November 2020: New Kids Graphic Novels at the Takoma Park Maryland Library

 We've just added a trio of great graphic novels for kids to our shelves! Two are new, while one, El Deafo, first appeared in 2014 but has just been re-published in a "superpowered" edition. Written and illustrated by Cece Bell, El Deafo was the first graphic novel to win a Newbery Honor, in 2015. Since then, another graphic novel, Roller Girl, written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson, won a Newbery Honor, in 2016. 

This year,  New Kid, written and illustrated by Jerry Craft, became the first graphic novel to win a Newbery Medal, forever banishing the notion that graphic novels "aren't real books." Craft has just published a sequel, Class Act, spotlighted below.

 This post concludes with an extra book -- a "hybrid" of words and illustrations -- the latest in the best-selling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. 

"New York Times bestselling author Jerry Craft returns with a companion book to New Kid, winner of the 2020 Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the Kirkus Prize. This time, it's Jordan's friend Drew who takes center stage in another laugh-out-loud funny, powerful, and important story about being one of the few kids of color in a prestigious private school.

Eighth grader Drew Ellis is no stranger to the saying "You have to work twice as hard to be just as good." His grandmother has reminded him his entire life. But what if he works ten times as hard and still isn't afforded the same opportunities that his privileged classmates at the Riverdale Academy Day School take for granted?

To make matters worse, Drew begins to feel as if his good friend Liam might be one of those privileged kids. He wants to pretend like everything is fine, but it's hard not to withdraw, and even their mutual friend Jordan doesn't know how to keep the group together.

As the pressures mount, will Drew find a way to bridge the divide so he and his friends can truly accept each other? And most important, will he finally be able to accept himself?" (From the publisher, Quill Tree Books/Harpercollins)

"Another Baby-sitters Club graphic novel adapted by New York Times bestselling author Gale Galligan!
It's the first day of a new school year, and while Mary Anne doesn't know what to expect from the eighth grade, she's looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. One thing she definitely doesn't expect is to meet Logan Bruno, who just moved to Stoneybrook!

Logan has a dreamy southern accent, he's awfully cute... and he might be interested in joining the BSC. But the baby-sitters aren't sure if Logan would make a good club member, so they send him on a job with Mary Anne as a test. Logan and Mary Anne hit it off, but Mary Anne isn't sure of where their friendship could go. Life in the Baby-sitters Club has never been this complicated -- or this fun!" (From the publisher, Graphix/Scholastic)

"The author recounts in graphic novel format her experiences with hearing loss at a young age, including using a bulky hearing aid, learning how to lip read, and determining her 'superpower.' This special edition includes 40 pages of all-new material: childhood photographs, early sketches, notes from Cece, and more." (From the publisher, Amulet/Abrams)

And here's one more book, one we call a "hybrid." It's not a graphic novel and it's not regular fiction. Instead, it consists of both words and many illustrations:

"In The Deep End, book 15 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, Greg Heffley and his family hit the road for a cross-country camping trip, ready for the adventure of a lifetime. 
 
But things take an unexpected turn, and they find themselves stranded at an RV park that's not exactly a summertime paradise. When the skies open up and the water starts to rise, the Heffleys wonder if they can save their vacation -- or if they're already in too deep." (From the publisher, Amulet/Abrams)

Up next in the blog -- Kids Fiction....

November 2020: New Kids & Teen Non-Fiction at the Takoma Park Maryland Library

 Many kids -- teens, too -- are keen on non-fiction. Here are some of new non-fiction books for kids, and a couple for teens. I've included a photo of each book cover, plus a write-up by the publisher of the book. The books are divided between those for kids and those for teens, but aren't otherwise organized. Remember that these books are now in our catalog, and can be checked out via our "Books-to-Go" curbside service. Details are here: http://www.takomapark.info/library/curbside.html

                                                  NEW KIDS NON-FICTION:

"Joey is the first ever picture book about the young life of Joe Biden, the 47th Vice President of the United States, and includes never before told family stories about the president-elect and former vice president's childhood, written by Jill Biden, his spouse.

Joe Biden grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the oldest of four children. His parents always encouraged him and his siblings to be independent and strong. The family moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where at twenty-nine, Biden was one the youngest United States Senators ever elected. This is his story." (From the publisher, Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster)

 "Demonstrating the power of protest and standing up for a just cause, here is an exciting tribute to the educators who participated in the 1965 Selma Teachers' March.

