Tag: January New Releases

Books for Kids

Apatosaurus Would Not Make a Good Spy (Feb 1) – Artie the Apatosaurus wants to be a secret agent. I am so excited to see this book in person!
The Word Collector – The latest from Peter H. Reynolds, The Word Collector is a celebration of words. I am looking forward to this one, too!
Chill of the Ice Dragon – Book 9 in the Dragon Masters series from Branches
D-Day: Battle on the Beach – Ranger in Time book 7. I describe this series as Magic Tree House with a dog. This is a great series!
Super Rabbit Boy vs Super Rabbit Boss – Book 4 in the Press Start series from Branches
Two’s a Crowd – Book one in the new Pug Pals series. In this book it’s two pugs but one toy. This looks like a sweet sibling story.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

A Girl Named Hillary AND A Girl Named Rosa – New biographies from the folks at American Girl.
Bitsy – Book 48 in this long-running animal series
Dark Wyng – Book 2 in the Erth Dragons series. I still haven’t gotten to book one, but it is on my list! I love a good dragon story.
The Journey of Little Charlie – A boy cuts a deal to cover his dead father’s debt, but it forces him to decide what actions his conscience can abide.
The Problim Children – First in a trilogy. Seven strange siblings move into their grandfather’s old mansion where the neighbors are trying to uncover secrets and treasures. The premise of this reminds me a little of the Sisters Eight series. I am eager to try this one out.
Smart Cookie – A girl posts a secret profile of her dad on a dating site, hoping to find him a wife so they can have the sort of family they did before her mom died. Twitter has been talking about this book for a year. This is on the top of my list for the week.
Upside Down Magic: Dragon Overnight – Book 4 in this fun fantasy series for kids. I will be reviewing this one tomorrow.
Marley Dias Gets It Done – Explores how kids can get involved in activism in their own communities
American Heart – In a world where America registers and detains Muslim-Americans, a southern teen who never questioned the way things are finds herself helping a Muslim fugitive trying to escape to Canada. Interesting premise.
Losing Brave – A teen haunted by the disappearance of her twin battles to unlock her memories of what happened. Sounds like a great suspense story.
Purple Hearts – The final book in the Front Lines alternate history series. I have this whole series on my TBR list.
Say You’ll Remember Me – A teen wrongly accused of a crime enters a rehab program which is the governor’s pet project so he can try to get his life back on track. The governor’s daughter longs for the freedom to chart her own course. Together maybe they can both find what they are looking for. This sounds great. Looking forward to reading this one.
S.T.A.G.S. – A weekend retreat at an exclusive school turns deadly. I’ll be reviewing this one later this week.
Winner Take All – Academic rivals want to win at all cost. Is their love real or just another game to win? This is on my TBR for this week.
Wires and Nerve: Gone Rogue – Book 2 in the graphic novel series set in the world of the Lunar Chronicles. I’d love to check this series out.

Books for Adults

Arrow: Fatal Legacies – This original story is set between season 5 and 6 of this great show based on the DC Comics universe. This is the third Arrow novel in the series. Great for fans of the show.
Biscuits and Slashed Browns – Book 4 in the Country Store mystery series, this book focuses on a death at a breakfast-themed cook off. This sounds like a series I would enjoy.
Class Reunions Are Murder – Book 1 in the new Poppy McAllister mystery series centered around a class reunion. I can never pass up a class reunion story! This is on my list.
Curses, Boiled Again – Book 1 in the new Lobster Shack mystery series starring an injured dancer who comes home to help her aunt launch her business. I love checking out a new mystery series.
Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake – First book in the Death by Chocolate Mystery series. That title is promising!
Murder Borrowed, Murder Blue – Book 3 in the Wedding Planner mystery series.
Survival of the Fritters – Book 1 in the Deputy Donut mystery series. This series stars a 911 operator and her retired police chief father-in-law. The premise sounds great!
The Art of Screen Time: How Your Family Can Balance Digital Media and Real Life – An issue on many parents’ hearts and minds. Includes research as well as advice of parents putting ideas into practice with their own kids.
No More Mean Girls: The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident, Compassionate Girls – Psychotherapist offers advice for combating “mean girl” behaviors, which are no longer primarily a high school phenomenon. I hear so many stories from friends with daughters about the social pressures and issues their girls face every day. A timely book.
Set Free to Choose Right: Equipping Today’s Kids to Make Right Moral Choices for Life – A guide for parents in helping kids see that God has standards and that “right” and “wrong” are not arbitrary distinctions.

