Categories
The Stack

I Call Shotgun!

It’s Tuesday! Well, it’s better than Monday, anyway. Especially since Tuesday is Stack day! Whether you’re going to work or taking the day off, these comics are a perfect complement to your schedule.

What do S.A. Cosby, Khaled Hosseini, Sarah Bakewell, and Yahdon Israel have in common? They’ve been guests on Book Riot’s newest podcast, First Edition, where BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Subscribe to hear them and stay to hear Book Riot’s editors pick the “it” book of the month.

Bookish Goods

Two car seats with covers featuring classic horror comics covers

1950s Horror Comic Art – Car Seat Covers by TheBlueJester

Pay homage to those weird and trouble-making 1950s horror comics with these car seat covers. They’re sure to spice up any road trip! $84

New Releases

firebird book cover

Firebird by Sunmi

All Caroline was supposed to do was tutor Kim, an older student who ends up sweeping Caroline off her feet. As their relationship goes from neutral to friendly to romantic, their less-than-ideal “real” lives start to intrude, and they both start to wonder if their relationship can survive their personal problems.

Frontera cover

Frontera by Julio Anta and Jacoby Salcedo

When Mateo has to escape the Border Patrol on his way from Mexico back to the U.S., he finds himself hopelessly lost in the desert. Fortunately, he has Guillermo, a friendly ghost, to guide him. But that hardly means the journey will be an easy one, or that Mateo will not lose anything — or anyone — on the way home.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: road trips! These characters are going places, whether they like it or not.

Winnebago Graveyard cover

Winnebago Graveyard by Steve Niles and Alison Sampson

In this grisly graphic novel, Bobby and his parents think they’re on an ordinary road trip — until their car gets stolen, stranding them in a strange town where the locals have dark, insidious plans for the hapless newcomers…

Borders cover

Borders by Thomas King and Natasha Donovan

What should have been a simple road trip from Canada into the United States becomes fraught with issues of identity and belonging as a mother and son identify themselves as Blackfoot — not Canadian, and not American. With neither nation willing to take them on that basis, they find themselves trapped in a legal limbo.

A white and brown Havanese puppy lying on the back seat of a car

Here’s a picture of my dog Poppy on her first car ride to the vet! She’s fine with cars but she doesn’t like vets. I hope your road trips end up in happier destinations!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

And They Were Roommates

Some weather we’re having lately, huh? It’s been hot, muggy, and miserable in my area. I’m just about over summer, but I’ll never be over comics!

What do S.A. Cosby, Khaled Hosseini, Sarah Bakewell, and Yahdon Israel have in common? They’ve been guests on Book Riot’s newest podcast, First Edition, where BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Subscribe to hear them and stay to hear Book Riot’s editors pick the “it” book of the month.

Bookish Goods

A selection of seven pens, each with Wonder Woman's colors and a different name in white cursive

Wonder Woman Personalized Refillable Pen by CraftedKnack

Okay, so you still won’t have much fun writing checks, but at least you’ll look WONDERful doing it with this personalizable pen! $15

New Releases

Wasp Small Worlds cover

Wasp: Small Worlds by Various Creators

Despite her tiny size, there are plenty of Wasps to go around! This collection features two of them — Janet van Dyne and Nadia van Dyne — on the path of a villain who, for some reason, wants to erase them from existence. As a bonus, it also includes a story from Tales to Astonish #44, featuring Janet’s debut.

Disney Twisted-Wonderland Vol 1 cover

Disney Twisted-Wonderland, Volume One: Book of Heartslabyul by Yana Toboso, Wakana Hazuki, and Sumire Kowono

Night Raven College is an elite school for magic users, so what the heck is Yu, an ordinary boy with no magical powers, doing there? More to the point, how can he get back home? The students there seem determined to make things as difficult for him as possible!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: roommates! Love ’em or hate ’em, they sure make life more interesting (and affordable).