Reverend F.D. Reese was a leader of the Voting Rights Movement in Selma, Alabama. As a teacher and principal, he recognized that his colleagues were viewed with great respect in the city. Could he convince them to risk their jobs--and perhaps their lives--by organizing a teachers-only march to the county courthouse to demand their right to vote? On January 22, 1965, the Black teachers left their classrooms and did just that, with Reverend Reese leading the way. Noted nonfiction authors Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace conducted the last interviews with Reverend Reese before his death in 2018 and interviewed several teachers and their family members in order to tell this story, which is especially important today." (From the publisher, Calkins Creek)

"From a New York Times bestselling author and an acclaimed illustrator comes this vibrant portrait of Aretha Franklin that pays her the R-E-S-P-E-C-T this Queen of Soul deserves.

Aretha Franklin was born to sing. The daughter of a pastor and a gospel singer, her musical talent was clear from her earliest days in her father's Detroit church where her soaring voice spanned more than three octaves.

Her string of hit songs earned her the title "the Queen of Soul," multiple Grammy Awards, and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But Aretha didn't just raise her voice in song, she also spoke out against injustice and fought for civil rights.

This authoritative, rhythmic picture book biography will captivate young readers with Aretha's inspiring story." (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster)

"From a beloved voice in children’s literature comes this landmark memoir of hope amid harrowing times and an engaging and unusual Holocaust story.

With backlist sales of over 2.3 million copies, Uri Shulevitz, one of FSG BYR’s most acclaimed picture-book creators, details the eight-year odyssey of how he and his Jewish family escaped the terrors of the Nazis by fleeing Warsaw for the Soviet Union in Chance.

It was during those years, with threats at every turn, that the young Uri experienced his awakening as an artist, an experience that played a key role during this difficult time. By turns dreamlike and nightmarish, this heavily illustrated account of determination, courage, family loyalty, and the luck of coincidence is a true publishing event." (From the publisher, FSR BYR/Macmillan)

Get kids thinking with this primer on sky, land, and sea animal migrations.

"Did you know Arctic terns migrate farther than any other animal? Gray whales can swim up to 12,000 miles during their migration journeys and Emperor penguins walk about 125 miles over ice to reach their nesting grounds.

Gail Gibbons explores the many reasons why animals migrate, using direct sentences, maps, infographics, and illustrations. Featuring over 30 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and fishes, this nonfiction picture book is perfect for aspiring zookeepers and animal-lovers. Fully vetted for accuracy by James Doherty, Curator Emeritus, The New York Zoological Society.

This title is part of the Explore the World . . . with Gail Gibbons series, which promotes active learning, good citizenship, and student leadership." (From the publisher, Holiday House)

"History comes home in a deeply moving, exquisitely illustrated tale of a small house, taken by the Nazis, that harbors a succession of families and becomes a quiet witness to a tumultuous century "The days went around like a wheel. "The sun rose, warming the walls of the house." On the outskirts of Berlin, Germany, a wooden cottage stands on the shore of a lake. Over the course of a hundred years, this little house played host to a kind Jewish doctor and his family, a successful Nazi composer, wartime refugees, and a secret-police informant. During that time, as a world war came and went and the Berlin Wall arose just a stone's throw from the back door, the house filled up with myriad everyday moments. And when that time was over, and the dwelling was empty and derelict, the great-grandson of the man who built the house felt compelled to bring it back to life and listen to the story it had to tell. Illuminated by Britta Teckentrup's magnificent illustrations, Thomas Harding's narration reads like a haunting fairy tale, a lyrical picture-book rendering of the story he first shared in an acclaimed personal history for adult readers." (From the publisher, Candlewick Press)

"Discover the fascinating life of world-renowned scientist Jonas Salk, whose pioneering discoveries changed the world forever.

Dr. Jonas Salk is one of the most celebrated doctors and medical researchers of the 20th century. The child of immigrants who never learned to speak English, Jonas was struck by the devastation he saw when the soldiers returned from battle after WWII. Determined to help, he worked to become a doctor and eventually joined the team that created the influenza vaccine. But Jonas wanted to do more. As polio ravaged the United States--even the president was not immune!--Jonas decided to lead the fight against this terrible disease. In 1952, Dr. Jonas Salk invented the polio vaccine, which nearly eliminated polio from this country. For the rest of his life, Dr. Salk continued to do groundbreaking medical research at the Salk Institute, leaving behind a legacy that continues to make the world a better place every day.

