Mai's Áo Dài by
Celebrity fashion designer Thai Nguyen from Netflix's Say I Do joins forces with bestselling author Monique Truong and illustrator Dung Ho in this irresistibly charming picture book about embracing your heritage and the traditions that tie generations together--centered around Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It's the morning of Tet, and Mai can't wait to celebrate at her beloved grandmother's home. With the perfect dress: a poofy, sparkly Cinderella dress that makes Mai look like the movie star she dreams of being! But when Mai's father suggests that she wears an áo dài, a traditional Vietnamese outfit, to her Ba Noi's party, Mai is disappointed. Stars don't wear áo dài, she thinks. Then Ba tells her the story of a true star, her very own Ba Noi, who sewed beautiful, highly sought-after áo dài in Vietnam and brought her magic with her when she immigrated to the United States. So maybe stars wear áo dài after all! But how can Ba Noi know what Mai's wearing when Ba Noi is losing her eyesight? Ba tells her every áo dài is sewn with love, and the beauty of love is that you don't need to see it to know it's here.
Ping's Perfect Pot by
KNEAD, MUSH, MASH. Ping molds a pot for Lunar New Year. When Ping and Grandpa bring a tangerine tree home for Lunar New Year, Ping decides to make the perfect pot to go with it. But making a pot is hard. With Grandpa's encouragement, she tries again and again to get it just right. The first is too clumsy, the second crumbles, and the third is too flimsy. What if she can't make the perfect pot? Will it ruin the new year? For anyone feeling discouraged over learning something new, Ping's Perfect Potreminds them not to give up when something isn't immediately easy. Perfection takes practice, patience, and, in the end, the love and effort you put into it. Backmatter provides more context and the deeper meaning of Lunar New Year traditions and symbols found within the story, as well as around the world.
If Animals Celebrated Easter by
A must-have for any nursery! If Animals Celebrated Easter is another charming picture book in the bestselling If Animals Kissed Goodnight series that imagines springtime celebration from creatures all across the animal kingdom - making it a perfect gift for Easter baskets. What if animals did what YOU do? Colt would weave a basket of hay. Calf would splat-splatter his eggs with spots. Mama and Lamb would lead their friends in a parade. All the farm animals would celebrate Easter in their own special way.  Featuring playful rhymes and adorable art, little ones can see how creatures, great and small, celebrate Easter. Families will giggle along as they imagine the critters that inhabit places near and far. A wonderful gift for baby showers, birthdays, new parents, or any occasion! Don't miss the other books in this adorable series: If Animals Kissed Good Night, If Animals Said I Love You, If Animals Celebrated Christmas, If Animals Went to School, If Animals Gave Thanks, If Animals Tried to Be Kind, If Animals Trick-or-Treated, and If Animals Went to Work.
Just One More Story by
This sweet story for children ages 3-7 introduces readers to Pip and Bun, two bunny siblings who are very different when it comes to reading. A book about books, imagination, and play, perfect for encouraging striving readers. Pip and Bun are two very different bunnies. Pip LOVES reading. Bun does not. "Books are SO boring!" Bun says. One day, Pip is happily reading her book while Bun impatiently waits to play with her. Then Bun stumbles upon a book filled with action and adventure. Could it be the perfect way for the little rabbit to learn to enjoy reading? This sweet story about books, imagination, and play is an ideal choice for encouraging striving readers to enjoy reading books in their own way.
Soy Sauce! by
A joyful picture book for kids and foodies of all ages (with real soy sauce as paint!) that celebrates the iconic kitchen staple and the magical way food connects family and friends across the world. Salty, savory, rich, and even sweet, soy sauce is as fascinating to make as it is delicious to eat! Luan makes a classic Chinese soy sauce. Haru uses his own recipe at his family's traditional Japanese brewery. And Yoo-mi's Korean soy sauce features special ingredients to make it spicy and sweet. With unique ingredients that reflect different Asian cultures, and a brewing process that can take years, even decades, soy sauce holds deep meaning and flavorful history in every drop. Praise for Soy Sauce!: ✭ "Lee's lively watercolor illustrations of the children gleefully celebrating each stage of the long process pair beautifully with the upbeat text for an informative, engaging story.... A joyful ode to soy sauce that's delicious to the last drop." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Soy Sauce! is a charming celebration of one of our favorite condiments. Delicious!" --Grace Lin, author of Chinese Menu and A Big Mooncake for Little Star "I can't wait for children and families to learn about the colorful history and process of soy sauce." --Kristina Cho, James Beard-winning author of Chinese Enough and Mooncakes and Milk Bread "A loving ode to the ways we connect at the table through taste and tradition....A perfect read for your budding epicurean." --Cecily Wong, author of Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide
Heartfelt by
From the creators of the "wonderfully evocative" (BookPage) Thankful comes a cozy picture book about a child who finds that small acts of kindness can change the world. A child makes paper hearts to give to her teacher, to a friend, at the library, and more. As she spreads kindness around her neighborhood, she soon finds that sharing love is the best gift of all. With Samantha Cotterill's stunning diorama illustrations, this loving story is sure to capture hearts and inspire acts of kindness.
