By Libby Stille, Publicist
Check out August new releases from Lerner Publishing Group!
Picture books
Dino-Halloween, written by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by Barry Gott
Trick or treat! Join your favorite dinosaurs as they visit a haunted house, carve pumpkins, make costumes, and more! Lisa Wheeler and Barry Gott come together again to show how these fun-loving dinos celebrate Halloween.
Praise for Dino-Halloween
“Dino lovers will be thrilled to spend a spooky holiday with their favorite cast.”—Kirkus Reviews
Summer Green to Autumn Gold: Uncovering Leaves’ Hidden Colors by Mia Posada
This nonfiction picture book written and illustrated by Mia Posada beautifully explains why leaves change color in fall. It highlights both the eye-catching colors of the season and the science behind the colors.
Praise for Summer Green to Autumn Gold
★”A visually appealing and unusually informative picture book for curious kids.”—starred, Booklist
★”[G]lorious art . . .”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
Middle grade
Cardslinger by M. G. Velasco
In 1881 Missouri, twelve-year-old Jason “Shuffle” Jones sets off on a quest to find his missing father, armed only with a card game his dad invented that may offer clues as to his dad’s whereabouts.
Praise for Cardslinger
“A pair of savvy heroes, a whole heaping of unscrupulous villains, and a story chock-full of action, adventure, and lore make Cardslinger a must-read for anyone!”—Brooks Benjamin, author of My Seventh-Grade Life in Tights
“Rowdy, rollicking, and riveting, Cardslinger is a fresh and original hold-on-to-your-hat adventure!”—Dan Gemeinhart, author of Scar Island and Some Kind of Courage
“A big adventure with a big heart, Cardslinger is aces!”—Michael Northrop, New York Times bestselling author of the TombQuest series
Graphic novels
The American Dream? A Journey on Route 66 Discovering Dinosaur Statues, Muffler Men, and the Perfect Breakfast Burrito by Shing Yin Khor
Shing Yin Khor’s graphic travelogue about driving through what’s left of Route 66 begins as a road trip and ends up more like a pilgrimage in search of an ever-shifting definition of America.
Praise for The American Dream?
★”Khor takes that ‘feeling of desperately searching for something better, for a new start,’ and adapts it to their own ‘pilgrimage’ as immigrant and artist traveling historic Route 66 . . . in whimsical full-color detail.”—starred, Booklist
“An informative graphic travel journal that offers important perspectives on being an immigrant and American identity.”—Kirkus Reviews
“This beautiful memoir raises thoughtful questions about what it means to be American.”—School Library Journal
“Just like Shing in real life, The American Dream? is quirky, honest, captivating, and filled with recollections of weird roadside statues.”—Carol L. Tilley, comics historian and information science professor at the University of Illinois
“A lovely, deceptively simple road trip memoir that revels in quirky discovery and quiet adventure while grappling with the anger and longing of one immigrant’s experience.”—Greg Pak, comic book writer
“Shing Yin Khor’s debut graphic memoir The American Dream? is the critical antidote to the whitewashed narratives of the great American road trip.”—Kristina Wong, performance artist and activist
Marie Curie: A Life of Discovery by Alice Milani
In her intensely researched, inventively drawn exploration of Marie Curie’s life, artist Alice Milani follows the celebrated Polish scientist from Curie’s time as a struggling governess to her years in France making breakthrough discoveries.
Praise for Marie Curie
“When Milani isn’t explaining in the text—fluidly translated from the original Italian by Schwandt—she relies on atmospheric, pencil-and-watercolor art to augment the narrative of Curie’s brilliant life.”—Booklist
“An appealing volume for graphic novel and science enthusiasts.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Will appeal to curious high schoolers and adults interested in history and science . . .”—Library Journal
“With a complex story structure and sophisticated science content, this addition to the canon about Curie is ideal for upper middle and high schoolers.”—School Library Journal
Super Potato’s Mega Time-Travel Adventure: Book 3 by Artur Laperla
Super Potato lands in the past, looking to change history and stay a human crime fighter. Instead, he finds a criminal mastermind—Archibald the Scaly. Will Super Potato choose to help himself or stop Archibald’s plot?
Praise for Super Potato
★”A zany, funny selection that will entertain kids and the adults who might be reading over their shoulders.”—starred, School Library Journal
Nonfiction
The Life Heroic: How to Unleash Your Most Amazing Self, written by Elizabeth Svoboda and illustrated by Chris Hajny
Almost anyone can be a hero, and the heroes who make the biggest impact don’t always make headlines. This research-backed guide will equip middle grade readers with the tools they need to become everyday heroes.
Praise for The Life Heroic
“[A] strategic, confidence-building read is just enough to energize a young person who still feels hope to change the world one day at a time.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A unique look at how to motivate middle grade students to become aware of what they can do to help their community and the world around them. Recommended for libraries with strong middle grade patronage and outreach.”—School Library Journal
“The Life Heroic is a step-by-step guide to helping you develop into your most courageous self. What are you waiting for? Become an everyday hero!”—Michelle Werning, Heroism Educator
“Everyone should read and begin to emulate some of the truths in Elizabeth Svoboda’s masterpiece.”—Philip G. Zimbardo, Psychologist and Founder of The Heroic Imagination Project
“Elizabeth Svoboda’s The Life Heroic is the most masterful treatment of heroism available today. This book is a must-read for both children and adults—it is a true tour-de-force.”—Scott T. Allison, Psychologist and Author of Heroic Leadership
Crayola ® World of Color series
From the bright sky to plump blueberries, blue is everywhere! Fun text and detailed photos explore where readers can find blue in the world around them. Back matter includes art prompts using shades of a single color and showing the Crayola colors that can be found in the photos throughout the book.
Disney STEAM Projects series
Take an art-infused approach to science, technology, math, and engineering projects inspired by favorite Disney and Pixar stories. Projects include supporting photos and step-by-step instructions. STEAM Takeaway features provide additional curricular connections to the projects.
Garfield’s ® Fat Cat Guide to STEM Breakthroughs series
Garfield introduces readers to the most noteworthy STEM discoveries, breakthroughs, and inventions with his trademark laugh-out-loud commentary. From the beginning of numbers to computer chips, Garfield explores it all…with only a few snack breaks along the way.
Sesame Street ® Welcoming Words series
Sesame Street characters help readers connect to new friends who speak different languages, such as Mandarin and Arabic. Simple words and phrases relating to everyday life plus a colorful approach help readers learn a new language to become smarter, kinder friends.
Unplug with Science Buddies ® series
Readers can make their own toys and games, like slime and a homemade harmonica, with these exciting projects. Step-by-step instructions and photos guide the projects, and Science Takeaway sidebars explain the science behind their creations.
Disney Learning Discovery Books continuing series – 4 new titles!
Some things seem like magic—until we find the science behind them. Favorite Disney and Pixar characters bring STEAM to life. Engaging nonfiction text delivers the facts for report writers, while beloved characters provide a high-interest hook for curricular concepts.
Disney Learning Everyday Stories continuing series – 2 new titles!
Favorite Disney and Pixar characters invite readers to explore core social and emotional topics. Engaging narratives and charming art will immerse readers in the world of beloved characters.
—