Categories
The Kids Are All Right

Earth Day Books, a Bookish Necklace, and More!

Hi Kid Lit Friends,

Daffodils are one of my favorite flowers. I think it’s because they are one of the first spring flowers to emerge after a long winter, and their cheerful sunny centers are a bright spot of color in New York City. In the city, daffodils are everywhere: along the borders of parks, nestled in tree pits, and in the “Green Streets” — tiny patches of dirt amidst busy intersections. They are probably the reason I love running in the spring. I come across these bright patches of color on my runs and feel instantly cheered!

Bookish Goods

Set of four necklaces with book charms pendants

Customized Bookish Necklace by TlbCraftations

Have a favorite book? Are you going to a book launch and want to show support for your favorite author? Did your bestie/aunt/neighbor/childhood friend write a book, and you’re looking for a celebratory gift? These customized necklaces are perfect! $16

New Releases

Contenders cover

Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Arigon Starr

In 1911, the World Series hosted two Native pro baseball players, John Meyers and Charles Bender, who played on opposing teams. In the years preceding, the media were intent on portraying them as rivals, but the two always had a mutual respect for each other and never gave up their dreams of playing ball professionally. By the end of their respective careers, they had collectively played in nine championships.

Special Delivery cover

Special Delivery: A Book’s Journey Around the World by Polly Faber, illustrated by Klas Fahlen

How does a book actually become a book? In this informative story, track how a book gets printed, bound, and then shipped to various places all around the world. This is a perfect book for bibliophiles as well as readers who are fascinated about the inner workings of publishing.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Earth Day is next weekend (on April 22), and this is a day that I know is special to so many young people who are concerned about our environment and committed to making sure we are preserving our natural spaces for future generations. Here are some wonderful books about protecting our world.

To Change a Planet cover

To Change a Planet by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell (AOC)

This beautifully poetic book is wonderfully illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell and was recognized by the United Nations! With spare text and vivid art, we are called to come together to protect our resources.

We Are Water Protectors cover

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrations by Michaela Goade

Winner of the Caldecott Medal, this stunning picture book is timely and powerful. Calling upon all of us to protect one of our most valuable resources: water. This book is an urgent rallying cry to stand as one against corruption and the greed that pollutes our waterways.

Severn Speaks Out cover

Severn Speaks Out by Severn Cullis-Suzuki, illustrations by Ana Suarez

I really enjoy this series of books that Groundwood publishes, all centered around young environmental and human rights activists. This one is Severn Cullis-Suzuki’s 1992 Earth Summit speech, which called on world leaders to make their actions reflect their words and to protect the Earth for generations to come.

Greta Thunberg cover

Greta Thunberg by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Anke Weckmann

In this great new series, Little People, Big Dreams, we learn about Greta Thunberg and her incredible work in Sweden and around the world to bring awareness to the climate crisis. From her daily sit-ins outside the Swedish Parliament to speaking out all around the world, Greta shows that young people have a lot to say about the world they are inheriting.

Fields of daffodils with New York City in the background

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. Book Riot is always thinking about new, innovative content, and they have a new newsletter, The Deep Dive. It’s filled with fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more from experts in the world of books and reading. Subscribe and choose your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com

Happy reading!

Karina

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

Books About Swimming, Libraries are for Everyone Tee, and More!

Hello, Kid Lit Friends!

It’s a beautiful spring day in New York City. I just finished a road race with New York Road Runners, and it was incredibly windy! Even though running outside can be so unpredictable, I much prefer it to running on a treadmill. When I run outside, I can see the seasons change and look at all the interesting things New York City has to share. Often, when I run in my neighborhood, people will give a little cheer or say some words of encouragement as I run by. I love Harlem!

Book Riot is always looking at new ways to connect with readers, and the newest newsletter, The Deep Dive, is filled with fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more from experts in the world of books and reading. Subscribe to get exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe and choose your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com.

Bookish Goods

TShirt that says Libraries Are For Everyone

Libraries Are For Everyone Tee by angiepea

I feel like half of my tees have some sort of bookish message on them, whether they be from independent bookstores, libraries, or from my talented friend Jarrett Lerner. This one from Etsy seller angiepea is simple and sweet and true. $22.50

New Releases

When Impossible Happens cover

When Impossible Happens by Jane De Suza (middle grade)

This middle grade book follows 9-year-old Swara who lives in India. When COVID-19 forces her neighborhood into lockdown, Swara takes to communicating with her grandmother via video chat. But her grandmother contracts the virus and passes away. Swara can’t believe she is gone and decides to do some investigative work into her grandmother’s disappearance.

