Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories

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Book SynopsisFrom the critically acclaimed author of Float and Glitch comes a new standalone adventure under the sea, perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and Dan Gutman! Berkeley and her best friend, Garth, live on an old cruise ship, scavenging for supplies from the drowned cities left behind on the ocean floor after the sea swallowed up all the land. They think they've seen every kind of aquatic creature, but they never expected to find sea monsters... After awakening a Hydra, Berkeley and Garth are sent to live on a submarine, where they study and hunt sea monsters. But the Hydra wants revenge on their home ship and if it succeeds, their families will go down with it. Berkley, Garth, and their crew must find a way to save the ship. But monsters aren't the only deadly things lurking in the ocean's depths.

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Book SynopsisFrom the critically acclaimed author of Float and Glitch comes a new standalone adventure under the sea, perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and Dan Gutman! Berkeley and her best friend, Garth, live on an old cruise ship, scavenging for supplies from the drowned cities left behind on the ocean floor after the sea swallowed up all the land. They think they've seen every kind of aquatic creature, but they never expected to find sea monsters... After awakening a Hydra, Berkeley and Garth are sent to live on a submarine, where they study and hunt sea monsters. But the Hydra wants revenge on their home ship and if it succeeds, their families will go down with it. Berkley, Garth, and their crew must find a way to save the ship. But monsters aren't the only deadly things lurking in the ocean's depths.

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Book SynopsisA young raccoon forges his own path in this laugh-out-loud read-aloud picture book!Lucky is a racoon who loves to dance, watch TV, and dream of the day he’s big enough to join the family business.Trade ReviewKids will get a kick out of the awful food the family eats and the satisfying solution to Lucky’s problem. — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisFans of Jandy Nelson and Marieke Nijkamp will love this deeply moving novel in verse about the aftermath of a gun accident.Life changes forever for Liv when her older brother, Jonah, accidentally shoots himself with his best friend Clay’s father’s gun.Trade Review"Culley’s compelling free-verse poems accumulate into a poignant story of a family that was already struggling and then transformed into something unrecognizable. Liv’s narration is touching, honest, and perceptive. A story of love and resilience as much as loss and grief." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) "Piercingly realistic. A poignant, humanizing exploration of a sadly timely issue." — Kirkus Reviews "An emotional journey that follows a life-altering tragedy. Culley weaves carefully chosen details into a slowly forming tapestry. A tale that is both harrowing in subject matter and elegant in execution." — ALA Booklist "A heartbreaking story about a topic that is too prevalent in today’s society." — School Library Journal "Eloquent narrative verse. Culley deftly captures the community’s nuanced responses and the heartbreak both families navigate as this devastating tragedy becomes a political battleground." — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisFans of Jandy Nelson and Marieke Nijkamp will love this deeply moving novel in verse about the aftermath of a gun accident.Life changes forever for Liv when her older brother, Jonah, accidentally shoots himself with his best friend Clay’s father’s gun.Trade Review"Culley’s compelling free-verse poems accumulate into a poignant story of a family that was already struggling and then transformed into something unrecognizable. Liv’s narration is touching, honest, and perceptive. A story of love and resilience as much as loss and grief." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) "Piercingly realistic. A poignant, humanizing exploration of a sadly timely issue." — Kirkus Reviews "An emotional journey that follows a life-altering tragedy. Culley weaves carefully chosen details into a slowly forming tapestry. A tale that is both harrowing in subject matter and elegant in execution." — ALA Booklist "A heartbreaking story about a topic that is too prevalent in today’s society." — School Library Journal "Eloquent narrative verse. Culley deftly captures the community’s nuanced responses and the heartbreak both families navigate as this devastating tragedy becomes a political battleground." — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisIn this timely, call-to-action contemporary middle grade novel from Claire Swinarski, author of What Happens Next, a twelve-year-old girl must face herself, and the truth, after her participation in a bullying incident goes viral. Kate McAllister is desperate for a change. Something to hit refresh and erase the pain of her mother leaving town without her. So when a group of popular girls folds Kate into their clique, it feels like the answer to all her problems''even if it means ditching Haddie, her childhood bestie. But when Kate''s newfriends decide that Haddie is their next target, Kate becomes a passive participant in a cruel incident that could have killed Haddie''had Kate not stepped in, at the last minute, and saved her. The next day, a cell phone video of the rescue goes viral, and Kate is hailed a hero. But Kate knows the truth''she was part of the problem''and it''s only a matter of time until the full version of the video is released and everyone knows it too. With so much at stake, Kate must decide who she wants to be: a liar, a follower, or someone greater.

