Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Racism and anti-racism

Book SynopsisIn-depth explorations of big topics in today's world.

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Book SynopsisAn instant New York Times bestseller! An Indiebound bestseller! An Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book!Troublemaker follows the events of the LA Riots through the eyes of 12-year-old Jordan as he navigates school and family. This book will highlight the unique Korean American perspective. 12-year-old Jordan feels like he can't live up to the example his older sister set, or his parent's expectations. When he returns home from school one day hoping to hide his suspension, Los Angeles has reached a turning point. In the wake of the acquittal of the police officers filmed beating Rodney King, as well as the shooting of a young black teen, Latasha Harlins by a Korean store owner, the country is at the precipice of confronting its racist past and present.  As tensions escalate, Jordan's father leaves to check on the family store, spurring Jordan and his friends to embark on a dangerous journey to come to his aide, and come to terms with the racism within and affecting their community.

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Book SynopsisHigh school junior Michie is struggling to answer the question of who she is for her scholarship essays, the only chance she has at making it into Brown as a first-generation college student. The essay prompts would be hard for anyone, but since Michie''s been estranged from her mother since she was seven, her concept of family has long felt murky.Enter new kid and basketball superstar Derek de la Rosa, an instant crush who sends Michie''s focus into a tailspin. At their teacher''s suggestion, Derek enlists Michie as a tutor to help him catch up in Spanish class, turning life upside down. Because Derek? He is very cute, very talented, very popular, and very much has his eye on Michie, no matter how invisible she believes herself to be.When Michie''s mother unexpectedly reaches out to make amends, and with her scholarship deadlines looming, Michie will have to decide if she wants to reopen old wounds or close the door on her past once and for all. And as she spends mo

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Book SynopsisI am Alex. Today is my birthday and I'm having a party. My friends are coming, but everyone is welcome! Please come too!Trade Review"What caught my attention about I am Alex was the simplicity and innocence of the storyline: children don't see race or religion, sexual preference or disabilty - and nor should they have to. This little book is a universal celebration of diversity and tolerance." - Robin Stuart-Clark: Publisher

