Category: The Kids Are All Right

Hey readers!

I’ve got a new crop of new releases for you this week! Some fun, some scary, and some returns to familiar places.

The Truth About Dragons by Jaime Zollars

This unexpected yet comforting picture book follows our fearful protagonist through a dragon-infested world. As the story continues, the dragons begin to appear a little smaller, their claws and scales becoming human and the castle setting transforming into a classroom as our protagonist gradually begins to feel more at home among them.

 

Red Shoes by Karen English, illustrated by Ebony Glenn

This colorful picture book follows a pair of red shoes, first to Malika, who wears them everywhere. Until she outgrows them and can’t wear them anymore. So they’re taken to a thrift shop and eventually find their way to Amina, a girl in Africa fasting for Ramadan for the first time.

 

Three Keys by Kelly Yang

If you haven’t read Kelly Yang’s perfect Front Desk, go do that right away, and then pick up this companion novel that returns to Mia and the Calivista Motel. Mia’s starting sixth grade and is disheartened to find her new teacher isn’t that impressed by her writing. Meanwhile the motel’s struggling as a potential new immigration law threatens all Mia holds dear.

 

Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai

From the author of Pie in the Sky is this hilarious illustrated novel about Henry Khoo, who embarks on a journey across the world to prove his independence to his overprotective family. And avoid the consequences of being revealed to be the secret writer of a gossip cartoon.

 

 

The Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar

This novel-in-verse explores immigration through the eyes of fourth grader Betita Quintero whose father is deported, leaving Betita and her pregnant mom alone. When they’re detained and forced into a detention camp, Betita and her mom must find a way to survive in the cruel and inhumane conditions.

 

Hide and Seeker by Daka Hermon

The spooky books just keep on coming! This one is a chilling story of a group of kids playing a game of hide and seek at their friend’s welcome home party. Zee went missing and now the friends are celebrating his return, but Zee isn’t acting right. He’s mumbling about a Seeker coming to take them all, and after the party, one-by-one, more of his friends start to go missing, and it’s up to Justin, Nic, and Lyric set out to find them.

 

The Last Kids on Earth and the Skeleton Road by Max Brailler, Illustrated by Douglas Holgate

Here’s another spooky read just in time to get in the Halloween spirit! This is the sixth book in the Last Kids On Earth series, and this one returns to Jack, Quint, June, and Dirk as they embark on a roadtrip with the newly acquired Midnight Blade, looking for Thrull and his skeleton army.

 

Until next week!

Chelsea (@Chelseabigbang)

Hi Kid Lit Friends,

September 15th marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a thirty day celebration of the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. According to the National Hispanic American Heritage Month website, “The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.”

There are hundreds of beautiful books by Hispanic authors. The American Library Association awards the Belpré Award every year, which is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. For a complete list, check out this website.

I, of course, have some books I would like to share with you in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month! Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Edel Rodriguez, is a picture book biography about one of America’s Supreme Court Justices. Justice Sotomayor grew up in the Bronx and didn’t have a lot growing up, but she had what she needed — her mother’s love, a will to learn, and her own determination. This book has both English and Spanish translations.

 

Another wonderful picture book biography is Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar. When Pura came to America in 1921, she carried the folk stories of her Puerto Rican homeland. She found a job at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant and shared stories of her country during story time. Her life was filled with adventure and new challenges, and all along the way she promoted the magic of books.

 

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal is one of my favorite picture books. Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has way too many names: six! Alma turns to Daddy for an answer about all of these names and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; José, the grandfather who was an artist; and other namesakes, too. The illustrations in this book are charming and filled with joy!

 

For early readers, check out Juana and Lucas by Juana Medina. Juana loves many things: drawing, living in Bogotá, Colombia, and especially her dog, Lucas, the best amigo ever. She does not love wearing her itchy school uniform, solving math problems, or learning the English. Why is it so important to learn a language that makes so little sense? This book, written in English, is sprinkled with Spanish words and phrases, perfect for newly independent readers who are beginning to decode.