This compelling picture book biography sheds light on Dr. Salk's groundbreaking journey and the importance of vaccination." (From the publisher, Alfred A. Knopf/Penguin Random House)

"The poignant story of Blind Willie Johnson--the legendary Texas musician whose song "Dark Was the Night" was included on the Voyager I space probe's Golden Record

Willie Johnson was born in 1897, and from the beginning he loved to sing--and play his cigar box guitar. But his childhood was interrupted when he lost his mother and his sight. How does a blind boy make his way in the world? Fortunately for Willie, the music saved him and brought him back into the light. His powerful voice, combined with the wailing of his slide guitar, moved people. Willie made a name for himself performing on street corners all over Texas. And one day he hit it big when he got a record deal and his songs were played on the radio. Then in 1977, his song--"Dark Was the Night"--was chosen to light up the darkness when it was launched into space on the Voyager I space probe's famous Golden Record. His immortal song was selected for the way it expresses the loneliness humans all feel, while reminding us we're not alone. "(From the publisher, Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House)

"Mighty Mechanics is a must read book showcasing a gallery of vehicles that appeal to fact hungry children. Follow the mighty mechanics as they look after TRACTORS, TRUCKS, MONSTER & EMERGENCY VEHICLES, EXCAVATORS and much, much more…" (From the publisher, Beetle Books)

                                                TEEN NON-FICTION:

"An essential overview of the science behind stereotypes: from why our brains form them to how recognizing them can help us be less biased.

From the time we're babies, our brains constantly sort and label the world around us --- a skill that's crucial for our survival. But, as adolescents are all too aware, there's a tremendous downside: when we do this to groups of people it can cause great harm. Here's a comprehensive introduction to the science behind stereotypes that will help young people make sense of why we classify people, and how we can change our thinking. It covers the history of identifying stereotypes, secret biases in our brains, and how stereotypes affect our sense of self. Most importantly, it covers current research into how science can help us overcome our biases, offering hope for a future where stereotypes are less prevalent and the world is more fair for everyone.

Written by award-winning author Tanya Lloyd Kyi, this timely and hopeful book addresses the issues of discrimination, racism, sexism, ableism and homophobia and offers concrete suggestions on how to make change. It uses scientific inquiry and loads of relatable and interesting examples to explore these uncomfortable topics in age-appropriate and engaging ways. Chapters, sidebars and colorful illustrations break the text into manageable chunks. Besides the many ways this book could be used to inspire frank and in-depth discussions on the importance of addressing stereotypes and bias, it also links to many science and social studies curriculum topics. Backmatter includes an extensive list of sources, suggestions for further reading and an index." (From the publisher, Kids Can Press).

"A YA Nonfiction book about the history of Fake News and tips for how to spot it"-- (From the publisher, Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan)

Up Next..... New Kids Graphic Novels.....

November 2020: New Picture Books at the Takoma Park Maryland Library

 Our building is closed, so you can't browse the new books we continue to add to our collection. So I'm using this blog to spotlight the wonderful new children's and teen books we have! For each book, you'll see the cover, plus the write-up by the book's publisher. The books are presented in title order. And remember, you can check any of these books out by using our "Books-to-Go" curbside pick-up service; the details are here: http://www.takomapark.info/library/curbside.html

"Discover this poignant, timely, and emotionally stirring picture book, an ode to Black and brown children everywhere that is full of hope, assurance, and love.

Tami Charles pens a poetic, lyrical text that is part love letter, part anthem, assuring readers that they always have, and always will, matter. This powerful, rhythmic lullaby reassures readers that their matter and their worth is never diminished, no matter the circumstance: through the joy and wonder of their first steps and first laughs, through the hardship of adolescent struggles, and the pain and heartbreak of current events, they always have, and always will, matter. Accompanied by illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient and a nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, All Because You Matter empowers readers with pride, joy, and comfort, reminding them of their roots and strengthening them for the days to come.

Lyrical, personal, and full of love, All Because You Matter is for the picture book audience what The Hate U Give was for YA and Ghost Boys was for middle grade: a conversation starter, a community touchstone, and a deep affirmation of worth for the young readers who need it most." (From the publisher, Orchard/Scholastic).

"A story about how good citizenship and a little consideration can make our world a joyful place for all.

Sunnyville is the perfect place to live, until one day Rhino tosses a candy wrapper on the ground. "What?" he says. "It's only one." But soon, others start throwing their trash on the ground, too, and it begins to pile up. Giraffe doesn't want to look at the garbage, so he picks a flower from the park to brighten his home--but then everyone picks the flowers, and now there aren't any left. Soon things become messier, noisier, and grumpier. Can anyone save the day?"

(From the publisher, Tiger Tales)

"Jabari is inventing a machine that will fly all the way across the yard! But making it go from CRASH to WHOOSH will take grit, patience, and maybe even a little help from his sister.

Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! "It'll be easy. I don't need any help," he declares. But it doesn't work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all. With the endearing father-child dynamic of Jabari Jumps and engaging mixed-media illustrations, Gaia Cornwall's tale shows that through perseverance and flexibility, an inventive thought can become a brilliant reality." (From the publisher, Candlewick Press)

"E.T. meets The Giving Tree in this stunningly illustrated picture book about friendship, family, wonder, and magic that shows how, sometimes, the things we&;re searching for have been right in front of us all along. From the award-winning creator of The Bear and the Piano." (From the publisher, Clarion Books).

