Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories

Book SynopsisA stunning picture book debut, showcasing the love between grandparents and grandchildren, the challenges of memory loss, and the joy that sweet reminders of a faraway home can bring, from award-winning, bestselling author Thanhhà Lại.This sweet and emotional picture book will resonate with readers who love A Big Mooncake for Little Star, Ladder to the Moon, and Thank You, Omu!An’s grandmother Bà sometimes gets trapped in her cloudy memories. An and her grandfather, Ông, come up with a plan to bring her back to a happy moment: they grow gấc fruits so they can make xôi gấc, Bà’s favorite dish from her wedding in Việt Nam many years ago.An and Ông work together in the garden, nurturing the gấc seeds. They must be patient and wait for the seeds to grow, flower, and turn into fruit. When the xôi gấc is finally ready, An is hopeful that her g

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Book Synopsis“Heartfelt, honest, and beautifully told—Nolie’s NYC story is a must-read. Bonus points for an absolutely amazing grandma character!”—Lisa Greenwald, author of The Friendship List and TBH series Feeling left behind by both her sister and her best friend, Nolie tries her best to belong but soon finds herself at a moral crossroads. Set in the bustle of New York City during the Jewish High Holy Days, Where You’ve Got to Be is an accessible story about identities and relationships—the ones you keep and the ones you let go. Pitch-perfect for tween readers who love Rebecca Stead, Holly Goldberg Sloan, and contemporary, realistic stories.Nolie’s sister, Linden, may be only fourteen months older than she is, but suddenly that feels longer than it ever has before. Linden is growing up. She cuts short their Cousins Week at Grandma’s beach cottage to focus on

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Book SynopsisIn this magical follow-up picture book to Ashley Franklin’s and Ebony Glenn’s celebrated fairy tale twist, Not Quite Snow White, princess Tameika becomes a big sister .Trade ReviewA cute, modern new-sibling twist on a classic fairy tale. — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisFrom the New York Times bestselling author of The Unteachables, Gordon Korman, comes a hilarious new high-concept friendship story in the vein of Back to the Future.Trade Review“Korman brings smart plotting to an absorbing time travel narrative that examines the long-term impact of actions….Given [the] opportunity for a do-over, [Mason] seeks to right wrongs as well as try new things, leading to a climax in which both he and readers see what, if anything, has changed. Full of warmth and middle-grade humor." — Publishers Weekly “Watching Mason learn from mistakes and explore new aspects of himself (especially with a 17-year-old consciousness trapped in a preteen body) is vicariously satisfying, and the sheer fascination of his predicament will keep readers turning pages, anxious to find out if he succeeds.” — Kirkus Reviews "Korman’s signature blend of comedy, drama, and middle grade angst will leave readers with a warm fuzzy feeling.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Just plain fun from start to finish, this story will appeal to Korman’s many fans and others who enjoy humorous fiction.” — School Library Journal “A rewarding time-slip story.” — Booklist “Korman brings his usual humor and heart to this well-plotted mystery… that sensitively explores themes of friendship and family.” — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisThis powerful and poignant coming-of-age middle grade debut novel follows an Arab American girl named Yasmeen as she moves to San Antonio with her family and navigates finding friendship—and herself.Trade ReviewThis absorbing story compassionately tackles challenging subjects: the immigrant experience, explicit racism, family strife, and the enormity of Palestinian Israeli history. Feldman offers an ultimately optimistic message of hope and a chance for peace in ways both big and small. — Booklist Many readers will see themselves in Feldman’s debut novel. This valuable title explores an issue rarely discussed in contemporary children’s literature. Highly recommended for middle grade collections. — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisA heartfelt and hopeful middle grade novel from Jacquetta Nammar Feldman, author of the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection Wishing Upon the Same Stars, about family, joy, and growing up in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Perfect for fans of Nic Stone’s Fast Pitch and Erin Entrada Kelly’s We Dream of Space.Seventh graders Sammy and Matty are the Putterman twins—the perfect team of two. But Matty has a secret he’s not ready to share with his family yet, and he suddenly quits baseball and stops talking to his sister. With their twin telepathy broken, Sammy doesn’t know what to do without her teammate.Becky Putterman is sick of her family only cheering for her cousins, Sammy and Matty. They all used to be friends, but since everything became about the twins, Becky’s felt left out. With her bat mitzvah around the corner, she hopes it’ll finally be her turn in the spotlight.But then Hurricane Harvey hits Houston, Texas, and the twins’ house is damaged in the flood. Their family moves in with Becky’s—which no one is happy about. As their grief, anger, and uncertainty grow, they’ll soon find they need each other now more than ever before. With all nine Puttermans under one roof, can Sammy, Matty, and Becky find a way to glue their family back together?

