Tag: July New Releases

Final week of the month means LOTS of new books. Here are some of the books that caught my eye for this week:

Books for Kids

I Am Truly – Princess Truly celebrates that she can be anything!
Pug and Pig Trick-or-Treat – New book about Pug and Pig, this time with a Halloween theme.  This looks darling!
Ninja in the Kitchen – Early reader about a ninja who makes pizza.
Ariel Makes Waves – A new early chapter book series starring a young Ariel, the Little Mermaid.
Ella and Owen – The Evil Pumpkin Pie Fight – Book 4 in this series about two dragons, this time with a Halloween theme with pumpkin kings and witches.
Rider Woofsen – The Big Bad Wolf – Book 8 in this fun detective series for new chapter book readers.
Secret Agents Jack and Max Stalwart – Former spy Jack Stalwart and his older brother hunt down thieves while on family vacation. In book 2 they are looking for a missing scientist. My son read the original Jack Stalwart books when he was in elementary school and we loved them. The vocabulary was challenging while the story was perfect for his age. Great series. I’m eager to see what this new iteration is like.
Stick Dog Craves Candy – Book 7 in the Stick Dog series, this time with a focus on Halloween.
Hero Dogs! – True stories of animal heroes!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Almost Paradise – When Ruby ‘s mother is wrongly jailed for assisting in a robbery, Ruby and her pet pig have to move in with her estranged aunt (who happens to be a nun).
Darkness of Dragons – Book 10 in the Wings of Fire series. I have had this book pre-ordered for months! This is the culmination of the latest 5 book set of this series. Qibli may be Pyrrhia’s last chance to defeat a powerful animus dragon who wants to destroy those who hoped to control him. For me, this is a “drop everything” book. When this hits my mailbox, I will drop everything to dive in!
The Force Oversleeps – Book 5 in the Jedi Academy series (the first three books were done by Jeffrey Brown and this new set is done by Jarrett Krosoczka). Victor is struggling to get to class on time, there are rumors that his sister is a Sith, and he didn’t get the part in the school musical that he wanted. This is a fun series that combines typical school things with a great Star Wars setting. The format resembles a Diary of a Wimpy Kid style with both text and illustrations that seem to be hand drawn by the character.
Ghost of a Chance – Book 2 in the 100 Dresses series about an enchanted castle and a closet of dresses that make the perfect disguise for a girl named Darling. This sounds like a fun series!
Refugee – Three kids from different times (1930s, 1994, 2015) and places (Nazi Germany, Cuba, Syria) are searching for safety and refuge. This book is getting a LOT of positive buzz already. Timely story.
Five Elements – The Shadow City – Book 2 in this series about four kids who are magically connected to the elements who are trying to destroy a parallel dimension. This series sounds perfect for kids who love mystical fantasy stories!
Wandmaker’s Apprentice – Book 2 in the Wandmaker’s series about a boy descended from wandmakers who inherits magical powers. In this book, Henry hopes to to be chosen as the Wand Master’s apprentice.
16 Ways to Break a Heart – A couple gets together with extreme chemistry and witty banter. Their break up is just as feisty. Then Natalie leaves Dan 16 letters, hidden in places only he would find, that  detail their relationship and break up in ways he never expected.
Everything All At Once – When Lottie’s Aunt Helen, famous mystery writer – dies, she leaves Lottie a series of letters and tasks to get her to a take a risk. Not an unusual premise, but I love the writing/literary piece in this one, so this is definitely on my TBR list.
First We Were IV – A quartet of teens forms a secret society to right wrongs and pay back debts, but things start to spiral out of control. Sounds like a suspenseful thriller!
In 27 Days – Death offers a teen the chance to go back 27 days in time to try to prevent the suicide of a classmate. I am so looking forward to reading this one!
The Inevitable Collision of Birdie & Bash – Two teens make a connection but a tragedy threatens to pull them apart. This sounds like a pretty basic teen story, but the description of the characters and their “nerdy banter” makes it a high priority on my TBR list.
Lucky in Love – A girl wins the lottery and watches everything around her change – and not all for the better. This reminds me of the book Windfall, except the main character in this book is the winner instead of an outside observer.
Solo – A new novel in verse (and music lyrics) by Kwame Alexander about musician Blade and his search for himself both at home and in Africa. I’ll be reviewing this book later this week. (Some sources have this releasing on August 1)
Grades, Girls and God: How to Survive and Thrive in High School as a Christian Man (July 28) – Really looking forward to reading this book that talks to high school boys about becoming and staying men of God in high school. As I have a teen, I am hoping this is a great resource for him.

