#1 New York Times bestselling and multi-award-winning author of Firekeeper’s Daughter Angeline Boulley has a special announcement exclusively for teachers and librarians! Join us live for the reveal of her big news on Thursday, August 4th at 12pm ET!
A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin
Ages 13 – 18
On Sale Now!
Judy I. Lin’s sweeping debut A Magic Steeped in Poison, first in a duology, is sure to enchant fans of Adrienne Young and Leigh Bardugo.
I used to look at my hands with pride. Now all I can think is, “These are the hands that buried my mother.”
For Ning, the only thing worse than losing her mother is knowing that it’s her own fault. She was the one who unknowingly brewed the poison tea that killed her—the poison tea that now threatens to also take her sister, Shu.
When Ning hears of a competition to find the kingdom’s greatest shennong-shi—masters of the ancient and magical art of tea-making—she travels to the imperial city to compete. The winner will receive a favor from the princess, which may be Ning’s only chance to save her sister’s life.
But between the backstabbing competitors, bloody court politics, and a mysterious (and handsome) boy with a shocking secret, Ning might actually be the one in more danger.
Learn more about A MAGIC STEEPED IN POISON →
Meet Susie Jaramillo, children’s book author and CEO of Encantos, an award-winning storyteaching platform. In this month’s author spotlight, preview Susie’s upcoming book Skeletina and the In-Between World, publishing simultaneously in English and in Spanish on September 6, 2022.
Read our Q&A with Susie Jaramillo here →Browse all of our paperback releases, including picture books, middle grade, young adult, and adult crossover books!
Learning happens when you have an open mind and an open heart. Start your school year with School is Wherever I Am by author (and teacher!) Ellie Peterson, a timely new picture book about learning and exploration, and the ever-expanding definition of school. Enter our giveaway for a chance to receive a classroom poster and activity perfect for bulletin board displays.
What better way to start the school year than with a book about sibling rivalry, laser tag, and a race against time? Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena by author Julie C. Dao is a middle grade adventure every kid will want to read. Think Jumanji but with laser tag! Enter our giveaway for a chance to win a virtual classroom visit with author Julie C. Dao, a class set of Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena and black light keychains and a breakout style activity kit!
The runner-up will receive a class set of Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena and black light keychains, the breakout style activity kit, and a video of Julie C. Dao.
No purchase necessary. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who are age 21 years of age or older. Entry period begins at 12:00 a.m. (ET) on Monday, August 01, 2022 and ends at 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Void where prohibited. For full Official Rules, visit https://read.macmillan.com/promo/mcpgschoollibaryteamchusweeps . Sponsored by Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, 120 Broadway 10271.
Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena by Julie C. Dao
Ages 8-12 | On Sale Now!
A rollicking, action-packed adventure of laser tag and fierce sibling rivalries, Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena is the first book in a commercial middle grade fantasy series by Julie C. Dao.
Clip and Sadie Chu couldn’t be more different. Popular, athletic Clip wants to become his school’s first seventh-grade soccer captain, while brainy star student Sadie is determined to prove that she can do anything her boastful brother can.
They have just one thing in common: they love laser tag. Like, really love it.
When the Blackwood Gaming Arena comes to town, bringing virtual reality headsets and state-of-the-art courses, they couldn’t be more excited—or competitive. But then a mysterious figure appears and claims to be a part of the game, forcing the Chus and their friends to save themselves from a sinister force lurking inside the simulation. Together, they must fight their way through epic battlegrounds that will test their speed, skills, and smarts . . . but will Clip and Sadie learn that they’re far better off working together than competing for the ultimate victory?
“Through the siblings’ alternating perspectives and respective internal struggle… Dao (Song of the Crimson Flower) delves into the Chu’s intergenerational dynamics, pressures, and expectations. A rousing adventure and heartwarming series opener.” —Publishers Weekly
“Chapters alternate between sports-loving Clip’s voice and academically inclined Sadie’s point of view as the siblings unravel the mystery in the most challenging—and imaginative—game of laser tag they’ve ever played. Young gamers, and readers who enjoy rooting for a strong sibling relationship full of competition and support, will revel in this fun, fast-paced adventure.” —Booklist
“An action-packed tale of sibling rivalry where thrills and challenges highlight the importance of family and teamwork. This book will delight readers with its fast pace and captivating worlds. Dao has once again crafted a must-read story full of immersive adventure.” —Adrianna Cuevas, author of Pura Belpré Honor book The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez and Cuba in My Pocket
Social emotional learning (SEL) units “foster mindful, engaged behavior among students. Recognizing the value of emotional awareness for any student population, the core SEL competencies include self- and social awareness, relationship skills, decision-making, and self-management,” says School Library Journal.
Find books to support your SEL units here!
Our Graphic Novel Preview series invites readers to look inside graphic novels. This month, we’re highlighting a new graphic novel, Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega; illustrated by Rose Bousamra, one of our must-read books of 2022.
Look inside FRIZZY →Watch the below video to learn about our new picture books, middle grade, and young adult titles!
Our Fall 2022 Preview features special guests Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders (A Song for the Unsung: Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the 1963 March on Washington), Dan Gemeinhart (The Midnight Children), Jas Hammonds (We Deserve Monuments), Tae Keller (Mihi Ever After), and Aiden Thomas (The Sunbearer Trials)!
Timestamps:
3:36 – Jas Hammonds live Q&A
16:30 – Adult Titles
18:40 – Young Adult titles
20:11 – Aiden Thomas video
31:46 – Middle Grade titles
44:47 – Tae Keller video
47:24 – Picture Book titles
55:58 – Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders video
1:02:15 – Dan Gemeinhart live Q&A
Tomatoes in My Lunchbox by Costantia Manoli; illustrated by Magdalena Mora
Ages 4-8
On Sale June 21, 2022
A moving picture book from a debut author about the first day of school, layered with themes about the immigrant experience and the universal experience of feeling out of place.
A child, newly arrived in another country, feels displaced, lonely, and a little scared on her first day of school. Her name doesn’t sound the way she’s used to hearing it. She knows she doesn’t fit in. And when she eats her whole tomato for lunch, she can feel her classmates observing her—and not quite understanding her.
But sometimes all it takes is one friend, one connection, to bring two worlds together, and gradually the girl, her tomato, and her full name, start to feel at home with her new friends and community.
Learn more about TOMATOES IN MY LUNCHBOX →