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Book SynopsisFrom the award-winning radio and TV personality and beloved two-time New York Times bestselling author Bobby Bones, Stanley the Dog: The First Day of School is a hilarious and heartfelt new picture book about a bulldog pup named Stanley and his adventures on the first day of school.Trade Review"This is an accessible story that will help young children ­transition to the expectations of school, especially when they are feeling trepidation themselves." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisThis poignant story from New York Times bestselling author Jason June and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long reminds us of the life-changing power of words and the ways we remember the ones we love who''ve been affected by Alzheimer''s or dementia. Perfect for fans of Drawn Together and The Rough Patch. Elijah loves spending time with his grandma Eleanor. She knows all the best words to answer tricky crossword puzzles and to tell the most beautiful stories to her family and friends.Everyone calls her “Never Forget Eleanor” because she remembers every word she reads and person she meets. Lately though, Elijah has started to notice Grandma Eleanor forgetting little things.So when Grandma Eleanor doesn’t show up for her Saturday story session, Elijah will need to find a way to use her favorite words and become the storyteller himself to bring her home.Trade Review"This day-to-day celebration of a loving relationship brings both characters vividly to life. Long's tender gouache-and-colored pencil illustrations carry the story. . . the expressive features are endearing. From Elijah shyly peeking out from behind a newspaper to Grandma's heart-rending puzzled reactions, the images evoke honest emotions. . . A tender tribute to the heart." — Kirkus Reviews "Calm, measured text from June (the Mermicorn Island series) offers compassion and holds space for the protagonist's grief, while velvety textured gouache and colored pencil vignettes by Long (Someone Builds the Dream) depict a small, animal-populated town where doe-eyed Eleanor is valued and supported by everyone from her family to the local rhino chef and tiger barber. There's a quiet sincerity at work throughout, and readers should find that it encircles them as well." — Publishers Weekly This sweet and sensitive story will hold particular resonance for children and families with elderly relatives in their lives. — School Library Journal The author notes that memory loss can affect people in different ways but that reminders such as these are helpful to some. The gouache-and-colored-pencil illustrations are gently serious, not too lighthearted but appropriate to the audience by not being too sad or scary, either. Eventually Grandma Eleanor passes away, though Elijah carries on her tradition by telling her special stories himself. — Booklist

