the oldest student: how mary walker learned to read rita

ON SALE 1/7/2020

HC:9781524768287/$17.99/$23.99EL: 9781524768300 /$10.99/$11.99

BISAC 1: Juvenile Nonfiction - Biography & Autobiography - WomenBISAC 2: Juvenile Nonfiction - People & Places -United States - African American BISAC 3: Juvenile Nonfiction - History - United States - General

Page Count: 40 Trim Size: 9 x 11

Age: 4-8 Grade: Preschool - 3

Themes: Biography & Autobiography, History & Social Studies

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read Rita Lorraine Hubbard; illustrated by Oge Mora

Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! Discover the true story of Mary Walker, the nation's oldest student who did just that, in this picture book from a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and a rising star author.

In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.

Praise for The Oldest Student:

“Enjoy this book with every child you know; let Mary Walker become a household name.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“An absorbing narrative and excellent illustrations combine to create a moving story of encouragement for youngsters.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“A lovely, inspirational picture-book biography about beating the odds and achieving your dreams.” —Booklist, starred review

"Walker’s determination and her long, long life—she died at 121—offer genuine inspiration.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Author Bio: Rita Lorraine Hubbard is the author of a number of nonfiction books for adults and runs the children's book review site Picture Book Depot. She is the author of Hammering for Freedom: The Story of William Lewis, which was awarded the New Voices Award by Lee & Low Books and has received three starred reviews.

Illustrator Bio: Oge Mora is the author/illustrator of Thank You, Omu! which won a Caldecott Honor as well as the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award. It was also selected as a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice Staff Pick and was chosen by both Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal as a Best Book of 2018.

Wolverine85

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ON SALE 1/14/2020

HC:9780525582090/$17.99/$23.99EL: 9780525582113 / $10.99/$11.99

BISAC 1: Juvenile Fiction - Girls & Women BISAC 2: Juvenile Fiction - People & Places - United States - African AmericanBISAC 3: Juvenile Fiction - Social Themes -Emotions & Feelings

Page Count: 32 Trim Size: 9 x 11 Book Category: Hardcover Picture Book Illustrations: Full-color illustrations

Age: 4-8 years Grades: Preschool - 3

Themes: Girl Interest, Cultural Diversity, Emotions & Feelings, Acceptance & Belonging, Friendship

Just Like Me Vanessa Brantley-Newton

An ode to the girl with scrapes on her knees and flowers in her hair, and every girl in between, this exquisite treasury will appeal to readers of Dear Girl and I Am Enough and have kids poring over it to find a poem that's just for them.

I am a canvasBeing painted onBy the words of my familyFriendsAnd community

From Vanessa Brantley-Newton, the author of Grandma's Purse, comes a collection of poetry filled with engaging mini-stories about girls of all kinds: girls who feel happy, sad, scared, powerful; girls who love their bodies and girls who don't; country girls, city girls; girls who love their mother and girls who wish they had a father. With bright portraits in Vanessa's signature style of vibrant colors and unique patterns and fabrics, this book invites readers to find themselves and each other within its pages.

Praise for Just Like Me:

“Thoughtful, inclusive, and celebratory.” —Publishers Weekly

“Simple, upbeat, and affirming—a great reminder of what is to be gained when girls appreciate their own uniqueness and that of others. A dynamic, uplifting, and welcoming world of girls.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Bursting with positivity, this would be a great book to use in primary school classrooms when discussing issues of friendship, diversity, and self-esteem." —Booklist

Author Bio: Vanessa Brantley-Newton is a self-taught illustrator, doll maker, and crafter who studied fashion illustration at FIT and children's book illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York. She is the author and illustrator of Grandma's Purse and has illustrated numerous children's books, including Sewing Stories by Barbara Herkert.

ON SALE 5/5/2020

HC: 9781524766719 / $16.99/$22.99 EL: 9781524766733 / $9.99/$10.99

BISAC 1: Juvenile Fiction - Animals - General BISAC 2: Juvenile Fiction - Social Themes - FriendshipBISAC 3: Juvenile Fiction - Imagination & Play

Page Count: 128 Trim Size: 6-3/8 x 8-1/4 Book Category: Chapter Book Illustrations: Full color illustrations

Age: 5-9 years Grade: Grades K-4

Themes: Animals, Friendship, Acceptance & Belonging Setting: Pacific Northwest, USA

Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us Lauren CastilloFrom a Caldecott Honor-winning artist comes a cozy classic-in-the-making about finding your friends and sticking together through thick and thin.

Sometimes you make a friend, and it feels like you have known that friend your entire life. . . .

Hedgehog lives on a teeny-tiny island with only her stuffed dog, Mutty, for company. When a great storm carries Mutty away, she embarks on a quest to find her friend. Following the trail of clues Mutty left behind, brave Hedgehog meets a wiggly Mole, a wordy Owl, a curmudgeonly Beaver, a scatterbrained Hen and Chicks, and a girl who's new to the neighborhood, Annika May. With bravery and teamwork, there's nothing that can stop these seven from finding Mutty, but along the way they discover something even more important: each other.

