Category: The Kids Are All Right

Children’s Books About Starting School

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date August 21, 2020

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Hi Kid Lit Friends,

School doesn’t look the same this fall with students across the world either doing online learning or going to school with social distancing and wearing masks. It’s a strange time, and while plans are still not clear for what my own kids will be doing when school begins in September, we know that there will be adjustments and change. All of these wonderful books address change in the context of beginning school.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson, is one of my favorite picture books about starting school. Rather than having the perspective of a student, we hear from a new school’s perspective. It’s a lovely book about new experiences, feeling worried, and how to overcome challenges. I just love Christian’s beautiful artwork, which brings the school to life in a charming way.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan Higgins is a super funny book about Penelope, a dinosaur who is starting school. Everything is new to her, including those pesky rules that include not eating her human classmates. This book is sure to get young students giggling over Penelope’s mistakes as well as experiencing empathy for her.

I think every school year should begin with a read aloud of The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez. This bestselling picture book talks about being different, whether it’s how you look or talk, where you’re from, what you eat, or something just as random. This is a lovely book that reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi is another one of my favorite picture books. Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. What name will Unhei choose?

King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, is a fun, joyful story about starting kindergarten! The hero of the story is ready to make his mark. He’s dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can’t wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can’t wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements–and then wake up to start another day. The illustrations are vibrant and filled with happiness, and I just love each page spread.

For older readers, New Kid by Jerry Craft is a wonderful graphic novel about seventh grade Jordan Banks. When his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics instead of the art school that Jordan dreams of attending, he finds himself one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?

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.

Until next time!
Karina

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The Kids Are All Right

Kidlit Deals for August 19, 2020

Post author By Tirzah Price
Post date August 19, 2020

New Children’s Book Releases for August 18, 2020

Post author By Chelsea Henley
Post date August 17, 2020

Children’s Books About Dancing!

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date August 14, 2020

Sponsored by HarperCollins Children's Books.

Samantha Goldstein and David Fisher have been friends, and teammates, for years. But when new-kid Luke Sullivan starts hanging out with them, their easy duo becomes an awkward trio. Luke’s flirting makes Sammie uncomfortable — and David jealous. Then David makes his own move on Sammie, but it goes all wrong and too far. They’re both left feeling hurt and confused, and unsure how to talk about, or who to talk with. As rumors fly around school, David must try to make things right and Sammie must find the courage to speak out about what’s been done to her.

Hi Kid Lit Friends,

Dance performances might be suspended indefinitely due to social distancing, but thankfully we can still watch some performances online and we can read about famous dancers. Here are some of my favorite books about dancers and dancing.

Trailblazer: The Story of Ballerina Raven Wilkinson by Leda Schubert, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III is the remarkable story of Ravin Wilkinson, the first African-American woman to dance for a major classical ballet company. Born on February 2, 1935, in New York City, Raven had always wanted to dance. When she started touring with her troupe in the United States in 1955, Raven encountered much racism in the South, but the applause, alongside the opportunity to dance, made all the hardship worth it. Several years later she would dance for royalty with the Dutch National Ballet and regularly performed with the New York City Opera until she was fifty.

Firebird by Misty Copeland, illustrated by Christopher Myers is the lovely story of a young girl who questions her ability and lacks the confidence to be great at what she loves to do. Throughout the book, Misty encourages the girl and shows her how she too can be a Firebird. This book is gorgeously illustrated by Christopher Myers. (For middle grade readers, check out Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland.)

Alvin Ailey by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney, is about one of my favorite dancers of all time. Every year in December, I buy a ticket to see his company perform at the City Center in New York City, and every time the performance takes my breath away. This wonderful picture book shares Alvin Ailey’s life story and introduces readers to his lovely dance style and the incredible impact he’s had on American dance.

Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson is the story of Sassy, a young girl who wants to be a ballerina. But when a famous director comes to visit her class and she tries to get his attention with big dance moves and bright clothing, Sassy worries that she has ruined everything. Can her persistence win him over?

How Do You Dance? by Thyra Heder is about how dance is for everyone. The illustrations are so full of movement and life, and I can’t help but dance when I read this book with my kids. This book celebrates dance as a way of expressing yourself and fostering creativity and humor.

