August is always a weird month here because while it is still technically summer, school has started, so it feels like summer is over. Thankfully, there are plenty of new books out this week to keep you busy whether you are still enjoying summer or you are back into school mode!
Books for Kids
Anne of Green Gables – Part of the Baby Lit line of board books, focusing on the people and places of Anne of Green Gables.
I’m Scared – Book 4 in this comic book/board book series by the creators of Babymouse. I have yet to see one of these in person, but I am on the look out because I love the art style of these!
Danza – This picture book biography focuses on dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernández. This is a perfect book to add to your collection of books about diverse individuals in history or for Hispanic Heritage month (September 15-October 15).
Duck & Goose, Honk! Quack! Boo! – Best friends Duck and Goose are back in a new Halloween story. I have adored their previous books, first as a parent and then as a teacher/librarian. They are great fun to read aloud. I’m eager to read this new one.
Mermaid – The latest book from Jan Brett, the story is a unique version of Goldilocks. I loved using Jan Brett’s books in my fairy tale unit when I was teaching. This would have been a perfect addition to my collection!
Welcome to Super Hero High – This Early Reader focuses on the characters from Super Hero High including Wonder Woman. Great way to introduce younger kids to the characters so they can enjoy the other books as they develop as readers.
Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults
American Girl – Growing Up with Aloha/Hula for the Home Front/Prints in the Sand – Three stories starring Nanea, the newest American Girl. The books take place around the events of Pearl Harbor and WWII. Prints in the Sand is a choose your own ending-style story.
Beast & Crown – A new middle grade fantasy about a boy trying to find a new life for himself and his friends by attending a magical ritual. I love middle grade fantasy! I’m going to be checking this one out.
First Rule of Punk – A girl tries to stay true to herself and gather other “misfits” to help them all find their place at school. I’m looking forward to this one.
Friendship Code – Book 1 in the Girls Who Code series. I can’t wait to read this series about a group of girls working on computers together. I started another series about coding for kids, and I found the first book disappointing. There wasn’t enough story to balance out the coding. I have HIGH hopes for this series to balance the STEM message with solid story telling!
Gregory and the Gargoyles – A boy is sent back in time to the 17th century when gargoyles and sorcerers and magical beings lived in harmony. Sounds like a fun new fantasy series.
Kat Green Comes Clean – A girl faces a boy-crazy best friend, the school play and her mom’s worsening OCD. I’m looking forward to reading this one.
Sidetracked – I loved this story about a boy with ADD and some anxiety who joins the cross country team at his school. I’ll be posting my review tomorrow, and I hope you will check it out!
Things that Surprise You – A girl entering middle school deals with a changing family, changing friends, and a sister battling an eating disorder. I love books like this that look at kids dealing with the transitions that come as they grow up. This one sounds great.
Vanished – Book 2 in the TOAST series by James Ponti. I reviewed this last week (I loved it!), and you can read my review here.
Warrior Princess of Pennyroyal Academy – Book 3 in the Pennyroyal Academy series about a training academy for princesses and knights that is under attack by witches and evil forces. I have the first book in my TBR pile.
Wedgie and Gizmo – It’s eager, barky dog vs evil genius guinea pig in this story about rival pets and schemes to take over the world. Sign me up for this one!
A Smart Girls Guide: Digital World – From the folks at American Girl, this shows upper elementary and middle school girls how to negotiate the online world including social media, cyber bullying, and online safety.
What Is Rock and Roll? – Covers the history and major influences in the development of Rock and Roll.
Who Was Fidel Castro? – biography
Going Viral – Third and final book in the Potion Diaries series. I enjoyed the first two books in the series – you can see my review here – and I’m excited to see where the story goes next!
Books for Adults
Y Is for Yesterday – Book 25 in the Kinsey Millhone mystery series. I read the first few of these but didn’t keep up with it. I’m curious to see how the author moves into these last couple letters of the alphabet and what that means for her characters. This book looks at a case of assault at a private prep school 10 years earlier.
Real Food Heals – I am fascinated (but overwhelmed) by the research of what real, whole foods can do for our health. I’m eager to take a look at this book and see if it is simple enough for everyday use.
Slow Down – A celebration of motherhood from Christian singer, Nichole Nordeman. Includes quotes from other writers as well as journaling space and practical tips.