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Happy Book Birthday: August New Releases

Megan Ciskowski

Bring out the cake and light the candles! We have a bevy of book birthdays to celebrate. Read on to find the August new releases.

New Board Books

My First Dino-Hanukkah by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by Barry Gott

Spin the dreidel and light the menorah! It’s time for to celebrate Dino-Hanukkah. The dinos gather with friends and family, tell the story of the Maccabees, and enjoy latkes and applesauce!

My First Dino-Thanksgiving by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by Barry Gott

Bring your appetite . . . it’s Dino-Thanksgiving! The dinos have some very familiar traditions. They cook, they gather with family, they watch football, and they eat!

Miro/I Look by Gavin Bishop

This arresting board book of first words in both Spanish and English by award-winning Gavin Bishop pairs family and toys to show connections while building vocabulary for shapes, colors, and objects.

New Picture Books

Around the World with Friends by Philip Waechter

This uplifting picture book with a read-aloud refrain revels in carefree days outside with friends, making adventure from nothing, and coming home happy to feed the chickens.

“With its gentle humour, this is just the story to share with children on a warm, lazy summer’s day.”–Red Reading Hub

Bear’s Lost Glasses by Leo Timmers

The nearsighted, cheerful Bear finds a parade of remarkable animals when he goes walking to find his glasses. This playful picture book by children’s favorite Leo Timmers sparks laughter and imagination.

“A humorous, delightful tale about finding wonderful new ways to see the world.”—Kirkus Reviews

Cake for Everyone by Thé Tjong-Khing

A group of animals chase their stolen picnic in this wordless look-and-find adventure picture book full of intricate detail and comical storytelling.

“Twists and turns abound, and sharp-eyed readers will delight in poring over all the possibilities and filling in the blanks. . . A delicious tale that will reward attentive readers.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Pleasingly fragmented and comically cohesive, spreads rendered in fine lines follow the antics, making for a set of brain-teasing mini-quests that invite readers to consider who arrived first, what belonged to whom, and how they’ll all arrive at the titular conceit.”—Publishers Weekly

A Rainy Dragon Day by Julie Völk

In this atmospheric picture book, a rainy day indoors turns into a fantastical journey to dragonland when Fred the elegant dragon arrives in need of a bathroom.

“A unique bedtime story—before the nightly bathroom visit.”—Kirkus Reviews

An Etrog from Across the Sea by Deborah Bodin Cohen and Kerry Olitzky, illustrated by Stacey Dressen McQueen

Papa promises to bring home the most perfect etrog for Sukkot from across the sea. When his ship is delayed, Rachel wonders whether the silver cup Grandpapa Luis gave her will be empty or have an etrog to hold.

“This touching story, written by two rabbis, offers a glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of colonial America and celebrates the warmth of family togetherness. A homey, appealing holiday celebration.”—Kirkus Reviews 

New Middle Grade

The Rule of Three by Heather Murphy Capps

As a biracial kid in a mostly white town, Wyatt feels like an outsider everywhere except the baseball field. But when travel team tryouts get tense, mysterious wisps of smoke surround him. Can he discover the cause of—and learn to control—this unusual stress reaction?

“Wyatt’s voice is authentic and nuanced; his frustrations will resonate with middle grade readers who see the injustices around them and struggle to control their own emotions. A good SEL angle within a prose novel featuring social justice and sports appeal for readers who enjoy Mike Lupica, Kwame Mbalia, and B.B. Alston.”—Booklist

“Capps incorporates real-life events—as discussed in an author’s note—to tell an illuminating tale that utilizes a physical manifestation of trauma to effectively demonstrate the compounding results of racism across generations.”—Publishers Weekly

New in Paperback

Run, Sea Turtle, Run: A Hatchling’s Journey by Stephen R. Swinburne

“Can you hear me? Scritch, scratch. I’m a little sea turtle inside an egg.” Follow a leatherback sea turtle’s treacherous journey from nest to sea. Gorgeous photographs dramatize the hatchling’s dangerous journey. Back matter provides life cycle and conservation information.