 

A chapter book series that is great for newly independent readers is the Stella Díaz series by Angela Dominguez. In the first book, Stella Díaz Has Something to Say, Stella finds herself in a new school year without her best friend Jenny. When a new boy arrives in Stella’s class, she really wants to be his friend, but sometimes Stella accidentally speaks Spanish instead of English and pronounces words wrong. Can Stella gain the confidence she needs to make a new friend?

 

For middle grade readers, check out Celia C. Pérez’s fantastic debut, The First Rule of Punk. Twelve-year-old Malú begins her first day at a new school by inadvertently upsetting Posada Middle School’s queen bee, violates the school’s dress code with her punk rock look, and disappoints her college-professor mom in the process. Her dad, who now lives a thousand miles away, says things will get better as long as she remembers the first rule of punk: be yourself. The real Malú loves rock music, skateboarding, zines, and Soyrizo (hold the cilantro, please). Can she stand up to the school administration to fight for her right to express herself?

 

Fantasy readers will love Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez. When Gabi Real meets Sal Vidon, Gabi learns that he’s not just a regular middle school magician, he’s capable of conjuring things much bigger than a rabbit out of a hat–including his dead mother. When Gabi takes it all in stride, Sal knows that she is someone he can work with. There’s only one slight problem: their manipulation of time and space could put the entire universe at risk.

 

One more middle grade book to close out this list. Newbery Award winning book Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina is a must read. Merci Suárez has never been completely like the other kids at her private school in Florida, because she and her older brother, Roli, are scholarship students. They don’t have a big house or a fancy boat, and they have to do extra community service to make up for their free tuition. Check out my interview with Meg about her fantastic book here.

 

What are you reading these days? Let me know! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.

Until next time!
Karina

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Hey there, kidlit pals! I hope you enjoyed a nice, relaxing holiday weekend and that your shorter work/school week is going well. I’ve got a great list of book deals for your today–award-winning middle grade novels, fun series starters, picture books, and more, all under $5! Here we go!

As always, prices may change–so snag these deals while they’re hot!

How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon is just $3–grab it ahead of Talk Like a Pirate Day, which is September 19!

National Book Award finalist Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt is $3.

Snag Renee Watson’s Some Place More Than Others for just under $5!

Start a new Warriors series! The Broken Code book one, Lost Stars by Erin Hunter is $2.

Grab Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai for $3.

Lety Out Loud by Angela Cervantes is under $5! I love her middle grade books!

Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn is also under $5.

Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by G. Brian Karas is $3!

Jacqueline Woodson is a master storyteller and her novel Harbor Me is just $3.

Snag Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbit for just $1!

And just a reminder that Front Desk by Kelly Yang, one of my favorite MG books, is still on sale for $5. Grab it before the sequel Three Keys hits shelves next week!

Happy reading!

Tirzah

Dear readers,

I hope you all had a restful Labor Day and got some great reading time in! I’m back with a new crop of new children’s releases that hit shelves this week.

My Day With Gong Gong by Sennah Yee, illustrated by Elaine Chen

In this adorable picture book, May spends the day with her Gong Gong. She doesn’t think they can really have much of a nice day together when May doesn’t speak Chinese, and her Gong Gong doesn’t speak English. As the day continues, May is frustrated by her inability to understand her Gong Gong, and by what seems to be his obliviousness to her, but it soon becomes clear that her Gong Gong understands more of her than she realizes.

Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina, illustrated by Sonia Sanchez

In this sweet picture book, Daniela’s best friend, Evelyn, is moving away. The two girls have always been mostly alike until this moment, when they are given just one day to play together for the last time before saying goodbye.

Digging For Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and The Library He Built by Angela Burke Kunkel and illustrated by Paola Escobar

This picture book retells the story of José Alberto Gutiérrez , a garbage collector in Bogotá who created a library for his neighborhood out of books discarded by the wealthy families on his route. Also along for the ride is a fictional boy named José, counting down the days before he and his friends can visit the library.