Lola Levine and the Ballet Scheme by Monica Brown is a fun chapter book about finding common interests. When new classmate Bella, a ballet dancer, walks into Lola’s class at Northland Elementary, all Lola can see is pink everywhere–pink ribbons, a pink sweatshirt, and pink tennis shoes. Lola is disgusted – soccer is much better than ballet. Furthermore, Lola and Bella can’t seem to stop squabbling. But when they land in the principal’s office after a mishap, Lola’s mom comes up with a way they can see that their interests aren’t as different as they think.

The Magic in Changing Your Stars by Leah Henderson is a new middle grade book about eleven-year-old Ailey Benjamin Lane. He loves to dance, but he botches his audition due to a case of nerves. He’s ready to quit but his grampa shares how he dreamed of becoming a tap dancer as a young boy. He was so good that the Hollywood star and unofficial Mayor of Harlem, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, even gave him a special pair of tap shoes. Curious, Ailey tries on the shoes . . . and instantly finds himself transported to 1930s Harlem. There he meets a young street tapper and realizes that it’s his own grandfather! Can Ailey help the 12-year-old version of Grampa face his fears?

My Seventh Grade Life in Tights by Brooks Benjamin is a fun middle grade book that follows Dillon, a middle schooler who loves to dance. He wants to win a summer scholarship at a local dance studio, but his dad wants him to play football and his freestyle dance friends think studying at a studio would ruin his creativity. Can Dillon win the scholarship, keep his friends, please his father, and keep his signature dance style?

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.

Until next time!
Karina

The Kids Are All Right

Kidlit Deals for August 12, 2020

Post author By Kelly Jensen
Post date August 12, 2020

Kidlit Deals for August 12, 2020

Post author By Tirzah Price
Post date August 12, 2020

New Children’s Book Releases for August 11, 2020

Post author By Chelsea Henley
Post date August 7, 2020

Sponsored by Peachtree Publishing Company.

Duck and Penguin do not like sleepovers, despite what their owners, Betty and Maud, might have you think. They do not like snuggly sleeping bags, they do not like super-soft pillows, and they ESPECIALLY do NOT like being extra cozy together in a teeny weeny tiny tent! But when Betty and Maud abandon Duck and Penguin outside, Duck and Penguin have no choice but to stick together.

This companion to Duck & Penguin are NOT Friends is a laugh-out-loud tale about the secret world of toys from author-illustrator Julia Woolf. With a relatable topic and hilarious illustrations, it’s sure to have children begging for multiple reads.

Hello readers,

I hope August is treating you well and you and yours are staying healthy and happy at this time. I’m Chelsea and I’m taking over this new release newsletter! This week there are some great books hitting shelves that run the gamut from silly and fun to heartfelt and inspiring.

Saturdays Are for Stella by Candy Wellins, illustrated by Charlie Eve Ryan (4-8 years)

First up is this sweet, heartwarming story of a boy and his grandmother. George and his grandma Stella spend their Saturdays together, going on adventures to museums, riding carousels, or just staying in and baking together. But when George loses his Grandma Stella, he’s ready to give up on Saturdays altogether. That is until their family gets a new addition, another Stella, and George realizes he can celebrate his memories of his grandma and make some new ones, too.

I Promise by Lebron James, illustrated by Nina Mata (4-8 years)

NBA player Lebron James joins the celebrity picture book club with this book inspired by his I Promise foundation. This is packed with color, making for a vibrant and inspiring book that’s great for both readalouds and graduation, inspiring kids to be their best and encouraging accountability, integrity, courage, and compassion.

Oliver the Curious Owl by Chad Otis (4-8 years)

If you’ve got any owl fans in your life, this is a charming and funny story of a curious owl named Oliver. Though Oliver’s family only ever asks “Who?”, Oliver has lots more he wants to know. Like who lives deeper in the woods? Where does the river go? Why isn’t he allowed to leave his tree? When his friend Bug is swept away down the river, Oliver flies to the rescue and ends up swept away himself. The two begin an adventure far from home that shows Oliver pieces of the forest he’s never seen before.

Are You Eating Candy Without Me? by Draga Jenny Malesevic, illustrated by Charlotte Brujin (4-8 years)

If you’re looking for a good time, you can’t do much better than this adorable and hilarious picture book about children wondering what exactly their parents get up to when the kids aren’t around. Do they jump on trampolines and play with ponies? Do they eat cake and ice cream? This is bursting with playful, colorful illustrations and is a sweet and amusing read.

