A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection! From award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Ibi Zoboi comes her groundbreaking contemporary fantasy debut—a novel in verse based on Caribbean folklore—about the power of inherited magic and the price we must pay to live the life we yearn for. “Our new home with its thick walls and locked doors wants me to stay trapped in my skin— but I am fury and flame.” Fifteen-year-old Marisol is the daughter of a soucouyant. Every new moon, she sheds her skin like the many women before her, shifting into a fireball witch who must fly into the night and slowly sip from the lives of others to sustain her own. But Brooklyn is no place for fireball witches with all its bright lights, shut windows, and bolt-locked doors.… While Marisol hoped they would leave their old traditions behind when they emigrated from the islands, she knows this will never happen while she remains ensnared by the one person who keeps her chained to her magical past—her mother. Seventeen-year-old Genevieve is the daughter of a college professor and a newly minted older half sister of twins. Her worsening skin condition and the babies’ constant wailing keep her up at night, when she stares at the dark sky with a deep longing to inhale it all. She hopes to quench the hunger that gnaws at her, one that seems to reach for some memory of her estranged mother. When a new nanny arrives to help with the twins, a family secret connecting her to Marisol is revealed, and Gen begins to find answers to questions she hasn’t even thought to ask. But the girls soon discover that the very skin keeping their flames locked beneath the surface may be more explosive to the relationships around them than any ancient magic. BIO Ibi Zoboi is the New York Times bestselling author of American Street, a National Book Award finalist; Nigeria Jones, a Coretta Scott King Award winner; Pride; My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich; Okoye to the People: A Black Panther Novel for Marvel; and the Walter Award and LA Times Book Prize–winning Punching the Air, cowritten with Exonerated Five member Yusef Salaam. She is also a two-time Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner for her picture book The People Remember and her middle grade biography of Octavia Butler, Star Child. She is the editor of the anthology Black Enough. Born in Haiti and raised in New York City, she now lives in New Jersey with her family. You can find her online at ibizoboi.net. REVIEWS "Bold and exciting; employing alternating perspectives, the author plays with language and the book’s format to craft fully realized characters by exploring their envies and desires. Readers will fly through Zoboi’s latest masterpiece and crave more stories featuring Caribbean folklore. An ambitious contemporary fantasy that will grip readers from the first page." -- Booklist (starred review) “The girls’ intertwined tales, blurring and shifting over the course of the narrative, unfold in lyrical alternating first-person verse and are cleverly used to discuss beauty ideals and colorism. Readers will enjoy the ways the monstrous characters’ human facades shift. A vividly creative, heart-pounding poetic journey infused with Caribbean folklore.” -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "The stage is set for secrets and supernatural discoveries. The slow, methodical unraveling of how interwoven the two teenage girls’ stories is the treat of this sharp verse narrative that initially alternates between their POVs. The conclusion is executed with the laudable ambitions of reconciling the seemingly irreconcilable." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) “Ambitious and unapologetic in its rendering, deftly addressing themes of colorism, assimilation, and inheritance. This fast-paced fever dream of a tale crackles and sparks on the page—almost burning the fingertips as it weaves folklore into reality; these dynamic girls reckoning with an inescapable lineage will change the way you look at the night sky.' -- Amber McBride, National Book Award finalist and author of Me (Moth) [H] Versify / February 11, 2025 For ages 13 and up

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
From award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Ibi Zoboi comes her groundbreaking contemporary fantasy debut—a novel in verse based on Caribbean folklore—about the power of inherited magic and the price we must pay to live the life we yearn for.
“Our new home with its
thick walls and locked doors
wants me to stay trapped in my skin—
but I am fury and flame.”
Fifteen-year-old Marisol is the daughter of a soucouyant. Every new moon, she sheds her skin like the many women before her, shifting into a fireball witch who must fly into the night and slowly sip from the lives of others to sustain her own. But Brooklyn is no place for fireball witches with all its bright lights, shut windows, and bolt-locked doors.… While Marisol hoped they would leave their old traditions behind when they emigrated from the islands, she knows this will never happen while she remains ensnared by the one person who keeps her chained to her magical past—her mother.
Seventeen-year-old Genevieve is the daughter of a college professor and a newly minted older half sister of twins. Her worsening skin condition and the babies’ constant wailing keep her up at night, when she stares at the dark sky with a deep longing to inhale it all. She hopes to quench the hunger that gnaws at her, one that seems to reach for some memory of her estranged mother. When a new nanny arrives to help with the twins, a family secret connecting her to Marisol is revealed, and Gen begins to find answers to questions she hasn’t even thought to ask.
But the girls soon discover that the very skin keeping their flames locked beneath the surface may be more explosive to the relationships around them than any ancient magic.
BIO
<meta charset="utf-8">Ibi Zoboi is the New York Times bestselling author of American Street, a National Book Award finalist; Nigeria Jones, a Coretta Scott King Award winner; Pride; My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich; Okoye to the People: A Black Panther Novel for Marvel; and the Walter Award and LA Times Book Prize&amp;#8211;winning Punching the Air, cowritten with Exonerated Five member Yusef Salaam. She is also a two-time Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner for her picture book The People Remember and her middle grade biography of Octavia Butler, Star Child. She is the editor of the anthology Black Enough. Born in Haiti and raised in New York City, she now lives in New Jersey with her family. You can find her online at ibizoboi.net.
REVIEWS
"Bold and exciting; employing alternating perspectives, the author plays with language and the book’s format to craft fully realized characters by exploring their envies and desires. Readers will fly through Zoboi’s latest masterpiece and crave more stories featuring Caribbean folklore. An ambitious contemporary fantasy that will grip readers from the first page." -- Booklist (starred review)
“The girls’ intertwined tales, blurring and shifting over the course of the narrative, unfold in lyrical alternating first-person verse and are cleverly used to discuss beauty ideals and colorism. Readers will enjoy the ways the monstrous characters’ human facades shift. A vividly creative, heart-pounding poetic journey infused with Caribbean folklore.” -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"The stage is set for secrets and supernatural discoveries. The slow, methodical unraveling of how interwoven the two teenage girls’ stories is the treat of this sharp verse narrative that initially alternates between their POVs. The conclusion is executed with the laudable ambitions of reconciling the seemingly irreconcilable." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
“Ambitious and unapologetic in its rendering, deftly addressing themes of colorism, assimilation, and inheritance. This fast-paced fever dream of a tale crackles and sparks on the page—almost burning the fingertips as it weaves folklore into reality; these dynamic girls reckoning with an inescapable lineage will change the way you look at the night sky.' -- Amber McBride, National Book Award finalist and author of Me (Moth)
[H] Versify  /  February 11, 2025
For ages 13 and up

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(S)kin /// Ibi Zoboi

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With a hefty dollop of humor, Atinuke’s rollicking counting story takes on a life of its own when Granny’s mischievous goats start escaping.Granny’s got a goat! Granny’s got a goat!Not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4,but more and more and more and more!Excitement is in the air as Granny collects more and more goats! Eight are great, fifty are nifty . . . but when their number reaches one hundred, things start to get out of hand. There’s a brown goat beeping on the bus, a gray one sitting in the salon, a white goat stealing panties from the line, and one has gone missing altogether—who can count in all this mayhem? Beloved storyteller Atinuke has a field day following goats throughout the town, while a gleeful crowd of children try their best to track them. With colorful, spirited illustrations by Lauren Hind, here’s an uproarious read-aloud you can count on to bring giggles and smiles. BIO Atinuke is a Nigerian-born author of children's books and an oral storyteller of traditional African folktales. REVIEWS "Rollicking, rhythmic prose." -- Publishers Weekly "Atinuke’s text rollicks while Hinds’ illustrations urge readers to slow down to take in every delicious detail. . . Great goatish fun." -- Kirkus Reviews "The energy of the interactive text enables this story to work well as a group read-aloud, while the illustrations, full of funny details to note and one hundred mischievous goats to count and recount, make it equally effective for close looking and sharing." -- The Horn Book [H] Candlewick Press (MA) / May 20, 2025 0.5" H x 11.2" L x 8.8" W (1.0 lbs) 40 pages For ages 3 to 7

100 Goats and Granny! /// Atinuke, illustrations by Lauren Hinds

In this poignant mixed voice, mixed form collection of interconnected prose, poems and stories, teen characters, their families, and their communities grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst fear and loss, these New York City teens prevail with love, resilience and hope. From the award-winning author of Chlorine Sky and Vinyl Moon.“[A] gorgeous, tender testament to the generation of young people who shouldered the pandemic.”–Brendan Kiely, award-winning and New York Times bestselling authorGrief, pain, hope, and love collide in this short story collection.In New York City, teens, their families, and their communities feel the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the fear and loss, these teens and the adults around them persevere with love and hope while living in difficult circumstances: Malachi writes an Armageddon short story inspired by his pandemic reality. Tariq helps their ailing grandmother survive during quarantine. Zamira struggles with depression and loneliness after losing her parents. Mohamed tries to help keep his community spirit alive. A social worker reflects on the ways the foster system fails their children. From award-winning author Mahogany L. Browne comes a poignant collection of interconnected prose, poems, and lists about the humanity and resilience of New Yorkers during the Covid-19 pandemic. BIO Mahogany L. Browne, a Kennedy Center’s Next 50 fellow, is a writer, playwright, organizer, and educator. Browne received fellowships from All Arts, Arts for Justice, Air Serenbe, Baldwin for the Arts, Cave Canem, Poets House, Mellon Research, Rauschenberg, and Wesleyan University. Browne’s books include A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe, Vinyl Moon, Chlorine Sky (optioned for Steppenwolf Theater), Black Girl Magic, and banned books Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice and Woke Baby. Founder of the diverse litinitiative Woke Baby Book Fair, Browne is the 2024 Paterson Poetry Prize winner. She is the inaugural poet-in-residence at the Lincoln Center and lives in Brooklyn, NY. [H] Crown Books for Young Readers / March 11, 2025 0.69" H x 8.55" L x 5.53" W (0.61 lbs) 160 pages For ages 12 and up

In this poignant mixed voice, mixed form collection of interconnected prose, poems and stories, teen characters, their families, and their communities grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst fear and loss, these New York City teens prevail with love, resilience and hope. From the award-winning author of Chlorine Sky and Vinyl Moon. “[A] gorgeous, tender testament to the generation of young people who shouldered the pandemic.” –Brendan Kiely, award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Grief, pain, hope, and love collide in this short story collection. In New York City, teens, their families, and their communities feel the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the fear and loss, these teens and the adults around them persevere with love and hope while living in difficult circumstances: 
<ul>
<li>Malachi writes an Armageddon short story inspired by his pandemic reality.</li>
<li>Tariq helps their ailing grandmother survive during quarantine.</li>
<li>Zamira struggles with depression and loneliness after losing her parents.</li>
<li>Mohamed tries to help keep his community spirit alive.</li>
<li>A social worker reflects on the ways the foster system fails their children.</li>
</ul>
 From award-winning author Mahogany L. Browne comes a poignant collection of interconnected prose, poems, and lists about the humanity and resilience of New Yorkers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
BIO
<meta charset="utf-8">Mahogany L. Browne, a Kennedy Center’s Next 50 fellow, is a writer, playwright, organizer, and educator. Browne received fellowships from All Arts, Arts for Justice, Air Serenbe, Baldwin for the Arts, Cave Canem, Poets House, Mellon Research, Rauschenberg, and Wesleyan University. Browne’s books include A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe, Vinyl Moon, Chlorine Sky (optioned for Steppenwolf Theater), Black Girl Magic, and banned books Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice and Woke Baby. Founder of the diverse litinitiative Woke Baby Book Fair, Browne is the 2024 Paterson Poetry Prize winner. She is the inaugural poet-in-residence at the Lincoln Center and lives in Brooklyn, NY.
[H]  Crown Books for Young Readers  /  March 11, 2025
<meta charset="utf-8">0.69" H x 8.55" L x 5.53" W (0.61 lbs) 160 pages
For ages 12 and up

A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe /// Mahogany L. Browne

A poetic debut picture book, inspired by Baltimore, that celebrates community action. Sometimes, a neighborhood feels forgotten. But in the vibrant imagination of one young girl, there are dreams of a different city. In her dreams, her city is a fantastic place. And together with her neighbors, she can make it better. More beautiful. Safe. Maybe Something Beautiful meets Something, Someday in this deeply touching ode to cities and urban spaces that reveals the transformative power of communal love, creativity, and hope. BIO B. Sharise Moore is a proud mom, author, curriculum developer, host, and the poetry editor for FIYAH: Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction. She is the author of the YA novel Dr. Mavellus Djinn’s Odd Scholars, and she curated and edited Conjuring Worlds: An Afrofuturist Textbook for Middle and High School Students. A City Dream is her first picture book. B. Sharise lives in Baltimore with her husband and children, and you can find her at bsharisewrites.com. REVIEWS "An optimistic and actionable call to community engagement." -- Kirkus Reviews "[An] empowering vision of change-making." -- Publishers Weekly "Inviting and full of hope, this is a perfect book for a lapsit read that helps littles imagine brighter futures." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books [H] HarperCollins / October 21, 2025 0.37" H x 8.77" L x 11.29" W (0.89 lbs) 40 pages For ages 4 to 8

