King of Ragtime (Simon & Schuster) by Stephen Costanza has been named to the ALSC Notable Children’s Books List for 2022. Each year a committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) identifies the best of the best in children’s books. According to the Notables Criteria, “notable” is defined as: Worthy of note or notice, important, distinguished, outstanding. As applied to children’s books, notable should be thought to include books of especially commendable quality, books that exhibit venturesome creativity, and books of fiction, information, poetry and pictures for all age levels (birth through age 14) that reflect and encourage children’s interests in exemplary ways. Congratulations Steve! See the full list here Get King of Ragtime here
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 Get the book here
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 Get the book here
Happy Book Birthday to Ready for the Spotlight (Candlewick) by Jaime Kim! An exuberant and relatable picture book about sibling rivalry, ballet, and finding your free-form self. Congratulations Jaime! Get the book
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! Get the book here
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
