Hi Kid Lit Friends,
I usually write these newsletters a week ahead of time, so that means I am writing this with the Super Bowl happening in the background. Needless to say, I am not paying much attention to the game!
It was an eventful week. I went to my local indie bookstore, Books of Wonder, THREE TIMES. The first was to celebrate Grace Lin and Kate Messner’s gorgeous new picture book, Once Upon a Book. The second was to be a part of a panel to celebrate James Ponti’s new City Spies book. And the third time was today, when I went in to sign stock of my books. I also purchased a copy of In Every Life by Marla Frazee, which made me cry immediately! I love Marla Frazee’s work, and this book is incredibly special.
Bookish Goods
Hand Letterpress Card by StudioRobertWu
As you know, I’m a huge fan of mail and I’m always looking for unique cards. I came across Robert Wu when I was at an exhibit at The Grolier Club about decorative papers. I saw Robert’s beautiful marbled papers there and looked up his Etsy shop, which is filled with marvelous things like this adorable card. $5
New Releases
Once Upon a Book by Kate Messner and Grace Lin, illustrations by Grace Lin
This stunning picture book follows a young girl who enters the pages of a book and becomes part of the story. I loved these paintings, which were a visual treat every page turn.
City Spies: City of the Dead by James Ponti
The fourth book in the City Spies series features Kat, whose love for numbers and logic helps as the spies try to figure out who is behind a series of cyber attacks targeting the British Museum. In classic James Ponti fashion, this book is filled with heist and intrigue!
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
I loved Margaret’s recommendations for Black History Month, and I thought I would add more to the list because there are so many wonderful ones!
That Flag by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
This powerful picture book is about two best friends who are so close they call themselves twins. But Bianca’s family hangs a Confederate flag outside her house, and neither family lets their daughter visit each other’s homes. When their class makes a field trip to the Southern Heritage Museum, Keira learns more about the meaning behind the Confederate flag. Can Keira and Bianca’s friendship survive as long as Bianca’s family flies that flag in front of their home?
My Red, White, and Blue by Alana Tyson, illustrated by London Ladd
The American flag represents so much to so many people, but it can also cause more complicated feelings among those who don’t experience the freedom and equality that the flag represents. Told through the perspective of a young Black boy talking with his grandfather, this story validates the right of every American to make a choice about how to relate to America and to the flag.
Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson
Not only is this a wonderful book, but it is also the 2023 Newbery Award winner! When two enslaved children escape Southerland Plantation, they find a secret community called Freewater, a society created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children. The community is welcoming and warm, and Homer finds a true home for the first time in his life, until Freewater is threatened and Homer needs to keep his home safe.
How to Be a (Young) Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi and Nic Stone
Adapted from the bestselling book by Ibram X. Kendi, How to Be A (Young) Antiracist is specifically written for teens and is centered around the topics and concerns that pertain to young adults. With bestselling author Nic Stone, Kendi empowers this new generation to think critically about race and racism.
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.
Happy reading!
Karina
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