Children’s / Teenage fiction: Friendship stories

Book SynopsisTrade Review"How do you update Oscar Wilde for the internet age? In Molly Horan’s charming debut, the answer is to wrap the dazzling wordplay around a gentle—even earnest—exploration of new love and old wounds. Epically Earnest is a hopeful, romantic, sharply observed comedy of manners with a winning cast, and a group dance number that belongs in the rom-com hall of fame." — Amanda Sellet, author of By the Book and Belittled Women "A delightful story that puts Ernest in the shoes of a modern girl as she navigates internet fame, first love, and the real meaning of family. With dazzling wit and heart for days, Horan’s stand-out debut would make Oscar Wilde proud!" — Kaitlyn Hill, author of Love From Scratch "Debut-author Horan delivers a lighthearted, feel-good romp with engaging characters who are clever and well realized." — Booklist "Horan’s snappy banter and lighthearted approach to conflict make for a breezy read." — Publishers Weekly "A lighthearted romance with just enough drama and some sincere exploration of familial and romantic relationships." — Kirkus Reviews "Non-stereotypical portrayals of queer ­identity make this a worthwhile addition to high school ­collections." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisA smart, funny, and heartfelt middle grade novel about Lily Hong’s attempts to save her parents’ Chinese school and the town’s community center using all the resources she has—devoted friends, ingenuity, a passion for filmmaking, mediocre dance moves (at best), and perhaps even her archnemesis.If there’s one thing Lily Hong can’t stand, it’s being second best. That’s why she and Max Zhang have been bitter rivals ever since he swooped into town as the new kid with the cool clothes and his fancy downtown Chinese school and showed her up in the fifth-grade reading challenge. She had wanted to be the one to win the pizza party for their class. Okay, so that was two years ago . . . her best friends Kelli and Lauren didn’t totally get it, but they were on her side. And that’s why they agreed to help Lily with her submission for the Clarktown’s Got Talent video competition. Filmmaking

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Book SynopsisFive starred reviews!From New York Times bestselling author Ashley Woodfolk, Nothing Burns as Bright as You is an impassioned stand-alone tale of queer love, grief, and the complexity of female friendship.Two girls.Trade Review“A tautly written, fast-moving novel…that captures the unbalanced experience of an all-consuming love.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Tight and energetic, effective and deeply affecting… An uncommon exploration of girlhood and its messier relationships.” — Booklist (starred review) "The rich language describing the way the two love each other is magnificent... A beautiful, emotionally charged novel." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "All of Woodfolk’s choices—every line break, indentation, and italicization... Even the blank space on the page helps to carry this piece to its full potential as a feverishly gripping, immersive, and emotional ride that will stick with readers for a long time... A masterfully crafted love letter to tumultuous, young, queer love and its lessons." — School Library Journal (starred review) “An emotional inferno and Woodfolk’s best book yet.” — BookPage (starred review) “Prepare yourself, because this stunning novel is packed with an emotional intensity that's sure to touch your heart.” — Popsugar "Unapologetically shows the more challenging elements of falling—and staying—in love… This book has completely transformed the way I think about what it means to love unconditionally." — Nic Stone, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Odd One Out "Nothing Burns as Bright as You is a beautiful exploration of first love with the emotional resonance that only an Ashley Woodfolk novel can bring. Exquisite from beginning to end." — Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Hate U Give "Nothing Burns as Bright as You is utterly captivating, brimming with passion and heartbreak and the beautiful complexity of the human heart." — Nicola Yoon, #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Sun Is Also a Star and Instructions for Dancing "Wildly ambitious, fearlessly honest, and crackling with the top volume feelings of messy first love. Ashley Woodfolk is a virtuoso. Consider my breath fully taken." — Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Leah on the Offbeat "This highly original story is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. Ashley Woodfolk takes chances with form that make this verse novel captivating. Her skill as a writer has never burned so bright. Pure fire!" — Kwame Alexander, New York Times best-selling author "There is something sacred in the way Woodfolk bears witness to the scariest, most vulnerable parts of an untamable heart. A fierce, wrenching, deeply honest look at first love—I invite Ashley Woodfolk to break my heart with a book like this anytime." — Leah Johnson, author of the Stonewall Honor book You Should See Me in a Crown "A loving ode to the queer twin flame relationships of our adolescence that smolder quietly in so many of us. These characters, like Woodfolk’s dazzling and soulful lyrical prose, are both limitless and full of complexity. An exhilarating and quixotic read." — Junauda Petrus, author of the Coretta Scott King Honor book The Stars and the Blackness Between Them "Nothing Burns as Bright as You consumed me like a flame. The interspersed timelines will keep readers breathless as the love between these girls splatters raw on the page, the poetry absolute perfection. A novel to at once devour and savor." — Kip Wilson, author of White Rose