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Book SynopsisThis stand-alone companion to two-time Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes’s award-winning, acclaimed, and bestselling The Year of Billy Miller, Billy Miller Makes a Wish is a laugh-out-loud funny and accessible story about summer, family, and wishes that (almost) come true.Trade Review“Billy Miller’s birthday wish, for ‘something exciting [to] happen,’ attunes him to all kinds of excitement in his life. . . . Henkes’s focus on small transitions in growing up and seeing the world acknowledges and celebrates the complex emotional life of childhood. Billy’s year of being 8 begins like a leaf unfolding, slow and steady . . . The sweet surprise of the summer, revealed when Papa returns, promises new and interesting chapters in Billy’s life. Full of heart and depth.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “In this welcome sequel [to The Year of Billy Miller], school is over for the year and Billy is a ‘second-and-a-half grader’ now worrying about his eighth birthday wish. . . . Henkes is a master of characterization, deftly using dabs of telling details to build his characters. . . . When Mama and Papa share exciting news at the end of the story, Billy changes his mind about that wish he had regretted. ‘Now he wouldn’t change it for anything.’” — Horn Book (starred review) “A first-rate choice for reading aloud, this episodic, consistently captivating chapter book draws readers into Billy’s world immediately. Small, kid-friendly drawings illustrate details mentioned within the narrative, but the vividly portrayed characters come to life through the words alone. A companion book to Newbery Honor Book The Year of Billy Miller, this warm family story features the same down-to earth humor and seemingly simple, beautifully crafted writing. A quiet gem.” — Booklist (starred review) “Billy Miller is back with all-new everyday adventures. As he blows out the candles on his eighth birthday cake, he makes a wish for something exciting to happen. . . . Henkes’s phenomenal ability to tap directly into the hopes, fears, and annoyances of an eight-year-old boy with beautiful clarity make this not only relatable for young readers, but for adults as well. . . . A darling addition to early middle grade collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “[A] short, well-paced follow-up to Newbery Honoree Henkes’s The Year of Billy Miller . . . Henkes’s sequel offers a refreshingly honest portrayal of kid life . . . Henkes captures the warmth of Billy’s family . . . as well as his guileless voice as he navigates common trials and tribulations of childhood.” — Publishers Weekly “In this tender, lightly illustrated story, Mr. Henkes captures the angst, humor and quiet everyday dramas of life in a growing family.” — Wall Street Journal

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Book Synopsis“A riveting coming-of-age story about a girl sleepwalking through a hot Midwestern summer until the sudden reappearance of her mother—and a new boy in town—challenge her to dream bigger. Readers will eagerly follow Bliss as she discovers some rainbows are worth chasing.” —Laura Ruby, two-time National Book Award Finalist and author of Bone Gap Seventeen-year-old Bliss Walker has been stuck in a home that doesn’t feel like hers for six years. Ever since Mama dropped her off and never came back.Then, the summer before her senior year of high school, two things happen: Mama returns out of the blue, and Bliss meets Blake, a boy who listens like everything she has to say is worth hearing.It should be a dream come true. But as the summer spins on, Bliss finds herself facing a painful choice: between the life she’s always longed for, and the world she’s starting to make for herself.

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Book SynopsisInternational phenomenon Angie Thomas revisits Garden Heights seventeen years before the events of The Hate U Give in this searing and poignant exploration of Black boyhood and manhood. A Printz Honor Book!If there?s one thing seventeen-year-old Maverick Carter knows, it?s that a real man takes care of his family. As the son of a former gang legend, Mav does that the only way he knows how: dealing for the King Lords. With this money he can help his mom, who works two jobs while his dad?s in prison.Life?s not perfect, but with a fly girlfriend and a cousin who always has his back, Mav?s got everything under control.Until, that is, Maverick finds out he?s a father.Suddenly he has a baby, Seven, who depends on him for everything. But it?s not so easy to sling dope, finish school, and raise a child. So when he?s offered the chance to go straight, he takes it. In a world where he?s expected to amount to nothing, maybe Mav can prove he?s different.When King Lord blood runs through your veins, though, you can''t just walk away. Loyalty, revenge, and responsibility threaten to tear Mav apart, especially after the brutal murder of a loved one. He?ll have to figure out for himself what it really means to be a man.