The first book in a new series from Caldecott Honor winner Lauren Castillo, Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us has the feel of a timeless classic, introducing an unforgettable cast of characters who will star in many more adventures to come.

Praise for Our Friend Hedgehog:

"Our Friend Hedgehog feels like a modern-day Winnie the Pooh. It's so warm and full of joy and love. It's got classic written all over it."-- Victoria Jamieson, Newbery Honor-winning author of Roller Girl

"Gracefully interweaving pictures and words, Castillo transports young readers into the natural world where they meet beloved Hedgehog and her friends. Gentle and full of heart." --Abby Hanlon, author of Dory Fantasmagory

"I love, love, love, love, love Hedgehog, Mutty, Mole, Owl, Beaver, Hen, the Chicks, and Annika Mae. I cannot wait to encourage every second-grade teacher to read it aloud. It is a perfect read-aloud." --Mr. Schu, educator and author

Author Bio: Lauren Castillo studied illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art and received her MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She is the author and illustrator of the 2015 Caldecott Honor-winning book Nana in the City, as well as The Troublemaker and Melvin and the Boy. Lauren has also illustrated several critically acclaimed picture books, including Twenty Yawns by Jane Smiley, Yard Sale by Eve Bunting, and City Cat by Kate Banks.

ON SALE 7/10/2018 HC: 9780525579649 / $17.99 / $21.00EL: 9780525579663 / $10.99 / $9.99

BISAC 1: Juvenile Fiction - School & Education BISAC 2: Juvenile Fiction - Social Themes - Friendship BISAC 3: Juvenile Fiction - Social Themes - Prejudice & Racism

Page Count: 44 Trim Size: 10 x 10 Book Category: Hardcover Picture Book

Age: 4-8 years Grade: Preschool - 3

Themes: Cultural Diversity, Friendship, School, Acceptance & Belonging

All Are Welcome Alexandra Penfold; illustrated by Suzanne Kaufmann

Join the call for a better world with this New York Times bestselling picture book about a school where diversity and inclusion are celebrated.

Discover a school where--no matter what--young children have a place, have a space, and are loved and appreciated.

Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where students from all backgrounds learn from and celebrate each other's traditions. A school that shows the world as we will make it to be.

Praise for All Are Welcome:

"Penfold and Kaufman have outdone themselves in delivering a vital message in today's political climate."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A great read-aloud selection to start the year and revisit time and again." --School Library Journal

"A lively, timely picture book."--Booklist

"This is a must-read for pre-school and elementary classrooms everywhere. An important book that celebrates diversity and inclusion in a beautiful, age-appropriate way." - Trudy Ludwig, author of The Invisible Boy

Author Bio: Alexandra Penfold is the author of Eat, Sleep, Poop (Knopf, 2016) and the forthcoming picture books The Littlest Viking (Knopf) and Everybody's Going to the Food Truck Fest (FSG). She is also a literary agent at Upstart Crow, where one of her clients is Suzanne Kaufman!

Illustrator Bio: Suzanne Kaufman is an author, illustrator, and animator. Over the years she's done everything from animating special effects for Universal Television and the Discovery Channel to animating award-winning video games for children. She's the illustrator of a number of books for children including Samanthasaurus Rex by B. B. Mandell, the forthcoming Naughty Claudine by Patrick Jennings, 100 Bugs by Kate Narita and her own book, Confiscated! among others.

ON SALE 4/7/2020 HC: 9781524773274 / $17.99/$23.99EL: 9781524773298 / $10.99/$11.99

BISAC 1: Juvenile Nonfiction - Adventure & AdventurersBISAC 2: Juvenile Nonfiction - Crafts & Hobbies BISAC 3: Juvenile Nonfiction - Health & Daily Living -Fitness & Exercise

Page Count: 40 Trim Size: 8-1/2 x 12 Book Category: Hardcover Picture Book Illustrations: FULL-COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS

Age: 4-8 years Grade: Preschool - 3

Themes: Health/Nutrition/Phys Fitness, Making Choices, Adventure, Perseverance, Determination Setting: New York, NY

How to Solve a Problem Subtitle: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing ChampionAshima Shiraishi; illustrated by Yao Xiao

From Ashima Shiraishi, one of the world's youngest and most skilled climbers, comes a true story of strength and perseverance--in rock climbing and in life.

To a rock climber, a boulder is called a "problem," and you solve it by climbing to the top. There are twists and turns, falls and scrapes, and obstacles that seem insurmountable until you learn to see the possibilities within them. And then there is the moment of triumph, when there's nothing above you but sky and nothing below but a goal achieved.

Ashima Shiraishi draws on her experience as a world-class climber in this story that challenges readers to tackle the problems in their own lives and rise to greater heights than they would have ever thought possible.

Praise for How to Solve a Problem:“Both a riveting narrative and an excellent guide for young readers to try, try again.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

”Cleanly outlined forms and intensely saturated hues show Ashima honing analytical skills whose power reaches beyond the climbing wall to the rest of life.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review “[Ashima’s] beliefs in learning from each fall and that learning from failure is a superpower are sure to empower any person facing a problem. Engrossing and inspiring.” —Booklist “An inspiration to young readers.”—School Library Journal

Author Bio: Ashima Shiraishi started climbing at the age of six, and today she is one of the best climbers in the world. She is the first and only female climber ever to ascend a V15 bouldering problem, earning praise from Outside magazine as "a young crusher" and the New York Times as a "bouldering phenom." This is her first picture book.

