Once Upon My Dads' Divorce Written by Seamus Kirst Illustrated by Noémie Gionet Landry from Magination Press / the American Psychological Association Helps children understand the divorce of same-sex parents and how a child’s living situation may change. Once upon a time, Grayson’s life was like a fairy tale. He lived in a big brick house … Continue reading Once Upon My Dads’ Divorce
Author: Kevin
J Is for Judy
J Is for Judy: Classic Hollywood's Leading Ladies from A to Z Written by Robert John Allman Illustrated by Peter Emmerich from Doubleday Books for Children From Audrey Hepburn to Zsa Zsa Gabor, here is a star-studded alphabet book featuring the greatest ladies of the classic era of American movies. Brought to you by the creators … Continue reading J Is for Judy
Harlem World
Harlem World: How Hip Hop's Super Showdown Changed Music Forever by Jonathan Mael from Johns Hopkins University Press A thrilling narrative history of how one rap battle in New York transformed American culture forever. July 3, 1981, was a pivotal night for the future of America's newest art form: hip hop. In New York's Harlem … Continue reading Harlem World
This Terrible True Thing
This Terrible True Thing – A Visual Novel Written and Illustrated by Jenny Laden from Blackstone Publishing In this heartbreaking multimedia debut--filled with drawings, poems, and journal entries--author Jenny Laden draws on her own experience to create a story of grief and transcendence, perfect for fans of Francesca Zappia and Jennifer Niven. Danielle Silver is … Continue reading This Terrible True Thing
Call Me Calvin
Call Me Calvin Written by Mary Vander Plas Illustrated by André Ceolin From Albert Whitman & Company Calvin's dad has always called him "Little Man," but Calvin realizes he isn’t done being a kid. Ever since Calvin was born, he’s been Dad’s “Little Man.” At first Calvin liked the special nickname the two of them … Continue reading Call Me Calvin
We Share This School
We Share This School: A Community Book Written by Dan Saks Illustrated by Brooke Smart from Rise x Penguin Workshop ABOUT WE SHARE THIS SCHOOL A rhyming, heartfelt celebration of school communities and the vital role they play in young children’s lives. This formative board book is an appreciation of school communities and the many ways … Continue reading We Share This School
The Women Who Built Hollywood
The Women Who Built Hollywood: 12 Trailblazers in Front of and Behind the Camera by Susan Goldman Rubin from Astra House Publishing Discover the electrifying untold stories of the pioneering and groundbreaking women of Old Hollywood in this nonfiction book perfect for young movie buffs and budding feminists alike. While recent phenomena like #OscarsSoWhite have … Continue reading The Women Who Built Hollywood
Dad and Daddy’s Big Big Family
Dad and Daddy's Big Big Family by Seamus Kirst from Magination Press Follow along as Harper learns how all these families are unique...and still part of Harper's big big family! Harper is going to her first family reunion! She meets so many people. There's her second cousin Noah. And her cousin Lisa, who lives … Continue reading Dad and Daddy’s Big Big Family
The Courage of the Little Hummingbird
The Courage of the Little Hummingbird by Leah Henderson Illustrated by Magaly Morales from Abrams Books for Young Readers A freshly retold animal fable about heroism, hope, and community, from award-winning creators Leah Henderson and Magaly Morales Across oceans, lands, and skies In whispers, shouts, and in many different languages the story of … Continue reading The Courage of the Little Hummingbird
I Am DJ Michelle: How a Nine-Year-Old DJ Became a Global Phenomenon
I Am DJ Michelle: How a Nine-Year-Old DJ Became a Global Phenomenon by Michelle Rasul as told to Rabiah York from Blackstone Audio For young readers inspired by bestselling autobiographies such as Essentially Charli and Reach for the Skai comes the extraordinary true story of how a ten-year-old DJ from Dubai became an international superstar, as told in her … Continue reading I Am DJ Michelle: How a Nine-Year-Old DJ Became a Global Phenomenon
Global Warning
Global Warning by Steven B. Frank from Clarion Books A group of 12-year-old friends concerned about climate change proposes a new way to save the earth: amending the U.S. Constitution. Their project propels these activists on an amazing journey across America—and all the way to Norway—with plenty of outside-the-box hijinks and civil disobedience, as … Continue reading Global Warning
A Bucketful of Questions
A Bucketful of Questions by Tim Fite from Simon & Schuster A hilarious picture book of curious questions with refreshingly quirky answers perfect for fans of Mac Barnett and Amy Krouse Rosenthal! Why do kids lose their teeth? Why do seals clap? What is at the bottom of the ocean? Artist and musician Tim … Continue reading A Bucketful of Questions
Tenacious Beasts
Tenacious Beasts: Wildlife Recoveries That Change How We Think about Animals by Christopher J. Preston from MIT Press An inspiring look at wildlife species that are defying the odds and teaching important lessons about how to share a planet. The news about wildlife is dire—more than 900 species have been wiped off the planet since industrialization. Against … Continue reading Tenacious Beasts
Users
Users by Colin Winnette from Soft Skull Press A mystery-turned-serious-satire of contemporary tech life set in the near future for readers of Dave Eggers, Margaret Atwood, Paul Beatty, and Chuck Palahniuk Miles, a lead creative at a midsize virtual reality company known for its “original experiences,” has engineered a new product called The Ghost … Continue reading Users
Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll
Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll by Susan Goldman Rubin illustrator Sarah Dvojack from Feiwel & Friends An inspiring, uplifting picture book biography about iconic doll creator, Madame Alexander, whose love for dolls and bringing joy to others began at a young age and only continued to grow. Someday, she thought, I will … Continue reading Madame Alexander: The Creator of the Iconic American Doll
1-2-3 Scream!
