Happy Labor Day to those in the US and Happy Monday to the rest! There are a TON of fun new books releasing this week – let’s take a look.
Books for Kids – Board Books
Be Bold Baby: J.K. Rowling AND Sonia Sotomayor – Board book biographies of strong women
Dinosnores – The latest from Sandra Boynton
Little Big Nate Draws a Blank – Big Nate moves to board books in this story about getting anew box of crayons
Books for Kids – Picture Books
Bruce’s Big Storm – The latest book in the Bruce series (after Mother Bruce and others) shows us what happens at Bruce’s already-full house when a big storm blows in.
The Buddy Bench – Another friendship story based on the trend of “buddy benches” where school kids can find a new friend to play with.
Grace Goes to Washington – The girl from Grace for President gets to learn more about politics and leadership in this book where she and her friends are trying to decide how to spend some fundraising money and as they visit Washington DC. I can’t wait to read this one!
The Great Santa Stakeout – A huge Santa fan tries to get a holiday selfie with the big guy as he comes out of the fireplace. This looks adorable – and I love Dan Santat’s illustrations in everything he does.
Hey Grandude! (September 5) – An adventurous grandfather whisks his four grandkids off to tour the world in this new picture book by Paul McCartney.
Juniper Kai: Super Spy – A girl who was born to be a spy starts spying on her usual partners in spying – her parents – when they seem to be hiding a big secret. At the time of this writing, this is available for free through Kindle Unlimited.
The Knight Who Said No – A knight who always follows directions takes a stand and makes a friend. This looks darling.
The Llamacorn is Kind – In a land filled with one-horned animals (Tigercorn, Walruscorn, etc.), the Llamacorn is known for being nice.
Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party – Pete makes his perfect pizza, covered in delicious pepperoni. But when his friends arrive, they start adding their own favorite toppings to his pizza.
Snack Attack – From the author of Peanut Butter and Cupcake comes this spooky story of loose snacks and a “monster” kid ready to munch.
Unicorns 101 – Get the full scoop on everyone’s favorite mythical/magical creature from this delightfully silly picture book. The sample pages I have seen are spectacular!
Little Libraries, Big Heroes – Read the story behind Little Free Libraries in this nonfiction picture book celebration of reading and books.
Books for Kids – Leveled Readers and Chapter Books
Friendship on the High Seas – This new leveled reader is a school story that takes place under water.
Beneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories – New from the folks at Scholastic ACORN*. Includes five scary stories for young readers.
Boa Constructor – Book 2 in the Binder of Doom series from Scholastic BRANCHES.
The Candy Cane Culprit – Book 4 in the Isle of Misfits series.
Dead Sea Squirrels: Nutty Study Buddies AND Squirrelnapped! – Books 3 and 4 in the Dead Sea Squirrels series from Veggie Tales creator Mike Nawrocki.
Dragon’s Fat Cat – Book 2 in the relaunch of Dav Pilkey’s (Captain Underpants, Dog Man) Dragon series from Scholastic BRANCHES.
I Am A Super Girl – The first book in the new Princess Truly line from Scholastic ACORN. In this book, Truly helps her friend find her confidence.
Land of the Spring Dragon – Dragon Masters book 14 from Scholastic BRANCHES.
Let’s Have a Sleepover – Book 2 in the Hello, Hedgehog series from Scholastic ACORN
Junior Monster Scouts: The Monster Squad AND Crash! Bang! Boo! – The first two books in a new early chapter book line from Aladdin. These junior “monsters” want to help others in need. These look adorable!
The Magic Mirror – The first book in the new Once Upon a Fairy Tale series from Scholastic BRANCHES.
Rusty – Book number 54 in the Puppy Place series.
Superman of Smallville – Thirteen-year-old Clark Kent is saving the day for people all around Smallville (although no one knows that but his parents). But when things start floating and disappearing, Clark has to prove to his parents it’s not him by finding out what is responsible.
Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck: A Sesame Street Celebration of Food (Cookbook) – Recipes, principles of healthy eating, etc. for kids.
[*ACORN is for younger readers than BRANCHES. The ACORN books are shorter with simpler stories and text geared towards readers in the 4 to 6 year old range. BRANCHES are for readers in the 5 to 7 or 6 to 8 year old range.]
Books for Older Kids/Teens
All the Impossible Things – A girl with power over the wind finds a foster family where she seems to fit for the first time. Then her mother blows back into town.
The Big Shrink – Book 6 in the Upside Down Magic series. A girl with the power to make things very very small doesn’t always know how to make them big again. When all the kids in the Upside Down Magic class want to take a stand against an unfair rule, her wacky power makes it hard for them to make a big statement. This is such a cute series!
Dragon Curse – Book 4 in the Unwanted Quests series chronicling the latest from the lands of Quill and Artimé where a new set of twins are central to the events.
The Fire Keeper – Book 2 in the Storm Runner series, part of the Rick Riordan line of mythology books. This series focuses on a child of a Mayan god. When Zane writes about his adventures, the gods start hunting down their half-human children and his father is in danger of being executed.