Illustrator Bio: Yao Xiao is a China-born illustrator based in New York City. Her work has appeared in Time, EW, National Geographic, and The Wall Street Journal, among other outlets, and she is also the author of the monthly web comic Baopu. This is her first picture book.

ON SALE 8/18/2020

HC: 9780593121368 / $16.99/$22.99EL: 9780593121382 / $9.99/$10.99

BISAC 1: Juvenile Fiction - People & Places - United States - African AmericanBISAC 2: Juvenile Fiction - Social Themes - Friendship BISAC 3: Juvenile Fiction - Family - Alternative Family

Page Count: 208 Trim Size: 5-1/2 x 8 1/4Spine/Depth: 25/32 Book Category: Hardcover Middle Grade

Age: 8-10 years Grade: Grades 3-5

Themes: Growing Up, Cultural Diversity, Family & Relationships, Friendship, Self-Discovery, Black History Month

Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero Kelly J. Baptist

A coming-of-age tale about a boy who discovers a love of poetry after finding his late father's journal. Adapted from a story that first appeared in Flying Lessons & Other Stories and perfect for fans of The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson.

Isaiah is now the big man of the house. But it's a lot harder than his dad made it look. His little sister, Charlie, asks too many questions, and Mama's gone totally silent.

Good thing Isaiah can count on his best friend, Sneaky, who always has a scheme for getting around the rules. Plus, his classmate Angel has a few good ideas of her own--once she stops hassling Isaiah.

And when things get really tough, there's Daddy's journal, filled with stories about the amazing Isaiah Dunn, a superhero who gets his powers from beans and rice. Isaiah wishes his dad's tales were real. He could use those powers right about now!

Kelly J. Baptist's debut novel explores the indomitable spirit of a ten-year-old boy and the superhero strength it takes to grow up.

Praise for Isaiah Dunn is my Hero:

"Isaiah's optimism, drive, and loyalty to friends and family make him a hero to cheer for." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"An uplifting, affirming story for every collection.” —Booklist, starred Review

"In this moving tale of life, loss, and the love of words, Isaiah learns that perseverance and vulnerability are real superpowers and that family and community are the real wind beneath a superhero’s cape." —The Horn Book

“An accessible story about a child facing loss and home instability. Isaiah is a likable character; readers will identify with his struggle to rise above his family’s housing issues to define himself.” —School Library Journal

“Baptist presents the direness of abject poverty with exquisite empathy. She provides Isaiah with a supportive community that helps as his family’s situation fluctuates, giving readers who also experience housing insecurity hope but no promises.” —Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio: Kelly J. Baptist won the Ezra Jack Keats/Kerlan Memorial Fellowship for her YA novel-in-progress, Young. While visiting the Kerlan Collection, Kelly had the privilege of studying the dialogue techniques of the great Walter Dean Myers. Fast-forward a few years, and Kelly was fortunate enough to meet Myers at a literary event in Florida. Kelly is committed to using the written word to inspire and transform lives.

ON SALE 1/7/2020

HC: 9781984892973 / $16.99/$22.99EL: 9781984892997 / $9.99/$10.99

BISAC 1: Juvenile Fiction - People & Places - United States - African AmericanBISAC 2: Juvenile Fiction - Social Themes - Prejudice & RacismBISAC 3: Juvenile Fiction - Family - Multigenerational

Page Count: 240 Trim Size: 5-1/2 x 8 1/4

Spine/Depth: 27/32 Book Category: Hardcover Middle Grade Illustrations: ILLUSTRATIONS THROUGHOUT


Themes: Cultural Diversity, Racism & Prejudice, Human & Civil Rights, Family & Relationships, Intergenerational, Black History Month

Clean Getaway Nic StoneFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone comes a timely middle-grade road-trip story through landmarks of the Civil Rights movement and the map they lay for contemporary race relations.

How to Go on an Unplanned Road Trip with Your Grandma:Grab a Suitcase: Prepacked from the big spring break trip that got CANCELLED. Fasten Your Seatbelt: G'ma's never conventional, so this trip won't be either. Use the Green Book: G'ma's most treasured possession. It holds history, memories, and most important, the way home.

What Not to Bring:A Cell Phone: Avoid contact with Dad at all costs. Even when G'ma starts acting stranger than usual. Set against the backdrop of the segregation history of the American South, take a trip with this New York Times bestseller and an eleven-year-old boy who is about to discover that the world hasn't always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren't always what they seem--his G'ma included.