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Book SynopsisThey Both Die at the End meets The Bell Jar in this haunting, beautiful young adult novel-in-verse about clinical depression and healing from trauma, from National Book Award Finalist Amber McBride.Whimsy is back in the hospital for treatment of clinical depression. When she meets a boy named Faerry, she recognizes they both have magic in the marrow of their bones. And when Faerry and his family move to the same street, the two start to realize that their lifelines may have twined and untwined many times before.They are both terrified of the forest at the end of Marsh Creek Lane.The Forest whispers to Whimsy. The Forest might hold the answers to the part of Faerry he feels is missing. They discover the Forest holds monsters, fairy tales, and pain that they have both been running from for 11 years.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewBryan gives voices to the voiceless and presents the dreams of slaves who went to the grave without living them.Using historical slave documents from the 1820s to the 1860s, Bryan brings to life 11 slaves who once belonged to Cado Fairchilds. When Fairchilds dies, his British-born wife decides to sell off the slaves and move back to England. Each of the 11 is given two double-page spreads to speak in. Accompanied by a free-verse first-person narrative, an illustration of each slave's portrait appears in a varied palette of warm browns against a backdrop of documents related to historical slave sales. On the page adjacent to this illustration, the slave tells of the special skill he or she possesses that enriches the Fairchilds plantation. But on the following two pages, that same person explains what he or she dreams of doing with that talent. In contrast to the dull initial portrait, the second set of pages for each slave appears in full color and shows the speaker fully immersed in a caring community. The speakers' talents include carpentry, music, sewing, cooking, and more. After including the price under each slave's picture, Bryan offers a final tally for the completed sale, humans, livestock, and goods: $3,476.05. Bryan makes real and palpable what chattel slavery meant and how it affected those who were enslaved; every child who studies American slavery would benefit from experiencing this historically grounded web of narratives. (author's note) (Picture book/poetry. 6-10) -- Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW * 7/15/16 *Using a document from 1828 that lists the value of a U.S. landowner’s 11 slaves, Bryan (Sail Away) creates distinct personalities and voices for each, painting their portraits and imagining their dreams. He starts with the wife of the slave owner, who felt her husband was good to their slaves (“He never hired an overseer”). But it’s quickly clear that “good” slave ownership is an oxymoron: “I work hard—all profit to the estate,” their cook Peggy observes. Bryan shows that the enslaved had secret lives of their own: “Years ago blacksmith Bacus and I/ ‘jumped the broom’—/ the slave custom for marriage. No legal form for slaves.” They cherish their traditions, call each other by their African names (“I am Bisa, ‘Greatly Loved’ ”), dream of escape, and long for freedom. His portraits show the men, women, and children gazing out at readers, the contours of their faces traced as if carved from wood, while strong rhythmic outlines mimic stained glass, echoing the sense of sacred memory. There are few first-person accounts of slaves, and these imagined words will strike a chord with even the youngest readers. Ages 6–10.Using a document from 1828 that lists the value of a U.S. landowner’s 11 slaves, Bryan (Sail Away) creates distinct personalities and voices for each, painting their portraits and imagining their dreams. He starts with the wife of the slave owner, who felt her husband was good to their slaves (“He never hired an overseer”). But it’s quickly clear that “good” slave ownership is an oxymoron: “I work hard—all profit to the estate,” their cook Peggy observes. Bryan shows that the enslaved had secret lives of their own: “Years ago blacksmith Bacus and I/ ‘jumped the broom’—/ the slave custom for marriage. No legal form for slaves.” They cherish their traditions, call each other by their African names (“I am Bisa, ‘Greatly Loved’ ”), dream of escape, and long for freedom. His portraits show the men, women, and children gazing out at readers, the contours of their faces traced as if carved from wood, while strong rhythmic outlines mimic stained glass, echoing the sense of sacred memory. There are few first-person accounts of slaves, and these imagined words will strike a chord with even the youngest readers. -- Publishers Weekly *STARRED* * July 4, 2016 *Inspired by a document appraising the value of 11 enslaved people (along with livestock and cotton) in an estate