Best Wishes Sister Switch cover

Best Wishes: The Sister Switch by Sarah Mlynowski and Debbie Rigaud (middle grade)

In the first book of the series, Becca receives a magic bracelet that will grant her any wish. Unfortunately, things don’t get as planned…and in the second installment, more mayhem ensues when Addie Asante of Columbus, Ohio receives the box with the mysterious wish-granting bracelet. Addie, who feels stuck in the middle between her sisters, wishes to no longer be the middle kid. Suddenly, the bracelet does its magic and Addie becomes the older sister! But being the oldest isn’t what it’s cracked up to be…

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

As the weather warms in the northern hemisphere, my thoughts go to swimming. I’m not a great swimmer despite growing up in Los Angeles, but I’ve recently taken lessons at the Harlem YMCA (with retirees!) and have learned some new strokes and gained some confidence in the water. As such, I relate to a lot of books about swimming and am always excited to share them!

When You Can Swim cover

When You Can Swim by Jack Wong (May 2, 2023, Scholastic) (picture book)

In this lyrical and beautifully illustrated picture book, we see children and adults enjoying a swim in many places across the world. All of the various perspectives of people swimming is quite lovely, from beaches to swimming pools to canals and oceans.

Jabari Jumps cover

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall (picture book)

One of my favorite picture books, Jabari Jumps is centered around that pivotal childhood milestone: jumping off of the diving board. I adore the illustrations and the wonderfully encouraging father in this book.

cover of swim team by johnnie christmas

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas (middle grade)

This was one of my favorite books of 2019! Swim Team is a graphic novel about a young girl who moves with her dad to Florida and joins a school where one of their required classes is swimming. Afraid of the water, Bree avoids class until she gets help from a neighbor to find confidence in the water and in life.

Obie is Man Enough cover

Obie is Man Enough by Schuyler Bailar (middle grade)

When Obie transitioned, he expected to get some hate. But he didn’t expect that one of his best friends from swim team would react so strongly, intent on bullying and hurting Obie. And while Obie had to leave his old swim team, he feels supported by his new team and his coach. But his old coach’s hurtful and demeaning words ring in his head at each practice. Can Obie find the courage to face his fears and believe in himself?

The newsletter author reading surrounded by her pets.

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

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

New Graphic Novels, A Reading Hammock, and More!

Hi Kid Lit friends,

I am under so many deadlines right now! After spending most of my Sunday reviewing copy edits and finalizing illustrations for the next (and final!) Vanderbeekers book, I am grateful for a little time to talk to you all about the new graphic novels that are hitting shelves this spring.

But before I do that, can I tell you about Book Riot’s newest newsletter? This is great if you’re looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more from experts in the world of books and reading. Subscribe to Book Riot’s newest newsletter, The Deep Dive, to get exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe and choose your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com.

Bookish Goods

Reading hammock

Reading Hammock by KomorebiCollection

One day, I will live in a house and have a bunch of hammocks just like this one. I can already see my whole family hanging out on the porch in these hammocks that look like the perfect reading spot. $70

New Releases

Christo and Jeanne Claude Wrap the World cover

Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World: The Story of Two Groundbreaking Environmental Artists by G. Neri, illustrated by Elizabeth Haidle

This is the story of two artists who had a significant impact on the world through their incredible, large-scale art installations. They wrapped landmarks (and even islands!) in miles of fabric and turned heads in Central Park when large, orange flags dotted the pathways (I was there for that!). Whether you appreciated their art or thought it was strange, no one can dispute the effect they had on how we experience art.

Big Tree Cover

Big Tree by Brian Selznick

Coming this Tuesday! In Brian Selznick’s highly anticipated next novel, the main characters are Sycamore seeds. Yep, you heard me right. Selznick has a wonderful way of bringing a story to life through his prose, gorgeous artwork, and unique storylines, and I am very excited to see what this new book is all about. Meryl Streep is narrating the audiobook!

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

There are incredible graphic novels out this spring!