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Book SynopsisA Junior Library Guild Gold Standard SelectionWhen Rylan''s best friend ditches him for the cool kids, Rylan thinks a summer spent working on a French farm will be the perfect chance to reconnect. But he doesn''t count on his long-lost father showing up. This funny, touching novel is perfect for fans of Gary D. Schmidt and John David Anderson. Rylan O’Hare has been drifting apart from his best friend, Wilder, for months. Wilder''s family became mega-rich when his mom invented an app that reminds people to drink water, and now he barely has time for Rylan. So when Wilder invites Rylan to join him at a summer farming program in France (all expenses paid), Rylan see it as a chance to repair the friendship. Not only that, but he''ll get to learn French, milk goats, and eat lots (and lots) of cheese.But before they take off, Rylan''s mom drops a bomb: His dad (whom he hasn''t spoken to since he was three) lives in France,

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Smart, witty, and daring, this debut is a fast-paced whodunit-conspiracy story with a strong subplot following Bianca’s journey to better understand where they fit on the gender spectrum.” — Booklist (starred review) “[With] humor both whip-smart and absurdly campy, Winans portrays Bianca’s gender exploration and timid steps toward bravery… [an] exuberant read.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) A Pop Rocks thriller that fizzles on your tongue and delivers enough cults, birdwatching, and nonbinary crimefighting to make an afternoon disappear in a flash. — Grady Hendrix, New York Times Bestselling author of My Best Friend's Exorcism Hilarious and heartfelt, Bianca Torre Is Afraid of Everything is an absolute flocking delight of a book. — Marieke Nijkamp, New York Times bestselling author Winans has created a pulse-pounding mystery full of intrigue, creepy scares, and adorably awkward queer bird enthusiasts. The trifecta! The only thing you should be afraid of is not picking up this book. — Jason June, New York Times best-selling author of Out of the Blue The cutest, most endearing book with gruesome murder you'll ever read. This book has everything: cults, murder, jiu jitsu, anime, anxiety, gender feels, lesbian sheep, and like, a lot of birds. Come for the stabbing, stay for the gay. — Maggie Tokuda-Hall, author of The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea and Squad Fans of Only Murders in the Building will delight in this queer mystery that's equal parts twisty and cozy. An affirming exploration of gender, sexuality, and friendship, Bianca's story is laugh-out-loud funny and brimming with charm! — Rosiee Thor, author of Tarnished are the Stars The perfect blend of a love for birds and a search of self-identity, plus a murder mystery that'll leave you breathless, until you get to the satisfying conclusion. — Naz Kutub, author of The Loophole “Sardonic and witty.. The true golden moments come from Bianca’s down-to-earth experiences—[such as] their journey through their acceptance of the nonbinary label.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisJasper likes to be neat. Each morning he tidies his nest and puts on his cap and bow tie. Joop likes to be messy! Each morning he rumples his nest and musses his feathers. Despite their differences, Jasper and Joop are two very good friends--birds of a feather! But what will happen when one friend gets into trouble with some busy bees?Another pair of darling goslings make their debut in this story, with Olivier Dunrea’s perfectly pitched storytelling and illustrations that Gossie & Friends fans have come to cherish.Trade Review"[A] pitch-perfect tale of friends as different as different can be." —Kirkus "Dunrea's expressive vignettes capture the innocence and adventure of toddlerhood and imbue the tilt of a beak or the curve of a feather with humor and personality." —School Library Journal —

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Book SynopsisOllie is looking for a valentine. Gossie, Gertie, Peedie, and BooBoo all have valentines, but Ollie wonders who will be his. His search leads him to a special valentine of his very own, a surprise for Ollie and readers! With shiny foil hearts on the cover and every spread, Dunrea's charming artwork shines in this gift-worthy treat of a book.