Amazing Women of the Middle East: 25 Stories from Ancient Times to Present Day by Wafa’ Tarnowska

This compilation of twenty-five short biographies is packed with inspiring and educational write-ups on Middle Eastern women, both past and present, whose contributions changed the world. Some names are probably widely recognized like Queen Nefertiti, Scheherazade, and Cleopatra. But it also includes plenty of opportunity to widen a reader’s knowledge of notable women, including Amal Clooney, a Lebanese British human rights lawyer and poet Rabiya al Adawiyya.

The Canyon’s Edge by Dusti Bowling

From the author of Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus comes this thrilling novel in verse. On her last birthday, Nora’s mother was killed in a public shooting. Still recovering from the trauma, Nora and her dad spend this year’s birthday rock climbing. When a sudden flash flood washes away all their supplies and Nora’s father, Nora is forced to rely on her parent’s desert training to survive on her own.

 

Lupe Wong Won’t Dance by Donna Barba Higuera

This fun and cute read is about Lupe, a true jock, determined to get rid of the square dancing unit in her P.E class. She needs straight A’s across the board if she wants to meet her favorite pitcher, Fu Li Hernandez, who’s Chinacan/Mexicanese (Chinese and Mexican) just like Lupe, and square dancing will only mess it up. So Lupe becomes determined to get the unit canceled, but her efforts set off a chain reaction that creates even more trouble for her.

One Time by Sharon Creech

New from Newberry Medalist Sharon Creech (Walk Two Moons and my childhood favorite, Bloomability) is this sweet coming-of-age tale. Eleven year old Gina has a sprawling mind and a colorful wardrobe. When given writing prompts by her English teacher, Gina is challenged to consider who she is and who she could one day be, opening her mind to a greater understanding of herself and the people around her.

Until next week!

Chelsea (@ChelseaBigBang on Twitter)

Hi Kid Lit Friends,

I have been reading a lot lately, and there are some middle grade books released or releasing this year that I’ve really, really loved. And because I must share every book that I love with you, here they are!

You all know that I adore Jacqueline Woodson, and her newest middle grade book is gorgeous. Before the Ever After is about ZJ, a boy who loves his dad, a professional football player. But when his dad begins to behave erratically, experiencing mood swings and moments of memory loss, ZJ tries to hold on to hope that doctors can find a cure for all the football-induced injuries that are affecting his brain. In characteristic Woodson fashion, the story is beautifully told in verse.

An upcoming nonfiction book I’m SO excited about it All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat (Candlewick, 10/13). This book tells the true story of the boys’ soccer team that went exploring in one of Thailand’s famous caves only to be trapped by rising floodwaters. Complete with maps, photos, and diagrams, Soontornvat captures the complex rescue operation that captivated the world.

On the Horizon by Lois Lowry and illustrated by Kenard Pak, is a beautiful book that tells the story of people whose lives were lost or forever altered by the twin tragedies of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. Lowry was born in Hawaii and lived part of her childhood in Japan, and her numerous connections to both of these tragedies come across in this collection of poems. The book begins with the story of Lowry playing on a Hawaii beach as a young child, the moment captured on a photograph. Decades later, Lowry found the photo and a friend pointed out that a ship in the background was the USS Arizona, the ship that was later destroyed in Pearl Harbor, killing over a thousand service people. I got chills reading this book.

For graphic novel enthusiasts, check out Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang. This unique graphic novel tells the true story of the men’s high school varsity basketball team, the Dragons. Yang himself is a teacher at the high school, and he takes it upon himself to document the team as they fight to win the California State Championships. A fascinating story with many layers, Dragon Hoops is a fantastic book about sports, teamwork, and friendship.

I have one last book for you. Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park is a beautiful middle grade book set in 1880 about Hanna, a half Asian, half white girl growing up in America’s heartland. Faced with the town’s prejudice against Asians, Hanna nevertheless seeks to help her father in his store and pursue her dream of being a dressmaker. This is a great historical fiction novel for those looking for more books set during the late 1800s.

 

What are you reading these days? Let me know! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.

