LB School & Library Podcast

Graphic Novelist Christine Suggs and S&L Marketing Coordinator Amber Mercado discuss the multiracial experience, the struggles of learning another language, the art in AY MIJA, and more! Credits: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Verano Sensual by Kevin MacLeod Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/5049-verano-sensual License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

“This bright start to a Greek mythology–inspired fantasy series blazes with intense, vibrant imagery and crackles with lively, humorous character dynamics…moments of levity balance the suspenseful drama of a world facing impending peril and the sensitive exploration of June's sexuality, anxiety, and loneliness….Vivid and mythical.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Ami Polonsky's middle grade novel, THE WORLD MADE OF GLASS, is off to a great start with four starred reviews already. We are honored to have her on as a guest on the podcast as she discusses her how she takes young readers back to the 1980s AIDS epidemic and shows how anyone can get involved in activism no matter their age.

In this emotional episode, author and illustrator Kindra Neely discusses with Oregonian Victoria Stapleton, Neely's graphic memoir, NUMB TO THIS. NUMB TO THIS depicts the aftermath of the Umpqua Community College shooting and details Kindra's journey towards healing through art. "Neely astutely asserts the importance of hopeful defiance in the face of the numbness and resignation that often accompanies feelings of powerlessness." — Publishers Weekly, starred review. NUMB TO THIS is available now!

Debut Author Amina Luqman-Dawson talks to us about the research behind her empowering historical middle-grade novel about Homer who flees Southerland Plantation and finds a secret maroon community called Freewater, created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children. FREEWATER has five starred reviews and is available now! A free discussion guide and an additional essay by Amina is available on our website.

Bestselling author Natasha Anastasia Tarpley tells us about her new picture book series starring Keyana, the original protagonist from her modern classic,  I Love My Hair! In this book, Keyana's latest and greatest plan is to host a perfect family movie night. She knows the best way to impress her guests is with a fabulous soiree, and there's a lot on her to-do list. But when the night doesn't go as planned, she'll have to rely on a little help from the people she loves most. Join us as we dive into KEYANA LOVES HER FAMILY!

Happy Picture Book Month! We have a special episode featuring the hilarious Laurie Keller discussing her book, WAKE ME UP IN 20 COCONUTS. This silly book teaches the important message that it's okay to say "I don't know"!

Just in time for Spooky Season, Andrew Nance guest stars on this episode of the LBYR School & Library Podcast! He talks ghost stories, podcasts, writing for middle grade, and Alfred Hitchcock with S&L Marketing Coordinator Amber Mercado. Odd Occurrences is available now wherever books are sold! ISBN:9780316334334 Two best friends. One goes missing. And a paranormal podcast that hopes to reunite them, but not before unleashing horror in many forms. When Zeus's best friend gets trapped inside the House of Mystery and Mirrors at Carnival Nocturne, Tobin's existence is erased from the world, and Zeus is the only person who remembers that his best friend ever lived. Zeus is determined to return to the carnival and rescue his friend—that is, if he can only find it. Credits: The following music was used for this media project: Music: Ambient Suspenseful Background by MusicLFiles Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/6597-ambient-suspenseful-background License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://cemmusicproject.wixsite.com/musiclibraryfiles Music: Big Eyes by Rafael Krux Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/5306-big-eyes License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Artist website: https://www.orchestralis.net/ Sounds provided by freesound.org.

Pura Belpré Honoree Laekan Zea Kemp is back! We discuss the power of music, the importance of mental health, and her sophomore YA novel, HEARTBREAK SYMPHONY! Heartbreak Symphony Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64g0dGDu4a5cdI79IZdnip?si=26768ed9810546dd ★ "Kemp eloquently captures how the warmth and strength of a community of mentors can impact a young person's life.... With the lyricism of Benjamin Alire Sáenz's Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and Raquel Vasquez Gilliland's works, this novel is recommended for all collections." — School Library Journal ★ "Kemp's latest novel is a multilayered symphony in itself, keeping the reader's emotions heightened from the first sentence until the finale, during which readers will be left breathless in wonder." — Booklist

