A Map into the World: Saying Goodbye to Bob

by Carol Hinz, Editorial Director of Millbrook Press and Carolrhoda Books

In fall 2019, we released A Map into the World by Kao Kalia Yang. In this heartfelt picture book, Kalia and illustrator Seo Kim tell the story of a young Hmong girl who experiences the cycle of the seasons as well as the cycle of life, welcoming twin baby brothers along with watching her across-the-street neighbor Bob grieve the death of his wife, Ruth. The character of Bob was based on Kalia’s real-life neighbor Bob, an unassuming man in his early 90s who certainly never imagined he’d one day be in the pages of a children’s book.

It is with much sadness I share the following remembrance, in which Kao Kalia Yang says a final goodbye to Bob.

Today we welcome Mia Siegert to the blog to share their playlist for their new YA novel Somebody Told Me. We also have a podcast featuring Mia and a book trailer!

by Amy Fitzgerald, Editorial Director, Carolrhoda Books

I still see it all the time:

What an unlikeable protagonist.

The main character is so selfish.

This girl makes terrible decisions!

I’ve invented these particular statements, but they’re composites of opinions I frequently come across in discussions about books. I find them particularly amusing when they’re applied to middle-grade and YA novels.

These books are great for kids from preschool age up through 5th grade. All of the projects (and snacks!) are super fun! Some may need help from an adult.