Sponsored by Peachtree Publishing Company
It’s going to be another busy day for Stanley at his library!
Starring the lovable hamster and his circle of rodent friends, this newest book in William Bee’s beloved Stanley picture book series models a day in the life of hardworking librarians and highlights the feel-good community they create. Young readers will love Stanley’s library van, and grownups will appreciate Stanley’s community-minded approach to his work. Stanley’s Library is a wonderful first introduction to libraries, librarians, and the joy of reading.
Welcome to Check Your Shelf. I’m gearing up for a hectic week on my end that surprisingly doesn’t have anything to do with work! I’m getting dolled up as one of the bridesmaids in my sister-in-law’s wedding this week, so hopefully I’ll remember how to walk in heels by the time Thursday rolls around.
But for now, let’s library.
Collection Development Corner
Publishing News
High costs and service disruptions plague the book business’s supply chain. (Or, in other words: Why my Baker & Taylor orders are perpetually delayed).
Hanif Abdurraqib has been named a Tin House Editor-at-Large.
New & Upcoming Titles
Here’s a first look at the cover for Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano.
Take a gander at Rebecca Roanhorse’s upcoming novel, Fevered Star.
LitHub’s most anticipated books of 2021, part 2.
9 irresistible gay romances coming in July.
Weekly book picks from Bustle, Crime Reads, New York Times, and USA Today.
What Your Patrons Are Hearing About
Razorblade Tears – S.A. Cosby (NPR, Washington Post)
An Ugly Truth: Inside Facebook’s Battle for Domination – Sheera Frenkel & Cecilia Kang (New York Times, Washington Post)
Wayward – Dana Spiotta (LA Times, New York Times)
The Personal Librarian – Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray (NPR)
Dear Miss Metropolitan – Carolyn Ferrell (USA Today)
RA/Genre Resources
Are email newsletters a new literary genre?
On the Riot
Black bookstores a year after a summer of protests.
Publishing jobs: 4 hard truths about working in the book business.
An ode to the mass max paperback.
Under-the-radar Spring 2021 books you may have missed.
A 2021 summer reading list for adults.
Books out this week that you need to have on your TBR.
Why is Twitter so bad at book recommendations?
8 female authors like Sarah J. Maas.
What is queerbaiting vs. queer coding in books?
A guide to pastoral poetry.
All Things Comics
Disney trademarked Loki, the Marvel movie character, sparking controversy and backlash over whether or not you can copyright a deity.
Here’s a preview of this year’s San Diego Comic Con, which will once again be virtual.
Manga sales soar to an all-time high in 2020.
Batman: The Long Halloween is getting a new follow-up comic just in time for Halloween.
On the Riot
LGBTQIA+ comics and characters you should know.
Which came first, the anime or the manga?
Audiophilia
Andy Serkis is recording the Lord of the Rings audiobooks.
Audio royalties come under scrutiny as audiobook sales continue to soar.
On the Riot
7 more of the best audiobooks to celebrate Disability Pride Month.
Book Lists, Book Lists, Book Lists
Children/Teens
Classic literature board books for babies.
12 books for kids who only want to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Adults
Barack Obama’s summer reading list.
9 novels about being a queer person of color in the UK.
4 books to remind you that immigration doesn’t just mean coming to America.
15 must-read books with biracial and multiracial characters.
10 of the best American history books.
12 books that break the rules of point of view.
11 essay collections for when a novel just feels like too much.
On the Riot
12 of the best camping books for kids.
3 YA books about love and dance.
Critical race theory books to help you make sense of all the hubbub.
10 books on the history and legacy of slavery.
9 essential books about healthy masculinities.
10 humorous murder mysteries like Knives Out.
8 books about Broadway and theater history.
11 books like Beach Read for beach reading and beyond.
Books with a quirky cast of characters.
12 Catalan books available in English translation.
Level Up (Library Reads)
Do you take part in Library Reads, the monthly list of best books selected by librarians only? We’ve made it easy for you to find eligible diverse titles to nominate. Kelly Jensen created a database of upcoming diverse books that anyone can edit, and Nora Rawlins of Early Word is doing the same, as well as including information about series, vendors, and publisher buzz.
Catch you on Friday. Have a good week, everyone!
—Katie McLain Horner, @kt_librarylady on Twitter.