Month: May 2017

Follow the #Wildmanroadtrip Across The USA

by Disney Books

When author J.C. Geiger set out in his red ’93 Buick earlier this month he started a mission to “Get Lost” on his way to New York City similar to the ordeal his protagonist Lance Hendricks goes through in his upcoming debut novel Wildman. Well 4,238 miles later we are happy to report J.C. has reached the finish line fueled by pre-sales of the book, and money raised for the The American Library Association.

If you missed any of J.C.’s live updates from the road worry not, we’ve got the live stream recorded below for further proof that sometimes in order to find yourself all you really need to do is get lost.

Rules of The House Receives 2017 Comstock-Gág Read Aloud Honor

by Disney Books

The winners of the this year’s Comstock-Gág Read Aloud Book Awards were announced last Friday at Jefferson Elementary School in Fargo, ND and among the titles honored with an official 2017 Comstock-Gág Read Aloud Honor was Disney-Hyperion’s own Rules of The House written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Matthew Myers.

The Comstock Read Aloud Book Award, is an annual award for the best read aloud picture book for older children (ages 9-12). This award is named for the Comstock Family, an important pioneer family in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Rules of The House debuted last spring from the New York Times best-selling team of Mac Barnett and Matthew Myers and is one hilarious tale of sibling rivalry, moral complexity, and disgruntled monsters, perfect for sharing with your own favorite rulebreakers. Since it’s release it has earned four starred reviews from Kirkus Magazine, Booklist, School Library Connection, and The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. Congratulations to all of this year’s Comstock-Gág Read Aloud winners and honorees we are thrilled to be included in such great company.

Celebrate Revenge of The Fifth With Sample Chapters of Rebel Rising by Beth Revis

by Disney Books

The force (and fourth) was strong with all of us yesterday as Stars Wars Day was celebrated all over the world. In the spirit of keeping the blue milk flowing and the cantina band playing a day later we’ve got a special surprise for all fans of a galaxy far, far away here on the School & Library blog.

Rebel Rising by Beth Revis debuted this week, and already has the legions of fans who fell in love with Jyn Erso last December in Rogue One talking about this brand-new tale of the latest Lucasfilm heroine in this in-canon prequel to the film.

As we close out this week, we’re offering up the chance to read the first two chapters of this exciting new Star Wars story online right here. Check it out, and make sure you bring Rebel Rising to your library today.

When Jyn Erso was five years old, her mother was murdered and her father taken from her to serve the Empire. But despite the loss of her parents she is not completely alone—Saw Gerrera, a man willing to go to any extremes necessary in order to resist Imperial tyranny, takes her in as his own, and gives her not only a home but all the abilities and resources she needs to become a rebel herself.

Jyn dedicates herself to the cause—and the man. But fighting alongside Saw and his people brings with it danger and the question of just how far Jyn is willing to go as one of Saw’s soldiers. When she faces an unthinkable betrayal that shatters her world, Jyn will have to pull the pieces of herself back together and figure out what she truly believes in…and who she can really trust. 

April Stars For DBG Books!

by Disney Books

Our stars kept rising last month as April brought four more starred reviews from our friends at The Horn Book, School Library Journal, and Kirkus Magazine. With May already off to a great start we’ve gone ahead and included links to those recent reviews of both current and upcoming titles below, so make sure you add these new DBG books to your school or library today! As always we are incredibly humbled by the support each of these titles has received.

Wildman by J.C. Geiger isn’t out until June but early reviews of the title have us ready to hit road with this book in tow.

“The ethereal Dakota is reminiscent of John Green’s Alaska, while the rest of the cast is crass, uncouth, dangerous at times, and winningly human. All of this is amplified by Geiger’s ability to spin laugh-out-loud, insight-filled one-liners to keep the pace up while the quieter moments balance the narrative with genuine beauty. A thought-provoking, hilarious, eloquent story of a young man realizing that the world is much larger than the one set up for him.” – Kirkus

 

Bob, Not Bob by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick with illustrations by Matthew Cordell earned its third starred review this time The Horn Book.

“Kids will relate to Little Louie’s suffering from both his cold symptoms and his inability to make his wishes heard. Cordell’s expressive loose-lined illustrations set on lots of white space enhance the humor and help move the plot forward. Sharp-eyed viewers will clue in to the difference between BOB meaning the dog (printed with an o-shaped O) and BOB meaning MOM (with a heart-shaped o: “B♥B”). Eventually, Mom (exhausted), Little Louie (happy), and Bob (content) all end up in bed, as “cozy as could be.” All turns out well for Little Louie; his germs, however, move on to the next victim. Get well soon, Bob, er, Mom!”  – Kitty Flynn Horn Book

Be Quiet! by Ryan T. Higgins (Mother Bruce and Hotel Bruce) is available now, and jus earned it’s THIRD starred review from School Library Journal.

“The text, appearing in a large, handwritten font and in speech bubbles, is well spaced and easy to read. The giggle-inducing conversations among the characters are fast-paced and witty. The illustrations are large and comical, inviting readers to fully experience the range of emotions displayed by the characters. VERDICT This hilarious and fun read-aloud will be a hit at storytime. Kids will be laughing out loud.” – Amy Shepherd, St. Anne’s Episcopal School, Middleton, DE SLJ

 

The Pearl Thief  by Elizabeth Wein’s is inching ever closer to release later this month, and as the countdown to this prequel to Code Named Variety continues so to do the starred reviews. The latest from School Library Journal marks the FOURTH starred review for this title.

The main plot is compelling and has the added depth of Julie’s growth and her interactions with the cast of interesting characters and the hints of her future romantic relationships. VERDICT A must for Verity fans and a good read for those who enjoy mystery with a touch of romance. – Janet Hilbun, University of North Texas, Denton SLJ