Books for Adults

A Toast to Murder – Book 5 in the Mack’s Bar mystery series about a group of “barstool detectives.” I’ve read positive reviews for this series. Book one, Murder on the Rocks, is on my TBR list.
Come Helen High Water – Book 4 in the River Road Mystery series about sleuth Helen Evans who searches for the missing head of the Historical Society. I loved Susan McBride’s Debutante Dropout series, but I haven’t had a chance to check out this series yet, but it is on my list!
Deadfall – Book 19 in the Alexandra Cooper series about an Assistant DA  and two NYPD detectives who hunt for an assassin.
Gather the Daughters – A dystopian story about a community that colonized on an island after a national disaster. The children run wild while the men run the island and the women serve as wives and mothers until they die. When one of the children sees something horrifying, one of the teen girls who is resisting her future decides to investigate the mysteries of the island. I am fascinated by this concept and can’t wait to read the book.
Knot What You Think – Book 5 in the Quilting Mystery series about a quilting circle that looks into local mysteries. I’ve read the first book in the series, and I enjoyed it.
Muffin to Fear – Book 5 in the Merry Muffin Mystery series about a muffin baker who inherits a castle. In this particular book, a ghost-hunting TV crew comes to investigate the castle.
Murder at Chateau sur Mer – Book 5 in the Guilded Newport Mystery series about a society report in the 19th century in Rhode Island. I’m not familiar with this series, but I’d like to read book 1, Murder at the Breakers.
Wrong Side of the Paw – Book 6 in the Bookmobile Cat mystery series. I love this series about a librarian who runs a bookmobile to the remote areas of her community and her charming cat, Eddie.
Star Trek: Boldly Go, Vol 1 – Graphic novel collecting issues 1-6 of the comic Boldy Go. I have been collecting this comic since the first issue, and I love it! If I didn’t already have the comics, I would be getting this collection so I could have these issues all together.
Sacred Mundane: How to Find Freedom, Purpose and Joy – Finding God in the everyday spaces of life. I’m looking forward to reading this one.

This summer is zooming by! Here are some of the new books releasing this week:

Books for Kids

Hot Pursuit – The Joker and Lex Luthor team up against the DC Super Friends. Great for the super hero lovers in your life.
Marigold Bakes a Cake – Marigold the cat bakes cakes on Mondays, but today things get a little out of hand.
Stay: A Girl, A Dog, A Bucket List – A girl makes a bucket list for her aging dog so they can spend quality time together
Whobert Whover Owl Detective – I think this is one of the most adorable book covers I’ve seen in a long time! I can’t wait to read this picture book mystery about an owl detective who tries to find out what happened to Perry the possum.
Wow!: The Good News in Four Words – A child-friendly presentation of the Gospel. I’d love to take a look at this in person – sounds great.
You Should Meet Katherine Johnson – New early reader about one of the women at the center of the movie, Hidden Figures. Great way to introduce younger readers to this figure in American History.
The Dragonsitter – Trick or Treat? – Book 7 in the Dragonsitter series told entirely in emails. Cute series for new chapter book readers.
Next Best Junior Chef – Lights, Camera, Cook – First book in a series about tweens in a TV cooking competition.  This sounds great for budding chefs in your life or classroom. Also for fans of  books like  All Four Stars or World’s Greatest Chocolate Covered Pork Chops.
Once Upon a Twist – Rosabella and the Three Bears – Book 3 in this Ever After High series for new chapter book readers about fairy tale characters who find themselves in the wrong stories.
The Secret Rescuers – The Baby Firebird – Book 3 in this transitional chapter book series about animal rescuers

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Princesses, Inc. – New book in the MIX line by Aladdin about a group of girls who open up a service of princesses and pirates to babysit neighborhood kids.  I’ll be reviewing this this week.
The Ends of the World – Book 3 in the Conspiracy of Us series. I enjoyed book 1 of this series about ancient secrets and conspiracies. I’m hoping to catch up with this series soon.
No Good Deed – A new twist on the Robin Hood tale centered on an Olympic archer who travels back in time to medieval England. This is on my list as well.
Wesley James Ruined My Life – When ex-friend Wesley James comes to town and gets a job at the same restaurant as Quinn, she will have to decide how much she wants revenge – or if she even still wants it at all. I have this one on my list – sounds great!

