Becoming Vanessa (Knopf BYFR) by Vanessa Brantley-Newton has been selected by the American Booksellers Association for the May/June 2021 Kid’s Indie Next List. For readers of Alma and How She Got Her Name and The King of Kindergarten, this story will help kids just starting school transform from timid caterpillars into beautiful butterflies so they can love who they are. Becoming Vanessa will be released June 15, 2021. Congratulations Vanessa! See the full list here Pre-order the book here
London Ladd’s mixed media piece Celestial Africanism has been selected by a nationally representative jury of distinguished designers, art directors and illustrators to appear in the Communication Arts 2021 Illustration Annual. Congratulations London!
A review of There Goes Patti McGee (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) by Tootie Nienow and illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina appears in the web-only reviews in the March/April Book Bundles from Horn Book. Reviewer Kitty Flynn says: The upbeat text emphasizes McGee’s devotion and dedication: “It wasn’t easy. Her arms ached and her knuckles bled.” The illustrations in sun-bleached colors emphasize the athleticism and artistry of the sport. Get the book here
More love for SHARUKO (Lee & Low), by Monica Brown, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri. The book was selected for the 2021 Notable Books for a Global Society by the International Literacy Association (ILA). The International Literacy Association selects 25 outstanding trade books for enhancing student understanding of people and cultures throughout the world. The committee reviews books representing all genres intended for students K-12. You can see the full list here Get SHARUKO here
Paletero Man (Harper Collins) by Lucky Diaz, illustrated by Micah Player has earned a starred review from School Library Journal. The review says “Filled with life and joy, this story is an upbeat, multi-sensory experience that honors the breadth and harmony of multiculturalism in Diaz’s LA hometown. ” Paletero Man will be on sale June 1, 2021. Pre order your copy here Read the full School Library Journal review here
Born Ready (Penguin Random House) by Jodie Patterson, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow was published April 20, 2021. Publishers Weekly says the book is “A heartening true story for children that offers guidance to caretakers”, and in a starred review, Kirkus says “This representation of a Black family and transgender child shines with joy and affirmation… A triumphant declaration of love and identity.” Congratulations Charnelle! Get the book here
