are witnessing is not criminal negligence, but an outright crime against humanity.” In her column, Roy slams the Modi government for failing to anticipate COVID’s second wave and for having a general lack of understanding how to act during a pandemic. She also appeals to the international community at large. If you’re wondering how you can help, here’s a list of resources from CNN.

The Marvels Hits Theaters on November 11, 2022

Marvel has announced that its sequel to Captain Marvel, The Marvels, will be making its way to theaters on November 11, 2022. Brie Larson will reprise her role as Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers. Joining her will be Teyonah Parris, who plays Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel. Iman Vellani will debut as Ms. Marvel in an upcoming Ms. Marvel Disney+ Series, set to hit the streaming platform at the end of 2021.

Watchmen and V for Vendetta Writer Alan Moore Announces Five-Volume Fantasy Epic

Two years after he announced that the was retiring from comics, Alan Moore, the author of Watchmen and V for Vendetta, has announced that he’s working on a “groundbreaking” five-volume fantasy series as well as a “momentous” collection of short stories. Moor says he is “bursting with fiction, bursting with prose,” and he’s signed a six-figure deal with Bloomsbury to publish his upcoming works. The short story collection Illuminations is planned for publication in fall 2022. The fantasy series Long London will launch in 2024.

Fund These Classroom Libraries to Show Teachers Some Appreciation

May 3rd to 7th is Teacher Appreciation Week! If you’re looking for a way to show teachers appreciation this week, consider helping to fund these classroom libraries.