Looking for books to read or share this Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month? Consider these titles, which feature characters of Hispanic or Latin American heritage. You can find these titles and more in our Hispanic Latinx-focused catalogs: Hispanic Latinx Heritage Authors and Hispanic Latinx Heritage Characters.

DISNEY ENCANTO: ANTONIO’S AMAZING GIFT by Naibe Renoso, illustrated by Juliette Oberndorfer

Inspired by characters and scenes from Disney’s Encanto, this brightly illustrated picture book celebrates Antonio’s gift day! The young boy learns he can communicate with animals and tours his new, magical bedroom alongside his amazing family. It’s a birthday party the Encanto will never forget!

DISNEY ENCANTO: A TALE OF THREE SISTERS by Anika Fajardo

Based on the world of Disney’s Encanto, this magical middle grade novel is told from the differing points of view of Mirabel, Luisa, and Isabela, and brings to you the innermost thoughts of the three sisters paired with beautiful artwork at the beginning of each chapter.

SOLIMAR: THE SWORD OF THE MONARCHS by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Middle-grade fans of Newbery Honor Medal winner Pam Muñoz Ryan will find a new Mexican heroine to love in princess-to-be Solimar, and a fresh, captivating story about butterflies, magic, and the power of claiming your courage and voice in the face of evil.

PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE SANCTUARY OF SHADOWS by Tehlor Kay Mejia

When Paola Santiago enters the ghost-filled void in an effort to bring back her friend Dante, she encounters the most terrifying specter of all in this conclusion to the series. Tehlor Kay Mejia’s third exciting journey into Mexican folklore has our lovable, intrepid protagonist making discoveries both wondrous and fearsome.

THE LORDS OF NIGHT by J. C. Cervantes

In the first book in the Shadow Bruja series, a spin-off of the Storm Runner trilogy, Ren, a shadow bruja, has to team up with Ah-Puch in teen form to prevent rogue godborns from unseating the gods. Anyone who enjoys fast-paced myth-based adventures will be swept up in this one featuring Maya and Mexica gods and their magical offspring.

BALLAD & DAGGER by Daniel José Older

The first novel in the Outlaw Saints duology, Ballad & Dagger is a brilliant story that will transport readers to a world where magic, myth, and gods reign over the streets of Brooklyn. Mateo Matisse was born into a culture that is a unique mix of pirates, santeros, and Sephardim. They’ve been living peacefully in a diaspora community in Brooklyn for the past fifteen years, but now cracks are beginning to appear, and it is up to Mateo to heal them.

WE WEREN’T LOOKING TO BE FOUND By Stephanie Kuehn

With an inclusive female ensemble cast of neurodiverse teens, Stephanie Kuehn’s contemporary YA novel explores the intersection of mental health, friendship, family, and acceptance in the vein of It’s Kind of a Funny Story.

FRACTURED PATH by J. C. Cervantes

The third book in the innovative four-book fairy-tale series, The Mirror, Fractured Path picks up in 1960s San Francisco, where Blake Estancia’s life is full of art, magic, and perilous secrets relating to a family curse.

THE HIGH REPUBLIC: MIDNIGHT HORIZON by Daniel José Older

After a series of staggering losses, the Republic seems to finally have the villainous Nihil marauders on the run, and it looks like there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Until word comes of a suspected Nihil attack on the industrial cosmopolitan world of Corellia, right in the Galactic Core. Sent to investigate are Jedi Masters Cohmac Vitus and Kantam Sy, along with Padawans Reath Silas and Ram Jomaram, all fighting their own private battles after months of unrelenting danger. But what they uncover on Corellia turns out to be just one part of a greater plan, one that could lead the Jedi to their most stunning defeat yet….

 

This Pride month, and all year round, we celebrate LGBTQIA+ stories and storytellers, and strive to publish a wide range of books that allow young people of different identities to see themselves, their friends, and families reflected on the page.