When Alexander Graced the Table by
From James Beard Award-winning chef Alexander Smalls, New York Times bestselling author Denene Millner, and award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison comes a tender celebration of family, traditions, and the little moments shared at the dinner table that make all the difference. There is nothing young Alexander looks forward to more than Sunday Dinner, the special time after church when the whole family gathers dressed in their Sunday best and ready to share in the best meal of the week. For the first time, it's up to Alexander to contribute a dish for the table, something warm and satisfying, with just the right amount of sweetness--something that the whole family will love and, most of all, will make his dad proud. It's time for Alexander to spread that Sunday joy!
Lily's Dream by
A flightless fairy befriends a human girl and discovers her magic in this enchanting picture book from the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Parker Looks Up. Lily is a young fairy determined to learn to fly just like the others who soar on shimmering, jeweled-colored wings, but she's worried her own colorless wings will never lift her off the ground. Then she meets a young girl named Willow who helps her not only discover her special magic, but the truly magical gift of friendship.
Wash Day with Mama by
This stunning picture book takes a joyful look into the loving and long process of a hair wash day and the beautiful bond between a daughter and mother. Perfect for Mother's Day or all year round! I love Sundays, because Sundays are wash days. And wash days are just for us. Filled with heartwarming illustrations, Wash Day with Mama centers on a little girl cherishing each step of their hair washing routine while Mama imparts her wisdom and stresses the importance of self-care, loving yourself, and being proud of who you are. The process of washing and taking care of Black hair takes time and effort, but this poignant story shows how it is an act of self-love and nurtures a special connection between mother and daughter. For the Black community, washing their hair can feel like an event in and of itself, and that's why it has been christened "wash day." For many, wash day isn't just a routine, but an intimate ritual that is a symbol of self-love and pride. This self-care practice, although individual to the person, can root them in their culture and allow them to embrace generations of hair traditions. This book shows the love and care of washing Black hair and compels us to reflect on shared moments that we may take for granted.
Space for Everyone by
This lyrical and heartwarming picture book follows a Nigerian girl who worries about her family's upcoming move. But she soon realizes that no matter where they go, there will always be room at their kitchen table for her community to gather around. When Zainab runs down the stairs in the morning, she knows what she'll find- Papa cooking at the stove, Mama pouring tea, and then everyone gathering around the family table. Neighbors stop by, and there's plenty of room for them, too. There are so many beloved rituals that happen at the table- homework and crafts, aunties coming to plait hair, and festive gatherings with neighbors and relatives. But soon boxes start piling up around the house, and Zainab worries about the move-will the rituals feel the same in her new home? In the new house, the family table still feels cozy to sit around. And soon, old neighbors and new friends stop by, and everyone is welcome at the table. Meg Medina's Evelyn Del Ray is Moving Away meets Peter H. Reynolds's Our Table in this heartwarming story about how difficult it is to move, but how connecting with community makes everything better.
Wee Unicorn by
Fresh, cotton-candy-colored illustrations and important messages about being yourself and kindness towards others makes this adorably cute unicorn story a tasty treat kids will love. A fun read-aloud for fans of The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn and for anyone that's ever felt different or misunderstood will fall for this winning picture book. Wee Unicorn isn't what everyone expects in a unicorn. She's noisy, and she's not magical. She feels misunderstood. Then she meets another misunderstood creature--a monster others are scared of--and she reacts in an unkind way. Will she be able to make things right? A bright, inviting world of colors and creatures, Wee Unicorn is pure eye candy--it dazzles and sparkles with its messaging of not making assumptions and loving who you are. Readers young and old will very much relate to feeling different and misunderstood while falling hard for this irresistible unicorn read-aloud!
The Interpreter by
A sharp and heartfelt picture book about a young soccer-loving girl who's an interpreter for her Spanish-speaking parents. Some kids have one job: to be a kid! Cecilia has two. When she isn't on the soccer field scoring goals, she's accompanying her parents to all kinds of grown-up places, like the DMV, the accountant's office, and the auto shop. She helps them translate from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish. It's an important job, and it can even be fun. It's also hard work. Sometimes Cecilia's second job is so much responsibility, it feels like she'll split in two! Is it time for Cecilia to blow her whistle and call for a time-out? Olivia Abtahi's clever text and Monica Arnaldo's charming illustrations capture a common aspect of life for immigrant and bilingual families while offering a model for teamwork that helps everyone feel understood.
The Story Factory by
What happens when the factory that makes books stops working? A whimsical celebration of creativity, bookmaking, and original storytelling. Once upon a time, all the books in the world were manufactured at one place--the Story Factory! The workers at the story factory know exactly what it takes to make a book: characters, a plot, vocabulary, and punctuation. All the same elements are used over and over again, and everything has a precise order. Nothing new or original is ever added to the stories--that is, until the day the factory suddenly stops producing books. The workers must locate and remove the clog in the machinery, and what they find may just change the way they make books forever. With fun and wonderfully intricate illustrations, Jam Dong's charming story is a joyful ode to the imagination and to what it is that makes books so special.