Saint Young Men Omnibus 1 cover

Saint Young Men Omnibus One by Hikaru Nakamura

Say you’re a revered religious figure who just needs a little time off after unbroken centuries of good deeds. Where do you go? If you’re Jesus and Buddha in Saint Young Men, you get an apartment together in Tokyo and learn what modern life is all about!

Strangers in Paradise Vol 1 cover

Strangers in Paradise Volume One by Terry Moore

Moore’s lauded series is now being re-released in a brand-new, four-volume edition. You’ll meet David, who loves Katchoo, who loves Francine, who can’t seem to find love no matter how hard she tries. This unlikely trio will have to navigate not just their feelings but also events much more dangerous in this funny, touching, and thrilling series.

Stay cool until Thursday, nerd friends! Interpret that however you like!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Disability Pride Month Marches On

Throughout July, we celebrate Disability Pride Month in honor of people with disabilities of all kinds. Keep scrolling to find some thematically appropriate recommendations!

What do S.A. Cosby, Khaled Hosseini, Sarah Bakewell, and Yahdon Israel have in common? They’ve been guests on Book Riot’s newest podcast, First Edition, where BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Subscribe to hear them and stay to hear Book Riot’s editors pick the “it” book of the month.

Bookish Goods

Two black towels, each with a band featuring Marvel superheroes

Superhero Hand Towel Set/bath towel/combo by LisasBounty

Stay clean and dry with the help of your favorite Marvel superheroes! $22+

New Releases

Darkly She Goes cover

Darkly She Goes by Hubert and Vincent Mallié

Arzhur was once a revered knight. Now wallowing in disgrace, he seizes on an opportunity to restore his lost honor by rescuing a captive princess. But Princess Islen has her own plans — and her own honor to regain…

I Should Not Love You cover

I Should Not Love You by Chise Ogawa

In this enemies-to-lovers tale, Taisei is determined to get back at Keita, a former classmate and the only person to not fall under the spell of Taisei’s charming good looks. But his well-laid plans take an unexpected turn when Taisei finds himself falling in love with his hated rival!

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: disabilities! As these comics show, disabilities take all forms. It’s important to recognize both the limitations that disabilities cause and the contributions that disabled people still make to the world, especially when provided the right accommodations.

My Brain is Different cover

My Brain Is Different: Stories of ADHD and Other Developmental Disorders by Various Creators

This charming collection, illustrated by Monzusu and written by nine people with different mental disabilities, relates the ups and downs of being disabled — including the relief that comes with finally finding the right diagnosis.

Cover of The Oracle Code by Nijkamp

The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp and Manuel Preitano

The Arkham Center for Independence is dedicated to helping people like Barbara Gordon, recently paralyzed by a gunshot wound, adapt to and live with their disabilities. Or is it? When Barbara starts hearing strange noises and patients start going missing, it is up to her to figure out what secrets Arkham is hiding.

It’s been 33 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, but there’s still a lot of work to do. Consider giving to an organization like the Disability Rights Center or the Disability Empowerment Center to help disabled people around the U.S.!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Comics that Encourage You to Be You

Happy Thursday, nerd friends! I hope you had a nice holiday weekend, or just a nice weekend period. I’m sure you’re now all rested and refreshed to tackle the great reads listed below!

What do S.A. Cosby, Khaled Hosseini, Sarah Bakewell, and Yahdon Israel have in common? They’ve been guests on Book Riot’s newest podcast, First Edition, where BookRiot.com co-founder Jeff O’Neal explores the wide bookish world. Subscribe to hear them and stay to hear Book Riot’s editors pick the “it” book of the month.

Bookish Goods

An assortment of stickers featuring anime characters

50 Anime Stickers Pack by StickersNCreations

Who doesn’t like stickers? Choose some from your favorite anime, or get a random selection! $5+

New Releases

Like a Butterfly Vol 1 cover

Like a Butterfly Volume One by suu Morishita

Suiren is beautiful but terribly shy. This becomes a problem when she falls in love with Kawasami, a karate student. With someone else also vying for Kawasami’s affections, can Suiren pluck up her courage and tell him how she feels before it’s too late?