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Book SynopsisPacked with superheroes, supervillains, and epic showdowns between good and evil, The Unforgettable Logan Foster from debut author Shawn Peters shows that sometimes being a hero is just about being yourself.Logan Foster has pretty much given up on the idea of ever being adopted.Trade Review"Peters folds laughs and action aplenty into a winning series opener that features both a ka-pow! premise and a particularly memorable addition to the recent uptick of neurodivergent narrators. 'That,' to quote Logan’s mantra, 'is a fact.'" — Booklist (starred review) "Fun, silly, superheroic chaos." — Kirkus Reviews "An engaging superhero story with the message that, sometimes, not fitting in and seeing the world differently are gifts that just might help save the planet." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisPacked with superheroes, supervillains, and epic showdowns between good and evil, The Unforgettable Logan Foster from debut author Shawn Peters shows that sometimes being a hero is just about being yourself.Logan Foster has pretty much given up on the idea of ever being adopted.Trade Review"Peters folds laughs and action aplenty into a winning series opener that features both a ka-pow! premise and a particularly memorable addition to the recent uptick of neurodivergent narrators. 'That,' to quote Logan’s mantra, 'is a fact.'" — Booklist (starred review) "Fun, silly, superheroic chaos." — Kirkus Reviews "An engaging superhero story with the message that, sometimes, not fitting in and seeing the world differently are gifts that just might help save the planet." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisFilled with superheroes, supervillains, and epic showdowns, The Unforgettable Logan Foster and the Shadow of Doubt is the thrilling second book in the acclaimed Logan Foster series from super-author Shawn Peters.After using his photographic memory to defeat Necros and her minions, Logan has seen his life change completely.

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Book SynopsisFilled with superheroes, supervillains, and epic showdowns, The Unforgettable Logan Foster and the Shadow of Doubt is the thrilling second book in the acclaimed Logan Foster series from super-author Shawn Peters.After using his photographic memory to defeat Necros and her minions, Logan has seen his life change completely.Trade Review“Funny and action-packed superhero silliness.” — Kirkus Reviews "Peters ... packs his plot with action and his cast with superpowered friends and foes ... Readers will cheer the smart, earnest narrator as he works to save the world while heroically seeking clues to what makes other people tick and to his own hidden past." — Booklist

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Book SynopsisCritically acclaimed author Shanthi Sekaran makes her middle grade debut with this timely and stunning novel in which a young boy and his friends must rescue his grandmother from a relocation camp after their country’s descent into xenophobia.Trade Review"Sekaran explains systemic racism and the dangers of demagoguery in clear and age-appropriate ways with evocative prose. Breathtakingly memorable." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Sekaran’s world-building is compelling and distinctive, never overtaken by the story’s clear message about intolerance. The character names (the president answers to 'Bambi'; Tinley’s dad is 'Doggy') bring a touch of the ridiculous to the book’s otherwise sober exploration of prejudice and authoritarianism; and Muki’s vivid enthusiasm makes him a compelling protagonist.” — Horn Book Magazine "An effective novel-length parable that tracks how microaggressions mask, and then escalate into, political policy and how the fortunes of legal residents can turn on a dime... A useful reading prompt for classroom discussion." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "The Samosa Rebellion is a fascinating journey which seamlessly makes inventive parallels to our current issues of immigration, racism, classism, and xenophobia. A thought-provoking, fast-paced, and heartfelt adventure!" — Veera Hiranandani, Newbery Honor–winning author of The Night Diary “Sharp, incisive, and layered, The Samosa Rebellion is a deftly written, lovingly realized novel that is at once a page-turner and a call to action. Sekaran’s characters are warm and passionate and impossible not to root for, and their story is urgent and nuanced and relentlessly readable.” — Corey Ann Haydu, acclaimed author of One Jar of Magic “The Samosa Rebellion is an extraordinary, thoroughly engrossing read. Warm and charming in its exploration of family and friendship, it’s also sharp and clear-eyed in its depiction of a country’s frightening slide toward an anti-immigrant nationalism.” — Trenton Lee Stewart, New York Times bestselling author of the Mysterious Benedict Society series “A strong commentary on the anti-immigrant sentiment prevalent in our own country.” — Booklist (starred review)

