Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Emotions, moods, feelings and behaviours

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Book SynopsisTo All the Boys meets The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (with a dash of Dumplin’) in this funny, romantic, and heartfelt coming of age story about a teen stand-up comic learning how to be her truest self, from the author of If You’re Out There. Gretchen has always been more of a “least likely” than a “most likely” kind of girl. So how does she somehow find herself living out every trope from her favorite rom-coms . . . ? The Best Friend Crush: Why is it suddenly so hard to act normal around her childhood BFF, Samuel? Must be time for a— Makeover(!): Black leather pants and some red lipstick are apparently enough to lend Gretchen the bravado to do an impromptu set at a comedy club and catch the eye of — The Roguish Bad Boy: Jeremy, the alluring young comic who thinks her name is Sabrina. It might just

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"MacLachlan’s signature short, careful sentences imbue each phrase with significance, creating a lyrical ambiance that draws readers into the close family circle. Especially moving is the depiction of the parents’ love for each other as well as their children as they move forward into their newly shared truth." — Publishers Weekly "With simple, repetitive language, much of it offered as dialogue, MacLachlan's latest is perfect for readers just transitioning into chapter books with slightly more narrative depth. Familial concern about honesty gives the twins' questions weight, and a resolution about adoption that ties up happily works well for the target audience. A sweet look at what really makes for a family." — Booklist "MacLachlan examines the question 'What makes a family?' in her latest middle grade book. MacLachlan's lyrical writing emphasizes that love is what makes a family. This short novel is immersed in love—between friends, within a married couple, between siblings, parents and their children, and even in the devotion for a favorite teacher . . . VERDICT With a warm message and gorgeous prose, this story grounded in fact and love . . . " — School Library Journal Praise for WONDROUS REX: "MacLachlan spins from simple words an enigmatic, gentle . . . tale. Sweetly magical." — Kirkus Reviews "A charmed (and charming) dog, a language-loving girl, and an innate aunt-niece bond are among the alluring threads that MacLachlan (Dream Within a Dream) deftly weaves into this taut novel. MacLachlan again proves her gift for shaping endearing and credible characters—even a magical canine—in this bright yet reflective story." — Publishers Weekly "Newbery-winner MacLachlan's spare but elegant prose touches on themes of self-confidence, the writer's craft, and the sense of well-being that can come from pet ownership. This book will please younger readers and inspire would-be wordsmiths." — Booklist Praise for MY FATHER'S WORDS: “MacLachlan is the master of quiet books that pack an emotional wallop. My Father’s Words finds the author in her element. MacLachlan provides a beautifully nuanced portrait of one family’s recovery after tragedy. This book feels as direct and true as a dog looking you straight in the eyes.” — New York Times Book Review “Newbery Medalist MacLachlan is known for writing heart-tugging stories in spare style, as she did in Sarah, Plain and Tall. And that’s what she does here as readers meet Fiona and Finn. Deeply moving and uplifting in unexpected ways.” — Booklist (starred review) “Key relationships in her own life inspired this characteristically taut and resonant novel by Newbery Medalist MacLachlan. MacLachlan masterfully mingles core themes in this slim volume: the power of words and song, memories and family, the mutually redemptive human-canine bond, and ‘the eternal fitness of things.’” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “With her customary precise, spare language, infused with emotional intelligence, MacLachlan takes readers from shocked grief to a way to live again, fundamental truths dropped carefully and delicately for young readers to comprehend in their own time. A flawless story about resilience, hope, healing, and the eternal fitness of things.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Praise for THE POET'S DOG: “Magical. A quiet, elegant, poignant story suffused with humor, heart, and goodness.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A spare, moving tale. Using simple words that even youngest readers will understand and enjoy, MacLachlan tackles subjects such as death and mourning with understated grace.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Readers will find their own jewel in this gem of a book." — Booklist (starred review) Praise for WORD AFTER WORD AFTER WORD: “Showing great respect for her readers and her craft, Newbery Award winner Patricia MacLachlan makes every word count in Lucy’s smooth-flowing, economic narrative.” — Booklist (starred review) “MacLachlan delivers a strong, spare novel about the power of writing to transform.” — Publishers Weekly “MacLachlan creates marvelous characters, children who can empathize with and support one another and who produce amazing poetry that captures their sadness and courage. The result is a tale that draws readers into a dichotomous world that is serious and lighthearted, sad and happy, real and unreal.” — School Library Journal

