Children's Lit Newsletter 6/22/2025

HAPPY PRIDE!!!!!

At at time when the FOC (see below for meaning, and yes, I did lose a couple subscribers for that - oh well), is trying to erase history, such as renaming the USNS Harvey Milk, let's speak up more loudly than ever! This month and EVERY DAY OF EVERY MONTH!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and then loved the deep dive I did afterward reading about 'stunt girl' Nell Nelson (term used for undercover 'girl' reporters, like Nellie Bly) and photographer Alice Austen. Much more information, including a teaching guide, here: https://lbink.com/titles/nora-neus/renegade-girls-a-graphic-novel/9780316440035/

Please feel free to reach out and order your books with signed bookplates (if you want them personalized, that will take a tad longer, of course, but we're happy to coordinate that)

https://shop.reachandteach.com/

This book is SO INCREDIBLE!!! I'll definitely be using it in book clubs (and it has a permanent place in my book talk crates). More information on this wonderful award here: https://judylopezaward.org/

Yes, I know that Juneteenth is the 19th (I got to be at the Golden State Valkyries game that day and was THRILLED when "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was performed), but we can teach about Juneteenth all year. I love this book because it gives more resources and leads for more information/thoughtful questions, on almost every page. More info here: https://www.sourcebooks.com/for-children/9781464219016-the-juneteenth-alphabet-hc-pic-bk.html

Also, for those in the Bay Area, don't forget the INCREDIBLE Domini Hoskins Black History Museum in Redwood City https://hoskinsblackhistorymuseum.org/?fbclid=IwAR0z1c7FXixdX1ACxNjO7ReTc5cwcxFWHYyo6pnWQW-vnLt3LEmHwu9qi3Y

I STILL have to convince teachers, parents, and yes, librarians (not all, but some) that graphic novels deserve respect. This t-shirt from Jarrett J. Krosoczka is PERFECT!!

https://www.bonfire.com/reading-is-reading-is-reading-1/?fbclid=IwY2xjawK2uRVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4QndtMnBMZllrYmd0NjJFAR74h5bNoVTyIAjoaLE0QoLKRnjjpfdviwpbThAaKx6i0e87_rQ9kV4NpfvwvQ_aem_XQ2rJBdYq4VhNT_Dr9lAzA

Join us at Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore on Friday, June 27 at 7:00 PM when New York author Vivienne Chang and local illustrator Eugenia Yoh return to present their brand new picture book What If We.... The pair will sign copies of their book after the presentation.

Click Here to preorder a copy of What If We...

In this charming sibling bond picture book, a young boy fights boredom by imagining all the adventures he could have, but forgets that he has a built-in adventure partner right by his side.

It’s only the second day of summer, and Max is completely out of things to do. As he cycles through a series of fantastical ideas, Max can’t stop thinking how much more summer fun he could have–only if he were somewhere else!

But by not being present, could Max be missing out on the most special adventure of all? And is he missing out on someone to share his adventures with?

This funny and imaginative story highlights the specialness of a sibling bond and reminds readers of all ages that sometimes the best things can be found right where you are.

EUGENIA YOH and VIVIENNE CHANG met as students at Washington University in St. Louis and now live 2,555.87 miles apart from each other. Eugenia lives in Berkeley, California, and makes books for kids. Vivienne lives in New York City and makes digital products for grown-ups. In addition to What If We..., Vivienne and Eugenia are also the authors of This is Not My Home. They hope to continue telling stories that share universal ideas through humor. When they are not discussing their next book concept, they can be found in a forest sharing ideas on what it means to be in your twenties, which is a very confusing time, to say the least.

THIS EVENT is free but registration is requested. Registration ends at 6:00 pm on June 27.

BECAUSE SEATING is limited, please register only if you plan to attend.

DUE TO SPACE limitations, we may not be able to accommodate every person at an event, so early registration is encouraged.

WALK-INS will be accommodated only if space allows.

WE ASK that attendees arrive between 6:45 and 7:00 PM for the event.

PLEASE leave your non-support companion animals at home.

OUR shared restrooms are not accessible after 6:30 PM, please plan accordingly.

Spousal Unit found this. Please let me know if this is considered a No No. If not, what an incredible resource!

https://www.openculture.com/2025/06/enter-an-archive-of-10000-historical-childrens-books.html

You can preorder RAVENGUARD from The Cove Books to receive:
-A signed copy.
-10% off with code PREORDER10.
-A Max the Cat sticker.

https://thecovebooks.myshopify.com/

I love Kalyn's books and also Kalyn as a panelist (we were on the same panel at Bay Area Book Festival last year). I can't wait to see how she wraps this up!!

The fabulous Author/Illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka made this image to support Dr. Hayden. He has made it available for non-commercial use herre:

studioJJK.com/downloads

I remember being at an ALA Annual when Dr. Hayden was on the tradeshow floor. The 'fanpeople-ing' of this incredible woman gave me so much hope and joy.

Our country is under attack, and a lot of it is aimed at making/keeping people ignorant (yes, straight out of the Nazi playbook). Please speak up wherever and whenever you can.

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/

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.

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.