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Book SynopsisMy Spooky Halloween is the perfect board book to share with your little one as they discover all the traditions of their first holiday. This jack-o’-lantern–shaped board book is perfect for tiny hands and will help get any baby or toddler ready for Halloween.

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Book SynopsisThis charming picture book from author-illustrator Anya Glazer follows two sisters in a celebration—and adorable demonstration—of how sisterhood and encouraged question asking can lead to the most surprising journeys.Trade Review"In this sweet tale of an anthropomorphized dinosaur, Thesaurus lives up to his name and then some. A charming picture book for young readers, especially dinosaur lovers, about the joy of sharing a good book." — School Library Journal “Poring over the pictures will reward observant viewers, who may spot delicate details such as each girl’s favorite pattern or color as well as interesting creatures in the jungle. This story of sisterly devotion begins with endpapers featuring sweet, affectionate scenes and concludes with endpapers hinting at more adventures to come—together, of course.” — Horn Book Magazine “This story of sisterly devotion begins with endpapers featuring sweet, affectionate scenes and concludes with endpapers hinting at more adventures to come—together, of course.” — The Horn Book “The gentle watercolor cartoons are akin to Kevin Henkes’ mouse books in. A little more exploring provides a fun discovery before [the sisters] do return home, safe and sound, relationship strengthened. Storytime fun for sisters—or for anyone, really.” — Kirkus Reviews Praise for Thesaurus Has a Secret: “Salutary messages about the pleasures of words and reading (and reading aloud), the art is festooned with appropriate or playfully altered classics.” — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisIt’s game time! Press start on Into the Game, the awesome-packed, New York Times bestselling graphic novel adventure by YouTube’s favorite family of gamers, FGTeeV!The FGTeeV family gamers have played hundreds of games together.

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Book SynopsisBut even if this lovable bear family misses out on their planned outing, the evening sky still holds a beautiful surprise.Acclaimed author-artist Matt Phelan’s rhythmic, repetitive text and his warm, expressive watercolor paintings are both humorous and rewarding.Trade Review“Getting ready to go out is a major production for a bear parent overseeing seven obstreperous cubs. . . . In nearly wordless vignettes, gestures and facial expressions do the comedic work as Phelan imagines ever more hilarious ways for small cubs to don big sweaters. . . . Phelan creates instantly likeable characters and a story that centers parenting seasoned enough to realize that setbacks are inevitable—and that makes space to enjoy the day, and beauty of nature, anyway.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “‘Sweaters ON!’ the bear declares to a roomful of pajama-wearing cubs, and the story takes off. Wrangling seven small bears into sweaters is no easy feat, and the gloriously chaotic effort goes on . . . Phelan’s soft, colorful art, created with pencil, ink, and watercolor, amplifies the coziness of all the bears and their clothing. . . . The humor of the ending is just right, as is the large bear’s last directive—'Pajamas ON!’—leading to the story’s natural ending as a bedtime book. This tribute to the realities of parenting small children (and bears) revels in the humor and joy that can be found when the best-laid plans go awry.” — Horn Book (starred review) “It’s time for the seven little bears to get their sweaters on! For these independent cubs (and one especially adorable baby bear), getting dressed is trickier than it seems. . . . A lovely story of one of life’s magical moments, when a family takes time to appreciate nature and each other’s companionship. Readers will want to don their own comfy sweaters and snuggle up with their loved ones. A deceptively simple but warm and cozy celebration of autumn sweater weather.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “A warm read for the fall. Phelan’s text is remarkably spare, with just a few precise phrases to knit together a narrative about an adult bear and their seven cubs. . . . Humorous watercolors show their little round bodies packed like sausages into a rainbow array of sweaters—including one sweater with two cubs stuffed inside. The struggle continues for several pages, with the patient grown-up bear attempting to help without much luck. . . . Cozy up with this picture book.” — Kirkus Reviews “The autumn colors are here and Papa Bear wants to take his cadre of cubs out to enjoy the crisp weather. . . . Caretakers will ruefully recognize the helter-skelter lawlessness that marks nearly all attempts to get a group of kiddos ready to go somewhere, and youngsters too will recognize the mischievous mayhem that they most certainly enjoy more than their grownups. . . . A delight.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Phelan's nearly wordless picture book introduces a family of bears in their forested home. . . . Phelan's illustrations in pencil, ink, and watercolor have a cozy, comfortable feel. . . . Small details in the artwork further enhance the mood: the seven cubs wreak havoc throughout the house in their day-long attempts to suit up, yet Papa remains calm and patient throughout, offering suggestions as they master this new skill. A perfect fall read-aloud, this should strike a chord with caregivers and toddlers alike.” — Booklist