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Book Synopsisinstead of not saying what she should, or, even worse, blurting out a secret that wasn’t hers to share.Life doesn’t have a pause button—but as Serena discovers her voice through vlogging, she learns that she’s not just there to reflect JC’s light—she’s fully capable of shining on her own.Trade Review"Middle school energy forms a bustling backdrop for this clever story of navigating changing relationships and developing a sense of personal identity. Secondary characters and storylines provide humor and pathos while at the center is spirited, smart Serena, someone readers will appreciate and cheer. A delightful multicultural narrative that spotlights friendship and self-awareness." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Serena is a smart, intuitive Black girl with relatable fears and insecurities; as the book progresses, she decides she’s ready to step into the spotlight all on her own. Davis capably touches on matters of chronic illness, mental health, and friendship growing pains in this quiet but impactful slice-of-life novel." — Publishers Weekly "Throughout the story, Serena develops an earnest and sincere voice the world needs to hear. The dialogue is well paced. Davis intersperses day-to-day occurrences with heavier topics such as physical and mental illness and cultural representation [along with a]n appealing cast of family, friends, and classmates." — Horn Book Magazine "[Serena] learns to communicate her feelings, and respect her friends’ boundaries. The book also aptly depicts mental health and the importance of privacy. A diverse and lively cast of characters helps propel the story forward. While Serena is in middle school, the prose reads at a younger level and would appeal to elementary-age children. VERDICT . . . young readers will find in Serena an energetic friend working through the challenges of growing up." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisLilly, Chrysanthemum, Owen, Wemberly, Sheila Rae, Julius, Chester, and Wendell—all the beloved characters and stories in one lavish volume featuring brand-new jacket artwork, fun family reading tips, story activities to do at home, and an afterword by #1 New York Times–bestselling author Kevin Henkes.

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Book SynopsisShe loves putting her hair up in “bunny buns,” playing with her rabbit Ralph, and eating marshmallows.Then one day, she participates in her favorite marshmallow eating contest at field day called “Chubby Bunny,” and her classmates start teasing her.But with a little help from another Barbara, Bunny figures out a very sweet solution.Trade Review“Adorable Bunny is an exuberant and inventive protagonist, approaching life with zeal and creativity. The supportive familial relationships are a joy, and happily, Bunny is given the agency to reclaim her name and confidence on her own terms. Murphy’s welcome first foray into picture books is an exceptionally friendly and frank fat-positive contribution.” — Booklist (starred review) “Murphy makes a body-positive debut into the land of picture books with this sweet story about loving yourself for who you are! Adorable, inclusive illustrations will draw many young readers in as they identify with one or more of the characters gracing the pages of this smart, fun, empowering story. A delightful book that is more than a school story, it takes on body positivity, childhood confidence, and SEL issues, making it a valued addition to any collection.” — School Library Journal “Murphy depicts a world in which family warmly supports a child facing anti-fat bias at school. The collaborators clearly define chubby as a neutral descriptor, allowing Bunny to reclaim the word in interacting with her schoolmates.” — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisNamed one of New York Public Library's & Bank Street's Best Books of the Year!The Farewell meets Erin Entrada Kelly's Blackbird Fly in this empowering middle grade memoir from debut author Waka T.Trade Review"Conversational and accessible. An emotional, contemplative tale of risking and growing." — Kirkus Reviews "[An] engaging memoir." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "Brown’s debut explores having one foot in two cultures in an age-appropriate memoir. This personal story offers readers a glimpse at Japanese and American cultural differences while stressing that what makes things different is also what makes them unique." — Publishers Weekly "Fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Jasmine Warga will enjoy Brown’s honest exploration of differences between American and Japanese culture and her sometimes bumpy journey to fit in. This memoir artfully depicts Brown’s experience as a child who feels pulled between two cultures. A welcome addition to any middle grade collection." — School Library Journal "Poignant and realistic. Today's tweens will see many similarities between [Waka's] experiences and their own. Immigrants from any culture will identify with the difficulties of negotiating a new country and school. " — Booklist (starred review) "Brown’s story is very compelling, reads like a novel, and is extremely well written. Don’t miss this wonderful book." — Portland Book Review "Waka fills her book with all the pathos, yearning, frustrations, and humor you might find in a middle grade novel. The important difference? It’s all true. It’s all real. It’s all enthralling. A thorough delight." — Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production (SLJ blog)

