The 7-10 Split by Karmen Lee (f/f)
Teachers in Love by M.A. Wardell (m/m series)
Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun (f/f)
South Rock High by A.J. Truman (m/m series)
Chemistry Lessons by Jae (f/f)
Monthly Archives: May 2024
New Releases: May 7, 2024
Picture Books
It’s Pride, Baby! by Allen R. Wells (text) and Dia Valle (illustration)
Lift your soul to the sky.
Like summer sunbeams―
Don’t live behind clouds.
You shine!
It’s Black Gay Pride Day in Washington, DC, and two gay parents are getting their child ready for a day at the National Mall. From cheerful neighbors to colorful outfits to fireworks, the vast LGBTQIA+ community is represented here in body, spirit, and pride flags galore!
Allen R. Wells’s poetic text perfectly captures the expansiveness of a parent’s love, while Dia Valle’s joyful art bursts off the page. Here are words that children in every family—no matter its color, size, or shape—need to hear.
We are so proud of you!
Fave Five: Queer Sci-Fi Thrillers
The Last 8 by Laura Pohl (YA)
The Salvation Gambit by Emily Skrutskie
The Light Brigade by Kameron Hurley
Bluebird by Ciel Pierlot
The Death I Gave Him by Em X. Liu
Happy Jewish American Heritage Month 2024!
Happy Jewish American Heritage Month! As always, we’re celebrating with books! For even more recs, check out previous years’ posts!
Middle Grade
Just Shy of Ordinary by A.J. Sass
Thirteen-year-old Shai is an expert problem-solver. There’s never been something they couldn’t research and figure out on their own. But there’s one thing Shai hasn’t been able to logic their way through: picking at the hair on their arms.
Ever since their mom lost her job, the two had to move in with family friends, and the world went into pandemic lockdown, Shai’s been unable to control their picking. Now, as the difficult times recede and everyone begins to discover their “new normal,” Shai’s hoping the stress that caused their picking will end, too.
After reading that a routine can reduce anxiety, Shai makes a plan to create a brand new normal for themself that includes going to public school. But when their academic evaluation places them into 9th grade instead of 8th, it sets off a chain of events that veer off the path Shai had prepared for, encouraging Shai to learn how to accept life’s twists and turns, especially when you can’t plan for them.
Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2024!
Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2024! And if you’re Canadian, Happy Asian Heritage Month! Come celebrate with all the books! (And get even more recs from past years’ posts!)
(Note: not all of the Asian authors or characters in these titles are specifically American. I thought it was worth highlighting more books than that specific title allowed.)
Picture Books
I Am a Rainbow! by Mark Kanemura (text) and Richard Merritt (illustration)
Mark loves putting on shows, dressing up, and dancing! But what makes him happy at home gets him teased at school. To remind Mark that his unique light makes the world a brighter place, his parents surprise him with a beautiful, flowing cape. Wearing it, he feels invincible and free to shine all over Honolulu! It even gives him the courage to befriend some kids who are just as colorful as he is. When the cape goes missing, Mark loses his new confidence. How will he ever shine again?
Continue reading Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2024!