Books for Adults

Collared – Book 15 in my new favorite mystery series starring Andy Carpenter. This time, Andy and his team are investigating a missing child case. I will be reviewing this later this week.
Killer Party – Book 9 in the Tourist Trap Mystery series. I’ve read the first couple books in this series and I enjoyed them. The series focuses on a coffee-and-book-store owner and the murders she stumbles across.
Planting the Heavens: Releasing the Authority of the Heavens Through your Words, Prayers and Declarations – Learn to pray with authority, confidence and expectation.

I’m having a hard time believing that summer vacation is almost over. A month from now we will be back in school! Thankfully, there are still plenty of carefree summer days to do lots of reading! Here are some new books coming out this week:

Books for Kids

Black Belt Bunny – A bunny who is a pro at martial arts has to make… a salad. This sounds so quirky, I have to read it. Might be a great story for the kids in your life who love martial arts.
Murphy’s Ticket (July 15) – A picture book story of the Cubs curse and their World Series win in 2016.
Mitzi Tulane, Preschool Detective in The Secret Ingredient – Two preschoolers investigate their muffins for “dodgy” ingredients. How can anyone NOT want to read this book? A preschool detective!! The book blurb uses the word “dodgy.” I have to read this book! Second book in the series.
There Is No Dragon in this Story (July 13) – I cannot wait to read this book about a dragon who can’t find a story that will take him.
Brave Batgirl – This early reader shares the backstory of one of my favorite heroes, Batgirl. For older readers, look into the Scholastic DC Backstories series. They have a Batgirl book that was well done.
Living in Egypt – An early reader about living in Egypt. Part of a series which has already covered India, Australia, China and other countries.
Disney Princess Dot-to-Dot – I’ve noticed that intricate dot-to-dot books are starting to join adult coloring books in stores.
Star Wars Dot-to-Dot

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

A Dash of Dragon – A teen chef tries to find her way with a new restaurant, a lone shark, magic creatures, and a snooty rival chef. This sounds like the perfect blend of fantasy and cooking story.
It All Comes Down to This – The new girl in a mostly -white neighborhood – and a black girl at that – Sophie just wants to do her usual thing. She wants to write and hang out with her friends. But in 1965 Los Angeles, during the Watts riots, her life is more complicated than that. This sounds like a great addition to stories for kids that look honestly at race in America.
Kid Normal (July 13) – A normal kid is mistakenly enrolled in a school for superheroes. This sounds right up my alley – sign me up!
Land of Stories Worlds Collide – The sixth and final book in the wildly popular Land of Stories series by actor Chris Colfer about a brother and sister who fall into a fairy tale world. I read the first book in this series – The Wishing Spell – ages ago, but I think I’d like to read it again and see how the whole series comes together.
Multiple Mayhem – Book 3 in the Gabby Duran series about a girl who babysits for aliens. This sounds like a cute series. Book one is Gabby Duran and the Unsittables.
Pennybaker School Is Headed for Disaster – A beloved statue goes missing from the Pennybaker School, and Thomas is everyone’s prime suspect. I’ll be reviewing this book tomorrow.
Queen Red Riding Hood’s Guide to Royalty – Tie-in material for the Land of Stories series.
The Sands of Shark Island – Book 2 in the School Ship Tobermory series by acclaimed author, Alexander McCall Smith. The stories focus on a pair of twins who go to school on the ship, Tobermory, to learn to be sailors and about life on the sea. This action/adventure mystery sounds like a great series to share with kids!
The Wild Bunch – Three boys head off on a wilderness adventure to find a local Bigfoot-like legendary creature. Part of the MAX line from Aladdin publishing. I have read (and loved) several books from the MIX line, which focuses on female characters. I have several MAX books on my TBR list right now – including this one.
You May Already Be a Winner – A girl tries to hold things together on her own – watching her little sister, writing letters to her absent father, looking for things to do in their trailer park for entertainment – but it’s a lot for one 12-year-old to manage. This is definitely on my list for this week!
Learn to Draw Star Wars – Learn to Draw books make great gifts and terrific additions to school and classroom libraries. My students couldn’t get enough of these.
Ash and Quill – Book 3 in the Great Library series about the Library of Alexandria in an alternate reality where the Library, and those who control it, wield power over books and information. I have book one, Ink and Bone, on my library wish list.
The Carnelian Crow – Book 4 in the Stoker (as in Bram Stoker, Dracula) and Holmes (Sherlock) series about Stoker’s sister and Holmes’ niece who team up to hunt vampires and solve mysteries. I’m not much of a vampire fan, but I might have to check out book one in this series, The Clockwork Scarab, to see if the story and characters click for me. This sounds like a fun team up!
I See London, I See France – Author of the middle grade Whatever After series publishes a YA novel this week about two teens traveling through Europe and negotiating exes and romance and family drama. I’m looking forward to this one, too!
The Lake Effect – Rising college freshman is spending the summer at Lake Michigan, working as a personal assistant. And nothing goes the way he expected. This is on my list for sure!
Waste of Space – A reality show where the teens are shot into space and have to survive. Sounds great, except it is all fake. I’ll be posting a review of this one later this week.
What to Say Next – Two unexpected friends join forces to try and figure out what killed Kit’s father.