New York Times bestselling author April Henry has written another thrilling mystery for young adults, TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE. This episode, April fills us in on this bone-chilling murder-mystery she's crafted about a group of theatre kids trapped in a motel with a murderer during a blizzard. In a room full of liars and performers, the truth is never quite what it seems. "An atmospheric and entertaining thriller perfect for snowy night chills. "—Kirkus "An engrossing read" —Booklist

Award-winning Ghanaian-German author, Mamle Wolo takes the time to talk with Executive Director Victoria Stapleton about her new middle grade novel, The KAYA GIRL. The tale of two girl who form an unlikely and powerful friendship that transcends their social inequities and opens up new worlds to them both. ★ "Wolo's book gives readers an opportunity to become immersed in West African culture while realizing the lessons of growing up include universal experiences: prejudice, poverty, and self-determination." —SLJ, starred review ★ "A heartwarming and inspiring tale of a friendship that surpasses class differences and social stigma." —Kirkus, starred review

Author/Illustrator talks to Victoria Stapleton about his clever twist on Little Red Riding Hood, in which a boy who loves his frilly, swishy riding hood turns the tables on a big, bad, bullying wolf!

Caldecott medalist Matthew Cordell debuts his first early reader series about two best friends who are as different from each other as can be. ★ "Cornbread and Poppy are endearing characters, poised to join the ranks of other memorable early reader sets of best friends old and new, including James Marshall's George and Martha, Laurel Snyder's Charlie and Mouse, and Sergio Ruzzier's Fox and Chick." —BookPage ★ "A rewarding choice for young readers." —Booklist ★ "Cordell's loose, Steig-like ink line makes emotions easy to read as the duo's interplay builds, Poppy marching blissfully along and Cornbread furrowing his brow. Their well-built adventure, the story's back half, offers exertion, discouragement, and a wonderfully improbable change of fortune, with just enough suspense to keep readers engaged." —PW LEARN MORE: https://bit.ly/3H1sa6D

Barry Lyga discusses TIME WILL TELL by LB School & Library

From bestselling author Samira Ahmed comes a thrilling and magical adventure intertwining Islamic legend and history, perfect for fans of Aru Shah and the Land of Stories. "As compelling as it is informative. Even readers who don't believe in magic will find themselves wishing on a star." — Kirkus, Starred Review "A fast-paced adventure with heart and a superb fairy-tale adaptation of Islamic legends." — SLJ, Starred Review

Bestselling author Chuck Wendig's middle grade debut is equal parts spooky, funny, and heartfelt—perfect for Halloween and year-round reading! A fun adventure about rival siblings running a monster mortuary. *"Playing to strengths demonstrated in his many comics and tales for older audiences, not only is Wendig a dab hand at concocting extremely creepy critters, but here he also pulls together a secondary cast of quarrelsome but supportive allies for the beleaguered teens."—Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) *"Monstrously fun.... A sure pick for those enamored by Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book (2008), and Tahereh Mafi's Whichwood (2017)."—Booklist (Starred Review)

In this emotional and powerful episode, LBYR's Victoria Stapleton discusses with author Marcie Colleen her new picture book, SURVIVOR TREE. The hopeful story of a resilient tree that grew (and still grows) at the base of the twin towers is a simple introduction for young readers to gain an understanding of September 11th and the impact it had on America. "A sensitive, accessible entry point into a relatively recent tragedy."—Publishers Weekly * "A lovely 20th-anniversary tribute to the towers and all who perished—and survived."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Eloquent.... A moving history and tribute to resilience."—Booklist "Survivor Tree, which marks the 20-year anniversary of 9/11, is like its subject: a stately monument to resilience."—Shelf Awareness "A story of history and hope, of tragedy and resilience."—Midwest Book Review

Playwright and author of Captain Superlative, J. S. Puller, discusses with LBSchool's Victoria Stapleton the healing and imaginative world in her middle grade book, THE LOST THINGS CLUB. ★ "An important title for social workers, parents, and educators about the critical role art and imagination can play in healing and bringing people together."—School Library Journal Learn more: http://ow.ly/fsfw50FEVFC

LBSchool's Victoria Stapleton talks to author Marcy Campbell on how to tell a difficult story when words are not enough.