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Book SynopsisIn this luminous story full of mystery and magic, Elana K. Arnold weaves a shimmering tapestry about the lovely and surprising ways we’re connected to each other. Heart-healing, hopeful, and wonderfully inventive, this beautiful novel by a master storyteller is not to be missed. —Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning author of The One and Only IvanAlder has always lived in his cozy little house in Southern California. And for as long as he can remember, the old, reliable, comforting walnut tree has stood between his house and the one next door. That is, until a new family—with a particularly annoying girl his age—moves into the neighboring house and, without warning, cuts it down.Oak doesn’t understand why her family had to move to Southern California. She has to attend a new school, find new friends, and live in a new house that isn’t even ready—her mother had to cut down a tree on their property line in order to make room for a second floor. And now a strange boy next door won’t stop staring at her, like she did something wrong moving here in the first place.As Oak and Alder start school together, they can’t imagine ever becoming friends. But the two of them soon discover a series of connections between them—mysterious, possibly even magical puzzles they can’t put together. At least not without each other’s help.Award-winning author Elana K. Arnold returns with an unforgettable story of the strange, wondrous threads that run between all of us, whether we know they’re there or not.Trade Review"In this luminous story full of mystery and magic, Elana K. Arnold weaves a shimmering tapestry about the lovely and surprising ways we’re connected to each other. Heart-healing, hopeful, and wonderfully inventive, this beautiful novel by a master storyteller is not to be missed." — Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning author of The One and Only Ivan "Told through alternating perspectives that offer clearly rendered details, this compassionate novel gives a unique twist to familiar situations—feeling lonely, adjusting to new environments, forging new bonds—while inviting readers to open their imaginations to all sorts of wonderful possibilities." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "The author enriches her sparely told story with hints of magic, song lyrics, good choices that key sudden sea changes in several relationships, and the small background details that make settings and backstories seem real. A low-key marvel rich in surprises, small fuzzy creatures, and friendships old and new." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Arnold depicts the kids’ emotions, relationships, and thought processes with unusual clarity and nuance. Middle grade readers, particularly those with a taste for magical realism, will find plenty to enjoy in this quirky, original novel." — Booklist "Arnold combines the weird with the warm in this domestic fantasy, bringing realism to the kids’ struggles with both family and identity even as they deal with some very unusual circumstances." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisWhat if she is a wolf and doesn’t belong with her family after all? A perfectly paced tale of family, self-acceptance, and belonging, Lone Wolf strikes the balance between heartwarming and hilarious.Trade Review“Maple is a beautiful black-and-white husky who loves her life with . . . her true pack, the Parker family. With lovely cadenced phrasing, and a winning heroine, this delightful ­debut picture book is strongly recommended.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “A beloved pet questions her place in the world. . . . Kurpiel's debut is a tender family story about belonging . . . Pawsitive vibes all around.” — Kirkus Reviews “Maple decides to explore on her own and find out once and for all if she is with the correct pack. . . . Engaging.” — Booklist “Maple is the Parker family dog, but outsiders often mistake the husky for a wolf. Eventually even Maple begins to wonder . . . A funny little tale about belonging, regardless of the perception of outsiders . . . Youngsters will giggle at Maple’s misplaced adventure.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisWhen a powerful desert spirit kidnaps her sister, Cece Rios must learn forbidden magic to get her back, in this own voices middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of The Storm Runner and Aru Shah and the End of Time.Trade Review"Rivera’s spellbinding debut feels incredibly fresh. Enchanted readers will hope for more from Cece and her extraordinary, magical world." — Booklist (starred review) "Mesmerizing... With excellent pacing and rich world-building, debut author Rivera flawlessly immerses readers in the landscape of Tierra del Sol and Cece’s journey." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Intertwined with rich Mexican folklore and culturally infused language, this is a brilliantly unveiled coming-of-age story not for the faint of heart.... Courage, determination, and unwavering love are the foundation of this debut." — School Library Journal "...Packed with magic, adventure, friendship, and Latinx-inspired mythology... [Readers] will delight in exploring Cece’s world." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "Rich world-building and enticing characterization strike hope for a sequel about the dauntless Cece." — Horn Book Magazine "With distinct voices for the human and supernatural characters, Guerra’s narration enhances the magical realism of the mythological fantasy. Listeners will be cheering for the endearing heroine to prove herself and rescue her sister." — Booklist "Glorious world-building, pitch-perfect narration, and stellar storytelling." — Sean T, Audible.com editor "An astonishing and moving tale infused with spirit and unforgettable magic." — ­J.C. Cervantes, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Storm Runner series "Flush with incredible worldbuilding, mucho español throughout, and an unforgettable cast, this book reminds us that our greatest strengths can sometimes be found in the unlikeliest of places." — Pablo Cartaya, award-winning author of The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora "Pokemon meets Coco in a spirited and moving adventure, at once familiar and tantalizingly strange, peopled by beautifully crafted and vivid characters." — David Bowles, award-winning author of They Call Me Güero “A new Narnia full of desert heat and danger, Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls mixes familiar myth, inventive magic, and vivid characters to capture readers.” — Anna Meriano, author of the Love Sugar Magic series “A beautifully written fantasy story with tons of heart!” — Ryan Calejo, author of the Charlie Hernández series