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Book SynopsisA Western-inspired graphic novel for young readers who love crime-fighting, gutsy girls, and of course, dinosaurs!For fans of Hilda and the Troll series and Witches of Brooklyn!In the town of Little Spittle, dinosaurs and cowgirls live in harmony. Abigail, who has always dreamed of becoming a detective, lives on the outskirts of town with her pet dinosaur Rootbeer. Meanwhile Clementine, daughter of the sheriff, was born into the life of fighting crime.But when the Bandit Queen gets a hold of some dark magic, the town and the sheriff are nowhere to be found. It’s up to Clem, Abigail, and Rootbeer to team up, defeat the Bandit Queen, and save their beloved town from bandits, dinomagik, and undercover attacks.In a hilarious tale of two unlikely friends, Clem and Abigail show us how to be our authentic selves while simultaneously kicking some butt.

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Book SynopsisA Western-inspired graphic novel for young readers who love crime-fighting, gutsy girls, and of course, dinosaurs!For fans of Hilda and the Troll series and Witches of Brooklyn!In the town of Little Spittle, dinosaurs and cowgirls live in harmony. Abigail, who has always dreamed of becoming a detective, lives on the outskirts of town with her pet dinosaur Rootbeer. Meanwhile Clementine, daughter of the sheriff, was born into the life of fighting crime.But when the Bandit Queen gets a hold of some dark magic, the town and the sheriff are nowhere to be found. It’s up to Clem, Abigail, and Rootbeer to team up, defeat the Bandit Queen, and save their beloved town from bandits, dinomagik, and undercover attacks.In a hilarious tale of two unlikely friends, Clem and Abigail show us how to be our authentic selves while simultaneously kicking some butt.

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Book SynopsisA Little Golden Book featuring Aang from Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender!Meet Aang, a young boy with incredible powers, who must save the world. Based on Nickelodeon’s animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, this Little Golden Book introduces readers to Aang’s world where bison fly and warriors can manipulate water, air, earth, and fire. Illustrated in the signature Little Golden Books style, it’s perfect for kids and superfans alike!Little Golden Books enjoy nearly 100% consumer recognition. They feature beloved classics, hot licenses, and new original stories . . . the classics of tomorrow.

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Book SynopsisFrom Black-ish writer and director Gail Lerner comes a whimsical and heartwarming tale where two unlikely allies band together to protect and defend the insect world from the worst enemy of all…humans. Now in paperback.“What an enchanting and wondrous book for young readers.” —Jamie Lee Curtis, actress and bestselling children’s book authorTen-year-old Eden’s quiet life is upended when she saves a paper wasp nest from destruction and discovers, to her awe and amazement, that she and its haughty queen can talk to each other. This first conversation is the start of a grand adventure, leading Eden to The Institute for Lower Learning, a secret laboratory devoted to the peaceful coexistence of humans and insects. The Institute is more fantastic and idyllic than Eden could’ve imagined but hidden deep within its tunnels is an old secret that could spell the end for all insects on earth.Nine-year-old August, an aspiring actor and bullied fourth-grader, is looking for that very secret after a few disastrous encounters have left him wanting to squash every annoying bug into oblivion. After all insects are small—he is big. And if there is anything he’s learned from the bullies at school—it's that being bigger is what counts.But in the world of the Institute where insects have a place of their own, both Eden and August discover being bigger isn't necessarily better and sometimes the most courageous thing to do is to set out to make a new friend.Trade ReviewPraise for The Big Dreams of Small Creatures:“In the delightful new book The Big Dreams of Small Creatures by Gail Lerner, a young girl named Eden Evans discovers she can speak Wasp: Yes, she can actually speak to them, with the help of a kazoo, but I digress. From that miraculous discovery to the thrilling roller coaster ending, Eden and August, who is terrified of insects and wants to destroy them, find conflict and adventure and a whole new world in the coexistence between humans and insects. What an enchanting and wondrous book for young readers.” —Jamie Lee Curtis, actress and bestselling children’s book author “From fumbling fourth-grader August to introspective, independence-loving Eden and their friends, both human and insect, Gail Lerner’s characters are a delight, full of heart and humor. The Big Dreams of Small Creatures is a whimsical adventure highlighting the wonders of the natural world—and our sometimes complicated relationship with it—and the importance of kindness, compassion, and seeing things through another’s eyes.” —Robert Beatty, author of the bestselling Serafina series and Willa series “An extraordinary and entertaining cast of characters on a remarkable eco-mission. Hopeful, upbeat, and triumphant. Our world literally needs this story in it.” —Lisa McMann, New York Times bestselling author of The Forgotten Five: Map of Flames“Gail Lerner’s The Big Dreams of Small Creatures is heartfelt and humorous. Told from two often opposing but equally understandable perspectives, Lerner’s wonderful debut middle grade novel has a staggeringly original concept, richly-drawn characters, a healthy dose of environmental optimism, and a touch of magic. Anyone who reads this lovely book will come away with a better appreciation for how everyone—and every thing—has a place in our world.” —Stuart Gibbs, author of the bestselling FunJungle, Spy School, and Moon Base Alpha series“The prose is beautiful . . . [and] readers may be drawn to the strong messages about environmentalism, friendship, and self-discovery. A slowly unfolding read for bug lovers and environmentalists.” —Kirkus“Lerner's entertaining, unconventional novel sees humans and insects share narration duties, allowing for a wide range of perspectives, deep empathy, and a marvelous sense of humor. An inventive, endearing story that will make an entomologist and environmental activist out of anyone.” —Booklist“Two kids at cross purposes intersect over insects in this environmentally invested novel . . [with] alternating arcs [that] invest readers in a world where curiosity leads to discovery, empathy proves a key ingredient in multiple kinds of conflict, and interspecies bonding is portrayed as key to global survival.” —Publishers’ Weekly