“Intense, unflinching…a gratifying story.” —Kirkus Reviews “A devastating and beautiful read that clearly shows the complexities of addiction, fear, love, and friendship.” —SLJ “A gratifying story of a young woman’s path to recovering pieces of her past self through a present laced with pain.” —Booklist In this gritty, heart-wrenching mystery, prose and verse mix to explores themes of disability, pain, belonging, loss, addiction, and friendship. Everything was fine before. When Eve and Lidia could hide their physical differences inside goofy Burger Hut costumes. When Lidia shook Eve up and Eve made Lidia laugh. When Lidia was there. Everything is different now. Cut open . . . rearranged . . . stapled shut, Eve is left alone to recover in a world of pain and a body she no longer recognizes. Her only companions being a bottle of Roxanol and an infuriating (but cute) neighbor, Eve strikes up a relationship—and makes a pact—with the devil. Sacrificing pieces of a place she doesn't know to return to a place she does. What will she discover when she unravels her past? And is having Lidia back worth the price? In verse and prose, Fix paints a riveting picture of a teen struggling to find herself and move forward with her life in a sea of opioids, regret, grief, and hope. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3epFxSD

⭑ "Positive, powerful, and affirming." —Kirkus ⭑ "Truly delightful." —Booklist From a New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott-honor winning artist comes an exuberant illustrated story about playing dress up, having fun, and feeling free. The boy loves to be naked. He romps around his house naked and wild and free. Until he romps into his parents' closet and is inspired to get dressed. First he tries on his dad's clothes, but they don't fit well. Then he tries on his mom's clothes, and wow! The boy looks great. He looks through his mom's jewelry and makeup and tries that on, too. When he's discovered by his mother and father, the whole family (including the dog!) get in on the fun, and they all get dressed together. This charming and humorous story was inspired by bestselling and award-winning author Peter Brown's own childhood, and highlights nontraditional gender roles and self-expression. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3sXTE6y

"Compelling... This story will find an audience in teens with a sense of wanderlust and an itch for adventure." —SLJ With natural disasters and nuclear war threatening their small town, two twin brothers find themselves enraptured by mysterious music that could change the course of their lives. Everyone in Clade City knows their days are numbered. The Great Cascadia Earthquake will destroy their hometown and reshape the entire West Coast—if they survive long enough to see it. Nuclear war is increasingly likely. Wildfires. Or another pandemic. To Griff, the daily forecast feels partly cloudy with a chance of apocalyptic horsemen. Griff’s brother, Leo, and the Lost Coast Preppers claim to be ready. They’ve got a radio station. Luminous underwater monitors. A sweet bunker, and an unsettling plan for “disaster-ready rodents.” But Griff’s more concerned about what he can do before the end times. He’d like to play in a band, for one. Hopefully with Charity Simms. Her singing could make the whole world stop. When Griff, Leo, and Charity stumble upon a mysterious late-night broadcast, one song changes everything. It’s the best band they’ve ever heard—on a radio signal even the Preppers can’t trace. They vow to find the music, but aren’t prepared for where their search will take them. Or for what they’ll risk, when survival means finding the one thing you cannot live without. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2Rk6A91

⭑ "Debut author Aleman was born in Mexico and his writing is stellar, clear and emotional, realistic and suspenseful. The story is complex and heart-wrenching, yet full of hope and familial love, making this an excellent choice even for younger YA readers." —Booklist This timely, moving debut novel follows a teen's efforts to keep his family together as his parents face deportation. Mateo Garcia and his younger sister, Sophie, have been taught to fear one word for as long as they can remember: deportation. Over the past few years, however, the fear that their undocumented immigrant parents could be sent back to Mexico has started to fade. Ma and Pa have been in the United States for so long, they have American-born children, and they're hard workers and good neighbors. When Mateo returns from school one day to find that his parents have been taken by ICE, he realizes that his family's worst nightmare has become a reality. With his parents' fate and his own future hanging in the balance, Mateo must figure out who he is and what he is capable of, even as he's forced to question what it means to be an American. Daniel Aleman's Indivisible is a remarkable story—both powerful in its explorations of immigration in America and deeply intimate in its portrait of a teen boy driven by his fierce, protective love for his parents and his sister. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3uyfJJh