I Survived the Great Molasses Flood, 1919 – I read about this Molasses Flood in the author’s book, I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters. It was something I had never heard of before. Now it is getting its own book. This one should be amazing.
The Island of Dragons – Book 12 in the Kingdom of Fantasy series staring Geronimo Stilton. Geronimo is hunting for other adventurers who can help him save a group of princesses kidnapped by a witch.
Lalani of the Distant Sea – The latest from the winner of the Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe, Erin Entrada Kelly. A girl heads off on a dangerous quest in an effort to save her mother from grave illness.
The Land of Roar (September 5) – When the twins were little they played in the imaginary Land of Roar, a magical place with dragons and wizards that they found inside a folding bed in their grandfather’s attic. Now they are 11 and as they are helping their grandfather move some furniture out of the attic, their grandfather disappears into that same folding bed. Is it possible that the Land of Roar is real? This sounds so fun!
More to the Story – The story of four Muslim American sisters living in Georgia, inspired by the novel Little Women, centers around Jameela who longs to be a journalist and make a difference with her work.
My Jasper June – Two girls feeling lost at the start of summer, find each other and a friendship as they carve out space away from the hardships in their lives. But when those hardships start to close in on them, they will have to see if their friendship is strong enough to save them.
The Okay Witch – A middle schooler who loves witches discovers her family is at the center of some magical events in her town’s past. I’ll be reviewing this graphic novel tomorrow.
Some Places More Than Others – A girl longing for a connection to her extended family in Harlem finds her New York experience not living up to her expectations and hopes.
Strange Birds – Three very different girls receive a mysterious invitation to a lavish mansion and find there another kid and a mission to tackle in their community. I have already requested this one from the library.
SW Jedi Academy: Attack of the Furball – Book 8 in Jarrett Krosoczka’s Jedi Academy series (which starts after Jeffrey Brown’s Jedi Academy series). Christina is struggling with her workload during her second year at the academy. She is doing a lot of traveling with her master, and while on one planet, she discovers the cutest critter she has ever seen. When Christina sneaks Fluffernut back to the academy with her, her troubles only get worse.
The World Ends in April – From the author of the fantastic The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl. When Eleanor reads about an asteroid scientists think will strike Earth in April, she’s sure her survivalist family will make it, but she’s not so sure about her peers at school. And frankly, she doesn’t care about most of them. But somehow word gets out, and Eleanor finds herself the president of a secret End of the World Club – and she’s enjoying the camaraderie a lot more than she thought she would. I’ve already requested this one from the library.
Harry Potter: Magical Places – A Paper Scene Book – Illustrated Harry Potter information with pages of cut paper depicting various scenes.
I Am Yours: Prayers for God’s Girl – Wynter Pitts’ final book is an exploration of prayer for tween girls.
Books for Teens/Young Adults
American Royals – What if George Washington had accepted a crown instead of a presidency? That question is explored in this alternate history novel that takes place in a version of today where Washington’s family still sits on the throne of America. The story focuses on the current king’s royal children, including his oldest daughter who will be the first Queen of America. I’ll be reviewing this one later this month.
Dear Haiti, Love Alaine – A teen is suspended and shipped off to Haiti as a punishment for a school presentation gone horribly wrong. It’s actually a great opportunity for her to learn about where she comes from and her extended family. She’s in for a few unexpected surprises.
Five Dark Fates – The closing book in the Three Dark Crowns series. Find out what happens to the three sisters and their friends! I already have this on hold at the library.
The Girl the Sea Gave Back – A girl found along the shore has a gift to see the future. The people who have raised her ask her to use her powers to help them decide if they should enter a war, and it sets them all down a path that will change everything forever.
Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass – Teen Harleen Quinzel is on her own in Gotham and finally finds a home with a drag queen named Mama. But when Mama’s cabaret is in danger Harley will have to decide if she wants to side with her activist best friend Ivy who wants to make the neighborhood better or her friend “Joker” who wants to tear the city apart. This is the latest graphic novel from DC Comics in the line with Mera: Tidebreaker and Teen Titans: Raven.
Have a Little Faith in Me – When CeCe’s Christian boyfriend dumps her after they have sex, she follows him to “Jesus camp” to get him back. When he shows up with a new “good girl” girlfriend, CeCe and her best friend Paul pretend to be dating. But throughout the camp, CeCe starts to question everything she once thought about her relationship – and about the night she lost her virginity. I am fascinated by secular stories that include major faith components. I have this one on my list.
The Lady Rogue – YA author, Jenn Bennett leaves the world of contemporary romance for a new fantasy title. A treasure hunter digging up information on a relic belonging to Dracula goes missing and his daughter and his protégé go looking for him.
Loki: Where Mischief Lies – Loki the trickster god and brother of Thor finds himself in 19th century London looking into some mysterious and possibly-magical deaths as a favor to Odin. Loki knows it’s really more of a punishment for a diplomatic mission gone wrong, and he resents being banished to a magic-less realm, but there may be more to the deaths in London than he thinks at first look. I’ll be reviewing this one later this week.
Sword and Pen – Book 5 in the Great Library series. The Library is under siege. It’s corrupt leadership has been overthrown, but the Archivist is plotting a return to power. Jess and his friends have their hands full if they are going to be able to save the Great Library.
