Author: Karina Glaser

New Children’s Book Releases for January 22, 2019

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date January 21, 2019

Hi Kid Lit friends!

It’s new release day again, and we’ve got a lot of picture books featuring adorable animals plus some books with themes of social justice. I’ve marked the ones that I’ve read and loved with a ! And now I just need an extra twenty hours in the day to read all the other books in my book stack…

As always, all book descriptions come from Goodreads.

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Picture Book New Releases

Bear Needs Help by Sarah S. Brannen

A lumbering little polar bear has one shoe untied, and he needs some help! Sadly for him, though, the other animals are all too scared of him: the lemmings, rabbits, and seals all run away as he approaches them for assistance. What’s Bear going to do? Luckily, two plucky birds are more than happy to help out and offer advice — though probably not quite in the way that readers anticipate.

Hush, Little Bunny by David Ezra Stein

“Hush Little Baby” is a lullaby that parents have sung to their children for generations. Now Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein has reimagined the classic featuring an irresistible papa bunny and his little one.

Sea Bear: A Journey for Survival by Lindsay Moore

A solitary polar bear travels across the sea ice in pursuit of food. As the ice melts and food becomes scarce, she is forced to swim for days. Finally, storm-tossed and exhausted, she finds shelter on land, where she gives birth to cubs and waits for the sea to freeze again. Informed by the author’s background in marine science, Sea Bear is a vivid and moving page-turner with a vital message about our changing planet.

Dragon Night by J.R. Krause

Georgie is afraid of the night. It’s too dark with the lights off. Too quiet with everyone asleep. And being alone makes everything worse. The dragon is afraid of the knight. After all, the knight carries a heavy sword, and he always wants to fight. The dragon knows just what to do to help Georgie overcome his fear, and the two set off on a unforgettable magical adventure. But when the morning comes, the dragon is still afraid of the knight. How can Georgie help his friend? With kindness and empathy–and a little creativity–maybe Georgie can work some magic of his own.

Under My Hijab by Hena Khan, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

Grandma wears it clasped under her chin. Aunty pins hers up with a beautiful brooch. Jenna puts it under a sun hat when she hikes. Zara styles hers to match her outfit. As a young girl observes six very different women in her life who each wear the hijab in a unique way, she also dreams of the rich possibilities of her own future, and how she will express her own personality through her hijab. Written in sprightly rhyme and illustrated by a talented newcomer, Under My Hijab honors the diverse lives of contemporary Muslim women and girls, their love for each other, and their pride in their culture and faith.

Hands Up! by Breanna J. McDaniel, illustrated by Shane W. Evans

A young black girl lifts her baby hands up to greet the sun, reaches her hands up for a book on a high shelf, and raises her hands up in praise at a church service. She stretches her hands up high like a plane’s wings and whizzes down a hill so fast on her bike with her hands way up. As she grows, she lives through everyday moments of joy, love, and sadness. And when she gets a little older, she joins together with her family and her community in a protest march, where they lift their hands up together in resistance and strength.

Dress Like a Girl by Patricia Toht, illustrated by Lorian Tu-Dean

A cast of slumber party participants considers the most time-honored traditions for how to dress. If a lady should wear white in summertime, then how about donning a spacesuit? If team colors are apropos at sporting events, why not wear helmets and play ball? Uplifting and resonant, and with a variety of interests ranging from sports to science to politics, this book is sure to inspire any young girl, instilling the idea that the best way to dress like a girl is the way that makes you feel most like YOU!

Chapter Book New Release

Arnold and Louise: The Great Louweezie by Erica S. Perl

Arnold is a large black bear. His best friend, Louise, is a small chipmunk. But one day, Louise insists she is NOT Louise–she’s the Great Louweezie, and she can predict the future! But when the Great Louweezie’s demands begin to test Arnold’s patience, the game feels much less fun. What will happen if friendship isn’t in their future?

Middle Grade New Releases

The Unspeakable Unknown by Eliot Sappingfield

Nikola Kross has battled aliens and won. But her father, who was kidnapped by evil extraterrestrials, is still missing, and now it’s up to Nikola and her friends to find and rescue him before it’s too late. He could be anywhere in the known universe, and they have little to go on except a desperate secret communication–“Kindly rescue me at your earliest convenience”–and an unhelpful clue that he’s in a secure facility somewhere deep underground. But the extraterrestrials are still determined to capture Nikola. And if she gets abducted, she won’t have to wonder where her father is . . . because she’ll already be there.

A Circle of Elephants: A Companion Novel by Eric Dinerstein

Thirteen-year-old Nandu lives in the newly established Royal Elephant Breeding Center on the edge of the jungle. Here, the King’s elephants are to be raised under the protective watch of the stable. Nandu-along with his adoptive father Subba-sahib, his mentors, friends, and the rest of the elephant drivers-is tested by man and nature as earthquakes, drought, wild herds, and rumors of poachers threaten the Center.

The Storm Keeper’s Island by Catherine Doyle

Fionn Boyle comes from a long line of brave seafarers, people with the ocean behind their eyes. But he can’t help but fear the open sea. For years, Fionn’s mother has told him stories of Arranmore Island, a strange place that seems to haunt her. Fionn has always wondered about this mysterious island, and from the day he arrives he starts noticing things that can’t be explained. He can sense the island all around him, and it feels like the island is watching him, too.

Nonfiction New Releases

Rotten! Vultures, Beetles, Slime, and Nature’s Other Decomposers by Anita Sanchez, ilustrated by Gilbert Ford

Decomposition may seem like the last stop on the food chain, but it’s just the beginning. When dead plants and animals decay, they give life to a host of other creatures, and each one helps ecosystems thrive. Decomposition happens in the forest, the ocean—even in your stomach and between your teeth! From vultures and sharks to bacteria, maggots, mushrooms, and more, discover the dirty rotten truth about one of nature’s most fascinating processes.

Where Is Antarctica? by Sarah Fabiny

Antarctica, the earth’s southernmost continent, was virtually untouched by humans until the nineteenth century. Many famous explorers journeyed (and often died) there in the hope of discovering a land that always seemed out of reach. This book introduces readers to this desert–yes, desert!–continent that holds about 90 percent of the world’s ice; showcases some of the 200 species that call Antarctica home, including the emperor penguin; and discusses environmental dangers to the continent, underscoring how what happens to Antarctica affects the entire world.

Out of This World: The Surreal Art of Leonora Carrington by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Amanda Hall

Ever since she was a little girl, Leonora Carrington loved to draw on walls, in books, on paper—and she loved the fantastic tales her grandmother told that took her to worlds that shimmered beyond this one, where legends became real. Leonora’s parents wanted her to become a proper English lady, but there was only one thing she wanted, even if it was unsuitable: to be an artist. In London, she discovered a group of artists called surrealists, who were stunning the world with their mysterious creations. This was the kind of art she had to make. This was the kind of person she had to be.

What If You Had T. Rex Teeth by Sandra Markle, illustrated by Howard McWilliam

What if you woke up one morning and you had sprouted a dinosaur body part overnight? What If You Had T. rex Teeth? — the next imaginative book in the What If You Had series — explores what would happen if you looked in the mirror and saw that you had become part dino! From a Velociraptor‘s sharp sickle-tipped toes to a T. rex‘s giant curved teeth, and from the body armor of an Ankylosaurus to the long neck of a Brachiosaurus — discover what it would be like if you had one of these wild dinosaur parts! Readers will also learn what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur and why they aren’t still around today.

Backlist Book Recommendations

Picture Book Recommendation: Turtles in my Sandbox by Jennifer Keats Curtis, illustrated by Emanuel Shongut

Imagine finding turtle eggs in your sandbox! When a mother diamondback terrapin lays eggs in a young girl’s sandbox, the girl becomes a “turtle-sitter” to help the babies safely hatch. She raises the teeny hatchlings until they become big enough to fend for themselves in the wild. Then, with the help of experts, she releases them. Along the way, she learns about these unique animals and that she has made an important contribution to their survival.

Middle Grade Book Recommendation: The Red Rose Box by Brenda Woods

On her tenth birthday, Leah receives a surprise gift from glamorous Aunt Olivia, Mama’s only sister, who lives in Los Angeles. It is a red rose box. Not many people in 1958 Louisiana have seen such a beautiful traveling case, covered with red roses, filled with jewelry, silk bedclothes, expensive soaps…and train tickets to California. Soon after, Leah and her sister, Ruth, find themselves in Hollywood, far away from cotton fields and Jim Crow laws. To Leah, California feels like freedom. But when disaster strikes back home, Leah and Ruth have to stay with Aunt Olivia permanently. Will freedom ever feel like home?

Nonfiction Book Recommendation: Mistakes That Worked: The World’s Familiar Inventions and How They Came to Be by Charlotte Foltz Jones, illustrated by John O’Brien

Do you know how many things in your daily life were invented by accident? Sandwiches came about when an English earl was too busy gambling to eat his meal and needed to keep one hand free. Potato chips were first cooked by a chef who was furious when a customer complained that his fried potatoes weren’t thin enough. Coca-Cola, Silly Putty, and X rays have fascinating stories behind them too! Their unusual tales, and many more, along with hilarious cartoons and weird, amazing facts, make up this fun-filled book about everyday items that had surprisingly haphazard beginnings.

I would love to know what you are reading this week! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at karina@bookriot.com.

Until next time!
Karina

Izzy and Ginger Pye love their couch time!

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The Kids Are All Right

12 Middle Grade Books I’m Looking Forward To In 2019

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date January 18, 2019

Hi Kid Lit Friends!