A darkly rich tapestry of twisted magic, deadly consequences, and riveting stakes. —Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of the Belles series Reeling from betrayal at the hands of the Whispers, Renata Convida is a girl on the run. With few options and fewer allies, she's reluctantly joined forces with none other than Prince Castian, her most infuriating and intriguing enemy. They're united by lofty goals: find the fabled Knife of Memory, kill the ruthless King Fernando, and bring peace to the nation. Together, Ren and Castian have a chance to save everything, if only they can set aside their complex and intense feelings for each other. With the king's forces on their heels at every turn, their quest across Puerto Leones and beyond leaves little room for mistakes. But the greatest danger is within Ren. The Gray, her fortress of stolen memories, has begun to crumble, threatening her grip on reality. She'll have to control her magics—and her mind—to unlock her power and protect the Moria people once and for all. For years, she was wielded as weapon. Now it's her time to fight back.

⭑ "Fans of Elizabeth Acevedo’s With the Fire on High (2019) will cherish Xander and Pen’s love story and Pen’s passion for food. This stellar debut offers a cathartic take on a relationship between a father and daughter. Authentic flavor inside and out." —Kirkus, starred review I'm Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter meets Emergency Contact in this stunning story of first love, familial expectations, the power of food, and finding where you belong. This stunning and poignant novel from debut author Laekan Zea Kemp explores identity, found families and the power of food, all nestled within a courageous and intensely loyal Chicanx community. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2YJY0Rk

Kathleen Lane discusses her new book for middle graders, PITY PARTY. ⭑ " All the varied moods and textures of these pieces come together into an original, convincing, spot-on, and weirdly moving collage portrait of middle-school-age insecurities, anxieties, awkwardness, and interpersonal dynamics." —The Horn Book ⭑ "Lane has written a heartfelt and relatable book filled with moments of darkness and humor, plus a little magic. ...Perfect for anyone who has ever felt out of place in a social situation. Hand to fans of Jason Reynolds’s Look Both Ways. A first purchase for all ­libraries serving middle schoolers." —School Library Journal

A. J. Sass discusses his debut middle grade novel, ANA ON THE EDGE. ★ "Sass masterfully balances Ana's passion for competitive figure skating with her journey to coming out. ...Sensitive and realistic."—Booklist For fans of George and Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World, a heartfelt coming of age story about a nonbinary character navigating a binary world. Twelve-year-old Ana-Marie Jin, the reigning US Juvenile figure skating champion, is not a frilly dress kind of kid. So, when Ana learns that next season’s program will be princess themed, doubt forms fast. Still, Ana tries to focus on training and putting together a stellar routine worthy of national success. Once Ana meets Hayden, a transgender boy new to the rink, thoughts about the princess program and gender identity begin to take center stage. And when Hayden mistakes Ana for a boy, Ana doesn’t correct him and finds comfort in this boyish identity when he’s around. As their friendship develops, Ana realizes that it’s tricky juggling two different identities on one slippery sheet of ice. And with a major competition approaching, Ana must decide whether telling everyone the truth is worth risking years of hard work and sacrifice.

★ "Youngblood's debut is a celebration of intergenerational family bonds. Readers in co-parenting or blended families especially will relate to the conflicts between Georgie's loving but imperfect parents. An openhearted, endearing, and unforgettable debut about the challenges of friendship, growing up, and the boundless love of family." —Kirkus Reviews Winter 2018 Kids' Indie Next List SIBA 2018 Fall Okra Pick Kirkus Reviews' Best Middle Grade Family Stories of 2018 Bookish: Brilliant Book Covers: The Best Covers of November 2018, selection Atlanta Parent: Best Books of 2018, selection PennGSE Newsroom: The Best Books of 2018 for Young Readers, selection BNKids: Our Favorite Contemporary Middle Grade of 2018, selection BookRiot: Black Kids on Book Covers: Middle Grade Edition, selection (2019) Learn More: https://bit.ly/3bBiwt4