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Book SynopsisTheir kindness gives Lily hope that life without Dad might just be bearable. But when Lily and her friends are bullied by Ryan and his mean clique, she quickly discovers the true meaning of friendship and speaking out.Trade Review"Erskine aptly conveys Lily’s inner struggle between her reserved demeanor and her desire to stand up to bullying. The metafiction appearance between chapters of 'Libro,' the voice of the physical book, adds humor and draws attention to the literary craft. Even the quietest readers will cheer." — Kirkus Reviews "A well-told tale, with a clear understanding of bullying and empathy for all involved." — Booklist "Erskine effectively captures Lily’s struggles to find her voice. A touching novel that will leave readers cheering for Lily’s quiet victories." — Publishers Weekly “Curious kids who love books will enjoy joining this welcoming group of friends as they learn about the world we share.” — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisIt is a truth universally acknowledged that every bookworm secretly wishes to be Lizzy Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.A less acknowledged truth is that Mary Bennet might be a better fit.For Marnie Barnes, realizing she's a Mary Bennet is devastating. But she's determined to reinvent herself, so she enlists the help of her bubbly roommate and opens up to the world. And between new friends, a very cute boy, and a rescue pup named Sir Pat, Marnie finds herself on a path to becoming a new person entirely. But she's no Lizzy, or even Mary instead, she's someone even better: just plain Marnie.With a hilariously sharp voice, a sweet and fulfilling romance that features a meet-cute in an animal shelter, and a big family that revels in causing big problems, this charming comedy of errors about a girl who resolves to become the main character of her own story (at any and all costs), is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Becky Albertalli...and Jane Austen, of course.

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Book SynopsisIt is a truth universally acknowledged that every bookworm secretly wishes to be Lizzy Bennet from Pride and Prejudice.A less acknowledged truth is that Mary Bennet might be a better fit.For Marnie Barnes, realizing she?s a Mary Bennet is devastating. But she?s determined to reinvent herself, so she enlists the help of her bubbly roommate and opens up to the world.And between new friends, a very cute boy, and a rescue pup named Sir Pat, Marnie finds herself on a path to becoming a new person entirely. But she?s no Lizzy, or even Mary?instead, she?s someone even better: just plain Marnie.With a hilariously sharp voice, a sweet and fulfilling romance that features a meet-cute in an animal shelter, and a big family that revels in causing big problems, this charming comedy of errors about a girl who resolves to become the main character of her own story (at any and all costs), is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Becky Albertalli?and Jane Austen, of course.Trade Review“Full of voice and charm, Being Mary Bennet is an exceptional debut that tackles coming of age with humor, care, and emotional depth. Peterson creates a cast of complex characters and relationships you’ll instantly adore and root for while also embracing their flaws and shortcomings. A delightful, memorable story.” — Kelsey Rodkey, author of Last Chance Books "A witty, creative retelling packed with charming characters and hilarious antics. Being Mary Bennet filled my Austen-loving heart with so much joy!" — Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of Today, Tonight, Tomorrow "Hilarious and heartfelt, this debut proves that everyone deserves to be the main character in their own story. Jane Austen fans, prepare to fall in love!" — Kristy Boyce, author of Hot British Boyfriend "Hilarious and smart, Being Mary Bennet is a soulful, swoonworthy coming of age story that reminds us that everyone deserves to be the main character in their own life. I’m sure Jane Austen would agree!" — Monica Gomez-Hira, author of Once Upon a Quinceañera “The perfect novel for any reader who wishes they were a heroine but secretly identifies more with background characters… An utterly authentic, captivating story.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Literary references, friendship, family drama, adorable dogs—this book has it all! Fans of Jane Austen will eat up this playful contemporary homage to Pride and Prejudice.” — School Library Journal “While [Marnie’s] self-deprecating humor is part of the story’s appeal, there’s also something endearing about watching this earnest character do what has to be done, even if she risks making a fool of herself in the process. A promising first novel.” — Booklist