Looking to fill you shelves with Pride? Check out the titles below, and find additional titles in our Pride catalog!

TIGER HONOR by Yoon Ha Lee

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Yoon Ha Lee’s companion to the award-winning Dragon Pearl, another space opera inspired by Korean mythology, this time told from the point of view of nonbinary tiger spirit Sebin.

Educator’s guide for the Thousand Worlds series. 

RAVENOUS THINGS by Derrick Chow

Coraline meets Monster House in this middle grade horror retelling of the Pied Piper. Twelve-year-old Reggie is still grieving the passing of his father when a strange man promises to reunite the two if Reggie follows him deep into an underground subway system where horrors worse than Reggie ever imagined lurk around every corner.

Request this title on NetGalley!

PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE FOREST OF NIGHTMARES by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Paola Santiago has to face more ghosts as she searches for her estranged father in the second book in this middle grade fantasy adventure series based on Mexican folklore.

Educator’s guide for the Paola Santiago series. 

LIKE OTHER GIRLS by Britta Lundin

After getting kicked off the basketball team for fighting, Mara must join a new sport to prove to her coach that she can be a team player. She chooses football, a controversial move in her conservative small town, because it’s a sport she knows and loves, and is good at. But when four other girls join the team, inspired by what they see as Mara’s political statement, her preconceived notions about gender, sports, sexuality, and friendship are turned upside down.

THE TEMPERATURE OF ME AND YOU by Brian Zepka

Dylan—a hopeless romantic—falls for Jordan, the mysterious new boy in town who runs hot and is able to conjure fire with the wave of his hand in this sci-fi thriller.

THE RUMOR GAME by Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra

From the New York Times best-selling authors of Tiny Pretty Things comes a twisty, diverse, and fast-paced drama about a rumor that spirals out of control and sows chaos in a posh D.C. private school.

HAPPILY EVER ISLAND by Crystal Cestari

When college freshman Madison’s life starts to fall apart, her best-friend Lanie reluctantly agrees to join her for the test run of Disney’s newest resort experience. Happily Ever Island is an immersive vacation destination where guests can become their favorite Disney character for a week. But once they get to the island, the experience is nothing like either of them expected. Will the girls find their happily ever after? Or is a fairy tale ending just that . . . a fantasy?

ANNE OF GREENVILLE by Mariko Tamaki

In this modern reimagining of Anne of Green Gables, Anne is an ABBA-loving singer/actor/writer of disco-operas, queer, Japanese-American who longs to be understood for her artistic genius. Refreshingly bold and unapologetically unique, Anne of Greenville will make you want to stand up and sing!

Request this title on NetGalley!

QUEEN’S HOPE by E. K. Johnston

A peace-loving senator faces a time of war in another thrilling Padmé Amidala adventure from the author of the New York Times best-sellers Queen’s Peril and Queen’s Shadow, E. K. Johnston!

 

We celebrate the diverse stories and storytellers from Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities during AANHPI Heritage Month, and all year round. You can find these titles and more in our AANHPI-focused catalogs: Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Storytellers and Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Stories.

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER by Natasha Yim and illustrated by Steph Lew

This beautiful and charming picture book expands the world of Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red. Ming and Meilin are the perfect mother and daughter. They work as a team, and each always seems to know what the other is thinking. But one day, something shocking happens: Mei poofs into a red panda! Now this once perfect pair has a huge panda problem!

THE REAL R.P.G.: THE STORY OF THE RED PANDA GIRL by Lily Quan

Based on Disney and Pixar’s film Turning Red, this middle grade novel explores the crazy, amazing, and often-times hilarious experiences of thirteen-year-old Meilin Lee. Meilin Lee started out like any other thirteen-year-old: hanging out with her friends, dealing with middle school, and helping her family. You know, normal stuff. Then one day . . . POOF! Suddenly, she was a GIANT. RED. PANDA. She thought her life was over, but it turned out only to be the beginning.

