Hi Kid Lit Friends,
It truly feels like summer here in New York City. I see kids wearing camp t-shirts heading to the pool and people sunbathing in Central Park. This past Monday, I went for an evening run and there were so many people who set up portable grills. I hope you are enjoying summer wherever you are!
Bookish Goods
Pride and Prejudice Book Clutch by WellReadCompany
My fourteen-year-old has really gotten into Jane Austen and is reading all of Austen’s books this summer. What is your favorite Austen book? This adorable purse comes in small and medium. Starts at $62.
New Releases
Mae Makes a Way by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, illustrated by Andrea Pippins
Published in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, acclaimed author (and amazing human being) Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich and award-winning illustrator Andrea Pippins tell the true story of Mae Reeves, the first Black woman to own a business on South Street in Philadelphia where she created unique and one-of-a-kind hats.
The Queen in the Cave by Julia Sarda
This beautifully illustrated modern fairy tale follows three sisters who venture into the forest at the end of their garden to find a marvelous queen in a dark cave. Each page turn is a delight with plenty to explore in the gorgeous illustrations.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
It’s summer, so let’s dive into some summer-related books!
Lottie and Walter by Anna Walker
Anna Walker is one of my favorite illustrators, and this picture book is so charming! Lottie goes to swim lessons every Saturday, but she never gets into the pool because she’s convinced a shark wants to eat her up. Then Walter appears, and he likes singing and reading books and bubble baths. Can their friendship encourage Lottie to face her fears?
Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas
I know fans of graphic novels will be thrilled to pick up Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas. This is the story of Bree who starts a new school where she’s forced to take swim lessons. Bree hates the water and does everything she can to avoid class until she learns that her neighbor Etta was a former swim captain and is willing to give Bree lessons. As she grows in confidence, Bree joins the swim team and finds friendship among her relay team.
Unsettled by Reem Faruqi
Fans of Hena Khan’s Amina’s Voice and Jasmine Warga’s Other Words for Home will love Unsettled! When her dad gets a job in America, Nurah has to adjust to life in Peachtree City. She finds solace in the pool where she wants to win medals like her brother. But when she is complicit in an attack on her brother, Nurah has to re-examine what kind of person she wants to be.
Up for Air by Laurie Morrison
Thirteen-year-old Annabelle feels at home in the water. She’s the fastest swimmer on the middle school swim team, and when she’s asked to join the high school team, she is thrilled. But as she abandons her old friends for new ones, and then she gets caught in a prank gone wrong, Annabelle finds herself lost. This is a lovely coming-of-age story that I think so many young teens will relate to.
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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