Books for Adults

30 Second Death – Book 2 in the Tobi Tobias mystery series about a woman who starts her own advertising agency and tends to stumble across dead bodies. This time, she has to find out who killed the diva before her friend goes to jail.
Hello, Sunshine – Culinary star gets hacked and the world discovers everything is a lie. Now she has to retreat and reconstruct her life.
Ten Dead Comedians – Like Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, a group of comedians gathers on a remote island where one by one they start to die. I’ll be reviewing this one later this week.
The Writing Desk – Two women, decades apart, share a writing desk and the stories of their lives. I requested this from the library a month ago! I can’t wait to read it.
The Darkening Web – Looks at the power and dangers of cyberspace.
I Need a Lifeguard Everywhere but the Pool – Another collection of funny and true stories from this mother and daughter team. I have yet to read any of their books, but I would like to check this one out.
Reading with Patrick – The author shares her story of working with Patrick – first as a mentor and teacher to the teenager and then a few years later as he sits in a cell awaiting trial for murder. Sounds like a powerful memoir.
Remarkable Faith – Tells the story of the people with remarkable faith that claimed Jesus’ notice. Sounds like this could be a good book for group study.
Star Trek: The Klingon Empire – A travel guide to the Klingon Empire
The Strength Switch – Advocates for a parenting model based on drawing out the strengths of your children. Sounds great. Might work in a classroom setting as well as for parents.

So, what’s going on your TBR this week?

Happy July and happy almost-Independence day! A holiday weekend is a great time to get in some extra reading.

Oh, who am I kidding? I don’t need an excuse to get in some extra reading – how about you?

This is a BUSY week for new books. Here are the books releasing this week that are on my radar:

Books for Kids

The Birthday Invitation (July 3) – Ella accidentally loses one of her birthday invitations. She’ll never expect who finds it!
Doris the Bookasaurus (July 3) – A book-loving big sister shows her little brothers how fun books can be. This is top of my list this week!
Goodnight Lab – A scientific take on bedtime stories that looks really familiar.
How to Get Your Teacher Ready – It’s up to the kids to get their teacher ready for all the important parts of the school year, from holiday celebrations to the 100th day of school. Looks like a great addition to the world of school-related picture books.
LMNO Pea-quel – A new picture book starring the LMNO peas.
What George Forgot – While George is pretty good at remembering things, this morning he feels like he has forgotten something important. I love the illustrations of Richard Byrne, so the cover of this one immediately caught my attention. I have to read this picture book to know what George forgot!
The Founding Fathers Were Spies! – New Early Reader in a series called Secrets of American History. This looks terrific and I am excited to read it.
Secret Agents! Sharks! Ghost Armies! – Another book in the Secrets of American History series, this time looking at World War II.
Comics Squad: Detention – Book 3 in this graphic novel series that collects the work of a variety of authors in one place. Great introduction for kids who are looking for new graphic novels for their reading enjoyment.
Cosmic Commandos – New graphic novel from the illustrator for the Ordinary People Change the World picture book biography series. In this book, twin brothers who are different as day and night have to work together when one of their video games comes to life. This is a must-read book on my list this week.
Dino-Riders: How to Hog-tie a T-Rex – Book 3 in the Dino-riders series where the wild west meets dinosaurs. This sounds excellent! Dinosaurs are so  popular with the early elementary school crowd. Great to give them chapter books with their favorite critters!
Heartwood Hotel: A True Home/The Greatest Gift – A woodland hotel for forest critters is a haven to a little mouse who works there as a maid. She may have finally found a home at the Heartwood Hotel. These are the first two books in the series. These look sweet and perfect for the early-reading crowd
Lola Levine and Halloween Scream – Book 6 in the Lola Levine series, this time Halloween is the theme.
Princess Lessons – Book 4 in the Tales of Sasha early chapter book series about Sasha who has discovered she is a princess of the flying horses. Put this series in front of your kids who love horses!
Storm Chasing – The second book in the Cars Origins series is a chapter book backstory of one of the characters from the Cars 3 movie, Storm.
Super Turbo vs the Pencil Pointer – Book 3 in the Super Turbo series about a class pet hamster. This looks like a fun series for elementary students starting to explore and enjoy chapter books.
Survivor Diaries: Overboard – An adventure story about kids tossed overboard during a whale-watching expedition. Includes Coast Guard approved cold-water survival tips.
American Girl Character Encyclopedia – Fans of American Girl can now see all the different characters in one large book. The pictures I’ve seen are lovely. If I had an AG fan in my life, this would definitely be on my list of gift ideas for the holidays.
Journey through the Ark Encounter – Take a look at the Ark Encounter, located in Kentucky. I’ve never been and would be interested to take a look at this book and see what it is like.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Katana at Super Hero High – Book 4 in the Super Hero High series. I have enjoyed all of the previous books (you can read my review of Batgirl here), and I already have book 5, Harley Quinn, on  my wish list for 2018.
Lights, Camera, Middle School – Babymouse is growing up! Popular star of 19 pink-tinted graphic novels has a new middle-school based series. I can NOT wait to get this one! My students devoured the original series. I know this new version will be hugely popular.
Molly’s Story (July 3) – A new Dog’s Purpose novel for kids about a dog named Molly whose person, CJ, is hiding Molly in a closet from her mother who doesn’t want her to have a dog.
Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls – A girl discovers her boarding school is actually a spy school and her missing mother is one of their best agents. This sounds like a younger version of the Gallagher Girls. Sign me up for this one!
Our Story Begins – Twenty-six amazing children’s authors/illustrators like Jarrett Krosoczka, Candace Fleming and Kwame Alexander share some of the stories and art that they created as kids. This would be terrific for a school library, reading and writing classrooms, and in home libraries of creative kids! Inspiring!
Unicorn in the Barn – The local legend of a mysterious white deer is actually even more amazing – it’s a unicorn! This sounds terrific.
Walking with Miss Millie – A young white girl befriends an elderly African American woman in the South in the 1960s. This sounds lovely, and early reviews are extremely positive.
Who Was Andrew Jackson? – The Who Was series looks at the 7th president of the United States.
The Silence – Book 3 in the Six series about teens with physical issues and illnesses who trade their declining bodies for an existence in machines in order to defend humanity from a rogue artificial intelligence. I have book one, The Six, on my TBR shelf.
Infographic Guide to College – Everything you need to know for surviving college, from doing laundry to saving money and avoiding the Freshman Fifteen. I adore infographics, so books like this are an immediate draw for me. I’d love to take a look at this one! Could be a great post-graduation gift.

Books for Adults

Dead Storage – Book 3 in the Maggie McDonald mystery series about a professional organizer. This is a new series to me but it sounds great.
Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My – Book 6 in the Devereaux’s Dime Store mystery series. I haven’t read any of the books in this series, but I enjoyed the author’s Scumble River series for years. I’d like to try this one.
Mayoral Affairs – First in the Vixen Investigations series about an investigative journalist-turned private investigator. This sounds like a fun mystery.
Murder at the Male Revue (July 8) – Book 3 in the Bucket List mystery series starting some 70-something year old sleuths. I have book one in this series on my TBR shelves.
Over Maya Dead Body – Book 3 in the Serena Jones mystery series about an FBI agent who investigates art-related crimes. This series sounds terrific. I’m putting book one, A Fool and His Monet, on my list
Sowed to Death – Book 2 in the Farmer’s Daughter mystery series about a lifestyle blogger who solves mysteries.
Fearless Parenting – The fact that this comes from the work of George Barna is what draws me to this one. It offers Christian parents a plan for raising healthy children. I am eager to read this one!
Ten Reminders for the Single Christian Woman (July 6) – The author contacted me and asked to have her new book included in book news. If you are a single Christian woman, or you do ministry with this group, you might check this one out.

What are you looking forward to reading this week?