for sale in the antebellum South, this exceptional book presents the imagined faces and voices of individuals whose society, against all reason, regarded them as less than human. Each person appears in a four-page section, opening with a page of free-verse text opposite a riveting head-and-shoulders portrait with a grim collage background of slavery-related documents. A banner reveals the person’s appraised value, master-imposed slave name, and age. In the text, these individuals introduce themselves, their roles on the estate, and the skills (cooking, blacksmithing, sewing) they take pride in. On the second doublepage spread, a verse text offers more personal reflections on their African roots, their love of family, and their dreams, while a more detailed, colorful painting expresses their heritage, their strength, and their rich inner lives. Their humanity shines through, showing the tragedy of their status and the gross absurdity of assigning prices to people. Longing for freedom is a constant theme, made all the more poignant by the appraisal document’s date: 1828, decades before emancipation. Clean and spare, the verse brings the characters to life, while in the radiant artwork, their spirits soar. Rooted in history, this powerful, imaginative book honors those who endured slavery in America. — Carolyn Phelan -- Booklist, STARRED REVIEW * August 1, 2016 *In 1828, Mrs. Mary Fairchilds, now widowed, tired of life in America and decided to return home to Britain, which means selling her American estate—including eleven slaves. Each of those slaves is given voice by Bryan, with two free-verse poems apiece; one focusing on the speaker’s life and another on the speaker’s dreams. The poems focus on the subjects’ strong ties to their African heritage (most are charac- terized as first generation slaves who themselves traveled the middle passage), the meaning they find in the human connections they’ve made and their skilled work, and on the economic value that work brings to their owner. Those verses operate in stark, even shocking contrast to the portraits captioned with each subject’s sale price as well as name and age. The portraits, created with heavy use of black line for shaping that gives the carved detail of wood sculpture, are eloquent and individual; they gain even more power from another layer of irony as collage backgrounds of legal paperwork and newspaper items about slave ownership and auctions contrast the slaves’ humanly rich lives with the cruelly summary discourse. Like McKissack’s Never Forgotten (BCCB 11/11), this is a story that links enslaved people to their African past and their accomplished workmanship, and it’s a high-impact treatment in a compact and accessible format that may inspire creative works in response as well as reflective discussion. End matter includes an author’s note about Bryan’s intentions and his historical collection of slavery-related documents and adds information about the spiritual from which the title is drawn. -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books * October 2016 *A historical document dated July 5, 1828, lists the property to be sold from the Fairchilds’ estate. Hogs. Cattle. A handmill. Men. Women. Children. While no information beyond the gender and name—and price—of each of the eleven enslaved people is noted in the appraisal of the estate, Bryan lovingly restores their humanity and dignity, giving them ages, true African names, relationships, talents, hopes, and dreams. Here is the account of eleven human beings, all of whom are aware of what they contribute to the Fairchilds plantation and, more importantly, what they would like to contribute to the world. Each slave is afforded two double-page spreads of poetry: the first spread serves as his or her introduction; the second is devoted to his or her dreams. We meet Peggy, the Fairchilds’ cook, who is praised by the Fairchilds for the spices she adds to meals at the Big House. In “Peggy Dreams,” she remembers her life in Africa and reveals that she’s proud of her ability to heal injured fellow slaves through her work with roots and herbs. Bacus is known for his metalwork in fencing the Big House, but his dream admits that the pounding of the metal is “an outlet for anger, for rage…a blow for justice…a cry for respect.” Bryan’s art is just as intentional. Facsimiles of the historical document serve as background for each slave’s introduction page, portraits of their faces taking precedence as they gaze out at the reader. The portraits are etched in a manner similar to wood carvings, suggesting the mask each slave wears for day-to-day life on the plantation. In contrast to the dry, parchment-like tones of the introductions, the dream spreads are in gloriously brilliant colors, as bold as the aspirations of the individuals themselves. -- Horn Book Magazine *Starred Review* * November/December 2016 *