PAHUA AND THE SOUL STEALER by Lori M. Lee

While trying to rescue her brother’s soul from the spirit world, eleven-year-old Pahua Moua discovers that she is a powerful shaman warrior in this middle grade novel based on Hmong mythology.

Educator’s guide for Pahua and the Soul Stealer.

TIGER HONOR by Yoon Ha Lee

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Yoon Ha Lee’s companion to the best-selling and award-winning Dragon Pearl, another space opera inspired by Korean mythology, this time told from the point of view of a nonbinary tiger spirit, Sebin.

Educator’s guide for the Thousand Worlds series. 

ARU SHAH AND THE NECTAR OF IMMORTALITY by Roshani Chokshi

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the breathtaking conclusion to Roshani Chokshi’s New York Times best-selling Pandava quintet. Will the Sleeper gain immortality or be stopped once and for all? More surprises and delights, gods and demons, and laughs and tears await in this immensely satisfying conclusion to the wild ride that began with the lighting of a lamp.

Educator’s guide for the Pandava series. 

SHINJI TAKAHASHI AND THE MARK OF THE COATL by Julie Kagawa

Shinji Takahashi is just an ordinary kid. An ordinary homeschooled smart-alecky kid being raised by his globe-trotting aunt Yui. But when a magical guardian decides to use him as a conduit to awaken its power, Shinji’s life takes a turn for the anything-but-ordinary.

THE LAST FALLEN MOON by Graci Kim

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the second book in Graci Kim’s magical and mysterious Gifted Clans trilogy, a warm-hearted, action-packed adventure inspired by Korean mythology.

Educator’s guide for the Gifted Clans series. 

IN EVERY GENERATION by Kendare Blake

The first book in a brand-new YA series set in the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. When all of the existing slayers fall victim to a mysterious attack, Frankie Rosenberg, daughter of Willow, discovers she is a slayer, and takes up the mantle to protect New Sunnydale. Despite the many challenges standing in her way, Frankie must assemble her own bumbling Scooby Gang, get dressed up in Buffy’s (vintage ’90s) clothes, and become a new slayer for a new generation—before whatever came for the rest of the slayers comes for her next.

ALONE OUT HERE by Riley Redgate

Alone Out Here is a poignant, heart-pounding survival story that imagines a near future where the climate collapses, causing the apocalypse to hit months ahead of schedule. Only fifty teenagers, including First Daughter Leigh Chen, escape Earth on a spaceship with the last hope of preserving humanity, but can they work together to reach safety?

ONCE UPON A K-PROM by Kat Cho

What would you do if the world’s biggest K-pop superstar asked you to prom? Elena Soo, high-school junior and prom skeptic, is about to find out. Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Sandhya Menon, this hilarious and heartfelt novel combines the glamour and drama of the K-pop world with relatable teen issues and a swoon-worthy love story.

THE QUEEN’S COUNCIL: FEATHER AND FLAME by Livia Blackburne

Happily ever after is only the beginning in this YA series that reimagines the Disney princesses as young rulers of their lands, aided by a mystical group of women called the Queen’s Council. 206 BCE-900 CE China during the Han and Tang Dynasties: Before his death, the aging Emperor decreed that Mulan would take the throne, having shown what it takes to be a leader. When he dies, she becomes the Warrior Empress, leader of her people and her army as they fight to keep power from falling into the hands of enemies.

This Black History Month, and all year round, we work to publish and celebrate a diverse range of stories by and about the Black community. Below you can find a selection of recently and soon-to-be published books by Black creators, featuring Black characters. From an early reader, to historical fiction, to contemporary romance, to science fiction and fantasy, this list has something for every reader. For more titles, please visit our catalog Celebrating Black Authors.

TRISTAN STRONG KEEPS PUNCHING by Kwame Mbalia

In the stunning finale to the trilogy, Tristan Strong faces off with his archenemy, King Cotton, once and for all. Shocking twists, glorious triumphs, and a cast of unforgettable characters make this series conclusion as satisfying as it is entertaining.

