By Megan Ciskowski, Associate Publicist

Check out April new releases from Lerner Publishing Group!

Picture Books

Today Is Different by Doua Moua and illustrated by Kim Holt

Two girls—one Hmong American and one Black—stand together in solidarity with their communities to protest systemic racism and injustice.

Praise for Today is Different

“[O]ffers a reassuring and relatable narrative for kids who have been confused by recent news coverage.”—Booklist

“Moua positively portrays a cross-cultural friendship and explores how racial violence impacts children. . . . An important story about how marginalized groups can work together for social justice . . .”—Kirkus Reviews

“With simple yet poignant prose, Today Is Different fosters compassion and connection among young readers.” —Carole Boston Weatherford, author of Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre and Newbery Honor-winning book Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom

Make Way for Animals!: A World of Wildlife Crossings by Meeg Pincus and illustrated by Bao Luu

Around the world, roads and highways have cut through natural spaces. As a result, wild animals are cut off from the resources they need to survive. Fortunately, solving this problem has inspired some creative solutions! Take a tour of wildlife crossings across the globe—including badger bridges, penguin pipelines, and elephant underpasses. Discover how these inventive pathways have saved both animal and human lives and helped preserve ecosystems.

Praise for Make Way for Animals!

“Vibrant, softly drawn illustrations show these animals in action and how the wildlife crossings work. Rounding out the volume is a brief look at the civil engineers, scientists, construction crews, and other individuals who advocate for, design, and build these life-saving structures.”—Booklist

“[A] wonderful addition for study of ecosystems, civil or structural engineering, gifted/talented classes, or teachers looking for problem solving challenges. Students who love animals will enjoy it for the pleasure of learning how people and animals can better co-exist.” – School Library Connection

Graphic Novels

The Lost Daughter: Book 4 by Haiko Hörnig and illustrated by Marius Pawlitza

Henrietta Achilles is making her last stand. As mysterious stone warriors invade Henrietta’s inherited home, she’ll use the last traces of the house’s magic to protect the friends around her. But even if she survives the battle, nothing can prepare her for the shocking returns of two figures from her past . . .

Praise for The Lost Daughter

“[E]asily shifts between perfectly timed humor, poignant dialogue, and action-packed battles. The inventive magical elements and splendidly atmospheric illustrations continue to delight and make this series a standout. . . . A satisfying finale to an inventive and absorbing series.”—Kirkus Reviews

“An occasional one-liner balances teary-eyed moments of sacrifice. Spells never lose their luster on the page, always providing unique visual effects and advancing the story. . . . Fans of Henrietta will find satisfaction in this grand finale to the epic series.”—School Library Journal

Young Adult

Gold Mountain by Betty G. Yee

In the 1860s, Tam Ling Fan needs money to help her father. Disguised as a boy, she travels from China to America to take a dangerous job as a laborer on the Transcontinental Railroad.

Praise for Gold Mountain

“Gold Mountain is the historical tale of a courageous daughter whose determination helps to change the face of America, as well as her Chinese family’s fortunes.”—Foreword Reviews

“An adventure-filled glimpse into history through the eyes of a determined daughter.”—Kirkus Reviews

“This action-packed book reads like you are actually watching the events unfold in front of you, drawing readers in with vivid descriptions and simple, effective dialogue.” – School Library Connection

“A thought-provoking adventure that adds more nuance and complexity to the history of the building of the transcontinental railroad.”—School Library Journal

Free Educator Resources

Find a teaching guide to boost lesson plans and a discussion guide to engage critical thinking on the Lerner website here.

Nonfiction

Sensational Senses: Amazing Ways Animals Perceive the World by Rebecca E. Hirsch

Humans have five senses. But some animals can perceive things we can’t thanks to their extraordinary senses. From science writer Rebecca E. Hirsch comes a fascinating book that introduces these animals and delves into the science behind their senses. Discover how animals use their senses to find food, navigate their environment, and communicate. Featured animals include the star-nosed mole with its highly developed nose, the deadly sidewinder rattlesnake which uses its pits to strike its prey, and the electric eel that uses electroreception to sense its prey.