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestselling author and artist Mary Engelbreit delivers the perfect giftable package for Valentine’s Day—a book of quotes about love!What the world needs now...is to read about the joys of love!

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Book SynopsisGet ready to grow!From Jean Reidy and Joey Chou, the dynamic duo behind What Would You Do in a Book About You? and Me and You in a Book Made for Two, comes a story about the joy of sharing the world with others and all the wonderful things that can happen when you are part of something bigger.Trade ReviewThis heartwarming and whimsical picture book celebrates the potential found in every child to step into their lives with joy, curiosity, and the untethered ability to make the world a better place. . . This expertly designed picture book is a love letter to the Earth’s future, and it is a joy to read aloud to young children. — School Library Journal (starred review)

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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 SynopsisTrade Review“Truly, one of the most heart-expanding stories ever, filled with kindness, music, mythology, all of those things. But above all, here is a story of love, and the ways in which it transcends nationalities, age, science, and fear. In LaRocca’s gifted hands, her Reha shows us how to live in the world, even when it feels divided, even then.” — Kathi Appelt, National Book Award finalist and Newbery Honor-winning author of The Underneath and Keeper "Red, White, and Whole is the lyrical and poignant journey of a first generation Indian American girl growing up in the eighties. LaRocca weaves together a beautiful mix of themes-- identity, belonging, love, devastating loss, and eighties pop music rendered in seamless verse. A book I wish I had growing up in the eighties!" — Veera Hiranandani, Newbery Honor-winning author of The Night Diary "This book is a marvel — at once so rich and so spare." — Ali Benjamin, National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author of The Thing About Jellyfish and The Next Great Paulie Fink "The seamless blend of ancient Indian folklore and modern western storytelling makes this winner a standout. Red, White, and Whole gets my vote." — Nikki Grimes, author of Ordinary Hazards and Garvey's Choice "This deeply memorable coming-of-age story weaves Indian mythology with the relatable modern story of Reha, as she grapples with identity, family, and what it means to truly be home." — Joy McCullough, author of Blood Water Paint; A Field Guide to Getting Lost; and We Are the Ashes, We Are the Fire “I felt this novel in verse in my bones. An important book, it will change how young readers see their world. And that's the best kind of book to read at any age.” — Jane Yolen, author of The Devil's Arithmetic, Briar Rose, and Mapping the Bones "This is a sweet, gentle story about love and loss, individualism and community, friendship and family, belonging and longing to live up to one's dreams. In Reha, LaRocca has created a relatable protagonist who feels caught between two cultures, but ultimately finds her own way." — Padma Venkatraman, award-winning author of The Bridge Home and A Time To Dance "Infused with science, 80s music, and the struggles and joys of navigating middle school when you live in two different worlds, Red, White, and Whole is delightfully real and achingly beautiful. Reha’s story grabbed my heart from the first pages and never let go." — Kate Messner, author of Breakout and Chirp “LaRocca’s historical novel in verse takes the reader through Reha’s past and present, flowing as seamlessly as many of the songs often referred to within the poems. Readers will be changed by her story.” — Booklist (starred review) “LaRocca showcases the best of what verse can do, telling a story that is spare, direct and true, every word and idea placed with intentional care. A sensitive coming-of-age story with all the makings of a new middle grade classic.” — BookPage (starred review) “An intimate novel that beautifully confronts grief and loss.” — Kirkus Reviews “Brimming with warmth. An approachable account of negotiating identity and of struggling with loss.