Praise for Clean Getaway:

"Rich in history, Stone's middle-grade debut entertains andinforms young readers....A road trip to remember."--Kirkus Reviews

"A heartwarming, family-centered adventure that will leave readers guessing until the end." -Publishers Weekly, starred review

"An absolute firecracker of a book and a must-have for children's collections." -Booklist, starred review

Stone has crafted a history lesson in road-trip form...a good addition for school -libraries seeking unconventional approaches to history." --School Library Journal

"Truly a delight." -Christopher Paul Curtis, author of Newbery Medal winner Bud, Not Buddy

Author Bio: Nic Stone is an Atlanta native and a Spelman College graduate. After working extensively in teen mentoring and living in Israel for several years, she returned to the United States to write full-time. Nic's debut novel for young adults, Dear Martin, was a New York Times bestseller and a William C. Morris Award finalist. She is also the author of the teen titles Odd One Out, a novel about discovering oneself and who it is okay to love, which was an NPR Best Book of the Year and a Rainbow Book List Top Ten selection, and Jackpot, a love-ish story that takes a searing look at economic inequality. Clean Getaway, Nic's first middle-grade novel, deals with coming to grips with the pain of the past and facing the humanity of our heroes.

ON SALE 7/7/2020

DG: 9780593120347 / $7.99/$10.99EL: 9780593120361 / $7.99/$9.99

BISAC 1: Juvenile Nonfiction - History - United States- GeneralBISAC 2: Juvenile Nonfiction - History - United States -19th CenturyBISAC 3: Juvenile Nonfiction - History - United States- 20th Century

Page Count: 224 Trim Size: 5-3a/16 x 7-5/8Spine/Depth: 15/3

Book Category: Paperback Middle Grade Illustrations: BLACK & WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS


Themes: Fairness, Justice & Equality, Patriotism, Government & Politics, History & Social Studies, Human & Civil Rights, Women's History Month

History Smashers: Women's Right to Vote Series/Series #: History SmashersKate Messner; illustrated by Dylan MeconisMyths! Lies! Secrets! Smash the stories behind famous moments in history and expose the hidden truth. Perfect for fans of I Survived and Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales.

In 1920, Susan B. Anthony passed a law that gave voting rights to women in the United States. RIGHT?

WRONG! Susan B. Anthony wasn't even alive when the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified. Plus, it takes a lot more than one person to amend the constitution.

The truth is, it took millions of women to get that amendment into law. They marched! They picketed! They even went to jail. But in the end, it all came down to a letter from a state representative's mom. No joke.

Through illustrations, graphic panels, photographs, sidebars, and more, acclaimed author Kate Messner smashes history by exploring the little-known details behind the fight for women's suffrage.

Praise for History Smasher's series:

"Critical, respectful, engaging: exemplary history for children." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Well-researched, entertaining, and packed with facts." --Booklist

“Messner and Meconis provide a timely perspective on an important part of American history.” —School Library Journal

"A history book for middle-graders that should be on everyone's (child and adult) to-read list." --Shelf Awareness

"Kate Messner serves up fun, fast history for kids who want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Absolutely smashing!" --Candace Fleming, award-winning author

Author Bio: Kate Messner is passionately curious and writes books that encourage kids to wonder, too. Her titles include award-winning picture books,like Over and Under the Snow; novels, like Breakout and Chirp; the Fergus and Zeke easy reader series, and the popular Ranger in Time chapter books, and works of nonfiction with a focus on nature and history. Before becoming a full time writer, Kate was a TV journalist and National Board certified middle school English teacher.

ON SALE 6/9/2020

HC: 9781984894700 / $20.99/$27.99EL: 9781984894724 / $9.99/$10.99

BISAC 1: Juvenile Fiction - Comics & Graphic Novels - GeneralBISAC 2: Juvenile Fiction - Comics & Graphic Novels - SuperheroesBISAC 3: Juvenile Fiction - Comics & Graphic Novels - Action & Adventure

Page Count: 288 Trim Size: 5-1/2 x 8 Book Category: Graphic Novel/Middle Grade Illustrations: FULL-COLOR ILLUSTRATIONS


Themes: Self-Esteem, Art, Music & Theater, Emotions & Feelings, Friendship, Cooperation & Teamwork

Doodleville Series/Series #: Doodleville, #1Chad SellFor fans of Svetlana Chmakova's Awkward and Raina Telgemeier's Smile comes an inventive new story from Cardboard Kingdom creator Chad Sell about a group of young artists who must work together when one of their own creations becomes a monster.

Drew is just a regular artist. But there's nothing ordinary about her art. Her doodles are mischievous . . . and rarely do they stay in Doodleville, the world she's created in her sketchbook. Instead, Drew's doodles prefer to explore the world outside. But after an inspiring class trip to the Art Institute of Chicago--where the doodles cause a bit too much trouble--Drew decides it's time to take her artistic talents to the next level.

Enter the Leviathan--Levi, for short. He's bigger and better than anything Drew has ever created before. He's a monster, but a friendly one. That is, until Levi begins to wreak havoc on Drew's other doodles--and on the heroes her classmates have dreamt up.

Levi won't be easily tamed, and it seems there is a link between the monster's bad behavior and Drew's feelings. With the help of her loyal art club friends, will she be able to save Doodleville--and Levi--before it's too late?

