By Megan Ciskowski, Associate Publicist
Check out January new releases from Lerner Publishing Group!
Graphic Novels
Medical Breakthroughs series
Explore major medical events and the scientific breakthroughs that made them possible. With an accessible, graphic nonfiction approach, each title in the Medical Breakthroughs series spotlights the famous figures behind notable discoveries. A lively tone and dynamic visuals guide readers through different historical eras and present STEM concepts in a fun, inviting fashion. Readers won’t want to put down these high-interest true stories, as they learn more about the innovations that help save lives.
New in Paperback
An Ambush of Tigers: A Wild Gathering of Collective Nouns by Betsy R. Rosenthal and illustrated by Jago
Have you ever heard of a prickle of porcupines? Or a tower of giraffes? What about a parcel of penguins? This fun-filled romp through the animal kingdom introduces collective nouns for animals through wordplay. Clever rhymes and humorous illustrations bring these collective nouns to life in funny ways, making it easy to remember which terms and animals go together. A glossary in the back matter offers further explanation of words used as collective nouns, such as sleuth meaning “detective.”
Praise for An Ambush of Tigers
★”Cleverness abounds in Rosenthal’s latest….The tongue-in-cheek text never falters in its rhythm and rhyme….The illustrations are a perfect match for the text’s wit….Collective nouns have never been this much fun…or memorable.”―starred, Kirkus Reviews
★”…Rosenthal and Jago’s collaboration stands out for the sheer inventiveness they bring to the subject….Witty delights abound.”―starred, Publishers Weekly
★”This crash course in juxtaposition and imagination should be celebrated with a peal of bells. An inspiring addition to any poetry collection.”—starred, School Library Journal
Forgotten Bones: Uncovering a Slave Cemetery by Lois Miner Huey
Construction workers in Albany, New York, were surprised to dig up a skull—much less one that was more than two hundred years old! Follow the archaeological excavation of a long-lost cemetery for enslaved people and discover more about these forgotten bones.
Praise for Forgotten Bones
“[A] fascinating glimpse into how archaeologists piece together the past . . . this account provides a vivid description of both the eighteenth-century slave experience and the field of archaeology.”—Booklist
“A fascinating, informative insider’s look at how science is used to reconstruct the past.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A solid choice for libraries that serve middle school students, this title will appeal to some would-be archaeologists and is a great addition to classrooms as well.”—School Library Journal
The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs: A Scientific Mystery by Sandra Markle
Panamanian golden frogs aren’t just cute, little, and yellow. They’re also the national symbol of Panama. But they started to disappear about fifteen years ago. What’s killing them? Could it be a change in their habitat? What about pollution? Might it be a result of climate change? Follow a team of scientists working to save these frogs and protect frog populations worldwide in this real-life science mystery.
Praise for The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs
★”Notable for clarity, directness, and simplicity of writing and design alike, this volume, both handsome and fascinating, begins with the hunt for the frogs’ killer and ends with the urgent need to create a safe environment for their return to the wild.” -starred, Booklist
★”An obvious fit for science classes, this book would also fit nicely into environmental studies, geography, animal study, and the research process. It is an engaging model of the scientific method that is sure to intrigue all young researchers.” -starred, Library Media Connection
★”This eye-catching, well-written book provides a window into the efforts of a coalition of scientists, wildlife groups, and zoos to decode the mysterious die-off of the Panamanian golden frog, which began in the mid 1990s.” -starred, School Library Journal
Fiction Series
Be a Good Sport (Pull Ahead Readers People Smarts — Fiction) series
Play soccer, take turns on the playground, count for hide-and-seek, and more in this fiction series about good sportsmanship. Each story features carefully leveled text to support emergent readers while tackling key topics. Pair with nonfiction series to apply learned skills.
Let’s Make Observations (Early Bird Stories ™) series
Entertaining, illustrated stories follow a set of diverse characters as they explore the world around them and make observations of nature. Each book features critical-thinking and recall questions to further reader engagement.
Nonfiction Series
American Slavery and the Fight for Freedom (Read Woke ™ Books) series
This examination of slavery in America balances accounts of oppression with true stories of resistance, centering on the voices of enslaved people. Page Plus QR codes link to recorded interviews with formerly enslaved people, and an activism spread inspires readers to learn and do more.
Be a Good Sport (Pull Ahead Readers People Smarts — Nonfiction) series
Find out what it means to be a good sport. Children can learn how to practice good sportsmanship, from trying their best to playing fairly. These leveled nonfiction titles help emergent readers build literacy skills, and pair with fictional stories to cement learning and grow reading skills.
Bumba Books ® — Mighty Dinosaurs series
Dinosaurs of many shapes and sizes once roamed Earth. Readers will love sinking their teeth into this approachable, informative series about these fascinating creatures from the past.
Greatest of All Time Players (Lerner ™ Sports) series
Read about the world’s greatest athletes who play some of the most important positions in sports. The amazing stats, thrilling moments, and record-breaking performances packed into each book will fascinate sports fans.
Lightning Bolt Books ® — Earth in Danger series
Weather and natural processes on Earth can sometimes evolve into dangerous storms and events. Examine hurricanes, wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and more to learn how they happen, how to stay safe, and the role climate change plays in nature’s big disasters.
Phonics Fun series
Reading is a blast in these hilarious books! Learn about short vowel sounds with sentences that get more complex as you read. The wacky rhymes and colorful art will make phonics fun!
Award-winning author Brian P. Cleary uses his trademark wit and humor to engage emergent readers in these phonics-based books. Each book hones specific skills and builds readers’ confidence.
Searchlight Books ™ — My Style series
These entertaining titles look at the history of fashion, identify trends, and provide inclusive tips and tricks for developing a personal style. From hair care to accessories, readers learn how to make their look their own.
Searchlight Books ™ — World Traveler series
Get ready to travel around the world! Discover the peoples, cultures, histories, and landscapes of different countries. Sidebars highlight each country’s must-see sights and biggest celebrations, while a back-matter feature points out key fast facts.
Sesame Street ® Field Trips series
Discover some of the amazing places in our communities—from the post office to the zoo—with the help of friends from Sesame Street. Hands-on back-matter activities help children engage with what they’ve read.
Super Sports Teams (Lerner ™ Sports) series
Learn about the history, greatest players, and most iconic moments of the world’s most popular sports teams. Chock-full of stats and shareable information, sports fans will love the action-packed, high-interest text and thrilling photos.
The Real Science of Superpowers (Alternator Books ®) series
Fictional heroes can fly at the speed of light, go invisible at will, jump back and forth in time, and use their super strength or laser vision to save the day! Will mere mortals ever be able to super-size their physical abilities in the same way? Learn the real-life science behind superpowers and what scientists are doing to make those powers a reality.
World’s Grossest (UpDog Books ™) series
Don’t read these disgusting high/low books on a full stomach! Atrocious animals, creepy crawlies, horrible history, and more revolting topics will draw in striving readers, while short, easy-reading text ensure their success.
Find more Announcements on the Lerner blog here!