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Perfect for fans of Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga and Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton.” — School Library Journal “This verse novel weaves together complex narrative strands with sophistication. Give this emotionally powerful novel to immigrant, third-culture kids or anyone experiencing grief and loss.” — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Honest and timely. Machias incorporates a variety of tough issues, including class disparities, political divides, racism, and ableism. The effect is occasionally overwhelming—much like real life—but ultimately hopeful." — Kirkus Reviews "In addition to navigating [characters'] mental health struggles and physical disabilit[ies], Machias thoughtfully portrays characters who are cis and trans, gay and straight, and from different religious and racial backgrounds. This is a recommendation for readers who enjoyed Sharon Draper's Out of My Mind." — Booklist "Arresting. This affecting story empathetically explores challenges of living with chronic pain and anxiety, offering hope and moments of hard-won joy." — Publishers Weekly "This is a unique, fast-paced novel with a lot to appreciate. A solid, character-driven choice for libraries that tackles tough topics with skill and nuance." — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Unseen Magic is an enchanting read! What a fun tale of a lovably oddball town, an unexpected villain, a few unexpected heroes, and a girl who’s braver than she knows. Oh—and a raven! And tea! All the kids who have ever wished to be a different person (and who hasn’t?) will want to devour this story.” — Margaret Peterson Haddix, bestselling author of The Greystone Secrets “At turns gentle and mischievous, Unseen Magic cleverly reveals the hidden pockets of magic that shimmer in the world—and within ourselves. This is a story to adore—one that thoughtfully reflects on the fears we keep closest to our hearts, and embraces every precious piece that makes us who we are.” — Heather Kassner, author of The Plentiful Darkness "In Aldermere, shops vanish, doors lead mysterious places, and a sip of magic tea can do anything, including give Finley the bravery she craves. Steeped in friendship, danger, and dark truth, Unseen Magic is a magical voyage of self-discovery." — Jenn Reese, author of A Game of Fox & Squirrels “Shy Fin has fallen in love with the small Northern California town, not least because it has a shop in which she can trade away any unhappy memory she chooses. . . . She accidentally creates a body double made up of all her surrendered memories and suppressed character traits. As a wave of thefts and destructive mishaps set the whole town abuzz, Fin’s search for a way to quash her scary, elusive counterpart grows increasingly urgent. . . . This tale has much to offer readers who prefer a ‘quiet and creeping’ sort of magic.” — Booklist (starred review) “Lloyd-Jones has created a magical place in the Redwoods of ­Northern California. . . . The book examines what it means to confront fear and how memory can interfere with growth and self-awareness. Fin’s journey leads her through friendship, family, and the challenge of accepting who she was and who she can become. Fans of Harry Potter and magical creatures will not want to put this book down, and will want to revisit Aldermere again and again. An enchanting tale that will keep middle grade readers captivated and wanting more. A must-read for fans of magic worlds and fantastical creatures.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Lloyd-Jones’ middle-grade debut blends memorable characters, rich descriptions, and a dash of magical mischief to create an original tale. Firmly grounded by Fin’s third-person point of view and a strong sense of place, the tight narrative luxuriates in its slow revelation of the central mysteries. Layered, sophisticated storytelling plants clues for careful readers and gives heart-wrenching depth to characters’ trauma and resilience. . . . A deliciously atmospheric, full-bodied magical brew.” — Kirkus Reviews “Finley Barnes has lived in Aldermere for three years . . . It’s the first place Fin’s felt at home, but she’s still bothered by her crayon-scrawled list of ‘things that were to be avoided at all costs.’ For the price of one memory, though, Aldermere’s tea shop will give her a brew that temporarily relieves her anxiety. But when she removes tea from the shop and brews it herself, Fin accidentally unleashes a monster . . . Offering suspense, reassurance, and magic in a deeply alluring setting, Lloyd-Jones shows how erasing bad memories doesn’t make fear disappear.” — Publishers Weekly “In the tiny town of Aldermere in the midst of California’s redwood forest, magic is a given. It makes life unpredictable. . . . The novel celebrates the regional . . . giving more than a nod to wild fare and sustainable living; indeed, the town’s dilemma about preserving its magic is very much the thorny issue of conservation and protection. Lloyd-Jones provides a measure of humor, too.” — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Unseen Magic is an enchanting read! What a fun tale of a lovably oddball town, an unexpected villain, a few unexpected heroes, and a girl who’s braver than she knows. Oh—and a raven! And tea! All the kids who have ever wished to be a different person (and who hasn’t?) will want to devour this story.” — Margaret Peterson Haddix, bestselling author of The Greystone Secrets “At turns gentle and mischievous, Unseen Magic cleverly reveals the hidden pockets of magic that shimmer in the world—and within ourselves. This is a story to adore—one that thoughtfully reflects on the fears we keep closest to our hearts, and embraces every precious piece that makes us who we are.” — Heather Kassner, author of The Plentiful Darkness "In Aldermere, shops vanish, doors lead mysterious places, and a sip of magic tea can do anything, including give Finley the bravery she craves. Steeped in friendship, danger, and dark truth, Unseen Magic is a magical voyage of self-discovery." — Jenn Reese, author of A Game of Fox & Squirrels “Shy Fin has fallen in love with the small Northern California town, not least because it has a shop in which she can trade away any unhappy memory she chooses. . . . She accidentally creates a body double made up of all her surrendered memories and suppressed character traits. As a wave of thefts and destructive mishaps set the whole town abuzz, Fin’s search for a way to quash her scary, elusive counterpart grows increasingly urgent. . . . This tale has much to offer readers who prefer a ‘quiet and creeping’ sort of magic.” — Booklist (starred review) “Lloyd-Jones has created a magical place in the Redwoods of ­Northern California. . . . The book examines what it means to confront fear and how memory can interfere with growth and self-awareness. Fin’s journey leads her through friendship, family, and the challenge of accepting who she was and who she can become. Fans of Harry Potter and magical creatures will not want to put this book down, and will want to revisit Aldermere again and again. An enchanting tale that will keep middle grade readers captivated and wanting more. A must-read for fans of magic worlds and fantastical creatures.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Lloyd-Jones’ middle-grade debut blends memorable characters, rich descriptions, and a dash of magical mischief to create an original tale. Firmly grounded by Fin’s third-person point of view and a strong sense of place, the tight narrative luxuriates in its slow revelation of the central mysteries. Layered, sophisticated storytelling plants clues for careful readers and gives heart-wrenching depth to characters’ trauma and resilience. . . . A deliciously atmospheric, full-bodied magical brew.” — Kirkus Reviews “Finley Barnes has lived in Aldermere for three years . . . It’s the first place Fin’s felt at home, but she’s still bothered by her crayon-scrawled list of ‘things that were to be avoided at all costs.’ For the price of one memory, though, Aldermere’s tea shop will give her a brew that temporarily relieves her anxiety. But when she removes tea from the shop and brews it herself, Fin accidentally unleashes a monster . . . Offering suspense, reassurance, and magic in a deeply alluring setting, Lloyd-Jones shows how erasing bad memories doesn’t make fear disappear.” — Publishers Weekly “In the tiny town of Aldermere in the midst of California’s redwood forest, magic is a given. It makes life unpredictable. . . . The novel celebrates the regional . . . giving more than a nod to wild fare and sustainable living; indeed, the town’s dilemma about preserving its magic is very much the thorny issue of conservation and protection. Lloyd-Jones provides a measure of humor, too.” — Horn Book Magazine