Educator’s guide for the Tristan Strong series.

BLACK PANTHER THE YOUNG PRINCE: SPELLBOUND by Ronald L. Smith

In the sequel to the hit middle grade novel, The Young Prince, T’Challa is heading back to America to visit his friends Sheila and Zeke—this time in Alabama. But his fun summer vacation immersed in the culture, and amazing food, of the American South quickly turns into a nightmare. The small town has fallen under the sway of a charismatic politician who is there to retrieve a spell book full of dark magic. Will T’Challa and his friends be able to break the spell and save the town?

THE MIRROR SHATTERED MIDNIGHT by Dhonielle Clayton

The second novel in The Mirror series, an innovative four-book fairy-tale quartet following one family over several generations, and the curse that plagues it, follows Zora Broussard, a jazz musician with real magic, in 1920s New Orleans. When Zora gets the chance to perform in a prominent jazz club, she meets a sweet white pianist named Phillip with magic of his own, including a strange mirror that foretells their future together. In the era of segregation and speakeasies, Zora must change her destiny and fight for the one she loves . . . or risk losing everything.

THE THROWBACK LIST by Lily Anderson

When twenty-something Jo Freeman loses her Silicon Valley job, she’s forced to return to the sleepy hometown she thought she would never come back to, and the friends, and frenemies, she left behind. But when she finds an old bucket list in her childhood bedroom, it sets Jo, her former best friend, Autumn, and Autumn’s new best friend (and Jo’s high school nemesis), Bianca, on a path that brings them closer to one another with each task. And it just might lead to a life none of them could have ever expected.

COMING SOON

IT’S A SIGN! by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey

One, Two, Kat, and Four are starting a club, and every member is good at something! Except naming clubs. If only there were some kind of sign about what their club should be called! Illustrated in the authors’ signature stamp and digital art style, this book is sure to garner a fan club of its own.

The book is on sale May 10th, 2022. Click here to request a digital galley on NetGalley.

STAR WARS THE HIGH REPUBLIC: MISSION TO DISASTER by Justina Ireland

Centuries before the events of the Skywalker Saga, in the era of the glorious High Republic, the Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy! The Jedi think the dreaded Nihil marauders have been all but defeated. But when the Nihil attack Port Haileap and kidnap Avon Starros, Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh and Padawan Imri Cantaros know they must save their friend. Meanwhile, Avon must put her smarts and skills to the ultimate test as she fights for survival among the Nihil—and uncovers a sinister plan. The New York Times best-selling series continues…. For light and life!

The book is on sale March 1st, 2022. Click here to request a digital galley on NetGalley.

THE RUMOR GAME by Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra

All it takes is one spark to start a blaze. At Foxham Prep, a posh private school for the children of DC’s elite, a single rumor has the power to ruin a life. From Dhonielle Clayton and Sona Charaipotra, authors of the Tiny Pretty Things duology, comes another diverse, edge-of-your-seat social thriller perfect for fans of Gossip Girl, We Were Liars, and Cruel Summer.

The book is on sale March 1st, 2022. Click here to request a digital galley on NetGalley.

OKOYE TO THE PEOPLE: A BLACK PANTHER NOVEL by Ibi Zoboi

In this original YA novel, a young Okoye is going on her first trip to America with King T’Chaka, who has been tasked with joining other African leaders as a special envoy to the World Humanitarian Aid Council. But when Okoye arrives in New York, she realizes the city—and her mission—are not what she expects. Thrown into conflict in Brownsville, a neighborhood struggling with gentrification, Okoye must find her place in the Dora Milaje, and the world.

The book is on sale March 22nd, 2022. Click here to request a digital galley on NetGalley.