A poetic debut picture book, inspired by Baltimore, that celebrates community action.
Sometimes, a neighborhood feels forgotten.
But in the vibrant imagination of one young girl, there are dreams of a different city.
In her dreams, her city is a fantastic place.
And together with her neighbors, she can make it better.
More beautiful.
Safe.
Maybe Something Beautiful meets Something, Someday in this deeply touching ode to cities and urban spaces that reveals the transformative power of communal love, creativity, and hope.
BIO
<meta charset="utf-8">B. Sharise Moore is a proud mom, author, curriculum developer, host, and the poetry editor for FIYAH: Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction. She is the author of the YA novel Dr. Mavellus Djinn’s Odd Scholars, and she curated and edited Conjuring Worlds: An Afrofuturist Textbook for Middle and High School Students. A City Dream is her first picture book. B. Sharise lives in Baltimore with her husband and children, and you can find her at bsharisewrites.com.
REVIEWS
"An optimistic and actionable call to community engagement."  -- Kirkus Reviews
"[An] empowering vision of change-making." -- Publishers Weekly
"Inviting and full of hope, this is a perfect book for a lapsit read that helps littles imagine brighter futures." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
[H]  HarperCollins  /  October 21, 2025<meta charset="utf-8">
<meta charset="utf-8">0.37" H x 8.77" L x 11.29" W (0.89 lbs) 40 pages
For ages 4 to 8

A City Dream /// B. Sharise Moore, illustrations by Trudi-Ann Hemans /// new

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection Expert quilter Kim Taylor shares a unique and powerful story of the celebration of the first Juneteenth, from the perspective of a young girl.On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, General Gordon Granger of the Union Army delivered the message that African Americans in Texas were free. Since then, Juneteenth, as the day has come to be known, has steadily gained recognition throughout the United States. ln 2020,a powerful wave of protests and demonstrations calling for racial justice and equality brought new awareness to the significance of the holiday.A Flag for Juneteenth depicts a close-knit community of enslaved African Americans on a plantation in Texas, the day before the announcement is to be made that all enslaved people are free. Young Huldah, who is preparing to celebrate her tenth birthday, can’t possibly anticipate how much her life will change that Juneteenth morning. The story follows Huldah and her community as they process the news of their freedom and celebrate together by creating a community freedom flag. Debut author and artist Kim Taylor sets this story apart by applying her skills as an expert quilter. Each of the illustrations has been lovingly hand sewn and quilted, giving the book a homespun, tactile quality that is altogether unique. BIO Kim Taylor is a speech language pathologist and Department Supervisor at a large school for deaf children on Long Island. She is also an expert quilter whose works have been exhibited at several venues throughout the Midatlantic region. Taylor’s quilts reflect African American life, and she tells stories through her materials (visit Kim’s website to see her quilts). After researching the origins of the Juneteenth celebration, she created a Juneteenth story quilt which she has exhibited and presented in dozens of local schools. Realizing that few teachers and students had ever heard of the holiday, she was moved to write the book A Flag for Juneteenth. REVIEWS “The picture book . . . not only reveals Taylor’s considerable talents as an inspiring raconteur but as a self-taught quilter whose creations uniquely and symbolically illustrate the historically based narrative.” -- Newsday★ ”Kim Taylor’s portrayal of a girl witnessing the first Juneteenth, accompanied by exquisite quilted artwork, is filled with a spirit of jubilation and freedom. . . . her textile art perfectly complements her evocative prose. . . .” -- BookPage, Starred Review “The illustrations quilted by Taylor display strong artistic use of color, texture, movement, stitching, and symbols. Each page has vibrant colors that grab readers at first glance. . . . Taylor effectively breathes life into the characters, even those muddled in the background, by showing their humanity in each page.” -- School Library Journal“Both lyrical and descriptive, Huldah’s voice conveys the joy that is found in freedom. . . . A great introduction to the federal holiday.” -- The Horn Book“Taylor aptly depicts this story through colorful woven fabrics and folk art-style, quilted scenes.” -- Booklist“[A] moving debut. . . . It’s a discussion-starting, personal-feeling portrait of a communal celebration.” -- Publishers Weekly“The art in this work from quilter Taylor is stunning. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are breathtaking. . . . Visually dazzling. . . .” -- Kirkus Reviews [H] Neal Porter Books / January 03, 2023 0.39" H x 10.24" L x 9.92" W (0.92 lbs) 40 pages

A Flag for Juneteenth /// Kim Taylor

Our history echoes with events which, over time, have become hidden, yet are important to all of us. Juneteenth is a celebration which recognizes the end of the enslavement of Black people in America. This book opens a door to understanding our history and celebrating our future—together.Meet A Kids Co., a new kind of media company with a collection of beautifully designed books that kickstart challenging, empowering, and important conversations for kids and their grownups. Learn more about us at akidsco.com. BIO Garrison Hayes (he/him) is a filmmaker, creator, and entrepreneur who amplifies stories which change the world. He believes the truth of the past helps us better understand the present and gives us the foundation to build a better tomorrow. [H] DK Publishing / May 21, 2024 0.5" H x 10.5" L x 8.3" W (0.9 lbs) 64 pages For ages 6 to 9

A Kids Book About Juneteenth /// Garrison Hayes

In this lyrical picture book, world-renowned poet, New York Times bestselling author, and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Nikki Giovanni and fine artist Erin Robinson craft an ode to the magic of a library as a place not only for knowledge but also for imagination, exploration, and escape. In what other place can a child "sail their dreams" and "surf the rainbow" without ever leaving the room? This ode to libraries is a celebration for everyone who loves stories, from seasoned readers to those just learning to love words, and it will have kids and parents alike imagining where their library can take them. This inspiring read-aloud includes stunning illustrations and a note from Nikki Giovanni about the importance of libraries in her own childhood. BIO Nikki Giovanni, poet, activist, mother, and professor, is a seven-time NAACP Image Award winner and the first recipient of the Rosa Parks Woman of Courage Award, and holds the Langston Hughes Medal for Outstanding Poetry, among many other honors. The author of twenty-eight books and a Grammy nominee for The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection, she is the University Distinguished Professor of English at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Erin Robinson is a Fashion Designer by trade but also a trained fine artist from Parsons School of Design and the Corcoran School of Art. Her daydreamy, magical imagination is inspired by travel, color, texture, the feminine shape and the many shades and coifs of Brooklyn. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Find her at brooklyndolly.com and on Instagram @brooklyndolly. REVIEWS “Powerful.... Playful and inspiring. Every lover of books, young or old, will see themselves in this story.” -- Booklist (starred review) “Vibrant, carefully composed digital illustrations, with bright colors that invite readers in.... A lushly illustrated homage to librarians.” -- Kirkus Reviews “In this picture-book celebration of libraries and reading, poet Giovanni writes about the Carnegie Library, which she regularly visited as a child. Robinson’s digital art resembles vibrant collages.” -- Horn Book Magazine “Poetic text and evocative, textured illustrations work in concert to show how books and libraries enable people to imagine other lives—including other versions of their own selves.... A must-have.” -- School Library Journal [H] Versify / September 27, 2022 0.3" H x 11.1" L x 9.0" W (0.95 lbs) 32 pages

A Library /// Nikki Giovanni, illustrations by Erin K. Robinson

THIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK. Born in 1923 in Madisonville, Louisiana, Leah Chase would marry into the Chase restaurant family in nearby New Orleans, but that small geographic move would end up taking her worlds away. Today she is a national-award-winning cook and civic figure. This novel, told in the form of letters to God, shares her inspirational journey with middle-grade readers. BIO Carol Allen was born in Elton, Louisiana, part of Cajun country. As a young girl, she traveled across the state with her father and became fascinated with the richness of Louisiana culture and her own unique heritage. In 1968, she began teaching at Oakdale High School, where she experienced the switch to the integrated school system. Soon after, she became an elementary-school principal and completed her doctorate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After a year as an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina, she returned home to become the superintendent of curriculum and instruction for New Orleans Public Schools. In 1985, Allen married a Frenchman and moved to France. There, she volunteered for various service organizations, served on boards for international schools, and worked for an educational institute in Paris that was affiliated with the American College in Paris. Allen helped plan and direct an international conference designed to address the needs and interests of expatriate women. The conference, organized and conducted entirely by volunteers, attracted four hundred conferees representing nineteen different nationalities from twenty-one different countries of residence. She went on to create the Paris Writers Workshop, now an internationally respected program that allows aspiring writers to develop their talents. Allen has written articles for the Writer's Chronicle, Washington Post, Epicurean Magazine, and the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Allen compiled and edited They Only Laughed Later: Tales of Women on the Move, a book of humorous essays written by women about their experiences living abroad. In 1996, she received honorable mention from Writer’s Market for a self-published book in the children's-literary category. She has been a guest lecturer at the Geneva Writers' Conference and is a motivational speaker for the European Speakers Bureau. Allen has been close friends with Leah Chase, the subject of her biography, Leah Chase: Listen, I Say Like This, for more than twenty years. For the book, she spent hours with Chase herself, in the woman's kitchen, reminiscing her own Louisiana childhood and the diverse background and joie de vivre that both the author and her subject share. In addition to writing, Allen loves to cook. Much to the surprise of her French neighbors, she garnered the grand prize in what is known as Les Journées Gourmandes in the region of the Vaucluse, Provence, where she lives most of the time. Her winning recipes were for jams and jellies in 1995 and for Wild-Mushroom Soup in 2001. [P] Pelican Publishing Company / August 24, 2020 0.6" H x 8.4" L x 5.4" W (0.65 lbs) 160 pages

THIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY OUT OF STOCK.
<meta charset="utf-8">Born in 1923 in Madisonville, Louisiana, Leah Chase would marry into the Chase restaurant family in nearby New Orleans, but that small geographic move would end up taking her worlds away. Today she is a national-award-winning cook and civic figure. This novel, told in the form of letters to God, shares her inspirational journey with middle-grade readers.
BIO
<meta charset="utf-8">Carol Allen was born in Elton, Louisiana, part of Cajun country. As a young girl, she traveled across the state with her father and became fascinated with the richness of Louisiana culture and her own unique heritage. In 1968, she began teaching at Oakdale High School, where she experienced the switch to the integrated school system. Soon after, she became an elementary-school principal and completed her doctorate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After a year as an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina, she returned home to become the superintendent of curriculum and instruction for New Orleans Public Schools. In 1985, Allen married a Frenchman and moved to France. There, she volunteered for various service organizations, served on boards for international schools, and worked for an educational institute in Paris that was affiliated with the American College in Paris. Allen helped plan and direct an international conference designed to address the needs and interests of expatriate women. The conference, organized and conducted entirely by volunteers, attracted four hundred conferees representing nineteen different nationalities from twenty-one different countries of residence. She went on to create the Paris Writers Workshop, now an internationally respected program that allows aspiring writers to develop their talents. Allen has written articles for the Writer's Chronicle, Washington Post, Epicurean Magazine, and the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Allen compiled and edited They Only Laughed Later: Tales of Women on the Move, a book of humorous essays written by women about their experiences living abroad. In 1996, she received honorable mention from Writer’s Market for a self-published book in the children's-literary category. She has been a guest lecturer at the Geneva Writers' Conference and is a motivational speaker for the European Speakers Bureau. Allen has been close friends with Leah Chase, the subject of her biography, Leah Chase: Listen, I Say Like This, for more than twenty years. For the book, she spent hours with Chase herself, in the woman's kitchen, reminiscing her own Louisiana childhood and the diverse background and joie de vivre that both the author and her subject share. In addition to writing, Allen loves to cook. Much to the surprise of her French neighbors, she garnered the grand prize in what is known as Les Journées Gourmandes in the region of the Vaucluse, Provence, where she lives most of the time. Her winning recipes were for jams and jellies in 1995 and for Wild-Mushroom Soup in 2001.
[P]  Pelican Publishing Company  /  <meta charset="utf-8">August 24, 2020
<meta charset="utf-8">0.6" H x 8.4" L x 5.4" W (0.65 lbs) 160 pages

A Long Way from the Strawberry Patch: The Life of Leah Chase /// Carol Allen with Leah Chase

Paperback

Femi and her friends planned to leave traditional Caribbean treats out for Santa, including Black Cake. The children shared warm wishes for their favorite dishes while enjoying winter activities at the Christmas fair. This book includes a Black Cake recipe for all to enjoy! BIO Yolanda T. Marshall is a Guyanese-born Canadian Author. The daughter of a Jazz musician, she began writing poems at eight. A cross-genre writer, world traveller, jazz lover and devoted mother, she embodies art and takes her readers on adventurous, cultured journeys. This author is Agented. Titles since 2020 have been traditionally published in Canada. She is also a proud member of CANSCAIP (Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers) and The Writer's Union of Canada. [H] Garnalma Press / November 18, 2019 0.25" H x 8.5" L x 11.0" W (0.89 lbs) 32 pages

A Piece of Black Cake for Santa /// Yolanda T. Marshall, illustrations by Subi Bosa

New York Times bestselling author Janae Marks delivers a stunningly crafted and twisty mystery about the tests of friendships that examines what matters most when everything can change in a split second—perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead and Anne Ursu. That clock can’t be right. When Elise wakes up the morning after her birthday celebration, she’s surprised to find herself in her bedroom. Last she can remember, she had fallen asleep next to her best friends at her slumber party in her basement, and it was October. But now she’s alone, and her phone says it’s April 8. Elise doesn’t understand. How could she have woken up six months later? No one else is acting like anything strange has happened, yet Elise can't remember the last half year. To make matters worse, her friends refuse to talk to her and Elise doesn't know why. She also has no idea how she got signed up for photography club or why her former best friend, Cora, is talking to her again. Is it a memory problem? Could it be magic? Every day that passes takes Elise further from the world she knew. Thankfully, Elise has Cora to lean on in this new reality, and the two come together to investigate why Elise woke up in the future—and, more important, how to get her back to her past and away from this nightmare. BIO Janae Marks is the author of the critically acclaimed novel From the Desk of Zoe Washington, the New York Times bestselling On Air with Zoe Washington, and A Soft Place to Land. She grew up in the New York City suburbs and now lives in Connecticut with her husband and daughter. She has an MFA in writing for children from the New School. Visit Janae online at janaemarks.com. REVIEWS 'A beautiful story about being brave and finding your people.' -- Booklist (starred review) 'A nuanced look at middle school friendships...thoughtfully delves into the consequences of the social isolation many young people experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.' -- Kirkus Reviews 'Janae Marks writes characters you can't help but love and plots you can't help but devour. I couldn't put this book down.' -- Tae Keller, author of Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling When You Trap a Tiger 'A smart and sweet magical mystery, bursting with hope and heart.' -- Sarah Mlynowksi, New York Times bestselling author of the Whatever After series 'A fun and twisty story—A Split Second shines with charm and intrigue.' -- Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honor-winning author of Other Words for Home [H] Quill Tree Books / October 01, 2024 0.9" H x 8.4" L x 5.4" W (0.65 lbs) 256 pages For ages 8 to 12