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Book SynopsisNow she isn’t sure of anything—not the mother who lied, the man she calls Dad, or the girl staring back at her in the mirror.If your life began with a lie, how can you ever be sure of what's true?Trade Review“The Truth Project is a heart-wrenching quest for identity every YA reader will relate to, and a deep dive into the meaning of family." — Ellen Hopkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author "A luminous and lovely novel-in-verse about family, identity, and finding your truth. Cordelia's heart-wrenching quest will captivate readers." — Kathleen Glasgow, New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces and How to Make Friends With the Dark "The Truth Project explores love, identity, and family in all its beautiful chaos. Wrapped in exquisite, page-turning prose, this book is impossible to put down until the very end." — Rachael Lippincott, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Five Feet Apart "Dante Medema beautifully weaves together an emotional and riveting story of self-discovery, family, and finding out the truth that's inside us all. A stunning debut." — Elizabeth Eulberg, international bestselling author of Past Perfect Life "With luminous writing and characters who feel like friends, The Truth Project is a book with its own gravitational pull. A lyrical, evocative exploration of family, identity, and seeking your truth. Wholly original and totally incandescent." — Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of Firsts and All Eyes On Her "The Truth Project is a brave and beautiful debut, shining with honesty, courage, and hope." — Laura Taylor Namey, author of The Library of Lost Things A gorgeous, compelling, compulsively readable exploration of family and the truths that define us. I devoured The Truth Project, and I think you will, too. — Jared Reck, author of A Short History of the Girl Next Door “A captivating, intricately woven story of identity, family, and how we're shaped by our surroundings. From small-town Alaska to gritty Seattle, Cordelia’s search for belonging brims with honesty and heartache. Each lovely word of this novel-in-verse wields a special kind of power.” — Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of Today Tonight Tomorrow "Gripping. The Truth Project is a fast-paced hybrid novel that blends verse together with texts and emails to paint a picture of a girl trying to figure out who she really is. A great pick for Juleah del Rosario and Sonya Sones fans." — Kip Wilson, author of White Rose "Poetic elements are well done. A story about family and identity that will appeal to readers who like novels in verse, or books about artistic teens." — School Library Journal "Delia tells her story through passionate poems, texts, and emails, making for an effective exploration of identity, secrets, and what family means." — Publishers Weekly "A solid debut novel about truth and personal identity." — Booklist