Books for Kids

Alabama Spitfire: The Story of Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird – Picture book biography of Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery – Picture book biography of Ernie Barnes, athlete and artist.
Free as a Bird: The Story of Malala – Picture book biography of Malala Yousafzai focusing on Malala’s relationship with her father.
The Great Dictionary Caper – From the author of Wild About Books comes this tale of words escaping the dictionary and Noah Webster putting things right again.
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Race for Space – Picture book biography of the three women highlighted in the movie Hidden Figures as well as a fourth woman, Christine Darden.
Ordinary Extraordinary Jane Austen: The Story of Six Novels, Three Notebooks, a Writing Box, and One Clever Girl – Picture book biography of Jane Austen
Shaking Things Up: 14 Young Women Who Changed the World – Picture book collection of biographies of women such as Mary Anning, Ruby Bridges and Maya Lin. Of all the picture book biographies out this week, this one would be at the top of my list because it covers so many young women, several of whom I have not heard of before. Looking forward to this one.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

A Problematic Paradox – Described as Guardians of the Galaxy meets The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, this is the story of a brilliant girl whose adventures in space kick off when her father is kidnapped by aliens. This one had me at “Hitchhiker’s Guide.”
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle – The story of a boy with social and learning issues who is also grieving the loss of his best friend. Since the friend died on the Buttle property, Mason has been questioned about that day a lot. When Mason’s new friend goes missing, Mason is desperate to find out what has happened to his friends. The middle grade community online has been buzzing about this book for months. I’m looking forward to reading this one.
Where Is Machu Picchu?
Where Is Our Solar System?
Whiskerella – Book 5 in the fun Hamster Princess series. This book takes a twisted view of the Cinderella story. I love this whole series of fractured fairy tales. This is on my list for certain.

Books for Adults

Scone Cold Killer – Book 1 in the All-Day Breakfast Cafe mystery series. I’ll be reviewing this one later this week.
View from Rainshadow Bay – The latest from Christian author, Colleen Coble, this story is the first in a new Lavender Tides series about a woman who loses her husband and then her business partner. She fears she is also in danger.
Dream of You: Let Go of Broken Identities and Live the Life You Were Made For – I have loved Jo Saxton’s work since I first saw her speak as part of an IF: Gathering experience. I’ve said before that identity is one of my favorite themes in books, both fiction and nonfiction. I have an early copy of this book  in my TBR pile already.
Still Evangelical?: Insiders Reconsider Political, Social and Theological Meaning – In the past couple years the word “evangelical” has taken on new meaning and connotations. And many of them are negative. I am curious to read what these authors have to say about the matter.

Here are some of the new books releasing this week:

Books for Kids

I Am Harriet Tubman – The latest picture book biography from Brad Meltzer. These are spectacular!
Love – A beautiful celebration of LOVE. I will not be surprised when this one wins a boatload of awards!
My Pillow Keeps Moving – Look at that cover! The cover alone would make me buy this book. This sounds like a sweet story – a dog tries to endear herself to the man who owns her by being everything he needs.
Princess Pulverizer Grilled Cheese and Dragons AND Worse, Worser and Wurst – Nancy Krulik is the author of the outstanding Magic Bone series which I loved sharing with my students who were branching out into chapter books. She has a new series out called Princess Pulverizer, and it looks fantastic! Princess Serena would rather be a knight than a princess. Check out this series for your fans of The Princess in Black.
Twin Trouble – Book 7 in the Ella and Owen series. Twin dragons, Ella and Owen, meet twin unicorns who do not get along.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Ellie, Engineer – Ellie’s plans for her best friend’s birthday get so big, she has to recruit rival groups in the neighborhood to help her. This looks like a fun story with STEAM features.
Sing Like Nobody’s Listening – Pitch Perfect for the middle grade set. Two friends compete against one another in an acapella competition. This is the latest book in the MIX line from Aladdin.
Waking the Monsters – Hilo Book 4. My students and I were crazy for this graphic novel series. I’m so glad it is still going strong. I highly recommend this series.
Knock Knock! Who Was There? – Joke book from the folks at the Who Was/What Was/Where Is nonfiction series.
Love, Hate and Other Filters – An American-born Muslim teen looks for balance between parental expectations and her own dreams while also facing backlash for being Muslim after a horrific event that happens in another part of the country. If you have a goal of reading more diverse books this year – either diversity in characters or diversity in authors, consider checking this book out. It is on my library list.
Truly Devious – A new student at an elite academy plans to solve a cold case attached to the school, but the past won’t stay in the past. I have already  requested this from the library, and the early reviews are positive.

Books for Adults

Carnegie’s Maid – A poor farmer’s daughter assumes the identity of a missing woman for a chance to serve as a maid to the Carnegie family.
Isaiah’s Daughter – Fictionalized story of the adopted daughter of the Biblical prophet, Isaiah, who captures the attention of Prince Hezekiah. I am doing a study of the book of Isaiah right now, and I am intrigued by this story.
Marvel Cinematic Universe Guidebook: It’s All Connected – I believe this is the third volume in this guidebook series exploring the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This book looks at Agent Carter and Agents of SHIELD and how they fit into the larger Marvel Universe.