New York Times bestselling author Janae Marks delivers a stunningly crafted and twisty mystery about the tests of friendships that examines what matters most when everything can change in a split second—perfect for fans of Rebecca Stead and Anne Ursu.
That clock can’t be right. When Elise wakes up the morning after her birthday celebration, she’s surprised to find herself in her bedroom. Last she can remember, she had fallen asleep next to her best friends at her slumber party in her basement, and it was October. But now she’s alone, and her phone says it’s April 8. Elise doesn’t understand. How could she have woken up six months later?
No one else is acting like anything strange has happened, yet Elise can't remember the last half year. To make matters worse, her friends refuse to talk to her and Elise doesn't know why. She also has no idea how she got signed up for photography club or why her former best friend, Cora, is talking to her again. Is it a memory problem? Could it be magic? Every day that passes takes Elise further from the world she knew. Thankfully, Elise has Cora to lean on in this new reality, and the two come together to investigate why Elise woke up in the future—and, more important, how to get her back to her past and away from this nightmare.
BIO
<meta charset="utf-8">Janae Marks is the author of the critically acclaimed novel From the Desk of Zoe Washington, the New York Times bestselling On Air with Zoe Washington, and A Soft Place to Land. She grew up in the New York City suburbs and now lives in Connecticut with her husband and daughter. She has an MFA in writing for children from the New School. Visit Janae online at janaemarks.com.
REVIEWS
'A beautiful story about being brave and finding your people.' -- Booklist (starred review)
'A nuanced look at middle school friendships...thoughtfully delves into the consequences of the social isolation many young people experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic.' -- Kirkus Reviews
'Janae Marks writes characters you can't help but love and plots you can't help but devour. I couldn't put this book down.' -- Tae Keller, author of Newbery Medalist and New York Times bestselling When You Trap a Tiger
'A smart and sweet magical mystery, bursting with hope and heart.' -- Sarah Mlynowksi, New York Times bestselling author of the Whatever After series
'A fun and twisty story—A Split Second shines with charm and intrigue.' -- Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honor-winning author of Other Words for Home
[H]  Quill Tree Books  /  October 01, 2024<meta charset="utf-8">
<meta charset="utf-8">0.9" H x 8.4" L x 5.4" W (0.65 lbs) 256 pages
For ages 8 to 12

A Split Second /// Janae Marks

New York Times bestselling author J. Elle continues her magical middle grade series with our favorite witches from Park Row Magick Academy!In the world between realms, anything can happen . . .The new Park Row Magic Academy construction is underway, and Kyana is searching for magic activities to fill the school break. When she visits the building for supplies, she's grabbed by an Available spirit! Even though she's able to slip its grasp, something is wrong-she can't stop crying and laughing uncontrollably. Is she cursed?Then Ashley shares an invitation to a camp for magical learning. Ash thinks that whatever curse is messing with Kyana, Dr. Minzy, a famous teacher there, will know how to fix it.But once they reach the secret camp site, the magical portal suddenly collapses-they're trapped! Ash is almost sure Availables are involved. With the camp in chaos, Kyana still under the mysterious curse, and Russ broadcasting everything to the MagickNet, Ashley must choose: Say something about what she suspects, or mind her business and trust Dr. Minzy? Are the Availables up to something nefarious, and can Kyana, Ashley, and Russ figure out what's going on and save them all?In this adventurous sequel to A Taste of Magic, the young city wizards must navigate a mystery in the wilderness, decide how to speak up, and be the heroes they need. BIO J. Elle is the New York Times bestselling author of young adult novels Wings of Ebony and Ashes of Gold; and the middle-grade novel, A Taste of Magic. She is a 2022 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work for Youth and Teens whose work is being translated into six languages in over fifteen countries. The former educator credits her nomadic lifestyle and humble inner-city beginnings as inspiration for her novels. When she’s not writing, Elle can be found on the hunt for desserts without chocolate, looking for any excuse to get dressed up, and road-tripping her way across the country with her two dogs in tow. REVIEWS "Immerses readers in a richly whimsical magical world . . . A heartfelt follow-up, perfect for readers in need of a bit of courage.” -- Kirkus Reviews [H] Bloomsbury Publishing PLC / July 09, 2024 1.02" H x 8.5" L x 5.77" W (0.86 lbs) 304 pages For ages 8 to 11

A Whisper of Curses /// J. Elle

The first book in a fast-paced, witty, and big-hearted debut Afrofantasy trilogy about a twelve-year-old apprenticing in the kitchens at the prestigious Academy of Shamans, who must ally with a snarky goddess and a knife-wielding warrior to save her kingdom. Perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and The School for Good and Evil. Life is tough for twelve-year-old orphan Adia. Her aunt and uncle believe she’s an ogbanje, a demon-possessed child that brings misfortune wherever they go, and Adia can’t disagree—especially when she suddenly manifests mysterious powers that she can’t control, causing an earthquake in her village. So when Adia is offered a kitchen apprenticeship at the faraway Academy of Shamans, she flees with nothing but a pouch of change, her cat Bubbles, and the hope that someone there can figure out what's wrong with her—and fix it. But just as she's settling in, Adia stumbles upon a shocking secret: Unlike her, the kingdom's emperor really is possessed—by a demon more wicked than any other. And he’s on his way to the Academy for a visit. Joining forces with a snarky goddess, a 500-year-old warrior girl, and an annoying soldier-in-training, Adia must travel through hidden realms to exorcise the emperor and save her kingdom. But to succeed, she first must come to understand the powers inside her…. The fate of the world hangs in the balance. BIO Isi Hendrix is a children’s book author who has been lucky enough to live and work all over the world, from the Himalayas to the Amazon rainforest, during her past life as an anthropologist. Now she’s based in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York, where she lives with a rotating roster of foster kittens and a stubborn refusal to accept that she is highly allergic to cats. Her debut novel, Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans, received a starred review from Booklist and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. REVIEWS “This book is incredible! With a dazzling cast of characters wrapped up in a rich, imaginative afrofantasy world, Adia’s thrilling journey will have you eager to turn the next page!” -- B.B. Alston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Amari and the Night Brothers “Deep, piercing, and urgent, Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans marries historic heft with the soaring possibilities of magic to tell a spellbinding story of empowerment and liberation. Author Isi Hendrix makes a passion-packed entrance onto the middle grade stage, and readers of all ages will do well to pick up this first entry in a powerful new fantasy series.” -- Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series. “With heart and humor, Adia Kelbara is a tale of victory for anyone who’s been made to feel ashamed of who they are. Not only does Adia prove that our power can be reclaimed, she takes us on a rollicking fun adventure along the way.” -- Graci Kim, New York Times bestselling author of the Gifted Clans trilogy “By turns immersive, thrilling, funny, and powerful, Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans will grab readers from the first lines to the breathtaking finale. Readers will fall in love with Adia and root for her fierce quest to right the wrongs done against her people.” -- Sylvia Liu, award-winning author of Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation [H] Balzer & Bray/Harperteen / September 19, 2023 1.1" H x 8.51" L x 5.85" W (0.81 lbs) 352 pages For ages 8 to 12

The first book in a fast-paced, witty, and big-hearted debut Afrofantasy trilogy about a twelve-year-old apprenticing in the kitchens at the prestigious Academy of Shamans, who must ally with a snarky goddess and a knife-wielding warrior to save her kingdom. Perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and The School for Good and Evil.
Life is tough for twelve-year-old orphan Adia. Her aunt and uncle believe she’s an ogbanje, a demon-possessed child that brings misfortune wherever they go, and Adia can’t disagree—especially when she suddenly manifests mysterious powers that she can’t control, causing an earthquake in her village.
So when Adia is offered a kitchen apprenticeship at the faraway Academy of Shamans, she flees with nothing but a pouch of change, her cat Bubbles, and the hope that someone there can figure out what's wrong with her—and fix it. But just as she's settling in, Adia stumbles upon a shocking secret: Unlike her, the kingdom's emperor really is possessed—by a demon more wicked than any other. And he’s on his way to the Academy for a visit.
Joining forces with a snarky goddess, a 500-year-old warrior girl, and an annoying soldier-in-training, Adia must travel through hidden realms to exorcise the emperor and save her kingdom. But to succeed, she first must come to understand the powers inside her….
The fate of the world hangs in the balance.
BIO
Isi Hendrix is a children’s book author who has been lucky enough to live and work all over the world, from the Himalayas to the Amazon rainforest, during her past life as an anthropologist. Now she’s based in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York, where she lives with a rotating roster of foster kittens and a stubborn refusal to accept that she is highly allergic to cats. Her debut novel, Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans, received a starred review from Booklist and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award.
REVIEWS
“This book is incredible! With a dazzling cast of characters wrapped up in a rich, imaginative afrofantasy world, Adia’s thrilling journey will have you eager to turn the next page!” -- B.B. Alston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Amari and the Night Brothers
“Deep, piercing, and urgent, Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans marries historic heft with the soaring possibilities of magic to tell a spellbinding story of empowerment and liberation. Author Isi Hendrix makes a passion-packed entrance onto the middle grade stage, and readers of all ages will do well to pick up this first entry in a powerful new fantasy series.” -- Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series.  
“With heart and humor, Adia Kelbara is a tale of victory for anyone who’s been made to feel ashamed of who they are. Not only does Adia prove that our power can be reclaimed, she takes us on a rollicking fun adventure along the way.” -- Graci Kim, New York Times bestselling author of the Gifted Clans trilogy
“By turns immersive, thrilling, funny, and powerful, Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans will grab readers from the first lines to the breathtaking finale. Readers will fall in love with Adia and root for her fierce quest to right the wrongs done against her people.” -- Sylvia Liu, award-winning author of Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation
[H]  Balzer &amp; Bray/Harperteen  /  September 19, 2023
1.1" H x 8.51" L x 5.85" W (0.81 lbs) 352 pages
For ages 8 to 12

Adia Kelbara and the Circle of Shamans /// Isi Hendrix

African Proverbs for All Ages is a beautifully-illustrated, engaging picture book about the power of proverbs, how they evolve over time, and the wisdom of various cultures in Africa. It has been said that a proverb is a short sentence based on long experience.Whether you are young or old, proverbs can open your mind to a whole new way of seeing the world. We underestimate children when we assume they are incapable of understanding metaphor and deeper meaning. There are multiple ways that children learn, but for each method by which they learn, they need their imagination engaged and their visual sensibilities ignited. And as adults, we underestimate ourselves when we allow our lives to be about practical matters only. Proverbs can stir our soul and spark our imagination. --Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D. President Emerita of Spelman and Bennett CollegesIn African Proverbs for All Ages, noted anthropologist and educator Dr. Johnetta Betsch Cole and award-winning illustrator Nelda LaTeef invite children and adults to explore and reflect on complex notions about relationships, identity, society, and the human condition.A Roaring Brook Press and Oprah Book BIO Johnnetta Betsch Cole is an American anthropologist, educator, museum director, and college president. Cole was the first female African-American president of Spelman College, a historically black college, serving from 1987 to 1997. She was president of Bennett College from 2002 to 2007. REVIEWS A Children's Africana Book Awards 2022 Honor Book for Children's winner"This ingeniously designed volume is as engaging as a game, one that becomes more rewarding with each round of play... This is a book that sparks conversation." -- The New York Times"This interactive, multilayered, gorgeously illustrated book of wisdom is for all ages, and it demands repeated reading." -- Booklist"This lushly illustrated collection of African proverbs proposes a game of sorts... Strikingly detailed." -- Horn Book“This beautifully illustrated collection of wisdom will be a treasure for children and the adults who share this book with them.” -- Marian Wright Edelman, President Emerita, Children’s Defense Fund“Again and again these irresistible pictures invite you to turn the pages of this quietly powerful book... and to discover exactly the inspiring words you need to hear at the moment.” -- Ann Temkin, The Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis Chief Curator of Painting and Sculpture, Department of Painting and Sculpture, The Museum of Modern Art“Proverbs are important for all ages, and Dr. Johnnetta Cole and Nelda LaTeef have inspired us with the beautifully illustrated African Proverbs for All Ages! Kids remember proverbs whereas they might forget a long conversation. A must buy!” -- Laura Nader, Professor of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley“The genius of African Proverbs for all Ages is that each stunningly eloquent panel offers a teachable moment. In this regard, this gem of a book leads readers of all ages, of all lands and climes, towards a shared understanding.” -- Olásopé O. Oyèláràn, Linguist, Scholar of the Yorùbá Language [H] Roaring Brook Press / November 30, 2021 0.4" H x 11.1" L x 8.7" W (0.9 lbs) 40 pages For ages 4 to 8

African Proverbs for All Ages /// Johnnetta Betsch Cole and Nelda LaTeef, illustrations by Nelda LaTeef