I’m very excited about the middle grade books coming out in 2019! I know I say it every year, but this year is an excellent year for children’s books. In case you missed it, I talked about the eleven picture books I’m looking forward to in 2019 here, and eleven chapters books I’m looking forward to in 2019 here. And to round out these lists, here are twelve middle grade books I’m excited about!

Sponsored by our Unusual Suspects giveaway of $100 to the bookstore of your choice!

I just finished reading This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy (1/8, Bloomsbury). This incredible nonfiction book in verse is told from the perspective of Jo Ann Allen Boyce, one of twelve African-American high school students who broke the color barrier and integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee in 1956. It’s an amazing book and I learned so much about the experiences of these brave young teens trying to change the course of a nation.

I am only a few chapters into The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA by Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author Brenda Woods (1/8, Penguin), and I know I’ll be finishing this up very soon. At the heart of the story is the friendship between a young white boy and a Black WWII veteran who has recently returned to the unwelcoming Jim Crow South. Despite Meriweather’s military service in the Army’s all-Black 761st Tank Battalion in WWII, life is still unsafe for him in the south.

Pay Attention, Carter Jones, written by one of my all-time favorite authors Gary D. Schmidt, comes out on February 5 (HMH Books for Young Readers). In this book, the protagonist Carter Jones is astonished early one morning when he finds a real English butler, bowler hat and all, on the doorstep—one who stays to help the Jones family, which is a little bit broken. In addition to figuring out middle school, Carter has to adjust to the unwelcome presence of this new know-it-all adult in his life and navigate the butler’s notions of decorum. In trademark Schmidt fashion, the story is both funny and poignant.

Readers who love fantasy will be thrilled to hear that the second book in the Unicorn Quest series will be out next month! Secret in the Stone by Kamilla Benko (2/19, Bloomsbury) continues the storyline from the first book. Claire Martinson and her sister Sophie have decided to stay in Arden–the magical land they discovered by climbing up a chimney in their great-aunt’s manor. If what they’ve learned is true, the sisters are the last descendants of the royal family, and only a true heir of Arden–with magic in her blood–can awaken the unicorns.

Game of Stars by Sayantani DasGupta (2/26, Scholastic) is a book that my ten-year-old daughter snatched out of my hands when I unpacked the advance reader’s copy. She loved the first book in the series, The Serpent’s Secret, and this new Kiranmala adventure is sure to thrill fans of Rick Riordan. When the Demon Queen shows up in her bedroom, smelling of acid and surrounded by evil-looking bees, twelve-year-old Kiranmala is uninterested. But after a call to action over an interdimensional television station and a visit with some all-seeing birds, Kiran decides that she has to once again return to her homeland, where society is fraying, a terrible game show reigns supreme, and friends and foes alike are in danger.

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman (2/5, Nancy Paulsen Book) is a book that will transport you to India where life on Chennai’s streets are dangerous, especially for homeless children. When runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, they very quickly discover how vulnerable they are in this uncaring, dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter–and friendship–on an abandoned bridge. With two homeless boys, Muthi and Arul, the group forms a family of sorts. But when illness strikes, Viji must decide whether to risk seeking help from strangers or to keep holding on to their fragile, hard-fought freedom.

Fans of Enginerds rejoice! Revenge of the Enginerds by Jarrett Lerner arrives on February 19th (Aladdin), and this time they’re on the hunt for just one rogue robot. But who knows what kind of mayhem one mechanical creature can cause? And why is Ken the only EngiNerd who’s worried about the runaway robot? The rest of the crew seems be missing in action and Ken fears it’s because of Mikaela Harrington. She’s the new girl in town who’s UFO and alien-obsessed and wants to join the EngiNerds. But as far as Ken is concerned, the EngiNerds are Y-chromosome only, no Xs allowed! This is a perfect book for readers who love the funny and zany.

The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles, illustrated by Dapo Adeola (4/2, HMH Versify), is one of the first books to release from HMH Versify, an imprint which reflects Newbery Award-winner Kwame Alexander’s vision that accessible and powerful prose and poetry—in picture books, novels, and nonfiction—can celebrate the lives and reflect the possibilities of all children. In this new book, Otto and Sheed are the local sleuths in their zany Virginia town, masters of unraveling mischief using their unmatched powers of deduction. And as the summer winds down and the first day of school looms, the boys are craving just a little bit more time for fun, even as they bicker over what kind of fun they want to have. That is, until a mysterious man appears with a camera that literally freezes time.

A graphic novel that I’m SO excited about is Jerry Craft’s New Kid (2/5, HarperCollins). I read this book in one sitting! It is about seventh grader Jordan Banks who loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one.

A middle grade list would not be complete without including one of my favorite middle grade series, Cilla Lee-Jenkins by Susan Tan, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte. In the third book, Cilla Lee-Jenkins: The Epic Story (3/26, Roaring Brook Press), Cilla returns to pursue her dreams of becoming a successful author. Epics are all about brave heroes overcoming Struggles to save the world, and this year, Cilla is facing her toughest struggles yet:
· Cilla is in fifth grade and, unlike her classmates, not at all ready to start middle school;
· She has two younger sisters to look after now and they don’t exactly get along;
· Her beloved grandfather YeYe has had a stroke and forgotten his English, and it’s up to Cilla to help him find his words again.

I am very excited to read Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt (5/7, Nancy Paulsen Books) because I loved Lynda’s previous books, One for the Murphys and Fish in a Tree. In her new book, she writes about Delsie, who loves tracking the weather. Lately, though, it seems the squalls are in her own life. She’s always lived with her kindhearted Grammy, but now she’s looking at their life with new eyes and wishing she could have a “regular family.” Delsie observes other changes in the air, too–the most painful being a friend who’s outgrown her.

I finished August Isle by Ali Standish (4/16, HarperCollins) last night, which was a book I could not put down! It had mystery, intrigue, and it also made me cry – a lot. Ali is a masterful storyteller. In this story, the main character Miranda has stared at postcards of August Isle, Florida for years. It’s the town where her mother spent her summers as a girl and Miranda has always wanted to visit. When she finally arrives on the Isle, alone and uncertain, to stay the summer with an old friend of her mother’s, Miranda discovers a place even more perfect than she imagined. But there is more to August Isle than its bright streets and sandy beaches, and soon Miranda is tangled in a web of mysteries. A haunted lighthouse. An old seafarer with something to hide. A name reaching out from her mother’s shadowy past.

Around the web…

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is turning fifty! Learn more about the celebrations in store for this momentous birthday here.

16 of the Best Islamic Books for Kids, via Book Riot

A Q&A with Bestselling Author Jacqueline Woodson, via Brightly

I would love to know what you are reading this week! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at karina@bookriot.com.

Until next time!
Karina

The Kids Are All Right

New Children’s Book Releases for January 15, 2019

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date January 14, 2019

Hi, Kid Lit friends!

We are right in the middle of January, and I’m wondering how many great books you’ve discovered so far in 2019! I’m in the middle of This Promise of Change by Jo Ann Ellen Boyce with Debbie Levy, which is a novel in verse about the integration of Clinton High School in Tennessee in 1956. The writing is quite beautiful, and I’m learning a lot about this time in history.

I’ve got piles of books all over my apartment, and I look forward to discovering more book gems this year! In the meantime, here are some new releases that you might want to check out. As usual, if there is a book I have read and loved, I’ll mark it with a .

*Please note that all book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Sponsored by our Unusual Suspects giveaway of $100 to the bookstore of your choice!

Picture Book New Releases

You Make Me Happy by Smriti Prasadam-Halls, illustrated by Alison Brown

In this delightfully optimistic and uplifting observance of that special someone who makes you happy, Fox and Porcupine discover that when they’re together, life is ever so much brighter. Gorgeous, fun, and full of heart, this is the perfect gift for that sweet ray of light in your life.

How Do You Do? by Larissa Theule, illustrated by Gianna Marino

Water Buffalo and Crane’s field is dry, empty, and hot–so hot that they can barely think of anything else. Every day is the same… Until one day, they hear something new. “How do you do?” When Goat dances into their lives, Water Buffalo and Crane can’t help but join in. Suddenly their field doesn’t seem dry, empty, and hot at all. Even after Goat dances away, their world is no longer so small.

Lola Dutch When I Grow Up by Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright

Lola Dutch is always bursting with grand plans–so of course she has many ideas for what she wants to be when she grows up!

She could be a magnificent performer . . .
or a daring inventor . . .
or a brilliant botanist . . .
there are exciting ideas all around! But Lola is too excited–she wants to try EVERYTHING. How will she ever decide what she is destined to become?

The curious and creative Lola Dutch is inspired to imagine every way to explore the wonder of her world. And she doesn’t have to wait until she grows up!

Mary Wears What She Wants by Keith Negley

Once upon a time (but not that long ago), girls only wore dresses. And only boys wore pants. Until one day, a young girl named Mary had an idea: She would wear whatever she wanted. And she wanted to wear pants!

This bold, original picture book encourages readers to think for themselves while gently challenging gender and societal norms.

Chicken Talk by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Jarrett J. Kroscoczka

The chickens on the farm have a message for their farm owners! They’re tired of arugula salad, how about putting a fan in their hot coop, and HEY—watch out for that snake in your tent. As the children walk around their beloved farm, they discover more and more chicken talk scratched into the dirt. The family can hardly believe it. What will the chickens possibly say next!?

Sleepover at the Museum by Karen LeFrak, illustrated by David Bucs

Mason couldn’t wait to celebrate his birthday with a sleepover at the museum of natural history–his favorite place to visit. Armed with headlamps for the dark hallways, a map, and a list of clues, Mason and his two best friends take off on a scavenger hunt through each hall of the museum. But they aren’t just trying to solve the clues. They’re scouting for the best place to spend the night. Sleeping next to a T. rex in the Hall of Dinosaurs felt too scary. And sleeping with the monarch butterflies would probably tickle. This decision isn’t as easy as Mason thought it would be….