“[A]n engaging real-time account of a leatherback sea turtle’s journey from hatchling to ocean dweller.”—Booklist

“An appealing, attractive, and accessible introduction to endangered sea turtles.”—Kirkus Reviews

Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature by Marcie Flinchum Atkins

Captivating photos accompany engaging nonfiction text to explain dormancy in nature. Featuring creatures like ladybugs, chickadees, squirrels, and even alligators, this book won’t put curious kids to sleep!

★”A refreshingly original exploration of a physical process both common and important in the natural world.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

The Great Leopard Rescue: Saving the Amur Leopards by Sandra Markle

Amur leopards are the rarest big cats in the world. But thanks to scientists’ innovative efforts to study them and breed a reserve population, these majestic cats have a chance to come back.

★”Excellent writing and documentation distinguish Markle’s latest.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

The Great Rhino Rescue: Saving the Southern White Rhinos by Sandra Markle

Southern white rhinos are in trouble. Some people believe rhino horns can cure cancer, and poachers are attacking rhinos at alarming rates. Find out what scientists are doing to help protect these incredible animals.

★”[A] compelling, hopeful account of ecosystem defense.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

Indigo and Ida by Heather Murphy Capps

Indigo, an eighth-grade investigative reporter, is torn between fighting a racist school policy and keeping her friends—until she discovers a series of letters written by Black journalist and activist Ida B. Wells.

★”Indigo is a relatable and sympathetic character, and the social justice issues she champions at her school are timely and ring true. Readers will be inspired by Indigo’s passion and compelled to read more about Wells, too.”—starred, Booklist

★”[A] powerful and climactic contemporary novel.”—starred, Shelf Awareness

Somebody Told Me by Mia Siegert

After an assault, bigender teen Aleks/Alexis moves in with their uncle, a Catholic priest. When they overhear parishioners’ confessions through a wall, their instinct is to anonymously help. But what will they do when another priest confesses to sexual abuse?

” . . . Siegert’s blunt and honest prose brings together a compelling narrative layered with intersections of gender, sexuality, and spirituality, which will be sure to provide teen audiences with much food for thought.”—Booklist

“Highly recommended, especially where #OwnVoices books are in demand.”—School Library Journal

Roads to Family: All the Ways We Come to Be by Rachel HS Ginocchio, MPH

Examine—and appreciate—the many ways in which people can create a family. This informative compendium goes beyond the basics of sexual reproduction to examine the diversity of methods people use, including in-vitro fertilization, surrogacy, adoption, and more.

★ “Within each chapter, Ginocchio tells engaging, lengthy stories, based on interviews, of several racially and ethnically diverse parents, from same-sex relationships to individuals who wanted to be parents to heterosexual couples struggling with infertility, and how they brought children into their lives. . . . Supplemental facts and figures as well as enlightening graphics enhance this much-needed and inclusive resource.”—starred, Booklist

“A rich and resourceful guide . . . The book is nuanced, bringing to the forefront the validity of all families along with answers to the questions young people might have about themselves and others.”—Kirkus Reviews

New Graphic Novels

Athletes Who Made a Difference series

This graphic nonfiction series presents true sports stories of grit, leadership, and resistance. Dynamic visuals highlight impactful events on and off the field, as legendary athletes inspire social change. With a lively tone and colorful artwork, each book in the Athletes Who Make a Difference series follows a different sports hero’s early years, journey to the pros, and ability to change the world around them.

Super Potato and the Slug King’s Revenge: Book 12 by Artur Laperla

Zort crash-lands on Earth with Rah the Tyrant! Super Potato arrives only to find THREE intergalactic bounty hunters fighting over Zort. How will Super Potato save the day when he can’t tell friend from foe?

New Young Adult Nonfiction

The Gender Binary Is a Big Lie: Infinite Identities around the World by Lee Wind

Author Lee Wind takes readers on a journey to examine gender identity and representation throughout history—from ancient burial sites to people identifying as gender fluid today. Learn how cultures past and present debunk the idea of a gender binary.

