Hi Kid Lit Friends,
Last week I spoke at the Westport Library in Westport, Connecticut, at one of their AAPI events. It was such a lovely time, and the library is gorgeous! I spoke about how when I was growing up, one of the only mainstream children’s books featuring an Asian American character I had access to was The Baby-Sitter’s Club. Claudia Kishi, who was Japanese American, was my hero, and it meant so much to see a piece of myself reflected inside the pages of a book when I was young. Now, decades later, it is a true joy to see how many more Asian American voices are being represented today. There is always more work to do, but I love celebrating the beautiful books that represent so many experiences throughout America and beyond. Here is one of the slides of book recommendations I shared:
Links:
Drawn Together by Minh Le, illustrations by Dan Santat (picture book)
You Are Here: Connecting Flights edited by Ellen Oh (middle grade)
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho (picture book)
Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park (middle grade)
Inside Out and Back Again by Thannha Lai (middle grade)
Cilla Lee-Jenkins, Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte (middle grade)
Chinese Menu by Grace Lin (middle grade) (available 9/12/23!)
A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat (middle grade)
Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko Florence, illustrations by Elizabet Volkovic (chapter book)
Maybe, Maybe, Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada Kelly (chapter book)
Look at these beautiful books, and look at these beautiful authors! What a privilege to be among these AAPI authors and to share my story, and may the trend of sharing the diverse voices from our diverse world continue on.
Bookish Goods
Bookish Sweatshirt from KateTeesCollection
Doesn’t this sweatshirt look so cozy? I think it would be perfect for putting on in the chilly spring evenings when reading a book outside on the porch. $32
New Releases
When You Can Swim by Jack Wong
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, visions of people around the world enjoying time in the water shimmer on every page. This book is a celebration of summer, water, and of community and the shared experience of swimming.
The Firefly Summer by Morgan Matson
In this heartwarming middle grade book, Ryanna Stuart is having the most unexpected summer. Instead of spending the season with her dad and her stepmom, Ryanna is invited to spend it with her grandparents on her mom’s side of the family, grandparents neither she nor her dad have spoken to since Ryanna’s mom’s death. When she arrives at an old summer camp in the Poconos, she is greeted with So Many Relatives. Throughout the summer, she learns more about her mom, and about herself, too.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
There are some new wonderful board books out right! If you’re shopping for a new baby, I encourage you to check out this fabulous titles:
Purring, Rolling, Stretching by Chichi Ishizu, illustrated by Nanako Matsuda
Oh, I just love this book! Even though it doesn’t come out until August 1, you should definitely put it on your list. Follow the day in the life of a cat as it rolls, stretches, chases its tail, and grooms itself. I love the simple, adorable illustrations.
Oakley the Squirrel: Camping 1, 2, 3! by Nancy Rose
The Oakley the Squirrel book series is so adorable, and this is the newest one! Featuring real squirrels, these photographs show squirrels on a campsite, on the beach, and collecting logs for a campfire. I really can’t take all the cuteness!
Little Dumplings by Jekka Kuhlmann, Krissy Kuhlmann, and Haley Hazell, illustrations by Manita Boonyong
This book speaks right to my heart! Featuring 30 types of dumplings from all around the world (complete with little faces!), this book is a fun exploration of different shapes and numbers. A wonderful addition to any board book library.
Hair Love ABCs by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Fans of the wonderful book Hair Love, rejoice! This board book is wonderful. A is for Afro, N is for Natural, and W is for Waves. Zuri and her father journey through all the different styles and types of hair in this celebratory ABC board 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.
The photo is my 13-year-old reading to Lalo! He loves those finger puppet books.
One more thing before I sign off. Book Riot has 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. Listen as Kelly and Vanessa dig into the legacy of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Subscribe to First Edition on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your podcatcher of choice.
Happy reading!
Karina