BY THE BOOK by Jasmine Guillory

When Isabelle, a junior editor at a book publisher, sees an opportunity to prove her worth and finally get the recognition she deserves, she takes it. Too bad it means trying to get beastly high-profile author Beau Towers to turn in his long-awaited manuscript. But despite his standoffishness, Izzy needs Beau to deliver, and with her encouragement, his story begins to spill onto the page. They soon discover they have more in common than either of them expected, and as their deadline nears, Izzy and Beau begin to realize there may be something there that wasn’t there before. Best-selling author Jasmine Guillory’s reimagining of a beloved fairy tale is a tale as old as time . . . for a new generation.

The book is on sale May 3rd, 2022. Click here to request a digital galley on NetGalley.

In this beautiful picture book, written by Natasha Yim and illustrated by Sophie Li, a young Mulan celebrates her favorite festival, Lunar New Year.

There is a lot to do to prepare for this important celebration, and for the first time, Mulan is old enough to help out. But everything Mulan does seems to turn out wrong. . .

Follow along with Mulan in this special Lunar New Year story that captures the unique sense of magic, imagination, and possibility that surrounds the holiday!

This Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month, share books that celebrate the breadth of diversity of cultures, customs, and stories from the community!

Continue reading →

Looking for books that will keep kids reading all summer long? Here are some of our recommendations:

SUMMER ADVENTURE FOR GROOT! by Brendan Deneen, Illustrated by Cale Atkinson

The Guardians of the Galaxy are off on a summer “road” trip through the cosmos. From surfing the waves of Zenn-La and riding a tandem bike on Morag to playing hide-and-seek in Asgard and enjoying a dazzling display of fireworks on Xandar, Rocket and Groot are determined to enjoy all the best activities that summer in space has to offer! Young readers will be inspired to create their own to-do list for the ultimate summer adventure.

SPIDER-MAN SWINGS THROUGH EUROPE! by Calliope Glass

Swing alongside Spider-Man as he travels through Europe! Whether he’s riding in a gondola through the Venice canals or breaking out all his best moves to get a reaction from the Queen’s Guard in London, Spider-Man is determined to have the best vacation ever.

HOTEL BRUCE by Ryan T. Higgins

When Bruce gets home from a southern migration trip with his goslings, he is tired. He is grumpy. And he is definitely not in the mood to share his home with the trio of mice who have turned his den into a hotel. Bruce is in a little over his head, especially once the goslings join the staff. Will this grumpy bear ever get his quiet, peaceful den back to himself?

SHOULD I SHARE MY ICE CREAM? by Mo Willems

In this Elephant and Piggie early reader featuring a classic summertime treat, Gerald must decide if he will share his ice cream, before it’s too late!

INTO DARKNESS by Liz Braswell

In this sequel to Stuffed, Clark can’t wait to go away to camp. And now that he knows (or suspects . . . very strongly) that his grandma-made Stuffy, Foon, heroically saved his own father from a horrible fate, Clark is obviously bringing Foon to camp along with him. But once Clark gets to camp, he and his friends discover things are off. There are strange, gooey findings in some of the bunks, the adults are acting weird, and, worst of all, their Stuffies and dolls go missing right at the moment they need them the most. Will Clark and Foon be able to stop the Monsters and save the camp?

THE HIGH REPUBLIC RACE TO CRASHPOINT TOWER by Daniel José Older

The newest action-packed adventure set in the era of The High Republic finds Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram facing down the enemy, the dreaded Nihil, at Crashpoint Tower in order to protect the Republic Fair. Luckily, he’s about to get some assistance from unexpected new friends.

PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE FOREST OF TEARS by Tehlor Kay Mejia

When budding scientist Paola Santiago’s best friend goes missing near the Gila River, she knows there must be a logical explanation. It can’t be the work of La Llorona, the mythical wailing woman her mother has always warned her about, who prowls the banks of the river waiting to drag in unsuspecting children. Or can it? Paola’s quest to find her friend will bring her into the the world of her nightmares, where unnatural mist, mind-bending monsters, and relentless spirits controlled by a terrifying force that defies both logic and legend will make her question everything she thought she knew.