Middle Grade New Releases

Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee

Min feels hemmed in by the household rules and resents the endless chores, the cousins who crowd her, and the aunties who judge her. She would like nothing more than to escape Jinju, her neglected, dust-ridden, and impoverished planet. She’s counting the days until she can follow her older brother, Jun, into the Space Forces and see more of the Thousand Worlds. When word arrives that Jun is suspected of leaving his post to go in search of the Dragon Pearl, Min knows that something is wrong. Jun would never desert his battle cruiser, even for a mystical object rumored to have tremendous power. She decides to run away to find him and clear his name. The outcome may not be what she had hoped, but it has the potential to exceed her wildest dreams.

Junior Ninja Champion: The Fastest Finish by Catherine Hapka

When tweens Izzy, Ty, Kevin, JJ, and Mackenzie heard there was going to be a kids’ version of the reality-TV obstacle competition National Ninja Champion, they all found themselves drawn to Fit Kidz Gym. They quickly formed a team—training together and helping one another overcome all kinds of obstacles as they tried out for a spot on Junior Ninja Champion. Now Izzy and JJ are headed to the finals in Hollywood, and the rest of the team is coming along to cheer them on. Ty is an alternate, hoping for his shot at glory. But when the show throws them a curve ball and announces a wildcard episode, it brings a new competitor to the Fit Kidz team and takes the competition up a notch.

Ultraball: Lunar Blitz by Jeff Chen

Strike Sazaki loves defying gravity on the moon in his Ultrabot suit. He’s the best quarterback in the league, but while Strike’s led the Taiko Miners to the Ultrabowl three years in a row, each one has ended in defeat. This year, Strike thinks he’s finally found the missing piece to his championship quest: a mysterious girl who could be his new star rocketback. When rumors surface of a traitor on the Miners, Strike isn’t sure who he can trust. If Strike can’t get his teammates to cooperate and play together, they’ll lose more than just the Ultrabowl. The stake of the colony’s future is on his shoulders.

The Whispers by Greg Howard

Eleven-year-old Riley believes in the whispers, magical fairies that will grant you wishes if you leave them tributes. Riley has a lot of wishes. He wishes bullies at school would stop picking on him. He wishes Dylan, his 8th grade crush, liked him, and Riley wishes he would stop wetting the bed. But most of all, Riley wishes for his mom to come back home. She disappeared a few months ago, and Riley is determined to crack the case. He even meets with a detective, Frank, to go over his witness statement time and time again. Frustrated with the lack of progress in the investigation, Riley decides to take matters into his own hands. So he goes on a camping trip with his friend Gary to find the whispers and ask them to bring his mom back home. But Riley doesn’t realize the trip will shake the foundation of everything that he believes in forever.

Nonfiction New Releases

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar

An inspiring picture book biography of storyteller, puppeteer, and New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian, who championed bilingual literature. When she came to America in 1921, Pura Belpré carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura’s legacy.

China: A History by Cheryl Bardoe and The Field Museum

Discover the history of one of the world’s most influential civilizations. Based on the Cyrus Tang Hall of China exhibit at The Field Museum, China: A History traces the 7,000-year story of this diverse land. Full-color maps, photos, and illustrations of the people, landscape, artifacts, and rare objects bring the history of this nation to life! Young readers learn about prehistoric China, follow the reign of emperors and dynasties, and come to understand how China became the world power that it is today.

I (Heart) Art by The Metropolitan Museum of Art

A charming, chunky book filled with more than 150 works we love from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The book is divided into different themes for readers to explore, including people, animals, transportation, and places. Accompanying text provides readers with insight into each piece without distracting from the beauty of the work. From paintings to collages to sculptures to photographs, I (Heart) Art helps readers discover the best that the museum has to offer.

Backlist Book Recommendations

Backlist Picture Book Recommendation: Dusk by Uri Shulevitz

One December afternoon, boy with dog and grandfather with beard take a walk to watch the sun begin to set over the river. When the sun drops low in the sky, they start home. Buildings grow dimmer. People are rushing. As nature’s lights go out, one by one, city’s lights turn on, revealing brilliant Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Christmas displays in streets, homes, and stores.

Backlist Middle Grade Book Recommendation: The Best Man by Richard Peck

Archer Magill has spent a lively five years of grade school with one eye out in search of grown-up role models. Three of the best are his grandpa, the great architect; his dad, the great vintage car customizer; and his uncle Paul, who is just plain great. These are the three he wants to be. Along the way he finds a fourth—Mr. McLeod, a teacher. In fact, the first male teacher in the history of the school. But now here comes middle school and puberty. Change. Archer wonders how much change has to happen before his voice does. He doesn’t see too far ahead, so every day or so a startling revelation breaks over him. Then a really big one when he’s the best man at the wedding of two of his role models. But that gets ahead of the story.

Backlist Nonfiction Book Recommendation: Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker-Harvey, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk

As a child, Maya Lin loved to study the spaces around her. She explored the forest in her backyard, observing woodland creatures, and used her house as a model to build tiny towns out of paper and scraps. The daughter of a clay artist and a poet, Maya grew up with art and learned to think with her hands as well as her mind. From her first experiments with light and lines to the height of her success nationwide, this is the story of an inspiring American artist: the visionary artist-architect who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

I would love to know what you are reading this week! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at karina@bookriot.com.

Until next time!
Karina

The Kids Are All Right

10 Chapter Books I’m Looking Forward To In 2019

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date January 10, 2019

Hello, Kid Lit friends!

Last week I had a wonderful time sharing about some of my favorite picture book releases of early 2019, and today I’ll be talking about amazing 2019 chapter book new releases. Chapter books are geared toward beginning independent readers (generally ages 5-8), and they are some of my favorite books to read.

Sponsored by our Unusual Suspects giveaway of $100 to the bookstore of your choice!

The first book I’m excited about is Jada Jones: Sleepover Scientist by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Nneka Myers (Penguin Random House, 1/8), the third book in this charming chapter book series. I love Jada’s spunk, and I could totally commiserate with Jada’s dilemma in this book. She plans all of these awesome activities for her sleepover, but her friends quickly tire of all of the structured activities, and just want to hang out. Yes, that has happened to me before.

Another great chapter book series is The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Jen Hill. The series centers around two sisters, Kale and Jaundice, who avoid excitement at any cost. In this third installment, Flight of the Bluebird (Amulet, 1/8), the sisters head off to Egypt to uncover the mysteries of a magical scarab and find their missing parents.

If you’re looking for laugh-out-loud humor, check out Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Start a Club by Accident by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Colin Jack (Scholastic, 1/29). This installment features the same hilarious dogs, Sassy and Waldo and their owner Stewart from Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School. When Stewart has to stay late after school for a Junior Office Supply Enthusiasts meeting, Sassy and Waldo are left alone to raid the cafeteria’s refrigerator. As Sassy and Waldo’s after school antics escalate, hilarity ensues as the two dogs start a club…by accident.

So many young readers love books that involve time travel such as the I Survived series and The Magic Treehouse series. In the Ranger in Time series by Kate Messner, Ranger the dog is a time traveling rescue dog (which is completely awesome). In the newest book in the series, Ranger in Time: Disaster on the Titanic (Scholastic, 1/29), Ranger meets Patrick, a crew member on the Titanic’s maiden voyage, before the ship sets sail. Once on board, they befriend Maryam and Hamad. But one night, the ship hits an iceberg and starts to take on water. It’s a race against time for Ranger and his friends to help get as many passengers — including themselves — off the ship before it’s too late.

Sarai Saves the Music by Sarai Gonzalez and Monica Brown (Scholastic, 1/29) is a terrific series about spirited, smart Sarai. In this third book of the series, funding is cut at Sarai’s school and her band program is the first to go. That is totally not okay with Sarai. She decides to organize a benefit concert to raise money. When she and her bandmates promote the concert on their video channel, it catches the attention of Sarai’s favorite singer, Sparkles Sanchez! Can Sarai save the music? The Spanish edition, Saraí salva la música, publishes on February 26th.

Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts (Abrams, 4/16) is a chapter book spin-off from the very popular Ada Twist, Scientist picture book. In this story, Rosie Revere’s Uncle Ned gets a little carried away wearing his famous helium pants and it’s up to Ada and friends to chase him down. As Uncle Ned floats farther and farther away, Ada starts asking lots of questions: How high can a balloon float? Is it possible for Uncle Ned to float into outer space? And what’s the best plan for getting him down?

The Polly Diamond series by Alice Kuipers, illustrated by Diana Toledano, are fun stories centered around a girl who discovers a magic book that can make everything she writes happen in real life. In the second book of this series, Polly Diamond and the Super Stunning Spectacular School Fair (Chronicle, 5/7), Polly and her magic book, Spell, have all kinds of adventures together because whatever Polly writes in Spell comes true! But when Polly and Spell join forces to make the school fair super spectacular, they quickly discover that what you write and what you mean are not always the same.

Young readers who love twisted fairy tales will be thrilled to hear of a new Whatever After book coming out! Whatever After: Spill the Beans by Sarah Mlynowski (Scholastic, 4/30) is based on Jack and the Beanstalk, and it involves siblings who meet Jack and accidentally mess up his story, which means Jack can’t climb up the magic beanstalk to find the giant’s riches. Can the siblings help Jack before it’s too late?

