Happy Book Birthday: August New Releases

The school year is about to begin! Welcome students back to the classroom with these fiction and nonfiction August releases.

New Board Books

Anyada Buena, Shanah Tovah by Sarah Aroeste and illustrated by Maria Mola

Interest Level: Grade PreK – K

A little girl and her Sephardic Jewish family joyfully greet the Jewish New Year. “When leaves begin falling, the shofar comes calling. The halá golden brown is shaped round like a crown. Anyada Buena! Shanah Tovah!”

Praise for Anyada Buena, Shanah Tovah

“This newest offering is a wonderful way to highlight the diversity of the Jewish community.”—School Library Journal

Laila Tov, Grover! by Joni Kibort Sussman and illustrated by Tom Leigh

Interest Level: Grade PreK – K

It’s getting dark outside and Grover is getting ready for bed. He puts on his cozy pajamas and brushes his teeth. He reads a story and says Shema. Laila tov, Grover. Good night!

Praise for Laila Tov, Grover!

“A soft, reassuring bedtime book that gently weaves Jewish tradition into a universal nighttime routine.”—School Library Journal

Picture Books

The Library in the Woods by Calvin Alexander Ramsey and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Interest Level: Grade 2 – 5

When Junior moves to Roxboro in 1959, new friends bring him to an incredible place: a library for African American residents. This story is a tribute to the power of books and the resourcefulness of the Black community.

Praise for The Library in the Woods

★”The first-person narrative unfolds with simplicity, clarity, and emotional resonance. Christie’s illustrations, painted with acrylics, capture the tone of events as well as the look of the mid-twentieth-century setting.”—starred, Booklist

“A tribute to a community treasure, understated but rich in feeling.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Christie’s rich acrylic illustrations employ smudgy textures across town and country landscapes in this personal-feeling work about adult illiteracy that ends with a moving reflection on intergenerational connection and different kinds of knowledge.”—Publishers Weekly

Dino-School by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by Barry Gott

Interest Level: Grade K – 3

Welcome the school year dino-style! Rhyming verse from Lisa Wheeler and high-energy illustrations from Barry Gott take readers through the full school year, from the fall fling and the spelling bee to the 100th day of school and track-and-field day!

Praise for Dino-School

“With its blend of humor, heart, and prehistoric fun, this book is sure to be a hit with fans of dinosaurs, rhyming books, and school stories.”—School Library Journal

Is It Asleep? by Olivier Tallec and illustrated by Antony Shugaar

Interest Level: Grade PreK – 1

Squirrel and his silent friend (a mushroom) discover the cycle of nature and of life in a down-to-earth and moving picture book that beautifully pays respect to a friend who has died—then birdsong brings a new beginning.

Praise for Is It Asleep?

“Simple, to-the-point language brings the abstract topics of death, grieving, and carrying on into focus for children in this comforting picture book.”—Foreword Reviews

“A laudably candid yet child-friendly examination of life and death.”—Kirkus Reviews

Sammy Spider’s Big Book of Jewish Holidays by Sylvia A. Rouss and illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn

Interest Level: Grade PreK – 2

Sammy Spider watches the Shapiros hang the calendar that will show them all the Jewish holidays of the year. From Rosh Hashanah to Shavuot, Sammy watches―and asks Mrs. Spider lots of questions.

Praise for Sammy Spider’s Big Book of Jewish Holidays

“A vibrant and educational journey through Jewish traditions.” –School Library Journal

Middle Grade

Displaced by Patrick Ochieng

Interest Level: Grade 5 – 8

Post-election violence forces fourteen-year-old Kim and his family to flee their home in suburban Kenya. While staying in a camp for displaced persons, Kim makes new friends and fights to improve living conditions.

Praise for Displaced

★”Ochieng sheds light on the impact of PTSD, grief, and bigotry through this story conveyed in the compelling voice of a teenage boy. Kim’s courage will speak to readers, and the exploration of the importance of maintaining continuity and pursuing education will resonate. Outstanding.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

“Though a work of fiction, this book will help readers understand the perils of conflict and the struggles of IDPs while still relating to a teen protagonist navigating friendship concerns, crushes, family relationships, and his own mental health . . . the setting is so vividly realized that readers will sink right into the story.”—Booklist

“Readers will be inspired by the children’s courage and perseverance, taking action when adults fail to do so and uniting the camp through the shared need for water. Ideal for a classroom global issues study, this story of Kimathi and his friends serves as a reminder that kids are the same everywhere, but many have comforts and advantages others do not.”—School Library Journal

Graphic Novels

Nafu Wants Food by Subi Bosa

Interest Level: Grade K – 2

Nafu is Mongo Village’s resident monster and protector, so the villagers happily give Nafu all the food they want. But after Nafu greedily gobbles up the last of the food, will someone make a meal out of Nafu?