Books for Kids

Grandma’s Purse – Adorable-looking book celebrating the magic of grandmothers and the treasures they keep in their purses.
Klondike, Do not Eat Those Cupcakes – Klondike the seal can’t stop thinking about the cupcakes for his sister’s birthday party. No matter how hard the narrator tries to distract him, Klondike gives in to temptation. What will happen now that there are no cupcakes for the party? This also looks adorable! Covers like this get my attention every time.
Mae Among the Stars – Picture book biography of Mae Jemison, astronaut.
The New LiBEARian – Story time at the library takes a fun twist when there’s a bear at the librarian’s desk. This sounds terrific!
Write to Me: Letters from Japanese-American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind – Children sent to internment camps after Pearl Harbor send letters to their librarian while they are gone. This looks like a great way to introduce this part of American History to children. I’d love to read this one!
Abigail Adams, Pirate of the Caribbean – Book 2 in the Mixed-Up History series where historical characters take a break from their lives to try a new adventure. These sound fantastic! Targeted to readers in the lower elementary grades who are starting to explore chapter books.
Dog Diaries: Susan – Book 12 in this series looks at Queen Elizabeth II’s corgi, Susan. I haven’t read the books in this series, but this particular one sounds fascinating!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

All Three Stooges – The friendship between two comedy-loving boys is threatened when one loses his father and starts to withdraw.
The Case of the Perilous Palace – Book 4 in the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency series. I read the first book in this mystery/history/science fiction series and loved it. I would like to catch up on it some time. This final book in the series has the girls breaking into Kensington Palace to find the princess’ missing sketch book/diary. This one sounds terrific!
Harley Quinn at Super Hero High – Book 5 in the Super Hero High series, Harley investigates a carnival that comes to town where things aren’t quite what they seem. I’m looking forward to this addition to a fun middle grade series.
The Terrible Two Go Wild – Book 3 in this fantastic series about two pranksters. In this book, the boys are targeted by a group of bullies. My students and I thoroughly enjoyed the previous two books in the series. I’m eager to read this next installation.
Nice Try, Jane Sinner – A struggling girl who gets expelled from high school enrolls in a completion program at the local community college and goes on a student-run reality show so she can move out of her house. This has been getting a LOT of positive buzz already. I’ve already requested it from the library.
A Taxonomy of Love – This covers the ups and downs of friendship between a boy with Tourette’s and the girl who moves into the neighborhood and becomes his best friend. I’ll be reviewing this one later this week.
Unearthed – Two teens stow away to an ancient planet to pursue their own goals and discover alien secrets. Dystopian science fiction fans should check this one out. I know I will be!

Books for Adults

Deadly Summer – Book 1 in the Darling Investigations series about a former TV child-star who tries to revive her career with a reality TV show where she tries to solve local crimes. When she stumbles across a very real murder, things change quickly. This sounds terrific!
A Meddle of Wizards – Book 1 in the Fledgling Magic series about a sick young woman who is whisked away to a mysterious land to fight a wizard. This sounds completely quirky – and right up my alley!
The Questionable Behavior of Dahlia Moss – Book 3 in the Dahlia Moss Mystery series. Talk about quirky! I’m not even sure how to summarize the stories in this geeky mystery series, but I do know that I have book one high on my library list! I hope to dig into this series soon.
Star Trek Boldly Go Vol 2 – I adore this comic book series. If you are a fan of Star Trek, especially the new cast, consider checking out this graphic novel series. I never miss an issue! This particular collection focuses on a diplomatic murder and a group of Starfleet cadets.
Girl Positive: How Girls Are Shaping a New World – Stories of young women making a difference! Both a celebration of what is happening today as well as advice and information for readers as they consider their own place in the world.
Trade Your Cares for Calm – The latest from Max Lucado in his series of materials about anxiety.

