Children's Lit Newsletter 5/07/2025
AKA Sharon's Book Rx
Join us at Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore on Saturday, May 10 at 5:00 PM when local Berkeley author Aimee Phan comes to the store to launch her debut novel for young adults The Lost Queen. Aimee will be joined in conversation by Vanessa Hua and will sign copies of her book after the presentation.
Click Here to preorder a copy of The Lost Queen
A heroine like no other, ancient magic unleashed, a fated epic battle--the first book in an enchanting YA fantasy duology inspired by Vietnamese lore, weaving magic, sisterhood, and self-discovery.
Jolie Lam, a high school sophomore in San Jose, is known for two things: her bizarre freakout at last year’s swim meet and her fortuneteller grandfather with visions of dragons and earthquakes. Friendless and ostracized, Jolie's life takes a dramatic turn for the better when she saves the school's it-girl, Huong Pham, during a haunting vision of her own. Taken under Huong's wing, Jolie's world transforms, in more ways than one.
As Jolie and Huong's bond deepens, they unlock long lost powers: telepathic abilities, fluency in Vietnamese, and eerie premonitions. This leads them to a shocking revelation: they have ties to legendary queens and goddesses of ancient Vietnam. While a thrilling discovery, it also sets them on a perilous journey.
The girls must navigate dreams and portals to piece together their past lives and reclaim their immortal elements before their ancient enemies strike again. But all is not what it seems, and Jolie must determine friend from foe, truth from lie, and ultimately right from wrong in this battle for all she loves and the fate of the world.
AIMEE PHAN was born and raised in Orange County, California. She received her BA in English from UCLA and her MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop. She is the author of two books for adults, We Should Never Meet: Stories and the novel The Reeducation of Cherry Truong. She has received fellowships and residencies from the NEA, MacDowell Colony, the Rockefeller Foundation's Bellagio Center, Djerassi and Hedgebrook. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Time, USA Today and CNN.com among other publications. Aimee teaches as an associate professor in writing and literature at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco and resides in Berkeley, California with her family.
VANESSA HUA is the author of the national bestsellers A River of Stars and Forbidden City, as well as Deceit and Other Possibilities, a New York Times Editors Pick. A National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellow, she has also received a Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers’ Award, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, California Arts Council Fellowship, and a Steinbeck Fellowship, as well as honors from the de Groot Foundation, Society of Professional Journalists, and the Asian American Journalists Association, among others. She was a finalist for the California Book Award, Northern California Book Award, and New American Voices Award. Previously, she was an award-winning columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle. Her work has appeared in publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, and The Atlantic. She is a Visiting Professor at Saint Mary's College of California and also teaches at the Warren Wilson MFA Program and elsewhere. The daughter of Chinese immigrants, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family. Her novel, El Nido, is forthcoming.
KWAME ALEXANDER AND JERRY CRAFT AT MRS. DALLOWAY'S!!!
Join us at Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore on Monday, May 19 at 6:30 PM when we welcome Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft to the store to celebrate the release of their new collaboration for kids, J Vs. K. Kwame and Jerry will discuss their book together and will sign copies after the presentation.
Tickets purchased admit one or two people and include one copy of J. Vs. K.
Click Here to purchase additional copies of J Vs. K.
Created by real-life rivals and #1 New York Times bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft this hilarious illustrated story features two talented fifth graders going head-to-head in a competition for the ages.
J and K are the most creative fifth graders at Dean Ashley Public School (DAPS). J loves to draw and his wordless stories are J-ENIUS! K loves to write and his stories are K-LASSIC!! Both J and K are determined to win the DAPS annual creative storytelling contest or at least get in the top five. And when they find out that they are both entering The Contest, it's the beginning of one of the most intense rivalries the world has ever seen.
It’s artist vs. writer with plenty of shady double crosses as J and K plot their way to the top. This epic match-up from Newbery medal winners Kwame Alexander (The Crossover) and Jerry Craft (New Kid) celebrates comics, creativity, and the magic of collaboration.