Many Things at Once by
In this poignant picture book about family and belonging, the child of a Jewish mother and a South Asian father hears stories about her family history. Sometimes she doesn't feel Jewish enough or South Asian enough, but comes to realize you can feel--and be--many things at once. Based on the author's own family history, here is a moving story about a young girl from two different backgrounds. The girl's mother tells her stories about her mother, a Jewish seamstress in Brooklyn, New York. She lived in a tiny two-bedroom apartment and sewed wedding dresses shimmering in satin and lace. Her father tells stories of his mother, the girl's other grandmother, who liked to cook bubbling dal on a coal stove in Pakistan. They tell stories about how both sides came to America, and how, eventually, her parents met on a warm summer evening in Poughkeepsie. The girl sometimes feels as if she's the "only one like me." One day, when she spots a butterfly in her yard, she realizes it's okay to be different-no two butterflies are alike, after all. It's okay to feel alone sometimes, but also happy and proud. It's okay to feel-- and be-- many things at once.
Warriors: Changing Skies #1: the Elders' Quest by
The launch of a brand-new arc in Erin Hunter's #1 bestselling Warriors series find the Clans navigating an ominous prophecy that foreshadows the destruction of the Moonpool, and the end of the Cats' connection to StarClan. As Leafbare approaches, a new danger threatens the Clans. Twoleg construction has encroached on Clan territory, poisoning the stream and making prey especially scarce for SkyClan. Meanwhile, their leader, Leafstar, is struggling with a loss of vision while trying to maintain authority over a Clan that increasingly doubts her ability to lead. In ShadowClan, Tawnypelt senses peril as the Twoleg construction threatens the Moonpool, but she can't get anycat, especially her son, TigerStar, to listen. Frustrated with the younger cats who don't respect her, she decides to take matters into her own paws. In the midst of the chaos, Moonpaw, an apprentice struggling to understand the mysterious voice in her head, thinks that she might be having visions. But the voice becomes increasingly sinister, and Moonpaw wonders if it's a sign of darkness on the horizon.
Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper) by
What would happen if Cinderella found herself in the beast's castle, and Beauty woke up in some evil stepmother's home? Fairy tales meet Freaky Friday in this series, where there's a magical mix-up for every princess! *The magical first edition paperback of Cinderella and the Beast (or, Beauty and the Glass Slipper) will feature dual-toned sprayed edges!* Ella's spent her life dreaming about adventure, but it's hard to have adventures when you're stuck with a stepfamily who treat you like a servant. When she unexpectedly wakes up in a land far, far away, she's thrilled at the chance to embark on an epic quest. That is, until she finds herself trapped once more--this time in the castle of a dangerous beast. Belle, meanwhile, has plans. Her family's trading company is on the brink of ruin, and to save it, she's going to enter--and win--a royal competition in the prince's honor. But when she unexpectedly winds up in a cellar with a wicked stepfamily who have their own plans to keep her from the competition . . . things get complicated. Happily-ever-after couldn't feel farther away. Can Ella escape the beast's clutches? And can Belle get rid of this stepfamily in time for the competition? For other Princess Swaps, don't miss Snow White and the Dragon (or, Sleeping Beauty and the Seven Dwarfs)!
Bad Kitty by
It's Puppy's birthday and Kitty can't seem to do anything right in this brand new graphic novel adventure by New York Times-bestselling creator Nick Bruel, for fans of DOG MAN and INVESTIGATORS. It's Puppy's birthday and Kitty would rather be anywhere else. While Puppy gets a BIG present and a very special birthday breakfast, all Kitty can do is pop the balloons, topple the cake, and cause mayhem...unless, she can learn how to let Puppy have the spotlight. Help Puppy (and Kitty) celebrate this special day in this graphic novel about sibling rivalry, and learning how to share, in the latest full-color addition to the bestselling Bad Kitty series.
Old School by
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Unteachables comes a hilarious story about a boy who is homeschooled in his grandmother's retirement community...until he is forced to go to public school. Dexter Foreman is twelve going on eighty. He has lived at The Pines retirement village with his grandmother since he was six years old, and as a result he gets along better with senior citizens than kids his own age. He's homeschooled by the residents up until the day the county's truancy officer shows up and announces that Dex has to go to a "real" school, to the local middle school. At school, Dex sticks out like a sore thumb. He dresses like a grandpa (and can be just as cranky). His taste in movies and music is decades out of date. Only a few students--like Gianna Greco, a reporter at the school's newspaper--find him intriguing. For most, he is either a weirdo or a target. Dexter would do anything to return to his old life at The Pines. But when his wish finally seems to be coming true, his old and new worlds collide in a way that surprises everyone--Dexter most of all.