Parachute Kids cover

Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang

Inspired by the author’s own experience as a parachute kid, Tang weaves a fascinating graphic novel about a family that moves to America from Taiwan. But what her parents don’t tell her is that they are returning to Taiwan…and the three kids are going to stay in California on their own. Can the kids keep it together and make a life for themselves all on their own?

Grace Needs Space cover

Grace Needs Space! by Benjamin A. Wilgus and Rii Abrego

In this futuristic graphic novel, Grace is thrilled to escape her boring, plant-obsessed mother to visit her fun mom, Kendra, who lives on a faraway moon. But Kendra is so busy with work that Grace is left on her own, which means that Grace has to figure out the fun things to do on her own, whether Kendra likes it or not!

School Trip cover

School Trip by Jerry Craft

In the companion to the Newbery Award-winning book New Kid, Jerry Craft puts together another fantastic graphic novel featuring Jordan, Drew, Liam, Maury, and their friends from Riverdale Academy Day School. They are heading to Paris, excited to experience a new city and culture. But when their guides are replaced at the last minute, their trip takes on a hilarious turn.

The Moth Keeper cover

The Moth Keeper by K. O’Neill

This is another fantastic middle grade fantasy, brought to you by Eisner winner K. O’Neill. In this story, Anya is so excited to finally be a Moth Keeper, an important position that is integral to keeping her village alive. The lunar moths are necessary for making the Night-Lily flower, something the village needs. The illustrations are stunning and the story is powerful.

A tri-color corgi sitting down on a NYC sidewalk

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

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

Spring is Coming! Plus New Releases and More!

Hi Kid Lit Friends,

Daffodils are some of my favorite flowers, and they have been bursting into bloom in New York City over the past few weeks. I love their cheerful trumpets, and it’s been wonderful to get some more sunshine every day. Spring is here in NYC, and I’ve some picture book recommendations celebrating gardens!

Speaking of things to look forward to, Book Riot has a new newsletter! Looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more from experts in the world of books and reading? Subscribe to Book Riot’s newest newsletter, The Deep Dive, to get exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe and choose your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com

Bookish Goods

Stacks of books on a poster for guests to sign in lieu of guestbook

Bookish Guestbook Poster by SaraAart

Looking for a fun alternative to a guestbook? Check out this wonderful library stack poster! $45+

New Releases

Check out these new chapter books! Both are new stories in a series!

Zara's Rules for Living Your Best Life cover

Zara’s Rules for Living Your Best Life by Hena Khan

In this third book about the irrepressible Zara by award-winning author Hena Khan, Zara is looking forward to spending spring break with her best friend Naomi. But plans are destroyed when Naomi is sent to camp and Zara and Zayd (who has his own series!) are sent to their grandparents’ house. Can Zara save spring break?

Too Small Tola cover

Too Small Tola Gets Tough by Atinuke, illustrated by Onyinke Iwu

Too Small Tola loves her life in Nigeria living with her two siblings and grandmother. But when a dangerous virus begins to circulate, everything changes. Her Grandmommy can’t go out to work so Too Small Tola fills in. Tola begins work for a wealthy family and quickly wins the hearts of the household staff. This is a great series!

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter!

Riot Recommendations

I’m writing this on a beautiful, chilly, sunny day! The birds are chirping, the sky is blue, and my mind is filled with SPRING!

Trees: Haiku from Roots to Leaves cover

Trees: Haiku from Roots to Leaves by Sally M. Walker, illustrated by Angela Mckay

In this unique book that combines science, poetry, and art, readers will be gifted with fascinating information about trees — from their genesis as tiny seeds to their growth over decades to be giants.

Eco Girl cover

Eco Girl by Ken Wilson-Max

In this beautiful book filled with vibrant paintings, a young girl lives among the baobab trees and takes care of them, just like her dad and grandma did before her. She enjoys watching the birds that shelter in the tree branches and stretches her arms high to imitate the trees. This is a joyful book about land stewardship!

Wildflower cover

Wildflower by Melanie Brown, illustrated by Sara Gillingham

This book cover makes me smile! In this story, a daisy is told by a rose that she’s just a weed. The rose tells the daisy that she is always in the way and not stunning like the other flowers around her. But Daisy learns that her part in the garden is so much more and finds her own purpose and beauty in the world.