1-2-3 Scream! by R.U. Ginns illustrator Javier Espila from Delacorte Press Get ready to scream with this collection of hillarifying—hilariously terrifying—tales, fully-illustrated and perfect for scary story lovers who are looking for a side of humor to go with their helpings of horror. Stop! Unless you want to be scared, do NOT read this book. These tales … Continue reading 1-2-3 Scream!
The Night Before The Nutcracker
American Ballet Theatre presents The Night Before The Nutcracker by John Robert Allman illustrator Julianna Swaney from Doubleday Get a front-row seat and experience the excitement of opening night as young dancers prepare for a performance of The Nutcracker. This festive holiday picture book, created in partnership with American Ballet Theatre, is a perfect gift for … Continue reading The Night Before The Nutcracker
Black Boy, Black Boy
Black Boy, Black Boy by Ali Biko Sulaiman Kamanda and Jorge Angelo Redmond illustrator Ken Daley from Sourcebooks eXplore Inspire Black boys to imagine all the great things they can do while celebrating remarkable moments from Black history! Dear boy, Black boy, I believe in you so. Let's start your story―ready, set, go. From athlete … Continue reading Black Boy, Black Boy
Don’t Hug the Quokka!
Don’t Hug the Quokka! by Daniel Errico illustrator Mia Powell foreword Karen Rayne, PhD from Magination Press That quokka may be cute, but does it want a hug? The quokka says No! In Don’t Hug The Quokka! young readers get a lighthearted and friendly introduction to the concept of consent, learning that even the most adorable creatures … Continue reading Don’t Hug the Quokka!
B Is for Broadway: Onstage and Backstage from A to Z
B Is for Broadway: Onstage and Backstage from A to Z by John Robert Allman illustrator Peter Emmerich from Doubleday From the creators of A Is for Audra: Broadway's Leading Ladies from A to Z ! From AUDITIONS to ZIEGFELD, grab a ticket to this smash-hit, rhythmic alphabet book featuring your favorite performers, creators, songs, and shows … Continue reading B Is for Broadway: Onstage and Backstage from A to Z
Mango All the Time
Mango All the Time by Cas Hyman illustrator Frank Morrison from Sterling Children’s Books In the exciting conclusion to the Mango Delight trilogy, Mango goes to Hollywood and becomes the star of a television series! Mango Delight Fuller is ready for her next big break, which just might be in Hollywood! So she heads to California and … Continue reading Mango All the Time
Babylon Unbound!
Babylon Unbound! by J.R. Gerow from Cherry Hill Publishing Leroy Spasmo, aged 53, a neurotic recluse in the South Carolina boonies, addicted to digital media and conspiracy theories, loses it one night after his internet service is cut, decides (completely plastered) to burn down the house he has squatted on for the last 15 years (legally … Continue reading Babylon Unbound!