Praise for Doodleville:

“A tender yet action-packed tale of a young girl who uses her creativity as an outlet for her emotions.... Lovers of graphic novels, and anyone struggling with friendship will appreciate Sell’s newest tale.” –School Library Journal

"[Sell] tells an engaging story that uses a fantastical idea to ponder real-world dilemmas: How do you cope when things feel out of control? How do you reduce harm, and how do you make amends for harm that you’ve caused?" —Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will definitely respond to the idea of large emotions that are hard to control, as well as the therapeutic joy of art—likewise Sell’s use of encroaching darkness and his luminous figures, warmly rounded but imbued with wonderfully emotive features." —Booklist

"Sell’s caricatured illustrations provide strong action, and... highlight emotionally charged moments." —Publishers Weekly

"A masterpiece." —Lincoln Peirce, New York Times-bestselling author of the Big Nate series

Author Bio: Chad Sell's first children's graphic novel was The Cardboard Kingdom, which he illustrated and co-wrote with a team of ten collaborators. Doodleville is his first full-length solo project, and it is set in Chicago, where he lives with his husband and two cats. Much of the story takes place in Lincoln Square and at one of his favorite places in the world: the Art Institute of Chicago.

ON SALE 4/7/2020

DG: 9780525582199 / $8.99/$11.99EL: 9780525582182 / $8.99/$9.99

BISAC 1: Juvenile Nonfiction - Biography & Autobiography - Performing ArtsBISAC 2: Juvenile Nonfiction - Social Topics -Prejudice & RacismBISAC 3: Juvenile Nonfiction - Performing Arts -Television & Radio

Page Count: 304 Trim Size: 5-3/16 x 7-5/8 Spine/Depth: 22/32 Book Category: Paperback Middle Grade

Age: 10 and up Grade: Grade 5 & Up

Themes: Coming of Age, Cultural Diversity, Acceptance & Belonging, Making Choices, Racism & Prejudice

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime (Adapted for Young Readers) Stories from a South African Childhood Trevor Noah

The host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, tells the story of growing up half black, half white in South Africa under and after apartheid in this young readers' adaptation of his bestselling adult memoir Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood.

Trevor Noah, the funny guy who hosts The Daily Show on Comedy Central, shares his remarkable story of growing up in South Africa with a black South African mother and a white European father at a time when it was against the law for a mixed-race child to exist. But he did exist--and from the beginning, the often-misbehaved Trevor used his keen smarts and humor to navigate a harsh life under a racist government.

This fascinating memoir blends drama, comedy, and tragedy to depict the day-to-day trials that turned a boy into a young man. In a country where racism barred blacks from social, educational, and economic opportunity, Trevor surmounted staggering obstacles and created a promising future for himself, thanks to his mom's unwavering love and indomitable will.

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime not only provides a fascinating and honest perspective on South Africa's racial history, but it will also astound and inspire young readers looking to improve their own lives.

Praise for It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime

"His mother raised him with an imagination and showed that there were no barriers to whatever he wanted to be. Readers will find this journey through Noah's formative years humorous and exciting." --Booklist

"Startling in its honesty, humor, and humility." --Kirkus Reviews

"For readers who will appreciate the understand how a parent's love enabled Noah to become the successful man he is now." --School Library Journal

Author Bio: TREVOR NOAH is the most famous comedian from Africa and is the host of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning The Daily Show on ComedyCentral. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, to a black South African motherand a white European father, Noah has hosted numerous television shows,including South Africa's music, television, and film awards and two seasons ofhis own late-night talk show, Tonight with Trevor Noah.

ON SALE 7/28/2020

HC: 9780593118764 / $17.99/$23.99EL: 9780593118788 / $10.99/$11.99

BISAC 1: Young Adult Fiction - People & Places -United States - African AmericanBISAC 2: Young Adult Fiction - Social Themes -Prejudice & RacismBISAC 3: Young Adult Fiction - Diversity & Multicultural

Page Count: 416 Trim Size: 5-1/2 x 8-1/4 Spine/Depth: 41/32 Book Category: Hardcover Young Adult


Themes: African/African American Int, Contemp Issues/Social Problems, Racism & Prejudice, Family & Relationships, Cultural Diversity

Setting: Galveston, Texas

This Is My America Kim Johnson

The Hate U Give meets Just Mercy in this unflinching yet uplifting first novel that explores the racist injustices in the American justice system.

Every week, seventeen-year-old Tracy Beaumont writes letters to Innocence X, asking the organization to help her father, an innocent Black man on death row. After seven years, Tracy is running out of time--her dad has only 267 days left.

Then the unthinkable happens. The police arrive in the night, and Tracy's older brother, Jamal, goes from being a bright, promising track star to a "thug" on the run, accused of killing a white girl. Determined to save her brother, Tracy investigates what really happened between Jamal and Angela down at the Pike. But will Tracy and her family survive the uncovering of the skeletons of their Texas town's racist history that still haunt the present?

Fans of Nic Stone, Tiffany D. Jackson, and Jason Reynolds won't want to miss this provocative and gripping debut.

