Hi Kid Lit Friends!
It is May, and this month for children’s book authors means lots of school visits! As the academic year ends, there are lots of events celebrating reading and getting students excited about summer reading. Last week I was in Ohio, and the librarian hosting me was fantastic! (Hi, Annie Ruefle!) It made me think about what a gift librarians are and how much creativity and energy they pour into young people. Let’s celebrate our librarians today and every day!
Bookish Fabric
If you are like me and enjoy making things, this adorable bookish fabric is perfect for all sorts of projects: floor pillows, tote bags, book covers, quilts… the possibilities are endless!
New Releases
Hope Wins edited by Rose Brock (middle grade anthology)
This incredible anthology features a cast of awesome middle grade writers such as Tom Angleberger, Max Brallier, Christina Soontornvat, Janae Marks, Sarah Mlynowski, James Ponti, Hena Khan, R.L. Stine, Gordon Korman, Karina Yan Glaser, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Pena, Rex Ogle, Pam Munoz Ryan, and more! Check out these nonfiction stories of resilience and hope.
The Witchlings by Claribel Ortega (middle grade)
Who doesn’t love a magical school story? In the town of Ravenskill, Witchlings who participate in the Black Moon Ceremony are placed into covens and come into their powers as full-fledged witches. But when Seven Salazar isn’t placed into a coven, she becomes a Spare and risks losing her powers altogether. Can she come together with the other Spares and reclaim their powers?
That Thing About Bollywood by Supriya Kelkar (middle grade) (paperback new release)
I love this hilarious story about eleven-year-old Sonali who wishes life could be more like Bollywood films where people sing and dance and everyone seems happy. Parents in Bollywood films don’t fight like Sonali’s parents do. But when Sonali goes on a field trip, she finds herself breaking into a song and dance routine and all of her feelings and emotions are out for everyone to see. And the next day, life shifts into full Bollywood mode! Can Sonali figure out what’s going on before it’s too late?
Riot Recommendations
Last week, the book recommendations didn’t load into the newsletter for some reason, so we’re going to try again! According to the National Center on Family Homelessness, a staggering 2.5 million children experience homelessness every year. Here are some children’s books that address this issue.
Pigeon and Cat by Edward Hemingway (picture book) (Little Brown, June 21, 2022)
Cat lives in a box in an abandoned lot in the city. He only leaves the lot to get food and scratches any animal that gets near him. Then one day he discovers an abandoned egg, and to his surprise out comes Pigeon! Cat takes care of Pigeon, and once Pigeon learns to fly, Pigeon brings back all sorts of gifts to Cat. But Pigeon doesn’t come back one day. Will Cat get the courage to leave his safe, comfortable home to find his friend?
Our Little Kitchen by Jillian Tamaki (picture book)
This sweet picture book details the work that goes into preparing food for a community meal. As someone who volunteers regularly at my church’s soup kitchen, I loved this book and how it celebrates food, full bellies, and community.
A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser (middle grade)
This middle grade book is told from the perspective of two sixth graders, one who is just entering a family homeless shelter and one who has lived there for three years. When a harmful government policy threatens the shelter, they need to work together to enact change for their community. (Disclaimer: I wrote this book!)
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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