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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 SynopsisSixteen-year-old Ebony Jones is devastated when her family moves from Houston to her grandmother?s house in the country. There?s absolutely nothing for Ebony in Alula Lake, Texas. So she thinks.Award-winning author Liara Tamani?s What She Missed is a rich and emotional novel that celebrates change, nature, friendship, growing up, and love, for readers of Sarah Dessen?s The Rest of the Story and Elizabeth Acevedo?s Clap When You Land. When Ebony and her parents move from Houston, Texas,to her grandmother?s house in a small lake town, Ebony is sure her life is doomed. And to make matters worse, the ghost of Ebony?s beloved grandmother?a strong swimmer who tragically drowned in the lake?is everywhere. Alula Lake does offer one perk: reconnecting Ebony with her childhood friend, Jalen.But as Ebony settles into life, she finds herself drifting away from Jalen and gravitating to his older sister, Lena. Lena is chaotic, disorderly, and rebellious, yet she offers a reprieve for the anger and sadness Ebony feels about losing so much.An ode to nature, art, friendship, history, family, and love, this lyrical coming-of-age story explores one girl?s summer of self-discovery as she reimagines the world and her place in it. What She Missed is for fans of Sarah Dessen, Nina LaCour, and Nicola Yoon.

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Book SynopsisA Spark in the Dark is a book to read aloud, a book to share, and a book to return to whenever you need it.There is light, and there is dark.Trade Review“A tiny fish, utterly lost in the deep, dark sea . . . delivers a profound lesson for children and adults alike. . . . The dark ocean closes around the fish, leaving it with a swirl of emotions: fear, anger, confusion, and sadness. The full-color artwork, done in watercolors, powerfully conveys the blue-black isolation of the ocean, punctuated by sparks of light . . . But the text reminds us, these lights can go off and may lead in the wrong direction, advising us to keep searching, and assuring that eventually a ‘spark’ will show us the way back.” — Booklist (starred review) “An exploration of light and darkness featuring a little orange fish. . . . The text—often white against the deep blues of the ocean—reassuringly notes that the darkness can make us feel frightened, lost, or angry, and many children will enjoy the comical expressions on the fish’s face. Art, layout, and text create a soothing and often humorous mood.” — Kirkus Reviews “On one level, this is the story of a little orange fish who swims too far down into the inky blackness of the ocean, becomes lost and disoriented but perseveres, and eventually makes it back up to the ‘warm and welcoming’ sunlight zone. Below the surface, though . . . [this] is a comforting meditation on coping with adversity and not giving in to despair. . . . The immensely satisfying ending comes full circle, back above the water under a star-filled sky.” — Horn Book Magazine

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Book SynopsisIn the vein of When You Trap a Tiger and Shouting at the Rain, this is the story of the journey one girl undertakes to find herself.After Breda Moriarity gets caught stealing one too many times, Breda''s mom sends her to Ireland, a place she has never been, to live with the grandfather she has never met.While Breda doesn’t want to be in this strange land, she finally gets to meet Granda, her mom’s father. He’s a grumpy farmer who is also a seanchaí, a traditional Gaelic storyteller. But the most important story is the one nobody will talk about: what happened to her absent father. If nothing else this summer, Breda is determined to figure out the truth about her family’s history—and herself.This powerfully poignant middle grade novel, the first from award-winning author Jessie Ann Foley, asks questions about estranged relationships, immigration, and family secrets.