Christiane M. Andrews discusses the power and importance of art, building empathy, stargazy pies, and her debut middle grade novel, SPINDLEFISH AND STARS. ★ "An epic tale of abandonment, travel, secrets, family, and the meaning of art.... Exquisite in detail.... A tapestry, both humble and rich." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review ★ "A lyrical debut exploring the nature of destiny and sacrifice.... The narrative voice...makes this enchanting story feel like an all-new myth built from classic material." —Publishers Weekly, starred review ★ "Offers a longer, measured view of the unavoidability of pain and the beauty of kindness as well as commentary on the persistence of powerful stories through art." —BCCB, starred review Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3iRCPon

Set in a lushly drawn world inspired by Inquisition Spain, Zoraida Córdova’s hotly anticipated new fantasy is an epic tale of love and revenge perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Sarah J. Maas. As a memory thief, the rarest and most feared of the magical Moria, Renata was used by the crown to carry out the King’s Wrath, a siege that resulted in the deaths of thousands of her own people. Now Renata is one of the Whispers, rebel spies working against the crown. The Whispers may have rescued Renata years ago, but she cannot escape their mistrust and hatred — or the overpowering memories of the hundreds of souls she drained during her time in the palace. When Dez, the commander of her unit — and the boy she’s grown to love — is taken captive by the notorious Principe Dorado, Renata must return to Andalucia and complete Dez’s top secret mission herself. But as Renata grows more deeply embedded in the politics of the royal court, she uncovers a secret in her past that could change the fate of the entire kingdom — and end the war that has cost her everything. Learn more about INCENDIARY here: https://bit.ly/3axt5N0

Melanie Conklin discusses her latest middle grade novel for middle, EVERY MISSING PIECE. A stunning voice-driven novel about grief, family, and putting the pieces back together for “fans of Rebecca Stead and Erin Entrada Kelly” (BCCB) and “readers who enjoyed The Thing About Jellyfish (Booklist). Maddy Gaines sees danger everywhere she looks: at the bus stop, around the roller rink, in the woods, and (especially) by the ocean. When Maddy meets a mysterious boy setting booby traps in the North Carolina woods, she suspects is Billy Holcomb–the boy who went missing in the fall. As Maddy tries to uncover the truth about Billy Holcomb, ghosts from her own past surface, her best friend starts to slip away, and Maddy’s world tilts once again. Can she put the pieces of her life back together, even if some of them are lost forever? Learn more about Every Missing Piece: https://bit.ly/31Ds6XB

Hatchet meets Long Way Down in this heartfelt and gripping novel in verse about a young girl’s struggle for survival after a climbing trip with her father goes terribly wrong. ★ "Elements of the survival story and psychological thriller combine with strong symbolism to weave a winding, focused, stunning narrative.... An edge-of-your-seat read." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review “If you’re looking for a great book to add to your to read list, look no further.” —Colby Sharp, author of The Creativity Project and co-founder of The Nerdy Book Club Learn more: https://bit.ly/3dICOAm

From award-winning and bestselling author, Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are forced to navigate the world, all while training for a fencing competition. ★ "A powerful work and must-have for children's collections." —Booklist, starred review ★ "An excellent selection for both elementary and middle library collections, this is a title that celebrates finding one's place in the world." —School Library Connection, starred review "Placing biracial boyhood and the struggles of colorism at its center, the novel challenges readers to pursue their own self-definition." —Kirkus "Donte's story is a good primer for younger readers on microaggressions." —School Library Journal "A classic sports story." —BCCB "This novel offers a solid story, with relatable, three-dimensional characters considering identity, that will teach readers about colorism's effects." —Publishers Weekly Learn More here: https://bit.ly/3fjd3rB Check out the audiobook: https://bit.ly/37dTRbT

Zetta Elliott discusses her poetry collection, SAY HER NAME. Inspired by the #SayHerName campaign launched by the African American Policy Forum, these poems pay tribute to victims of police brutality as well as the activists insisting that Black Lives Matter. Elliott engages poets from the past two centuries to create a chorus of voices celebrating the creativity, resilience, and courage of Black women and girls. This collection features forty-nine powerful poems, four of which are tribute poems inspired by the works of Lucille Clifton, Audre Lorde, Nikki Giovanni, and Phillis Wheatley. This provocative collection will move every reader to reflect, respond-and act.