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Book SynopsisAn Edgar Award Winner, Best YA Novel 2015Where there's smoke . . . When Saba Khan’s apartment burns in a mysterious fire, possibly a hate crime, her high school rallies around her. Her family moves into a rent-free luxury apartment, her Facebook page explodes, and she begins (secretly) dating a popular boy. Then a quirky piece of art donated to a school fund-raising effort for the Khans is revealed to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and Saba’s life turns upside down again. Should Saba’s family get the money? Or the students who found the painting? Or the school? Monologues, journal entries, interviews, articles, and official documents expose a tangled web of greed, jealousy, and suspicion as students and teachers alike debate, point fingers, and make shocking accusations about what’s really going on. “Relationships, secrets and lies aplenty.” —Kirkus Reviews “Will stay on readers’ minds long after the last page.” —Booklist, starred review “This story . . . culminates in a shocking twist of an ending that will engrossreaders until the very last page.” —The Christian Science MonitorA Booklist Editor’s Choice Book A Booklist Top Crime Fiction Book A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book A Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award NomineeTrade Review“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire . . . and apparently, valuable art! When the Khan family’s home is mysteriously burned to the ground, the funds from a priceless painting come to their rescue. Through unique journal entries, articles, and interviews, a tangled web of unusual secrets unfolds.” —Teen Vogue “This quirky, mysterious read makes you feel like you’re watching the investigation unfold before your eyes because the clues are revealed through so many points of view . . . journals, interviews, articles, and text messages! And the surprise twist ending took our breath away.” —Justine magazine “This art mystery is that rare book that will be passed around by teens as well as teachers in the faculty lounge, discussed and dissected and immediately reread to scour for hidden clues and motivations. The incidents at Highsmith School will stay on readers’ minds long after the last page.” —Booklist, starred review “The Art of Secrets is part thoughtful novel and part edge-of-your-seat mystery. This story about a family of Pakistani immigrants whose apartment is destroyed by arson culminates in a shocking twist of an ending that will engross readers until the very last page.” —The Christian Science Monitor “A beautifully plotted mystery for teen readers tries to determine who started the fire that destroyed Saba's apartment.”—Houston Chronicle “This innovative mystery explores issues of secrecy, social class, greed, family, self-justification and the need to belong in one’s community. Saba’s internal and external struggles are realistically specific to her situation, but they will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. As in life, the questions The Art of Secrets poses do not have easy answers, which is the book’s greatest strength.” —TeenReads.com “Relationships, secrets and lies aplenty for caper-loving fans.” —Kirkus Reviews “This is a book about the secret motivations that drive us all. Klise develops a set of complex characters, both teen and adult, who, because of the stolen artwork, must deal with their own beliefs about fairness, belonging, and truth. This mystery is well crafted and will leave readers guessing as to the identity of the culprit to the end. This is an excellent addition to collections where mysteries are popular and will give readers much to think and talk about.” —VOYA “Through emails, texts, journal entries, interview transcripts, newspaper clips, and official documents that pull in the perspectives of students, teachers, and others, Klise simultaneously reveals details about what might have transpired while allowing characters’ darker motives--prejudice, envy, greed--to emerge . . . The question of 'how far would [people] be willing to go to make [their] dreams come true' propels the book forward to its scandalous conclusion.” —Publishers Weekly“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire . . . and apparently, valuable art! When the Khan family’s home is mysteriously burned to the ground, the funds from a priceless painting come to their rescue. Through unique journal entries, articles, and interviews, a tangled web of unusual secrets unfolds.” —Teen Vogue “This quirky, mysterious read makes you feel like you’re watching the investigation unfold before your eyes because the clues are revealed through so many points of view . . . journals, interviews, articles, and text messages! And the surprise twist ending took our breath away.” —Justine magazine “This art mystery is that rare book that will be passed around by teens as well as teachers in the faculty lounge, discussed and dissected and immediately reread to scour for hidden clues and motivations. The incidents at Highsmith School will stay on readers’ minds long after the last page.” —Booklist, starred review “The Art of Secrets is part thoughtful novel and part edge-of-your-seat mystery. This story about a family of Pakistani immigrants whose apartment is destroyed by arson culminates in a shocking twist of an ending that will engross readers until the very last page.” —The Christian Science Monitor “A beautifully plotted mystery for teen readers tries to determine who started the fire that destroyed Saba's apartment.”—Houston Chronicle “This innovative mystery explores issues of secrecy, social class, greed, family, self-justification and the need to belong in one’s community. Saba’s internal and external struggles are realistically specific to her situation, but they will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. As in life, the questions The Art of Secrets poses do not have easy answers, which is the book’s greatest strength.” —TeenReads.com “Relationships, secrets and lies aplenty for caper-loving fans.” —Kirkus Reviews “This is a book about the secret motivations that drive us all. Klise develops a set of complex characters, both teen and adult, who, because of the stolen artwork, must deal with their own beliefs about fairness, belonging, and truth. This mystery is well crafted and will leave readers guessing as to the identity of the culprit to the end. This is an excellent addition to collections where mysteries are popular and will give readers much to think and talk about.” —VOYA “Through emails, texts, journal entries, interview transcripts, newspaper clips, and official documents that pull in the perspectives of students, teachers, and others, Klise simultaneously reveals details about what might have transpired while allowing characters’ darker motives--prejudice, envy, greed--to emerge . . . The question of 'how far would [people] be willing to go to make [their] dreams come true' propels the book forward to its scandalous conclusion.” —Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisA Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book of 2020 Family isn't something you're born into — it's something you build. One young woman’s journey to find her place in the world as the carefully separated strands of her life — family, money, school, and love — begin to overlap and tangle. All sixteen-year-old Izzy Crawford wants is to feel like she really belongs somewhere. Her father, a marine, died in Iraq six years ago, and Izzy’s moved to a new town nearly every year since, far from the help of her extended family in North Carolina and Puerto Rico. When Izzy’s hardworking mom moves their small family to Virginia, all her dreams start clicking into place. She likes her new school—even if Izzy is careful to keep her scholarship-student status hidden from her well-to-do classmates and her new athletic and popular boyfriend. And best of all: Izzy’s family has been selected by Habitat for Humanity to build and move into a brand-new house. Izzy is this close to the community and permanence she’s been searching for, until all the secret pieces of her life begin to collide.How to Build a Heart is the story of Izzy’s journey to find her place in the world and her discovery that the choices we make and the people we love ultimately define us and bring us home.Trade Review“Padian shows again and again that a story is always more complicated and more ordinary than it seems.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books "Padian takes a familiar theme—a girl hiding her background from others—and makes it fresh with her protagonist, Izzy Crawford . . . The characters around her are well-defined and support Izzy and the plot well. Throughout the novel, Izzy's strength, candor, and humanity shine through." —Booklist “Padian creates a compelling world with relatable characters and deals with serious issues without feeling heavy-handed. An excellent classroom or book discussion starter. Hand this to readers who are ready to tackle these issues with a lighter touch.”—School Library Journal "An absolutely enthralling depiction of family and self-discovery." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Padian creates a world that the reader can easily dive into. Anyone who’s ever been a self-conscious teen will see themselves in Izzy." —Book Riot