"The little blue house in this lovely, lyrical book could be overlooking any ocean, and the narrator could be any child anywhere, gazing out over the waters, thinking about all the places she could go and imagining other little blue houses on other shores, with other children gazing back." (From the publisher, Tillbury House)

"Books have taught Little Wise Wolf many things. But perhaps he's not quite as wise as he thinks he is.

A small wolf spends all his time reading big books and discovering new stars. Because he knows so much, everyone calls him Little Wise Wolf, and many of his neighbors come to him with questions. However, with so many big books still to read, he simply does not have time to answer them. Then, one day, he is summoned by the king's crow: the king is gravely ill, and only Little Wise Wolf can heal him. It is a long way to the king's castle, and Little Wise Wolf finds he is unprepared for the arduous journey. Tired and hungry, he begins to doubt how wise he really is, as there are many things he does not know about the world. Things the other animals know all about. But will they help him?

In this big story disguised as a small one, Gijs van der Hammen deftly explores the value of relationships and the interconnectedness of us all. It highlights for young children the important life lesson that everyone has unique skills and knowledge, so everyone in a community matters --- and we all need the help of others sometimes. Beautifully told and richly illustrated by Hanneke Siemensma, this engaging read-aloud has the timeless appeal of a folktale. It would be an excellent choice to begin conversations about the social studies concept of community and the character education topics of kindness and empathy." (From the publisher, Kids Can Press).

"Peter Carnavas’s career as a primary school teacher inspired him to embrace his passion for children’s literature. His picture book Blue Whale Blues won the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Crystal Kite Award, and My Sister is a Superhero won an Australian Book Industry Award. The Elephant, Peter’s first novel, won the 2018 Children’s Book Award at the Queensland Literary Awards. He lives on Australia’s Sunshine Coast with his family." (From the publisher, Pajama Press)

"A boy dawdling in the bathroom to read is taken by surprise when the characters in his book come to life in this quirky picture book perfect for young readers with a silly sense of humor or beginning potty training!

A young boy takes a new book into the bathroom to read. But what a strange story! One by one, all sorts of animals: a cow, a polar bear, a lion, and more&;race across the pages. But where are they running to? Then, the boy's reading is interrupted by a loud knock on the bathroom door. The very same creatures are outside, lined up to use the toilet!

This story within a story is sure to have kids giggling with its "potty" humor and shenanigans." (From the publisher, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster)

"A delicately illustrated, unique retelling of the story that inspired Disney's Fantasia. Can Oliver stop his enchanted brooms getting out of control?" (From the publisher, Floris Books)

"This delightfully illustrated picture book shows us that while we may be the center of our own attention, life goes on around us, and it might be a wonderful thing for us to notice it once in a while. Here is a beautifuly illustrated story that humbly conveys the importance of paying attention to nature.

While you're away from nature, doing other things, amazing wonders are happening all around you. Deer are sniffing out berries, squirrels are chas- ing each other, and owls are waiting for their moment to fly. Even if you don't happen to notice them, these lit- tle miracles happen every day. And if you stop to watch and listen carefully, you may very well see some of them. Here is an adorable story that humbly conveys the importance of paying attention to nature." (From the publisher, Minedition)

Next up in the blog: New Kids & Teen Non-Fiction

October 2020: New Teen Fiction at the Takoma Park Maryland Library

 We've got some terrific new teen fiction at the Takoma Park Maryland Library! Here's a look at the book covers, plus write-ups of the books by their publishers:

"From Stonewall Award-winning author Brandy Colbert comes an all-in-one-day love story perfect for fans of The Sun is Also A Star.

Marva Sheridan was born ready for this day. She's always been driven to make a difference in the world, and what better way than to vote in her first election?

Duke Crenshaw is so done with this election. He just wants to get voting over with so he can prepare for his band's first paying gig tonight.

Only problem? Duke can't vote.

When Marva sees Duke turned away from their polling place, she takes it upon herself to make sure his vote is counted. She hasn't spent months doorbelling and registering voters just to see someone denied their right.

And that's how their whirlwind day begins, rushing from precinct to precinct, cutting school, waiting in endless lines, turned away time and again, trying to do one simple thing: vote. They may have started out as strangers, but as Duke and Marva team up to beat a rigged system (and find Marva's missing cat), it's clear that there's more to their connection than a shared mission for democracy.

Romantic and triumphant, The Voting Booth is proof that you can't sit around waiting for the world to change?but some things are just meant to be. "(From the publisher, Disney-Hyperion)

"From award-winning author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five comes a powerful YA novel in verse about a boy who is wrongfully incarcerated. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Walter Dean Myers, and Elizabeth Acevedo. 