Uncle John's City Garden cover

Uncle John’s City Garden by Bernette G. Ford, illustrated by Frank Morrison

When a young girl visits her family in the city, she finds that a handful of seeds can transform a dirt patch in the middle of a dense housing area into a beautiful and nourishing garden for everyone to enjoy! This book is inspired by the author’s own experience as a child.

The newsletter writer and her tri-color corgi

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

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

Children’s Books About Space, Book Confetti, and More!

Hi Kid Lit Friends!

I have a very busy Saturday last week. I ran a half marathon (in the snow and rain!), went to IKEA to buy a new reading chair, and attended the book launch of You Are Here: Connecting Flights edited by Ellen Oh. It was a very successful day! The book launch was located at a new bookstore called P&T Knitwear. A funny name for a bookstore, yes? It’s located on Orchard Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, near the New York City Tenement Museum. That area was historically known for garment making, and the original P&T Knitwear store sold sweaters. The property remained in the family, and now it is a beautiful independent bookstore that carries on the P&T Knitwear name.

Bookish Goods

Heart shaped confetti made from book pages

Bookish Confetti by BrownEyedCrafterShop

I love this bookish confetti! It would be so great to put into a letter to a loved one or sprinkled on a party table. You can even choose which classic book you want the confetti made from. $3.75

New Releases

Elena Ride cover

Elena Rides by Juana Medina

Early readers are magical, and I’m so glad we are starting to see more diversity in the creators who make them! Juana Medina, the Pura Belpre Award winning author of Juana and Lucas, is about an elephant who wants to ride a bicycle. This book is sure to connect to readers for it’s playful illustrations and relatable plot.

Hoops cover

Hoops by Matt Tavares

In this new graphic novel inspired by a true story, Matt Tavares follows the Wilkins Regional High School girls’ basketball team in 1975. Despite being a terrific team with an undefeated season, the girls team always gets poor treatment. They have to practice at night when no one else is using the gym, and their uniforms are homemade. Can they prove to the school that the girls teams deserve fair and equal treatment?

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

I know so many young readers who are obsessed with space, and I love seeing all of the amazing books that incorporate space into their stories.

Your Place in the Universe cover

Your Place in the Universe by Jason Chin

Acclaimed author/illustrator Jason Chin astounds again in his space-themed nonfiction book. He examines perspective, astronomy, and astrophysics…not a small feat for a picture book and yet he does so with such skill and beauty. This book won the Cook Prize!

Build Your Own Space Museum cover

Build Your Own Space Museum by Lonely Planet Kids

This fun, interactive book challenges kids to take rare space objects from around the world and place them in the appropriate exhibition areas of a space museum.

Hidden Figures cover

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, illustrated by Laura Freeman

I love this story that brings to light the amazing work that Black female mathematicians contributed to United States space history. Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden all played pivotal roles in helping NASA achieve its goals, and they did it all while overcoming gender and racial barriers.

A Rover's Story cover

A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga

Isn’t this cover so beautiful? I love all of Jasmine’s books, but this one is incredibly special. When a Mars rover is launched into space, the rover knows he has a job to do. But when he starts developing human emotions, he wonders if he will be good enough to complete the mission. He knows so many people are counting on him, and Mars is much more difficult to navigate than he originally thought.

An orange tabby cat looking at a tri-color corgi.

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.

Looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more from experts in the world of books and reading? Subscribe to Book Riot’s newest newsletter, The Deep Dive, to get exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe and choose your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com

Happy reading!

Karina

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

Books About Baking, New Releases, and More!

Hi Kid Lit Friends!

I had a wonderful weekend at the North Texas Teen Book Festival. I always love meeting new readers, and it’s so awesome to see thousands of kids lugging around totes full of books and wearing their bookish t-shirts with pride. I also got to meet some of my kids’ favorite authors, including David Levithan (one of my 13-year-old’s favorite book is Every Day) and Stacey Lee (my 15-year-old has read all of her books! Her favorite is The Downstairs Girl). I just adore book festivals!