Until next time!
Karina

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

Hey there, kidlit pals! Happy September! I know most of you are all back to school and no matter what that looks like for you, I hope you’re staying healthy and safe and wearing your masks! If you’re looking for something to make the school year a little sweeter, grab some of these amazing kidlit book deals! They’re perfect for independent reading and read alouds alike!

As always, prices may change. Snag these deals while they last!

Read a classic! Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Florence and Richard Atwater is just $1.

Any Rick Riordan Presents fans in the house? The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes is $2. And so is Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia!

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson is $4.

The award-winning masterpiece Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson is just $3, and so is her Newbery Honor book Feathers.

Grab My Father’s Dragon, another classic by Ruth Stiles Gannett, for just $4

Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes, a book about two Black brothers with different skin tones, is $3.

The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore is about grief and Legos, and it’s only $2.

Grab Restart by Gordon Korman for $4.

For the upper middle grade reader edging into YA, grab The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner for just $3!

Happy reading!
Tirzah

Dear Readers,

We’re officially entering into fall also known as Peak New Book Season (in my house, at least). Even without COVID-19, it was going to get a lot harder to start narrowing down these choices for each week, but the pandemic’s start in the spring also meant a lot of books being pushed back, crowding an already crowded field. An abundance of riches, if you will. So I have a special pro-tip for you this week: if you see a new release you like on this list (or anywhere else), try to snatch it up as soon as you can or be prepared to prioritize which reads you must have right now. Printers, which were already struggling pre-pandemic, are experiencing a backlog, and reprints of some titles are going to be harder to find than others.

Your Place in the Universe by Justin Chin

This picture book is both an inspiring and educational glimpse at the massive scale of the universe. Looking through a telescope, a group of kids are introduced to the vast and expansive cosmos for the first time (as well as subjects such as astrophysics and astronomy) in this accessible read from the author of Grand Canyon. 

The Barnabus Project by Terry & Eric Fan with Devin Fan

Barnabus is half-mouse, half-elephant, who spends most of his days being poked and prodded by the men in Green Rubber Suits. As a Failed Project, he’s due to be recycled soon and so, realizing his elephant trunk gives him a special power, Barnabus frees himself and his friends, leading them through an exhilarating chase through a sinister lab and into freedom.

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James

From the author/illustrator pair behind Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, is this new picture book that celebrates Black boys. The title really says it all: Black boys are every good thing. If you’re looking for more books that depict Black boys in warm, positive, and uplifting light, this is the book for you.

Babysitter’s Club Graphic Novel #8: Logan Likes Mary Anne by Ann M. Martin and illustrated by Gale Galligan

The babysitters are back! And just in time. This next graphic novel adaptation has Mary Anne at the start of eighth grade and meeting the dreamy Logan, who might be interested in joining the Baby-sitter’s Club. Right now we could all use more of the upbeat, colorful world of the BSC.

Pine Island Home by Polly Horvath

After their missionary parents die suddenly in a tsunami, the McCready sisters go off to live with the great aunt. But during their journey, their aunt unexpectedly dies, leaving the siblings alone. But they find their aunt was well-prepared for their arrival, enrolling them in school and having beds for them, so the McCreadys, led by fourteen year old Fiona, must be sure to keep social services off their tale so they can stay together.

Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse

I love this part of of the late summer/early fall when all the spooky, witchy books start coming out. For all those young readers out there who like their witches fun and enchanting, this new graphic novel is a lighthearted and funny tale about finding oneself through helping others. Effie goes to live with her stylish aunt and her partner after her mom dies. Effie’s pretty sure Selimene and Carlota are just herbalists, but is surprised to learn they’re witches!

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson

New Jacqueline Woodson! New Jacqueline Woodson! New Jacqueline Woodson! This poignant story is about ZJ, a 12-year old Black kid whose dad is a retired football player. ZJ’s bright and warm relationship with his father begins to change when his dad unexpectedly develops headaches and memory lapses, and doctors don’t have many answers though it seems to be a result of the many concussions ZJ’s dad suffered during his years of play. As his dad’s memories slip away, ZJ holds his own more tightly.