When Afro Unicorn creator April Showers realized that her favorite emoji—the unicorn!—was only available in white, she was inspired to create a more inclusive brand for children of color to celebrate how magical, unique, and divine they truly are. Unicorn best friends Magical, Unique, and Divine are getting ready to welcome Santa in this Christmas picture-book adventure. Celebrate your inner unicorn with the first holiday book in the Afro Unicorn line! Includes countdown calendar and stickers.December is finally here, and all the unicorns in the kingdom of Afronia are excited to meet Santa. But when Santa gets lost on the way, the unicorns fear that Christmas will be ruined. It’s up to Magical, Unique, and Divine to use their superpowers of love and kindness to save Christmas. Let the Christmas countdown begin in this tale of love and hope for the holidays! BIO April Showers is the founder and CEO of Afro Unicorn, a brand designed to remind women and children of color how unique, divine and magical they truly are. Multiple business owner and single mother of two, April started a movement of like-minded Black Unicorns through apparel and accessories in May 2019. In May 2022, she launched in Walmart as the first Black woman & first Black licensed brand in Party Supplies for a major retailer. The Afro Unicorn brand is now featured in stores nationwide with children’s apparel, drink-ware, toys, and holiday merch. April’s passion is to teach others how to develop their brands–with a goal to help everyone win. REVIEWS “[An] enthusiastic holiday read focused on acts of service and togetherness.” --Publishers Weekly“The colors and beautiful array of diverse unicorns, including one with vitiligo, will certainly attract young audiences….This book will be popular for fans of the brand and other unicorn aficionados.” -- School Library Journal [H] Random House Books for Young Readers / October 10, 2023 0.39" H x 9.21" L x 9.06" W (0.85 lbs) 32 pages

Afro Unicorn: The Most Magical Time of the Year! /// April Showers, illustrations by Anthony Conley

Unicorn best friends Magical, Unique, and Divine are getting ready for a very special birthday party in this picture-book adventure. Celebrate your inner unicorn with the first book in the Afro Unicorn line!It’s Magical’s birthday! She and her unicorn friends can’t wait to celebrate at her magnificent party. But when Magical’s enchanted crown suddenly goes missing, it’s up to everyone in the enchanted kingdom of Afronia to come together and find it before her big party is ruined.Join these three extraordinary unicorns in a story full of friendship, love, and fun.When Afro Unicorn creator April Showers realized that her favorite emoji—the unicorn!—was only available in white, she was inspired to create a more inclusive brand for children of color to celebrate how magical, unique, and divine they truly are.Don’t miss the other books in the Afro Unicorn series—The Most Magical Time of the Year!We Are Afro Unicorns BIO April Showers is the founder and CEO of Afro Unicorn, a brand designed to remind women and children of color how unique, divine and magical they truly are. Multiple business owner and single mother of two, April started a movement of like-minded Black Unicorns through apparel and accessories in May 2019. In May 2022, she launched in Walmart as the first Black woman & first Black licensed brand in Party Supplies for a major retailer. The Afro Unicorn brand is now featured in stores nationwide with children’s apparel, drink-ware, toys, and holiday merch. April’s passion is to teach others how to develop their brands–with a goal to help everyone win.Anthony Conley specializes in digital painting, creating character art and illustration for consumer products. After working for Neopets and Nickelodeon, he is now a full-time freelance artist. He lives in Paris with his wife and daughter. [P] Random House Books for Young Readers / September 05, 2023 0.16" H x 5.28" L x 8.19" W (0.25 lbs) 24 pages For ages 4 to 8

Afro-Unicorn: A Magical Day /// April Showers, illustrations by Anthony Conley

The newest novel by the author of Akata Witch and the forthcoming Marvel comic book series about Shuri, Black Panther's sister! "The most imaginative, gripping, enchanting fantasy novels I have ever read!" --Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of Speak A year ago, Sunny Nwazue, an American-born girl Nigerian girl, was inducted into the secret Leopard Society. As she began to develop her magical powers, Sunny learned that she had been chosen to lead a dangerous mission to avert an apocalypse, brought about by the terrifying masquerade, Ekwensu. Now, stronger, feistier, and a bit older, Sunny is studying with her mentor Sugar Cream and struggling to unlock the secrets in her strange Nsibidi book. Eventually, Sunny knows she must confront her destiny. With the support of her Leopard Society friends, Orlu, Chichi, and Sasha, and of her spirit face, Anyanwu, she will travel through worlds both visible and invisible to the mysteries town of Osisi, where she will fight a climactic battle to save humanity. BIO Much-honored Nnedi Okorafor, winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards, merges today's Nigeria with a unique world she creates. Akata Warrior blends mythology, fantasy, history and magic into a compelling tale that will keep readers spellbound. REVIEWS "★ Akata Warrior swiftly synthesizes the lessons and knowledge of the first book into a heart-racing story of resilience and a determination to save the world. This title is a unique coming of age story, coupling the distinct experience of the cultural duality as both African and African-American with lessons of love, loyalty, and the pains of adolescent insecurities." -- BCCB, starred review "There's more imagination on a page of Nnedi Okorafor's work than in whole volumes of ordinary fantasy epics." --Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of A Wizard of Earthsea "The voice of Nnedi Okorafor does not obey the rules of distance, time, or place. Hers is the voice that fuses matter and imagination. She shows us just how close we are to that alternate reality." --Tchidi Chikere, Nigerian award-winning film director and screenwriter [P] Speak / October 16, 2018 1.4" H x 8.2" L x 5.4" W (0.94 lbs) 512 pages

Akata Warrior /// Nnedi Okorafor

Affectionately dubbed the Nigerian Harry Potter, Akata Witch weaves together a heart-pounding tale of magic, mystery, and finding one's place in the world. Twelve-year-old Sunny lives in Nigeria, but she was born American. Her features are African, but she's albino. She's a terrific athlete, but can't go out into the sun to play soccer. There seems to be no place where she fits in. And then she discovers something amazing--she is a free agent with latent magical power. Soon she's part of a quartet of magic students, studying the visible and invisible, learning to change reality. But will it be enough to help them when they are asked to catch a career criminal who knows magic too? Ursula K. Le Guin and John Green are Nnedi Okorafor fans. As soon as you start reading Akata Witch, you will be, too! BIO Nnedi Okorafor is a novelist of African-based science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism for both children and adults. Born in the United States to Nigerian immigrant parents, Nnedi is known for weaving African culture into creative evocative settings and memorable characters. In a profile of Nnedi's work, the New York Times called Nnedi's imagination "stunning." Nnedi has received the World Fantasy Award, the Hugo Award, and the Nebula Award, among others, for her novels. She holds a PhD in English and is a professor at SUNY Buffalo. She divides her time between Buffalo and the suburbs of Chicago, where she lives with her daughter. Learn more at nnedi.com or follow her on Twitter @nnedi. REVIEWS "Okorafor's novels tend to reflect both her West-African heritage and American experiences, but in this series she creates a stunningly original world of African magic that draws on Nigerian folk beliefs and rituals instead of relying on the predictable tropes of Western fantasy novels." -- Time Magazine "There's more imagination on a page of Nnedi Okorafor's work than in whole volumes of ordinary fantasy epics." --Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of A Wizard of Earthsea "I always loved science fiction, but I didn't feel I was part of it--until I read first Octavia Butler, and now Nnedi Okorafor." --Whoopi Goldberg [H] Viking Books for Young Readers / April 14, 2011 1.35" H x 8.58" L x 5.82" W (1.05 lbs) 368 pages [P] ﻿Speak / July 17, 2017 1.1" H x 8.1" L x 5.4" W (0.75 lbs) 384 pages

Akata Witch /// Nnedi Okorafor

1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Honor author Renée Watson explores friendship, loss, and life with grief in this poignant novel in verse and vignettes.Sage's thirteenth birthday was supposed to be about movies and treats, staying up late with her best friend and watching the sunrise together. Instead, it was the day her best friend died. Without the person she had to hold her secrets and dream with, Sage is lost. In a counseling group with other girls who have lost someone close to them, she learns that not all losses are the same, and healing isn't predictable. There is sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, pain, love. And even as Sage grieves, new, good things enter her life-and she just may find a way to know that she can feel it all.In accessible, engaging verse and prose, this is a story of a girl's journey to heal, grow, and forgive herself. To read it is to see how many shades there are in grief, and to know that someone understands. BIO Renée Watson is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. Her novel, Piecing Me Together, received a Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award. Her books include the Ryan Hart series, Some Places More Than Others, This Side of Home, What Momma Left Me, Betty Before X, cowritten with Ilyasah Shabazz, Watch Us Rise, cowritten with Ellen Hagan, and Love Is a Revolution, as well as acclaimed picture books: Summer Is Here, Maya's Song, The 1619 Project: Born on the Water, written with Nikole Hannah-Jones, A Place Where Hurricanes Happen, and Harlem’s Little Blackbird, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Renée splits her time between Portland, Oregon and New York City. REVIEWS If you're looking for a story that offers hope in the midst of grief and shines a light on the road back to joy, look no further. All the Blues in the Sky is a gift.” -- Nikki Grimes, bestselling and award-winning author of Garvey in the Dark and A Walk in the Woods “Watson has crafted an achingly beautiful novel that masterfully captures the realities of loss. Visceral and wholly authentic.” -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review “Brief yet poignant vignettes drive home the immediacy of grief as well as the importance of remaining attune to one's emotions in this tender and heartbreaking interpretation of loss.” -- Publishers Weekly [H] Bloomsbury Publishing PLC / February 04, 2025 0.75" H x 8.32" L x 5.76" W (0.71 lbs) 208 pages For ages 10 to 14

All the Blues in the Sky /// Renée Watson

Sequel to the New York Times bestseller Amari and the Night Brothers! Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this magical second book in the New York Times and Indie bestselling Supernatural Investigations trilogy—perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, the Percy Jackson series, and Nevermoor. After finding her brother and saving the entire supernatural world, Amari Peters is convinced her first full summer as a Junior Agent will be a breeze. But between the fearsome new Head Minister’s strict anti-magician agenda, fierce Junior Agent rivalries, and her brother Quinton’s curse steadily worsening, Amari’s plate is full. So when the secretive League of Magicians offers her a chance to stand up for magiciankind as its new leader, she declines. She’s got enough to worry about! But her refusal allows someone else to step forward, a magician with dangerous plans for the League. This challenge sparks the start of the Great Game, a competition to decide who will become the Night Brothers’ successor and determine the future of magiciankind. The Great Game is both mysterious and deadly, but among the winner’s magical rewards is Quinton’s last hope—so how can Amari refuse? BIO B. B. Alston lives in Chapin, South Carolina. His debut novel, Amari and the Night Brothers, was a #1 Kids’ Indie Next Pick and the winner of the Barnes & Noble Children's Book Award for Young Readers as well as a New York Times and indie bestseller. When not writing, he can be found eating too many sweets and exploring country roads to see where they lead. Visit him online at bbalston.com. REVIEWS “An enchanting fantasy adventure filled with heart and soul. Amari is magical!” -- Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give [H] Storytide / August 30, 2022 1.5" H x 8.3" L x 5.6" W (1.15 lbs) 432 pages [P] Storytide / September 05, 2023 0.95" H x 7.59" L x 5.31" W (0.61 lbs) 432 pages For ages 8 to 12

Sequel to the New York Times bestseller Amari and the Night Brothers!
Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this magical second book in the New York Times and Indie bestselling Supernatural Investigations trilogy—perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, the Percy Jackson series, and Nevermoor.
After finding her brother and saving the entire supernatural world, Amari Peters is convinced her first full summer as a Junior Agent will be a breeze.
But between the fearsome new Head Minister’s strict anti-magician agenda, fierce Junior Agent rivalries, and her brother Quinton’s curse steadily worsening, Amari’s plate is full. So when the secretive League of Magicians offers her a chance to stand up for magiciankind as its new leader, she declines. She’s got enough to worry about!
But her refusal allows someone else to step forward, a magician with dangerous plans for the League. This challenge sparks the start of the Great Game, a competition to decide who will become the Night Brothers’ successor and determine the future of magiciankind.
The Great Game is both mysterious and deadly, but among the winner’s magical rewards is Quinton’s last hope—so how can Amari refuse?
BIO
<meta charset="utf-8">B. B. Alston lives in Chapin, South Carolina. His debut novel, Amari and the Night Brothers, was a #1 Kids’ Indie Next Pick and the winner of the Barnes &amp; Noble Children's Book Award for Young Readers as well as a New York Times and indie bestseller. When not writing, he can be found eating too many sweets and exploring country roads to see where they lead. Visit him online at bbalston.com.
REVIEWS
<meta charset="utf-8">“An enchanting fantasy adventure filled with heart and soul. Amari is magical!” -- Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give 
[H]  Storytide  /  August 30, 2022
1.5" H x 8.3" L x 5.6" W (1.15 lbs) 432 pages
[P]  Storytide  /  September 05, 2023
<meta charset="utf-8">0.95" H x 7.59" L x 5.31" W (0.61 lbs) 432 pages
For ages 8 to 12

Amari and the Great Game /// B.B. Alston

When a girl’s confidence is shaken and she begins to shrink, her grandmother is there to remind her of who she is in this empowering picture book about self-esteem.Amoya Blackwood is loud, bold and carefree. She always has the answer in class. And she knows just what to say to make her friends laugh.Amoya Blackwood shows up with a smile on her face. She enters a room and takes up space.But one day Amoya Blackwood starts noticing that the adults around her want to be less loud, less bold, less carefree. They want her to take up less space, and so she does. She gets smaller and smaller and smaller.She gets so small she hardly recognizes herself.But then, a conversation with her Gran reminds Amoya of who she is. And a surprising thing happens . . BIO Chantaie Allick is a writer, freelance journalist, strategist and consultant. She’s a storyteller and communicator at her core. She helps business owners and creators share their unique stories with the world. Chantaie is based in Toronto. Aaron Marin is an American illustrator and artist living in Upstate New York. He has worked with The Atlantic, the New York Times, Wired and Time. REVIEWS “Brightly colored, effervescent artwork perfectly matches Amoya’s personality and adds exuberance to the well-written, non-pedantic text. The message of uninhibitedly sharing one’s own light comes through clearly in this joy-filled book.” -- School Library Journal“A worthwhile, feel-good story of a girl whose intergenerational relationship makes all the difference.” -- Kirkus Review [H] Tundra Books (NY) / April 15, 2025 0.7" H x 10.1" L x 8.3" W (0.95 lbs) 40 pages For ages 4 to 8