Dematerialized: The Mysterious Disappearance of Marcia Moore
Dematerialized: The Mysterious Disappearance of Marcia Moore by Joseph DiSomma and Marina DiSomma from Post Hill Press The baffling true story of Marcia Moore – heiress, astrologer, and yoga master – who sacrificed her well-to-do life to study metaphysics and experiment with a mind-bending psychedelic, until her mysterious disappearance in 1979. On a bitterly cold night in January of 1979, … Continue reading Dematerialized: The Mysterious Disappearance of Marcia Moore
The Black President: Hope and Fury in the Age of Obama
The Black President: Hope and Fury in the Age of Obama by Claude A. Clegg, III from Johns Hopkins University Press The first sweeping, legacy-defining history of the entire Obama presidency. In The Black President, the first interpretative, grand-narrative history of Barack Obama’s presidency in its entirety, Claude A. Clegg III situates the former president in his … Continue reading The Black President: Hope and Fury in the Age of Obama
Pura’s Cuentos: How Pura Belpré Reshaped Libraries with Her Stories
Pura’s Cuentos: How Pura Belpré Reshaped Libraries with Her Stories by Annette Bay Pimentel illustrator Magaly Morales from Abrams Books for Young Readers A lyrical, vibrant tribute to the amazing life and legacy of Pura Belpré, a lauded storyteller, librarian, and pioneer of bilingual storytimes. Pura’s abuela always has a cuento to share. She crows ¡Qui-qui-ri-quí! for Señor … Continue reading Pura’s Cuentos: How Pura Belpré Reshaped Libraries with Her Stories
Families Grow
Families Grow by Dan Saks illustrator Brooke Smart from Rise x Penguin Workshop A rhyming, light-hearted celebration of the different ways a family can grow. A wish began your journey And now that you are here Our family has grown with love With love for you, my dear. This warm appreciation of love invites the youngest … Continue reading Families Grow
It’s Raining Tacos!
It’s Raining Tacos! by Parry Gripp illustrator Peter Emmerich from HarperCollins Wildly fun and full of laugh-out-loud antics, this interactive sing-along is a zany romp sure to capture fans of Giraffes Can’t Dance and Dragons Love Tacos. Shell we dance? Taco-bout irresistible! Jam out to the catchy, toe-tapping tune “Raining Tacos” from YouTube sensation Parry Gripp, featuring … Continue reading It’s Raining Tacos!
Families Can
Families Can by Dan Saks illustrator Brooke Smart from Rise x Penguin Workshop A rhyming, light-hearted celebration of the wonderful differences that make each family unique. A family can be Any kind of number Maybe there’s one parent Strong like thunder This charmingly heartfelt board book is for families: families who cook together and families who sing … Continue reading Families Can
Samantha Spinner and the Perplexing Pants
Samantha Spinner and the Perplexing Pants by Russell Ginns illustrator Barbara Fisinger from Delacorte Books for Young Readers Take another super-big globe-trotting, plaid pants-spotting adventure with Samantha Spinner and her brother, Nipper, in the fourth book in this hilarious, puzzle-packed series! Perfect for fans of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and the Secret series, and classics like Holes … Continue reading Samantha Spinner and the Perplexing Pants
B Is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet (American Ballet Theatre)
B Is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet by John Robert Allman illustrator Rachel Dean from Random House An A–Z celebration of the world of ballet, from the renowned American Ballet Theatre. A is for arabesque, B is for Baryshnikov, and C is for Coppélia in this beautifully illustrated, rhyming A–Z of ballet terminology, stars, dances, positions, creators, … Continue reading B Is for Ballet: A Dance Alphabet (American Ballet Theatre)
Boys Dance! (American Ballet Theatre)
Boys Dance! by John Robert Allman illustrator Luciano Lozano from Random House A lively and encouraging picture book celebrating boys who love to dance, from the renowned American Ballet Theatre. Boys who love to dance are center stage in this encouraging, positive, rhyming picture book about guys who love to pirouette, jeté, and plié. Created in partnership … Continue reading Boys Dance! (American Ballet Theatre)
Families Belong
Families Belong by Dan Saks illustrator Brooke Smart from Rise x Penguin Workshop A rhyming, light-hearted celebration of families being – and belonging – together. Families belong Together like a puzzle Different sized people One big snuggle This deliciously warm board book is an appreciation of the unconditional love and comfort shared within a family. Through a handful … Continue reading Families Belong
Papa, Daddy, and Riley
Papa, Daddy, and Riley by Seamus Kirst illustrator Devon Holzwarth from Magination Press Riley is Papa’s princess and Daddy’s dragon. She loves her two fathers! When Riley’s classmate asks her which dad is her real one, Riley is confused. She doesn’t want to have to pick one or the other. Families are made of love in this heartwarming story that … Continue reading Papa, Daddy, and Riley
Sing and Shout
Sing and Shout: The Mighty Voice of Paul Robeson by Susan Goldman Rubin from Highlights This comprehensive biography, written by the celebrated nonfiction author of Coco Chanel and Give Us the Vote, Susan Goldman Rubin, who explores the tumultuous and passionate life of activist, singer, and actor Paul Robeson. When faced with the decision to remain silent or be ostracized, Paul Robeson chose to sing, … Continue reading Sing and Shout
Mango in the City
Mango in the City (aka Summer in the City): Mango Delight #2 by Cas Hyman from Union Square Kids Get ready, world – Mango’s about to become a star! In this sequel to Mango Delight, the delightful heroine’s adventures – and misadventures – continue as she prepares to make her off-Broadway debut. Where Mango goes, drama is sure to … Continue reading Mango in the City
Give Us the Vote!