Mark Tatulli discusses his influences, why graphic novels are great to read, and his own graphic novels SHORT & SKINNY and THE BIG BREAK.

A sensitive, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful novel in verse about one girl’s journey in the aftermath of abuse. One day after school, on the couch in the basement, Tori’s uncle did something bad. Afterward, Tori tells her mom. Even though telling was a brave thing to do, her mom still doesn’t believe her at first. Her grandma still takes his side. And Tori doesn’t want anyone else — even her best friend — to know what happened. Now Tori finds herself battling mixed emotions — anger, shame, and sadness — as she deals with the trauma. But with the help of her mom, her little sister, her best friend, and others, can Tori find a way to have the last word? From debut author Sonja K. Solter comes a heartbreaking yet powerful novel that will strike a chord with readers of Jacqueline Woodson and Tony Abbott. PRAISE FOR WHEN YOU KNOW WHAT I KNOW "Written with leap-off-the page boldness and sensitivity, Sonja K. Solter's When You Know What I Know is as fresh and profound a story of hope in the aftermath of tragedy as I have ever read. Young readers will hang on every word of Tori's confusion, pain, and hard-won renewal. A triumph!" —Tony Abbott, author of The Summer of Owen Todd and The Great Jeff "Solter emphasizes the emotional effects both of the molestation and of the disparate reactions she encounters when others hear about it. This offering of hope after trauma is, importantly, unromanticized." —Kirkus Reviews "A difficult but important read, giving a voice to sexual abuse survivors and helping others see the complexity of emotions and the hard work that goes into the healing process." —School Library Journal "The book is smart." —BCCB

A 2020 Junior Library Guild Selection Three-time Theodor Seuss Geisel Award recipient Greg Pizzoli launches a full-color graphic novel series about four funny friends that Dav Pilkey declares “will inspire young readers to write and draw their own stories”! Meet Baloney! He’s the star of this book, along with his best buddies: empathetic Peanut the horse, sensible Bizz the bumblebee, and grumpy Krabbit–he’d rather not be here, but what can you do? In this graphic novel for newly independent readers, Baloney and friends step into spotlight and embody all the charm of childhood in three short tales and three mini-comics that invite readers to join the fun! Giggle with Baloney as he performs some questionable magic…give him a boost when a case of the blues gets him down…cheer him on as he braves the swimming pool…and at the end, learn to draw all the characters with clear step-by-step instructions! “A sure bet for Elephant and Piggie fans who are ready for the next step up or want to make the move to comics.”—Booklist “Kids will gobble up Baloney!”–Ben Clanton, creator of Narwhal and Jelly series “Porcine-ly-perfect”–Laurie Keller, Geisel Award-winning author of We Are Growing!

Monica Hesse joins the LB School podcast to discuss historical fiction, writing about post war Europe, and more. ★ "Excellent ... a must-purchase." —SLC ★ "Hesse again proves to be a master of verisimilitude ... beautifully realized, highly empathetic ... superbly crafted." —BCCB ★ "Compelling.” —PW ★ "A heartbreaking and heartwarming story of survival, loss, and renewal." —SLJ ★ “Leaves readers...rewarded." —BCCB A tour de force historical mystery from Monica Hesse, the bestselling and award-winning author of Girl in the Blue Coat. Germany, 1945. The soldiers who liberated the Gross-Rosen concentration camp said the war was over, but nothing feels over to eighteen-year-old Zofia Lederman. Her body has barely begun to heal; her mind feels broken. And her life is completely shattered: Three years ago, she and her younger brother, Abek, were the only members of their family to be sent to the right, away from the gas chambers of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Everyone else–her parents, her grandmother, radiant Aunt Maja–they went left. Zofia’s last words to her brother were a promise: Abek to Zofia, A to Z. When I find you again, we will fill our alphabet. Now her journey to fulfill that vow takes her through Poland and Germany, and into a displaced persons camp where everyone she meets is trying to piece together a future from a painful past: Miriam, desperately searching for the twin she was separated from after they survived medical experimentation. Breine, a former heiress, who now longs only for a simple wedding with her new fiancé. And Josef, who guards his past behind a wall of secrets, and is beautiful and strange and magnetic all at once. But the deeper Zofia digs, the more impossible her search seems. How can she find one boy in a sea of the missing? In the rubble of a broken continent, Zofia must delve into a mystery whose answers could break her–or help her rebuild her world.