Amoya Blackwood is Brave /// Chantaie Allick, illustrations by Aaron Marin

-- This book is currently available in hardcover. The paperback version of this title is available for pre-order and will ship on or after February 17, 2026 -- Ex-best friends must work together in this romantic story of rekindling and rebuilding, from award-winning authors Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé (Ace of Spades) & Adiba Jaigirdar (Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating)!South Asia Book Award Honor Book!When Said Hossain's favorite hometown librarian dies, he must return from boarding school for her funeral and for the summer. Too bad being home makes it a lot harder to avoid facing his ex–best friend, Tiwa Olatunji, or facing the daunting task of telling his Bangladeshi parents that he would rather be an artist than a doctor.Tiwa doesn’t understand what made Said start ignoring her, but it’s probably that fancy boarding school of his. Though he’s unexpectedly home for the summer, she’s determined to take a page from him and pretend he doesn’t exist. Besides, she has more than enough going on, between grieving her favorite librarian and her broken family while helping her mother throw the upcoming Eid celebration at the Islamic Center—a place that means so much to Tiwa.But when the center accidentally catches fire, the mayor plans to demolish it entirely. Tiwa and Said will need to put their feelings aside if they're going to get the mayor to change his mind. Will all their efforts be enough to save the Islamic Center, save Eid, and maybe even save their relationship? BIO Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is the instant New York Times, International bestselling, & award-winning author of Ace of Spades, Where Sleeping Girls Lie, and Four Eids and a Funeral. She has also written stories for Marvel’s Spider-Verse and BBC’s Doctor Who. Faridah is an avid tea drinker, a collector of strange mugs, and a graduate from a university in Scotland where she received a BA in English Literature. She also has an MA in Shakespeare Studies from Kings College London. When she isn’t spinning dark tales, Faridah can be found examining the deeper meanings in Disney channel original movies. Adiba Jaigirdar is the critically-acclaimed and bestselling author of The Henna Wars, Hani & Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating, Rani Choudhury Must Die, and co-author of Four Eids and a Funeral. A Bangladeshi/Irish writer and teacher, she has an MA in Postcolonial Studies from the University of Kent, England and a BA in English and History from UCD, Ireland. All of her writing is aided by tea, and a healthy dose of Janelle Monáe and Hayley Kiyoko. When not writing, she is probably ranting about the ills of colonialism, playing video games, or expanding her overflowing lipstick collection. She can be found on Twitter and Instagram. REVIEWS "The engaging writing tackles grief, anti-Black racism within the Muslim community, and the teens’ navigating and reconciling parental expectations with personal dreams. A love story that successfully blends the lighthearted with the serious to demonstrate the power of community." -- Kirkus"Writing duo Àbíké-Íyímídé and Jaigirdar pen a charming tale of two teens whose love for their community restores their strained relationship. The funny intro and excellent overarching themes create the enjoyable dual perspective of miscommunications and growth as Said and Tiwa face challenges within their families and friends. A sweet romance about finding your way back to those who matter most." -- School Library Journal"Àbíké-Íyímídé (Where Sleeping Girls Lie) and Jaigirdar (A Million to One) craft a lighthearted rom-com that’s bookended by potent depictions of cultural customs, personal revelations, past hurts, laugh-out-loud moments, and a satisfying romantic conclusion." -- Publishers Weekly"Even while touching on some thorny topics—racism within the Muslim community, microaggressions—the novel creates a dynamic sense of second-generation immigrant Muslim teenage life. . .the captivating characters and their unique voices make for an entertaining and lively read." -- Horn Book"A warm hug of a book. FOUR EIDS AND A FUNERAL feels like coming home for the summer. Readers are certain to root for Tiwa, Said, and of course, Laddoo the cat." -- Farah Naz Rishi, author of It All Comes Back to You [H] Feiwel & Friends / June 24, 2024 1.13" H x 8.41" L x 5.76" W (0.87 lbs) 336 pages [P] Square Fish / February 17, 2026 1.0" H x 8.25" L x 5.38" W (1.0 lbs) 336 pages For ages 14 to 18

Four Eids and a Funeral /// Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé and Adiba Jaigirdar

The Sun Is Also a Star meets You’ve Got Mail in this YA Christmas love story set in a London Black-owned bookshop.Charming, handsome Trey Anderson balances the pressures of school popularity with a job at his family’s beloved local bookshop, Wonderland.Quirky, creative Ariel Spencer needs tuition for the prestigious art program of her dreams, and an opening at Wonderland is the answer. When Trey and Ariel learn that Wonderland is on the brink of being shut down by a neighborhood gentrifier, they team up to stop the doors from closing before the Christmas Eve deadline—and embark on a hate-to-love journey that will change them forever.Heartwarming and romantic, this read is the gift that keeps on giving, no matter the season. BIO Abiola Bello is a Nigerian-British, prize-winning, bestselling children’s and YA author who was born and raised in London. She is an advocate for diversity in books for young people. She’s the author of the award-winning fantasy series Emily Knight and was nominated for the CILIP’s Carnegie Award, won London’s BIG Read 2019, and was a finalist for the People’s Book Prize Best Children’s Book. Abiola contributed to The Very Merry Murder Club, a collection of mysteries from thirteen exciting and diverse children’s writers which published in October 2021 and was selected as Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month. Her debut YA, Love in Winter Wonderland, published in November 2022 and was an Amazon’s Editor’s Choice and was featured in The Guardian’s Children’s and Teens Best New Novels. Only for the Holidays published in October 2023 and was The Bookseller One To Watch, one of Waterstones Best Paperbacks of 2023 and was featured in The Guardian’s Children’s and Teens Best New Novels.Abiola won The Black British Business Awards 2023 for Arts and Media and The London Book Fair Trailblazer Awards 2018. She is the co-founder of Hashtag Press, Hashtag BLAK, The Diverse Book Awards and ink! She has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Female First Magazine, The Mirror, BBC1XTRA to name a few. As well as being a writer, Abiola is a professional dancer. She performed for more than a decade in prestigious venues including The Royal Opera House, The Barbican, Sadler's Wells, Hammersmith Apollo and Unicorn Theatre. Abiola has also appeared on BBC's The Apprentice, Got To Dance and Street Dance AllStars The Movie. REVIEWS A Target YA Book Club PickA Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorites SelectionWomen.com’s Best Christmas Rom-Com Books Of The 2020s (So Far)Best Books to Gift from Book Riot’s Hey YA PodcastABA’s Best Books for Young ReadersA PNBA Bestseller“Brimming with heart-swelling chemistry and witty bookworm banter . . . A charming young adult book that will give you all the warm fuzzies.” -- Reader’s Digest“Love in Winter Wonderland addresses plenty of critical topics such as the importance of indie bookstores, the effects of gentrification, body diversity, grief over losing a parent, and more.” -- TEACH Magazine“A sweetly seasonal YA romance, interwoven with thoughtful commentary on the Black Lives Matter movement and the importance of community.” -- The Guardian“Set in London, this cozy holiday romance delivers major ‘you got me into the festive spirit against my will’ energy.” -- ESSENCE GU“A scrumptious Christmas rom-com. The book is perfect for anyone who loves romance and literature . . . Full of chemistry and Christmas cheer. What’s not to love?” -- Women.com [P] Soho Teen / October 01, 2024 1.0" H x 8.2" L x 5.5" W (0.65 lbs) 336 pages For ages 14 and up

Love in Winter Wonderland /// Abiola Bello

The Love Hypothesis meets The Holiday in this fake dating YA romance about a city girl and country boy’s lives colliding at ChristmasCity girl Tia Solanké is dreading the festive season. She and her boyfriend are on a break and the last thing she wants is to spend Christmas away from London. Dragged to Saiyan Hedge Farm by her mother, Tia takes an instant dislike to the countryside estate. She falls in horse manure, is chased by sheep and the Wi-Fi sucks. How can she stalk her ex and concoct a foolproof plan to win him back from here?Country boy Quincy Parker and his family run the farm, and this year they’ve been selected to host the biggest event in town—the Winter Ball. Preparations are underway, and Quincy is working around the clock to make it a success while recovering from his own devastating breakup. The only problem is, he’s told everyone he has a date to the ball, which couldn’t be further from the truth.At first, Tia and Quincy don’t see eye to eye—until they realize they both have something to gain by pretending to be a couple. But when a snowstorm threatens to cancel the Winter Ball, their fake relationship is put to the test. Will Tia and Quincy be able to keep up appearances and save the day, or will real feelings get in the way? BIO Abiola Bello is a Nigerian-British, prize-winning, bestselling children’s and YA author who was born and raised in London. She is an advocate for diversity in books for young people. She’s the author of the award-winning fantasy series Emily Knight and was nominated for the CILIP’s Carnegie Award, won London’s BIG Read 2019, and was a finalist for the People’s Book Prize Best Children’s Book. Abiola contributed to The Very Merry Murder Club, a collection of mysteries from thirteen exciting and diverse children’s writers which published in October 2021 and was selected as Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month. Her debut YA, Love in Winter Wonderland, published in November 2022 and was an Amazon’s Editor’s Choice and was featured in The Guardian’s Children’s and Teens Best New Novels. Only for the Holidays published in October 2023 and was The Bookseller One To Watch, one of Waterstones Best Paperbacks of 2023 and was featured in The Guardian’s Children’s and Teens Best New Novels.Abiola won The Black British Business Awards 2023 for Arts and Media and The London Book Fair Trailblazer Awards 2018. She is the co-founder of Hashtag Press, Hashtag BLAK, The Diverse Book Awards and ink! She has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Female First Magazine, The Mirror, BBC1XTRA to name a few. As well as being a writer, Abiola is a professional dancer. She performed for more than a decade in prestigious venues including The Royal Opera House, The Barbican, Sadler's Wells, Hammersmith Apollo and Unicorn Theatre. Abiola has also appeared on BBC's The Apprentice, Got To Dance and Street Dance AllStars The Movie. REVIEWS Selected for the Children’s Book Council Teacher Favorites and Librarian Favorites Awards“A delectably festive YA romcom.” -- The Guardian“Compulsively readable, frothy and fun-filled, this is a highly recommended festive pick-me-up.” -- Irish Examiner“City girl versus country boy makes for some hilarious country fiascoes, which of course, lead to cute romantic moments and grand gestures . . . Grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy.” -- Los Angeles Book Review“This sweet romance intertwines the festive spirit with themes of self-discovery and young love.” -- Audible“A captivating Christmas romcom.” -- Waterstones [H] Soho Teen / October 08, 2024 1.2" H x 8.3" L x 5.8" W (1.1 lbs) 336 pages [P] Soho Teen / October 07, 2025 0.8" H x 8.1" L x 5.3" W (0.65 lbs) 336 pages For ages 14 and up

Only for the Holidays /// Abiola Bello

Finalist for the 2025 National Book Award for Young People's Literature From the critically acclaimed author of All the Fighting Parts comes an empowering and defiant novel in verse in which a teen poet grapples with an unplanned pregnancy and determines what happens to her body in a world that wants to take the choice away from her. Seventeen-year-old Truth Bangura wants nothing more than to know a life beyond her hometown. Writing and performing is her only solace in a life overwhelmed by a drifting relationship with her best friend, an emotionally turbulent home environment, and the reality that her below average grades make her true dream—escaping her mother's grasp after graduation—uncertain. When Truth learns she's pregnant by her ex-boyfriend, she makes one decision she's finally sure about: an abortion. Determined to move forward, Truth turns to the pages in her notebook with the support of her slam poetry team—including the poet with a voice smooth as summer jazz, who's been catching her eye during practice. At an open mic night, Truth finally gains the courage to perform a piece that dives into her rocky relationship with her mother–and reveals the choice she never told her. But when a video of Truth's performance is posted online and starts going viral, her decision quickly becomes everyone's business–including her mother's. Told through searing free-verse, journal entries, and interspersed fill-in-the-blank poetry prompts, Hannah V. Sawyerr's Truth Is reminds us there is always a choice. There is always hope. And there is always a way forward. BIO Hannah V. Sawyerr was recognized as the Youth Poet Laureate of Baltimore in 2016. Her spoken word has been featured on the BBC’s World Have Your Say program as well as the National Education Association’s “Do You Hear Us?” campaign. Her written word has been included in gal-dem, Rookie, and xoNecole. She holds a BA in English from Morgan State University and an MFA in creative writing from the New School. Sawyerr is an English professor at Loyola Marymount University and lives in Los Angeles. REVIEWS "Sawyerr (All The Fighting Parts) combines fast-paced, unwavering verse poems with text messages, social media transcripts, and more in this stunning portrait of a teen in transition that earns all the snaps." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Sawyerr’s sophomore novel uses the verse format stunningly to highlight the complexities woven into each of Truth’s authentic and compelling relationships. The book deftly addresses restrictive policies related to abortion access while prioritizing Truth’s talent, goals, and growth in a humanizing and inspirational way...An unforgettable, dynamic, and emotionally resonant novel in verse." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "[P]ortrayed authentically with flaws and hope. Empowering and fierce..." -- Booklist (starred review) “Former Baltimore youth poet laureate Sawyerr offers a realistic glimpse into issues surrounding abortion access, choice, and determination in a lyrical way. A timely read for teens navigating identity, autonomy, and self-expression.” -- Horn Book Magazine (starred review) “Sawyerr presents a stark look at how the oversimplification of an issue like abortion ignores the reality of people who do not have the choices so many imagine there to be.” -- School Library Journal [H] Harry N. Abrams / Septemnber 23, 2025 1.57" H x 8.43" L x 5.83" W (1.2 lbs) 480 pages For ages 14 to 18