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“With taut pacing, nuanced characters, and compassionate depictions of grief and trauma, Warga’s novel is both timely and transcendent; a must-purchase for all collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “The story builds steadily toward a moving conclusion; Warga’s lyrical language and credible rendering of both middle school life and of the tensions of two families coping differently with personal devastation make for a perceptive, sensitively told novel about the effects of gun violence.” — Publishers Weekly “[Cora and Quinn] are well developed, and Warga skillfully handles both their delicate, emotional friendship and larger subjects of grief and gun violence. Powerful and emotionally complex.” — Kirkus Reviews “This will spark meaningful discussions.” — ALA Booklist “Warga skillfully develops unique voices for her narrators, and the novel’s alternating-perspective structure works well. Emotions run high throughout the book without dragging down the plot, and the portrayal of middle-school life is utterly authentic.” — Horn Book Magazine “Warga limns a tale that downplays sensationalism while acknowledging the deep fear that many readers may carry regarding school shootings.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “A beautiful story about the love that is possible even when the worst has already happened.” — Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medalist

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Book SynopsisThe third book in a new arc in theNew York Times''bestselling Amelia Bedelia chapter book series featuring young Amelia Bedelia and her friends!It''s a piece of cake! Amelia Bedelia + Good Friends = Superfun Stories to Read and Share Amelia Bedelia and her friends are studying all about the Middle Ages in school. They''re building catapults, creating illuminated manuscripts, and visiting a medieval fair''in costume! Plus, there''s a class-wide competition to see who can be the most chivalrous student. Amelia Bedelia really wants to win! But when she discovers that one of her friends is the kindest and most helpful of them all, can she somehow help her friend win the competition? A funny chapter book series about friendship, perfect for fans of Ivy + Bean and Clementine. The Amelia Bedelia books have sold more than 35 million copies since we first met the iconic character in 1963! Includes ''two Ways to Say It, Amelia Bedelia''s guide to the idioms used in the story, and instructions on how to build a catapult. Illustrated in black and white throughout.

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Book SynopsisThe fifth book in a new arc in the New York Times–bestselling Amelia Bedelia chapter book series featuring young Amelia Bedelia and her friends!

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Book SynopsisLearn to read with young Amelia Bedelia! Amelia Bedelia has been loved by readers for more than fifty years, and it turns out that her childhood is full of silly mix-ups, too!

