Category: The Kids Are All Right

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

Hi Kid Lit Friends,

School doesn’t look the same this fall with students across the world either doing online learning or going to school with social distancing and wearing masks. It’s a strange time, and while plans are still not clear for what my own kids will be doing when school begins in September, we know that there will be adjustments and change. All of these wonderful books address change in the context of beginning school.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson, is one of my favorite picture books about starting school. Rather than having the perspective of a student, we hear from a new school’s perspective. It’s a lovely book about new experiences, feeling worried, and how to overcome challenges. I just love Christian’s beautiful artwork, which brings the school to life in a charming way.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan Higgins is a super funny book about Penelope, a dinosaur who is starting school. Everything is new to her, including those pesky rules that include not eating her human classmates. This book is sure to get young students giggling over Penelope’s mistakes as well as experiencing empathy for her.

I think every school year should begin with a read aloud of The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez. This bestselling picture book talks about being different, whether it’s how you look or talk, where you’re from, what you eat, or something just as random. This is a lovely book that reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi is another one of my favorite picture books. Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. What name will Unhei choose?

King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, is a fun, joyful story about starting kindergarten! The hero of the story is ready to make his mark. He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can’t wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements–and then wake up to start another day. The illustrations are vibrant and filled with happiness, and I just love each page spread.

For older readers, New Kid by Jerry Craft is a wonderful graphic novel about seventh grade Jordan Banks. When his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics instead of the art school that Jordan dreams of attending, he finds himself 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. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?

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 Kids Are 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 having a good week, and if you’re one of the many who started school this week, I’m wishing you health and safety and strong Internet connections, no matter how you’re learning this year. And if you need a good book deal (or five!) to take your mind off of it all, then you’re in luck!

Deals are current as of this writing. Get them while they’re hot!

Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliet is a fun art-centric mystery for only $5, and Balliet’s Hold Fast is about a girl who must find her missing father, for $4.

Varian Johnson’s The Great Greene Heist is a middle school heist novel that you definitely need to read, for $4.

Henry Huggins (and most of the sequels) by Beverly Cleary is just $4!

Speaking of classics, snag Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald Sobol for just $4.

Here’s a steal: Most of the Ivy and Bean books by Annie Barrows are $4 or less.

National Book Award winner Inside Out and Back Again by Thanha Lai is just $5!

The Templeton Twins Have An Idea by Ellis Weiner and Jeremy Holmes is just $1!

Grab the picture book A Stone Sat Still by Brendan Wenzel for just $2.

The Other Half of Happy by Rebecca Balcárcel is just $2.

Arthur Goes to Camp by Marc Brown (along with five other Arthur books) is just $1!

Happy reading!
Tirzah

Dear Readers,

We’re back with another set of children’s new releases for you. This week there are some beautiful picture books hitting shelves, and even though Halloween is still a ways away, you can get an early start with some of this week’s spooky releases.

Maud and Grand-Maud by Sara O’Leary, illustrated by Kenard Pak

This adorable picture book follows a girl who dreams of being just like her grandmother. On special weekends Maud gets to stay at her grandma’s house, having breakfast for dinner, watching old movies, and telling stories. This is a sweet and snuggly read about the power of generational relationships.

We’re Going On A Goon Hunt by Michael Rex

Halloween is imminent, and in case you weren’t aware, here’s a new Michael Rex Halloween parody for you. Off the heels of Goodnight Goon, this new one is a scary play on We’re Going On A Bear Hunt in which a family goes off on a Halloween jaunt, through pumpkin patches, swamps, and other spooky locales in search of a goon.

Finish the Fight by Veronica Chambers and the Staff of the New York Times

This illustrated primer on women’s voting rights is a perfect introduction for those looking to broaden kids’ understanding of the right to vote. After the passage of the 19th amendment, there were still women who were barred from voting, and this colorful book continues the story of how women of color, like Macy Mcleod Bethune, Mable Ping-hua Lee, and Jovita Idár rose to finish the fight for their rights, and how the fight continues today.

The World’s Poorest President Speaks Out by Yoshimi Kusaba, illustrated by Gaku Nakafawa. Translated by Andro-Ryuo Wong

This one is another great read for those looking to engage kids in social justice discussions, especially ones about poverty and what it means to have enough. Based on a speech given by José Mujica, the president of Uruguay, at the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, this asks us to consider what our purpose on Earth is: whether its to buy and to sell or to pursue happiness.

Ikenga by Nnedi Okorafor

Sci-fi wonder Okorafor makes her middle grade debut with this adventure a boy named Nmadi, seeking revenge after his father, the police chief of Kaleria, is killed. Though Nmadi doesn’t think he can do much, that changes when he’s given a magical object, an Ikenga, that gives him superpowers.

 

Thirteens by Kate Alice Marshall

This is a fun, suspenseful middle grade story about three friends (Eleanor, Otto, and Pip) in an Oregon town fighting against fate as they unravel the town’s supernatural secrets. Including one of a local legend that promises that, on every thirteenth Halloween, and on their shared thirteenth birthday, three children will disappear. If true it means Eleanor, Otto, and Pip will be the ones to disappear.