Praise for Nafu Wants Food

“Brightly colored, thick-lined artwork and large format panels help tell this fable-like story of an unexpected hero and the consequences of greed. South African cartoonist Bosa’s thoughtful pacing and layout, as well as some well-timed jokes, make this a strong choice for elementary-schoolers just getting into comics.”—Booklist

“The strength of this graphic novel lies in the unique nature of the illustrations and their connection to African folklore while breaking tradition in the construction of typical graphic novel panels. . . a unique monster story that stands out from other graphic novels.”—School Library Journal

Trumpets of Death by Simon Bournel-Bosson

Interest Level: Grade 9 – 12

One rainy night, Antoine gets dropped off at his grandparents’ house in the middle of the woods. While foraging with his grandfather, he has an encounter with mysterious natural forces that changes everything for both of them.

Praise for Trumpets of Death

“The artwork is certainly the showpiece, with a bold color palette adding to the 1990s nostalgia the book quietly evokes, while the sleekness of the cartoon character design adds a modern polish to the project. A fascinating tale.”—Booklist

“A beautiful graphic novel about a boy whose transformation into a stag leads to personal growth and maturity.”—Foreword Reviews

“An unsettling, thought-provoking coming of age.”—Kirkus Reviews

New in Paperback

Almost to Freedom by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and illustrated by Colin Bootman

Interest Level: Grade K – 3

Lindy and her doll, Sally, are best friends, they do everything together. So when Lindy and her mother run away in search of freedom, Sally joins her enslaved family on their quest for freedom.

Hair Story by NoNieqa Ramos and illustrated by Keisha Morris

Interest Level: Grade K – 3

With rhythmic, rhyming verse, this picture book follows two girls—one non-Black Puerto Rican, one Black—as they discover the stories their hair can tell.

I Am Farmer: Growing an Environmental Movement in Cameroon by Baptiste Paul, Miranda Paul and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

Interest Level: Grade 2 – 5

When Tantoh Nforba was a child, his fellow students mocked him for taking an interest in gardening. Today he’s an environmental hero, bringing clean water and bountiful gardens to the central African nation of Cameroon.

I Am So Strong by Mario Ramos, translated by Jean Anderson

Interest Level: Grade K – 2

In this fractured fairytale picture book with humorous, expansive language and a twist ending, the big bad wolf gets an unexpected and satisfying taste of his own medicine.

Robo-Motion: Robots That Move Like Animals by Linda Zajac

Interest Level: Grade PreK – 3

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a . . . robo-hummingbird? Meet robots engineered using biomimicry to move like animals. These robots race through water like fish, run like cheetahs, jump like a kangaroo, swarm through the sky like honeybees, and more!

Last Summer in Outer Space by Joshua S. Levy

Interest Level: Grade 4 – 7

As eighth grade aboard PSS 118 comes to an end, Jack and his friends must rally their teachers, classmates, robot allies, and a pet hamster in order to rescue the rest of the human race from a sinister alien plot.

Kiyo Sato: From a WWII Japanese Internment Camp to a Life of Service by Connie Goldsmith

Interest Level: Grade 6 – 12

Kiyo Sato was one of many Japanese Americans to be moved to internment camps during World War II. This narrative biography, supported by informational sidebars, revisits a troubling part of America’s history through the eyes of a young woman who lived through it.

New in Spanish

Cree (Best Believe): Las Tres Hermanas, una hermandad para el bien común (The Tres Hermanas, a Sisterhood for the Common Good) by NoNieqa Ramos and illustrated by Nicole Medina, translated by Alberto Rojas Pinto

Interest Level: Grade 1 – 4

Rhythmic verse presents three sisters who moved from Puerto Rico to New York City as children and grew up to be activists in their Bronx community, focusing on schools, libraries, and the arts. Now in Spanish.

