After voting, you’ll definitely want to curl up with a good book. Check out these November releases including new picture books, YA, and graphic novels!
New in Picture Books
The Doll Test: Choosing Equality by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by David Elmo Cooper
- Interest Level: Grades 2 – 5
Narrated by dolls, this book tells the little-known story of two Black psychologists who used Black and white dolls in their research about the effects of school segregation on children.
★ “This powerful picture book effectively documents the research that validated the substantial damage to generations of students wrought by segregationist, separate-but equal education policies . . . Suitable for kids, but deserving of a much wider audience, award winners Weatherford and Cooper have created an impactful and compelling book.”—starred, Booklist
“An astonishing and solid purchase for libraries looking for history books about racial segregation.”—School Library Journal
“Cooper’s visuals enhance Weatherford’s assured storytelling, creating a harmonious blend that amplifies the story’s impact. Weatherford’s elegant and relatable explanation of the significance of the Clarks’ work is more than a recounting of facts; this book is a call to action, prompting readers to consider the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.”—Horn Book Magazine
Violin of Hope by Ella Schwartz and illustrated by Juliana Oakley
- Interest Level: Grades 1 – 5
A violin is taken from a Jewish family by the Nazis. After years in a cellar, the violin finds its way back into a musician’s hands, filling concert halls with the music of hope once again.
“[A] uplifting and inspiring tale.” – Booklist
“A very touching story of light overcoming darkness, made even more powerful by the fact that it is based in truth. Reviewer Rating: 5″—Children’s Literature
“Tender, moving, and hopeful.” – Kirkus Reviews
“[A] heartfelt story of loss, hope, and overcoming, based on true events.” – School Library Journal
Miri’s Moving Day by Adam R. Chang and Stephanie Wildman, illustrated by Dream Chen
- Interest Level: Grades PreK – 2
Miri will miss the Chinese lions in front of her apartment building that have always taken care of her. On moving day, her grandfathers, Yeh Yeh and Zayde, have special gifts to remind Miri of what “home” really means.
“A sweet story of a family blending traditions.” – Kirkus Reviews
New in Paperback
Funeral Girl by Emma K. Ohland
- Interest Level: Grades 8 – 12
When Georgia revives the spirit of a recently deceased classmate at her family’s funeral home, she’s forced to sort out her complex feelings about grief and mortality.
“[G]ive Ohland’s first novel high marks for its unusual premise and vivid characterization of its imperfect protagonist.” — Booklist
“Readers who are curious about life-after-death and interested in ghosts and ghost hunting will find this title appealing.”—YALSA HUB
“It’s a different kind of ghost story, one that deals heavily in life, which makes it interesting.”—Sequential Tart
New in Graphic Novels
Second Strike: Book 2 by Zack Soto and illustrated by Zack Soto and Jason Fischer-Kouhi
- Interest Level: Grades 4 – 8
Kaz and Truly barely survived one alien invasion. When the Horde strikes again, it kidnaps Kaz’s parents and sidelines space-knight Cyclo. To rescue the grown-ups, the cousins will need all the luck they can get . . . or maybe just Kaz’s UFO-obsessed uncle, Lucky.
New in YA
Here Goes Nothing by Emma K. Ohland
- Interest Level: Grades 8 – 12
Eighteen-year-old Beatrice isn’t a fan of her neighbor Bennie, but when Beatrice’s sister starts dating Bennie’s friend and throws them into frequent contact, Beatrice must wrestle with complicated feelings and questions about her identity in this reimagining of Much Ado About Nothing.
“Readers will root for high schooler Beatrice to get out of her own way and find happiness in this entertaining reimagining of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. . . Knowledge of Shakespeare isn’t necessary to appreciate this drama-filled enemies-to-lovers plot that tackles themes of girl power, sisterhood, and confronting abusive romantic partners, and includes discussions surrounding the broad spectrum of sexuality and post-high school life.”—Publishers Weekly
“Finally, another entry for the delicious genre of Shakespeare stories in modern-day high school! . . . This novel ultimately expands past the relationship bubble. It’s about finding one’s identity, addressing personal sexuality, and discovering what one wants in the world with so many labels. A feisty queer retelling of a classic, perfect for a teach-along or lesson enhancement.”—School Library Journal