There Will Come a Darkness – Book 1 in the Age of Darkness series. Seven prophets used to guide humanity, but one hundred years ago they disappeared and left one final prophecy behind – one that said a new prophet would arise who would save – or destroy – them all. I have requested this one from the library, too.
Books for Adults – Fiction
A Bittersweet Surprise (Trade Paperback) – A woman who always helps others is in need of some help herself when her stepmother announces she is selling the family chocolate shop. This is available right now for free through Kindle Unlimited; I don’t know how long that will last. I’ll be reviewing this one later this week.
A Call to Charms (e-book) – First in a new series from Denise Swanson (Scumble River series, Chef-to-Go series, Devereaux’s Dime Store series). A mysterious inheritance from a great-aunt she’s never heard of – and a fresh start in a new town – sounds great to a woman who recently escaped a kidnapping attempt by her ex. But this new town is full of quirky characters and maybe some magical goings-on. There’s plenty to keep Lexie hopping in her new home. I’m curious to try this one out.
Close Encounters of the Curd Kind (e-book, September 5) – Book 3 in the Wits’ End Cozy Mystery series. The owner of a UFO-themed B&B gets drawn into another murder case, even though the local sheriff has threatened her with jail time if he catches her interfering again. But how can she stay out of things when her neighbor shows signs of alien abduction and the whole town is experiencing weird phenomena? I haven’t read the first two books in the series, but this is one I definitely want to check out!
A Dangerous Engagement (Hardcover) – Book 6 in the Amory Ames Mystery series. As Amory is looking forward to serving as a bridesmaid, one of the other members of the wedding party is found dead.
Diamond in the Rough (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in the American Heiress series after Flights of Fancy (which is on my TBR list). A young woman participates in the New York social scene to convince her grandmother to help the family with a debt that has come due, but she encounters one fiasco after another. This is on my list for this week.
A Night’s Tail (Hardcover) – Book 11 in the Magical Cats mystery series. The local librarian gets drawn into another murder when one of her brother’s bandmates is accused of a crime.
Out of the Picture (Trade Paperback) – First in the Shepherd Sisters Mystery series, new from Hallmark Publishing. An art authenticator turned elementary art teacher gets pulled into a mystery at an old mansion when she is hired to paint a mural. I am eager to try out some of the Hallmark Publishing original stories to see how they hold up.
The Paris Orphan (Trade Paperback) – The story of a World War II-era model reporting for Vogue and an orphan named Victorine is connected to a contemporary woman working on a collection of wartime photos who discovers secrets connected to her mother. This is not my usual sort of story, but I am intrigued by this one!
The Shop on Main Street (Trade Paperback) – The owner of a lingerie store feels her life falling apart when she finds evidence of her husband’s cheating. At first she is humiliated, but then she is encouraged by the women in her small town to move beyond her grief. I am curious enough to try this one, too.
Texts from Mittens: The Friends and Family Edition (Paperback) – Hilarious text exchanges between Mittens the cat and members of his family. I’ll be reviewing this one in a few weeks.
Well Met (Trade Paperback) – A women coming home to help her sister after an accident is roped into participating in the local Renaissance Faire. Her lighthearted take on the faire puts her in conflict with the man responsible for the volunteers who bears the weight of his family’s legacy. This sounds delightful! I already have this on hold from the library (I am #13!)
Word to the Wise (Hardcover) – Book 10 in the Library Lover’s Mystery series from Jenn McKinlay. Lindsey is only doing her job at the reference desk when she helps Aaron Grady with his questions. But Aaron takes her help as interest and starts stalking her. When he is found dead, Lindsey and her fiancé are murder suspects. This was terrific! I’ll be posting a full review later this week.
Books for Adults – Non-Fiction
Grown and Flown: How to Support Your Teen, Stay Close as a Family, and Raise Independent Adults (Hardcover) – Advice for parents of teens. I have gotten a lot out of the website of the same name, so I am looking at picking up this resource soon.
How to Raise a Reader (Hardcover) – This is an outstanding resource for parents, grandparents and teachers who want to help kids connect with books. I’ll be posting a full review of this next week.
If I Don’t Make It, I Love You: Survivors in the Aftermath of School Shootings (Hardcover) – This is over 500 pages of stories from mass shootings, specifically school-based shootings. A hard read to be certain, but an important one nonetheless.
The Joker Psychology: Evil Clowns and the Women Who Love Them (Trade Paperback) – 15 chapters looking at the psychology of The Joker and those who fight and love him.
Six Ingredients with Six Sisters’ Stuff: 100+ Simple Family Meals (Paperback) – I love the idea of simple recipes like these!
So Many Angels: A Family Crisis and the Community that Got Us Through It (Trade Paperback) – The true story of a woman with two young sons – whose world falls apart when her husband is arrested and she is diagnosed with a serious illness – and the community that rallied around her.
Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series (Hardcover) – An illustrated guide to the animated Star Trek series that was on the air for two years in the 1970s.
You Can Trust God to Write Your Story: Embracing the Mysteries of Providence (Hardcover) – Trusting God with your story when you haven’t gotten to the happy ending yet.