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Book SynopsisMelvin Robinson wants a strong, smooth, He-Man voice that lets him say what he wants, when he wants—especially to his crush Millie Takazawa, and Gary Ratliff, who constantly puts him down. But the thought of starting high school is only making his stutter worse. And Melvin's growing awareness that racism is everywhere—not just in the South where a boy his age has been brutally killed by two white men, but also in his own hometown of Spokane—is making him realize that he can't mutely stand by. His new friend Lenny, a fast-talking, sax-playing Jewish boy, who lives above the town's infamous (and segregated) Harlem Club, encourages Melvin to take some risks—to invite Millie to Homecoming and even audition for a local TV variety show. When they play music together, Melvin almost feels like he's talking, no words required. But there are times when one needs to speak up. When his moment comes, can Melvin be as mighty on the outside as he actually is on the inside?

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Book SynopsisTwelve-year-old Shai hates everything about moving to America from Israel.She''s determined to come up with a plan that will get her back home. Maybe she can go back with her grandparents when they come to visit. Or maybe she can win a drawing competition that offers a plane ticket to any destination in the world as the grand prize. Meanwhile she''s stuck navigating seventh grade in a language that used to be just a subject in school. As Shai faces antisemitism but also gains support from unexpected sources, she starts to see her new life with different eyes. Maybe home is a place in the heart.A Sydney Taylor Honor Book

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Book SynopsisThis story is about a Giant who lives in Nowhere, with no one around to make friends with. He's so lonely that he goes searching for the village of Somewhere - only to find that he's still too big to fit in! The Giant seems huge and scary to the villagers, but can they learn to understand him and make him feel at home?Beautifully illustrated, this heart-warming tale encourages children to think about inclusivity and tolerance and to develop language skills, while allowing them to take part in the story themselves. Its exploration of differences and belonging make it especially suitable for children with special needs or for whom English is a second language, and the activities will help these children build communication skills. Featuring fun and adaptable lesson plans (also available online) including activities for discussion, creative writing and arts and crafts, it is the perfect resource for children aged 5-8 and those who work with or care for them.Trade ReviewI've used The Giant from Nowhere with children who have English as an additional language. They have all loved the story and connected with the range of themes explored. For instance: difference, making friends, loneliness, not being able to read or write in English, making amends, fitting in, and the concept of 'home' to name a few. It helped the children to explore these big ideas in a safe and enjoyable setting where we unpacked the multi-layered story. This book lends itself to a cross-curricular approach and is written by someone who has a true understanding of a narrative that will appeal to children. -- Becky Large, primary school teacherFrancis Dickens is a gifted author. She has an acute understanding of children's worries, fears, concerns and the confusion and loneliness that sometimes accompany childhood. The Giant from Nowhere is a heart-warming tale that helps children explore a range of emotions linked to being "an outsider" and making friends - something that will resonate with many a young reader. Highly recommended for children (and adults) of all ages. -- Viv Grant, former headteacherTable of Contents1.The Giant from Nowhere. 2. Notes. 3. Lesson Plans

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Book SynopsisSami and Ali dream of playing for the school football team. They practise in the park every day and work hard on their skills. But acing the trials is the last of the boys' worries when they're made to feel they don't belong on the team because of the colour of their skin. Ali just wants to tackle the ball on the pitch. Now he's being forced to tackle the racism in his team too. But how can he, when he's told it's 'just banter'? From the award-winning author of 'Boy, Everywhere', a powerful story of friendship and booting out racismTrade ReviewThe perfect World Book Day book The World Book Day books are designed to introduce readers to great authors and their amazing books, and A M Dassu is the ideal author to write one. In one short volume, she lets new readers meet some of the characters from her other books and tells an excellent story with a vital theme, that of racism, especially racism in sport. Through the eyes of Sami and Ali, the main characters, we get to witness first-hand that what some might dismiss as 'banter' hurts and is wholly unacceptable. Racism must be booted out of sport at every level, from grassroots to top flight. As with her other books, A M Dassu teaches acceptance and representation by allowing us to see the damage intolerance and racism do from the point of view of thoroughly likeable and very real characters. She is a wonderful storyteller, with important things to say and hopefully this little book will encourage readers to seek out and love her full-length novels, Boy Everywhere, Fight Back and the now eagerly anticipated Kicked Out! (coming in October). Highly recommended. -- Bob StoneBoot it! may be a short book but it certainly packs a punch. Exploring the shocking racism within our society, it's another must-read. -- Jacqui SydneyThe perfect book to kick start a reading journey for a child who might not have enjoyed reading in the past. -- Rumena Aktar

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Book SynopsisRigoberta Menchu Tum experienced firsthand the oppression of the native Indian population in Guatemala. This biography profiles the unwavering activist who was awarded the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize for her remarkable work promoting social justice and ethno-cultural reconciliation based on respect for the rights of indigenous peoples.