Bookish Goods

cocktail napkins embossed with bookshelves

Embossed Bookish Cocktail Napkins by JoycesStitchery

This would be perfect for a bookish-themed party! These come in dozens of colors, so it will be sure to match any color scheme. $8+

New Releases

Best Wishes Sister Switch cover

Best Wishes: The Sister Switch by Sarah Mlynowski and Debbie Rigaud (chapter book)

In the first book of the series, Becca receives a magic bracelet that will grant her any wish. Unfortunately, things don’t get as planned…and in the second installment, more mayhem ensues when Addie Asante of Columbus, Ohio receives the box with the mysterious wish-granting bracelet. Addie, who feels stuck in the middle between her sisters, wishes to no longer be the middle kid. Suddenly, the bracelet does its magic and Addie becomes the older sister! But being the oldest isn’t what it’s cracked up to be…

You Are Here cover

You Are Here: Connecting Flights edited by Ellen Oh (middle grade)

This book is written by 12 incredible authors: Linda Sue Park, Erin Entrada Kelly, Grace Lin, Traci Chee, Mike Chen, Meredith Ireland, Mike Jung, Minh Lê, Ellen Oh, Randy Ribay, Christina Soontornvat, and Susan Tan, and edited by Ellen Oh. When an incident at a TSA security line causes chaos, the lives of 12 young Asian Americans collide in unexpected ways. This is a terrific book that centers on the Asian American experience.

This is a Story cover

This is a Story by John Schu, illustrated by Lauren Castillo

This sweet picture book is all about the importance of books and libraries, and if you are a newsletter reader, those are probably two topics that are very close to your heart! Author John Schu gently guides us into this story where readers explore their passions and find community at the local library.The illustrations, created with watercolor, ink, and pastel, are gorgeous!

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

Every Cake Has a Story cover

Every Cake Has a Story by Christina Tosi, illustrated by Emily Balsley (picture book)

This sweet (see what I did there?) picture book by Christina Tosi, the creator of the bakery Milk Bar, is about Sammi, a young girl who lives in Samesville and is tired of everything being so boring and dull in her town. When she goes to bed with a recipe card under her pillow, she wakes up to a town that is bolder and brighter and more colorful! And it’s a perfect place to bake a bold and bright and colorful cake with her friends!

cover of From the Desk of Zoe Washington

From the Desk of Zoe Washington (middle grade)

Zoe Washington really wants to prove to her parents that she is a good enough baker to audition for Food Network’s Kids Bake Challenge. But when a letter arrives on her twelfth birthday from her father, her life is upended. Her dad has been in prison, and in his letter he says he’s been falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Can Zoe believe him? And if what he’s saying is true, is there anything she can do to help? Be sure to check out the sequel, On Air with Zoe Washington!

Baking Day at Grandma's cover

Baking Day at Grandma’s by Anika Denise, illustrations by Christopher Denise (picture book)

This charming picture book by the award-winning couple Anika Denise and Christopher Denise is about a group of young bears who spend the day baking with their grandmother. The illustrations are so sweet and capture that warmth and love that is unique to a grandmother’s kitchen!

Dozens of Doughnuts cover

Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Brianne Farley (picture book)

These illustrations just make me smile! LouAnn is getting ready for winter, and she is making one final batch of doughnuts. Friends, lured to her home by the smell of fresh doughnuts, partake in the festivities. LouAnn makes more and more doughnuts until she realizes that her cupboard is totally empty…and winter is coming!

the author wearing a yellow hat that says "Books" and holding her tabby cat

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.

Looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more from experts in the world of books and reading? Subscribe to Book Riot’s newest newsletter, The Deep Dive, to get exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe and choose your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com

Do you like my hat? I got it at Books Are Magic, an indie bookstore in Brooklyn, NY. It’s my favorite!

Happy reading!

Karina

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

New Christina Soontornvat Chapter Book, Children’s Books about Waste and Garbage, and More!

Hello, Kid Lit Friends!

I hope you are all enjoying your Sunday! I am on my way back home from Texas where I participated in the North Texas Teen Book Festival. It was my first time attending, and what an incredible event! If you’re looking to support literacy efforts in Texas, consider donating to keep this festival operating. Lots of children’s book festivals are back up and running after difficult few years, so keep an eye out for ones in your area! Some of the best ways to keep in the loop about book festivals is to get on the email blasts for your local indie bookstore. Often it is indie bookstores who sell books and staff these events (which is reason #148 out of 7,000,000 why I love indies!), so join the festivities and meet your favorite authors!

