Books for National Caribbean-American Heritage Month
President George W. Bush proclaimed June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, making it a national holiday in 2006. However, this holiday was founded by Dr. Claire Nelson and celebrated by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in 2000. Find a list of books about celebrating the history, contributions, and culture of Caribbean-American people below!
How this Book Was Made: How A Bear Became A Book by Annette Bay Pimentel and Faith Pray
Go behind the scenes of How a Bear Became a Book by Annette Bay Pimentel and Faith Pray, the unforgettable story of the collaboration that created the world’s favorite bear.
Read on for an interview with Mark Podesta, Editor at Holt Books for Young Readers, Melisa Vuong, Designer, Annette Bay Pimentel, author, and Faith Pray, illustrator of How a Bear Became a Book. Plus, find behind-the-scenes images from the process!
Once you’ve fallen in love with the art and story behind this book, enter for a chance to win an art print from the book.
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Pitch Perfect Soccer Books!
Kick off the World Cup with these fun and engaging soccer reads! We have a fantastic collection of soccer books for all ages, highlighting the spirit, history, and cultural impact of the game. Whether you’re a devoted fan or just curious about this year’s event, these books offer a fun and engaging look at soccer’s rich legacy.
Continue readingStories to share with your community on Juneteenth and beyond
On June 19, 1865 in Galveston, TX, enslaved African Americans were finally informed of their freedom, despite the passing of the Emancipation Proclamation two years prior. Juneteenth is also referred to as “Freedom Day”, “Emancipation Day”, and “Juneteenth Independence Day.” The first celebrations of Juneteenth were about honoring former enslaved people. Today celebrations of Juneteenth consist of gathering with family, BBQs, parades, festivals, beauty contests, and other celebratory events to remember the lives of their enslaved ancestors.
For those who would like to learn more, we recommend reading “Juneteenth: The Growth of an African-American Holiday” and “So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth?”
Learn more about these books →Graphic Novel Preview + How to Start a Chess Club Guide: Mind vs Machine by Steve Sheinkin and Maurice Ashley; illustrated by Thien Pham
Our Graphic Novel Preview series invites readers to look inside new graphic novels! This month, we’re highlighting Mind vs. Machine: The Chess Match That Changed the World, written by Steve Sheinkin and Maurice Ashley; illustrated by Thien Pham. Mind vs. Machine is the true story of an epic chess match that changed the world. On sale 9/8/26!
Scroll to find preview spreads, download a guide for How to Start a Chess Club, and request the book on Netgalley to read the full story!
Look Inside Hand-Me-DownJune 2026 New Releases
Browse all of our June new releases, including new picture books, middle grade, young adult, adult, graphic novels, and paperbacks!
Celebrate Disability Pride Month
In July we celebrate Disability Pride Month by reading and sharing stories about the disabled community. Celebrate in your school or library by sharing the history of Disability Pride Month and by introducing readers to disabled fiction and memoir writers sharing their stories.
Activity Kit: Do You Know the Dark? by Roz MacLean
MacKids Spotlight: Celeste Pewter
This month’s Author Spotlight features Celeste Pewter!
Celeste joins us to discuss The Great Pumpkin Pancake Party, her debut picture book which follows Lilly and her grandfather as they create a new neighborhood tradition with an old family recipe.
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