The story that I thought

was my life

didn't start on the day

I was born 

Amal Shahid has always been an artist and a poet. But even in a diverse art school, he's seen as disruptive and unmotivated by a biased system. Then one fateful night, an altercation in a gentrifying neighborhood escalates into tragedy. "Boys just being boys" turns out to be true only when those boys are white. 

The story that I think

will be my life 

starts today

Suddenly, at just sixteen years old, Amal's bright future is upended: he is convicted of a crime he didn't commit and sent to prison. Despair and rage almost sink him until he turns to the refuge of his words, his art. This never should have been his story. But can he change it? 

With spellbinding lyricism, award-winning author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Yusef Salaam tell a moving and deeply profound story about how one boy is able to maintain his humanity and fight for the truth, in a system designed to strip him of both." (From the publisher, Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins Children's Books)

"From Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin' comes the first in a two-book origin story of Faith, a groundbreaking, plus-sized superhero from the Valiant Entertainment comics.

Faith Herbert is a pretty regular teen. When she's not hanging out with her two best friends, Matt and Ches, she's volunteering at the local animal shelter or obsessing over the long-running teen drama The Grove.

So far, her senior year has been spent trying to sort out her feelings for her maybe-crush Johnny and making plans to stay close to Grandma Lou after graduation. Of course, there's also that small matter of recently discovering she can fly.

When the fictional world of The Grove crashes into Faith's reality as the show relocates to her town, she can't believe it when TV heroine Dakota Ash takes a romantic interest in her.

But her fandom-fueled daydreams aren't enough to distract Faith from the fact that first animals, then people, have begun to vanish from the town. Only Faith seems able to connect the dots to a new designer drug infiltrating her high school.

But when her investigation puts the people she loves in danger, she will have to confront her hidden past and use her newfound gifts -- risking everything to save her friends and beloved town. "(From the publisher, Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins Children's Books)

"Filled with mystery and an intriguingly rich magic system, Tracy Deonn's YA contemporary fantasy Legendborn offers the dark allure of City of Bones with a modern-day twist on a classic legend and a lot of Southern Black Girl Magic.

After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants nothing to do with her family memories or childhood home. A residential program for bright high schoolers at UNC Chapel Hill seems like the perfect escape until Bree witnesses a magical attack her very first night on campus.

A flying demon feeding on human energies.

A secret society of so called "Legendborn" students that hunt the creatures down.

And a mysterious teenage mage who calls himself a "Merlin" and who attempts -- and fails -- to wipe Bree's memory of everything she saw.

The mage's failure unlocks Bree's own unique magic and a buried memory with a hidden connection: the night her mother died, another Merlin was at the hospital. Now that Bree knows there's more to her mother's death than what's on the police report, she'll do whatever it takes to find out the truth, even if that means infiltrating the Legendborn as one of their initiates.

She recruits Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn with his own grudge against the group, and their reluctant partnership pulls them deeper into the society's secrets --and closer to each other. But when the Legendborn reveal themselves as the descendants of King Arthur's knights and explain that a magical war is coming, Bree has to decide how far she'll go for the truth and whether she should use her magic to take the society down -- or join the fight." (From the publisher, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster)

"The other orphans say Margot is lucky.
 
Lucky to survive the horrible accident that killed her family.
 
Lucky to have her own room because she wakes up screaming every night.
 
And finally, lucky to be chosen by a prestigious family to live at their remote country estate.
 
But it wasn't luck that made the Suttons rescue Margot from her bleak existence at the group home.  Margot was handpicked to be a companion to their silent, mysterious daughter, Agatha. At first, helping with Agatha--and getting to know her handsome older brother--seems much better than the group home. But soon, the isolated, gothic house begins playing tricks on Margot's mind, making her question everything she believes about the Suttons . . . and herself.  
 
Margot's bad dreams may have stopped when she came to live with Agatha -- but the real nightmare has just begun". (From the publisher, Putnam/Penguin Group USA)

"Perfect for fans of The Hate U Give, this unforgettable coming-of-age debut novel explores issues of race, class, and violence through the eyes of a wealthy black teenager whose family gets caught in the vortex of the 1992 Rodney King Riots.

Los Angeles, 1992

Ashley Bennett and her friends are living the charmed life. It&;s the end of senior year and they&;re spending more time at the beach than in the classroom. They can already feel the sunny days and endless possibilities of summer.

Everything changes one afternoon in April, when four LAPD officers are acquitted after beating a black man named Rodney King half to death. Suddenly, Ashley&;s not just one of the girls. She&;s one of the black kids.