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Book SynopsisFresh from the oven! PIZZA AND TACO are ready for more fun, more laughs, and more awesomeness in this 6-book boxed set!This collectible box includes the first six books about everyone''s favorite food besties--Pizza and Taco: Who''s the Best? Best Party Ever!Super-Awesome Comic!Too Cool for SchoolRock Out! Dare to be Scared!These hilarious young graphic novels with chapters—that have been called a perfect choice for early readers on their way to Dog Man, (Booklist)—will tickle the funny bones of kids ages 5-8 and bolster their reading confidence.Young graphic chapter books are a great step for kids on the way to reading graphic novels and longer chapter books.

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Book SynopsisFriends Gossie and Gertie are waiting and waiting for Ollie to hatch. They try poking, listening, even sitting on top of his egg—but Ollie just won’t come out.Ollie is Ollie and he will decide when it’s time to hatch. Fans of Gossie and Gossie and Gertie will find Ollie just as charming and delightful as the first two books.Trade Review“Dunrea successfully adds to the ‘Gossie and Gertie’ cast with these endearing tales.” School Library Journal, Starred “With their simple watercolors and narrative, along with diminutive heroes who assert a budding independence, these tales demonstrate once again how well their creator knows his audience.” Publishers Weekly, Starred "Pre-schoolers will relate to Ollie's point of view and delight in his humorous reactions to the new world he's discovering." Booklist, ALA “Dunrea’s keen awareness of young children’s concerns and quirks translates into charmingly simple illustrations and text.” Kirkus Reviews "Dunrea's text...is packed with toddler-sized drama, and Gossie and Gertie easily assume the roles of older sisters dealing with a pesky but beloved younger brother." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "...the geese tromp, stomp, romp and jump around the farmyard in a way that is quite satisfying when read aloud." The New York Times Book Review —

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Book SynopsisGossie wears red boots, Gertie wears blue boots, but Ollie has no boots. Stomping bootless after Gossie and Gertie as they tromp in the straw, romp in the rain, and jump over puddles in their colorful boots leaves Ollie frustrated. Little Ollie decides he really wants his own pair of boots.Trade Review“With their simple watercolors and narrative, along with diminutive heroes who assert a budding independence, these tales demonstrate once again how well their creator knows his audience.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Dunrea successfully adds to the ‘Gossie and Gertie’ cast with these endearing tales.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Dunrea’s keen awareness of young children’s concerns and quirks translates into charmingly simple illustrations and text.” — Kirkus Reviews "Pre-schoolers will relate to Ollie's point of view and delight in his humorous reactions to the new world he's discovering." Booklist, ALA — Booklist "Dunrea's text...is packed with toddler-sized drama, and Gossie and Gertie easily assume the roles of older sisters dealing with a pesky but beloved younger brother." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

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Book SynopsisBooBoo is a gosling. A small, blue gosling who loves to eat. There is nothing that BooBoo won’t try. Or is there?Trade Review...Ravenous Booboo enjoys circular adventures replete with the repetitive phrases in which toddlers revel. —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Dunrea's simply charming ink-and-watercolor art reveals an endearing cast of diminutive critters. —Publishers Weekly It is the cleanly designed and sometimes humorous ink-and-water-color artwork that gives these small books their irresistable charm. —Booklist, ALA The ink-and-watercolor illustrations are as simple as the text, and small children will recognize and related to each story's tiny arc and resolution. —Kirkus Reviews Dunrea's feathered characters have the look and feel of preschoolers rapt in their own discovery of the world. —School Library Journal —

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