Lila Greer and the Shrieking Shadow by
Lila Greer and the Shrieking Shadow is the seventh Questioneers chapter-book adventure in the series from #1 New York Times bestselling team Andrea Beaty and David Roberts Lila Greer has always loved mysteries, even when they scare her. When a spooky storm blows into Blue River Creek and Lila is startled awake by a strange shrieking shadow, she knows something is afoot. Stranger still, Lila and the Questioneers discover that on the night of the storm, someone broke into Iggy's parents' art gallery and stole all the paintings for the new exhibit. Could the mysterious shrieking shadow have something to do with the missing artwork? Ms. Greer and her Questioneers will have to use their detective skills to solve the mystery of the missing paintings before the exhibit's grand opening, or the gallery might have to close forever! Watch the Questioneers in the Netflix television series Ada Twist, Scientist! Check out all the books in the Questioneers series: The Questioneers Picture Book Series: Iggy Peck, Architect | Rosie Revere, Engineer | Ada Twist, Scientist | Sofia Valdez, Future Prez | Aaron Slater, Illustrator | Lila Greer,Teacher of the Year The Questioneers Chapter Book Series: Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters | Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants | Iggy Peck and the Mysterious Mansion | Sofia Valdez and the Vanishing Vote | Ada Twist and the Disappearing Dogs | Aaron Slater and the Sneaky Snake | Lila Greer and the Shrieking Shadow Ada Twist, Scientist: The Why Files Series: Exploring Flight! | All About Plants! | The Science of Baking | Bug Bonanza! | Rockin' Robots! | Going Green! Questioneers: Ada Twist, Scientist Series: Ghost Busted | Show Me the Bunny | Brainstorm Book | 5-Minute Ada Twist, Scientist Stories The Questioneers Big Project Book Series: Iggy Peck's Big Project Book for Amazing Architects | Rosie Revere's Big Project Book for Bold Engineers | Ada Twist's Big Project Book for Stellar Scientists | Sofia Valdez's Big Project Book for Awesome Activists | Aaron Slater's Big Project Book for Astonishing Artists
Will's Race for Home by
★ "Rhodes deftly captures a unique aspect of this historical event, with a perspective that is often under-represented in historical fiction. A poignant and honest look at the trials of racism that defined the historic land rush; a must-buy." -School Library Journal, starred review Bestselling and award-winning author Jewell Parker Rhodes goes West in this thrilling adventure story about a son and his father who set out to win land during the Oklahoma Land Rush-if they can survive the journey. It's 1889, barely twenty-five years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and a young Black family is tired of working on land they don't get to own. So when Will and his father hear about an upcoming land rush, they set out on a journey from Texas to Oklahoma, racing thousands of others to the place where land is free--if they can get to it fast enough. But the journey isn't easy--the terrain is rough, the bandits are brutal, and every interaction carries a heavy undercurrent of danger. And then there's the stranger they encounter and befriend: a mysterious soldier named Caesar, whose Union emblem brings more attention--and more trouble--than any of them need. All three are propelled by the promise of something long denied to them: freedom, land ownership, and a place to call home--but is a strong will enough to get them there?
Sam Squirrel by
The great-granddaughter of Mother Nature teams up with a squirrel to start the spring season in this first book in the charmingly whimsical chapter book series from bestselling and award-winning author Suzanne Selfors. Willow has agreed to house-sit while her grandmother, Mother Nature, is on vacation. Willow thinks it's going to be as easy as watering a fern and feeding a cat, but when she arrives, she realizes her grandmother has left a long to-do list of difficult tasks like dusting the wings of a sleeping bat family, repairing the broken windows of a rabbit's greenhouse, and ending winter. Ending winter? In her eagerness to take a vacation, Mother Nature forgot to catch the unruly North Wind for its long nap. So, even though it's the first day of spring, the entire land is covered in ice and snow. If the snow doesn't melt, allowing the spring grass to grow, the critters of the Quiet Woods will surely go hungry. With the help of Sam Squirrel and an elk prince named Errol, will Willow be able to catch the unruly North Wind to preserve the natural balance her grandmother entrusted her with?
No Purchase Necessary by
The wannabe-cool, Tamil-nerd vibes of Never Have I Ever meets the hidden life of Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica Kim in this funny, poignant coming-of-age middle grade debut from Maria Marianayagam. A Sri Lankan boy's life spirals out of control when he wins a prize in a stolen candy bar, pushing him to navigate his identity amid his ever-watchful family. Ajay Anthonipillai has a million-dollar problem. Ajay has lived his life dutifully following the rules set by his Tamil parents. Rule #3: Straight As only Rule #5: There is no such thing as a no-homework day. Rule #10: Never watch scary movies. However, moving to a new school gives Ajay a new rule to follow: Get on seventh-grade all-star Jacob Underson's good side. When Jacob asks him to steal a Mercury bar from Scary Al's convenience store, Ajay feels this is his chance to finally "get cool" and stop eating alone. But Jacob rejects the stolen chocolate bar, leaving Ajay to unwrap it and discover that it contains Mercury's Twenty-fifth Anniversary Grand Prize...one million dollars. Faced with an extreme dilemma, Ajay will have to bear the weight of his actions and battle his morality in deciding whether to claim the prize that may change the life of his family forever.
Middle School: Too Uncool for School by
In this hilarious installment of a #1 New York Times bestselling series, Rafe is finally getting a taste of the cool life--but his problems are red-hot! Rafe Khatchadorian has never been cool. But all that changes when he becomes the guitarist in an awesome rock band and wrangles a part-time job at Hills Village's trendiest new coffee shop slash yoga studio. No more being at the bottom of the middle school food chain--Rafe is finally going to be popular! He just has two teeny problems: the awesome rock band is led by none other than the school bully. And the band actually isn't awesome--they absolutely stink, and Rafe has to whip them into shape for the Best Band Competition. With Rafe's newfound coolness on the line, will he find a way to hit the stage in style, or is he doomed to dorkdom forever?
