Hi Kid Lit Friends,
It has been a beautiful week in New York City with lots of gorgeous flowers showing their colors. Last weekend we went to the New York Botanical Garden, and the lilacs, peonies, and cherry trees were all beautifully in bloom. Peonies are one of my favorite flowers, so I was quite happy to see them! Have you been enjoying the spring? Which flowers have you been excited to see?
Bookish Goods
Bookend with Vase by MijMojDesign
What could look better on a shelf than a stack of books and a perfect flower? Perfect for a peony bloom! $45.32+
New Releases
Remember by Joy Harjo, illustrations by Michaela Goade
This book is based on the famous poem Remember by U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo and is gorgeously illustrated by Caldecott winner Michaela Goade. This is a book with luscious and compelling language, a book that asks us to reflect who we are and where we come from.
Some of These Are Snails by Carter Higgins
Carter Higgins has a brilliant way with language, colors, and shapes, and this book is particularly special and is a great interactive book for young readers who love to look for shapes and animals. A bright, beautiful book.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
There have been some really wonderful books about body image lately, and I’m so pleased at how children’s book writers have been approaching this topic with their own personal stories that are sure to resonate with young people today.
Big by Vashti Harrison
Vashti always creates beautiful picture books, and this one is no exception. This story explores the feelings of a young girl who is on a journey to self-acceptance and the value of recognizing childhood for all kids regardless of size.
A Work in Progress by Jarrett Lerner
Presented as if written in a journal, this thoughtful story follows Will, who struggles to accept his round size in a school full of “string beans.” Even though he hides behind hoodies and baggy pants, he is bullied and made fun of in school. Can he find acceptance in his body and learn that it’s okay to be a work in progress?
Taking Up Space by Alyson Gerber
This middle grade book nails the tween voice and all the confusing body changes that happen in middle school. Sarah usually finds comfort in basketball, but lately she feels sluggish and unable to play like she used to. With some confusing food messages at home that conflict with nutritional information she’s getting at school, Sarah needs to figure out for herself what she needs to flourish.
Starfish by Lisa Fipps
I read this middle grade book from cover to cover when it came out a couple of years ago. It’s one of my 13-year-old kid’s favorite books ever, which says a lot because my kiddo reads A LOT. Written in verse, this beautiful book is all about body image, relationships with friends, and relationships with food, all topics that are relevant to so many tweens today.
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.
One more thing before I sign off. Make sure to check out a new podcast! BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Interviews, lists, rankings, retrospectives, recommendations, and much more, featuring people who know and love books. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.
Happy reading!
Karina