TRISTAN STRONG DESTROYS THE WORLD by Kwame Mbalia

Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there’s no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge. Tristan must return to Alke—and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby—in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation.

10 TRUTHS AND A DARE by Ashley Elston

When Olivia Perkins finds out an unsigned PE slip has put her in danger of not graduating, she has one week to set things straight without tipping off her very big and very nosy extended family. What results is a fun-filled romp that is a celebration of friendship, family, and, yes, maybe even a little bit of romance.

COLD HEARTED by Serena Valentino

The latest novel in Serena Valentino’s deliciously devious Villains series introduces the most famed and hated wicked stepmother of them all—but turns everything you know about her on its head.

CURSE OF THE SPECTER QUEEN by Jenny Elder Moke

Indiana Jones gets a refresh with this female-driven mystery adventure, set in the 1920s, full of ciphers, ancient relics, and heart-stopping action – the first in a brand-new series featuring aspiring archaeologist Samantha Knox!

This week is the 2021 ALA Annual Conference, and for the second year in a row, the show is completely virtual. While we will miss seeing everyone in person, we hope you will stop by our virtual booth to find information on new titles, request galleys, and access a book buzz highlighting exciting upcoming books. Continue reading →

This June, celebrate Pride Month in the library or classroom with these books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters.

SAL AND GABI FIX THE UNIVERSE by Carlos Hernandez

Among many other challenges, Sal and Gabi have to try to make everything right with their world when a rogue Gabi from another universe enters through one of the Sal’s wormholes. With multiple Sals and Gabis in charge, it’s no wonder this sequel offers even more hilarious weirdness, warm-hearted hijinks, and love than the first book.

Educator’s guide for the Sal and Gabi series.

DRAGON PEARL by Yoon Ha Lee

This action-packed, sci-fi adventure novel is about Min, a teenage fox spirit, who runs away to solve the mystery of what happened to her older brother, and maybe even save her home planet.

Educator’s guide for Dragon Pearl. 

TOWER OF NERO by Rick Riordan

The final book in the Trials of Apollo series, which finds the god Apollo cast to earth as mortal teenager Lester Papadopoulos. The series brings together a diverse and beloved cast of characters from previous Riordan books in the epic conclusion to the saga that began with The Lightning Thief.

Educator’s guide for the Trials of Apollo series. 

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Road Trip by Melissa de la Cruz

The drama kids of East High hit the road in this original novel set between the events of seasons 1 and 2 of the Disney+ series, featuring fan-favorite characters as they journey to a HSM convention in a neighboring state.

SHIP IT by Britta Lundin

Teen fanfic blogger Claire comes out of her basement and into the limelight when her favorite TV show invites her to consult on its stars’ public image.

Look out for Like Other Girls, the newest from Britta Lundin, coming this summer!

THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP: BUILT ON HOPE by Sam Maggs

This thrilling adventure finds Nadia Van Dyne (aka the Unstoppable Wasp) confronting her past as she tries to shape her future, and learning that sometimes the best way to effect big change is to think small—maybe even super small—in an original YA novel based on the Marvel comic series.

THE HIGH REPUBLIC: INTO THE DARK by Claudia Gray

Jedi Padawan Reath Silas must challenge himself to step outside of his comfort zone and into the heart of the action when a trip from the cosmopolitan galactic capital of Coruscant to the undeveloped frontier goes disastrously wrong.

This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and all year long, we celebrate stories that reflect the immense diversity of cultures, languages, foods, histories, religions, and mythologies, along with common experiences, both positive and negative, that shape the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). The following books, either written by AAPI authors, or featuring AAPI characters, or both, offer stories that will captivate any reader. You can find these titles and more in our AAPI-focused catalogs: Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Storytellers and Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Stories.