UTown cover

UTown by CAB

Samuel is a classic case of “failure to launch.” He wants to be an artist but is too lazy to actually pursue that career, preferring to spend his days behind the counter at a video store — until gentrification threatens his beloved, welcoming neighborhood, and Samuel’s art might be the only thing that can save it.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: multiracial characters! Having a mixed background has its challenges — but it also gives you a perspective and an experience that is uniquely yours.

German Calendar No December cover

German Calendar No December by Sylvia Ofili and Birgit Weyhe

Olivia, born to a Nigerian father and a German mother, was always restless. First, she thought boarding school might make her life complete, before learning what an abusive environment it really was. Then she traveled to Germany, where she learned about her mother’s homeland and Olivia’s own precarious place within it.

Kimiko Does Cancer cover

Kimiko Does Cancer by Kimiko Tobimatsu and Keet Geniza

Tobimatsu was many things: mixed-race, queer, in a relationship…and, at the tender age of 25, diagnosed with cancer. How do you navigate a diagnosis like that when the healthcare system is not built for people like you? And what do you do after you have supposedly “beaten” cancer? This moving memoir explores Tobimatsu’s own experiences.

Well, that’s it for me this week! Short week for the Stack, huh? Don’t worry, all will be back to normal next week!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Happy Canada Day!

That’s right, Americans, move over: we’re not the only ones who celebrate ourselves in early July. Today we’ll be looking at some good comics to read to celebrate or protest against this holiday, but first…

Looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more drawn from our collective experience as power readers, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and bookish professionals? Subscribe to The Deep Dive, a biweekly newsletter to inform and inspire readers, delivered to your inbox! Your first read (The Power Reader’s Guide to Reading Logs & Trackers) is on the house. Check out all the details and choose your membership level at bookriot.substack.com.

Bookish Goods

A set of twelve pins with famous superhero logos on them

Superhero Logo Magnets and Buttons by FutureFoxCreations

Want a cute superhero pin? How about a magnet? You can get this set of twelve superhero logos as either one! $10

New Releases

River's Edge cover

River’s Edge by Kyoko Okazaki

For adults only, this manga tells the story of six young people who become friends while living in a polluted city. Though in some ways rewarding, their friendship will also start to tear them apart as the years go by and the secrets and resentments pile up.

Goodbye Eri cover

Goodbye, Eri by Tatsuki Fujimoto

Fans of Chainsaw Man rejoice: Fujimoto has a new manga out, and it looks amazing. Yuta is a suicidal filmmaker grieving the loss of his mother when he meets Eri, a young woman who may pull him out of his depression — even though there is something about Eri that may destroy their happy partnership before it really gets off the ground.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: Canada! These great, though vastly different, comics are both set in the vast country of Canada.

Alpha Flight cover

Alpha Flight Volume One by Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente

Think all superheroes live in the U.S.? Nope! Alpha Flight has been protecting Canada since the 1980s. This reboot has the original team getting back together — and returning from the dead — to find themselves on the run from their own government. How can they protect their nation when they have to fight against it?

cover of Surviving the City

Surviving the City Volume One by Tasha Spillett and Natasha Donovan

Dez and Miikwan are best friends. They are also First Nations teens who deal with threats that their peers could never imagine. When Dez is faced with the prospect of being shipped off to a group home after her grandmother falls ill, it’s one challenge too many, and she disappears — leaving Miikwan to look for her and to cope with her potential loss. The sequel is now available, too!

Independence Day falls on a Tuesday this year, so this is my last newsletter until next Thursday. Wherever you live and whatever you celebrate (or don’t), have a great week, everyone!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

For All the (Drag) Queens and Kings Out There

Hey there, all you kings, queens, and other royals, how are you holding up? It sure has been a Pride Month to remember! Now prithee venture forth, gentle reader, and use thine royal power for the good of all.

Looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more drawn from our collective experience as power readers, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and bookish professionals? Subscribe to The Deep Dive, a biweekly newsletter to inform and inspire readers, delivered to your inbox! Your first read (The Power Reader’s Guide to Reading Logs & Trackers) is on the house. Check out all the details and choose your membership level at bookriot.substack.com.