KWAME ALEXANDER is a poet, educator, publisher, and New York Times bestselling author of more than 35 books, including the Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor-winning picture book The Undefeated, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, the Newbery medal-winning novel, The Crossover, Becoming Muhammad Ali, co-authored with James Patterson, Booked, which was longlisted for the National Book Award, Rebound, Solo and Swing. A regular contributor to NPR's Morning Edition, Kwame is also the recipient of numerous other awards, including the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, the Coretta Scott King Author Honor, three NAACP Image Award Nominations, and the 2017 Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award. He invites you to visit him at kwamealexander.com on IG and Twitter @kwamealexander.
JERRY CRAFT is the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of the graphic novels New Kid, Class Act and School Trip. New Kid is the only novel to ever win the John Newbery Medal, the Kirkus Prize, and the Coretta Scott King Author Award. Jerry is also a co-founder of the Schomburg’s Annual Black Comic Book Festival. He was born in Harlem and grew up in the Washington Heights section of New York City. He lives with his family in Connecticut. You can learn more about Jerry at www.jerrycraft.com.
Join us at Book Passage for an author event in celebration of Miriam Chernick's new book The Zuzu Secret!
It’s summer, and Josie and Abe’s family just moved to a new town. They each have secrets . . . one of which involves caring for a bearded dragon.
For fans of Out of My Mind, comes a heartfelt novel for kids ages 10 and up about sibling relationships, family struggles, disability, and getting what you want.
https://www.bookpassage.com/event/miriam-chernick-zuzu-secret-corte-madera-store
12-year-old Josie Sherman, an animal lover and aspiring vet, rescues a bearded dragon lizard. But her family’s strict no-pets rule because of her brother's disability forces Josie to hide the lizard, Zuzu, in her bedroom.
Abe, Josie's 15-year-old brother, is a huge Orioles fan, and he has plans of his own. Abe lives with Prader-Willi syndrome, which restricts his independence. What secret risks will Abe take to reach his goals?
Told in alternating points of view, The Zuzu Secret explores the challenge of balancing independence with deception. Josie and Abe both have things to learn about being truthful with themselves and with the people they love.
Miriam Chernick is the author of THE ZUZU SECRET, a novel for kids ages eight to twelve. When not writing, she is a substitute teacher in Maryland. The balance of her time is spent parenting three young adults and helping to care for her brother who was born with a rare disease called Prader-Willi Syndrome. Previously, Miriam worked for a Fortune 500 company in product marketing both in New York and in Tokyo. In terms of academics she’s earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees—one from Yale University in Asian Studies and one from the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults. Miriam loves animals and plants, Wheel of Fortune and Wordle, speaking Spanish, drinking French, and eating Japanese.
"The Zuzu Secret is much more than a book about a young person with a disability. It is a realistic, warm, beautifully told story of growing love and responsibility between sister and brother."—Francisco X. Stork, author of Marcelo in the Real World
Two siblings struggle to keep their ambitious schemes under wraps.
For 12-year-old Josie Sherman, volunteering at a veterinary clinic over the summer is critical for getting into a good vet school and would make up for her family’s no-pets policy. But first, a parent must sign the consent form. Unfortunately, it feels like all her parents’ attention is focused on their move from Boston to Silver Spring, Maryland, and her 15-year-old brother, Abe, whose Prader–Willi syndrome causes constant hunger and developmental delays. After Mom suffers a concussion in a car accident, the chances of getting Dad’s signature drop. When Josie finds a bearded dragon, she reasons that caring for Zuzu (named after Zulima Court, the street where she was lost) until she finds her owner will show Mom and Dad she’s serious about her future career. But hiding the reptile from her family is harder than Josie thought. Meanwhile, Abe has his own secret: He’s determined to catch a baseball for Mom at next Saturday’s Orioles game, even though Dad insists they need to wait until later in the season. Josie’s and Abe’s alternating perspectives realistically portray the nuances of sibling relationships and living with disability. Though Josie doesn’t sugarcoat how stressful and frustrating caring for Abe can sometimes be, the siblings’ love for one another shines through to the tidy but satisfying ending. In backmatter, Chernick includes information and resources on PWS—which her brother has—and explains the inspiration behind Zuzu. Most characters read white.