Bookish Goods

Green book pin that says Support Public Libraries

Support Public Libraries Pin by GoodGoodCat

I love the color of this pin, which would look great on a coat or bag. Free public libraries are one of the greatest benefits of our society! ($10)

New Releases

Catching Flight cover

Catching Flight by Rebekah Lowell

The illustrations in this picture book are breathtaking! I really enjoyed seeing the birds in flight paired with verse about perseverance and overcoming hardship.

The Guardian Test cover

The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Kevin Hong

This new chapter book by three-time Newbery Award winner Christina Soontornvat has everything young readers could want in a story. There’s a magic school, classes on how to communicate with animals, and a beautiful island. But when Plum is invited to attend the school, she doesn’t expect to struggle so much. Will she be able prove that she belongs at the Guardian Academy?

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

There are quite a few excellent children’s books about waste and garbage, and as we approach Earth Day I thought I would highlight some of these great titles!

Is It Okay To Pee in the Ocean cover

Is It Okay to Pee in the Ocean? by Ella Schwartz, illustrated by Lily Williams

This wonderfully informative book talks about what goes on with your body’s waste — how you produce it and what happens when it leaves your body. The book also discusses the impact of human waste as well as surprising uses of urine throughout history. This is a great book for kids who are always asking the big questions that no adult can ever answer.

One Plastic Bag cover

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Elizabeth Zenon

When plastic bags became ubiquitous in Gambia, so did the amount of trash. Suddenly, plastic bags were everywhere, polluting streets and schools and farm land. Isatou Ceesay saw this happening in her neighborhood and decided to do something about all the garbage, and in turn made a powerful impact on her community.

Total Garbage cover

Total Garbage: A Messy Dive into Trash, Waste, and Our World by Rebecca Donnelly, illustrated by John Hendrix

I know that I have a lot of questions about where all of our garbage goes, and Rebecca Donnelly does an excellent job answering all of those niggling thoughts you might have about trash, waste, and what happens after the garbage truck picks it up. Donnelly tells us just how bad our garbage problem is, and what we can do to prevent so much waste from polluting our environment.

Building an Orchestra of Hope cover

Building an Orchestra of Hope: How Favio Chavez Taught Children How to Make Music out of Trash by Carmen Oliver, illustrated by Luisa Uribe

In Cateura, Paraguay, a community lives next to an enormous landfill and most jobs involve digging through the trash to find items to recycle. Music teacher Favio Chavez wanted to bring more music to the young people in the community, but he didn’t have instruments. He wondered whether he could build instruments out of recycled materials, and he could! I saw a documentary about this community many years ago and met some of the young musicians who were a part of this “recycled orchestra” — it was a beautiful experience.

Two cats sleeping in beds by a window and one corgi napping

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

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

Picture Books About Home, New Stuart Gibbs Book, and More!

Hi Kid Lit Friends!

I hope you have all had a great week and are enjoying a nice, restful Sunday. Strangely enough, this whole month has felt like spring in New York City. Bulbs are erupting from the ground, which is way earlier than I remember from my over two decades of living in here. My husband and I went to the New York Botanical Garden the other day to see their annual orchid show, and afterwards we sauntered around the gardens and instead of the usual February bleakness, there were plenty of flowers popping up. I don’t know what to think about this! In other news, it was my older daughter’s 15th (!) birthday last Wednesday. Time is going by way too fast!

Bookish Goods

Banner printed on book pages that spells out Chapter 14!

Bookish Birthday Banner by BookologyCo

This is the perfect banner for any bookworm’s birthday! I love how it celebrates the year as a “chapter.” Isn’t that a wonderful way to count the years? $17.50+

New Releases

Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar cover

Mama Shamsi at the Bazaar by Mojdeh Hassani and Samira Iravani, illustrated by Maya Fidawi

I was immediately drawn to the illustrations in this gorgeous picture book. Set in Tehran, Samira and her grandmother head to the big bazaar to buy groceries. It is Samira’s first time going with her grandmother, and Samira imagines them as various animals making their way into the center of the city.

Whale Done cover

Whale Done by Stuart Gibbs

I love Stuart Gibbs’s FunJungle series! In this eighth installment, the irrepressible Teddy Fitzroy heads on vacation with his girlfriend Summer and her mom. He’s looking forward to some time on the beach, but when a whale washes up on the shore — and then explodes — Teddy knows he has to get to the bottom of the mystery before any other animals get hurt.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

I love recommending books about home, and these new picture books show how sometimes the home that is hard earned is often the sweetest home of all.