 

The Second Best Haunted Hotel on Mercer Street by Cory Putnam Oakes, illustrated by Jane Pica

Another spooky tale for middle grade kids, this one is a hilarious tale of a family-run haunted house forced to compete against the Hauntery, a corporate-backed haunted house that opens up nearby. Worried that their haunted house won’t survive, Willow enlists the help of one of the Hauntery’s ghosts, Evie, but Evie doesn’t tell her new friend she’s still working for the competition.

That’s all for now! See you again in seven days. If you’d like to visit with me in the meantime, you can find me on Twitter.

Chelsea

Hi Kid Lit Friends,

Dance performances might be suspended indefinitely due to social distancing, but thankfully we can still watch some performances online and we can read about famous dancers. Here are some of my favorite books about dancers and dancing.

Trailblazer: The Story of Ballerina Raven Wilkinson by Leda Schubert, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III is the remarkable story of Ravin Wilkinson, the first African-American woman to dance for a major classical ballet company. Born on February 2, 1935, in New York City, Raven had always wanted to dance. When she started touring with her troupe in the United States in 1955, Raven encountered much racism in the South, but the applause, alongside the opportunity to dance, made all the hardship worth it. Several years later she would dance for royalty with the Dutch National Ballet and regularly performed with the New York City Opera until she was fifty.

Firebird by Misty Copeland, illustrated by Christopher Myers is the lovely story of a young girl who questions her ability and lacks the confidence to be great at what she loves to do. Throughout the book, Misty encourages the girl and shows her how she too can be a Firebird. This book is gorgeously illustrated by Christopher Myers. (For middle grade readers, check out Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland.)

Alvin Ailey by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney, is about one of my favorite dancers of all time. Every year in December, I buy a ticket to see his company perform at the City Center in New York City, and every time the performance takes my breath away. This wonderful picture book shares Alvin Ailey’s life story and introduces readers to his lovely dance style and the incredible impact he’s had on American dance.

Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson is the story of Sassy, a young girl who wants to be a ballerina. But when a famous director comes to visit her class and she tries to get his attention with big dance moves and bright clothing, Sassy worries that she has ruined everything. Can her persistence win him over?

 

How Do You Dance? by Thyra Heder is about how dance is for everyone. The illustrations are so full of movement and life, and I can’t help but dance when I read this book with my kids. This book celebrates dance as a way of expressing yourself and fostering creativity and humor.

 

Lola Levine and the Ballet Scheme by Monica Brown is a fun chapter book about finding common interests. When new classmate Bella, a ballet dancer, walks into Lola’s class at Northland Elementary, all Lola can see is pink everywhere–pink ribbons, a pink sweatshirt, and pink tennis shoes. Lola is disgusted – soccer is much better than ballet. Furthermore, Lola and Bella can’t seem to stop squabbling. But when they land in the principal’s office after a mishap, Lola’s mom comes up with a way they can see that their interests aren’t as different as they think.

The Magic in Changing Your Stars by Leah Henderson is a new middle grade book about eleven-year-old Ailey Benjamin Lane. He loves to dance, but he botches his audition due to a case of nerves. He’s ready to quit but his grampa shares how he dreamed of becoming a tap dancer as a young boy. He was so good that the Hollywood star and unofficial Mayor of Harlem, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, even gave him a special pair of tap shoes. Curious, Ailey tries on the shoes . . . and instantly finds himself transported to 1930s Harlem. There he meets a young street tapper and realizes that it’s his own grandfather! Can Ailey help the 12-year-old version of Grampa face his fears?

My Seventh Grade Life in Tights by Brooks Benjamin is a fun middle grade book that follows Dillon, a middle schooler who loves to dance. He wants to win a summer scholarship at a local dance studio, but his dad wants him to play football and his freestyle dance friends think studying at a studio would ruin his creativity. Can Dillon win the scholarship, keep his friends, please his father, and keep his signature dance style?

 

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 Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*

Hi kidlit pals! I’m back this week with another round up of great book deals for all the young readers in your life, and this week’s selection is awesome. From great fantasies to books about friendship and competitive eating, and award-winning classics to biographies, here are some of the best kidlit book deals of the week!

These deals were active as of writing this newsletter, get them while they’re hot!

Paula Chase’s novel So Done, which is about friendship and middle school, is only $2.

Snag Love That Dog by Sharon Creech for $2.

Boy Bites Bug by Rebecca Petruck is perfect for readers who aren’t squeamish, and is $3.

Got a fantasy lover and Rick Riordan fan on your hands? Grab The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta for just $5.

Meet the Magnificant Mya Tibbs in her first book, Spirit Week Showdown, which you can pick up for under $5.

Slider by Pete Hautman is about a kid who is a competitive eater, it’s only $5.

Rules by Cynthia Lord is about a girl learning to see her autistic brother in a new light, and it can be yours for $4.

Erin Hunter fans will enjoy the first book in the Bravelands series, Broken Pride, which is available for $2.