Mi amiga Julia (My Friend Julia): Un libro de Sesame Street ® sobre el autismo (A Sesame Street ® Book about Autism) by Jennifer Cook

Interest Level: Grade PreK – 2

Meet Julia! Julia is an autistic girl who loves art and her family. Join Elmo, Abby, and the rest of the Sesame Street crew as they introduce Julia and all the things that make her special. Now in Spanish!

Celebramos que somos tú y yo con Sesame Street ® (Sesame Street ® Celebrating You and Me) series

Interest Level: Grade PreK – 2

On Sesame Street, we celebrate everyone! In this series, readers will explore the different ways we eat, dress, play, and more. Recognizing our similarities and differences will teach little ones to be proud of themselves and appreciate the world around them. Now in Spanish!

Deportistas que marcaron una diferencia (Athletes Who Made a Difference) series

Interest Level: Grade 3-6

This graphic nonfiction series presents true sports stories of grit, leadership, and resistance. Follow legendary athletes from their early years to pro careers, and see how they pushed to change the world around them. Now in Spanish!

Fiction Series

The Code Busters Club by Penny Warner

Interest Level: Grade 3-6

Meet the super sleuths known as The Code Busters Club. They crack the toughest of codes! Each book complements STEM instruction as readers use mathematical and critical-thinking skills to help solve mysteries.

Early Bird Readers — Blue (Early Bird Stories ™) series

Interest Level: Grade PreK – 2

Fuel the imaginations and reading skills of emergent readers! These fun stories combine age-appropriate text and kid-friendly illustrations perfect for inspiring joyful reading.

Early Bird Readers — Yellow (Early Bird Stories ™) series

Interest Level: Grade PreK – 2

Discover silly, fun, and simple stories perfect for building reading skills. Capture the attention and imaginations of emergent readers with charming art and age-appropriate text. Suggested activities to test reading comprehension add to the fun!

Huxley Higgins series

Interest Level: Grade K – 2

Huxley Higgins is a small seven-year-old with a BIG imagination . . . an imagination that often gets him into ridiculous predicaments. Young readers will laugh along with Hux’s entertaining adventures in these early chapter books.

JoJo series

Interest Level: Grade 1 – 3

JoJo Jupiter loves glitter, fashion, and the pop singer Ruby Red. And spending time with her besties is a must! These early chapter books contain fun and fabulous everyday stories that will excite young readers.

Let’s Celebrate Holidays (Pull Ahead Readers — Fiction) series

Interest Level: Grade PreK – 1

Follow characters from different backgrounds as they celebrate national and cultural holidays in this engaging series. Each fictional story features colorful illustrations and simple text to help beginning readers flourish.

Queen Bee series

Interest Level: Grade K – 2

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.

Space Scout series

Interest Level: Grade 3 – 5

Twelve-year-old Kip Kirby is the youngest Space Scout! Readers will love joining Kip, the grumpy starship MoNa, and the part-human and part-wolf Finbar on missions to find the next planet Earth.

Nonfiction Series

All-Star Smackdown (Lerner ™ Sports) series

Interest Level: Grade 2 – 5

Read about the world’s greatest athletes and compare their careers in a fun and exciting head-to-head format. Explore their stats and greatest moments, and then choose a winner. Will your favorite come out on top?

Celebrate American Symbols (Early Bird Stories ™) series

Interest Level: Grade K – 2

From the bald eagle to the United States flag, celebrate US symbols! These entertaining, illustrated stories follow characters as they discover the rich history and significance of US icons.

Digital Safety Smarts (Alternator Books ®) series

Interest Level: Grade 3 – 6

Technology surrounds us at every moment, from social media and online games to AI. This series empowers young readers with the knowledge and tools they need to utilize these tools intelligently and safely.

Dino Duel series

Interest Level: Grade 3 – 5

Who would win in a fight between two dinosaurs? Readers discover the traits and skills of different dinosaurs as well as how each might fare in a battle of survival.

Dragon Field Guides series

Interest Level: Grade 3 – 5

Enhance readers’ fascination with dragons! These field guides synthesize legends and lore from around the world to explore the anatomy of dragons, common behaviors, the science behind how they would breathe fire, and more.