Syed M. Masood discusses his influences, including John Green and Ray Ramono, writing from the margins, and his debut novel, MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE. __________________ For fans of Becky Albertalli and Jenny Han, a sweetly funny YA debut about falling in love, family expectations, and being a Renaissance Man. Danyal Jilani doesn’t lack confidence. He may not be the smartest guy in the room, but he’s funny, gorgeous, and going to make a great chef one day. His father doesn’t approve of his career choice, but that hardly matters. What does matter is the opinion of Danyal’s longtime crush, the perfect-in-all-ways Kaval, and her family, who consider him a less than ideal arranged marriage prospect. When Danyal gets selected for Renaissance Man, a school-wide academic championship, it’s the perfect opportunity to show everyone he’s smarter than they think. He recruits the brilliant, totally-uninterested-in-him Bisma to help with the competition, but the more time Danyal spends with her…the more he learns from her…the more he cooks for her…the more he realizes that happiness may be staring him right in his pretty face. In this young adult debut full of depth and heart, author Syed M. Masood will have readers laughing, sighing, tearing up, and shouting “YES!” at the top of their lungs.

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas studies how people of color are portrayed, or not portrayed, in children’s and young adult literature, and how those portrayals shape our culture. You can find her on Twitter at @Ebonyteach and learn more about her work at https://www.gse.upenn.edu/academics/faculty-directory/thomas.

Donalyn Miller is a reader, a teacher, an author, a Book Whisperer, a #nerdybookclub co-founder, and the #bookaday founder. You can find her on Twitter at @donalynbooks and on her website at https://bookwhisperer.com/.

The breath-taking finale to the epic New York Times bestseller, The Diviners, from Printz winner and beloved author Libba Bray hits shelves on February 4, 2020. Here she speaks to Victoria Stapleton about the series.

Publishers Weekly Most Anticipated Children's Books of Fall 2019 A Fall 2019 Kids' Indie Next List ⭐ "Perfection." —School Library Journal ⭐ "How wonderful: a book with both racial diversity and class diversity that feels authentic. Special and splendid." —Kirkus Reviews ⭐ "The family handles the stress of dashed expectations in a way that acknowledges disappointment while conveying the buoyancy of resilience and the joy of their bond. And a delightful coda may inspire readers to share the inventive way they salvage their day." —Publishers Weekly ⭐ "The simple yet heartfelt story tugs at the emotions, but it's the paper collage artwork that really packs a punch. Created with acrylic paints, china markers, patterned paper, and print clippings, the bright illustrations are inventively conceived and full of motion-just the right vehicle for bringing this Black mother-daughter duo to vibrant life." —Booklist ⭐ "This simple, well-crafted tale holds universal lessons for children and adults alike." —The Horn Book ⭐ "A bighearted ode to parent-child bonding." —BookPage

Todd Parr is love, and we LOVE Todd Parr. In this podcast he discusses his book, Teachers Rock! Check out everything Todd Parr here: https://www.toddparr.com/

Marc Favreau returns to the LB School podcast to discuss his new book, Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia. Listen on for insights about writing nonfiction for young adults and what history can teach us about our present and future. ★ "Favreau weaves vivid, succinct accounts of the volatile U.S.-Soviet relationship into his tension-inducing spy stories ... [a] riveting, timely topic." —PW, starred review

Ronni Davis discusses her debut YA novel, WHEN THE STARS LEAD TO YOU. "Fans of Sarah Dessen and Nicholas Sparks need look no further than Davis' debut for their next book crush." —Booklist "Debut author Davis provides a new take on the archetypal first love novel by tackling the impact of mental health, race, and class wars. A moving love story, timely given the pervasiveness of mental health crises." —Kirkus Learn more here: http://bit.ly/31jsNUV