10 at 10: The Surprising Childhoods of Ten Remarkable People by Carlyn Beccia

Audrey Hepburn, Roberto Clemente, Albert Einstein—kids know the names, but do they know what some of history’s most famous figures were like at the age of ten? Carlyn Beccia presents ten brief and beautifully illustrated biographies to give young readers a fresh look at the lives of people they may only know through history books. Colorful timelines provide context and add additional details about these extraordinary lives.

The Adventures of Dr. Sloth: Rebecca Cliffe and Her Quest to Protect Sloths by Suzi Eszterhas

Scientists know surprisingly little about sloths, but Becky Cliffe is working to change that. Visit the Costa Rican rain forest to see these adorable animals up close. Page Plus links in the book lead to videos of sloths in the wild.

Praise for The Adventures of Dr. Sloth

“Eszterhas offers a fascinating glimpse at the work of a scientist currently active in her field. . . . Kids passionate about animal conservation will love this.”—Booklist

“[A] delightful addition to any library, helping readers not just to understand sloths, but to understand why safeguarding them and their habitats is critical.”—School Library Journal

Gender Inequality in Sports: From Title IX to World Titles by Kirstin Cronn-Mills

Gender inequality still exists in sports at all levels, even in the face of the landmark Title IX legislation to protect against discrimination and sexism in federally funded recreational sports. Girls, women, trans, and intersex people face sexist attitudes and unfair rules and regulations. Readers will learn the history and impact of Title IX and explore how additional changes could lead to equality in sports. From contemporary issues such as equal pay for women athletes and specific discrimination cases such as Caster Semanya, who participated in the Olympics, this book details the continued struggle against unequal pay, discrimination, and sexism.

Praise for Gender Inequality in Sports

“Necessary reading, particularly for those who think the battle is won and done.”—Kirkus Reviews

“This title is a must for any collection that needs up-to-date material on gender inequality issues. The author takes a strong stance on the issues discussed and determines that change is necessary for there to be equality in sports.” – School Library Connection

Quiet Fire: Emily Dickinson’s Life and Poetry by Carol Dommermuth-Costa and Anna Landsverk

When Emily Dickinson died at her home in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1886, she left a locked chest with hand-sewn notebooks and papers filled with nearly 1,800 unpublished poems. Four years later, her first collection was published and became a singular success. Today Dickinson is revered as one of America’s greatest and most original poets. Using primary source materials, including the poet’s own letters and poems, Quiet Fire presents the life and art of Emily Dickinson to a new generation.

Praise for Quiet Fire

★”Dommermuth-Costa and Landsverk’s research on the nonreligious, nature-loving, and doting daughter is revelatory; their back matter is impeccable; and the fascinating portrait they paint of the often misunderstood author is mesmerizing. . . . An excellent biography for all YA collections.”—starred, School Library Journal

“[T]he accessible but detailed narrative containing excerpts of her writing provides a great overview of many historians’ theories and is a perfect stand-alone text for casual readers or an excellent jumping-off point for aspiring Dickinson-ian scholars.”—Kirkus Reviews

How to Be a Difficult Bitch: Claim Your Power, Ditch the Haters, and Feel Good Doing It by Halley Bondy, Mary C. Fernandez, Sharon Lynn Pruitt-Young, Zara Hanawalt

Being a powerhouse is a choice, a lifestyle, a code of ethics. It takes work, a thick skin, and perseverance. Learn the basics of being a Difficult Bitch, from school to friends to body to life.

Praise for How to Be a Difficult Bitch

★”A thoughtful, engaging, bad-ass crash course in moxie, self-confidence, and self-love.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

“[U]nleash that inner bitch! . . . The title and bright cover art will attract browsers; the real-world applications and affirmative messages will keep them reading.”—Booklist

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