Gateway Biographies series

Interest Level: Grade 4 – 8

Discover the human side of newsworthy, historical, and pop culture figures, and learn about people leading key social movements or handling crises. Each biography is peppered with quotations, accounts of successes and failures, and descriptions of inspirational experiences that influenced the subject’s achievements.

Gateway Headlines series

Interest Level: Grade 4 – 8

Dive deep into groundbreaking and widely discussed topics. These straightforward and balanced books inform readers on ripped-from-the-headlines issues and make the concepts accessible.

Hip-Hop Culture (Read Woke ™ Books) series

Interest Level: Grade 4 – 8

Hip-hop is a cultural movement with a rich history. From dance and fashion to social justice, this series highlights the importance of hip-hop and celebrates the pivotal people and events that have shaped it.

In the Spotlight (UpDog Books ™) series

Interest Level: Grade 3 – 5

Striving readers will love learning about all the biggest stars in pop culture in this energetic series. Solid biographical details are delivered with a high-interest approach in these profiles of favorite gamers, singers, and more.

Let’s Celebrate Holidays (Pull Ahead Readers — Nonfiction) series

Interest Level: Grade PreK – 1

Introduce kids to a variety of holidays and traditions in these colorful nonfiction books. Engaging photographs and accessible text offer the support beginning readers need.

Lightning Bolt Books ® — Creepy Creatures series

Interest Level: Grade 1 – 3

From birds high in the sky to fish deep in the ocean, spooky creatures live all over! Readers learn all about these animals through vivid photos and accessible text.

Native American Lives series

Interest Level: Grade 4 – 8

How much do you know about Dakota and Ojibwe leaders? This series highlights the lives of leaders while amplifying Native storytelling and representation.

Read about Prehistoric Beasts (Read for a Better World ™) series

Interest Level: Grade K – 2

From hairy ground sloths to the scaly titanoboa, early readers will enjoy learning about the giant creatures that roamed Earth many years ago. This series includes accessible text and questions to engage readers.

Searchlight Books ™ — Survival Stories series

Interest Level: Grade 3 – 5

Climb the highest mountains and swim among the deepest oceans in this exciting series. Each book contains a selection of true nature survival stories and sidebars with survival advice.

Sesame Street ® Firsts series

Interest Level: Grade PreK – 2

From first visits to the dentist to getting a library card, your Sesame Street friends help prepare young readers for six new experiences that are part of growing up.

Soccer Mania (Lerner Sports Rookie) series

Interest Level: Grade K – 2

Learn all about soccer, the world’s most popular sport! Explore the greatest players, teams, and moments from both past and present.

Sports Team Smackdown (Lerner ™ Sports) series

Interest Level: Grade 2 – 5

Discover the history, incredible moments, and superstar athletes of the world’s most iconic sports teams and compare them in a fun head-to-head format. Explore the stats and big victories and choose your own smackdown winner!

Terrific Teams (Lerner Sports Rookie) series

Interest Level: Grade K – 2

Do you know the greatest teams in pro sports? Learn about their histories and explore their star players, epic victories, and devoted fans.

WNBA Hot Ticket (Lerner ™ Sports) series

Interest Level: Grade 2 – 5

Explore the thrilling plays and iconic teams of the Women’s National Basketball Association. Readers will meet basketball superstars and find out why they are at the forefront of a rising wave of interest in women’s sports.

Women Got Game (Lerner ™ Sports) series

Interest Level: Grade 2 – 5

Take an in-depth look at women’s pro sports leagues such as the WNBA, PWHL, and NWSL. Readers will meet the leagues’ best past and present athletes while exploring the leagues’ histories, greatest moments, and more.

Career Quest series

Interest Level: Grade 6 – 12

From engineering to fashion, today’s career options are abundant. But what education do people need to enter certain industries? What jobs are available? And will they be a good fit? Dive into these questions in this informative series.

Icons series

Interest Level: Grade 8 – 12

Explore the lives of legendary music artists who not only top the charts, but also revolutionize the industry with their creativity, innovation, and business acumen. They have the power to unite fans, influence culture, and stir emotions around the world.

Spotlight on Social Justice series

Interest Level: Grade 6 – 12

Give readers an in-depth primer of prominent civics issues in North America. Each book covers the history of its respective topic, what modern concerns are and whether or how they’ve changed, and what the future may hold for impacted communities at large.