Happy Book Birthday: September New Releases

New books for a new school year! We have a load of new titles coming out in September, from a picture book about dino good deeds to a powerful poetry anthology exploring policing in the United States. Grab your notebooks and pencils! You’ll want to add all of these to your school’s reading list.

New Board Books

The Little Red Barn by Kim Crumrine

• Interest Level: Grade PreK

In this bright, graphic board book made of pure fun, an impossible number of animals find a bed for the night inside the little red barn. How does this barn that looks so small have room for everybody?

New Picture Books

Patchwork Memories by Monica Rojas, illustrated by Luisa Uribe

• Interest Level: Grades K-3

Abuela’s memory isn’t what it used to be, and so she must move away. Home feels lonely without her. Then her grandchild finds a quilt from long ago, which becomes the link for Abuela’s missing memories.

Praise for Patchwork Memories

★ “A beautiful and optimistic book about a changing family and how to appreciate an elder’s stories in different ways. Perfect for any picture book collection . . . “—starred, School Library Journal

“A comforting depiction of an anchoring object and shared family memories.”—Publishers Weekly

Dino-Helpers by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Barry Gott

• Interest Level: Grades K-3

Need to cross the street, rescue a lost puppy, or fix a traffic jam? Dinos are here to help! Playful rhyming text shows how dinosaurs of all sizes and ages can be important community helpers.

New Fiction Releases

A Boy Called Hero by Marie Miranda Cruz

• Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Twelve-year-old Hero is transported back in time to 1892. While trying to find a way home, he joins his ancestors in resisting Spanish rule in the Philippines by distributing a banned book with revolutionary ideas.

Praise for A Boy Called Hero

“Plenty of action and intrigue to keep readers turning pages. . . . celebrates family heritage and explores less familiar historical times and places.”—Booklist

“An exciting adventure that explores what it means to be a hero and sheds light on fascinating historical events.”—Kirkus Reviews

The Monster and the Library by Mats Strandberg, illustrated by Sofia Falkenhem

• Interest Level: Grades 1-4

Frank must decide if he is brave enough to reveal his true self as the showdown between monsters and humans looms in this just-scary-enough, illustrated chapter book series about a warm-hearted boy-turned-werewolf trying to find his pack.

Praise for The Monster and the Library

“A quick, engaging read with a strong message about kindness and understanding.”—School Library Journal

New Graphic Novel Releases

The Last Boy Above Ground by Rodrigo Reyes Rico

• Interest Level: Grades 4-8

After pollution sends people underground, Elias is the only human left in Mexico City. Until he meets Ana. Together, the two will learn how Eli breathes above ground—and if a better world is possible.

Praise for The Last Boy Above Ground

★ “Fast-paced and vibrant, this will be a great pick for middle-graders looking for a fun yet meaningful out-of-the-box postapocalyptic tale.”—starred, Booklist

“For middle graders who enjoy cool and curious stories, and any reader who wishes they had the power to help heal the Earth.”—School Library Journal

The Cloak from Baghdad by Carol Isaacs

• Interest Level: Grades 3-6

Flora’s family has lived in Baghdad for generations. But in the 1930s, Iraq is no longer a safe place to be Jewish. In this middle-grade graphic novel, Flora’s choices will change her family’s future.

Praise for The Cloak from Baghdad

“An illuminating exploration of Iraqi Jewish history and the far-reaching impact of fascism and displacement.”—Publishers Weekly

“An important diaspora story of Jewish diversity. . . “—School Library Journal

The Case of the River Dragon by Chi-hyeon Ahn, illustrated by Gyung-hyo Kang

• Interest Level: Grades 4-6

A boy named Bongseok spots something big wiggling around in the river. As he moves closer, an awful stench fills his nose. Out of nowhere, a giant dragon emerges! Can the Mystery Science Detectives solve this bizarre case?

New Nonfiction Releases

Becoming US: A Timeline of Immigration and Relocation in America by A.L. Wegwerth

• Interest Level: Grades 4-8

Take a chronological look at the history of immigration and relocation in America, particularly where immigrants came from and when and why they came. Sidebars and other special features expand on the text.

Praise for Becoming US

“A balanced, well-documented support for most civics collections.”—Booklist

“A solid introduction that doesn’t gloss over this complex history.”—School Library Journal

M is for Mindful: Many Ways to Be Mindful with Sesame Street ® by Whitney Sanderson

• Interest Level: Grades PreK-2

Mindfulness means paying attention to ourselves and our surroundings. Readers explore different ways to be mindful alongside Sesame Street characters.

Praise for M is for Mindful

“Readers will appreciate the enthusiastic suggestions from their favorite characters as well as the inclusive imagery.”—School Library Journal

Pocket Observology: A Field Guide by Giselle Clarkson

• Interest Level: Grades 2-5

Slip this practical field guide out of your pocket to identify, measure, compare, or find clues to things you encounter every day in nature. Pocket Observology is the perfect companion to Giselle Clarkson’s nature books The Observologist and Omnibird.

Praise for Pocket Observology

“Clearly, this is an author/illustrator who knows what she’s doing. . . . Pocket-sized it contains how-to guides, comic illustrations, weatherproof cover, and built-in, useful tools–such as a ruler, key, and quick access sections.”—Betsy Bird

We Live in Trees!: Amazing Animal Adaptations by Heather Alexander

• Interest Level: Grades PreK-3

Meet a variety of awesome animals that live in trees! From red pandas to porcupines to tree frogs, discover how eleven different creatures are adapted to thrive up high in the treetops.

Praise for We Live in Trees!

“Enticing fare for budding nature and animal lovers.”—Kirkus Reviews

Witness by Ari Tison and Ty Chapman, illustrated by Damon Davis

• Interest Level: Grades 8-12

A powerful poetry anthology from a multifaceted chorus of voices explores a range of experiences and emotions related to policing. This book gives readers an opportunity to reflect, to discuss, and above all, to witness.

Praise for Witness

★ “The collection’s greatest strength lies in its multiplicity. The complex realities of anger, grief, exhaustion, tenderness, humor, and hope coexist without diminishing one another.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews

★ “For those seeking poetry of protest and resistance, this intense compilation offers fruitful fare. . . . Art and verse offer potent opportunities for reflection upon the social forces that influence American policing, as well as the deep anguish of the vulnerable citizens most at risk.”—starred, School Library Journal