Casey

Bodies are cool

by Tyler Feder

jE Feder
Picture Books, Read Woke, Diverse Characters

Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text celebrate bodies of all shapes, sizes, ages, and colors, with different kinds of hair, eyes, spots, scars, and more.

Bodies Are Cool! Unashamedly all bodies positive and I am definitely here for it. -Casey

Your mama

by NoNieqa Ramos

jE Ramos
Picture Books, Read Woke

Illustrations and easy-to-read text twist classic "your mama" jokes into a celebration of the beauty, power, and love of motherhood.

Remember all of those "your mama" jokes in the '90s? Well, all joking aside, Your Mama is awesome! -Casey

City of the plague god

by Sarwat Chadda

jFICTION Chadda Sarwat
Diverse Characters, Read Woke, Fantasy

"Thirteen-year-old Sikander Aziz has to team up with the hero Gilgamesh in order to stop Nergal, the ancient god of plagues, from wiping out the population of Manhattan in this adventure based on Mesopotamian mythology"--

This is the first of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint that I have read, and I am impressed! Going back for round two with Sikander and Gilgamesh soon, as the first time around was a whirlwind. -Casey

Watercress

by Andrea Wang

jE Wang
Picture Books, Read Woke, Memoir

Embarrassed about gathering watercress from a roadside ditch, a girl learns to appreciate her Chinese heritage after learning why the plant is so important to her parents.

Inspired by Andrea Wang's upbringing in rural Ohio and illustrated by Jason Chin, Watercress is pertinent reading for all ages. Text and illustrations pair perfectly, elevating this story of hope shining through grief, and love overcoming loss, beyond solely a childhood audience. Great for sharing as a family or reading on your own. -Casey

I sang you down from the stars

by Tasha Spillett-Sumner

jE Spillett
Picture Books, Read Woke, Diverse Characters

A Native American woman describes how she loved her child before it was born and, throughout her pregnancy, gathered a bundle of gifts to welcome the newborn.

Tasha Spillet-Sumner's poetry and Michaela Goade's illustrations are a beautiful pairing not to be missed. -Casey

I love you, baby burrito

by Angela Dominguez

jE Domingue
Picture Books, Read Woke

"From Pura Belpre honoree Angela Dominguez, Love You Baby Burrito is a modern classic picture book celebrating the act of swaddling a newborn into a baby burrito." -- Provided by publisher.

Angela Dominguez's latest book is beyond adorable. Karen G. and I were "oohing" over it when it first came in. I can't wait to share it in Book Babies soon! Anyone who's ever burritoed a baby owes this one a read. -Casey

Our little kitchen

by Jillian Tamaki

jE Tamaki
Picture Books, Diverse Characters, Poetry

"A crew of resourceful neighbors comes together to prepare a meal for their community. Includes a recipe and an author's note about the volunteering experience that inspired the book"--

Picture book perfection, made to be shared! -Casey

The only good Indians : a novel

by Stephen Graham Jones

eAUDIO
Horror, Read Woke

"Peter Straub's Ghost Story meets Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies in this American Indian horror story of revenge on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Four American Indian men from the Blackfeet Nation, who were childhood friends, find themselves in a desperate struggle for their lives, against an entity that wants to exact revenge upon them for what they did during an elk hunt ten years earlier by killing them, their families, and friends"--

The Only Good Indians is a masterpiece, and not for the faint of heart. If you're up for it, I recommend going into this title cold, cover material only, and no spoilers here! However, I will say that Shaun Taylor-Corbett's narration lends the perfect tone to Stephen Graham Jones's hauntingly beautiful prose. I'm adding it to my 2021 rereads list for the Fall, as I'm still thinking about it and have yet to pick up another novel after finishing weeks ago. -Casey

The dragon thief

by Zetta Elliott

eBOOK
Read Woke, Fantasy, Adventure

Told in two voices, Jax and Kavita, Kavita's brother Vik, and new friend Kenny try to return the baby dragon to the realm of magic before anything else goes wrong.