Finalist for the 2025 National Book Award for Young People's Literature
From the critically acclaimed author of All the Fighting Parts comes an empowering and defiant novel in verse in which a teen poet grapples with an unplanned pregnancy and determines what happens to her body in a world that wants to take the choice away from her.
Seventeen-year-old Truth Bangura wants nothing more than to know a life beyond her hometown. Writing and performing is her only solace in a life overwhelmed by a drifting relationship with her best friend, an emotionally turbulent home environment, and the reality that her below average grades make her true dream—escaping her mother's grasp after graduation—uncertain.
When Truth learns she's pregnant by her ex-boyfriend, she makes one decision she's finally sure about: an abortion.
Determined to move forward, Truth turns to the pages in her notebook with the support of her slam poetry team—including the poet with a voice smooth as summer jazz, who's been catching her eye during practice.
At an open mic night, Truth finally gains the courage to perform a piece that dives into her rocky relationship with her mother–and reveals the choice she never told her. But when a video of Truth's performance is posted online and starts going viral, her decision quickly becomes everyone's business–including her mother's.
Told through searing free-verse, journal entries, and interspersed fill-in-the-blank poetry prompts, Hannah V. Sawyerr's Truth Is reminds us there is always a choice. There is always hope. And there is always a way forward.
BIO
Hannah V. Sawyerr was recognized as the Youth Poet Laureate of Baltimore in 2016. Her spoken word has been featured on the BBC’s World Have Your Say program as well as the National Education Association’s “Do You Hear Us?” campaign. Her written word has been included in gal-dem, Rookie, and xoNecole. She holds a BA in English from Morgan State University and an MFA in creative writing from the New School. Sawyerr is an English professor at Loyola Marymount University and lives in Los Angeles.
REVIEWS
"Sawyerr (All The Fighting Parts) combines fast-paced, unwavering verse poems with text messages, social media transcripts, and more in this stunning portrait of a teen in transition that earns all the snaps." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Sawyerr’s sophomore novel uses the verse format stunningly to highlight the complexities woven into each of Truth’s authentic and compelling relationships. The book deftly addresses restrictive policies related to abortion access while prioritizing Truth’s talent, goals, and growth in a humanizing and inspirational way...An unforgettable, dynamic, and emotionally resonant novel in verse." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"[P]ortrayed authentically with flaws and hope. Empowering and fierce..." -- Booklist (starred review)
“Former Baltimore youth poet laureate Sawyerr offers a realistic glimpse into issues surrounding abortion access, choice, and determination in a lyrical way. A timely read for teens navigating identity, autonomy, and self-expression.” -- Horn Book Magazine (starred review)
“Sawyerr presents a stark look at how the oversimplification of an issue like abortion ignores the reality of people who do not have the choices so many imagine there to be.” -- School Library Journal
[H]  Harry N. Abrams  /  Septemnber 23, 2025
<meta charset="utf-8">1.57" H x 8.43" L x 5.83" W (1.2 lbs) 480 pages
For ages 14 to 18

Truth Is: A Novel in Verse /// Hannah V. Sawyerr

An instant New York Times bestseller!"A thought-provoking exploration of storytelling dynamics in a social media–driven society." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)The powerful and timely YA novel debut from three-time New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph is a deeply heartfelt story—and a rallying cry against book banning.In an instant, Ossie Brown’s entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now that basketball is no longer a major part of his identity, Ossie—a Black teen who doesn’t come from wealth and privilege—must navigate his new place in the social and academic ecosystems of his affluent, predominantly white school. When a Black teacher encourages him to join her highly regarded writing program, Ossie begins to find a new purpose, buoyed by not only the rich works of literature by marginalized authors he’s now reading, but also by new friends who see him as something more than an asset to the sports program. Everything changes when some students’ viral “anti-woke” video puts the teacher’s job, the writing program, and even Ossie’s friends’ safety at risk—and Ossie must find his true voice. This unflinching novel confronts critical issues like racism and classism, the treatment of student athletes, homophobia, and book banning while weaving together a moving testament to family, romance, friendship, and the power of words. BIO Frederick Joseph is a three-time New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. His books span both the adult and children’s book spaces, including The Black Friend; Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Courage to Dream; Patriarchy Blues; and, most recently, This Thing of Ours. His work has been well celebrated and recognized in many ways: being named an Amazon Editors’ pick, notable by the International Literacy Association, being selected as Best Children’s Book of the Year by Bank Street College, being a Booklist Editors’ Choice, and many, many more. He lives with his wife, Porsche, and his dog, Stokely, in New York City.You can visit him online at FrederickJoseph.com or follow him on Instagram @FredTJoseph. REVIEWS "A thought-provoking exploration of storytelling dynamics in a social media–driven society." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"Both heartening and heartbreaking, this richly layered, sensitive YA fiction debut from Joseph unflinchingly confronts systemic racism, classism, and homophobia via a powerful story of self-discovery and social justice that aims, shoots, and scores." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)"Frederick Joseph constructs a true roller coaster of a narrative in This Thing of Ours, painting Ossie’s complex struggles in language that is both poetic and engaging for a young adult audience. Impressively, the plot’s momentum stays strong even when dipping into the stories of the other characters. . . .Readers will be moved by the thoughtful, unexpected ways in which Joseph develops Ossie and his journey to be heard." -- BookPage (starred review)"Readers will be inspired by how he learns to stand up against the disguised race-class fissures that have long existed in his school." -- Booklist"Joseph makes his fiction debut with the powerfully empathic, deeply emboldening young adult novel This Thing of Ours." -- Shelf Awareness [H] Candlewick Press (MA) / May 06, 2025 1.4" H x 8.3" L x 5.7" W (1.0 lbs) 384 pages For ages 14 and up

This Thing of Ours /// Frederick Joseph

-- This is a preorder title and will ship on or after January 27, 2026 -- A girl learns how the history of redlining has affected her neighborhood in this intergenerational picture book about racism, community action, and resilience by two New York Times bestselling authors.Olivia can’t wait to invite her friends to the 62nd annual Main Street Block Party. But when she does, Alison says that Main Street isn’t safe. Olivia’s eyes fill with tears, and she begins to wish that she didn’t live on Main Street at all.Then, Olivia learns what happened when her neighbor Ms. Effie was about her age: Ms. Effie’s family was also told that Main Street wasn’t good enough. The bank wouldn’t give them a loan to buy their house based on where it fell on a color-coded map: Mostly Black people lived near Main Street, so the neighborhood was colored red on the map. To fight back against this practice called redlining, Ms. Effie’s family became friends with their neighbors and got organized.With vibrant illustrations by David Wilkerson and engaging text by Britt Hawthorne and Tiffany Jewell, Main Street celebrates what might happen when neighbors come together for a common goal and everybody pitches in.Features backmatter with an author’s note about the full history of redlining and ideas for further engagement with your community! BIO Britt Hawthorne (she/they) is an antiracist educator, teacher, speaker, visionary, and advocate. Britt is the author of the highly-anticipated New York Times Bestseller, Raising Antiracist Children: A Practical Parenting Guide (Simon Element, 2022). The book is an interactive guide for strategically incorporating the tools of inclusivity into everyday life and parenting. Tiffany Jewell is a Black biracial writer, twin sister, first generation American, cisgender mama, anti-bias antiracist (ABAR) educator. She is the author of the #1 New York Times and #1 Indie Best Seller, This Book Is Anti-Racist, a book for young folks [and everyone] to support waking up, taking action, and doing the work of becoming antiracist. [H] Kokila / January 27, 2026 For ages 7 to 10

-- This is a preorder title and will ship on or after January 27, 2026 --
<meta charset="utf-8">A girl learns how the history of redlining has affected her neighborhood in this intergenerational picture book about racism, community action, and resilience by two New York Times bestselling authors. Olivia can’t wait to invite her friends to the 62nd annual Main Street Block Party. But when she does, Alison says that Main Street isn’t safe. Olivia’s eyes fill with tears, and she begins to wish that she didn’t live on Main Street at all. Then, Olivia learns what happened when her neighbor Ms. Effie was about her age: Ms. Effie’s family was also told that Main Street wasn’t good enough. The bank wouldn’t give them a loan to buy their house based on where it fell on a color-coded map: Mostly Black people lived near Main Street, so the neighborhood was colored red on the map. To fight back against this practice called redlining, Ms. Effie’s family became friends with their neighbors and got organized. With vibrant illustrations by David Wilkerson and engaging text by Britt Hawthorne and Tiffany Jewell, Main Street celebrates what might happen when neighbors come together for a common goal and everybody pitches in. Features backmatter with an author’s note about the full history of redlining and ideas for further engagement with your community!
BIO
Britt Hawthorne (she/they) is an antiracist educator, teacher, speaker, visionary, and advocate. Britt is the author of the highly-anticipated New York Times Bestseller, Raising Antiracist Children: A Practical Parenting Guide (Simon Element, 2022). The book is an interactive guide for strategically incorporating the tools of inclusivity into everyday life and parenting.
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Tiffany Jewell is a Black biracial writer, twin sister, first generation American, cisgender mama, anti-bias antiracist (ABAR) educator. She is the author of the #1 New York Times and #1 Indie Best Seller, <a href="https://bookshop.org/books/this-book-is-anti-racist-20-lessons-on-how-to-wake-up-take-action-and-do-the-work/9780711245211?aid=9571" rel="noreferrer noopener" class="wixui-rich-text__text" target="_blank">This Book Is Anti-Racist</a>, a book for young folks [and everyone] to support waking up, taking action, and doing the work of becoming antiracist. 
[H]  Kokila  /  January 27, 2026
For ages 7 to 10
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Main Street: A Community Story About Redlining /// Britt Hawthorne and Tiffany Jewell, illustrations by David Wilkerson /// pre

From the Desk of Zoe Washington meets Ways to Make Sunshine in this “noteworthy” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) middle grade novel about a determined young girl who must rely on her ingenuity and scientific know-how to save her beloved cat.Twelve-year-old Mira’s summer is looking pretty bleak. Her best friend Thomas just moved a billion and one miles away from Florida to Washington, DC. Her dad is job searching and he’s been super down lately. Her phone screen cracked after a home science experiment gone wrong. And of all people who could have moved into Thomas’s old house down the street, Mira gets stuck with Tamika Smith, her know-it-all nemesis who’s kept Mira in second place at the school science fair four years running.Mira’s beloved cat, Sir Fig Newton, has been the most stable thing in her life lately, but now he seems off, too. With her phone gone and no internet over the weekend at her strict Gran’s house, Mira must research Fig’s symptoms the old-fashioned way: at the library. She determines that he has “the silent cat killer” diabetes. A visit to the vet confirms her diagnosis, but that one appointment stretched family funds to the limit—they’ll never be able to afford cat insulin shots.When Mira’s parents tell her they may have to give Fig up to people who can afford his treatment, Mira insists she can earn the $2,000 needed within a month. Armed with ingenuity, determination, and one surprising ally, can Mira save her best (four-legged) friend before it’s too late? BIO Sonja Thomas (she/her) always wanted to be a writer, but she was afraid. So, she became an accountant instead. One day she cried, “Enough!” Now she writes stories for readers of all ages, often featuring Black girls doing extraordinary things. Raised in Central Florida—home of the wonderful world of Disney, humidity, and hurricanes—and a Washington, DC transplant for eleven years (go Nats!), she’s now “keeping it weird” in the Pacific Northwest. [P] Aladdin Paperbacks / March 14, 2023 1.0" H x 7.5" L x 5.1" W (0.55 lbs) 368 pages For ages 8 to 12

Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence /// Sonja Thomas

The inspirational story of George Washington Carver and his childhood secret garden is brought to life in this picture book biography by the author-illustrator team behind Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born. When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own. Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George’s love of nature sprouted into something so much more—his future. Gene Barretta’s moving words and Frank Morrison’s beautiful paintings tell the inspiring life and history of George Washington Carver, from a baby born into slavery to celebrated botanist, scientist, and inventor. His passion and determination are the seeds to this lasting story about triumph over hardship—a tale that begins in a secret garden. * A Texas Bluebonnet Award Book of the Year * BIO Gene Barretta is an award-winning author and illustrator of children's books. He is the recipient of the Carolyn W. Field Award and the Bank Street Cook Prize Honor. His books include Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare, Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin, Dear Deer: A Book of Homophones, and Muhammad Ali. Gene has contributed illustrations and animation to Sesame Street and Between the Lions. He has also designed characters for the Jim Henson Company. He lives in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. You can visit him online at www.genebarretta.com. Growing up in New Jersey, Frank Morrison began developing his own style through "R.I.P" art scenes that brought him considerable street recognition and local acclaim. But it wasn’t until he visited the Louvre Museum in Paris with his dancing group that he realized painting was his true creative path. His talent and hard work paid off with over twenty illustrated children’s books, including the Coretta Scott King—John Steptoe Award winner Jazzy Miz Mozetta and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor book Little Melba and Her Big Trombone. Frank lives in Georgia with his family. REVIEWS "The substantial text holds readers on each spread long enough to appreciate not only the subject matter of the painted illustrations, but Morrison's artistic techniques—strong strokes and careful dots, artful combinations of textures and shapes... Memorable art earns this biography a respectable place on the shelf. " -- Kirkus Reviews "An expressive picture book... Barretta creates a strong impression of Carver’s delight in nature, drive to learn, and sense of purpose. The oil paintings by Morrison, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor recipient, reinforce those impressions with glorious scenes of the woodland garden and sensitive, dignified portrayals of Carver." -- Booklist (starred review) "Barretta opens this sensitive biography on a moment of triumph as Carver overcomes the scorn of a roomful of white congressmen in 1921... Through myriad lush garden scenes and impressive portraiture by Morrison, Carver emerges as a generous figure, a “living folk hero,” able to do whatever he set out to and “always ready to serve humanity.”" -- Publishers Weekly [H] HarperCollins / January 14, 2020 0.4" H x 11.3" L x 8.9" W (0.9 lbs) 40 pages [P] HarperCollins / February 07, 2023 0.1" H x 11.2" L x 9.1" W (0.8 lbs) 40 pages For ages 4 to 8