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Book SynopsisA heartwarming picture book about a young girl on her first trip to visit family in Mexico, who learns there is no language barrier when it comes to love—from debut author Mónica Mancillas and rising star illustrator Erika Meza.Trade Review"Mancillas and Meza’s picture book is a poignant reminder that, while loved ones may not speak the same languages, their affection and care for one another transcends any human language and is a language in and of itself. Mancillas’ touching story will be relatable to many first-, second-, and third-generation children and grandchildren of immigrants, who may be reconnecting with their own familias after time and distance apart." — Booklist (starred review) "A child’s uncertainty in navigating the dual identities of a bicultural upbringing is affirmingly depicted in Mancillas’s insightful debut. Mancillas’s assured narrative, which rings with compassion, smatters Spanish words throughout English lines; in Meza’s watercolor pencil and gouache illustrations, Mariana swells with love that gives way to bright-eyed affection for a new place and new people." — Publishers Weekly “Measured in its empathy, this tale admirably explores a familial scenario that many readers will understand all too well…. A sweet look at what familia can mean.” — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“[At] Style High, a summer program designed to boost Black kids who are interested in careers in fashion design and styling . . . Mari’s in for an awakening ruder than she expected, one that will make her question what she knows about her family and background. The socio-economic and racial dynamics of this story add a compelling dimension . . . fits squarely into the lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous genre of realistic fiction that is just a touch fantastic with all its glitz and glamour. . . . A solid story of summer growth and exploration." — Kirkus Reviews “Fourteen-year-old Marigold Johnson is an aspiring fashion designer . . . Marigold’s summer only becomes more complicated when she uncovers a secret that turns her world completely upside down. Chase explores the strength and power of familial bonds and friendships when faced with hardships. The book also delves into the topics of conformity and identity and the weight that they hold on an adolescent’s sense of belonging. This will resonate with tweens and teens who are gaining an understanding of who they are and where they fit in.” — Booklist “Chase delivers a contemporary narrative on the complexities of race, class privilege, and interpersonal relationships, exploring being ‘Black enough’ through a flawed but resonant cast navigating empathy, friendship, and family.” — Publishers Weekly “Marigold Johnson fears she’s drifting apart from her best friend . . . So when Justice lands a fashion internship the summer after their eighth grade, she decides to join him. . . . Marigold’s blindness to her privilege and her effect on the other kids is painfully believable, and the revelation of the family secret is a real twist . . . Marigold’s emotional, often un-self-aware narration makes her story especially ripe for discussion about perspectives and relationship dynamics.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Marigold ‘Mari’ Johnson is used to straddling two worlds. . . In an unexpected revelation, Mari is forced to rethink what privilege truly means, and how to handle it responsibly. . . . Chase turns her full attention to themes of classism within the Black community.” — Horn Book Magazine “The book does a refreshing job exploring friendship, socioeconomic classes, and race. . . . Middle grade readers who enjoy stories about fashion and friendship, rooted in real-world issues, will enjoy.” — School Library Journal "Fun and juicy." — New York Times

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Book SynopsisThe lyrical writing and stunning paintings make this a great choice for family sharing and for story times all year round.When a young girl visits her grandparents at the beach, she stays in a little house and walks along the shore gathering seashells—which were once little houses of their own.Trade Review“A pigtailed child visits her grandparents at the shore, where the waves call them to explore the sands just outside the steps of their small seaside house. . . . The girl and her grandmother search for shells of every kind . . . [and] she begins to wonder about the inhabitants of these tiny homes. . . . Henkes and Dronzek’s latest pitch-perfect collaboration offers an intimate multigenerational narrative that captures children’s hopeful curiosity about our shared home.” — Horn Book (starred review) “A marvelous book . . . Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek have created an ode to curiosity that urges readers to open their minds and wonder at the world. . . . Every page of Little Houses reminds readers of the infinite ways that oceans, animals, plants, and people are connected.” — BookPage (starred review) “Henkes and Dronzek create a story about a child . . . whose visit to a grandparents’ small beach house allows time for wondering and questioning. . . . The grandparents’ quiet, affirming presences allow their grandchild space to contemplate. . . . For now, though, the child treasures a collection of shells, little houses. Henkes writes with quiet grace that avoids preciousness, while Dronzek’s acrylic seashore-centered spreads capture one person encountering the natural world with curiosity and reverence.” — Publishers Weekly “Curiosity and wonder about nature are explored, this time through a family trip. . . . As they walk the beach, the child studies the shells and considers the creatures that once lived in them. Vibrant acrylic illustrations depict these little houses in multiple colors, sizes, and shapes. . . . Her grandparents encourage her to explore her surroundings, inspiring her to want to learn more. . . . Returning to her own house, the girl takes some of the treasures along, understanding that she, too, is part of the wonderful wider world.” — Booklist “In this poetic, reassuring picture book meditation, a girl is swept up in wonderment after her grandmother reminds her that the shells on the beach are tiny houses.” — Shelf Awareness “Beachcombing is a highlight of the little girl narrator’s visits with her grandparents . . . She examines the shells . . . and ponders her grandmother’s observation that they are little houses . . . The gentle poetic lilt of the girl’s musings is effectively complemented by the precise depiction of seashore wonders in Dronzek’s acrylic paintings, with colors both cheerful and vivid . . . A thoughtful wind-down after a satisfying day at the beach.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “For anyone with memories of spending time with grandparents or other relatives at the beach, smelling salt water, or picking up seashells to bring back home. . . . Dronzek’s sweet scenes use ocean-washed colors while the . . . narration is a childlike and spontaneous experience of the sea, asking readers to slow down and savor their surroundings with all their senses. A book to keep in little houses by the sea, or on library shelves, where readers can ask their own questions about their place in the larger world we all live in.” — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"In “Chunky,” the writer-artist-animator and former Disney art director Yehudi Mercado turns to graphic memoir, and writes in a funny and endearing way about being a fat kid in Texas. The story is brought to life with illustrations that are vivid and often poignant." — New York Times Book Review "Relatable insights into the life of a child who is eager to fit in but also coming into his sense of self, sometimes with the help of adults and sometimes in spite of them. A compelling coming-of-age memoir." — School Library Journal (starred review) "Hudi’s a master at deflecting his shaky self-esteem with zingy one-liners. The digital artwork and sports scenarios play for laughs. Mercado notes in closing remarks, “Being ‘Chunky’ isn’t about being fat. Being Chunky is about feeling like you don’t fit in.” And that’s a theme plenty of middle graders can relate to." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "As good-natured a romp as its highly appealing main character. The art evokes a light tone with simple, effective characteristics. A swift, funny tale." — Booklist "Young read­ers, whether or not they have faced a bru­tal sports match or inse­cu­ri­ties about their appear­ance, will relate to Hudi and Chunky’s quest to thrive." — Jewish Book Council

