Chelsea Handler Pushes Back Against Florida Book Banning in TikTok Video
In a video shared on Instagram and TikTok, comedian Chelsea Handler is pushing back against book banning in Florida. The video, entitled, “Florida, Get Your Shit Together,” shows Handler telling viewers, “Let’s show our support and solidarity to our teachers who have to continue to put up with your shitty kids and now a government who wants to put them in jail for having kids read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
Halle Bailey’s New Little Mermaid Doll Becomes Instant Bestseller on Amazon
A doll based on Halle Bailey’s character from the highly-anticipated film The Little Mermaid is extremely popular on Amazon. The doll was released on April 23 and immediately had an extensive waitlist due to high demand for the item. Bailey had previously shared the doll with fans in a video posted to her Instagram in early March. “The little girl in me is pinching herself right now,” Bailey said. “I have my own Little Mermaid Ariel doll.” The Little Mermaid hits theaters on May 26.
One of the United States’s Oldest Asian American Bookstores Closes
Eastwind Books in Berkley, California is closing. Local residents mourn the loss of one of the oldest Asian American bookstores in the U.S. and the community it created. In April, owners Harvey Dong and Beatrice “Bea” Dong announced that the store would be closing due to the rising costs of business and the need to take care of elderly parents. Still, while the brick-and-mortar shop may be closing, Eastwind will continue to sell books online. Additionally, its non-profit arm, Eastwind Books Multicultural Services, will still be partnering with libraries and organizations for events.
10 Great New YA Books to Read in May
From engaging YA stories that offer some incisive social commentary to swoony romcoms to horror, there’s a lot going on in May.