Praise for This is My America:"Harrowing and worthwhile; a call-to-action from the anti-racist insights of a generation of black activists." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Activist Johnson’s powerful debut is a timely testimony that echoes the social realities behind today’s #BlackLivesMatter protests.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This strong debut will strike home with socially conscious readers." —Booklist "A strong debut. Will appeal to readers of Angie Thomas and fans of criminal justice podcasts like Serial and In the Dark." —School Library Journal

“This debut YA novel is an incisive condemnation of the racist criminal justice system, mass incarceration and capital punishment… a necessary add to all shelves, especially those focused on anti-racism and #BlackLivesMatter.” —Shelf Awareness

"Incredible and searing." --Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin

Author Bio: Kim Johnson held leadership positions in social justice organizations as a teen. She's now a college administrator who maintains civic engagement throughout the community while also mentoring Black student activists and leaders. This Is My America is her debut novel. It explores racial injustice against innocent Black men who are criminally sentenced and the families left behind to pick up the pieces. She holds degrees from the University of Oregon and the University of Maryland, College Park.

ON SALE 9/22/2020

HC: 9781524719401 / $18.99/$24.99EL: 9781524719425 / $11.99/$11.99

BISAC 1: Young Adult Nonfiction - Biography & Autobiography - GeneralBISAC 2: Young Adult Nonfiction - People & Places -AfricaBISAC 3: Young Adult Nonfiction - History - Military & Wars

Page Count: 320 Trim Size: 5-1/2 x 8-1/4 Spine/Depth: 34/32 Book Category: Hardcover Young Adult Illustrations: B&W ILLUSTRATIONS


Themes: Biography & Autobiography, African/African American Int, War

Walk Toward the Rising Sun From Child Soldier to Ambassador of PeaceGer Duany with Garen Thomas

The amazing autobiography of a young Sudanese boy who went from a child soldier to an international peace activist, a struggling refugee to a Hollywood actor.

Sudan, 1980s: Ger Duany knew what he wanted out of life--make his family proud, play with his brothers and sisters, maybe get an education like his brother Oder suggested, and become a soldier for his people when he's old enough. But then his village was attacked by the North Sudanese military, death kept taking his loved ones away, and being a child soldier was not what he thought it would be. Amid heartbreak, death, and violence, can this lost boy find his way to safety?

America, 1990s: After boarding a flight without his family to seek refuge in a foreign country, Ger worked tirelessly to adjust to a new life. It wasn't long before he was thrown into the spotlight, as people discovered his talents for basketball, modeling, and acting. Yet the spotlight wasn't the only thing following him, as he battled the effects of PTSD, resisted the siren call of the excesses of fame, and endured a new kind of racism in America. Amid fame, trauma, and the memory of home, can this lost boy find himself?

Praise for Walk Toward the Rising Sun:

“An intimate look from a refugee’s perspective at the toll war takes.” --Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio: Ger Duany is a survivor of the tragic exodus of an estimated 20,000 Sudanese children, the "Lost boys of Sudan," and has been appointed as UN Goodwill Ambassador. Born in the town of Akobo, Ger was caught up in Sudan's north-south civil war and was forcefully recruited as a child soldier. At the age of 14, he managed to escape to neighbouring Ethiopia and was eventually resettled to the United States from the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. In 2014, UNHCR helped Ger reunite with his mother and other family members in Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp. He is also a model and actor. To learn more about Ger, his inspiring life story, and his constant work to help refugees around the world, visit GerDuany.com.

ON SALE 8/25/2020 TR: 9781984829801 / $9.99/$13.99EL: 9781984829795 / $9.99/$9.99

BISAC 1: Young Adult Nonfiction - Biography & Autobiography - Cultural, Ethnic & RegionalBISAC 2: Young Adult Nonfiction - Social Topics -Emigration & ImmigrationBISAC 3: Young Adult Nonfiction - Social Topics -Assimilation

Page Count: 288 Trim Size: 5-1/2 x 8-1/4 Spine/Depth: 18/32 Book Category: Paperback Young Adult


Themes: Immigrant Experience, Nonfiction, Determination, Hispanic/Hispanic American Int, Family & RelationshipsSetting: El Salvador; Oakland, CA

The Far Away Brothers (Adapted for Young Adults) Two Teenage Immigrants Making a Life in AmericaLauren MarkhamThe inspiring true story of identical twin teenage brothers who escape El Salvador's violence to build new lives in California as undocumented immigrants--perfect for fans of Enrique's Journey and anyone interested in learning about the issues that underlie today's conversations about DACA and immigration reform.

Ernesto and Raúl Flores are identical twins, used to being mistaken for each other. As seventeen-year-olds living in rural El Salvador, they are used to thinking that the United States is just a far-off dream. When Ernesto ends up on the wrong side of MS-13, one of El Salvador's brutal gangs, he flees the country for his own safety. Raúl, fearing that he will be mistaken for his brother, follows close behind.

Running from one danger to the next, the Flores twins make the harrowing journey north, only to fall into the hands of immigration authorities. When they finally make it to the custody of their older brother in Oakland, California, the difficulties don't end.

While navigating a new school in a new language, struggling to pay off their mounting coyote debt, and anxiously waiting for their day in immigration court, Raúl and Ernesto are also trying to lead normal teenage lives. With only each other for support, they begin the process of carving out a life for themselves, one full of hope and possibility.