Learn more about E.B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web, in Melissa Sweet’s Some Writer!: The Story of E.B White, which is only $3.

For $2, pick up The Dark Lord Clementine by Sarah Jean Horwitz, a funny book about a girl destined to grow up a villain.

Happy reading!

Tirzah

Hi kidlit pals! I’m back this week with another round up of great book deals for all the young readers in your life, and this week’s selection is awesome. From great fantasies to books about friendship and competitive eating, and award-winning classics to biographies, here are some of the best kidlit book deals of the week!

These deals were active as of writing this newsletter, get them while they’re hot!

Paula Chase’s novel So Done, which is about friendship and middle school, is only $2.

Snag Love That Dog by Sharon Creech for $2.

Boy Bites Bug by Rebecca Petruck is perfect for readers who aren’t squeamish, and is $3.

Got a fantasy lover and Rick Riordan fan on your hands? Grab The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta for just $5.

Meet the Magnificant Mya Tibbs in her first book, Spirit Week Showdown, which you can pick up for under $5.

Slider by Pete Hautman is about a kid who is a competitive eater, it’s only $5.

Rules by Cynthia Lord is about a girl learning to see her autistic brother in a new light, and it can be yours for $4.

Erin Hunter fans will enjoy the first book in the Bravelands series, Broken Pride, which is available for $2.

Learn more about E.B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web, in Melissa Sweet’s Some Writer!: The Story of E.B White, which is only $3.

For $2, pick up The Dark Lord Clementine by Sarah Jean Horwitz, a funny book about a girl destined to grow up a villain.

Happy reading!

Tirzah

Hello readers,

I hope August is treating you well and you and yours are staying healthy and happy at this time.  I’m Chelsea and I’m taking over this new release newsletter! This week there are some great books hitting shelves that run the gamut from silly and fun to heartfelt and inspiring.

Saturdays Are for Stella by Candy Wellins, illustrated by Charlie Eve Ryan (4-8 years)

First up is this sweet, heartwarming story of a boy and his grandmother. George and his grandma Stella spend their Saturdays together, going on adventures to museums, riding carousels, or just staying in and baking together. But when George loses his Grandma Stella, he’s ready to give up on Saturdays altogether. That is until their family gets a new addition, another Stella, and George realizes he can celebrate his memories of his grandma and make some new ones, too.

I Promise by Lebron James, illustrated by Nina Mata (4-8 years)

NBA player Lebron James joins the celebrity picture book club with this book inspired by his I Promise foundation. This is packed with color, making for a vibrant and inspiring book that’s great for both readalouds and graduation, inspiring kids to be their best and encouraging accountability, integrity, courage, and compassion.

Oliver the Curious Owl by Chad Otis (4-8 years)

If you’ve got any owl fans in your life, this is a charming and funny story of a curious owl named Oliver. Though Oliver’s family only ever asks “Who?”, Oliver has lots more he wants to know. Like who lives deeper in the woods? Where does the river go? Why isn’t he allowed to leave his tree? When his friend Bug is swept away down the river, Oliver flies to the rescue and ends up swept away himself. The two begin an adventure far from home that shows Oliver pieces of the forest he’s never seen before.

Are You Eating Candy Without Me? by Draga Jenny Malesevic, illustrated by Charlotte Brujin (4-8 years)

If you’re looking for a good time, you can’t do much better than this adorable and hilarious picture book about children wondering what exactly their parents get up to when the kids aren’t around. Do they jump on trampolines and play with ponies? Do they eat cake and ice cream? This is bursting with playful, colorful illustrations and is a sweet and amusing read.

Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (10-12 years)

This is the newest novel from the Newberry Honor winner Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (author of The War That Saved My Life) about sisterhood and sexual abuse. Ten year old Della’s always had her sister, Suki, even after their mom went to prison and their mom’s boyfriend took them in, and after that same boyfriend did something so horrible Suki and Della had to run away. Della’s always been able to rely on Suki to be her protector, but has anyone been protecting Suki? After Della attempts suicide, Della begins to wonder if she’s been quiet about the wrong things and if it’s time to be loud for her sister.

The Talk edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson (8-12 years)

In light of recent events, a lot of people are looking for ways to have conversations with kids about racism, activism, and standing for change. This powerful collection of short stories, essays, poems, and art is a great way to start those talks or reinforce ones you’ve already had. Including contributions from Renee Watson, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, and more, this book is here to have tough but frank conversations with kids about racism and identity. And for those looking for what comes next, this also encourages kids to go beyond conversation and into taking action.

Lois Lane and the Friendship Challenge by Grace Ellis, illustrated by Brittney Williams (8-12 years)

From the co-author of the Lumberjanes series comes this new Lois Lane graphic novel, featuring a thirteen year old Lois as she navigates social media and friendship. As to be expected, teenage Lois is intrepid and determined, chasing fame with her video channel (it may only get a couple views a week but Lois knows she’ll soon go viral!). When the annual fireworks go missing, Lois accelerates her mission for fame, testing her relationship with her best friend in the process.

I’ll see you in seven days! In the meantime, you can keep in touch via Twitter. 

Chelsea