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Book SynopsisThis unique introduction to the Holocaust encourages young children to stand up for what they think is right, without waiting for others to join them. Ages 6 and up.Trade Review“This is an excellent book for sensitizing young people of any denomination to recognize injustice.”—Church & Synagogue Libraries

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Book SynopsisSimple, subtle, and drolly funny, the Pumphrey brothers' newest picture book is a layered exploration of the foolishness of making assumptions and the virtue of curiosity.

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Book SynopsisAn entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children. Like a multicolor pencil palette, what defines human beings is their uniqueness and their diversity.Vega and her colored pencils were inseparable. Together they created the most impressive drawings that were later exposed in the best museum in the world: the refrigerator at home. Vega used all the colors you can imagine for her drawings: red, yellow, blue, gold… At school, Vega was immersed in one of her new creations when her friend Alex stopped by, and peered into the box of pencils Vega had on her table. “Can you lend me the skin-colored pencil, please?” he asked. Skin-colored? Vega and Alex wondered why there is such a color in the box. With curiosity and creativity they will explore the diversity of skin tones of people who are part of their daily lives and they will discover that the “skin-color” can have a thousand shades and not just one.Premiado en los Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards de 2021. Como una paleta de lápiz multicolor, lo que define a los seres humanos es su singularidad y su diversidad. Una historia entretenida y creativa que aborda y celebra la diversidad entre los niños pequeños.Vega y sus lápices de colores eran inseparables. Juntos creaban los dibujos más impresionantes que luego colgaban en el mejor museo del mundo: la nevera de casa. Sus pinturas contenían todos los colores que os podáis imaginar: rojo, amarillo, azul, dorado… En el colegio, Vega estaba sumergida en una de sus nuevas creaciones cuando su amigo Álex se acercó a ella y, mirando la caja de colores que tenía Vega, le preguntó:—¿Me dejas el color carne?¿El color carne? Vega y Álex se preguntaron por qué en la caja de lápices de colores hay uno que se llama así. Con curiosidad y creatividad explorarán la diversidad de tonos de piel de personas que forman parte de su día a día y descubrirán que el “color carne” puede tener mil tonalidades y no solo una.Trade Review“El color de tu piel is a beautiful picture book in which the protagonists discover that the “skin-color” has more than one shade and that diversity enriches us in a world where there is room for all races and colors.” —Infantilandia“Author and illustrator team Desirée Acevedo and Silvia Álvarez have produced a beautiful exploration of the colors of humanity. The illustrations are colorful and rich and the story is detailed and thought provoking. Above all the text strives to impart the message that skin-tone isn’t just one color, it’s many.” —School Library Connection“A vibrant picture book, where the expressiveness of each brushstroke takes us even deeper into the story. Fantastic for introducing topics like racism, diversity, coexistence. Undoubtedly an important book to share both at home and in the classroom for its thought-provoking and enriching content.” —La Cuentería Respetuosa