I can’t find one kid who doesn’t know and love Dog Man! My friend told me the other day that her son has memorize every word of the first few Dog Man books. Thank goodness Dav Pilkey continues the series with Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls, with the next book in the series releasing on August 13, 2019 (Scholastic). In this story, the Supa Buddies have been working hard to help Dog Man overcome his bad habits. But when his obsessions turn to fears, Dog Man finds himself the target of an all-new supervillain! Meanwhile, Petey the Cat has been released from jail and starts a new life with Li’l Petey. But when Petey’s own father arrives, Petey must face his past to understand the difference between being good and doing good.

Yasmin in Charge by Saadia Faruqi, illustrated by Hatem Aly (Picture Window Books, 3/1), continues the super fun Yasmin series. In this collection of four stories, Yasmin takes charge of some sticky situations! At home, at school, or out and about, Yasmin faces challenges head on with creativity and quick thinking. Whether she’s creating a new recipe, finding a way to rescue a stuck toy for a little friend, or calming down monkeys (and classmates!), a clever solution to any problem is just around the corner!

Finally, I absolutely love the Narwhal series by Ben Clanton; could Narwhal be any cuter? The fourth book in the series, Narwhal’s Otter Friend (Tundra, 2/5) debuts a new character: a sea otter! *swoon* Otty the otter makes her debut splash, and while Narwhal greets her with immediate enthusiasm, Jelly’s not so sure about her…mostly because he worries she’ll take his place as Narwhal’s best friend.

What I’m Reading

I’ve read some good books this week! Saving the Ghost of the Mountain by Sy Montgomery, photos by Nic Bishop, was a super interesting nonfiction book about the elusive snow leopards of Mongolia. I loved how Montgomery brings the reader into the expedition, introducing us to her guides, talking candidly about how difficult the field research could be, and describing Mongolian culture. The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA by Brenda Woods is a beautifully written book about the friendship that develops between a white boy and a black WWII veteran in the Jim Crow South. And finally, Holes in the Sky by Patricia Polacco is a book my nine-year-old handed me to read to her today, and like most of the books that I read by Patricia Polacco this one made me cry. In this companion book to Chicken Sunday, young Trisha is devastated when her grandmother passes away, but finds joy in bonds with a new friend, her new California neighborhood—and the invincible Miss Eula.

Next week I’ll chat about some of the middle grade books I’m super excited about for 2019! In the meantime, I would love to know what you are reading this week. Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at karina@bookriot.com.

Until next time!
Karina

The Kids Are All Right

New Children’s Book Releases for January 8, 2019

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date January 6, 2019

Hello, Kid Lit friends!

It’s the first big release date for 2019, and that means I have a whole lot of books to share with you today. There’s some fantastic picture books, fun chapter and middle grade books, and so many interesting nonfiction books. Check these out and let me know if any look interesting to you! As usual, if there is a book I have read and loved, I’ll mark it with a .

*Please note that all book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Sponsored by our Unusual Suspects giveaway of $100 to the bookstore of your choice!

Picture Books

My Heart by Corinna Luyken

My heart is a window. My heart is a slide. My heart can be closed…or opened up wide.

Some days your heart is a puddle or a fence to keep the world out. But some days it is wide open to the love that surrounds you. With lyrical text and breathtaking art, My Heart empowers all readers to listen to the guide within in this ode to love and self-acceptance.

The Neighbors by Einat Tsarfati

As a young girl climbs the seven stories to her own (very boring!) apartment, she imagines what’s behind each of the doors she passes. Does the door with all the locks belong to a family of thieves? Might the doorway with muddy footprints conceal a pet tiger? Each spread reveals—in lush detail—the wilds of the girl’s imagination, from a high-flying circus to an underwater world and everything in between. When the girl finally reaches her own apartment, she is greeted by her parents, who might have a secret even wilder than anything she could have imagined!

Sealed with a Kiss by Beth Ferry, illustrated by Oliver Tallex

What’s a seal to do when she’s new to the zoo? Make new friends, of course! But when the other animals aren’t so friendly, a wise sparrow inspires them to surprise Seal with a special treat. Full of heart and humor, this story of friendship and forgiveness from bestselling author Beth Ferry and illustrator Olivier Tallec will have little ones giggling along, and it makes for a fun Valentine’s Day gift!

Honeysmoke by Monique Fields, illustrated by Yesenia Moises

A young biracial girl looks around her world for her color. She finally chooses her own, and creates a new word for herself―honeysmoke. For multiracial children, and all children everywhere, this picture book offers a universal message that empowers young people to create their own self-identity.

This Little Piggy by James Serafino

Once there was a girl who only ate cereal. This kid LOVED cereal. But lots of cereal can make a BIG mess and get a girl in trouble. So she asks the dog for help cleaning up her crumbs, but the dog soon fills up. Then she asks a cat, but the cat only wants to nap. One after another, animals try to help…but the mess is too large!

Meet Miss Fancy by Irene Latham, illustrated by John Holyfield

Frank has always been obsessed with elephants. He loves their hosepipe trunks, tree stump feet, and swish-swish tails. So when Miss Fancy, the elephant, retires from the circus and moves two blocks from his house to Avondale Park, he’s over the moon! Frank really wants to pet her. But Avondale Park is just for white people, so Frank is not allowed to see Miss Fancy. Frank is heartbroken but he doesn’t give up: instead he makes a plan!

Tomorrow is Waiting by Kiley Frank, illustrated by Aaron Meshon

As a child dreams, their parent imagines everything they will someday be: independent and imaginative, kind and courageous, a listener and a leader. And each hopeful, heartfelt wish is paired with a a promise of love. Tender and moving, Tomorrow Is Waiting is a modern celebration of the dreams we have for our children for finding their place in the world, and for how they will make it a better world. A perfect gift for baby showers, birthdays, and graduation, it’s a book that will be treasured, passed down, read and loved–again, and again, and again.

There Are No Bears in This Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach

A tough gumshoe of a cat–the name’s Muffin–protects his territory: The Little Bear Bakery. But there are no bears here. Not on Muffin’s watch. One night, Muffin hears a suspicious noise. Mouse? Raccoon? Bat? Nope, not the usual suspects. But Muffin hears . . . growling. Could it be? Yup. A bear. Just a cub. Whose stomach is definitely growling. Muffin’s got this case solved–clearly this bear needs some donuts.

What Is Given from the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by April Harrison

“Misery loves company,” Mama says to James Otis. It’s been a rough couple of months for them, but Mama says as long as they have their health and strength, they’re blessed. One Sunday before Valentine’s Day, Reverend Dennis makes an announcement during the service– the Temples have lost everything in a fire, and the church is collecting anything that might be useful to them. James thinks hard about what he can add to the Temple’s “love box,” but what does he have worth giving? With her extraordinary gift for storytelling, McKissack–with stunning illustrations by Harrison–delivers a touching, powerful tale of compassion and reminds us all that what is given from the heart, reaches the heart.

Chapter Books

Jada Jones: Sleepover Scientist by Kelly Starling Lyons

Jada is hosting her first sleepover, and she has lots of cool scientific activities planned: kitchen chemistry, creating invisible ink, and even making slime! But when her friends get tired of the lessons and just want to hang out, can Jada figure out the formula for fun and save the sleepover?

The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters: Flight of the Bluebird by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Jen Hill

Meet Jaundice and Kale Bland, two sisters who avoid excitement at any cost. Together, they patiently await the return of their parents, who left on an errand years ago and have never returned. One day, the Bland sisters are kidnapped by an all-female band of pirates. They’re unwillingly swept into a high-seas romp that might just lead to solving the mystery of what happened to their parents. With whimsical illustrations and Roald Dahl–esque wit, The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters is the visually stunning, laugh-out-loud funny start to a new series for readers who are looking for an anything-but-bland adventure.

Middle Grade Books

Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship by Chitra Soundar

Being a wise and just ruler is no easy task. That’s what Prince Veera discovers when he and his best friend, Suku, are given the opportunity to preside over the court of his father, King Bheema. Some of the subjects’ complaints are easily addressed, but others are much more challenging. How should they handle the case of the greedy merchant who wishes to charge people for enjoying the smells of his sweets? And can they prove that an innocent man cannot possibly spread bad luck? Will Prince Veera and Suku be able to settle the dispute between a man and his neighbor to whom he sells a well — but not the water in it?

The Unteachables by Gordon Korman

The Unteachables are a notorious class of misfits, delinquents, and academic train wrecks. Their teacher is Mr. Zachary Kermit, the most burned-out teacher in all of Greenwich. He was once a rising star, but his career was shattered by a cheating scandal that still haunts him. After years of phoning it in, he is finally one year away from early retirement. But the superintendent has his own plans to torpedo that idea—and it involves assigning Mr. Kermit to the Unteachables. The Unteachables never thought they’d find a teacher who had a worse attitude than they did. And Mr. Kermit never thought he would actually care about teaching again. Over the course of a school year, though, room 117 will experience mayhem, destruction—and maybe even a shot at redemption.

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA by Brenda Woods

On Gabriel’s twelfth birthday, he gets a new bike–and is so excited that he accidentally rides it right into the path of a car. Fortunately, a Black man named Meriwether pushes him out of the way just in time, and fixes his damaged bike. As a thank you, Gabriel gets him a job at his dad’s auto shop. Gabriel’s dad hires him with some hesitation, however, anticipating trouble with the other mechanic, who makes no secret of his racist opinions. Gabriel and Meriwether become friends, and Gabriel learns that Meriwether drove a tank in the Army’s all-Black 761st Tank Battalion in WWII. Meriwether is proud of his service, but has to keep it a secret because talking about it could be dangerous.