ELLIE MAKES A FRIEND by Mike Wu

When Ping, a panda who also happens to be a talented artist, moves to the zoo, Ellie is a bit intimidated. Is there room for two artists at the zoo? As she learns more about her new friend from China, Ellie finds that a fresh perspective can lead to new inspiration—and maybe something wonderful they can create together!

Educator’s guide for The World of Ellie.

I’M ON IT! By Andrea Tsurumi

A prepositional game of one-upmanship tests the limits of play for Goat and Frog in the newest installment in Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie Like Reading! series, by acclaimed illustrator Andrea Tsurumi.

ARU SHAH AND THE CITY OF GOLD by Roshani Chokshi

In the penultimate book in the Pandava series, Aru Shah and her sisters—including one who also claims to be the Sleeper’s daughter—must find their mentors Hanuman and Urvashi in Lanka, the city of gold, before war breaks out between the devas and asuras.

Educator’s guide for the Pandava series.

THE LAST FALLEN STAR by Graci Kim

In this thrilling middle-grade adventure infused with Korean mythology, an adopted Korean-American girl named Riley discovers her heritage and her magic on a perilous journey to save her witch clan family.

Educator’s guide for The Last Fallen Star.

THE STORY OF MOANA by Kari Sutherland

Inspired by the Disney Animation Studios film Moana, this middle grade novel features characters and adventures based on the rich culture of Oceania. It includes original content in the form of mini folktales interspersed throughout the story of the film.

REFLECTION: A TWISTED TALE by Elizabeth Lim

What if Mulan had to travel to the Underworld to save Shang? This book, from the New York Times best-selling Twisted Tale series, explores a new story about honor, courage, and love inspired by the Disney animated classic.

If you are attending the virtual conference this weekend, don’t miss these panels featuring some of our incredible authors. While we will miss being in person, we hope to “see” you there!

Author J. J. Gilbert shares the creation process behind The Mouse Watch, a new chapter book series set in the world of the classic Disney animated TV show Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers. 

This Women’s History Month, we recognize the achievements of the women of Walt Disney Animation Studios. From inkers and painters, to sculptors, to concept artists, to animators and beyond, women have long been involved in bringing Disney’s animated films to life. Learn more about these trailblazing women from the following books.

INK & PAINT: THE WOMEN OF WALT DISNEY’S ANIMATION

By Mindy Johnson

This authoritative volume on the history of women animators at Walt Disney Animation Studios covers the often overlooked history of female artists and innovators who played an integral role in the development of animated films. Beginning in the Ink & Paint Department, where legions of female artists brought the pencil sketches of the animators to colorful life as they transferred the paper drawings to celluloid sheets, women soon were part of every discipline within animation production. Extensively researched with the full support of the entire Walt Disney Studios archival resources, plus a multitude of private collections, firsthand accounts, newly discovered materials, and production documentation, as well as never-before-seen photography and artwork, this essential volume redefines the collective history of animation.

PENCILS, PENS, AND BRUSHES: A GREAT GIRLS’ GUIDE TO DISNEY ANIMATION

By Mindy Johnson, Illustrated by Lorelay Bové

Mindy Johnson brings her illuminating research from INK & PAINT to a younger audience with this non-fiction picture book that highlights the lives and work of some of the trailblazing women who worked at Walt Disney Animation Studios. These amazing women achieved a lot of “firsts”: from the first woman to head a department in animation (helping to win high-profile awards) to the chemist who created the world’s first animation paint laboratory to the first woman to design famous Hollywood monsters. Their achievements have and continue to inspire generations of women to break down barriers in animation and the wider film industry.

MARY BLAIR’S UNIQUE FLAIR

By Amy Novesky, Illustrated by Brittney Lee

The stylishness and vibrant color of Disney films in the early 1940s through mid-1950s came primarily from artist Mary Blair. In her prime, she was an amazingly prolific American artist who enlivened and influenced the not-so-small worlds of film, print, theme parks, architectural décor, and advertising. This picture book biography, illustrated by a current visual development artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios, is a colorful introduction to the life and legacy of a legendary artist who left a lasting impact on Disney and animation.