Bookish Goods

A vinyl wall clock shaped like Deadpool giving the viewer the finger

Deadpool Vinyl Record Clock by AntanasCrafts

What time is it? Time to check this slightly naughty Deadpool vinyl wall clock! $40

New Releases

Minami's Lover cover

Minami’s Lover by Shungiku Uchida

In this classic adults-only manga, Minami and Chiyomi are an ordinary high school couple…until Chiyomi inexplicably shrinks down to six inches tall! She moves in with Minami, who helps her relearn how to live, even as he himself falls under suspicion for her “disappearance.”

Nuking Alaska cover

Nuking Alaska: Notes of an Atomic Fugitive by Peter Dunlap-Shohl

Dunlap-Shohl grew up with nuclear weapons almost literally in his backyard, in the Alaskan wilderness. This darkly funny memoir explores the consequences and hazards of maintaining a nuclear arsenal, and especially how it affects both people and the environment.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: royalty! Let’s face it: there’s no better month to celebrate royalty than Pride Month.

Cursed Princess Club cover

Cursed Princess Club Volume One by Lambcat

Gwendolyn’s sisters couldn’t be more princess-like, but Gwendolyn herself doesn’t fit the mold and — according to her betrothed — is just plain “ugly.” After running away from home, Gwendolyn realizes there are other “cursed princesses” out there, and that maybe they are all just fine the way they are!

Shuna's Journey cover

Shuna’s Journey by Hayao Miyazaki

From the celebrated mind of Hayao Miyazaki comes this new tale of sacrifice and adventure! Prince Shuna’s land seems doomed to famine and poverty until a mysterious stranger shows him the seeds of a golden grain that grows in the west. Determined to save his people, Shuna ventures westward, little suspecting the extraordinary — and dangerous — people he will meet along the way.

In closing: Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating Eid al-Adha tomorrow! However and wherever you are celebrating, I hope you have a wonderful time.

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Just Keeping Swimming (and Reading)

Welp, summer has officially hit the Northern hemisphere, and my neighborhood has already drained the fire hydrants three times, leading to a sudden drop in water pressure each time. Boy, do I love summer (she said sarcastically)!

Looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more drawn from our collective experience as power readers, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and bookish professionals? Subscribe to The Deep Dive, a biweekly newsletter to inform and inspire readers, delivered to your inbox! Your first read (The Power Reader’s Guide to Reading Logs & Trackers) is on the house. Check out all the details and choose your membership level at bookriot.substack.com.

Bookish Goods

A woman in a two-piece bathing suit covered in comics-style onomatopoeias

Comic Bubbles Style All-Over Print Women’s Ruffled Vest Bikini Swimsuit by HerbAndMagic

Short of bringing your graphic novels to the pool with you, wearing this is the best way to show off your love of comics! $25

New Releases

Batman One Bad Day set

Batman: One Bad Day set by Various Creators

Batman has some of the most iconic villains in all of comics. But how did they get that way? In this super-deluxe box set with contributions from Tom King, G. Willow Wilson, and other top talent, you’ll learn the tragic and true (?) origin stories behind the Dark Knight’s most terrifying and troubled rivals.

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop cover

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop Volume One by Imo Oono

Technology has made it easier than ever for the introverts among us to self-isolate while telling ourselves that we’re socializing. This manga tells the story of two young people who learn to overcome their shyness and connect with each other, away from the devices they’ve used to protect themselves (and their secrets) from the world.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: swimming! Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Finding Nemo was released?! I still remember seeing it in theaters with my family, all of us laughing our tails off at the whale scene. Here are two comics about swimming to help you celebrate!

cover of swim team by johnnie christmas

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

After being forced to join the school swim team, Bree is certain this year will be a disaster — until her neighbor, an experienced former swimmer, takes Bree under her wing. But as the pressure mounts and the championships approach, can Bree’s newfound love for the water survive?