The inspirational story of George Washington Carver and his childhood secret garden is brought to life in this picture book biography by the author-illustrator team behind Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born. 
When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own.
Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George’s love of nature sprouted into something so much more—his future.
Gene Barretta’s moving words and Frank Morrison’s beautiful paintings tell the inspiring life and history of George Washington Carver, from a baby born into slavery to celebrated botanist, scientist, and inventor. His passion and determination are the seeds to this lasting story about triumph over hardship—a tale that begins in a secret garden.
* A Texas Bluebonnet Award Book of the Year *
BIO
Gene Barretta is an award-winning author and illustrator of children's books. He is the recipient of the Carolyn W. Field Award and the Bank Street Cook Prize Honor. His books include Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare, Now &amp; Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin, Dear Deer: A Book of Homophones, and Muhammad Ali. Gene has contributed illustrations and animation to Sesame Street and Between the Lions. He has also designed characters for the Jim Henson Company. He lives in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. You can visit him online at www.genebarretta.com.
Growing up in New Jersey, Frank Morrison began developing his own style through "R.I.P" art scenes that brought him considerable street recognition and local acclaim. But it wasn’t until he visited the Louvre Museum in Paris with his dancing group that he realized painting was his true creative path. His talent and hard work paid off with over twenty illustrated children’s books, including the Coretta Scott King—John Steptoe Award winner Jazzy Miz Mozetta and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor book Little Melba and Her Big Trombone. Frank lives in Georgia with his family.
<meta charset="utf-8">REVIEWS
<meta charset="utf-8">"The substantial text holds readers on each spread long enough to appreciate not only the subject matter of the painted illustrations, but Morrison's artistic techniques—strong strokes and careful dots, artful combinations of textures and shapes... Memorable art earns this biography a respectable place on the shelf. " -- Kirkus Reviews
"An expressive picture book... Barretta creates a strong impression of Carver’s delight in nature, drive to learn, and sense of purpose. The oil paintings by Morrison, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor recipient, reinforce those impressions with glorious scenes of the woodland garden and sensitive, dignified portrayals of Carver." -- Booklist (starred review)
"Barretta opens this sensitive biography on a moment of triumph as Carver overcomes the scorn of a roomful of white congressmen in 1921... Through myriad lush garden scenes and impressive portraiture by Morrison, Carver emerges as a generous figure, a “living folk hero,” able to do whatever he set out to and “always ready to serve humanity.”" -- Publishers Weekly<meta charset="utf-8">
[H]  HarperCollins  /  January 14, 2020
<meta charset="utf-8">0.4" H x 11.3" L x 8.9" W (0.9 lbs) 40 pages
[P]  HarperCollins  /  <meta charset="utf-8"> February 07, 2023
<meta charset="utf-8"><meta charset="utf-8">0.1" H x 11.2" L x 9.1" W (0.8 lbs) 40 pages 
For ages 4 to 8

The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver /// Gene Baretta, illustrations by Frank Morrison

A William C. Morris Award Finalist"Brown has written a guidebook of survival and wonder."—The New York Times"Just brilliant."—Kirkus ReviewsHeavily autobiographical and infused with magical realism, Black Girl Unlimited fearlessly explores the intersections of poverty, sexual violence, depression, racism, and sexism—all through the arc of a transcendent coming-of-age story for fans of Renee Watson's Piecing Me Together and Ibi Zoboi's American Street.Echo Brown is a wizard from the East Side, where apartments are small and parents suffer addictions to the white rocks. Yet there is magic . . . everywhere. New portals begin to open when Echo transfers to the rich school on the West Side, and an insightful teacher becomes a pivotal mentor.Each day, Echo travels between two worlds, leaving her brothers, her friends, and a piece of herself behind on the East Side. There are dangers to leaving behind the place that made you. Echo soon realizes there is pain flowing through everyone around her, and a black veil of depression threatens to undo everything she’s worked for. BIO Echo Brown is an author, performer, and playwright from Cleveland, Ohio. A Dartmouth alumna and the first female college graduate in her family, she is the author of Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard, which the New York Times praised as “a guidebook of survival and wonder.” Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, called Echo’s one-woman show, Black Virgins Are Not For Hipsters, “stunning and powerful.” REVIEWS A Cosmopolitan 125 Best YA Books Everyone Should Read, Regardless of Age! SelectionA NYPL Best Book of 2020A NYPL Staff PickA Book Riot Best Book of the YearTeen Vogue Recommended ReadPublishers Weekly Anti-Racist Reading List SelectionWinner of The Word's Rishi AwardA CCBC Book of the WeekA 2021 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List SelectionA YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults List SelectionA Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year 2021 Selection"[An] empowering autobiographical novel fused with magical realism and allegory . . . with the nods to Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Malcolm X, and Alice Walker. This revelatory YA book deserves space on bookstore and library shelves for its healing power for all readers to break the chains of intergenerational pain and trauma." -- School Library Journal, starred review"Brown has written a guidebook of survival and wonder....Brown's greatest gift is evoking intimacy, and as she delicately but firmly snatches the reader's attention, we are allowed to see this girl of multitudes and her neighborhood of contradictions in full and specific detail." -- The New York Times"A graphic look at the magical black girls who are often forgotten or fetishized. Through Echo's lessons, readers learn what it's like to persist despite hopelessness, survive in a world propelled by oppressive and exploitative systems, and cope with feelings of connection and disconnect. A much-needed story. Just brilliant." -- Kirkus Reviews"A meditation on resilience, Black Girl Unlimited is an astonishing blend of riveting storytelling and moving literary artistry. I fell completely under the spell of this book and its community of brilliantly drawn characters. I need more Echo Brown books." -- S.K. Ali, New York Times-bestselling author"Steeped in allegory, magical realism, and stunning imagery, this story of what we take with us and what we leave behind marks the arrival of a bold new literary imagination." -- Esquire [H] Henry Holt & Company / January 14, 2020 1.1" H x 8.5" L x 5.6" W (0.8 lbs) 304 pages [P] Square Fish / January 11, 2022 0.9" H x 8.2" L x 5.3" W (0.55 lbs) 304 pages For ages 14 to 18

Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard /// Echo Brown

From acclaimed Nigerian storyteller Atinuke, the first in a series of chapter books set in contemporary West Africa introduces a little girl who has enchanted young readers.Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, amazing Africa, with her mother and father, her twin baby brothers (Double and Trouble), and lots of extended family in a big white house with a beautiful garden in a compound in a city. Anna is never lonely—there are always cousins to play and fight with, aunties and uncles laughing and shouting, and parents and grandparents close by. Readers will happily follow as she goes on a seaside vacation, helps plan a party for Auntie Comfort from Canada (will she remember her Nigerian ways?), learns firsthand what it’s really like to be a child selling oranges outside the gate, and longs to see sweet snow. Nigerian storyteller Atinuke’s debut book for children and its sequels, with their charming (and abundant) gray-scale drawings by Lauren Tobia, are newly published in the US by Candlewick Press, joining other celebrated Atinuke stories in captivating young readers. BIO Atinuke is a Nigerian-born author of children's books and an oral storyteller of traditional African folktales. [H] Candlewick Press (MA) / April 12, 2022 0.7" H x 8.0" L x 5.2" W (0.5 lbs) 112 pages [P] Candlewick Press (MA) / April 12, 2022 0.4" H x 7.8" L x 5.0" W (0.2 lbs) 112 pages For ages 6 to 9

Anna Hibiscus /// Atinuke, illustrations by Lauren Tobia

From the award-winning creators of Baby Goes to Market comes a delicious tale of mischievous toddlers, juicy mangoes, and cunning monkeys—starring the letter M.Oh look . . . M is for Monkeys!Oh NO! M is for Mine!M is for My Mango!M is for morning, and M is for little Mo and his beloved mu mu. M is for Mama pouring milk in a cup, and M is for the moi-moi in Mo’s bowl that is mushy! Outside, a man tinkers with a motorbike, playing music that sets Mo to dancing. But when Mo spies a perfectly ripe mango in a tree, only to see it snatched by a monkey, it’s mayhem! Time for Mama to shake her mop and shoo some monkeys away! Are there enough mangoes to share? Wait, where is Mo? In a follow-up to B Is for Baby and L Is for Love, Atinuke’s exuberant alphabet book, set in Nigeria, doubles as a cozy family story that opens into happy chaos, perfectly tuned to the youngest readers. BIO Atinuke is a Nigerian-born author of children's books and an oral storyteller of traditional African folktales. REVIEWS "The humorous conflict with the monkeys elevates the text beyond a simple alphabet primer and makes the story one that young children will want to hear again and again.Atinuke uses punctuation effectively to vary her short sentences and encourage lively read-alouds. . . . [Brooksbank’s] detailed work captures typical toddler mood swings. . . ." -- The Horn Book [H] Candlewick Press (MA) / June 24, 2025 0.5" H x 11.2" L x 10.0" W (1.1 lbs) 32 pages For ages 3 to 7

M Is for Mango /// Atinuke, illustrations by Angela Brooksbank

In this highly anticipated contemporary fantasy, twelve-year-old Maya’s search for her missing father puts her at the center of a battle between our world, the Orishas, and the mysterious and sinister Dark world. Perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the End of Time and The Serpent’s Secret. Twelve-year-old Maya is the only one in her South Side Chicago neighborhood who witnesses weird occurrences like werehyenas stalking the streets at night and a scary man made of shadows plaguing her dreams. Her friends try to find an explanation—perhaps a ghost uprising or a lunchroom experiment gone awry. But to Maya, it sounds like something from one of Papa’s stories or her favorite comics. When Papa goes missing, Maya is thrust into a world both strange and familiar as she uncovers the truth. Her father is the guardian of the veil between our world and the Dark—where an army led by the Lord of Shadows, the man from Maya’s nightmares, awaits. Maya herself is a godling, half orisha and half human, and her neighborhood is a safe haven. But now that the veil is failing, the Lord of Shadows is determined to destroy the human world and it’s up to Maya to stop him. She just hopes she can do it in time to attend Comic-Con before summer’s over. BIO Rena Barron grew up in small-town Alabama, where stories of magic and adventure sparked her imagination. After penning her first awful poem in middle school, she graduated to writing short stories and novels by high school. Rena has an affinity for good cheese, wine, and nature. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading or brushing up on her French. Find her online at www.renabarron.com. REVIEWS "Astonishing series of subsequent revelations leaves readers agog, eager to know how Maya and her pals will use their powers to heal the veil and save their mostly black and brown neighborhood. A truly #BlackGirlMagic, cloudy-day, curl-up kind of book." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "The vivid world-building, quick pace, high stakes, and steady stream of legendary African creatures keep readers engaged and invested in the tweens’ predicament. Mixing in hard choices, believable emotions, tough lessons, and mistakes made with the best of intentions, Barron has created a must-read tale." -- School Library Journal (starred review) "This opening installment of what will be a much-anticipated series is fast-paced and adventurous, offering a fresh blend of culture, community, and folklore rooted broadly in the African diaspora." -- ALA Booklist "A fresh new fantasy adventure with epic stakes and a fierce heroine at its heart. This book will keep you turning pages well into the night!" -- Marcy-Kate Connolly New York Times bestselling author of the Monstrous and Shadow Weaver series [P] Clarion Books / August 17, 2021 0.94" H x 7.56" L x 5.12" W (0.53 lbs) 320 pages For ages 8 to 12

In this highly anticipated contemporary fantasy, twelve-year-old Maya’s search for her missing father puts her at the center of a battle between our world, the Orishas, and the mysterious and sinister Dark world. Perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the End of Time and The Serpent’s Secret.
Twelve-year-old Maya is the only one in her South Side Chicago neighborhood who witnesses weird occurrences like werehyenas stalking the streets at night and a scary man made of shadows plaguing her dreams. Her friends try to find an explanation—perhaps a ghost uprising or a lunchroom experiment gone awry. But to Maya, it sounds like something from one of Papa’s stories or her favorite comics.
When Papa goes missing, Maya is thrust into a world both strange and familiar as she uncovers the truth. Her father is the guardian of the veil between our world and the Dark—where an army led by the Lord of Shadows, the man from Maya’s nightmares, awaits. Maya herself is a godling, half orisha and half human, and her neighborhood is a safe haven. But now that the veil is failing, the Lord of Shadows is determined to destroy the human world and it’s up to Maya to stop him. She just hopes she can do it in time to attend Comic-Con before summer’s over.
BIO
<meta charset="utf-8">Rena Barron grew up in small-town Alabama, where stories of magic and adventure sparked her imagination. After penning her first awful poem in middle school, she graduated to writing short stories and novels by high school. Rena has an affinity for good cheese, wine, and nature. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading or brushing up on her French. Find her online at www.renabarron.com.
REVIEWS
<meta charset="utf-8">"Astonishing series of subsequent revelations leaves readers agog, eager to know how Maya and her pals will use their powers to heal the veil and save their mostly black and brown neighborhood. A truly #BlackGirlMagic, cloudy-day, curl-up kind of book." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) 
"The vivid world-building, quick pace, high stakes, and steady stream of legendary African creatures keep readers engaged and invested in the tweens’ predicament. Mixing in hard choices, believable emotions, tough lessons, and mistakes made with the best of intentions, Barron has created a must-read tale." -- School Library Journal (starred review)
"This opening installment of what will be a much-anticipated series is fast-paced and adventurous, offering a fresh blend of culture, community, and folklore rooted broadly in the African diaspora." -- ALA Booklist
"A fresh new fantasy adventure with epic stakes and a fierce heroine at its heart. This book will keep you turning pages well into the night!" -- Marcy-Kate Connolly New York Times bestselling author of the Monstrous and Shadow Weaver series
[P]  Clarion Books  /  August 17, 2021
<meta charset="utf-8">0.94" H x 7.56" L x 5.12" W (0.53 lbs) 320 pages
For ages 8 to 12