February is Black History Month, and while Black history should be a feature of curriculum year-round, it is an important opportunity to highlight the experiences of Black Americans, and to celebrate the contributions of Black innovators, artists, and visionaries, while also recognizing the violent history of systemic oppression and racism in the United States, which persists to this day. It is also an opportunity to center Black voices in the classroom, using books by Black creators.

THE TRISTAN STRONG SERIES by Kwame Mbalia

           

The Tristan Strong series, by Kwame Mbalia, is an action-packed adventure that centers a young Black boy. Still reeling from the recent loss of his best friend, Tristan accidentally punches a hole in the sky of another world, a world where African Gods and African American folk heroes exist, and he must deal with the consequences of the trouble he has unleashed.

In addition to covering themes familiar to kids the world over, including dealing with parental expectations, loss, friendship, anger, joy, fear, uncertainty, and finding one’s place in the world, the Tristan Strong series also incorporates concepts related to Black history, including the African Diaspora, the transatlantic slave trade, African and African-American mythology and folk stories, and the tradition of oral storytelling.

Incorporate Tristan Strong into your classroom using the educator’s guide, newly updated to include Book 2.

THE VOTING BOOTH by Brandy Colbert

An all-in-one-day love story perfect for fans of THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR about two first-time teen voters who meet at their polling place and overcome obstacle after obstacle in order to cast a ballot in a critical election. This book by an Black author featuring Black teens can be an important tool for discussions about widespread attempts to strip Black citizens of their voting rights.

THE BELLES and THE EVERLASTING ROSE by Dhonielle Clayton

           

In a world where Beauty is a commodity only a few control, one Belle will learn the dark secrets behind her powers, and rise up to change the world. Written by Dhonielle Clayton, the founder of Cake Literary, a literary development company, and COO of We Need Diverse Books, this book features diverse characters and offers a commentary on beauty standards that is sure to spark discussion.

IT’S SHOE TIME by Bryan Collier

This lyrical beginning-reader by six-time Coretta Scott King award winner and four-time Caldecott honor recipient Bryan Collier turns the closet on its heel and redefines what it means to be a pair. Beautifully rendered art paired with rich, rhyming dialog creates a powerful reading experience.

BLACK PANTHER: THE YOUNG PRINCE by Ronald L. Smith

When a twelve-year-old T’Challa is sent to Chicago to escape danger in Wakanda, he realizes that he might not be as equipped to handle life in America as he thought. Especially when it comes to navigating new friendships while hiding his true identity as the prince of a powerful nation, avoiding a menacing classmate who is rumored to be involved in dark magic, and coming to terms with the very different reality of life for Black boys in America.

MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN by Jason Reynolds

Miles Morales is Spider-Man, but he is also just a teenager, dealing with crushes, parents, school, and trying to get by in a world where boys like him rarely get to be the hero. In addition to all of the action and humor that one can expect from Spider-Man, multiple award-winning author Jason Reynolds has created a nuanced hero struggling with his identity, and racism and injustice in society.

Find a discussion guide here.

STAR WARS THE HIGH REPUBLIC: A TEST OF COURAGE by Justina Ireland

Best-selling author Justina Ireland explores a new era in a galaxy far, far away: the High Republic. Set 200 years before the Skywalker Saga, when the Jedi were guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy, this action-packed adventure finds a diverse group of young people fighting for their survival on an inhospitable planet when a journey to a new space station goes horrible wrong.

At the 2021 Youth Media Awards, held during the annual ALA Midwinter meeting, this years winners for some of the most prestigious awards in children’s literature were announced.

Disney Publishing was fortunate to have one book selected for an award: What About Worms?!, by acclaimed authors Ryan T. Higgins and Mo Willems, was chosen as 2021 Theodor Suess Geisel Honor Book!

Downloadable Activity Sheets