Adapted for young adults from the award-winning adult edition, The Far Away Brothers is the inspiring true story of two teens making their way in America, a personal look at US immigration policy, and a powerful account of contemporary immigration.

Praise for The Far Away Brothers (Adapted for Young Adults)

"Both touching and educational. . . . Gets inside the heads and hearts of immigrants." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A must for all young adult nonfiction shelves." --School Library Journal, starred review

"Visceral and informative, this is a necessary read for today's youth." --Booklist

Author Bio: Lauren Markham is a writer based in Berkeley, California, focusing on issues related to youth, migration, the environment, and her home state of California. Her work has appeared in outlets such as Harper's, the New Republic, Orion, the Guardian, the New York Times, and VQR, where she is a contributing editor. Lauren earned her MFA in fiction writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. For over a decade, she has worked in the fields of refugee resettlement and immigrant education.

ON SALE 9/29/2020

HC: 9781984829665 / $18.99/$24.99EL: 9781984829689 / $10.99/$11.99

BISAC 1: Young Adult Fiction - Diversity & Multicultural BISAC 2: Young Adult Fiction - People & Places -United States - African AmericanBISAC 3: Young Adult Fiction - Social Themes -Prejudice & Racism



Themes: Cultural Diversity, Racism & Prejudice, Human & Civil Rights, Fairness, Justice & Equality, Contemporary Issues/Social Problems

Dear Justyce Nic Stone

The stunning sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Martin. Incarcerated teen Quan writes letters to Justyce about his experiences in the American juvenile justice system. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Angie Thomas.

In the highly anticipated sequel to her New York Times bestseller, Nic Stone delivers an unflinching look into the flawed practices and silenced voices in the American juvenile justice system.

Vernell LaQuan Banks and Justyce McAllister grew up a block apart in the Southwest Atlanta neighborhood of Wynwood Heights. Years later, though, Justyce walks the illustrious halls of Yale University . . . and Quan sits behind bars at the Fulton Regional Youth Detention Center.

Through a series of flashbacks, vignettes, and letters to Justyce--the protagonist of Dear Martin--Quan's story takes form. Troubles at home and misunderstandings at school give rise to police encounters and tough decisions. But then there's a dead cop and a weapon with Quan's prints on it. What leads a bright kid down a road to a murder charge? Not even Quan is sure.

Praise for Dear Justyce:

"A powerful, raw, must-read told through the lens of a Black boy ensnared by our broken criminal justice system." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Author Bio: Nic Stone is an Atlanta native and a Spelman College graduate. After working extensively in teen mentoring and living in Israel for several years, she returned to the United States to write full-time. Nic's debut novel for young adults, Dear Martin, was a New York Times bestseller and William C. Morris Award finalist. She is also the author of the teen titles Odd One Out, a a novel about discovering oneself and who it is okay to love, which was an NPR Best Book of the Year and a Rainbow Book List Top Ten selection, and Jackpot, a love-ish story that takes a searing look at economic inequality. Clean Getaway, Nic's first middle-grade novel, deals with coming to grips with the pain of the past and facing the humanity of our heroes.

ON SALE 6/2/2020

TR: 9780525645610 / $10.99/$14.99EL: 9780525645603 / $9.99/$11.99

BISAC 1: Young Adult Fiction - Girls & Women BISAC 2: Young Adult Fiction - ScienceFiction -GeneralBISAC 3: Young Adult Fiction - School & Education -General

Page Count: 400 Trim Size: 5-1/2 x 8-1/4 Spine/Depth: 26/32 Book Category: Paperback Young Adult


Themes: Girl Interest, Friendship, Science Fiction, School, AdventureSetting: unspecified time, Island off the Eastern coast of the U.S.

Wilder Girls Rory Power

A feminist Lord of the Flies about three best friends living in quarantine at their island boarding school, and the lengths they go to uncover the truth of their confinement when one disappears. This fresh debut is a mind-bending novel unlike anything you've read before.

It's been eighteen months since the Raxter School for Girls was put under quarantine. Since the Tox hit and pulled Hetty's life out from under her. It started slow. First the teachers died one by one. Then it began to infect the students, turning their bodies strange and foreign. Now, cut off from the rest of the world and left to fend for themselves on their island home, the girls don't dare wander outside the school's fence, where the Tox has made the woods wild and dangerous. They wait for the cure they were promised as the Tox seeps into everything. But when Byatt goes missing, Hetty will do anything to find her, even if it means breaking quarantine and braving the horrors that lie beyond the fence. And when she does, Hetty learns that there's more to their story, to their life at Raxter, than she could have ever thought true.And don't miss Rory Power's second novel, Burn Our Bodies Down!