I'm currently reading this one aloud at bedtime for the second time! No surprises that the sequel to Dragons in a Bag is just as fun. -Casey

Like the moon loves the sky

by Hena Khan

jE Khan
Read Woke, Diverse Characters, Picture Books

Illustrations and prose inspired by the Quran celebrate a mother's love and hopes for her child.

This incredible picture book was inspired by the Quran, and celebrates the love between mothers and daughters. -Casey

Lift

by Minh Lê

jE Le
Read Woke, Diverse Characters, Picture Books, Graphic Novels

From the award-winning and bestselling creators of Drawn Together comes the fantastic tale of a magical elevator that will lift your spirits--and press all the right buttons! Iris loves to push the elevator buttons in her apartment building, but when it's time to share the fun with a new member of the family, she's pretty put out. That is, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious new button opens up entire realms of possibility, places where she can escape and explore on her own. But when she's forced to choose between going at it alone or letting her little brother tag along, Iris finds that sharing a discovery with the people you love can be the most wonderful experience of all. Using their dynamic comics-inspired storytelling, acclaimed author Minh Lê and Caldecott Medal-winning artist Dan Santat carry readers on a journey of ups, downs, and twists and turns that will send hearts--and imaginations--soaring.

DING! ---Looking for a lift?--- -Casey

Mexican Gothic

by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

eAUDIO
Read Woke, Historical Fiction, Horror, Suspense

"The acclaimed author of Gods of Jade and Shadow returns with a darkly enchanting reimagining of Gothic fantasy, in which a spirited young woman discovers the haunting secrets of a beautiful old mansion in 1950s Mexico"--

Lovecraft, Machado, Hitchcock, Burroughs, Shelley, and Poe fans will delight in this slow-burn horror. Leave the lights on afterward, they may help with the lingering ghosts. -Casey

Fry bread : A Native American Family Story

by Kevin Noble Maillard

eBOOK
Read Woke, Picture Books

This one has it all! Fabulous rhyming text, wonderful illustrations, and a wealth of backmatter make this a perfect book for sharing in groups or one on one. -Casey

Preaching to the chickens : the story of young John Lewis

by Jabari Asim

jE Asim
Black Lives Matter, Black History, Read Woke, Picture Books, Biographies

John Lewis's early life is chronicled here and it is beautifully done. If you haven't read about how he used to preach to his flock, I can't imagine a more poignant time. -Casey

Clean getaway

by Nic Stone

eBOOK
Black Lives Matter, Read Woke, Adventure, Black History, Travel

"For the life of him, William "Scoob" Lamar can't seem to stay out of trouble--and now the run-ins at school have led to lockdown at home. So when G'ma, Scoob's favorite person on Earth, asks him to go on an impromptu road trip, he's in the RV faster than he can say FREEDOM. With G'ma's old maps and a strange pamphlet called the 'Travelers' Green Book' at their side, the pair takes off on a journey down G'ma's memory lane. But adventure quickly turns to uncertainty: G'ma keeps changing the license plate, dodging Scoob's questions, and refusing to check Dad's voice mails. And the farther they go, the more Scoob realizes that the world hasn't always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren't always what they seem--G'ma included."--Jacket flap.

A clandestine road trip, The Green Book, and a rad G'Ma--Nic Stone's first middle grade novel is perfection! -Casey

Laura dean keeps breaking up with me

by Mariko Tamaki

eBOOK
Read Woke, LGBTQ+, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Diverse Characters

Touching and beautifully rendered in grayscale with occasional splashes of pink, this is a love story for everyone. If you have yet to be kicked to the curb by Laura Dean, it might be time to get dumped. -Casey

Toil & trouble : 15 tales of women & witchcraft

by

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Toil
Young Adult, Read Woke, Short Story, LGBTQ+, Fantasy

"History is filled with stories of women accused of witchcraft, of fearsome girls with arcane knowledge. Toil & Trouble features fifteen stories of girls embracing their power, reclaiming their destinies and using their magic to create, to curse, to cure--and to kill...This collection reveals a universal truth: there's nothing more powerful than a teenage girl who believes in herself"--Publisher.