Swimming Lessons for a Mermaid logo

Swimming Lessons for a Mermaid by Yongchan

This adorable webcomic hasn’t been collected in book form, but you can read the whole thing on Webtoon. It tells the story of Choa, a mermaid who can’t swim but longs for the water, and Soo, her classmate who offers to teach her how to swim!

If the weather is nice where you are, try to get outside and enjoy it a little. It may seem like summer is eternal, but those leaves will be changing color before you know it!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Comics and Music Make a Nice Pair

Do you listen to music as you read? I sometimes do. I definitely listen as I work: as I write this, I’ve got some Studio Ghibli soundtrack music in the background. Put on your favorite song as you scroll through this newsletter!

Looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more drawn from our collective experience as power readers, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and bookish professionals? Subscribe to The Deep Dive, a biweekly newsletter to inform and inspire readers, delivered to your inbox! Your first read (The Power Reader’s Guide to Reading Logs & Trackers) is on the house. Check out all the details and choose your membership level at bookriot.substack.com.

Bookish Goods

Three bookmarks: one with onomatopoeias, one with comic-style narration boxes, and one with a city skyline at night

Superhero Bookmark by FireflyTango

These personalizable, comics-themed bookmarks are perfect for the nerdy reader. I especially like the one with the narration boxes! $6

New Releases

At 30 I Realized I Had No Gender cover

At 30, I Realized I Had No Gender by Shou Arai

Some people know who they are from a young age. And some, like Arai, take a lot longer — and that’s okay! With no guides or role models, Arai had to figure out for themself how to live and grow old in a world that is obsessed with stereotypical gender roles. And now they’re sharing what they’ve learned with the world.

Parallel cover

Parallel by Matthias Lehmann

Karl’s worst nightmare was ending up alone. Now, as a newly-retired old man, the worst has happened: a lifetime of having to cover up his sexuality and play at being straight has cost him his beloved daughter, who hasn’t spoken to him in eight years. As Karl decides whether or not to reach out to her, he looks back on a life filled with secrets, pain, denial, betrayal, and, occasionally, love.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: music! Maybe comics can’t play music for you, but they can still show us music’s power. Since tomorrow is World Music Day, now is the perfect time to read comics like…

Heavy Vinyl cover

Heavy Vinyl: Riot on the Radio by Carly Usdin and Nina Vakueva

Chris was happy enough getting a job at Vinyl Mayhem, her favorite music store, when she thought that all they did was sell records. But when a popular singer disappears, Chris learns that her coworkers are also vigilantes willing to fight for their beliefs and the rights of others!

Those Snow White Notes Vol 1 cover

Those Snow White Notes Volume One by Marimo Ragawa

Music can help people through the grieving process, but for Setsu, the opposite happens: after his grandfather’s death, he finds he can’t play a note. A trip to Tokyo might be what he needs to regain his creative energy, especially after he meets a young woman with artistic dreams of her own. Who knows how far they can go together?

Now go sing along to your favorite song and enjoy the rest of your day, nerd friends!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

In Commemoration of Juneteenth

Juneteenth, when we honor the day that the last enslaved Black people in America learned of their freedom, is an official holiday now. The comics in today’s Riot Rec theme are perfect reads for that day, as they highlight the principles it stands for.

Looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more drawn from our collective experience as power readers, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and bookish professionals? Subscribe to The Deep Dive, a biweekly newsletter to inform and inspire readers, delivered to your inbox! Your first read (The Power Reader’s Guide to Reading Logs & Trackers) is on the house. Check out all the details and choose your membership level at bookriot.substack.com.

Bookish Goods

A pair of sunglasses with Batman and Robin fighting the Joker on the temples

Comics Sunglasses by ketchupize

Still looking for a Father’s Day gift? These glasses might be the right fit! This seller also has designs featuring other heroes and characters. $79

New Releases

X Gender Vol 2 cover

X-Gender Volume Two by Asuka Miyazaki

In the first volume, Miyazaki found out what it meant to be X-gender and to pursue romance with a woman. This second volume has them struggling to cope and to keep in touch with their supportive new community as the COVID-19 pandemic rages.

