Take a look at the new titles releasing today to help young readers usher in the winter season!
New Picture Books
Revolutions Are Made of Love: The Story of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs by Mélina Mangal and Sun Yung Shin and illustrated by Leslie Barlow
- Interest Level: 2 – 5
Inspiring poems and bold art introduce young readers to the lives and ideas of James Boggs and Grace Lee Boggs, revolutionary civil rights and labor activists who worked together to build a better future for all.
Praise for Revolutions Are Made of Love
★”The poetry is able to convey succinctly the extensive accomplishments of both subjects and the hurdles they faced together and individually, imbuing it with a tone of hope throughout. The illustrations are based on images and stories of the couple, portrayed thoughtfully in each time period of their lives with vivid imagery and color. An exceptional choice for libraries that cherish the stories of unsung, exceptional American people.”—starred, School Library Journal
“A painterly approach distinguishes exemplary portraiture from multimedia artist Barlow, making a picture book debut; the characters’ expressions convey both their connection and their fervent passion for fighting for equity across a work about ‘a true/ collaboration,/ a union/ of love/ and struggle.'”—Publishers Weekly
“Readers will learn about the injustices and influences that shaped Grace and Jim when they were very young and how they responded to those forces, overcoming obstacles in their own paths and then working for the betterment of other people.”—Booklist
Liftoff! How the Apollo Moon Missions Made Alma Thomas’s Art Soar authored and illustrated by Nina Crews
- Interest Level: 1 – 4
In this fascinating STEAM-themed true story, author and illustrator Nina Crews highlights how the Apollo astronauts gave people a new way of looking at the world and inspired modern artist Alma Thomas.
Praise for Liftoff!
★”The spare but informative text moves effortlessly between the parallel stories of the moon mission and Alma’s painting. . . A powerful paean to both the space program and a noteworthy artist.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
“A unique look at both the Apollo 10 space mission and the art of a notable African American artist integrated into one successful picture book, this is a solid introduction to both and sure to pique the interest of space and art lovers alike.”—School Library Journal
“An inspired look at the creative intersection of art and science.”—Booklist
Kai and the Golem by Carol Matas and illustrated by Elisa Vavouri
- Interest Level: PreK – 3
His beloved bubbe is in the hospital and nothing is working out like Kai wants. Maybe, Kai thinks, a big scary Golem is making bad things happen. But when Kai befriends Golem, the world begins to look brighter.
Praise for Kai and the Golem
“Children will recognize themselves in Kai. Their emotions may be overwhelming, but circumstances can be improved by helping others and by looking at events in a more positive light. The sweet color illustrations, including that of the furry, orange golem, enhance the story and the characters.”—Jewish Book Council
“This golem doesn’t help the Jewish people in need, he helps one little boy whose religion is unspecified. This story introduces the golem into ordinary contemporary life. Thus the golem story becomes relevant to every child. An endnote tells about the golem in Jewish history.”—Sydney Taylor Shmooze
Jason Belongs: The Story of Jason Schachter McKinney by Audrey Ades and Jason Schachter McKinney and illustrated by Isabel Muñoz
- Interest Level: K – 3
Jason loves to sing—until a whisper runs through school questioning whether Jason can be both Black and Jewish. Lifted up by both his African and Jewish ancestors’ music, Jason finds a way to sing with his whole spirit.
Praise for Jason Belongs
“This journey of self-discovery while growing up in a biracial, interfaith family is sure to resonate with young readers exploring the intersection of their interests and identities.”—Booklist
“The story arc, deliberately simple, makes McKinney’s journey accessible to any child who has questioned where or how to fit in with community, family, and school. . . . Ades treats questions of identity with a light touch, which only gives the story more power.”—School Library Journal
New Young Adult Fiction
The Writing Room by Marcia Argueta Mickelson
- Interest Level: 8 – 12
After eighteen-year-old Maya is kicked out of her wealthy dad’s NYC home, she’s grounded by a shared writers’ workspace where she finds her voice—and the courage to stand up to her dad.
Praise for The Writing Room
“With a unique take on the current political climate, this novel explores finding one’s footing in the adult world and standing behind one’s beliefs.”—Booklist
“Atmospheric and relevant.”—School Library Journal
“A timely and compelling portrait of people who rise above broken families and oppressive systems to find belonging and solidarity with one another. . . Daringly defiant and achingly hopeful, The Writing Room is an essential book that speaks to this moment with clear vision and powerful prose. Not to be missed!”—David Bowles, author of They Call Her Fregona
New Graphic Novels
Siegfried and Adryel: Book 2 by Lylian, illustrated by Paul Drouin, colored by Lorien, and translated by Montana Kane
Interest Level: 4 – 8
The second installment of The Giants series!
Siegfried is sick and tired of being cooped up at home while his parents are always out of town. So when a Giant reaches out to Siegfried, he knows it’s his chance to take control of his life.
Praise for Erin and Yrso: Book 1
“A tender tale of grief propelled into a fantastical, globe-trotting adventure.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Lylian delivers a cinematic new adventure that will enthrall fans of Marvel and Godzilla. . . This first installment in a new epic adventure series sets the stage with a high-interest plot that transitions between what is happening with Erin and Yrso, and what is happening on a larger global scale as scientists uncover the existence of other giants in the world. Readers will enjoy the colorful artwork and character-driven stories, though they may recognize some familiar tropes from other comic book series.”—School Library Journal
The Robot Makers Book 9: United as One by Podoal Friend, illustrated by Hong Jong-hyun, and translated by Gloria Ohe
- Interest Level: 4 – 8
The Creative Robot Contest is finally underway! But the audience gets to cast their votes before the judges. Can the team rally together and win over the crowd?
Praise for The Robot Makers series
“The characters are relatable and the plot is exciting, making this a book that kids will enjoy from start to finish. . . a great book for kids who are interested in coding, robotics, or just looking for a fun and exciting read. Reviewer Rating: 5″—Children’s Literature
The Robot Makers Book 10: The Final Showdown by Podoal Friend, illustrated by Hong Jong-hyun, and translated by Gloria Ohe
- Interest Level: 4 – 8
Chaos erupts when Cyborg Captain suddenly appears! The other teams’ mistakes pile up, making it clear that staying cool in front of Cyborg Captain is no easy task . . .
Praise for The Robot Makers series
“A good choice for parents and educators who are looking for a graphic novel that is both entertaining and educational.”—Children’s Literature
New Young Adult Nonfiction
Future Forward: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson
- Interest Level: 6 – 12
Artificial intelligence is the capability of computer systems to imitate human behavior and thinking. Explore how artificial intelligence is used to further human goals, as well as the ethical concerns associated with its use.
Praise for Future Forward
★”Start here for an in-depth understanding of AI.”—starred, Booklist
“An information-rich, teen-friendly, and overall hopeful look at AI.”—Kirkus Reviews
Lullabies for the Insomniacs: A Memoir in Verse by Ella Grace Foutz
- Interest Level: 8 – 12
A teen with bipolar disorder fights for survival and self-understanding in Ella Grace Foutz’s memoir in verse, balancing poignancy with moments of levity as she navigates the complex terrain of mental illness and mental health.
Praise for Lullabies for the Insomniacs
“Foutz conveys a tender embrace of her whole self in all its permutations. This perceptive collection offers insightful and, at times, uplifting revelations.”—Publishers Weekly
“Beautifully written in verse, this memoir shares the reality of living with these conditions. Written in verse, the story’s format softens the weight of a difficult subject, making it easier to process while still capturing the depth and emotion of the experience.”—School Library Journal