Mixed-Up by
New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia has returned with a middle grade graphic novel about the struggles of a game-loving girl who gets diagnosed with dyslexia and her loving support network that help her along in the journey. Stella knows fifth grade will be the best year ever. Her closest friends, Emiko and Latasha, are in her class and they all got the teacher they wanted. Then their favorite television show, Witchlins, announces a new guidebook and an online game! But when the classwork starts piling up, Stella struggles to stay on top. Why does it take her so long to read? And how can she keep up with friends in the Witchlins game if she can't get through the text-heavy guidebook? And when she can't deal with the text-heavy Witchlins guidebook, she can't keep up with her friends in the game. It takes loving teachers and her family to recognize that Stella has a learning difference, and after a dyslexia diagnosis she gets the support and tools she needs to succeed. Bestselling author Kami Garcia was inspired to write this special book by her daughter's dyslexia journey; her own neurodivergent experience; and the many students she taught over the years. With subtle design and formatting choices making this story accessible to all readers, Mixed-Up shows that our differences don't need to separate us. To make reading as comfortable as possible for dyslexic readers, the book has been lettered in Dyslexie. Praise: "Mixed-Up is sweet, fun, and important--a cozy blanket for those of us with learning differences. I wish I'd had this book when I was growing up with dyscalculia." -- Hope Larson, New York Times bestselling & Eisner-winning cartoonist of A Wrinkle in Time and All Summer Long "Mixed-Up carefully and gently discusses the frustrations and struggles of a child living with dyslexia and handles it beautifully with empathy and compassion. This is a must read book." --Dan Santat, National Book Award winner and bestelling author and illustrator of A First Time for Everything "Here's what I love about this middle grade graphic novel: The pacing, the length--just perfect--the easter eggs, the magic, and Brittney Williams' art. Kami Garcia has written a very beautiful story about dyslexia, with a very important message about courage."--Kwame Alexander, Emmy Award-winning producer and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Crossover and The Door of No Return.
The Doomsday Vault by
From the screenwriter of Academy Award-nominated Puss in Boots and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish comes an inventive middle grade adventure about an interdimensional school for time travelers perfect for fans of the Spy School and Mr. Lemoncello's Library series. When Bertie Wells accidentally creates a black hole in his bedroom in the year 1878, it's the very last thing he expects--except maybe the grown-up who steps out. Darla Marconi dresses and speaks like no one Bertie has met and comes with an offer: Bertie is invited to attend the College of Space Machines, Multiverses, and Other Odd Sciences (COSMOS for short, because no one would go to a school called COSMMOOS). He is skeptical to say the least but, not having anything better to do, Bertie agrees. His day only gets weirder from there as he's transported to 2022 for his first semester of school. Thankfully, he's not alone--144 years in the future, math whiz Zoe Fuentes just accepted the same invitation, and 550 years in the past, Amelia da Vinci (yes, that da Vinci) has also decided to attend. The three team up and work together to survive the year, including weathering a time paradox, solving the case of a disappearing dean, and uncovering the truth behind a shady intergalactic secret society. At least time is on their side!
Better Than Revenge by
A swoony new romance from the author of Sunkissed! When her football-player boyfriend and now ex lands the podcast job she's been dreaming of, a girl takes matters into her own hands by enlisting the help of his nemesis to get revenge. Seventeen-year-old Finley has only ever had one goal: to become a famous podcaster. This includes coming up with the perfect pitch to land her on her school's podcast team. But when her football-obsessed boyfriend, Jensen, decides to also try out--and uses her idea--she's left confused and betrayed. Determined to get back at him, Finley and her friends try to find the perfect revenge scheme, but quickly discover that Jensen is almost-impossible to best. Keyword, almost. Includes an author Q&A! By chance, Finley discovers a knack for kicking and decides to take Jensen's spot on the football team. To help her train, she recruits Jensen's cute but conceited nemeses, Theo. Soon the two discover that their connection runs deeper than football. But Finley can't let herself get distracted, and Theo has secrets of his own. Is true love really better than the perfect revenge?
This Song Is (Not) for You by
"Music is the second most important thing," I say. That was something my mother would always say. We've stopped saying it out loud, but I think it all the same. The most important thing is love. From the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling If He Had Been With Me comes a captivating novel about navigating-and protecting-the loves and friendships that sustain us. Ramona fell for Sam the moment she met him. It was like she had known him forever. He's one of the few constants in her life, and their friendship is just too important to risk for a kiss. Though she really wants to kiss him... Sam loves Ramona, but he would never expect her to feel the same way-she's too quirky and cool for someone like him. Still, they complement each other perfectly, both as best friends and as a band. Then they meet Tom. Tom makes music too, and he's the band's missing piece. The three quickly become inseparable. Except Ramona's falling in love with Tom. But she hasn't fallen out of love with Sam either. How can she be true to her feelings and herself without losing the very relationships that make her heart sing? This Song is (Not) for You is perfect for readers looking for- Contemporary teen romance books Unputdownable & bingeworthy novels Complex emotional YA stories Novels that explore monogamy, polyamory, and asexuality Characters with a passion for music Performance art
Breath of the Dragon by
Featuring beautiful sprayed edges! A young warrior dreams of proving his worth in the elite Guardian Tournament, fighting not only for himself but the fate of everything he loves. Sixteen-year-old Jun dreams of proving his worth as a warrior in the elite Guardian's Tournament, held every six years to entrust the magical Scroll of Heaven to a new protector. Eager to prove his skills, Jun hopes that a win will restore his father's pride--righting a horrible mistake that caused their banishment from his home, mother, and twin brother. But Jun's father strictly forbids him from participating. He believes there is no future in Jun honing his skills as a warrior, especially considering Jun is not breathmarked, born with a patch of dragon scales and blessed with special abilities like his twin. Determined to be the next Guardian, Jun stows away in the wagon of Chang and his daughter, Ren, performers on their way to the capital where the tournament will take place. As Jun competes, he quickly realizes he may be fighting for not just a better life, but the fate of the country itself and the very survival of everyone he cares about.