Give Us the Vote!: Over Two Hundred Years of Fighting for the Ballot by Susan Goldman Rubin from Holiday House The corruption, activism, heroic efforts, and ongoing struggles for the right to vote are chronicled by the award-winning nonfiction author of Coco Chanel and Sing and Shout: The Mighty Voice of Paul Robeson. For over 200 years, people have marched, … Continue reading Give Us the Vote!
Samantha Spinner and the Boy in the Ball
Samantha Spinner and the Boy in the Ball by Russell Ginns from Delacorte / Random House Get ready for more round-the-world adventure with Samantha Spinner and her brother, Nipper, in the third book in this hilarious, puzzle-packed series filled with super-secret messages! Perfect for fans of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and classics like Holes. At last! Samantha Spinner tracked down … Continue reading Samantha Spinner and the Boy in the Ball
A is for Audra: Broadway’s Leading Ladies from A to Z
A is for Audra:Broadway’s Leading Ladies from A to Z by John Robert Allman illustrator Peter Emmerich from Doubleday From Audra McDonald to Liza with a “Z,” here is a showstopping alphabet book featuring your favorite leading ladies of the Broadway stage! This book is first in a series followed by 2021’s B Is for Broadway: Onstage … Continue reading A is for Audra: Broadway’s Leading Ladies from A to Z
A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away
A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away: My Fifty Years Editing Hollywood Hits—Star Wars, Carrie, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Mission: Impossible, and More by Paul Hirsch from Chicago Review Press A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away is a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most influential films of the last 50 years by Paul Hirsch, … Continue reading A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away
Sorted
Sorted by Jackson Bird from Tiller Press / Simon & Schuster An unflinching and endearing memoir from LGBTQ+ advocate Jackson Bird about how, through a childhood of gender mishaps and an awkward adolescence, he finally sorted things out and came out as a transgender man in his mid-twenties. When Jackson Bird was twenty-five, he came out as transgender to … Continue reading Sorted
The Bravest Knight Who Ever Lived
The Bravest Knight Who Ever Lived by Daniel Errico illustrator Shiloh Penfield from Schiffer Publishing Cedric grew up poor and honest on a pumpkin farm, and dreamt of becoming a knight. One day he showed his courage by tricking a would-be carriage thief, and earned the chance to make his dream come true! After years of training, … Continue reading The Bravest Knight Who Ever Lived
The Gift of Ramadan
The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard illustrator Laura K. Horton from Albert Whitman Sophia wants to fast for Ramadan this year. She tries to keep busy throughout the day so she won’t think about food. But when the smell of cookies is too much, she breaks her fast early. How can she be part … Continue reading The Gift of Ramadan
Samantha Spinner and the Spectacular Specs
Samantha Spinner and the Spectacular Specs by Russell Ginns illustrator Barbara Fisinger from Delacorte / Random House The second book in the Samantha Spinner series, following Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans and preceding Samantha Spinner and the Boy in the Ball. Get ready for more round-the-world adventure with Samantha Spinner and her brother Nipper in the second book in this … Continue reading Samantha Spinner and the Spectacular Specs
Our Man Down in Havana
Our Man Down in Havana: The Story Behind Graham Greene’s Cold War Spy Novel by Christopher Hull from Pegasus Books Dr. Chris Hull is a senior lecturer at the University of Chester (UK) revealing the true story behind Graham Greene’s satirical novel about a vacuum cleaner salesman turned British spy. Our Man Down in Havana evokes this … Continue reading Our Man Down in Havana
Dannemora
Dannemora: Two Escaped Killers, Three Weeks of Terror, and the Largest Manhunt Ever in New York State by Charles A. Gardner from Citadel / Kensington The prison break, the manhunt, the inside story: In June 2015, two vicious convicted murderers broke out of the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, in New York’s “North Country,” launching the most extensive manhunt … Continue reading Dannemora
The Surge
The Surge by Adam Kovac from Engine Books Larry Chandler had done his time in Afghanistan when he was redeployed to Iraq. With only five weeks left, Chandler is assigned a dangerous mission. While his men crave action, Chandler hopes they’ll all make it back alive. Inspired by his deployments, Adam Kovac’s debut novel is … Continue reading The Surge
Honeysmoke
Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields illustrator Yesenia Moises from Imprint / Macmillan A young multiracial girl looks around her world for her color. She finally chooses her own, and creates a new word for herself―honeysmoke. Simone wants a color. She asks Mama, “Am I black or white?” “Boo,” Mama says, just like mamas … Continue reading Honeysmoke
Dreaming of Dylan
Dreaming of Dylan: 115 Dreams About Bob edited by Mary Lee Kortes from BMG In a nod to the song “Bob Dylan’s 115th Dream”, musician Mary Lee Kortes curates 115 stories where the author dreamed about Bob Dylan. Perhaps the only subject more fascinating than the mysterious world of dreams is the mysterious world of Bob Dylan. Dreaming of Dylan … Continue reading Dreaming of Dylan
We
We: An Adoption and a Memoir by Ben Barnz from Wyatt–MacKenzie Publishing We centers on the story of Barnz adopting a child and the legal battle with the birthfather that began the day after the child’s birth – and two days before 9/11. The book interweaves this narrative with Barnz’s path to parenthood – beginning with his closeted … Continue reading We
How the Internet Happened
How the Internet Happened: From Netscape to the iPhone by Brian McCullough from Liveright / Norton Tech-guru Brian McCullough delivers a rollicking history of the internet, why it exploded, and how it changed everything. The internet was never intended for you, opines Brian McCullough in this lively narrative of an era that utterly transformed everything we … Continue reading How the Internet Happened
Crushing the Common App Essay
Crushing the Common App Essay: A Foolproof Guide to Getting into Your Top College by Julie Ferber Frank from Sterling / Spark Notes Write the perfect college application essay with this quick and essential guide. It may be the most important essay you’ll ever write—so get it right! With candor, humor, and tons of tips, Crushing the Common … Continue reading Crushing the Common App Essay
Class Action
Class Action by Steven B. Frank from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt NO. MORE. HOMEWORK. That’s what sixth grader Sam Warren tells his teacher while standing on top of his desk. He's fed up with doing endless tasks from the time he gets home to the time he goes to sleep. Suspended for his protest, Sam decides to fight back. He recruits his … Continue reading Class Action
The Synthetic Age
The Synthetic Age: Outdesigning Evolution, Resurrecting Species, and Reengineering Our World by Christopher J. Preston from MIT Press Imagining a future in which humans fundamentally reshape the natural world using nanotechnology, synthetic biology, de-extinction, and climate engineering. We have all heard that there are no longer any places left on Earth untouched by humans. The … Continue reading The Synthetic Age
Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel: Pearls, Perfume, and the Little Black Dress by Susan Goldman Rubin from Abrams Award-winning author of Give Us the Vote and Sing and Shout: The Mighty Voice of Paul Robeson, Susan Goldman Rubin introduces readers to the best known fashion designer in the world, Coco Chanel. Beginning with the difficult years Chanel spent in an orphanage, Goldman Rubin traces Coco’s development as … Continue reading Coco Chanel
Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans
Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans by Russell Ginns from Delacorte / Random House Get ready for round-the-world adventure with Sam Spinner and her brother Nipper in the first book in a new hilarious, puzzle-packed series filled with super-secret messages! Perfect for fans of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and classics like Holes. This is the first title in … Continue reading Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans
Mango Delight
Mango Delight by Cas Hyman illustrator Frank Morrison from Sterling What happens when your BFF becomes your EFF . . . EX-Friend-Forever? When seventh-grader Mango Delight Fuller accidentally breaks her BFF Brooklyn’s new cell phone, her life falls apart. She loses her friends and her spot on the track team, and even costs her father his job as … Continue reading Mango Delight
Lucky Jim
Lucky Jim by James Hart, foreword by Carl Bernstein from Cleis Press Lucky Jim is Jim Hart’s memoir, the story of how he survived a violent childhood home, found incredible words inside him, created a love that was both so right and so wrong, and finally found the strength to be his true self. Jim is a master at … Continue reading Lucky Jim
Armstrong & Charlie
Armstrong & Charlie by Steven B. Frank from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Charlie isn’t looking forward to sixth grade. If he starts sixth grade, chances are he’ll finish it. And when he does, he’ll grow older than the brother he recently lost. Armstrong isn’t looking forward to sixth grade, either. When his parents sign him up for Opportunity Busing to a … Continue reading Armstrong & Charlie