Build a House cover

Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens, illustrated by Monica Mikai

The words in this picture book were originally written as lyrics to a song composed for the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth and performed with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Now paired with gorgeous illustrations by Monica Mikai, this book tells the story of a family, forcibly enslaved, who helped build homes and cultivate the lands for families that were not their own. But the family is resolved to build their own lives, their own homes, and claim their song.

Homeland My Father Dreams of Palestine cover

Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine by Hannah Moushabeck, illustrated by Reem Madooh

Three young girls wait every night for their father to return from work and tell them a story about his homeland of Palestine. Sometimes he tells a story about his trips to the market with his family, and sometimes he tells a story about how he helped cut vegetables at the family cafe. Even though the girls know they might only know Palestine through their father’s stories, they hold his tales close to their heart.

Mama's Home cover

Mama’s Home by Shay Youngblood, illustrated by Lo Harris

A young girl lives in a city, and her mom has a job where she has to work late and travel. Thankfully, the young girl has places to go where she is showered with love and warmth — a different house and a different “Big Mama” for every day of the week.

A cat sitting on the reader's lap and a corgi dog sitting next to the reader

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

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

More Books for Black History Month, New Releases, and More!

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

Letterpress card with mouse holding up a sign that says "Love"

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 cover

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 cover

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 cover

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 cover

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 cover

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 cover

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.

Corgi dog lying on back

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

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*

Categories
The Kids Are All Right

Classical Music, New Releases, and More!

Hi Kid Lit Friends,

I am writing this right after watching my daughter’s youth orchestra win a Grammy for best orchestral performance! We are so proud and amazed — this is the first time a youth orchestra has ever been nominated for a Grammy in orchestral performance…and then they won! In honor of them, this newsletter will be classical music-themed!

Bookish Goods

Music Notes Cut into Book Pages

Music Notes Cut and Folded Book by CraftedByTheCraftyQ

I love this decorative book that combines art, literature, and music. Perfect for the musical bookworm in your life. $50

New Releases

The Fire of Stars cover

The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars are Made Of by Kirsten W. Larson, illustrated by Katherine Roy

I adore all the new children’s books that feature women in STEM, and this book brings to life the extraordinary research of Astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne who was the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars. The illustrations are beautiful!

Dreamer COVER

Dreamer by Akim Aliu

This new graphic novel by Akim Aliu is a revealing look behind the Ukrainian Nigerian Canadian professional hockey player who faced racism both on and off the ice.

For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter.

Riot Recommendations

And now, books with classical music themes!

The Other Mozart cover

The Other Mozart: The Life of the Famous Chevalier de Saint-George by Hugh Brewster, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

Joseph Bologne was the son of an enslaved woman, and from a young age he showed musical prowess and eventually became a champion swordsman, violin virtuoso, composer, and military commander in the French Revolution.

Playing at the Border cover

Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Teresa Martinez

A beautiful story about legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma who used his gift of music to build bridges between two countries separated by a border. Yo-Yo Ma is one of the most celebrated classical musicians of our time, having won 19 Grammy Awards, performed for eight American presidents, and received the National Medal of the Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Duet book cover

Duet by Elise Broach

This wonderful middle grade includes a musically gifted bird, a piano-playing boy, and a real-life mystery involving three artistic geniuses. Mirabelle, a music-loving goldfinch, and Michael, a young boy who is gifted at piano, work together to make music. Along the way, they make an important discovery that links the great composer Frederic Chopin, the trailblazing author George Sand, and the French Romantic painter Eugene Delacroix.

Lalo the corgi surrounded by birthday cards

Happy Second Birthday to Lalo!

My little corgi guy is two years old! He received birthday cards from fourth graders at a school I did an author visit at in Providence, Rhode Island in December. How cute is that?

Find me on Twitter at @KarinaYanGlaser, on Instagram at @KarinaIsReadingAndWriting, or email me at KarinaBookRiot@gmail.com.

Happy reading!

Karina

*If this e-mail was forwarded to you, follow this link to subscribe to “The Kids Are All Right” newsletter and other fabulous Book Riot newsletters for your own customized e-mail delivery. Thank you!*