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Book SynopsisNatty deals with moving after her mom’s departure by pulling a “Ted Lasso” and starting a pep squad in this standalone middle-grade novel about friendship and toxic positivity by the author of TBH and the Friendship List series.When Natty’s mom kind of takes a break from her dad and sort of the whole family, Natty and her dad move to his childhood hometown of Miller Creek. Now she’s starting middle school for the second time, this time in Miller Creek—without her mom—or her BFF. But Natty’s doing great! Really. Anything is possible. And what’s the point of dwelling on the stuff that stinks when there’s so much good stuff to think about?Natty is absolutely, positively sure that she can turn it all around. Like 1,000 percent sure. As long as she stays absolutely positive! She’ll get her dad off the couch, make her tons of new friends, and even convince her mom to come liv

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Book SynopsisYour heart hurts and you miss them, but even though your eyes can’t see them anymore and your arms can’t hug them, they are still there, still yours to love .Trade Review"A gentle reminder that those we love and lose can live in our hearts and memories. Each page of Pillemer's debut tale of love and grief weaves a poignant thread by capturing moments in time between people who love one another: parent and child playing together in the morning, friends swinging outside, a grandparent and grandchild enjoying the rain. The gentle, poetic prose is bolstered by Murray's soft illustrations . . .Tender and touching." — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisJoin YouTube superstar PrestonPlayz and his friends on this thrillingly spooky middle grade graphic novel adventure where Preston and his crew have to escape a creepy amusement park?s haunted house?before it?s too late!When Wadsworth?s Family Wonderland comes to town, Preston, Bri, Grumpus, and Shivers are thrilled to check out all the rides! But when the four friends show up for the fun, they realize that the carnival has seen better days. The rides are rickety and the whole place seems to be falling apart. Just before the crew heads back home, Kat Lavender dares Preston to spend the night in the incredibly terrifying, absolutely haunting Spooky House.To prove he''s not afraid, Preston accepts. But once Preston and his friends enter the house, the doors magically lock, a shivering breeze rolls in, and a voice emerges from everywhere. Escape by morning?or you will NEVER leave!Fans of mysteries, puzzles, and graphic novels will love this hilariously thrilling YouTube-inspired adventure by PrestonPlayz.

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Book SynopsisBooksmart meets Never Have I Ever in this Latinx road trip adventure—a big-hearted, voice-driven YA about two sisters who couldn’t be more different, but become begrudging partners on their school’s cross-country college trip—from debut author Angela Velez.Trade Review“A funny, heartfelt story filled with unique and unforgettable characters, the strength of sisterhood and family, first love, and a love for STEM and the arts, this young adult novel will have readers laughing out loud while also thinking about their own future. Highly recommended for young adult collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “This novel digs deep into the twists and turns of sisterhood, and the girls’ voices are delightfully distinct and humorous…. Readers will feel like these deeply real, funny, and ambitious sisters are their own close friends.” — Kirkus Reviews “Alternating chapters fully develop Lulu’s and Milagro’s distinct personalities; they have different interests and priorities, but their admiration and love for each other is clear….Details from their lives as a family of Peruvian American women add depth to this story of sisterhood and self-discovery.” — Horn Book Magazine “This coming-of-age story explores the topic of post-high-school plans and the pressure some teens may feel to fit a mold or live up to certain expectations that have been set for them. Readers who are first-generation kids of immigrants will especially find Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity relatable.” — ALA Booklist "There's SO MUCH HEART in these pages. This outstanding debut is hard-hitting and hilarious. I'm so hyped for more Angela Velez stories." — Adam Silvera, #1 New York Times bestselling author of They Both Die at the End "Angela Velez weaves humor and heartbreak gifting us an irresistible, funny and propulsive novel about sisters. Lulu & Milagro's Search for Clarity offers up a fresh take on the road-trip novel. It's a brilliant exploration of girlhood and the challenges young women face when torn between personal dreams and ties to family." — Angie Cruz, author of Dominicana "In a truly hilarious and heartwarming debut, author Angela Velez breaks out with a story of sisterly love, family secrets, and the roles forced on us at a young age. Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity is a laugh-out-loud, college road trip novel full of Catholic school hijinks. You’ll fall in love and root for Lulu and Milagro!" — Lilliam Rivera, Pura Belpré Honor-Winning Author of Never Look Back “Lulu and Milagro’s Search for Clarity is a tribute to girls everywhere as they figure out who they are and who they hope to be. Sharp, funny, and full of heart, it perfectly captures the heartbreak and joy of sisterhood, first crushes, familial expectations, and growing up.” — Crystal Maldonado, author of Fat Chance, Charlie Vega “Lulu & Milagro’s Search for Clarity is a delightful journey of sisterhood, self-love, and chasing your dreams—even if they go in directions you never expected. I was cheering on the Zavala sisters every step of the way.” — Natalia Sylvester, author of Running

