Big Apple Diaries (MacMillan) by Alyssa Bermudez has been selected for the ALA Best Graphic Novels list! This is the first time the ALA Graphic Novels Round Table has put together a Best Graphic Novels for Children’s List.  The list highlights the best graphic novels for children aged 5 – 12 years old, published in late 2020 and through 2021, and it aims to increase awareness of the graphic novel medium, raise voices of diverse comics creators, and aid library staff in the development of graphic novel collections.

Congratulations Alyssa!

See more about the list here

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Born Ready (Crown) by Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow has been selected as a winner of the  2022 Notable Books for a Global Society Award. Annually, a committee of the CL/R SIG (Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group) of the International Literacy Association (ILA) selects 25 outstanding trade books they feel will enhance student understanding of people and cultures throughout the world. The committee reviews books representing all genres that are intended for students K-12.

Congratulations Charnelle!

See the full list here

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Happy Book Birthday to Ready for the Spotlight (Candlewick) by Jaime Kim!

Justice Is…  (Crown), by Preet Bharara, illustrated by Sue Cornelison was published January 25, 2022.

In clear and simple language, Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, explains what justice is and what it takes to achieve it for even the youngest readers. Drawing on examples of historic justice seekers whose deeds best demonstrate those attributes by asking hard questions, keeping an open mind, defending the truth, and using their voices and their bodies to fight injustice—such as Ida B. Wells, John Lewis, Malala Yousafzai, and many others, this timely book is perfect for exploring the concept of justice. Inspire young readers to fight for justice in their world and to remain hopeful that by standing together, it can triumph.

“A beautiful, relevant picture book.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A heartening…introduction to justice-focused luminaries.”–Publishers Weekly

Congratulations Sue!

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Publisher’s Weekly has revealed the cover of Stand Up (Orchard) by Brittney Cooper, illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson.

An academic and activist by day, bestselling author Brittney Cooper wanted to write a book for Black girls that would remind them that history is not only made by Black men, that they also have a role to play. In Stand Up! 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change, Cooper highlights the contributions of 10 Black women and girls who were instrumental in influencing the world we live in.

Illustrator Cathy Ann Johnson devised the cover for Stand Up! based on Cooper’s preference for a vibrant illustrative style and rich color palette. “I wanted this book to feel not too heavy or somber or serious,” Cooper said. “I wanted a bit of lift and lightness. Cathy has an amazing eye and I think she got the vision for this book.”

The book will be published in August.

Read the full PW article here

De Aqui Como El Coqui (Dial Books), written and illustrated by Nomar Perez, translated by Farah Perez, has been awarded  Pura Belpre honors for both Author and Illustrator at the 2022 ALA Youth Media Awards.

Congratulations Nomar!

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A jury convened by the Bank Street Children’s Book Committee has awarded one of three silver medals to: Sharuko: El arqueólogo Peruano Julio C. Tello (Lee & Low) by Monica Brown, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, deeming it one of the best Spanish language picture books of 2020 and 2021. This  biennial prize was first awarded in 2020 for books published in 2018 and 2019.

Congratulations Elisa!

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When the Schools Shut Down, (HarperCollins) by Yolanda Gladden as told to Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, illustrated by Keisha Morris, was published January 11, 2022.

The book is an awe-inspiring autobiographical picture book about a young African American girl who lived during the shutdown of public schools in Farmville, Virginia, following the landmark civil rights case Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka. 

Congratulations Keisha!

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Millions of Maxes (Dial Books) by Meg Wolizter, illustrated by Micah Player, was published January 11, 2022 to rave reviews.

“The cheery aesthetic of Player (Paletero Man)—colors that pop, crisply rendered characters who wear their hearts on their sleeves as they run hither and yon—matches Wolitzer’s warm, knowing voice page for page, and Player’s varied digital compositions capture the visceral excitement of an action-packed day outside.” —Publishers Weekly

Congratulations Micah!

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