Heartwarming. —Kirkus Reviews
DIANA FARID AT BAY AREA BOOK FEST AND A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR BOOK DONATIONS
From our own fabulous Diana:
A donation opportunity to a wonderful program:
In addition to being kid lit author, I also work as a doc at Stanford. I recently started helping the Office of Child Health Equity (a huge passion of mine!) at Stanford University on early literacy. They currently have a "Little Libraries" program that supports early literacy by placing book collections in pediatric clinics across the Peninsula. Families can read the books while they wait and even take them home for free to start their own "little library". Early literacy is a crucial part of child development, and this initiative has been impactful to families across the Bay Area.
They are currently experiencing a shortage in books and are seeking donations of new or gently used books. They’re happy to work with you on the logistics and ensure the process is easy and effective. They're happy to accept any and all books you are able to donate, but are especially looking for books for ages 0-5, grades K-3, and bilingual books.
Link here for more info and the link to donate:
https://med.stanford.edu/childhealthequity/engagement/earlyeducation/kinder-ready-clinics.html
SOCIAL JUSTICE BOOK FAIR A PART OF BAY AREA BOOK FEST FAMILY DAY
Bay Area Book Festival Family Day:
The Social Justice Children's Book Fair is a highlight of the Bay Area Book Festival's Family Day on Saturday, May 31st, 2025.
Location:
The fair will be held at the Berkeley Public Library Central branch, downtown Berkeley.
Content:
Expect a variety of activities including readings, panels, discussions, and interactive fun that focus on social justice themes in young people's literature.
Purpose:
The fair aims to showcase the creativity and innovation in children's literature, while also providing a space for children to see themselves and others, gain insight into diverse experiences, and bridge different perspectives.
Collaboration:
The Social Justice Children's Book Fair is co-presented with the Bay Area Book Festival, indicating a collaborative effort to bring this important event to the community.
SIGNATURES NEEDED: Open Letter to HarperCollins (aka WTF HarperCollins?!?!?!?)
On April 3, 2025, Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, Macmillan Publishers, Simon & Schuster, and Sourcebooks sent a letter to Congress in support of the Institute of Library and Museum Services (IMLS) following Executive Order 14238, signed on March 14, which calls for the dismantling of IMLS. HarperCollins is notably missing from this list of publishers.
We demand to know why HarperCollins did NOT sign this letter and what they plan to do to support IMLS and all libraries moving forward.
Author and AABB member Michael Leali has drafted an open letter to HarperCollins with this request. We need signatures from authors, illustrators, librarians, booksellers, literary agents, educators, and industry professionals in support of this message. If you are willing to add your name to the list of signees, please complete this form by Monday, April 28, 2025.
Link to form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gpfgDpS5OJOkrNt8u4Az7OgwuyD-HDB84w33j3HLalE/viewform?edit_requested=true
Link to letter here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oJ0xOQTCL0L2QzGyiAK7Yw7TnBXi5RsWtu7wKFgkVpo/edit?tab=t.0
Write a Letter to the Editor to Support Libraries!
Submit your letter here:
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Writing a letter to the editor to support libraries makes a powerful statement. City councils and local officials pay attention to public opinion. A well-written letter in the local paper can sway votes and protect funding.
That's why we made it easy to write a letter to the editor of your local paper!
Libraries Are Under Threat
In many places, libraries are facing budget cuts, closures, or even attacks on the kinds of books they carry. A letter to the editor helps defend their value to the community and shows public support when it matters most.
They’re More Than Books
Modern libraries offer free Wi-Fi, job hunting help, homework support, digital access, and safe spaces. Reminding people of these services can boost appreciation and usage—especially for those who might not realize what’s available.
Support Intellectual Freedom
With ongoing debates about book bans and censorship, standing up for libraries means standing up for access to information, diverse voices, and the right to read freely.
They Build Strong Communities
Libraries host events, language classes, voter registration, and so much more. Your letter can highlight how they bring people together—especially in uncertain times.
BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL MAY 31ST AND JUNE 1ST!!