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Book SynopsisPrincess Li lived with her father in a beautiful palace. Li was in love with Beatrice, a girl from a distant land. Both of them were very happy until the day her father sent for the princess: The time had come for Li to marry a young man from the court.Luis Amavisca is a visual artist from Spain. He has written five children's books focusing on the themes of diversity, environment, poetry, and peace.Elena Rendeiro is a visual artist and was a finalist for the Generaciones Award for visual artists in Spain. She works with sculpture, installations, and painting.Trade Review“Celebrates an interracial love affair between two women…. Rare and refreshing to see a lesbian couple appear in a picture book outside the context of motherhood.” - Kirkus Reviews "A traditional, magical fairy tale for kids about the power of knowing your own mind. A tale of equality, and above all, a story about love. ...All of [NubeOcho’s] books promote respectful attitude towards all types of diversity. They are also a playful medium that makes it easier to engage in first experiences and feelings that the little ones may not easily understand." - The Review Wire “With the necessary, growing dialogue fueled by We Need Diverse Books focused on the domestic publishing industry, what a relief to know that diversity has international supporters and creators, as well…. succinct, straight-forward writing style is complemented by artist Elena Rendeiro who makes her picture book debut. Her watercolor palette …and fluid, atmospheric style embodies graceful motion. Multiple wordless double-spreads add enhancing details to the story – including landscapes, interiors, backgrounds, all better shown than told….As books hit Stateside shelves this month, [Publisher NubeOcho’s] reception will surely be an interesting journey to watch.” -- Book Dragon Highly recommending. -- Li'l Book Bug Bookstore, Palmdale CA“Celebrates an interracial love affair between two women…. Rare and refreshing to see a lesbian couple appear in a picture book outside the context of motherhood.” - Kirkus Reviews "A traditional, magical fairy tale for kids about the power of knowing your own mind. A tale of equality, and above all, a story about love. ...All of [NubeOcho’s] books promote respectful attitude towards all types of diversity. They are also a playful medium that makes it easier to engage in first experiences and feelings that the little ones may not easily understand." - The Review Wire “With the necessary, growing dialogue fueled by We Need Diverse Books focused on the domestic publishing industry, what a relief to know that diversity has international supporters and creators, as well…. succinct, straight-forward writing style is complemented by artist Elena Rendeiro who makes her picture book debut. Her watercolor palette …and fluid, atmospheric style embodies graceful motion. Multiple wordless double-spreads add enhancing details to the story – including landscapes, interiors, backgrounds, all better shown than told….As books hit Stateside shelves this month, [Publisher NubeOcho’s] reception will surely be an interesting journey to watch.” -- Book Dragon Highly recommending. -- Li'l Book Bug Bookstore, Palmdale CA

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review★ “Sugiura tackles an abundance of topics with finesse, including social and economic injustice, allyship, and feminism, simultaneously breaking down the Asian-American immigration narrative and the myth of the model minority. Essential.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ★ “A gripping, emotionally charged story that presents a window into a uniquely Japanese American experience.” — School Library Journal (starred review) ★“With intelligent dialogue surrounding diversity, representation and responsible social action, This Time Will Be Different is a timely, smart novel that readers of contemporary teen fiction will likely devour.” — Shelf Awareness (starred review) ★ “Sugiura deftly weaves historical fact into this coming-of-age narrative, providing an entertaining and informative backdrop that allows CJ to explore her own sense of identity while giving readers a front seat to her process.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Fresh, vibrant, affecting and powerful.” — New York Times Book Review “One of the most authentic, steadfastly real teen characters I’ve read in recent memory. CJ deals with racism, familial strife, and finding herself with a charm and grace I couldn’t get enough of. Her pitch-perfect voice leaped off the page and stayed with me. Highly, highly recommend.” — Sandhya Menon, New York Times bestselling author of When Dimple Met Rishi “At turns delightfully humorous and wonderfully insightful. The cultural nuances were perfect, and I found myself utterly transported. I can’t wait to read what Sugiura writes next.” — Renée Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath & the Dawn “Insightful. Intricate. Honest. With richly drawn characters that feel utterly real, Misa Sugiura reminds us that the past is always present, but that we hold the power to shape our future, if we’re brave enough to face it.” — Samira Ahmed, New York Times bestselling author of Love, Hate & Other Filters and Internment “An engaging picture of a girl facing the past—both her family’s and her own—in service of her future.” — Horn Book Magazine “Refreshingly complex. An astute look at privilege, power, and history in sometimes unexpected forms.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Sugiura’s deep dive into mother-daughter relationships, the fragility of self-worth, and the gathering of courage resonates deeply.” — ALA Booklist “Hilarious and fiercely loyal, CJ is one of my favorite characters to hit the page in a long time. This smart and thought-provoking tale of the bonds that connect family, and second chances, will have you cheering in your seats.” — Stacey Lee, award-winning author of Outrun the Moon and The Secret of a Heart Note “CJ will break your heart, reassemble it, and put it in a gorgeous flower arrangement that’ll make your heart soar. A lovely and complicated story of different forms of love and figuring out who you want to be in the world.” — Sara Farizan, award-winning author of If You Could Be Mine and Here to Stay “A beautiful, exquisitely crafted story about finding your voice. This Time Will Be Different boasts complex characters with deep-rooted histories, and the exploration of what it means to be a good ally is both timely and necessary. I was captivated from the first page.” — Akemi Dawn Bowman, author of Starfish and Summer Bird Blue “Strikes that perfect balance of light-hearted humor and emotional depth. I adored CJ and her journey. Using an inventive narrative structure to explore friendship and romance alongside family and history, Misa Sugiura has created a truly fun and thoughtful read.” — Maurene Goo, author of I Believe in a Thing Called Love “Smart, funny, and huge-hearted. You will cheer for CJ as she blooms in the most beautiful of ways. A fierce anthem for protecting (and fighting for) the values and boundaries of your own heart, even as they shift on you.” — Kim Culbertson, author of Catch a Falling Star and The Possibility of Now PRAISE FOR It’s Not Like It’s a Secret: ★“Sugiura thoughtfully explores intersecting issues of race, immigrant-family relationships, queer romance, and, less explicitly, class dynamics without implying the significance of one over the others. Well-paced, brimming with drama, and utterly vital.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “An essential and delightful choice that realistically celebrates a teen’s discovery of trust in herself and in others.” — School Library Journal “A queer coming-of-age story that also tackles big topics like adultery, racism, and the cultural conflicts of immigrant families.” — Brightly