Among Serpents by
Strap in for a high-octane mission that hurls Conrad and crew toward jaw-dropping discoveries that could trigger total obliteration, in Book Two of the Above the Black fantasy trilogy from the New York Times bestselling author of Sky's End. It takes guts to rise to the top of Meritocracy. It'll take sheer ruthlessness to stay there. As militants and monsters lay waste to the Skylands, Uncle's lawless tyranny threatens to unravel fragile Trade alliances. Conrad, no longer a mere Captain, now commands a squadron of ships at the order of the King. But Conrad's High status can't protect him from his own turmoil, and the price of power is steeped in blood. Tormented by tragedies of war and by betrayal from his own family, Conrad must prove his worth to all of the Skylands. Led by an unhinged Explorer, Conrad embarks on a secret expedition to turn the tides of battle--before another island falls at the jaws of the gigataun. It's a journey fraught with peril: Deadly monstrosities. Sabotage. Stowaways. And with friendships pushed to the brink and gentle romance stirring, Conrad will have to muster more than courage to weather the raging storms ahead. Order your copy of Book Two of the Above the Black trilogy and continue the adventure! Marc J Gregson expands his fast-paced fantasy universe with shocking twists, treacherous battles, and a memorable cast of characters. Fans of Frank Herbert and Jules Verne will appreciate touches of classic science fiction, including speculative frontiers and turbulent political intrigue.
Bemused by
The untold origin story of the 5 Muses from Disney's Hercules is revealed in this rollicking YA fantasy filled with mythical adventure, music, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. The Muses narrated Hercules's story. Now, in this novel for fans of the New York Times bestsellers Go the Distance and Fire & Fate, they'll narrate their own "gospel truth." Living in a quiet seaside village with their overprotective mother, teenaged sisters Calliope, Clio, Melpomene, Terpsichore, and Thalia are talented performers with no audience. If Calli had her way, she'd pursue her dream of writing epic stories in the city of Thebes. But family comes first, and as the eldest, she'd never leave her beloved sisters behind. Then, following a disastrous public music performance, their mother reveals a shocking secret: she is Mnemosyne, the Goddess of Memory, and for nearly two decades, she's been on the run from the gods of Mount Olympus, desperate to keep her daughters safe from their machinations. Before she can share more, she is kidnapped . . . and though the girls don't know it yet, the villain pulling the strings is none other than Hades, fiery God of the Underworld. Under Calli's leadership, the sisters embark on a journey to save their mother and to learn more about their own divine origins. But the path ahead is filled with mythical trials and tribulations, and they'll need to rely on both their individual talents and the strength of their sisterhood to ensure that they ascend from "zeroes" to "heroes"--or more accurately, heroines. Penned by New York Times bestselling author Farrah Rochon, this YA fantasy uniquely blends a twist on a Disney classic with a fresh take on Greek mythology.
After Life by
"After Life is a masterful tale about a family coping with loss, showing the way grief affects us and people we don't even know in ways we don't see. Once I met Amber and her family, I didn't want to let them go." ---Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times bestselling author of Carving Shadows into Stone "Forman is a master at making her readers fall in love--with a girl whose life is over, with a community of people in a small town who are barely surviving her loss, and with the incredible, surprising way everyone's stories knit together into a heartbreaking and hopeful whole." --E. Lockhart, author of We Were Liars and Genuine Fraud One spring afternoon after school, Amber arrives home on her bike. It's just another perfectly normal day. But when Amber's mom sees her, she screams. Because Amber died seven years ago, hit by a car while on the very same bicycle she's inexplicably riding now. This return doesn't only impact Amber. Her sister, Melissa, now seven years older, must be a new kind of sibling to Amber. Amber's estranged parents are battling over her. And the changes ripple farther and farther out: Amber's friends, boyfriend, and even people she met only once have been deeply affected by her life and death. In the midst of everyone's turmoil, Amber is struggling with herself. What kind of person was she? How and why was she given this second chance? This magnificent tour de force by acclaimed author Gayle Forman brilliantly explores the porous veil between life and death, examines the impact that one person can have on the world, and celebrates life in all its beautiful complexity.