As violent protests engulf LA and the city burns, Ashley tries to continue on as if life were normal. Even as her self-destructive sister gets dangerously involved in the riots. Even as the model black family façade her wealthy and prominent parents have built starts to crumble. Even as her best friends help spread a rumor that could completely derail the future of her classmate and fellow black kid, LaShawn Johnson.

With her world splintering around her, Ashley, along with the rest of LA, is left to question who is the us? And who is the them?" (From the publisher, Simon & Schuster)

"This powerful, timely novel in verse exposes provocative truths about periods, sex, shame, and going viral for all the wrong reasons.
After school one day, Frankie, a lover of physics and astronomy, has her first sexual experience with quiet and gorgeous Benjamin -- and gets her period. It's only blood, they agree. But soon a gruesome meme goes viral, turning an intimate, affectionate afternoon into something sordid, mortifying, and damaging. In the time it takes to swipe a screen, Frankie's universe implodes. Who can she trust? Not Harriet, her suddenly cruel best friend, and certainly not Benjamin, the only one who knows about the incident. As the online shaming takes on a horrifying life of its own, Frankie begins to wonder: is her real life over? (Fr0m the publisher, Walker Books US)

Author Lucy Cuthew vividly portrays what it is to be a teen today with this fearless and ultimately uplifting novel in verse. Brimming with emotion, the story captures the intensity of friendships, first love, and female desire, while unflinchingly exploring the culture of online and menstrual shaming. Sure to be a conversation starter, Blood Moon is the unforgettable portrait of one girl's fight to reclaim her reputation and to stand up against a culture that says periods are dirty." (From the publisher, Walker Books US)

"Liliana Cruz does what it takes to fit in at her new nearly all-white school, but when family secrets come out and racism at school gets worse than ever, she must decide what she believes in and take a stand." (From the publisher, Atheneum/Simon & Schuster)

"Next in the Brooklyn Brujas series of fantasy novels that follow three witch born sisters as they develop their powers and battle magic in their hometown and the worlds beyond.

Lula must let go of the ghosts of her past to face the actual living dead of her present.

Lula Mortiz feels like an outsider. Her sister's newfound Encantrix powers have wounded her in ways that Lula's bruja healing powers can't fix, and she longs for the comfort her family once brought her. Thank the Deos for Maks, her sweet, steady boyfriend who sees the beauty within her and brings light to her life. Then a bus crash turns Lula's world upside down. Her classmates are all dead, including Maks. But Lula was born to heal, to fix. She can bring Maks back, even if it means seeking help from her sisters and defying Death herself. But magic that defies the laws of the deos is dangerous. Unpredictable. And when the dust settles, Maks isn't the only one who's been brought back... "(From the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire) (NOTE: The Library has the first book in the series, Labyrinth Lost).

"Andra wakes up from a cryogenic sleep 1,000 years later than she was supposed to, forcing her to team up with an exiled prince to navigate an unfamiliar planet in this smart, thrilling sci-fi adventure, perfect for fans of Renegades and Aurora Rising.

When Andra wakes up, she's drowning.

Not only that, but she's in a hot, dirty cave, it's the year 3102, and everyone keeps calling her Goddess. When Andra went into a cryonic sleep for a trip across the galaxy, she expected to wake up in a hundred years, not a thousand. Worst of all, the rest of the colonists--including her family and friends--are dead. They died centuries ago, and for some reason, their descendants think Andra's a deity. She knows she's nothing special, but she'll play along if it means she can figure out why she was left in stasis and how to get back to Earth.

Zhade, the exiled bastard prince of Eerensed, has other plans. Four years ago, the sleeping Goddess's glass coffin disappeared from the palace, and Zhade devoted himself to finding it. Now he's hoping the Goddess will be the key to taking his rightful place on the throne--if he can get her to play her part, that is. Because if his people realize she doesn't actually have the power to save their dying planet, they'll kill her.

With a vicious monarch on the throne and a city tearing apart at the seams, Zhade and Andra might never be able to unlock the mystery of her fate, let alone find a way to unseat the king, especially since Zhade hasn't exactly been forthcoming with Andra. And a thousand years from home, is there any way of knowing that Earth is better than the planet she's woken to?" (From the publisher, Razorbill/Penguin Group USA)

"Aristotle & Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe meets Roswell by way of Laurie Halse Anderson in this astonishing, genre-bending novel about a Mexican American teen who discovers profound connections between immigration, folklore, and alien life.

It's been three years since ICE raids and phone calls from Mexico and an ill-fated walk across the Sonoran. Three years since Sia Martinez's mom disappeared. Sia wants to move on, but it's hard in her tiny Arizona town where people refer to her mom's deportation as "an unfortunate incident."

Sia knows that her mom must be dead, but every new moon Sia drives into the desert and lights San Anthony and la Guadalupe candles to guide her mom home.