Books for Kids

The Easter Story – The Easter story, told in Lego bricks.
Fancy Nancy: Oodles of Kittens – A new full-sized hardcover story from Fancy Nancy. Nancy and Bree find oodles of kittens. But Nancy isn’t sure the one she keeps will be able to get along with her dog, Frenchy.
Let the Children March – A book about the 1963 Children’s March for Civil Rights.
The Littlest Viking – The smallest viking (with the loudest voice) meets his match in a smaller, louder warrior princess.
Magnolia Mudd and the Super Jumptastic Launcher Deluxe – A science-minded kid doesn’t think she wants anything to do with being a flower girl in her favorite uncle’s wedding. I’m excited about this one, just because Magnolia sounds like a great kid!
Batgirl on the Case – Batgirl relives a night of crime finding to backtrack in order to find her father’s birthday gift. I love Batgirl! This would be fun to read.
Fast as the Flash – An early reader for Flash fans
Leia Chronicles – Part of the Forces of Destiny series of early readers
Pete the Cat and the Cool Caterpillar – Pete’s new caterpillar friend goes missing. Pete the Cat books are great fun for kids.
Bad Kitty Camp Daze – After an accident, Kitty starts to think she is a dog. This stresses out Puppy, so he goes away to dog camp. And Kitty sneaks off with him. These early chapter books are a lot of fun!
The Major Eights: Battle of the Bands AND Scarlet’s Big Break – This new early chapter book series kicks off with two new books, one about a Battle of the Bands and another is about one of the kids going solo.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Betty Before X – Explores the childhood of civil rights activist Dr. Betty Shabazz, the widow of Malcolm X. I’m eager to read this one. I don’t know anything about the life of Betty Shabazz.
Black Panther: The Young Prince – Our whole family is looking forward to the Black Panther movie next month. In this book, T’Challa is a boy in Wakanda. He and his best friend are sent to school in Chicago where T’Challa starts on his path to becoming the Black Panther.
Bodyguard: Target AND Traitor – Books 7 and 8 in the Bodyguard series. I enjoyed books 1 and 2 (originally one whole novel); there’s tons of action. These two books focus on a different bodyguard, this time guarding a young rock star.
Escape from Aleppo – This story centers on a girl turning 12 just as Syria enters a civil war and bombs fall on her home city of Aleppo. A timely story.
Eternity Elixir – First in the new Potion Masters trilogy. Gordy has been training to be a potion master, but now a dangerous potion has fallen into his hands. Can Gordy and his family and friends keep it safe? This sounds like a story I will love!
Just Like Jackie – A girl is struggling with her caretaker’s failing memory and a bully at school. This one sounds fantastic!
Snow Lane – The youngest of 9 children, Annie longs to make her mark but plenty of things, including family secrets, are stacked against her. Looking forward to this one too!
Super Gifted – Sequel to the book Ungifted.  I love Gordon Korman’s books, and I have added both of these books to my library wish list!
Wings of Fire Graphic Novel – The Dragonet Prophecy – Graphic Novel version of the first Wings of Fire book. I really enjoyed this. The artwork is beautiful (although if you don’t know the story, it can be hard to know which dragon is which when they are all from the same tribe). This streamlines the first book nicely. I’m eager to see what they do with the other books in the series.
Winterhouse – First book in a new urban fantasy series about an orphan, an old hotel with an amazing library, and a magical book. I’ll be reviewing this one later today. Be sure you come back and check out my review.
As You Wish – A teen lives in a town that grants each kid one wish on their 18th birthday. I reviewed this one last week. You can read it here.
Batman: Nightwalker – This is the top book on my list for this week! I have already pre-ordered this one. This is an original story of Bruce Wayne as a teen. I can’t wait to get my eyes on this one!
Don’t Cosplay with my Heart – A struggling teen finds strength in her cosplay character and community. I’m really looking forward to reading this one.
The Forgotten Book – A teen who finds everything going her way in life stumbles onto a magic book. Everything she writes comes true. But someone else knows about this book and is determined to take it away from her. Looking forward to this one, too.
Love & Other Train Wrecks – A stalled train in a snowstorm puts two teens together and sets them on a course to change their thoughts about love.
Turn it Up – The co-captains of an a cappella group are at odds over a guy – the guy who leads a rival group. How can the girls’ group hope to compete if their leaders are at odds? Their only hope is the new girl who has an amazing voice – and unbelievable stage fright. This sounds like a YA version of the Pitch Perfect movies. I am so excited to read this one. I have enjoyed the author’s other work, and I am looking forward to this one.
You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone – A set of ambitious twins at odds take another hit when one tests positive for Huntington’s while the other does not.

Books for Adults

Another One Bites the Crust – Book 7 in the Bakeshop mystery series. I’ll be reviewing this one here next week.
Death Below Stairs – The first book in the Below Stairs mystery series. A cook in a mansion tries to figure out who killed the kitchen maid. This sounds SO fun! I’m requesting this one from the library for certain.
Dial M For Mousse – Book 3 in the Emergency Dessert Squad. I am a book behind on this series, but I hope to catch up soon. I really enjoyed book one.
Every Dog Has His Day – Book 3 in the Bluff Point Romance series. I enjoyed the first book, and I thought the second was even better! I’ll be reviewing this one here tomorrow.
Black Panther Ultimate Guide – This looks like a gorgeous collection of history on the character of Black Panther. Our family will be checking this book out for sure.
Jefferson’s Daughters: Three Sisters, White and Black, in a Young America –  This nonfiction book looks at the daughters of Thomas Jefferson – white and black – and their lives in America. One of my goals in 2018 is to read more nonfiction. This could be on my list!
Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals – Michael Hyatt is known for his organizational tips both for your personal life and also for building your business and your platform. Here he compiles his best information on goal setting and productivity.