Mystery Royale by
THE INHERITANCE GAMES meets HOTEL MAGNIFIQUE in this genre splicing YA fantastical mystery. The only thing sixteen-year-old Mullory Prudence has left of her mom is a warning: "Run if the strange finds you." But mysterious warnings don't pay the bills or help take care of her sick Gran. And they certainly don't make her miserable after-school job any more bearable. When unexpected letters start appearing in peculiar places--sealed in bags of dog food and hidden in the refrigerator--Mullory knows she should avoid them to heed her mother's warning, but her curiosity thinks otherwise. She uncovers an invitation from Stoutmire Estate to compete in a game of Mystery Royale for the chance at a sizable inheritance. Dizzy with the prospect of billions, Mullory enters the game only to unearth the true prize--the illusionary magical properties of Xavier Stoutmire, a recluse without an heir. A recluse who was expected to keep his magic in the family, especially when there isn't enough for each member. With a prize worth killing for, the game is simple: be the first to solve the mystery--who killed Xavier Stoutmire? One week full of lavish parties dripping with enchantments, in a mansion brimming with clues of the past, and everyone's a suspect. To win, Mullory will need to untangle a twisted family web and decide who she can trust... Whitaker Stoutmire, the golden boy who's harboring deadly secrets? Ellison Stoutmire, his closed off twin, who saw something she shouldn't have? Lyric Stoutmire the youngest sibling, exiled by the family and burning with resentment? Or Mateo Maldonado, the only other outsider whose reserved manner allows him to hide in the shadows... At least at first. But most of all, Mullory must ask herself, why? Why her? A question most strange, indeed.
Royal Heirs Academy by
In this story filled with "romantic tension, royal drama, and family secrets" (Kristy Boyce), four teens living in a glamorous boarding school must compete in order to inherit a European kingdom. Perfect for fans of Elite and Maxton Hall--The World Between Us. For fifty years, King Leander Eldana has ruled Ashland without naming an heir to the crown. After sending away his grandchildren to be raised out of the public eye, it's finally time to secure his nation's future by appointing one definitive heir. The best way to appraise his successor? In the halls of Almus Terra Academy, a boarding school infamous for breeding the world's next generation of leaders--and liars. Titus Eldana has always known he'd inherit Ashland's future. Now he must prove he has what it takes. Alaric Eldana was not raised with a silver spoon. His secondhand clothes might not be fit for a king, but he knows how to rule: with his fist. Emmeline Eldana only wants to please her neglectful parents. If that means securing the crown, she won't hesitate to destroy anyone in her way. Sadie Aurelia has no idea why she's been given a chance to bring new blood to the throne. With nothing left to lose back home, she's ready to take it. Filled with competition, secret alliances, enemies-to-lovers romance, and cunning revenge, Royal Heirs Academy is a breathless, entertaining read set in modern-day. This gossip-filled school for the global elite is inspired by UWC of the Atlantic, which Vanity Fair has described as "Hippie Hogwarts." For fans of the breakout television hits Elite and Maxton Hall--The World Between Us.
The Last Bookstore on Earth by
Two teen girls fall in love and fight for survival in an abandoned bookstore weeks before another cataclysmic storm threatens to bring about the end of the world in this unforgettable YA debut. Perfect for fans of Station Eleven and The Last of Us. "A thoroughly original, intimate, and sometimes harrowing meditation on survival, forgiveness, and learning how to love again at the almost end of the world."--Nicola Yoon #1 New York Times bestselling author The world is about to end. Again. Ever since the first Storm wreaked havoc on civilization as we know it, seventeen-year-old Liz Flannery has been holed up in an abandoned bookstore in suburban New Jersey where she used to work, trading books for supplies with the few remaining survivors. It's the one place left that feels safe to her. Until she learns that another earth-shattering Storm is coming . . . and everything changes. Enter Maeve, a prickly and potentially dangerous out-of-towner who breaks into the bookstore looking for shelter one night. Though the two girls are immediately at odds, Maeve has what Liz needs--the skills to repair the dilapidated store before the next climate disaster strikes--and Liz reluctantly agrees to let her stay. As the girls grow closer and undeniable feelings spring up between them, they realize that they face greater threats than the impending Storm. And when Maeve's secrets and Liz's inner demons come back to haunt them both, they find themselves fighting for their lives as their world crumbles around them. "A hauntingly beautiful story of love, loss, and the raw fight for survival." --Jarrod Shusterman, New York Times bestselling author of Dry "Hopeful, thrilling, and twisty...the snarky sapphic dystopian of our dreams." --Jennifer Dugan, author of Some Girls Do
A Language of Dragons by
In an alternate London in 1923, one girl accidentally breaks the tenuous truce between dragons and humans in this sweeping debut and epic retelling of Bletchley Park steeped in language, class, and forbidden romance. Perfect for teen fans of Fourth Wing and Babel. Dragons soar through the skies and protests erupt on the streets, but Vivien Featherswallow isn't worried. She's going to follow the rules, get a summer internship studying dragon languages, be smart, be sweet, and make sure her little sister never, ever has to risk growing up Third Class. She just has to free one dragon. By midnight, Viv has started a civil war. With her parents and cousin arrested and her sister missing, Viv is brought to Bletchley Park as a codebreaker--if she succeeds, she and her family can all go home again. If she doesn't, they'll all die. As Viv begins to discover the secrets of a hidden dragon language, she realizes that the fragile peace treaty that holds human and dragon societies together is corrupt, and the dangerous work Viv is doing could be the thread that unravels it.