Fighting Words by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (10-12 years)

This is the newest novel from the Newberry Honor winner Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (author of The War That Saved My Life) about sisterhood and sexual abuse. Ten year old Della’s always had her sister, Suki, even after their mom went to prison and their mom’s boyfriend took them in, and after that same boyfriend did something so horrible Suki and Della had to run away. Della’s always been able to rely on Suki to be her protector, but has anyone been protecting Suki? After Della attempts suicide, Della begins to wonder if she’s been quiet about the wrong things and if it’s time to be loud for her sister.

The Talk edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson (8-12 years)

In light of recent events, a lot of people are looking for ways to have conversations with kids about racism, activism, and standing for change. This powerful collection of short stories, essays, poems, and art is a great way to start those talks or reinforce ones you’ve already had. Including contributions from Renee Watson, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, and more, this book is here to have tough but frank conversations with kids about racism and identity. And for those looking for what comes next, this also encourages kids to go beyond conversation and into taking action.

Lois Lane and the Friendship Challenge by Grace Ellis, illustrated by Brittney Williams (8-12 years)

From the co-author of the Lumberjanes series comes this new Lois Lane graphic novel, featuring a thirteen year old Lois as she navigates social media and friendship. As to be expected, teenage Lois is intrepid and determined, chasing fame with her video channel (it may only get a couple views a week but Lois knows she’ll soon go viral!). When the annual fireworks go missing, Lois accelerates her mission for fame, testing her relationship with her best friend in the process.

I’ll see you in seven days! In the meantime, you can keep in touch via Twitter.

Chelsea

The Kids Are All Right

Picture Books Featuring the Post Office!

Post author By Karina Glaser
Post date August 7, 2020

Sponsored by HarperCollins Children's Books.

I am a dark spirit, the ghost announced grandly. I am your inheritance, your grandmother’s legacy. I am yours to command. Suraya is delighted when her witch grandmother gifts her a pelesit. She names her ghostly companion Pink, and the two quickly become inseparable. But Suraya doesn’t know that pelesits have a dark side—and when Pink’s shadows threaten to consume them both, they must find enough light to survive . . . before they are both lost to the darkness.

Hi Kid Lit Friends,

I am a huge fan of the postal service. I love writing and receiving letters, and I love being able to receive review copies of children’s books! Which is why I was devastated to hear that the United States Postal Service might go bankrupt this year. One thing we can all do is reach out to our elected representatives and let them know how important the postal service is to our country. And here are some lovely picture books about the beauty of mail!

Mr. Postmouse’s Rounds by Marianne Dubac is one of my favorite picture books. The illustrations are so charming with much to explore and delight on each page. The story begins with Mr. Postmouse loading up his wagon to do the day’s mail deliveries to all the animals on his route. Each home is designed for the occupant and is incredibly fun to explore.

The Love Letter by Anika Aldumay Denise, illustrated by Lucy Cummings is a sweet picture book about a love letter and mistaken identity. Hedgehog, Bunny, and Squirrel are best friends, and one day they find a letter. But it’s not just any letter – it’s a love letter! Who could have sent it? The answer is more complicated than you might think…

It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton (of the Narwal and Jelly series) is a hilarious picture book about a young boy named Liam who writes a letter to his mailbox asking for something in return. The mailbox responds in kind by sending him a… dragon? The mail piles up, and Liam comes to realize that mail is best shared with friends.

I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives by Martin Ganda and Caitlin Alifirenka with Liz Welch is a middle grade book about a pen pal assignment. Everyone in Caitlin’s class in America wrote to an unknown student somewhere in a distant place. In Zimbabwe, Martin felt lucky to even get a letter, and their correspondence spanned six years and changed their lives.

Same Sun Here by Silas House and Neela Vaswani is another middle grade book about pen pals. Meena is an Indian immigrant girl living in New York City’s Chinatown, while River is a Kentucky coal miner’s son. But while they live very different lives, they also share a lot in common. Their fathers are forced to work far from home to earn money, they both have grandmothers that play a big role in their lives, and they both love dogs. Although miles separate them, their friendship helps them endure the trials they face.

Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen by Sarah Kapit is a middle grade book about a young girl who is determined to pitch for a real baseball team. When her social studies teacher makes her write a letter to someone, she selects her favorite Major League pitcher. And he writes back! And then Vivy is invited to join the baseball team, when an accident threatens to derail everything, Vivy has to fight to stay on the team.

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.

Until next time!
Karina