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★ “An accessible, thorough, curiosity-provoking introduction to gender.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

“Through unpacking the ancient yet ongoing human experience with gender, Wind presents an informative and approachable starting point for readers wanting to learn what gender really is and how it may apply to them.”—Booklist

“Edifying…reveals worlds in which gender nonconformity is celebrated.”—Foreword Reviews

New in Spanish

Pieza a pieza (Piece by Piece) by Lupe Ruiz-Flores and illustrated by Anna López Real

During the Great Depression, Ernestine Guerrero’s family didn’t have much. This is the true story of a resourceful Mexican American teen who made a gift to thank President Roosevelt for the food aid that helped them survive. Now in Spanish.

“Beautiful objects can come from unassuming materials, and this book proves it. . . A gorgeous book recommended for all libraries in need of more Spanish-language picture book biographies.”—School Library Journal

¡Hablémoslo! (Let’s Talk about It) by Marie-Therese Miller

Interest Level: PreK – Grade 2

Everyone experiences conflict, even on Sesame Street! This guide comes with simple steps to help readers become kind and independent problem solvers. Now in Spanish!

“Useful and age-sensitive resources for handling tough but important subjects from a trusted source.”—School Library Journal

Vamos a cambiar el mundo todos juntos (Come Together, Change the World) by Jackie Golusky

Elmo and friends learn along with young readers about racial justice. This gentle guide helps kids celebrate what makes them special, use words to talk about race, and understand why it is important to treat everyone fairly. Now in Spanish!

“Useful and age-sensitive resources for handling tough but important subjects from a trusted source.”—School Library Journal

Bo en The Buzz (Bo at the Buzz) (Read Woke ™ Books en español) series

Bo’s life is always buzzing. And not just because he lives upstairs from The Buzz, a barbershop. Young readers will love following Bo’s daily life and adventures in these early chapter books. Now in Spanish!

New in Ojibwe

Dagwaaginoo-mazina’iganan (Let’s Look at Fall) (Pull Ahead Readers Ojibwemowin — Fiction)

Learn all about fall in this fictional series about our most colorful season. Each story features carefully translated text and full-color illustrations to support children learning to read. Now in Ojibwe!

Dagwaaginoo-mazina’iganan (Let’s Look at Fall) (Pull Ahead Readers Ojibwemowin — Nonfiction)

Explore how the season of fall changes the animals, the plants, the people, and the world around us in this nonfiction series. Simple text and full-color photos support young children learning to read. Now in Ojibwe!

Nagadenim ingiw Nayaadamaagejig Endanakiiyang (Read about Community Helpers) (Read for a Better World ™ Ojibwemowin)

Community helpers make the world a better place. This series has both SEL connections and authentic examples to help readers understand how these important people contribute to the community they live in. Now in Ojibwe!

New Fiction Series

Becoming Ari by Christopher Stewart and illustrated by Lala Stellune

Nine-year-old Ari likes to run track and play with his dog. He is also in a club that many don’t know about . . . the Secret Kindness Society! Young readers will enjoy following Ari’s adventures in these early chapter books.

“An accessible bridge between early readers and chapter books.”—School Library Journal

Let’s Look at Polar Animals (Pull Ahead Readers — Fiction) by Ruthie Van Oosbree

It’s not every day you see polar animals in their natural habitat. But with full-color illustrations and carefully leveled fictional text, young readers can observe the lives of these cool creatures from right inside their classroom.

“Accessible, enjoyable, and educational.”—School Library Journal

Phonics Fun Decodables — Level 1

Decodable text has never been more accessible! Interesting storylines, charming art, and phonics lessons based on the Science of Reading help developing readers grow their skills. Level 1 introduces consonants, short vowels, and long vowels.

Phonics Fun Decodables — Level 2

Explore exciting stories, rich illustrations, and engaging characters, all while building phonics skills. With a focus on vowel teams and consonant blends, Level 2 helps young readers build skill and confidence in reading.

Phonics Fun Decodables — Level 3

Find the joy of reading while building phonics skills through engaging stories and original illustrations. In Level 3, readers will strengthen old skills and learn new phonics, with a focus on longer stories, affixes, inflectional endings, and silent letters.