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Book SynopsisTrade Review★ “Heart-wrenching, funny, hopeful, and not-to-be-missed.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A memorable, hard-hitting portrait of a teenager trying to shape his own destiny after being dealt a difficult hand.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Aceves has written a remarkable debut novel. Every reader will enjoy Aceves’s deft handling of this coming-of-age journey. The Closest I’ve Come will be a welcome addition to the growing cannon of quality urban young adult literature.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) “An unflinching portrayal of boyhood and the seemingly impossible circumstances so many young people face.” — Elizabeth Acevedo, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Poet X “A brilliant, subtle debut.” — Sonia Patel, author of Morris Award finalist Rani Patel in Full Effect and Jaya and Rasa: A Love Story “A story that will have readers cheering by the end. An inspirational read.” — Booklist “Recommended for fans of Jason Reynolds and for readers who appreciate gritty and introspective realistic fiction with a sense of humor.” — School Library Journal “It takes about half a page of this debut to become convinced Aceves is an author to watch, but there’s no point at which you’ll want to put down his strongly voiced coming-of-age, perfect for fans of When I Was the Greatest.” — B&N Teen Blog “A debut that’s as stunning as it is powerful, Aceves’ novel is a story is a complex story about family and friendships. Don’t sleep on this one.” — Paste Magazine “Effective, and there’s a refreshing subversion of literary expectation...The accessible writing brings this story to a wide range of readers.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “[E]xplores the nuances of class and ethnicity through the eyes of a hero that readers will love rooting for.” — Bookish.com

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Book SynopsisTrade Review★ “Heart-wrenching, funny, hopeful, and not-to-be-missed.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A memorable, hard-hitting portrait of a teenager trying to shape his own destiny after being dealt a difficult hand.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Aceves has written a remarkable debut novel. Every reader will enjoy Aceves’s deft handling of this coming-of-age journey. The Closest I’ve Come will be a welcome addition to the growing cannon of quality urban young adult literature.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) “An unflinching portrayal of boyhood and the seemingly impossible circumstances so many young people face.” — Elizabeth Acevedo, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of The Poet X “A brilliant, subtle debut.” — Sonia Patel, author of Morris Award finalist Rani Patel in Full Effect and Jaya and Rasa: A Love Story “A story that will have readers cheering by the end. An inspirational read.” — Booklist “Recommended for fans of Jason Reynolds and for readers who appreciate gritty and introspective realistic fiction with a sense of humor.” — School Library Journal “It takes about half a page of this debut to become convinced Aceves is an author to watch, but there’s no point at which you’ll want to put down his strongly voiced coming-of-age, perfect for fans of When I Was the Greatest.” — B&N Teen Blog “A debut that’s as stunning as it is powerful, Aceves’ novel is a story is a complex story about family and friendships. Don’t sleep on this one.” — Paste Magazine “Effective, and there’s a refreshing subversion of literary expectation...The accessible writing brings this story to a wide range of readers.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “[E]xplores the nuances of class and ethnicity through the eyes of a hero that readers will love rooting for.” — Bookish.com

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Book Synopsis

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