Then one night, under a million stars, Sia's life and the world as we know it cracks wide open. Because a blue-lit spacecraft crashes in front of Sia's car -- and it's carrying her mom, who's very much alive.

As Sia races to save her mom from armed-quite-possibly-alien soldiers, she uncovers secrets as profound as they are dangerous in this stunning and inventive exploration of first love, family, immigration, and our vast, limitless universe. (From the publisher, Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster)

"For Marit Olsen, magic is all about strategy: it flows freely through her blood, but every use leaves behind a deadly, ice-like build-up within her veins called the Firn. Marit knows how dangerous it is to let too much Firn build up -- after all, it killed her sister-- and she has vowed never to use her thread magic. But when Eve, a fellow orphan whom Marit views like a little sister, is adopted by the wealthy Helene Vestergaard, Marit will do anything to stay by Eve's side. She decides to risk the Firn and uses magic to secure a job as a seamstress in the Vestergaard household.
 
But Marit has a second, hidden agenda: her father died while working in the Vestergaards' jewel mines and it might not have been an accident. The closer Marit gets to the truth about the Vestergaard family, the more she realizes she and everyone she's come to love are in danger. When she finds herself in the middle of a treacherous deception that goes all the way up to the king of Denmark, magic may be the only thing that can save her -- if it doesn't kill her first. (From the publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

"A gripping, dark LGBT YA fantasy about two girls who must choose between saving themselves, each other, or their sinking island.

Every year on St. Walpurga's Eve, Caldella's Witch Queen lures a boy back to her palace. An innocent life to be sacrificed on the full moon to keep the island city from sinking.

Lina Kirk is convinced her brother is going to be taken this year. To save him, she enlists the help of Thomas Lin, the boy she secretly loves, and the only person to ever escape from the palace. But they draw the queen's attention, and Thomas is chosen as the sacrifice.

Queen Eva watched her sister die to save the boy she loved. Now as queen, she won't make the same mistake. She's willing to sacrifice anyone if it means saving herself and her city.

When Lina offers herself to the queen in exchange for Thomas's freedom, the two girls await the full moon together. But Lina is not at all what Eva expected, and the queen is nothing like Lina envisioned. Against their will, they find themselves falling for each other as water floods Caldella's streets and the dark tide demands its sacrifice." (From the publisher, Sourcebooks Fire)

Stayed tuned for a look more new kids and teen books in November!

October 2020: New Kids & Teen Non-Fiction at the Takoma Park Maryland Library

 We've got a great variety of new non-fiction books for kids and teens. First up, kids non-fiction, followed by non-fiction for older kids and teens.

                                                                KIDS NON-FICTION

"The true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to positive representation of the Sikh community.

Every step forward is a victory.

Fauja Singh was born determined. He was also born with legs that wouldn't allow him to play cricket with his friends or carry him to school miles from his village in Punjab. But that didn't stop him. Working on his family's farm, Fauja grew stronger to meet his own full potential.

He never stopped striving. At the age of 81, after a lifetime of making his body, mind, and heart stronger, Fauja decided to run his first marathon. He went on to break records all around the world and became the first person over 100 to complete the grueling long-distance race.

With exuberant text by Simran Jeet Singh and exhilarating illustrations by Baljinder Kaur, the true story of Fauja Singh reminds us that it's both where we start and how we finish that make our journeys unforgettable." (From the publisher, Kokila/Penguin Group USA)

"A picture book biography of Ignacio (Nacho) Anaya, a waiter at the Victory Club in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, and the events surrounding the creation, in 1940, of the globally-popular tortilla chip, cheese, and jalapeäno pepper snack that bears his name-nachos" (From the publisher, Lee & Low Books)

"Fred and Helen Martini longed for a baby, and they ended up with dozens of lion and tiger cubs! Snuggle up to this purr-fect read aloud about the Bronx Zoo's first female zoo-keeper.

When Bronx Zoo-keeper Fred brought home a lion cub, Helen Martini instantly embraced it. The cub's mother lost the instinct to care for him. "Just do for him what you would do with a human baby," Fred suggested...and she did. Helen named him MacArthur, and fed him milk from a bottle and cooed him to sleep in a crib.

Soon enough, MacArthur was not the only cub bathed in the tub! The couple continues to raise lion and tiger cubs as their own, until they are old enough to return them to zoos. Helen becomes the first female zookeeper at the Bronx zoo, the keeper of the nursery.

This is a terrific non-fiction book to read aloud while snuggling up with your cubs! Filled with adorable baby cats, this is a story about love, dedication, and a new kind of family.

Gorgeously patterned illustrations by Julie Downing detail the in-home nursery and a warm pallet creates a cozy pairing with Candace Fleming's lovely language.