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Book SynopsisTheir parents own rival businesses—an Asian American café and a Puerto Rican bakery—and Gabi’s lack of coordination has cost their soccer team too many games to count.Stuck in the closet and scared to pursue his own dreams, Gabi sees his family’s shop as his future.Trade Review"Café con Lychee quenched my thirst for the perfect queer enemies-to-lovers tale! With the most exquisitely picked ingredients—loveably cantankerous Theo, adorably awkward Gabi, delicious descriptions of treats, and relatable discoveries of love and sexuality—Emery Lee has yet again cooked up a world and characters I want to return to over and over!" — Jason June, author of Jay's Gay Agenda and Out of the Blue "Café Con Lychee is as sweet as the baked goods and boba that fill up its pages, along with the adorable enemies-turned-lovers romance at its heart." — Adiba Jaigirdar, author of The Henna Wars and Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating "Continuing to be THE master of tropes, Emery Lee's food filled, beautifully multicultural, enemies-to-lovers Café Con Lychee is everything that I love about eir books: humorous, sassy, the perfect amount of stress that keeps me obsessively captivated, and so incredibly gay." — Jonny Garza Villa, author of Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun and Ander and Santi Were Here "If enemies-to-lovers is what you’re hungry for, Emery Lee has something special on the menu for you. Café con Lychee is the confection of sweetness and sweethearts we all need right now!" — Adam Sass, award-winning author of Surrender Your Sons “[A] touching and humorously told portrayal of intersections of culture, race, and sexuality, told through the lens of an inviting Romeo and Juliet–esque feud.” — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Henkes’ third book centered on the Miller family—after the Newbery Honor The Year of Billy Miller and Billy Miller Makes a Wish —follows Billy’s 4-year-old sister, Sal. . . . Sal’s New Year’s Day has plenty of big moments of misunderstanding—and understanding. . . . Henkes’ keen awareness of the ways it is hard and constantly revelatory to be a child gives this simple family story a sense of heart and happiness. . . . Delightfully superb.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “This third, stand-alone installment of the Miller family saga is told from four-year-old Sal’s point of view. It’s New Year’s Day, and there’s simply too much going on for her. . . . But if Sal is at times overwhelmed by life’s complications, she is part of a loving family that takes her emotions seriously and includes her in their day-to-day decisions. . . . Henkes is a master at probing the mind and heart of a young child, writing with gentle humor and affection.” — Horn Book (starred review) “In this stand-alone companion book to The Year of Billy Miller and Billy Miller Makes a Wish, the spotlight shifts from eight-year-old Billy to his four-year-old sister, Sal. . . . It’s New Year’s Day, and she can’t find her favorite Christmas present . . . Written in third person from Sal’s viewpoint, the story takes place within a 24-hour period, yet the family members’ actions, concerns, and conversations offer a broad range of insights into the characters and their relationships. . . . A captivating family story with gentle humor and emotional resonance.” — Booklist (starred review) “Sal has a lot going on—a new sister, a visiting uncle, an annoying brother, and a missing pair of underpants. . . . With his characteristic charm, Henkes takes readers straight into the microcosm of a little girl’s world where small things mean everything, and imagination helps process emotions; readers will easily feel at home. The picture-perfect narrative creates a natural world filled with a relatable and engaging cast that feels more like family than book characters. . . . Authentic and warm.” — School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisThis paperback box set of Angie Thomas''s #1 New York Times bestsellers The Hate U Give andConcrete Rose makes a great holiday or graduation gift.Two generations of the Carter family coming of age in the world of Garden Heights and defying expectations to forge their own paths.The Hate U GiveWilliam C. Morris Award Winner National Book Award Longlist Michael L. Printz Honor Book Coretta Scott King Author Honor BookI''ll never give up. I''ll never be quiet. I promise.Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer.This paperback edition includes a foreword from actor Amandla Stenberg and an antiracism guide. Concrete RoseBeauty can come from much of nothing.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.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.4 starred reviews * ?A heartfelt exploration of Black manhood and the power of possibility.? (People magazine)

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Book SynopsisUn libro ilustrado conmovedor de padres e hijas sobre cómo navegar por cambios y emociones grandes después que una familia tiene que mudarse temporalmente con parientes. Perfecto para lectores de Mi papi tiene una moto, y ¿De dónde eres? Cuando la familia de Maribel se tiene que mudar con la tía Carmen porque papi perdió su trabajo, Maribel y su hermana se sienten dudosas.No siempre es fácil compartir una habitación o estar en una casa llena de primos ruidosos, pero papi les recuerda a las niñas que es solo por un ratito. Mientras tanto, siempre hay alguien con quien jugar, la hora de comer está llena de música y carcajadas y la hora de dormir es para acurrucarse. Maribel se da cuenta de que tal vez que, después de todo, estar allí no es tan malo.De la autora novel Gabriela Orozco Belt y el ilustrador Richy Sánchez Ayala viene esta historia conmoved