Maya and the Rising Dark (Maya and the Rising Dark #1) /// Rena Barron

Cracking the code isn’t all it’s cracked up to be in this scavenger-hunt adventure from a Coretta Scott King Honor–winning author.Chester Keene takes great comfort in his routines. After school Monday to Thursday is bowling, and Friday, the best of days, is laser tag! But most special of all is when Chester gets secret spy messages from his dad, who is always on covert government assignments, which is why Chester has never met him.Then, one day at lunch, Chester’s classmate Skye approaches him with a clue. They’ve been tasked with a complex puzzle-solving mission. Chester takes their assignments very seriously, but Skye treats it like a big game. Skye proves to be a useful partner and good company, even if her haphazard, free-wheeling ways are disruptive to Chester’s carefully curated schedule.As Chester and Skye get closer to their final clue, they discover the key to their spy assignment: they have to stop a heist! But cracking this code might lead to a discovery Chester never saw coming. BIO Kekla Magoon is the author of many novels and nonfiction books for young readers, including Chester Keene Cracks the Code, The Season of Styx Malone, The Rock and the River, How It Went Down, and the Robyn Hoodlum Adventure series. She has received the Margaret A. Edwards Award, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, Michael L. Printz Honor, the Coretta Scott King–John Steptoe Award for New Talent, four Coretta Scott King Honor Awards, the Walter Award Honor, an NAACP Image Award, and inclusion on the National Book Award Longlist. REVIEWS ”Magoon makes space for and celebrates the sensitive and solitary middle-grade readers who are happiest flying under the radar.” -- Shelf Awareness, starred review“Engrossing and heartwarming; explores belonging, love, and forgiveness in families and friendships.” -- Kirkus Reviews“A wacky adventure that toes the line between playful fantasy and ­deep-rooted emotional journey.” --School Library Journal“Taking great care with issues related to blended families and bullying, Magoon gives readers another emotional and satisfying read.” -- The Horn Book“Astutely conceived riddles and Chester’s lively first-person narration deliver an action-packed mystery.” -- Publishers Weekly [P] Yearling Books / July 11, 2023 0.9" H x 7.7" L x 5.2" W (0.45 lbs) 304 pages For ages 8 to 12

Chester Keene Cracks the Code /// Kekla Magoon

Today is a great day for a walk so a young boy named Daniel is heading to the park for a summer picnic. Along the way, he encounters his neighborhood friends. Not only does he find out that everyone has a different way of saying hello, they each have a special surprise to share. A charming story about diversity. Children's early introduction to various languages, cultures and acceptance. Young children will learn how to greet in a few languages and also learn the names of some favorite foods in these languages. The message is that people are all the same even if we have different ways of expressing ourselves. REVIEWS "The message of friendship across cultures resonates. Children surrounded by diversity will find this book relatable; others may use it as a window into unfamiliar cultures." -- Kirkus Reviews [H] Pears Lane Publishing / February 04, 2020 0.25" H x 8.5" L x 8.5" W (0.69 lbs) 34 pages [P] Pears Lane Publishing / February 04, 2020 0.09" H x 8.5" L x 8.5" W (0.22 lbs) 34 pages For ages 3 to 6

Today is a great day for a walk so a young boy named Daniel is heading to the park for a summer picnic. Along the way, he encounters his neighborhood friends. Not only does he find out that everyone has a different way of saying hello, they each have a special surprise to share. A charming story about diversity. Children's early introduction to various languages, cultures and acceptance. Young children will learn how to greet in a few languages and also learn the names of some favorite foods in these languages. The message is that people are all the same even if we have different ways of expressing ourselves.
REVIEWS
"The message of friendship across cultures resonates. Children surrounded by diversity will find this book relatable; others may use it as a window into unfamiliar cultures."  -- Kirkus Reviews
[H]  Pears Lane Publishing  /  February 04, 2020
<meta charset="utf-8">
0.25" H x 8.5" L x 8.5" W (0.69 lbs) 34 pages
[P]  Pears Lane Publishing  /  February 04, 2020
<meta charset="utf-8">0.09" H x 8.5" L x 8.5" W (0.22 lbs) 34 pages
For ages 3 to 6

Hello, Friends! /// Bola Williams, illustrations by Daniel Stevens

Lil Hardin and her man, Louis Armstrong, were musical royalty–inventing a new kind of sound–makin’ jazz. Believe it, baby!This is the true story of Lil Hardin Armstrong: pianist, composer, and bandleader in the early days of jazz. Ahead of her time, Lil made a career for herself–and for Louis Armstrong, her modest, unassuming husband. Louis might never have become the groundbreaking jazz player he was, if it hadn’t been for Lil. Scat-inspired verse celebrates how Lil overcame race and gender barriers to become the first lady of the Chicago jazz scene.BIO Rachel Himes is a PhD candidate in the Department of Art History and Archaeology at Columbia University. My research focuses on representations of race in the decorative arts and material culture of eighteenth and nineteenth century France. She is also also a museum educator. REVIEWS “Brimming with a contagious love of jazz and its first lady, this work brings down the house” --Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review [H] Charlesbridge Publishing / December 11, 2018 0.7" H x 9.1" L x 6.3" W (0.95 lbs) 96 pages

Struttin' with Some Barbecue /// Patricia Hruby Powell, illustrations by Rachel Himes

-- This is a preorder title and will ship on or after January 20, 2026 -- Jacqueline Woodson’s evocative story about the power of sharing memories, with glorious illustrations by Tonya EngelThe earth changes, Sarah’s grandpa always said as they worked together in his garden. Like us, some part of it never dies. Everything and everyone goes on and on.Now that Grandpa’s gone, though, it’s hard for Sarah to imagine “on and on” without him. But when loved ones gather to share stories of Grandpa, she begins to understand how much he meant to so many people. And when the harvest comes in and family and friends gather for a sunset supper, they make sweet new memories, reminding Sarah that everything and everyone truly does go on and on. BIO Jacqueline Woodson received a 2023 Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, a 2020 MacArthur Fellowship, the 2020 Hans Christian Andersen Award, the 2018 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, and the 2018 Children’s Literature Legacy Award. She was the 2018–2019 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and in 2015, she was named the Young People’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation. She received the 2014 National Book Award for her New York Times bestselling memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, which was also a recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award, a Newbery Honor, the NAACP Image Award, and a Sibert Honor. She wrote the adult books Red at the Bone, a New York Times bestseller, and Another Brooklyn, a 2016 National Book Award finalist. [H] Nancy Paulsen Books / January 20, 2026 1.25 lbs 32 pages For ages 4 to 8

-- This is a preorder title and will ship on or after January 20, 2026 --
<meta charset="utf-8">Jacqueline Woodson’s evocative story about the power of sharing memories, with glorious illustrations by Tonya Engel The earth changes, Sarah’s grandpa always said as they worked together in his garden. Like us, some part of it never dies. Everything and everyone goes on and on. Now that Grandpa’s gone, though, it’s hard for Sarah to imagine “on and on” without him. But when loved ones gather to share stories of Grandpa, she begins to understand how much he meant to so many people. And when the harvest comes in and family and friends gather for a sunset supper, they make sweet new memories, reminding Sarah that everything and everyone truly does go on and on.
BIO
Jacqueline Woodson  received a 2023 Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, a 2020 MacArthur Fellowship, the 2020 Hans Christian Andersen Award, the 2018 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, and the 2018 Children’s Literature Legacy Award. She was the 2018–2019 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and in 2015, she was named the Young People’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation. She received the 2014 National Book Award for her New York Times bestselling memoir Brown Girl Dreaming, which was also a recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award, a Newbery Honor, the NAACP Image Award, and a Sibert Honor. She wrote the adult books Red at the Bone, a New York Times bestseller, and Another Brooklyn, a 2016 National Book Award finalist. 
[H]  Nancy Paulsen Books  /  January 20, 2026
<meta charset="utf-8">1.25 lbs 32 pages
For ages 4 to 8

Sweet, Sweet Memory /// Jacqueline Woodson, illustrations by Tonya Engel /// pre

From the award-winning author of the Jada Jones chapter books comes an illustrated spinoff series perfect for STEM fans!Valentine’s Day is approaching, and Miles Lewis doesn’t really like all the mush that comes with it. He is excited about the candy experiments they’re doing in science class, though. And when his teacher asks for adult volunteers to help out, Miles and his friend Jada share that they’re both planning on inviting their grandparents. That’s when they realize that Miles’s Nana and Jada’s Pop Pop have a lot in common–could they be a perfect match? BIO Kelly Starling Lyons is the award-winning author of more than 30 books for young readers including Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations, Ellen’s Broom, Hope’s Gift, and Tea Cakes for Tosh. Her chapter books include the popular Jada Jones and Miles Lewis series and She Persisted: Dorothy Height and She Persisted: Coretta Scott King. Kelly is a teaching artist and founding member of The Brown Bookshelf. She lives in North Carolina. REVIEWS ”Another great addition to this ­heartwarming series that introduces young readers to STEM activities along with a lesson about giving back to one’s community.” -- School Library Journal, starred review [P] Penguin Workshop / December 27, 2022 0.3" H x 7.7" L x 5.3" W (0.35 lbs) 96 pages For ages 6 to 9

Miles Lewis: Matchmaker /// Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrations by Wayne Spencer

Set at one young boy’s annual family reunion, this Caldecott Honor-winning picture book is a rich and moving celebration of Black history, culture, and the power of family traditions. “On reunion morning, we rise before the sun. Daddy hums as he packs our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. He says there’s nothing like going down home” Down home is Granny’s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will gather with great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to their family history. All the kids have to decide what they’ll share, but what will Lil Alan do? Kelly Starling Lyons’ eloquent text explores the power of history and family traditions, and stunning illustrations by Coretta Scott King Honor- and Caldecott Honor-winner Daniel Minter reveal the motion and connections in a large, multi-generational family. BIO Kelly Starling Lyons is a former journalist and the author numerous books for young readers including One More Dino on the Floor, Hope’s Gift, Ellen’s Broom, and the Jada Jones series. REVIEWS “Imagery is presented in marvelous metaphors… Minter’s acrylic-wash prints soar… A warm, loving, necessary reminder of the power in families coming together.” --Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW “Minter’s illustrations, rendered in an acrylic wash, work in beautiful harmony with Lyons’s joyful portrait of a deeply loving multigenerational family. Carefully layered images, patterns, and textures reinforce the narrative links between family history, American history, ancestral land and nature, and the bonds of family… Readers will enjoy this moving celebration of familial love, history, and tradition. Highly ­recommended.” -- School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW “A lushly illustrated tribute to family history… Lyons’s image-rich prose and Minter’s powerful acrylics…convey a sense of historical struggle alongside cherished tradition while capturing the experience of performance jitters.” -- Publishers Weekly “Lyrical…a heartfelt story of family love, shared history, and connection to a place that binds everyone together.” -- Booklist [H] Peachtree Publishers / April 02, 2019 0.4" H x 11.0" L x 9.7" W (0.92 lbs) 32 pages [P] Peachtree Publishers / May 07, 2024 0.4" H x 11.0" L x 9.7" W (0.92 lbs) 32 pages For ages 4 to 8

Set at one young boy’s annual family reunion, this Caldecott Honor-winning picture book is a rich and moving celebration of Black history, culture, and the power of family traditions.
“On reunion morning, we rise before the sun. Daddy hums as he packs our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. He says there’s nothing like going down home”
Down home is Granny’s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will gather with great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to their family history. All the kids have to decide what they’ll share, but what will Lil Alan do?
Kelly Starling Lyons’ eloquent text explores the power of history and family traditions, and stunning illustrations by Coretta Scott King Honor- and Caldecott Honor-winner Daniel Minter reveal the motion and connections in a large, multi-generational family.
BIO
<meta charset="utf-8">Kelly Starling Lyons is a former journalist and the author numerous books for young readers including One More Dino on the Floor, Hope’s Gift, Ellen’s Broom, and the Jada Jones series.
REVIEWS
“Imagery is presented in marvelous metaphors… Minter’s acrylic-wash prints soar… A warm, loving, necessary reminder of the power in families coming together.” --Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“Minter’s illustrations, rendered in an acrylic wash, work in beautiful harmony with Lyons’s joyful portrait of a deeply loving multigenerational family. Carefully layered images, patterns, and textures reinforce the narrative links between family history, American history, ancestral land and nature, and the bonds of family… Readers will enjoy this moving celebration of familial love, history, and tradition. Highly ­recommended.” -- School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“A lushly illustrated tribute to family history… Lyons’s image-rich prose and Minter’s powerful acrylics…convey a sense of historical struggle alongside cherished tradition while capturing the experience of performance jitters.” -- Publishers Weekly
“Lyrical…a heartfelt story of family love, shared history, and connection to a place that binds everyone together.” -- Booklist
[H]  Peachtree Publishers  /  April 02, 2019<meta charset="utf-8">
0.4" H x 11.0" L x 9.7" W (0.92 lbs) 32 pages
[P]  Peachtree Publishers  /  May 07, 2024<meta charset="utf-8">
0.4" H x 11.0" L x 9.7" W (0.92 lbs) 32 pages
For ages 4 to 8

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