Supergirl: Master of Illusion by Jo Whittemore

Kara Danvers, the one and only Supergirl, continues to keep National City safe. Follow her in the final book of this middle-grade series, featuring more incredible adventures not seen on TV. Now more than ever, the world needs the Girl of Steel to keep the city free from evil, and author Jo Whittemore has crafted a series finale that fans won’t want to miss!

The Friendship War by Andrew Clements

Grace and Ellie have been best friends since second grade. Ellie’s always right in the center of everything–and Grace is usually happy to be Ellie’s sidekick. But what happens when everything changes? This time it’s Grace who suddenly has everyone’s attention when she accidentally starts a new fad at school. It’s a fad that has first her class, then her grade, and then the entire school collecting and trading and even fighting over . . . buttons?! A fad that might also get her in major trouble and could even be the end of Grace and Ellie’s friendship. Because Ellie’s not used to being one-upped by anybody.

The Adventurer’s Guide to Treasure (and How to Steal it) by Wade Albert White

At Saint Lupin’s Completely Ordinary School Where Nothing Bizarre Ever Happens Most Especially Not Illegal Quests That Destroy Famous Landmarks, students are not taught about pirates. They’re not taught how to identify them, how to befriend them, or even how to fight them…which leaves the school completely open to pirate invasion. And on the first day of classes, that’s precisely what happens.

The Extremely High Tide by Kir Fox & M. Shelley Coats, illustrated by Rachel Sanson

Talise knows more about the ocean than any kid in Topsea. Any adult, too. As the best-and only-bathymetrist in Topsea, Talise is able to predict important things about the sea, like the next tide (Severely Low with a threat of Wildcard) or the arrival of Seaweed Season. What she can’t predict, however, are her classmates’ behaviors. Sometimes it’s as if they’re speaking different languages. When Talise discovers a mysterious message in a bottle, her classmates believe it must have been sent by someone stranded on a deserted island. (Not to be confused with a dessert island.) But Talise is convinced the message is meant for her. And it’s telling her to build a boat.

Nonfiction Books

She Dared: Malala Yousafzai by Jenni L. Walsh

Malala Yousafzai always knew she wanted to become a doctor someday. But a new extremist group in her home country of Pakistan wanted to stop girls from going to school. Malala knew what was important, and so she spoke out. Even after she was attacked on a bus for her views, she persisted. Learn about Malala’s incredible recovery and her journey to becoming a world-famous advocate of girls’ rights and education — and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize winner.

She Dared: Bethany Hamilton by Jenni L. Walsh

Growing up in Hawaii, Bethany Hamilton loved to surf. But one day, she was in her favorite place, out on the waves, when a tiger shark suddenly attacked. Thirteen-year-old Bethany lost her left arm. As she fought to recover, Bethany wondered: Would she ever surf again? Follow Bethany as she got back on her board and fearlessly chased her surfing dreams. With the strength of her family and faith behind her, Bethany knew she could become not only a professional athlete, but a champion and a role model.

Lost in the Antarctic: The Doomed Voyage of the Endurance by Tod Olson

There wasn’t a thing Ernest Shackleton could do. He stood on the ice-bound Weddell Sea, watching the giant blocks of frozen saltwater squeeze his ship to death. The ship’s name seemed ironic now: the Endurance. But she had lasted nine months in this condition, stuck on the ice in the frigid Antarctic winter. So had Shackleton and his crew of 28 men, trying to become the first expedition ever to cross the entire continent. Now, in October 1915, as he watched his ship break into pieces, Shackleton gave up on that goal. He ordered his men to abandon ship. From here on, their new goal would be to focus on only one thing: survival.

Standing Up Against Hate: How Black Women in the Army Helped Change the Course of WWII by Mary Cronk Farrell

Standing Up Against Hate tells the stories of the African American women who enlisted in the newly formed Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) in World War II. They quickly discovered that they faced as many obstacles in the armed forces as they did in everyday life. However, they refused to back down. They interrupted careers and left family, friends, and loved ones to venture into unknown and sometimes dangerous territory. They survived racial prejudice and discrimination with dignity, succeeded in jobs women had never worked before, and made crucial contributions to the military war effort. The book centers around Charity Adams, who commanded the only black WAAC battalion sent overseas and became the highest ranking African American woman in the military by the end of the war.

This Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbi Levy

In 1956, one year before federal troops escorted the Little Rock 9 into Central High School, fourteen year old Jo Ann Allen was one of twelve African-American students who broke the color barrier and integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee. At first things went smoothly for the Clinton 12, but then outside agitators interfered, pitting the townspeople against one another. Uneasiness turned into anger, and even the Clinton Twelve themselves wondered if the easier thing to do would be to go back to their old school. Jo Ann–clear-eyed, practical, tolerant, and popular among both black and white students—found herself called on as the spokesperson of the group. But what about just being a regular teen?

1919 The Year That Changed America by Martin W. Sandler

1919 was a world-shaking year. America was recovering from World War I and black soldiers returned to racism so violent that that summer would become known as the Red Summer. The suffrage movement had a long-fought win when women gained the right to vote. Laborers took to the streets to protest working conditions; nationalistic fervor led to a communism scare; and temperance gained such traction that prohibition went into effect. Each of these movements reached a tipping point that year. Now, one hundred years later, these same social issues are more relevant than ever.

What is Poetry? The Essential Guide to Reading and Writing Poems by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Jill Calder

For thousands of years, people have been writing poetry. But what is poetry? Award-winning wordsmith Michael Rosen has spent decades thinking about that question, and in this helpful guide he shares his insights with humor, knowledge, and appreciation — appreciation for poetry and appreciation for twenty-first-century children embarking on their own poetic journeys. Young readers are invited to join him on a welcoming exploration of the British poetic canon, replete with personal insights into what the renowned poet thinks about as he writes and advice on writing their own poetry. When he’s finished, readers will be able to say with confidence: this is poetry. Included in this accessible handbook are writing tips, analyses of classic poems, and an appendix of poets and useful websites.

The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Frank Morrison

The roots of rap and the history of hip-hop have origins that precede DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash. Kids will learn about how it evolved from folktales, spirituals, and poetry, to the showmanship of James Brown, to the culture of graffiti art and break dancing that formed around the art form and gave birth to the musical artists we know today.

Elvis is King by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Red Nose Studio

Here’s the perfect book for anyone who wants to introduce rock ‘n’ roll and its king to the child in their lives. In single- page “chapters” with titles like “The First Cheeseburger Ever Eaten by Elvis” and “Shazam! A Blond Boy Turns into a Black-Haired Teenager,” readers can follow key moments in Presley’s life, from his birth on the wrong side of the railroad tracks in the Deep South, to playing his first guitar in grade school, to being so nervous during a performance as a teenager that he starts shaking . . . and changes the world!

The Life of Frederick Douglass by David F. Walker, Damon Smyth, and Marissa Louise

Recently returned to the cultural spotlight, Frederick Douglass’s impact on American history is felt even in today’s current events. Comic book writer and filmmaker David F. Walker joins with the art team of Damon Smyth and Marissa Louise to bring the long, exciting, and influential life of Douglass to life in comic book form. Taking you from Douglass’s life as a young slave through his forbidden education to his escape and growing prominence as a speaker, abolitionist, and influential cultural figure during the Civil War and beyond, The Life of Frederick Douglass presents a complete illustrated portrait of the man who stood up and spoke out for freedom and equality.

Running with Wolves by Jim and Jamaie Dutcher

Adventure, friendship, and family come together in this riveting memoir as two award-winning filmmakers take you through the experience of the years they spent living in the wild with a real-life wolf pack. Jim and Jamie set out to show the world that instead of fearsome beasts, wolves are social, complex, and incredible creatures that deserve our protection. Deep in the mountain wilderness of Idaho, they set up Wolf Camp, where they spent years capturing the emotional, exciting, and sometimes heartbreaking story of their pack.

Graphic Novels

Click by Kayla Miller

Olive “clicks” with everyone in the fifth grade—until one day she doesn’t. When a school variety show leaves Olive stranded without an act to join, she begins to panic, wondering why all her friends have already formed their own groups . . . without her. With the performance drawing closer by the minute, will Olive be able to find her own place in the show before the curtain comes up?

Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce

Max wants to be a knight! Too bad that dream is about as likely as finding a friendly dragon. But when Max’s uncle Budrick is kidnapped by the cruel King Gastley, Max has to act…and fast! Joined by a band of brave adventurers–the Midknights–Max sets out on a thrilling quest: to save Uncle Budrick and restore the realm of Byjovia to its former high spirits!

That’s it for me this week! What books are you excited about for 2019? Reach me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at karina@bookriot.com.

Until next time!
Karina

My best friend just adopted this adorable dog! How cute is he?

The Kids Are All Right

11 Picture Books I’m Looking Forward To In 2019

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date January 4, 2019

Hello, Kid Lit friends!

Happy 2019!

I hope the new year is off to a great start for you and your loved ones. As for my family, we had a whole assortment of sicknesses in our home in the last month. Colds, the flu, strep, a sinus infection, and the stomach flu! I am hoping we have all gotten this out of our system by now!

I love the new year because there are so many new books to look forward to. This week I’ll talk about some of the picture books I’m excited about, next week I’ll chat about fun chapter books, and the week after that will be exciting middle grade book releases. Are you ready?

Just for Book Riot readers: sign up for an Audible account, and get two audiobooks free!

Have you ever read The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken? It is a gorgeous book, filled with wisdom for people of all ages. I often suggest this book to parents who have kids that are perfectionists. Corinna has a new picture book out this Tuesday called My Heart (Penguin), and it is gorgeous. I love Corinna’s illustration style, and the book is so sweet and beautifully written. You should definitely check it out!