Queen Bee by Priti Birla Maheshwari and illustrated by Rea Zhai

Beena loves all things royal, which is why her friends call her Queen Bee! Join Bee on her everyday adventures in this early chapter book series fit for young queens and kings.

Zooniverse by Nova Weetman and illustrated by Chris Kennett

Join Noah and Blue as they invent and bring to life original animal creations with the help of a magical book. Readers will love the mischief and mayhem in these fun, accessible chapter books.

Praise for The Marvelous Moleon

“A solid title that combines themes of friendship and science . . . This promising series opener is a worthwhile purchase for a classroom, library, or home.”—School Library Journal

New Nonfiction Series

All-Time Best Athletes (Lerner Sports Rookie)

Explore the greatest athletes of the past and present in the world’s most popular sports. Count them down from ten to one, then rank them for yourself!

Black Trailblazers in Sports (Read Woke ™ Books)

Learn the untold stories of pioneering Black athletes in baseball, basketball, football, and gymnastics. These books deliver a balanced view of history, provide for personal reflection, and develop readers’ understanding of how past events affect the modern sports world.

Exploring Our Solar System with The Planetary Society ®

Which planets have moons? What is the order of the planets from the sun? There is much to explore about space. With exciting photos, diagrams, and text, readers will love learning about our Solar System.

Fund Your Future

How do I save for college? How do I apply for a job? What is compound interest? Readers will learn the answers to these questions and more in these practical guides for financial literacy.

Just Dance (Lerner Sports Rookie)

Readers will be swaying to the rhythm as they delve into various types of dance! Each book explains the dance style, offers tips on performing, and provides instructions for a specific dance move kids will be eager to try out!

Let’s Look at Polar Animals (Pull Ahead Readers — Nonfiction)

Discover the features, traits, habits, and daily lives of some of the world’s most exciting polar animals. Full-color photographs and simple text support young children learning to read.

Lightning Bolt Books ® — Horse Lover’s Library

Young readers climb in the saddle and hold onto the reins as they race into the world of horses. These irresistible books cover everything horses, including breeds, sports, and adorable baby horses.

Lightning Bolt Books ® — Mighty Military Vehicles

How do submarines move underwater? How do soldiers control drones from miles away? Through exciting photos and accessible text, readers will learn the ins and outs of military vehicles and how they work.

Minecraft Zone (UpDog Books ™)

Discover the secrets to gathering resources, building cities, and surviving monsters in Minecraft. Young readers will learn insider tips for fun and creativity and be treated to bright photos of the world of Minecraft.

Musicians and Their Inspirations

Singers keep up with new trends in music daily, but they also take influence from their idols. Young readers learn how their favorite singers inspire each other across generations.

Native Rights (Alternator Books ®)

Examine current challenges and movements to protect Native American rights, resources, and ways of life. Well researched and timely, these books will give voice and context to the myriad issues facing Native peoples today.

Predator vs. Prey

In a battle of survival, who would win? A crocodile or a hippo? A wolf or a moose? Readers will learn about the skills and techniques animals use both to hunt and to protect themselves in the wild.

Read about Baby Animals (Read for a Better World ™)

Kids love reading about animals, especially baby animals. With engaging photographs and accessible text, this series is perfect for young readers and animal lovers alike.

Read about Community Helpers (Read for a Better World ™)

Community helpers make the world a better place. This series has both SEL connections and authentic examples to help readers understand how these important people contribute to the community they live in.

Searchlight Books ™ — The Kids’ Guide to Government

Young readers explore how the United States government works and how they can be involved. Take a tour of each branch of government and then discover how media impacts government and elections.

Sesame Street ® Tough Topics

Life can bring tough challenges and difficult situations. In this series, the Sesame Street friends provide caregivers and educators a place to begin facilitating discussion around tough topics.

The Moon Files (Alternator Books ®)

Explore every side of the moon in this exciting series! From traveling to the moon to what living on the moon would be like, this series gives readers an in-depth look at this popular space topic.

Ultimate Sports Stats (Lerner ™ Sports)

Sports fans will cheer over this series chock-full of amazing stats and interesting information. Learn about the most important stats in sports, crunch the numbers, and meet the athletes who make it all possible.

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