Bingsu for Two by
This outrageously charming and infuriatingly adorable enemies-to-lovers coffee shop romance is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Better Than the Movies. Meet River Langston-Lee. In the past 24 hours, he's dumped his girlfriend, walked out of his SATs, and quit his job at his parents' cafe in spectacularly disastrous fashion--even for him. Somehow, he manages to talk his way into a gig at a failing Korean cafe, Bingsu for Two, which is his lucky break until he meets short, grumpy, and goth: Sarang Cho. She's his new no-BS co-worker who's as determined to make River's life hell as she is to save her family's cafe. After River accidentally uploads a video of his chaotic co-workers to his popular fandom account, they strike viral fame. The kicker? Their new fans ship River and Sarang big-time. In order to keep the Internet's attention--and the cafe's new paying customers--River and Sarang must pretend that the tension between them is definitely of the romantic variety, not the considering the best way to kill you and hide your body variety. But when Bingsu for Two's newfound success catches the attention of River's ex and his parents' cafe around the corner, he faces a choice: keep letting others control his life or stand up for the place that's become home. And a green-haired girl who's not as heartless as he originally thought . . .
The Rival by
Rivals-to-lovers gets an academic send-up in this charming and irresistible romantic comedy from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute and Begin Again. At long last, Sadie has vanquished her lifelong academic rival -- her irritatingly charming, whip smart next door neighbor, Seb -- by getting the coveted, only spot to her dream college. Or at least, so she thinks. When Seb is unexpectedly pulled off the waitlist and admitted, Sadie has to compete with him all over again, this time to get a spot on the school's famous zine. Now not only is she dealing with the mayhem of the lovable, chaotic family she hid her writing talents from, as well as her own self doubt, but she has to come to terms with some less-than-resentful feelings for Seb that are popping up along the way. But the longer they compete, the more Sadie and Seb notice flaws in the school's system that are much bigger than any competition between them. Somehow the two of them have to band together even as they're trying to crush each other, only to discover they may have met their match in more ways than one. "If you haven't read a novel by Emma Lord before, you've been missing out on something spectacular." - Paste
The Wilde Trials by
From the acclaimed author of The Rosewood Hunt comes a thrilling new mystery about a high-stakes competition packed with shocking twists, second chances, and deadly deceit, where allies--and enemies--are the people you'd least expect. Chloe Gatti will do whatever it takes to win her elite boarding school's annual competition, the Wilde Trials. In the two weeks leading up to graduation from Wilde Academy, a dozen seniors are chosen to compete in a series of seven ultimate physical and mental tests, and the winner will take home over half a million dollars--money that Chloe needs to help her sick sister. But the competition is fierce and includes her brooding ex-boyfriend, Hayes Stratford, whose brother was the only student to die during the trials a few years ago. When someone starts blackmailing Chloe during the competition, she's forced to strike a deal with Hayes--if he helps her discover who is sabotaging her, she'll help him solve the mystery his brother left behind. Following clues from Hayes's brother, the unlikely allies discover that something isn't right about the Wilde Trials. With a life-changing prize looming over her head and her buried feelings for Hayes rising to the surface, Chloe will have to decide what's really worth fighting for, and if the cost of competing outweighs the potential consequences, even if that includes ending up like Hayes's brother--dead. Fans of Jessica Goodman and Maureen Johnson will love this dark academia thriller with a romantic twist! "An action-packed, fast-paced adventure with characters that crackled off the page. I had so much fun on this wild ride." --Goldy Moldavsky, New York Times bestselling author of The Mary Shelley Club "Mackenzie Reed does it again! Action-packed and filled with heart, The Wilde Trials is a thrill ride from start to finish. With a jaw-dropping mystery and unexpected twists at every turn, this cutthroat academic competition keeps its Challengers--and readers--on their toes." --Rachel Moore, author of Us in Ruins and The Library of Shadows "Atmospheric, pulse-pounding, and swoon-worthy, The Wilde Trials is perfect for readers who like their thrillers with a delicious side of dark academia. Full of riddles, hidden passageways, and a creepy, crumbling estate, Mackenzie Reed's sophomore novel offers not only a high-stakes competition but also a thoughtful examination of ambition--and its sometimes deadly cost." --Olivia Worley, author of People to Follow and The Debutantes
I Am Not Jessica Chen by
Jenna Chen has spent her life in the shadow of her flawless cousin. Jessica Chen is so smart she gets the top score on every test. Jessica Chen is so beautiful people stop in the hallway to stare at her. Jessica Chen is so perfect she got into Harvard. And Jenna Chen will only ever be a disappointment. So when Jenna makes a desperate wish to become her cousin, the last thing she expects is for it to come true--literally. All of a sudden she gets to live the life she's always dreamed of . . . but being the model student at cutthroat Havenwood Private Academy isn't quite what she'd imagined. Worse, people seem to be forgetting that someone named Jenna Chen ever existed. But isn't it worth trading it all away--her artistic talent, her childhood home, even the hope of golden boy Aaron Cai loving her back--to be Jessica Chen?