Bikes for Sale by Carter Higgins and illustrated by Zachariah OHora (Chronicle, 4/2/19) is a fun, clever book about two bike-loving animals who take different paths to work every day. When an accident occurs, they finally meet, and the result is adorable! As always, Carter’s writing is spot on, and Zachariah’s bold and colorful illustrations are fun and inviting.

A Book About Whales by Andrea Antinori (Abrams, 5/14) is right up my ally. I love reading and learning about whales. As you might recall, I recommended Whales: An Illustrated Celebration by Kelsey Oseid a lot last year. So when this new whale book arrived at my apartment, I knew instantly I would love it. Definitely put it on your list if you or anyone you know loves whales or the ocean!

The Neighbors by Einat Tsarfati (Abrams) is out this Tuesday, and it’s a fun, creative, quirky book about what a child thinks is inside each apartment in her building. The spreads are so fun and full of creativity and zaniness, and I think I love it so much because I love imagining what is inside people’s homes.

There Are No Bears in This Bakery by Julia Sarcone-Roach (Knopf, 1/8) won me over by the title and cover. And, of course, I love that it is set in a bakery. I will read any book that includes baked goods in it. In this story, Muffin the cat is adamant that no bears enter The Little Bear Bakery. When a hungry bear cub arrives, Muffin knows just what to do!

Lift Every Voice and Sing: A Celebration of the African American National Anthem by James Weldon Johnson, illustrated by Elizabeth Catlett (Bloomsbury, 1/18) was originally published in 1993 and it features gorgeous linocuts by Harlem Renaissance artist Catlett. This reissue includes a new Foreword by Newbery and Coretta Scott King Honoree Ashley Byran (one of my favorite author/illustrators!).

And I know you’ve been waiting to hear what Mercy Watson was like as a baby piglet! A Piglet Named Mercy (Candlewick, 4/2) by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, is the picture book prequel to the bestselling Mercy Watson chapter book series. This is all about how Mercy came to live with Mr. and Mrs. Watson on Deckawoo Drive, thus disrupting the Watson’s perfectly predictable lives.

Trees: A Rooted History by Piotr Socha and Wojciech Grajkowski (Abrams, 4/2/19) is an oversized nonfiction nature book, so basically I knew I was going to love this book the second I saw it. The illustrations are gorgeous and the information is both informative and interesting. Trees explores the important roles trees play in our ecosystem, takes an up-close-and-personal look at the parts of trees (from roots to leaves), and unpacks the cultural impact of trees from classification systems (like family trees) to art forms (like bonsai trees).

I absolutely loved Crab Cake: Turning the Tide Together by Andrea Tsurumi (HMH, 2/5), a delightful book about a crab who loves to bake. I adore the illustrations which are full of charm and with plenty for young readers to explore and analyze. The story has a message of conservation as well, presented in a way that will make you want to save the oceans.

Under My Hijab by Hena Khan, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, is a lighthearted look at the hijab and the girls and women who choose to wear it. As the young protagonist observes the women in her life wearing it, she dreams about the possibilities in her own future and how she might express her personality through her hijab.

The cover of Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pure Belpre (HarperCollins, 1/15) by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Pablo Escobar, is stunning. I loved learning more about Pura Belpré and her life and work and advocacy. On the eve of her death on July 1, 2082, Pura received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Public Library and now each year the American Library Association recognizes outstanding works of literature by Latinx authors and illustrators with the Pure Belpré Award. You can see a complete list of Belpré winners on the ALA website here. The Spanish language edition, Sembrando historias: Pura Belpré: bibliotecaria y narradora de cuentos, will publish simultaneously.

I got a chance to read a few wonderful books over the holidays in between being sick. One was Gordon Korman’s new book, The Unteachables (Balzer + Bray, 1/8), which includes his characteristic funny humor, as well as The Friendship War by Andrew Clements (Random House, 1/8) about a school-wide scuffle over buttons. I finished a graphic biography called The Life of Frederick Douglass by David F. Walker, Damon Smyth, and Marissa Louise (Ten Speed Press, 1/8), which was wonderful (but I would suggest for older middle grade readers).

I would love to know what you are reading this week! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at karina@bookriot.com.

Until next time!
Karina

The Kids Are All Right

The Top 100 Children’s Books I Read in 2018

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date December 21, 2018

Hi friends!

I discovered the other day that I have now written over one-hundred newsletters for The Kids Are All Right. I love writing these newsletters, and I’m grateful for all of you subscribers for reading these emails twice a week and for your many notes and book suggestions.

Sponsored by P Is for Pterodactyl by Raj Haldar and Chris Carpenter

Turning the traditional idea of an alphabet book on its head, P is for Pterodactyl is perfect for anyone who has ever been stumped by silent letters or confused by absurd homophones. This whimsical, unique book takes silent letter entries like “K is for Knight” a step further with “The noble knight’s knife nicked the knave’s knee.” Lively illustrations provide context clues, and alliterative words help readers navigate text like “a bright white gnat is gnawing on my gnocchi” with ease. Everyone from early learners to grown-up grammarians will love this wacky book where “A is for Aisle” but “Y is definitely not for Why.”

I have read a lot of books this year. So many books! And in honor of my one-hundredth post, I thought I would give you a list of the top 100 children’s books I read in 2018. Most of these books published in 2018, but some of them did not (like, when I went on a Mildred D. Taylor reading spree).

You might be wondering how I decided on this list. I tried to pick books based on whether my heart gave a squeeze when I thought about the story. All of these books made my heart happy in some way, whether it be that it opened my eyes to something I didn’t know about before, or because the author’s language was so beautiful, or because the illustrations left me breathless.

There were so many books that I wanted to read that I didn’t get to… I will hopefully get to some of the books on my TBR stack over the holidays!

This list in not in any type of order, but I have grouped them into four categories: picture books, chapter books/early middle grade, older middle grade, and graphic novels. Happy reading!

Picture Books

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall
Everything You Need for a Treehouse by Carter Higgins, illustrated by Emily Hughes
Drawn Together by Minh Le, illustrated by Dan Santat
Polka Dot Parade: A Book About Bill Cummingham by Deborah Blumenthal, illustrated by Masha D’yans
Llamaphones by Janik Coat
Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse by Marcy Campbell, illustrated by Corinna Luyken
The Dress and the Girl by Camille Andros, illustrated by Julie Morstad
Aquarium by Cynthia Alonso
Business Pig by Andrea Zuill
Zola’s Elephant by Randall de Seve, illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
The Very Last Castle by Travis Jonker, illustrated by Mark Pett
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
I Hate My Cats (A Love Story) by Davide Cali, illustrated by Anna Pirolli
Great Dog by Davide Cali, illustrated by Miguel Tanco
Florette by Anna Walker
Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail by Jennifer Thermes
Hawk Rising by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Brian Floca
The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs by Kate Messner, illustrated by Matthew Forsythe
Thirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot’s World War II Story by Marc Tyler Nobleman, illustrated by Melissa Iwai
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World by Vashti Harrison
They Say Blue by Jillian Tamaki
Forever or a Day by Sarah Jacoby
All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
Imagine by Juan Felipe Herrera, illustrated by Lauren Castillo
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez
The Rough Patch by Brian Lies
Whales: An Illustrated Celebration by Kelsey Oseid
Adventures to School by Baptiste Paul and Miranda Paul, illustrated by Isabel Munoz
Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel
Lucy and the String by Vanessa Roeder
My Heart by Corinna Luyken (Dial Books, 1/8/19)
A Tower of Giraffes: Animals in Groups by Anna Wright
Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper
A Greyhound, a Groundhog by Emily Jenkins
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Look by Fiona Woodcock

Chapter Books/Lower Middle Grade Books

Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Colin Jack
Upside Down Magic: Weather or Not by Sarah Mylnowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins
Jasmine Toguchi, Drummer Girl by Debbi Michiko Florence, illustrated by Elizabet Vukovic
Power Forward: Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream by Hena Khan
Cilla Lee-Jenkins: This Book Is A Classic by Susan Tan
Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker, Book 2: Incognito
Meet Yasmin! By Saadia Faruqi
Stella Diaz Has Something to Say By Angela Dominquez
Bat and the Waiting Game by Elana K. Arnold
I’m Just No Good at Rhyming by Chris Harris, illustrated by Lane Smith

Upper Middle Grade Books

Nowhere Boy by Katharine Marsh
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Sweep by Jonathan Auxier
Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed
Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
Tight by Torrey Maldonado
The Night Diary by Veera Hirandani
Inkling by Kenneth Oppel
The Journey of Little Charlie by Christopher Paul Curtis
Out of Left Field by Ellen Klages
Louisana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty
Checked by Cynthia Kadohata
Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Just Like Jackie by Lindsay Stoddard
So Done by Paula Chase
Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
Blended by Sharon Draper
Enginerds by Jarrett Lerner
Stanley Will Probably Be Fine by Sally J. Pla, illustrated by Steve Wolfhard
Knock Out by K.A. Holt
Rebound by Kwame Alexander
Class Action by Steven B. Frank
Takedown by Laura Shovan
Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya
Mascot by Antony John
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor
The Heart and Mind of Frances Pauley by April Stevens
Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman
The Alcatraz Escape by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman
The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
The Assasination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson
Let the Circle Be Unbroken by Mildred D. Taylor
Winnie’s Great War by Lindsay Mattick, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Restart by Gordon Korman
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead (3rd time rereading)
The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt (4th time rereading)
Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt (4th time rereading)
The Land by Mildred D. Taylor
The Not-So-Boring Letters of Private Nobody by Matthew Landis
The Well by Mildred D. Taylor
The Unteachables by Gordon Korman (Balzer + Bray, 1/8/19)
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Tru and Nelle: A Christmas Tale by G. Neri

Graphic Novels

96. The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell

97. New Kid by Jerry Craft (HarperCollins, 2/5/19)

98. All Summer Long by Hope Larson

99. Amulet 8: Supernova by Kazu Kibuishi

100. Narwhal’s Otter Friend by Ben Clanton (Tundra Books, 2/5/19)

Well, that’s a wrap on 2018! As I mentioned before, Book Riot is taking a break from December 25 to January 1, so I’ll see you again on January 6. As always, I’m reachable on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email at karina@bookriot.com.