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Book SynopsisMaybe the train can take her back home, where she truly belongs.Like Dan-ah Kim’s debut The Grandmaster’s Daughter, The Train Home is an inventive picture book about creativity and imagination.Trade Review“Nari lives in an apartment that’s too full and in a city that’s too loud. Watching the train rumble by her window, she dreams of taking it someplace quiet just for her: a treetop nest, under the sea, or outer space. . . . Even in Nari’s quiet times, Kim’s illustrations are a riot of color and delicate details; young readers will love to explore the different worlds Nari visits in her imagination. . . . A quiet ode to imagination, the need for quiet, and the reassurance that one can always come back home.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Nari lives in a small, crowded apartment in a diverse, bustling city. Among the chatter from her grandparents, the arguing from her parents, the whining from her little sister, and noise from their neighbors, she finds little respite. As she watches a passing train, she wonders if she 'can take it . . . and find her dream home. . . .' This spare narrative, with its graceful illustrations, gently makes its point—sometimes we need a little distance to appreciate what truly matters. A quiet, imaginative, and tender tale of finding home.” — Kirkus Reviews “Nari’s city household can be a challenging place . . . Maybe the train can carry her to a quieter place? . . . When the train carries Nari far into outer space, where ‘everything is beautiful,’ she wishes her family were there, and it’s not long before she is ready to be back among them. Kim affirms the push and pull of life for a city child who loves her family and finds needed sanctuary in the quiet of her own company." — Publishers Weekly “An enchanting look at a child’s quest for belonging. . . . Kim’s mixed-media art is dynamic, subtly blending realism with touches of whimsy and lush naturalistic detail. The palette is equally pleasing, with just the right distinctions between cityscapes and dreamscapes. This understated and creative picture book takes on the theme of being true to oneself and ends with the realization that ‘there’s no place like home.’” — Horn Book Magazine “The subway train runs right past Nari’s lively New York City apartment building, and she imagines riding it to far-flung destinations that offer quiet spaces away from the bustling city and her boisterous family and neighbors. . . . A creative adventure, a charming homage to New York City, and a sweet reminder that home is truly where the heart is.” — BookPage