Praise for Wilder Girls:"Power's evocative, haunting, and occasionally gruesome debut will challenge readers to ignore its bewitching presence." —Booklist, starred review

"This gritty, lush debut chronicling psychological and environmental tipping points...weaves a chilling narrative that disrupts readers' expectations through an expertly crafted, slow-burn reveal of the deadly consequences of climate change....Part survival thriller, part post-apocalyptic romance, and part ecocritical feminist manifesto, a staggering gut punch of a book." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"An ode to empowering women and a testament to the strength of female bonds....Far more than just an unsettling horror story, this powerful debut novel about a strange disease at an all-girls boarding school explores female empowerment, friendship and survival with tenacity and brilliance." —Shelf Awareness, starred review

“Electric prose, compelling relationships, and visceral horror illuminate Power’s incisive debut...[and its] environmental and feminist themes are resonant, particularly the immeasurable costs of experimentation on female bodies, and the power of female solidarity and resilience amid ecological and political turmoil.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Tightly coiled narration moves between quietly reserved to vividly but coldly detailed, doubling the horror." —Bulletin

Author Bio: Rory Power grew up in Boston, received her undergraduate degree at Middlebury College, and went on to earn an MA in prose fiction from the University of East Anglia

ON SALE 10/13/2020

TR: 9781984851598 / $16.99/$22.99EL: 9781984851611 / $10.99/$11.99

BISAC 1: Young Adult Fiction - Comics & Graphic Novels - GeneralBISAC 2: Young Adult Fiction - Comics & Graphic Novels - Coming of AgeBISAC 3: Young Adult Fiction - Comics & Graphic Novels - Fairy Tales, Folklore, Legends & Mythology

Page Count: 256 Trim Size: 5-3/4 x 8-1/4 Format Description: SIMULTANEOUS PAPERBACK Book Category: Graphic Novel/Young Adult Illustrations: FULL COLOR

Age: 12 and up Grade: Grade 7 & Up Themes: Family & Relationships, Fairy Tales & Fables, LGBTQ

The Magic Fish Trung Le Nguyen Tin loves his family and his friends . . . but he has a secret he's been keeping from them, and it might change everything. A powerful YA graphic novel that deals with the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together.Real life isn't a fairytale.

But Tiến still enjoys reading his favorite stories with his parents from the books he borrows from the local library. It's hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiến, he doesn't even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he's going through?

Is there a way to tell them he's gay?

A beautifully illustrated story by Trung Le Nguyen that follows a boy as he tries to navigate life through fairy tales, an instant classic that shows us how we are all connected. The Magic Fish tackles tough subjects in a way that accessible with readers of all ages, and teaches us that no matter what -- we can all have our own happy endings.Praise for The Magic Fish

"The magic happens here on every page, the perfection personified by debut author/artist Nguyen's autobiographical homage to the infinite power of storytelling." --Booklist, starred review

"Beautifully illustrates how sharing old stories can be the best way to learn how to share new ones." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Heartbreak and loss are universal; they exist in centuries-old oral stories put to paper, in the lives of parents, and,despite parental wishes, in the lives of their children. Yet Nguyen finds a way in the face of them to celebrate grace, resilience, and hope." --The Bulletin, starred review

Author Bio: Trung Le Nguyen, also known as Trungles, is a comic book artist and illustrator working out of Minnesota. He received his BA from Hamline University in 2012, majoring in Studio Art with a concentration in oil painting and minoring in Art History. He has contributed work for Oni Press, BOOM! Studios, Limerence Press, and Image Comics. He is particularly fond of fairy tales, kids' cartoons, and rom-coms of all stripes. The Magic Fish is his debut graphic novel.

ON SALE 6/23/2020 HC: 9780593127223 / $17.99/$23.99EL: 9780593127247 / $10.99/$11.99

BISAC 1: Young Adult Fiction - Romance - Historical BISAC 2: Young Adult Fiction - Social Themes -Self-Esteem & Self-RelianceBISAC 3: Young Adult Fiction - Social Themes - New Experience



Themes: Love & Romance, Hist Fiction/20th Century, Family & Relationships, Self-Esteem, Emotions & FeelingsSetting: Cornwall, England

A Sky Painted Gold Laura WoodThe Great Gatsby meets I Capture the Castle in this gorgeously dreamy coming-of-age romance perfect for fans of A Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue.

It is the summer of 1929. Lou Trevelyan is a small-town girl with big dreams of becoming a writer. Then she meets the Cardew siblings: the bubbly Caitlin and her handsome, enigmatic brother, Robert. Lou is swept into their glittering whirlwind of moonlit parties, unrivaled glamour, and whispered secrets. As she falls deeper into the world of high society, Lou must find a way to stay true to herself . . . and her heart.

Praise for A Sky Painted Gold:

“Appealing… the happy ending is an antidote to today’s harsh reality fiction.” —Booklist

“The dialogue between Lou and Robert is as sparkling as champagne…. The happy ending is sighworthy—readers who would have preferred a more hopeful conclusion to The Great Gatsby will find it here.” —The Bulletin

“Charmingly frothy…. A light, escapist read.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Readers who are not ready for the classics may find a satisfying escape in Lou’s journey, and perhaps inspiration to check out the originals.” —School and Library Journal

Author Bio: Laura Wood is an academic and a writer. She is the winner of the Montegrappa Scholastic Prize for New Children's Writing and the author ofthe Poppy Pym series.

the oldest student: how mary walker learned to read rita

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