Backmatter includes a short biography of Helen Martini and a selected bibliography." (From the publisher, Neal Porter Books/Holiday House)

"From master of nonfiction Steve Jenkins comes the By the Numbers series -- accessible readers packed with fascinating infographics and full-color cut-paper art. Insects focuses on the creepy-crawly world of bugs.

Through infographics and illustrations readers will learn about the sometimes gross and absolutely always fascinating world of insects. With astounding numbers, facts, and figures, discover some of the most astonishing aspects of the animals that outnumber us humans on the planet: bugs! 

With Steve Jenkins's signature art style, his By the Numbers reader series explores the most fascinating fields of nature and natural science. These readers are fact-packed and run the gamut from dinosaurs to dwarf planets, detailing the astonishing phenomena that make our universe such an incredible place to live and learn. Each title uses engaging graphics and visual literacy to convey scientific facts and concepts, making them accessible for all kinds of new readers." (From the publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

 "For the 50th anniversary of the Boeing 747’s first commercial flight, a picture book about the development of the iconic passenger plane and how it changed the history of air travel." (Roaring Brook/Macmillan)

"A picture-book biography about science superstar Stephen Hawking, whose visionary mind revolutionized our concept of reality and whose struggle with ALS inspired millions. Perfect for parents and teachers looking to instill curiosity and a love for STEM.

As a young boy, Stephen Hawking loved to read, stargaze, and figure out how things worked. He looked at the world and always asked, Why?

He never lost that curiosity, which led him to make groundbreaking discoveries about the universe as a young man. Even being diagnosed with ALS didn't slow Stephen down. Those questions kept coming. As his body weakened, Stephen's mind expanded--allowing him to unlock secrets of the universe and become one of the most famous scientists of all time.

Stephen always approached life with courage, a sense of humor, and endless curiosity. His story will encourage readers to look at the world around them with new eyes." (From the publisher, Crown/Random House Children's Books)

"With crisp illustration and intriguing science, Your Place in the Universe introduces readers to the mind-boggling scale of the known Universe.

Most eight-year-olds are about five times as tall as this book . . . but only half as tall as an ostrich, which is half as tall as a giraffe . . . twenty times smaller than a California Redwood! How do they compare to the tallest buildings? To Mt. Everest? To stars, galaxy clusters, and . . . the universe?

Jason Chin, the award-winning author and illustrator of Grand Canyon has once again found a way to make a complex subject--size, scale and almost unimaginable distance--accessible and understandable to readers of all ages. Meticulously researched and featuring the highly detailed artwork for which he is renowned, this is How Much is a Million for the new millenium, sure to be an immediate hit with kids looking for an engaging way to delve into perspective, astronomy, and astrophysics. Curious readers will love the extensive supplementary material included in the back of the book." (From the publisher, Neal Porter Books/Holiday House)

                            NON-FICTION FOR OLDER KIDS AND TEENS

"A perfect tool for young readers as they grow into the leaders of tomorrow, Veronica Chambers's inspiring collection of profiles -- along with Senator Cory Booker's stirring foreword -- will inspire readers of all ages to stand up for what's right.

You may only be one person, but you have the power to change the world.

Before they were activists, they were just like you and me. From Frederick Douglass to Malala Yousafzai, Joan of Arc to John Lewis, Susan B. Anthony to Janet Mock -- these remarkable figures show us what it means to take a stand and say no to injustice, even when it would be far easier to stay quiet.

Resist profiles men and women who resisted tyranny, fought the odds, and stood up to bullies that threatened to harm their communities. Along with their portraits and most memorable quotes, their stories will inspire you to speak out and rise up -- every single day." (From the publisher, HarperCollins Children's Books)

"Thirty-seven contributors-including model Tyra Banks, gymnast Aly Raisman, and bestselling YA authors-explore the world in their unique bodies through essays, lists, comics, and art, from the award-winning editor of (Don't) Call Me Crazy" (From the publisher, Algonquin Books)

"It is worrying to think that most girls feel dissatisfied with their bodies, and that this can lead to serious problems including depression and eating disorders. Can some of those body image worries be eased? Body image expert and psychology professor Dr. Charlotte Markey helps girls aged 9-15 to understand, accept, and appreciate their bodies. She provides all the facts on puberty, mental health, self-care, why diets are bad news, dealing with social media, and everything in-between. Girls will find answers to questions they always wanted to ask, the truth behind many body image myths, and real-life stories from girls who share their own experiences. Through this easy-to-read and beautifully illustrated guide, Dr. Markey teaches girls how to nurture both mental and physical heath to improve their own body image, shows the positive impact they can have on others, and enables them to go out into the world feeling fearless!" (From the publisher, Cambridge University Press)

Next up on the blog -- Teen Fiction!