Read below to find our staff picks for June 2023 and learn more about these must-reads!
cape
Cape
By Kevin Johnson; illustrated by Kitt Thomas
On Sale June 20th
Ages 4-8
“Cape will be the next social-emotional learning book that you use in the classroom! In Cape, Kevin Johnson has crafted an achingly beautiful and honest story about processing and redefining grief after the loss of a loved one. With evocative illustrations by New York Times bestselling artist Kitt Thomas (Stacey’s Extraordinary Words), Cape is a powerful, unforgettable, and necessary story.” – Grace Tyler, Marketing Assistant
Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed
by Dashka Slater
On Sale August 22nd
Ages 12-18
“Accountable, Dashka Slater’s first YA nonfiction since The 57 Bus is just as groundbreaking; it’s a kaleidoscopic, thought-provoking exploration of the impacts of a racist social media account, its ripple effects in a small community, and what accountability really means. ” – Molly Ellis VP, Executive Director Of Publicity
A Sky of Paper Stars
by Susie Yi
On Sale September 26th
Ages 8-12
“A Sky of Paper Stars is such a gorgeous, heartfelt, and captivating read! It follows Yuna, a Korean-American girl who makes an ill-fated wish to fit in and must grapple with the consequences when she returns to Korea to attend her grandmother’s funeral. Perfect for fans of Stargazing and Pashmina, A Sky of Paper Stars is a stunning middle grade graphic novel—with light touches of magical realism—about self-discovery, family, and the love that can bridge generations. Susan Yi is such a talented illustrator and storyteller. Her beautiful illustrations bring the story to life, making concepts like identity, loneliness, and grief accessible to young readers—and relatable to readers of all ages.” – Alexandra Quill Senior Marketing Manager
Eagle Drums
by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson
On Sale September 12th
Ages 8-12
“Eagle Drums is the vividly told origin story of the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast, a Native Alaskan tradition by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson. In this book, you really feel like you are seeing from the boy’s eyes the meat he hunts and prepares, the vegetables and roots he eats, and the picturesque scenes of nature all around him. Rainey’s created a story that is so immersive that the characters feel real–even the eagle gods. While inside Piŋa’s mind, you feel his frustration, his loneliness, and later, his hope, renewed strength, and joy. Through traditional song and dance, Piŋa’s lessons radiate through the pages: the importance of family and community, of patience, of being open and welcome to new cultures.” – Elysse Villalobos Associate Marketing Manager