Happy reading, friends. See you next Tuesday. In the meantime, come say hi on Twitter.

Chelsea

Hi Kid Lit Friends,

During the pandemic, a lot of us are spending more time at home with our pets. A lot of my friends have adopted animals in the past few months. As you probably remember, I have three cats and they have been doing a great job keeping us company as we continue to spend most of our days in our apartment.

It is no surprise to anyone that I love books that feature animals. I’ve been reading a lot of them lately, and here are some of my favorite cat books.

They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel is a brilliant picture book about perception and seeing. The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws . . . In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see?

Cats Are A Liquid by Rebecca Donnelly, illustrated by Misa Saburi is a hilarious picture book inspired by an Ig Nobel Prize–winning investigation of how cats behave like liquids. This book introduces some of the physical properties of liquids―they adapt to fit a container, they flow like fluids―and is just pure fun. Back matter includes a brief introduction to the different physical states: solid, liquid, gas.

 

Bad Kitty Gets a Bath by Nick Bruel is a perfect book for newly independent readers. Bad Kitty really needs a bath, and she is forced to take one in this hysterical new illustrated how-to. The following are some items you will need for Kitty’s bath: one bathtub, plenty of water, dry towels, a suit of armor, a letter to your loved ones, clean underwear (because stressful situations can cause “accidents”), an ambulance in your driveway with the engine running, and, oh, yeah, you’ll also need Kitty . . . but good luck with that! Kitty is at her worst in this riotous how-to guide filled with bad smells, cautionary tales of horror, and hopefully by the end . . . some soap.

The School for Cats by Esther Averill is a wonderful classic children’s book about Jenny Linsky, everyone’s favorite shy New York City cat. In this book, Captain Tinker (Jenny’s owner) sends her to a boarding school in the country to learn the special knowledge of cats—manners and cooperation—she is a little afraid, among strangers, and so far from home. As soon as she’s settled in, another student named Pickles chases Jenny and she runs away from school terrified.

 

The Complete Chi’s Sweet Home by Konami Kanata is a must have for graphic novel enthusiasts. Chi is a mischievous newborn kitten who, while on a leisurely stroll with her family, finds herself lost. Separated from the warmth and protection of her mother, feels distraught. Overcome with loneliness she breaks into tears in a large urban park meadow, when she is suddenly rescued by a young boy named Yohei and his mother. The kitty is then quickly and quietly whisked away into the warm and inviting Yamada family apartment…where pets are strictly not permitted. Try to keep from reading these quickly – I recommend reading one chapter a day.

Lost Cat by Caroline Paul, illustrated by Wendy MacNaughton, is a wonderfully illustrated book. Author Caroline Paul was recovering from a bad accident and thought things couldn’t get worse, but then her beloved cat Tibia disappeared. She and her partner, illustrator Wendy MacNaughton, mourned his loss. Yet weeks later, Tibia waltzed back into their lives only to disappear again for days at a time. They began to investigate where Tibia was going, and what ensues is a hilarious investigation into Tibia’s whereabouts.

What are you reading these days? Let me know! Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.

Until next time!
Karina

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

Hey kidlit, pals! I hope you’re doing well this final week of August, whether you’re enjoying the last bits of summer or navigating in person or virtual school! I’ve got a nice load of fantastic book deals to help you relax–everything from historical fiction to award-winning fantasy. Let’s dive in!

As always, prices change without notice, so get these deals while they’re hot!

One of my all-time favorites and Newbery Honor book Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine is just $2.

Speaking of modern classics, Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo is just $3.

Want a great short story, or ten? Flying Lessons and Other Stories, edited by Ellen Oh, has some amazing stories by some of the top voices in kidlit, and it’s only $2.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacey McAnulty is $2.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is also just $2, which is an amazing price for such a wonderful book.

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, which is in the works to become a new animated series, is just $2.

The multiple award-winning book One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia is under $5, as are the sequels P.S. Be Eleven and Gone Crazy in Alabama!

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Cole can be yours for just $4. This is a great book to pick up ahead of Ruby Bridges’s own children’s book release This Is Your Time, out in November.