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Book SynopsisIn this full-color middle grade graphic memoir for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Jerry Craft, Yehudi Mercado draws inspiration from his childhood struggle with his weight while finding friendship with his imaginary mascot, Chunky, as he navigates growing up in a working class Mexican-Jewish family.Hudi needs to lose weight, according to his doctors. Concerned about the serious medical issue Hudi had when he was younger, his parents push him to try out for sports. Hudi would rather do anything else, but then he meets Chunky, his imaginary friend and mascot. Together, they decide to give baseball a shot.As the only Mexican and Jewish kid in his neighborhood, Hudi has found the cheerleader he never had. Baseball doesn?t go well (unless getting hit by the ball counts), but the two friends have a great time drawing and making jokes. While Hudi?s parents keep trying to find the right sport for Hudi, Chunky encourages him to pursue his true love?comedy.But when Hudi?s dad loses his job, it gets harder for Hudi to chart his own course, even with Chunky?s guidance. Can Chunky help Hudi stay true to himself or will this friendship strike out?* A TLA Maverick Graphic Novel of the Year * Banks Street Best Children''s Books of the Year * ALSC Graphic Novel Pick of the Year * 2022-2023 Virginia Reads Middle Grade Book Winner *

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Book SynopsisIn Yehudi Mercado’s full-color middle grade graphic memoir sequel to Chunky, Hudi and his imaginary friend, Chunky, head to Jewish summer camp, where the dynamic duo meet a new friend who can see Chunky, too, and get mixed up in a prank war.Trade ReviewPraise for Chunky: "Relatable insights into the life of a child who is eager to fit in but also coming into his sense of self, sometimes with the help of adults and sometimes in spite of them. A compelling coming-of-age memoir." — School Library Journal (starred review) "Hudi’s a master at deflecting his shaky self-esteem with zingy one-liners. The digital artwork and sports scenarios play for laughs. Mercado notes in closing remarks, “Being ‘Chunky’ isn’t about being fat. Being Chunky is about feeling like you don’t fit in.” And that’s a theme plenty of middle graders can relate to." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "As good-natured a romp as its highly appealing main character. The art evokes a light tone with simple, effective characteristics. A swift, funny tale." — Booklist "This sequel deepens the emotional investment from [of] the previous installment considerably and effectively, honoring a sense of caring and connection but never losing sight of its humor. Visually exaggerated emotions and expressions, not to mention the ever-so-huggable character design, highlight that humor with a flourish." — Booklist

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