The Faint of Heart cover

The Faint of Heart by Kerilynn Wilson

What would you do to avoid heartbreak? Would you allow a doctor to remove your heart, even if that meant never feeling joy and happiness again? In June’s world, everybody but her has decided that is a fair price to pay to eliminate sadness. When she finds a heart in a jar, June will learn the full consequences of being the only person left with a heart.

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec theme is: Juneteenth. While these comics aren’t explicitly about Juneteenth, they do illuminate particular aspects of why it was founded and why we still have work to do to achieve true equality.

Stamped from the Beginning cover

Stamped from the Beginning: A Graphic History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi and Joel Christian Gill

Kendi’s book has made a lot of waves. In the graphic novel version, you’ll meet five historical figures — from Cotton Mather to Angela Davis — who helped shape America’s views on race and racism…for better and for worse.

Book cover of Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall and illustrated by Hugo Martínez

Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall and Hugo Martinez

In researching the history of slave rebellions, Hall makes a critical discovery: women played a much larger role in those revolts than was previously thought. In this powerful graphic memoir, she recounts both the women’s stories and her own, as the granddaughter of enslaved people whose life has been indelibly marked by racism past and present.

I’ll see you again next week, nerd friends!

~Eileen

Categories
The Stack

Let Your Comics Be Your Guide

Happy Tuesday, nerd friends! I admit I’ve had a more adventurous few days than I generally like: Poppy had to go to the vet (she is fine!), and smoke from Canadian wildfires turned the sun orange and the air all nasty. Hopefully, things will calm down soon, and the only people going on adventures will be the characters in my comics.

Looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more drawn from our collective experience as power readers, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and bookish professionals? Subscribe to The Deep Dive, a biweekly newsletter to inform and inspire readers, delivered to your inbox! Your first read (The Power Reader’s Guide to Reading Logs & Trackers) is on the house. Check out all the details and choose your membership level at bookriot.substack.com.

Bookish Goods

A closed brass compass with an engraved image of Batman's head and a couple of bats

Brass Batman Pocket Compass by PRINTONGIFT

It’s dangerous out there! Here, take this. This handsome compass has Batman on it and can even be personalized. $39

New Releases

Cosmoknights Book Two cover

Cosmoknights Book Two by Hannah Templer

The space adventures of Pan, Bee, Cass, and Kate continue! Now on the run, the quartet — plus the princess they rescued — is starting to fracture just as they need to stick together more than ever. Meanwhile, Pan has never forgotten her old friend Tara. Can she find out where Tara went and what happened to her?

Vern, Custodian of the Universe cover

Vern, Custodian of the Universe by Tyrell Waiters

Vern wasn’t expecting much excitement when he took a job as custodian at Quasar, a science research facility. But one day, Vern finds himself facing a far bigger mess than he ever anticipated: the destruction of every planet, everywhere. Is he up to the task? More importantly, does he care? Should he?

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

Riot Recommendations

Today’s Riot Rec them is: quests! Who doesn’t like a good quest story?

Wingbearer cover

Wingbearer by Marjorie Liu and Teny Issakhanian

Zuli has spent her whole life safely in the Great Tree with her protector, an owl named Frowly. But when the Tree is threatened, Zuli will have to travel farther than she ever has and face all kinds of dangers, even dragons and witches — and the knowledge of who she really is. The sequel is due out this fall!

Flower of the Witch cover

The Flower of the Witch by Enrico Orlandi

In Tami’s culture, once boys reach a certain age, they must leave home and not return until they have become men — whatever that means! Tami decides that the only way to become a man is to acquire the witch’s flower. But what will his single-mindedness mean for the people he has befriended during his quest?

A white-and-brown Havanese sleeps with her paw and nose resting on a bookmark

Caught Poppy snuggling with my bookmark as she slept. I knew it was only a matter of time before my dog got into reading!

~Eileen