Wishing you a very happy holiday season and a joyful new year!

See you in 2019!
Karina

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribeto “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*

The Kids Are All Right

New Children’s Book Releases for December 2018!

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date December 17, 2018

Hello, friends!

Well, 2018 is coming to an end, and what a year it has been! I realized a couple of days ago that I have now written over 100 of these kid’s lit newsletters. Whew! In honor of that milestone, the next newsletter will feature the best 100 children’s books that I’ve read this year. (This will include books I’ve read in 2018, regardless of publication date.)

Sponsored by P Is for Pterodactyl by Raj Haldar and Chris Carpenter.

Turning the traditional idea of an alphabet book on its head, P is for Pterodactyl is perfect for anyone who has ever been stumped by silent letters or confused by absurd homophones. This whimsical, unique book takes silent letter entries like “K is for Knight” a step further with “The noble knight’s knife nicked the knave’s knee.” Lively illustrations provide context clues, and alliterative words help readers navigate text like “a bright white gnat is gnawing on my gnocchi” with ease. Everyone from early learners to grown-up grammarians will love this wacky book where “A is for Aisle” but “Y is definitely not for Why.”

The Ebooks And Aud

While you wait for that, here are the rest of December’s new releases. Book Riot is on vacation from December 25 to January 1, so this is a list of the children’s book releases for the rest of 2018. Happy reading!

*Please note that all book descriptions come from Goodreads.

Picture Book New Releases

A Hug is for Holding Me by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Lisk Feng

A Hug Is for Holding Me is a sweet, cozy book about love and affection and invites children to engage with the natural world in a fresh, new way. Some hugs are tight and some hugs are snug . . . but guess who gives the BEST hugs?

How Do I Love Thee? by Jennifer Adams, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Whether in soft sunlight or rain-drizzled night or winter’s frost-etched breath, three children share the love and joy of friendship while exploring the wonders of nature. Bestselling author Jennifer Adams has reimagined Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s beloved “Sonnet 43,” best known by its opening lines, creating a lyrical, evocative ode to the love of family and friends. Christopher Silas Neal brings the poetry to life with his beautiful, imaginative, and whimsical illustrations.

I’ll Love You Till The Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi, illustratred by Kristyna Litten

Love knows no bounds in this tender tribute to the depths of family love. For fans of Guess How Much I Love You—only funnier! This book extends the saying, “I’ll love you till the cows come home” to the humorous extreme. Along the way there are yaks in cadillacs, sheep setting sail, frogs on big-wheeled bikes, and more, in this great read-aloud.

Romeosaurus and Juliet Rex by Mo O’Hara, illustrated by Andrew Joyner

In this hilarious take on Shakespeare for children 4 to 8—with dinosaurs instead of people—Romeosaurus and Juliet Rex get along perfectly well until they realize that their families should be mortal enemies! “Your family would eat mine,” says Romeosaurus, who comes from a family of herbivores. Yes, it’s true—Juliet Rex’s family are carnivores, and Romeosaurus’s family are plant-loving herbivores. With two families up in arms (very short ones for Juliet Rex) the two friends run away, determined not to let family baggage determine who their friends should be.

True Colors by Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly, illustrated by Sarah Walsh (12/24/18, Penguin)

Through reassuring lyrics that encourage us to be our true selves, “True Colors” has become a beloved song worldwide since its release in 1986. Now, for the first time ever, this inspiring and iconic song is in book form accompanied by gorgeous illustrations, and perfectly packaged with a ribbon enclosure.

I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey (12/26/18, Scholastic)

In I Need a Hug, a tiny porcupine just wants a cuddle. All of the other animals turn him away because of his prickly spikes. But finally the porcupine meets an animal who’s happy to hug — a snake! Rich with author-illustrator Aaron Blabey’s signature rhyming text and unforgettably splendid illustrations, I Need a Hug is a sweet story about friendship and learning not to judge a book by its cover.

Chapter Book New Releases

Mac B. Kid Spy: The Impossible Crime by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Mike Lowery (12/26/18, Scholastic)

The Crown Jewels are in danger… again! When the jewels go missing from inside a locked room, Mac’s spy skills are put to the test. How did the thief break in? Where did the jewels go? And will Mac be able to solve this locked room mystery before the thief escapes? This mystery isn’t just a whodunit… it’s a howdunit!

Geronimo on Ice! by Geronimo Stilton (12/26/18, Scholastic)

Mouse Island was getting ready for the winter Ice Skating Championships! The prize for this year’s champions was a pair of antique silver skates that were said to contain clues to a hidden treasure! Just before the championships, we learn someone wants to steal the Silver Skates to search for the treasure! I had to join the competition to help keep the skates safe. But I didn’t know how to ice skate! Would I be able to learn enough tricks on the ice to save the Silver Skates ?

Class Pets: Fuzzy Fights Back by Bruce Hale (12/26/18, Scholastic)

When Fuzzy accidentally gets a kid hurt, he feels awful. But worse — the PTA president demands to get rid of all the class pets! Fuzzy and his friends get to work. A cuteness campaign? Their selfies fall short. A hunger strike? The pets get hungry. Could the PTA president’s daughter be the key to staying in their classrooms, or will the pets get thrown out like yesterday’s juice box?

Dragon Masters: Treasure of the Gold Dragon by Tracey West (12/26/18, Scholastic)

In the 12th book of this fantasy series, Maldred is after the powerful Gold Key! Drake and Rori travel to the lair of the Gold Dragon to help protect the key. There, they meet a new Dragon Master named Darma. If dark wizard Maldred gets his hands on the Gold Key, he will be one step closer to controlling a powerful Earthquake Dragon. Can the Dragon Masters stop him before it’s too late? The action is nonstop in this exciting, heavily illustrated early chapter book series!

Middle Grade New Releases

Hoops: Out of Bounds by Elena Delle Donne

Elle is finally finding her groove and is excited about how her year is turning out. But when her team loses a major game against their rivals, Elle doesn’t know if basketball is worth it anymore. It feels like she can’t win—even when she’s improving and doing well, everyone always expects more from her. With her changing attitudes on basketball, will she let everyone she knows down if she decides to take a break?

Blizzard Besties by Yamile Saied Mendez (12/26/18, Scholastic)

Vanesa Campos can’t wait for winter vacation. Skiing on the slopes, sipping hot cocoa . . . her week at Pinecloud Lodge promises to be cozy and perfect. And maybe she can make some new friends! Never mind that glamorous Beck writes off Vanesa right away; twins Emma and Eric are ready to join the fun out in the snow. But when the flakes start falling, everything changes. Vanesa’s little brother, Hunter, might be stranded out in the blizzard! Vanesa will have to team up with all the kids — plus one giant dog — to rescue him. Can she save her brother and discover which real friends will weather the storm with her?

Wings of Fire: The Hive Queen by Tui T. Sutherland (12/26/18, Scholastic)

Growing up in the hives, Cricket has always had a million questions. Why are trees forbidden, even in art? Why do her parents seem to hate her? And the biggest, most dangerous and secret question of all: why is Cricket immune to Queen Wasp’s powers? Whenever the queen takes control of all the HiveWings, speaking through their mouths and seeing through their eyes, Cricket has to hide, terrified of being discovered. Now she’s hiding again, wanted for stealing the Book of Clearsight along with her new SilkWing friends, Blue and Swordtail, and the fierce LeafWing, Sundew. The fugitives need answers, and fast, in order to prevent a LeafWing attack. But Cricket has more questions than ever. How can she stay hidden and discover the queen’s deadliest secret? And if she does succeed — can a powerless dragonet really do anything to topple a regime and stop a war?

Turbo Racers: Trailblazer by Austin Aslan (12/31/18, HarperCollins

In Turbo Racers: Trailblazer, twelve-year-old Mace Blazer gets the chance to pilot a state-of-the-art vehicle that transforms at the touch of a button from race car to jet plane to single-person sub, in the biggest race in the world. The roar of the crowd, the glow of the spotlight, the thrill of the race–Mace Blazer dreams of going TURBO. So when a reclusive retired racer chooses Mace to try out to be part of the next generation of TURBOnauts, Mace knows that this is his moment to show what he can do. But the path to his big shot means facing down the best and the brightest from around the world. Mace will have to live more fearlessly, hone quicker reflexes, be revolutionary–but will it be enough?

The Fork, The Witch, and the Worm, Tales from Alagaesia by Christopher Paolini (12/31/18, Penguin)

It’s been a year since Eragon departed Alagaësia in search of the perfect home to train a new generation of Dragon Riders. Now he is struggling with an endless sea of tasks: constructing a vast dragonhold, wrangling with suppliers, guarding dragon eggs, and dealing with belligerent Urgals and haughty elves. Then a vision from the Eldunarí, unexpected visitors, and an exciting Urgal legend offer a much-needed distraction and a new perspective.

Backlist Book Recommendations

Picture Book Backlist Recommendation: Snow by Uri Shulevitz

“It’s snowing, said boy with dog.
“It’s only a snowflake,” said grandfather with beard.

