Sponsored by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
In Just Like That, Gary D. Schmidt weaves in themes of grief, loss, redemption, achievement, and love. Following the death of her closest friend in the summer of 1968, Meryl Lee Kowalski goes off to St. Elene’s Preparatory Academy for Girls, where she struggles to navigate the boarding school’s traditions and a social structure weighted toward wealthy students. In a parallel story, Matt Coffin has wound up in coastal Maine, near St. Elene’s, with a pillowcase full of money lifted from a criminal gang. Both characters gradually dispel their loneliness, finding a way to be hopeful and finding each other.
Happy new year, readers! I’m excited to be back to sharing some great new children’s books with you
Baby Young, Gifted, and Black: With a Mirror! by Jamia Wilson and Andrea Pippins
This board book (with a mirror!) is an aged-down version of Young, Gifted, and Black, introducing babies to inspirational Black heroes and offering confidence-building affirmations.
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
This lyrical picture book is a sweet tale of a little girl who realizes her eyes look different from other kids’ and learns to love the eyes she shares with other women in her family.
C Is For Country by Lil Nas X and Theodore Taylor III
If you’re a fan of Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road”, you’ll want to bring this ABC picture book to little ones. Lil Nas X is joined by his pony, Panini, on a journey through the alphabet and wide, open pastures.
Star Wars: The High Republic: A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland and Peteur Antonsson
In this latest entry in the High Republic series, new Jedi Knight Vernestra is tasked with supervising a 12-year-old aspiring inventor, Avon on a journey to dedicate a new space station. When the cruiser they’re on is attacked, Vernestra and Avon escape to a nearby moon, where danger awaits.
Root Magic by Eden Royce
This historical fiction novel is set in 1963 in South Carolina where Jezebel is trying to make sense of her changing life. Her grandmother has recently died, the police are harassing the family, and Jezebel and her twin brother Jay are about to start a new school, as school integration begins in the state. And their uncle announces it’s time he begin training them in rootwork, African-American folk magic that’s been in their family for generations.
Shaking Up the House by Yamile Saied Méndez
This hilarious book follows sisters Ingrid and Winnie and their friends Skylar and Zora. First daughters Ingrid and Winnie have lived at the White House for the past eight years, but Skylar and Zora are the new first daughters and about to move in. In keeping with tradition, Ingrid and Winnie plan to prank Skylar and Zora, kicking off a prank war that threatens to spiral out of control.
Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes
Poet Nikki Grimes pairs new work with that of accomplished women of the Harlem Renaissance, whose work was forgotten with time. This also features bold new artwork from Black illustrators.
Happy reading! See you next week!
Chelsea