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Book SynopsisAnd there’s Dominique, an angry basketball player who’s been benched for low grades.When Trina unknowingly offends Dominique, Dominique decides that it’s going down—after school, she’s going to jump Trina.Trade Review“So well-observed that the characters seem to leap off the page, the novel leaves a strong and lingering impact.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Williams-Garcia makes the drama feel not only immediate but suffocatingly tense, as each tick of the clock speeds the three girls toward collision. Most impressive is how the use of voice allows readers to fully experience the complicated politics of high school; you can sense the thousand mini–dramas percolating within each crowded classroom.” — ALA Booklist (starred review) “Williams-Garcia deftly creates portraits of each of the girls as the narration moves from one to another, with the triangulation of view resulting in some fascinatingly complex characterization.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Williams-Garcia has given her characters strong, individual voices that ring true to teenage speech. The ethical decision will get readers thinking about the larger issues surrounding community, personal responsibility, and the concept of ‘snitching.’” — School Library Journal “With a realistic look at girl–on–girl violence and gripping characterization, Williams-Garcia masterfully builds tension to the momentous ending.” — Kirkus Reviews “The latest novel from Williams-Garcia offers a piercing snapshot of three girls in an urban high school, their daily struggle to realize their hopes and dreams, and the threat of school violence to shatter them all.” — Horn Book Magazine “This nail–biter of a tale, told from the girls’ three viewpoints, has great insight into the lives of teenage girls and how they interpret and perpetrate bullying.” — Chicago Tribune “Teens who live the reality of girl fights and getting jumped every day will surely see themselves and their friends in these girls.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Inspirational. A motivational story of knowing and embracing family birthright, this book is great for every collection for kids.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “A tale steeped in pride, centering two Black children learning about their familial and cultural legacy. Consistently affirming.” — Publishers Weekly ?“Affirming. [Does] an excellent job of blending moments from the past with the present, subtly reinforcing their continued importance on life today.” — Booklist “The cultural values shared by many Black Americans are related in beautiful prose. Recommended for teachers and librarians who want to explore the meaning of historical legacies in families.” — ALA Booklist review of the audiobook

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Debut author Ferguson, who is Métis and White, touches on intergenerational family suffering at the hands of the state, mental health, substance abuse, racism, sexual harassment and assault, and missing and murdered Indigenous women—all with nuance and care. Heart-rending and healing; a winning blend that will leave readers satisfied." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Young adult readers can relate to the struggles Lou is facing as she navigates her transition from high school to college, and also use them as a conversation starter about race, identity, sexuality, dating, and friendship." — Horn Book (starred review) "In a layered first-person portrayal of a young Indigenous woman navigating the edge of adulthood, Ferguson (who is Métis and white) tackles necessary issues—of identity and sexuality alongside colonialism, generational trauma, racism, physical and sexual assault, and substance reliance—through well-wrought, complicated characterizations and prose that sings with poetry." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Ferguson’s frank and powerful debut opens readers’ eyes to the multiplicity of daily traumas faced by people of color, especially Indigenous women and girls. Ferguson, herself Michif/Métis and white, boldly writes on many challenging topics, including racism, physical violence, sexual identity, sexual assault, and teen alcohol use. Lou is complex, smart, and honest, and a narrator readers will trust, love, and learn from as she works to repair friendships and gain security for her treasured family." — Booklist (starred review) "Brutally honest about the sexual and physical violence Native women are subjected to, this story deals with a variety of painful topics and their impact on Louise’s friends and family... The honesty and complexity of this book make it a gripping read." — School Library Journal (starred review) "Like an unexpected tart note swirling through a creamy, cold treat, The Summer of Bitter and Sweet layers the harsh truths and deep connections that thread through a Canadian prairie town....In this heartfelt story, we come to see the complex lives beneath the wide-open landscape. " — Star Tribune

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Book SynopsisFrom the award-winning author of A Boy Called Bat comes a new young middle grade series in the tradition of Ramona and Clementine, starring an unforgettable girl named Harriet.There are a few things you should know about Harriet Wermer:She just finished third grade.Trade Review"A gentle, slow-moving summer adventure that’s big on character growth." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Extraordinary, poetic, and inventive. A Bit of Earth is such a special book. Prickles and all, Maria Latif captured my whole heart." — Jasmine Warga, author of Newbery Honor book Other Words for Home “Beautiful! Simply beautiful! My heart needed this gorgeous and modern re-imagining of The Secret Garden!" — Ellen Oh, author of Finding Junie Kim “A sweet and warm-hearted tale with unforgettable characters.” — Aisha Saeed, bestselling author of Amal Unbound

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