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Book SynopsisCan a worrier really become a warrior? Nine-year-old Erik Sheepflattener’s life motto is Avoid Stuff, despite his family’s attempts to bring out his inner Viking. In this outrageously quirky, funny and perceptive* novel . . . why not be both? (*Booklist, starred review)Meet Erik Sheepflattener. Each member of his modern-day Viking-heritage family has a motto to live by. His parents have Family and Pride. His sisters have Conquer and Win. His grandfather has Turnip. But Erik is developing a motto he can truly believe in: Avoid Stuff.Mostly, Erik’s fierce family ignores or discounts him, especially when he tries to say no. But while spending the summer with his rough-and-tumble cousins and older sister Brunhilde in Minnesota, axe-wielding Bru gets the idea to name and Conquer all of Erik’s fears. Will anyone hear him say no before it’s too late? And will Erik end up defined by his fears, or by his fearless family? Erik vs. Everything is an adventurous, humorous, and heartfelt romp about finding your place, speaking up for yourself, and pursuing what you love . . . even when it scares you.Trade Review★"[A] funny and perceptive tale....readers will enjoy cheering [Erik] on as much as they will delight in the antics of his loving, Wagnerian extended family." — Booklist (starred review) ★ “This riotous second novel by Uss (The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle), interlaced with quotes from the Lore and a toddler’s edition of The Art of War, overflows with rollicking scenes of Viking-inspired mayhem and droll dialogue without forgoing respect for the difficulties wrought by Erik’s anxiety.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "This story has a fun cast of characters, all with their own strengths and personality quirks....This story takes family lore and traditions and blends them with modern tips and tricks to tackle life. It is a fun, uplifting, and often laugh-out-loud story....A great addition to any elementary and even middle school library with a lesson on determination, taking risks, and family values." — School Library Journal "Once again, Uss delivers a story carried by well-developed characters, plenty of dialogue, and humor." — Horn Book Magazine "A quirky delight." — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisThere are many ways to say I love you to a child, and now way is sweeter than with a kiss. Every mother knows small hands, a plump tummy, tiny fingers, and wiggling toes all beg to be kissed time and time again.Margaret Anastas''s loving rhyme and Susan Winter''s gentle illustrations of animal mamas and their adorable babies will make this a family favorite.

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Book SynopsisShy Ben loves jelly beans and every week he goes to Jo-Jo's Jelly Bean Shop hoping to guess the riddle that will win him a whole jar full of beans, but he needs help from his sister to spit out his answer.

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Book SynopsisWhen four big chickens see a wolf sneaking near their coop, they run into the woods to hide. But for a bunch of big chickens, running away from danger isn''t as easy as it looks. As they continue on their way, they wonder: What if they get stuck in a ditch? What if they hit an iceberg in the lake? What if they step into a cow patty? Eewww! Brimming with silliness and the kind of slapstick humor small children love, here?s a rollicking read-aloud with an uplifting message and a very satisfying ending.

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Book SynopsisMake reading sparkle with the fourth title in the adorable Princess Posey chapter book series!Halloween is right around the corner and Princess Posey is super excited to have a party with her first grade classmates and go trick-or-treating. But sometimes Halloween tricks are scary. When Posey's teacher announces that they're going to have monster stew at their party, she's more than a little nervous. But in true Princess Posey fashion, she dons her sparkly tutu and realizes that being a little scared with friends can be much fun!A great choice for children making that tentative step from beginning readers to chapter books.—Booklist

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Book SynopsisA sweet addition to the family is coming! Written by National Book Award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson. Illustrated by Caldecott Award-winning illustrator Sophie Blackall. All anyone wants to talk about with Mama is the new “ding-dang baby” that’s on the way, and Gia is getting sick of it! If her new sibling is already such a big deal, what’s going to happen to Gia’s nice, cozy life with Mama once the baby is born?   “[An] honest story about jealousy, anger, displacement, and love [that] will touch kids dealing with sibling rivalry and spark their talk about change.”—Booklist   “Fresh and wise.”—Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisEveryone's favorite first grader, Princess Posey, has to fess up to her biggest mistake yet in this eleventh book in the series!Posey's class has been learning all about bees, and when they plan to put on a play to demonstrate everything they've learned, Posey is thrilled. Posey loves a stage, and she's already got her heart set on the perfect role: the Queen Bee. But when Caitlyn is picked for the Queen Bee, Posey is crushed. Taking matters into her own hands, Posey swipes Caitlyn's special bee eraser when nobody's looking. But after she takes it, she feels worse. Maybe stealing wasn't the right thing to do--but how can she ever make things right? It takes a talk with her mom and a whole lot of courage, but Posey makes an important discovery: owning up to your mistakes is always the right thing to do.Praise for Posey:Greene doesn't miss a step. Posey is the perfect fictional friend for any first-grade girl.—Kirkus Reviews

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