New York Times bestselling author Samira Ahmed was the opening keynote speaker for School Library Journal's Teen Live event in 2019. Here, she discusses her acclaimed novel INTERNMENT, the power of libraries, and what representation means in YA fiction. Download the audiobook for INTERNMENT here: iTunes: https://apple.co/2N0apvE Google: http://bit.ly/2N2HC9T Kobo: http://bit.ly/2N0bm7c Libro: http://bit.ly/2N4l9sU Audible: https://adbl.co/2N3JYW3

"Baughman convincingly portrays the varied reactions to the findings as well as everybody's desire for the lake to thrive...Compassionately told, this compelling debut brings to life conservation issues and choices young readers will confront as adults." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) ______ A remarkable debut novel that takes readers on a journey of discovery, magic, science, and hope. Twelve-year-old Addie should stay away from Maple Lake. After all, her twin brother, Amos, drowned there only a few months ago. But its crisp, clear water runs in Addie’s veins, and the notebook Amos left behind — filled with clues about a mysterious creature that lives in the lake’s inky-blue depths — keeps calling her back. So despite her parents’ fears, Addie accepts a Young Scientist position studying the lake for the summer, promising she’ll stick to her job of measuring water pollution levels under adult supervision. Still, Addie can’t resist the secrets of Maple Lake. She enlists the lead researcher’s son, Tai, to help her investigate Amos’s clues. As they collect evidence, they also learn that Maple Lake is in trouble — and the source of the pollution might be close to home. Addie finds herself caught between the science she has always prized and the magic that brings her closer to her brother, and the choice she makes will change everything.

* "Kindness is revealed to be the best answer to embarrassment and anger in this funny take on peeing your pants." —Kirkus, starred review * "A quick study in how saving face can be a team effort." —Booklist, starred review * "A comedy that is both laugh-out-loud off-kilter and deeply humane." —Publishers Weekly, starred review ____________________ In this hilarious tale of blame, compassion, and forgiveness, a very embarrassed bear is reminded that accidents can happen–but with the support of good friends, life goes on. Reuben the bear’s got donuts for everyone in his scout troop, but his friends are all staring at something else: there’s a wet spot on Reuben’s pants, and it’s in a specific area. “WHO WET MY PANTS?” he shouts, and a blame game starts. His buddies try to reassure him there was no crime. Just an accident. It could happen to anyone! But as all the clues begin to point in Reuben’s own direction as the culprit, Reuben must come to terms with the truth. Who Wet My Pants? isn’t a potty-training book. It’s a witty and wise story about embarrassment and anger, empathy and acceptance, and ultimately…forgiveness.

In Jason Platt’s debut graphic novel, Ferris Bueller meets Calvin and Hobbes in this hilarious and embarrassing middle school caper that asks the important questions–like how long can one kid vamp before he embarrasses himself in front of his whole school? Newell is always getting into trouble–whether it’s showing up tardy for most of the year, or mocking his teachers while authoritarian Mr. Todd is standing right behind him. When disaster strikes and Newell finds himself on track to summer school, he’s given one last minute option to get out of it–participating in the upcoming Talent Show. The only problem is that he doesn’t technically have a talent to show. Yikes. In this fun and imaginative full-color graphic novel, Jason Platt sends a fast-talking, daydreaming, middle school kid on a desperate quest to pull off a great show and save his summer. This title will be simultaneously available in paperback.

Twelve-year-old Sunny St. James navigates heart surgery, reconnecting with her lost mother, first kisses, and emerging feelings for another girl in this stunning, heartfelt novel–perfect for fans of Ali Benjamin and Erin Entrada Kelly. When Sunny St. James receives a new heart, she decides to set off on a “New Life Plan”: 1) do awesome amazing things she could never do before; 2) find a new best friend; and 3) kiss a boy for the first time. Her “New Life Plan” seems to be racing forward, but when she meets her new best friend Quinn, Sunny questions whether she really wants to kiss a boy at all. With the reemergence of her mother, Sunny begins a journey to becoming the new Sunny St. James. This sweet, tender novel dares readers to find the might in their own hearts. ______ Available March 6, 2018 from Hachette Audio as a digital download, and in Print and Ebook from Little, Brown Young Readers. Download: Google: http://bit.ly/2XYyJAf Itunes: https://apple.co/2Y2ORRF Audible: https://adbl.co/2XR6l2Y Libro: http://bit.ly/2XX9puK