I get to moderate a panel here too!! YAY!!! Lots of great people to come see! Full Schedule here:
FABULOUS RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK FROM THE CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL
ABOUT THE NEW VOICES AWARD
Established in 2000, the New Voices Award is given biennially to an unpublished writer of color or Native/Indigenous writer for a picture book manuscript.
Manuscripts may be FICTION, NON-FICTION, or POETRY for children ages 5 to 12. Manuscripts should address the needs of children of color or Native/Indigenous children by providing stories with which they can identify and relate, and which promote a greater understanding of one another. Themes relating to different family structures, gender identity, LGBTQ+ communities, or disabilities are also of interest.
The submission period for entry will begin on April 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time and will end on June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
New Voices Award winners receive a standard publication contract, including Lee & Low Books’s basic royalties and an advance in the amount of $5,000.
Winners are also given close publishing mentorship as they work to develop their first book for publication. Nurturing manuscripts takes time, and Lee & Low’s commitment to this contest represents over two decades of dedication. We ask for the same commitment and courtesy from applicants. Please make sure you are able to abide by the eligibility and manuscript submission guidelines before entering.
https://www.leeandlow.com/authors-illustrators/writing-contests/new-voices-award/
INAUGURAL BE THE REASON EVENT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!!!
Thank you to all who supported Access Books Bay Area and Reach and Teach. $450 in gift cards were purchased, and with the discount given by Reach and Teach, Access Books Bay Area gets to have a shopping spree of well over FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS!! Thank you for Being The Reason that Access Books Bay Area and Reach and Teach survive!!
The Bay Area Kids Booksellers group had a wonderful idea and we're thrilled to be participating. The idea? Asking customers to Be The Reason Indie bookstores like ours survive, thrive, and do a great job serving our customers and communities. We're kicking off our first version of that campaign by working with Access Books Bay Area to help refurbish a local public school's library and stock it with wonderful books.
DONATIONS ARE COMING IN, BUT MORE ARE NEEDED TO PUT TOGETHER A FABULOUS LIBRARY FOR THESE STUDENTS!!
To do that we need YOUR HELP! Please click here to Be The Reason Underserved Children Discover Joy in Reading by purchasing gift cards that can be used to stock the library!
The overall purpose of the Be The Reason campaign is to encourage folks to support their local indie bookstores. We'll be honest and say that it isn't easy being green, and indie, and queer, and focusing on peacemaking, social justice, and inclusion, and competing against they who shall not be named at a time when just about everything we stand for feels like it is under attack (by HE who shall not be named and his minions).
We would NOT keep doing this without you, our partners in peacemaking. Below are links to several ways you can help US thrive as a business so that we can continue to serve you, our community, and the world.
FREE OGILVY POSTER
BOOK TALKS (for adults or kids), CURRICULUM CONSULTING (finding books that fit), etc.
Hey all!!
Recently I have given Book Talks to students and parents that can focus on Engaging Reluctant Readers, Diversify Your (home or school) Bookshelves, and Great and Engaging Books (for various ages/grades). They've been well received and participants leave with TONS of information (and quite a few win prizes). I do these in schools or libraries, but would love to be hired by companies as a 'Perk' for their employees who have children in their lives. So, using my 'Social Capital' (that's you all) to spread the word.
I also work with teachers to help find great books that fit (and expand) the curriculum (otherwise known as my idea of a good time).
Please feel free to spread the word and send people my way: sharonlevin @ mindspring.com
We now return to our regular programming.
NOTE TO AUTHORS, ILLUSTRATORS, BOOKSTORES HAVING EVENTS!!
I try (when I have time/energy/spoons) to visit store websites and pull event information. However, the best way to get your events in is to e-mail me directly with FOR THE NEWSLETTER as the subject line. There are over 2000 subscribers to this newsletter - plus it gets posted on Facebook, Twitter (I said what I said), BlueSky and my local NextDoor. I am happy to spread the word, it's just easier if 'the word' (not the religious one) comes directly to my inbox
I'm only as good as my sources, so please do feel free to share events, good news, etc.! Please e-mail me at sharonlevin at mindspring dot com and put For the Newsletter as your subject line.
I'm always happy to feature giveaways. There is NO paid advertising in this newsletter - I do not require anything to feature a giveaway. I'm just happy to do it.