No one thinks one or two snowflakes will amount to anything. Not the man with the hat or the lady with the umbrella. Not even the television or the radio forecasters. But one boy and his dog have faith that the snow will amount to something spectacular, and when flakes start to swirl down on the city, they are also the only ones who know how to truly enjoy it.

Middle Grade Book Backlist Recommendation: One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Carley uses humor and street smarts to keep her emotional walls high and thick. But the day she becomes a foster child, and moves in with the Murphys, she’s blindsided. This loving, bustling family shows Carley the stable family life she never thought existed, and she feels like an alien in their cookie-cutter-perfect household. Despite her resistance, the Murphys eventually show her what it feels like to belong–until her mother wants her back and Carley has to decide where and how to live. She’s not really a Murphy, but the gifts they’ve given her have opened up a new future.

Nonfiction Book Backlist Recommendation: Twelve Rounds to Glory by Charles R. Smith, illustrated by Bryan Collier

From the moment a fired-up teenager won 1960 Olympic gold to the day when a retired legend, hands shaking from Parkinson’s, returned to raise the Olympic torch, the boxer known as “The Greatest” waged many a fight. Some were in the ring, against opponents like Sonny Liston and Joe Frazier; others were against societal prejudice and a war he refused to support because of his Islamic faith. The rap-inspired verse weaves and bobs and jabs, while bold collage artwork matches every move, capturing the “Louisville loudmouth with the great gift of rhyme” who shed the name Cassius Clay to take on the world as Muhammad Ali.

That’s it for me this week; I need to get back to narrowing down my top 100 reads of 2018! Int he meantime, find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at karina@bookriot.com.

Until next time!
Karina

Wishing you a cozy reading/sleeping spot today!

The Kids Are All Right

Interview with Children’s Book Creator Vashti Harrison

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date December 13, 2018

Hi Kid Lit Friends!

“The Kids Are All Right” is sponsored by Book Riot’s 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2018 Giveaway.

I am thrilled to welcome the amazing Vashti Harrison to the newsletter today. She is filmmaker and the author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling books, Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History and Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World. Here is a little synopsis of each of her children’s books:

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

An important book for all ages, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash.

Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World

Featuring the true stories of 35 women creators, ranging from writers to inventors, artists to scientists, Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World inspires as it educates. Readers will meet trailblazing women like Mary Blair, an American modernist painter who had a major influence on how color was used in early animated films, actor/inventor Hedy Lamarr, environmental activist Wangari Maathai, architect Zaha Hadid, filmmaker Maya Deren, and physicist Chien-Shiung Wu. Some names are known, some are not, but all of the women had a lasting effect on the fields they worked in.

I had a chance to ask Vashti some questions; read on to hear more about her inspiration and what’s next for her.

Karina Glaser: Hi, Vashti! I am a huge fan and have recommended Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History to lots of young readers. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to write and illustrate these wonderful books.

Vashti Harrison: Little Leaders began as a drawing challenge for myself. In February 2017, I wanted to find a way to celebrate Black History Month and to learn about people who don’t always make it into the mainstream. I challenged myself to draw one woman and write a short bio about her and post it on social media every day. It was really just a way to get myself to draw something every day, but the more I worked on it, I could feel my excitement growing. Fortunately, other people felt the same and I was able to publish it as a book.

One thing I felt very passionately about, when transforming it into a book for kids, was making sure there would be a great diverse list of women from all different fields. I was thinking a lot about myself as a young person and the stories that would have been important for me to see as a young black girl. I wanted to be able to reflect the stories that would encourage young readers and give them leaders to identify with.

But the other big part of my identity is creativity. That was the main sentiment going into Little Dreamers. I wanted to make something for the kids that are always inventing something, making drawings, and asking questions because I was that kid too. I wanted to collect the stories of female artists and scientists who used that same energy and creativity to do amazing things.

KG: Do you remember the first time you created the concept art for the women profiled in your books?

VH: I created the Little Leader character a few months before I started my drawing challenge. I really wanted to create a cute, warm, inviting character that could also be a blank slate—a model to transform into anyone. I also wanted to capture this really classic mid-century vibe and create a character of color that could fit aesthetically within the canon of the classic books I love!

KG: Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World features true stories of 35 female creators from around the world. How did you decide which women you were going to profile?

VH: I tried to cover a wide array of fields within the categories of art and science. So, there are singers, designers, dancers, filmmakers as well as chemists, astronomers, physicists, and more! But it was also important to consider where in the world they came from. I wanted to make sure I didn’t focus too much on Americans and be able to take readers on a journey around the world. It was hard to choose this list, so I made the “More Little Dreamers” section a little longer this time around!

KG: I imagine you have received lots of feedback from young readers about Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. Can you share some of the most memorable responses?

VH: The responses I remember the most are definitely from children. When I see them pointing at the book saying, “that one is me” or “I want to be her” that really means a lot.

KG: Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History is a New York Times bestseller and has won multiple awards and accolades, including an NAACP Image Award and a Huffington Post Honorable Best Picture Book of 2017. What was your reaction to all of this?

VH: It’s all so incredible to know people really are enjoying the book. I know it can seem like success makes you into a professional, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune to insecurities here and there. Little Leaders gave me the title Author, which felt very intimidating to me. But knowing adults, children, and reviewers alike are enjoying the book means a whole lot and makes me feel totally galvanized to work on more!

KG: What are you working on now?

VH: I’m illustrating a couple of picture books written by other authors that are coming out in 2019. I’m also hoping to have some time to start working on an illustrated middle grade novel soon!

KG: Ooh a middle grade novel! I cannot wait! Thank you, Vashti, for taking the time to be on the Book Riot kid’s lit newsletter!

Around the web…

Noteworthy Sequels (November and December), via Publisher’s Weekly

20 Superhero Books for Kids of All Ages, via Book Riot

Roald Dahl Classics to Get Animated Treatment at Netflix, via Book Riot

As I mentioned before, Book Riot is taking a break from December 25 to January 1, so there will be no newsletters on 12/25, 12/30, and 1/1. But don’t worry; we have one more week of newsletters before we go on a brief vacation!

That’s it for me today! I would love to know what you are reading this week! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at karina@bookriot.com.

Until next time!
Karina

You’re welcome, newsletter readers.

The Kids Are All Right

New Children’s Book Releases for December 11, 2018

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date December 10, 2018

Hello, Kid Lit friends!

I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season! In case you’re still looking for book recommendations to gift to the young (or young at heart!) readers in your life, check out our two gift guides, one for middle grade readers and one for picture books.

Sponsored by Book Riot’s 10 Best Nonfiction Books of 2018 Giveaway

We’re giving away ten of our favorite works of nonfiction of the year! Click here to enter.

As for new releases, there are only a couple that I know about: one picture book and one middle grade book. *Please note that all book descriptions come from Goodreads.

Stewart’s Best Pen by Stephien W. Martin, illustrated by Karl Newsom Edwards

Stewart may be a boy, and Craig may be a pen, but they are definitely best friends. The kind of friends who do everything together, who rely on each other, and who feel lost without each other . . . which is why it’s a catastrophe when Craig disappears! How can Stewart be a best friend if his best buddy is missing? The answer is certain to please anyone who’s ever had a favorite writing implement or a best friend.

Survival Tails: Endurance in Antarctica by Katrina Charman

Sled dog Samson wants nothing more than to be part of Ernest Shackleton’s historic voyage to Antarctica. He wants to feel the snow under his paws and the wind on his face as he races across the ice fields, and most of all he wants to help his humans find eternal glory as they chart the continent. His fellow sled dog, Bummer, just wants to get through the voyage in one piece. Why would he want to face down a dangerous, icy wasteland when he could stay inside his kennel, warm and safe?

How about some backlist book recommendations?

Backlist books refer to books that have been published more than one year earlier. I love giving backlist book recommendations because there are so many great books that sometimes get overshadowed by newer releases. Check these out!

Backlist Picture Book Recommendation: The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical trip to the North Pole . . . Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish.

Backlist Middle Grade Book Recommendation: One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

Eleven-year-old Delphine is like a mother to her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern. She’s had to be, ever since their mother, Cecile, left them seven years ago for a radical new life in California. But when the sisters arrive from Brooklyn to spend the summer with their mother, Cecile is nothing like they imagined. While the girls hope to go to Disneyland and meet Tinker Bell, their mother sends them to a day camp run by the Black Panthers. Unexpectedly, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern learn much about their family, their country, and themselves during one truly crazy summer.

Backlist Nonfiction Book Recommendation: The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins, illustrated by Jill McElmurry

Katherine Olivia Sessions never thought she’d live in a place without trees. After all, Kate grew up among the towering pines and redwoods of Northern California. But after becoming the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science, she took a job as a teacher far south in the dry desert town of San Diego. Where there were almost no trees.
Kate decided that San Diego needed trees more than anything else. So this trailblazing young woman singlehandedly started a massive movement that transformed the town into the green, garden-filled oasis it is today. Now, more than 100 years after Kate first arrived in San Diego, her gorgeous gardens and parks can be found all over the city.

That’s it for me – I have to get back to reading! Stay tuned to next Sunday’s newsletter because I have the amazing Vashti Harrison, author and illustrator of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History and Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World, on the newsletter (squee!). And FYI, Book Riot is on holiday from December 25 to January 1, so no newsletters will be going out on 12/25, 12/30, or 1/1.

I would love to know what you are reading this week! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at karina@bookriot.com.

Until next week!
Karina

It is my youngest daughter’s ninth birthday today, so I bought her books (surprise!). She loves The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich, so I got her the rest of the series, The Game of Silence, The Porcupine Year, Chickadee, and Makoons.