Loser by Jerry Spinelli (author of Stargirl) is just $4.

Carl Hiaasen’s Hoot is just $2. Buy it, read it, watch the movie for a fun family activity!

Happy reading!
Tirzah

Dear Readers,

As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, we’re living through history, and as I’m also sure you’ve heard, history wasn’t super great for a lot of people. Living through it might be worse because there’s nothing to refer to that will tell us exactly how it’s all going to shake out. That’s what makes this week’s roster of kids’ new releases feel so special, because many of them are based on true stories, and like all true stories, have incredible highs and terrible lows. They have happy endings, sad endings, and even open endings, but they all have elements of hope and inspiration. I hope some of the books out today may help you envision something positive on the other side of our current moment.

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Laura Freeman

Since the Democratic National Convention just wrapped up, and Sen. Kamala Harris is officially in the running to be America’s Vice President. Harris, if elected, Kamala (pronounced COMMA-LA) would be the first Black, the first Asian, and the first woman elected to the position. This picture book, written in verse by the incomparable Nikki Grimes, tells Harris’s story of growing up as the children of immigrant parents, active in the Civil Rights Movement, and then to Congress.

Queen of Tejano Music: Selena by Silvia López and illustrated by Paola Escobar

When I was little I remember stumbling upon the film biopic of Selena Quintanilla’s life before she was killed. Jennifer Lopez played Selena, and it was my first introduction to the star (it’s also just a really good movie). For people looking to give the kids these days their own primer on Selena, or for fans looking for a new way to remember her and her trailblazing career, this impassioned and beautiful picture book retelling Selena’s rise to stardom is the perfect way to do it.

RESPECT: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul  by Carole Boston Weatherford and Frank Morrison

Not sure what we did to get so lucky with two picture book bios of iconic singers in one week, but here’s another. This one is about R&B singer Aretha Franklin, written by frequent award-winner Carole Boston Weatherford. The illustrations and writing are just as bold and lyrical as that of Franklin’s songs, recounting Franklin’s journey from gospel singer to multiple Grammy awards and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Dark Was the Night: Blind Willie Johnson’s Journey to the Stars by Gary Golio and illustrated by E.B Lewis

This is a touching picture book biography of Willie Johnson, a lesser-discussed Texas musician whose song “Dark Was the Night” was included on the Voyager I’s Golden Record. Willie Johnson lost his mother and his sight when he was a young boy, and he began playing his guitar throughout Texas. As an adult, Johnson was given the chance to record an album, and one of the songs was the haunting “Dark Was the Night” chosen for the Golden Record because of the way it conveyed the loneliness of the human experience.

The Radium Girls: The Scary But True Story of the Poison That Made People Glow in the Dark (Young Reader’s Edition) by Kate Moore

This is the young reader’s adaptation of the national bestselling book of the same name. In the early 20th century, young women work in radium-dial factories. They’re considered lucky until they fall sick with a mysterious illness, which goes ignored by their employers, plunging these women into a labor scandal that had a lasting effect on workers’ rights. This has some bonus material including a glossary, full-color photos, and a timeline.

Everything Sad Is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri

This autobiographical memoir is an ambitious and beautiful story about an Iranian refugee who moves to the United States. Khosrou is his name (though everyone calls him Daniel) and he stands in front of his new classmates and tries to tell them the story of his life. This is an emotional and harrowing read of a boy and his family fleeing danger, trying to make do in dreary refugee camps, and interwoven with ancient tales and legends.

Letters From Cuba by Ruth Behar

This is a new book from Pura Belpré Award-winner Ruth Behar, a historical fiction novel based on Behar’s own life, about a young Jewish girl whose family flees Poland for Cuba. Esther is the first to join her father in Cuba, and missing her sister, she resolves to write to her until they’re finally reunited. In Cuba Esther’s happy to discover the kindness of the people there but heartbroken to find that not even crossing the ocean can free them from Nazism, which has found a foothold even here.

If you want to say hi, you can find me on Twitter. Otherwise, until next week!

Chelsea