This collection of short stories , some by YA superstars, casts a charm firm and good. Look for culturally, and LGBTQIA+ diverse characters, strong women, and some worlds you won't want to leave. -Casey

Bedtime bonnet

by Nancy Amanda Redd

jE/Redd
Picture Books, Black Lives Matter, Diverse Characters

As family members braid, brush, twirl, roll, and tighten their hair before bedtime, putting on kerchiefs, wave caps, and other protective items, the little sister cannot find her bonnet.

I can't wait to see this one when it gets in! -Casey

The old truck

by Jarrett Pumphrey

eBOOK
Kids, Picture Books

"On a small family farm, an old truck falls into disrepair and lies nearly forgotten, except by the family's daughter. The truck is been part of her daydreams as she grows up and develops strength and independence. As an industrious young woman, she pulls the rusted and overgrown vehicle from its almost-grave and restores it"--

I love this title about making something old new again, and again, and again. Simultaneously about loving family and respecting items through time, this is one for all the menders and antiquers out there! -Casey

My best friend

by Julie Fogliano

eBOOK
Kids, Picture Books

Two girls quickly become best friends, even before they learn one another's names.

Soaring illustrations accompany lyrical text about what it means to have and be a best friend. This one is a gem! -Casey

Circe : a novel

by Madeline Miller

eAUDIO
Fiction, Literary Fiction, Fantasy

Follows Circe, the banished witch daughter of Helios, as she hones her powers and interacts with famous mythological beings before a conflict with one of the most vengeful Olympians forces her to choose between the worlds of the gods and mortals.

I'm so glad I took the time to listen to Circe. Madeline Miller's writing is lofty yet accessible and her characters highly realized, I loved everything about this title. Look for Circe one on my rereads shelf soon! -Casey

The goose girl

by Shannon Hale

eAUDIO
Kids

On her way to marry a prince she's never met, Princess Anidori is betrayed by her guards and her lady-in-waiting and must become a goose girl to survive until she can reveal her true identity and reclaim the crown that is rightfully hers.

Readers will love cheering for Ani as she learns to take charge of her destiny in this nuanced and clever retelling of a classic fairytale. Though the first installment in the Books of Bayern Trilogy, Goose Girl is a fabulous standalone. I’m loving listening to the full cast audio recording for my reread! -Casey

Where the mountain meets the moon

by Grace Lin

eBOOK
Kids

Minli, an adventurous girl from a poor village, buys a magical goldfish, and then joins a dragon who cannot fly on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon in hopes of bringing life to Fruitless Mountain and freshness to Jade River.

Believing the fantastic tales her father weaves every night, Minli sets out on a quest to change their family’s fortune. If you have yet to read Grace Lin’s Newbery Honor winning modern classic, now might be the perfect time to escape to Fruitless Mountain. -Casey

Over and under the pond

by Kate Messner

eBOOK
Kids

This is a great early nonfiction picture book that can spark all sorts of conversations about “the hidden world, beneath the pond” and the animals that make its waters their home. -Casey

Pride

by Ibi Aanu Zoboi

eBOOK
Young Adult

After the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri is forced to find common ground with Darius, while struggling with her four wild sisters, a handsome boy vying for her attention, and college applications.

A poignant and funny retelling of Pride and Prejudice featuring all characters of color. Definitely one to pick up whether or not you enjoyed or have read the Austen classic. -Casey

Stardust

by Neil Gaiman

SCIENCE FICTION Gaiman, Neil
Fiction, Classics, Fantasy, Romance

Hard to believe that Stardust has been around for just over 20 years! One of, if not the, first book by modern magician, Neil Gaiman, that I read many years ago. Although written with simplistic prose reminiscent of Grimm, and Andersen fairytales, this is a work that is definitely NOT for children. I can hardly wait to cross the wall and seek a fallen star in Faerie again. -Casey

The shortest day

by Susan Cooper

jE Cooper
Picture Books, Nature, Literary Fiction

A celebration of the winter solstice and the Yuletide season. As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper's poem "The Shortest Day" captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before-- and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illustrated by Carson Ellis with a universality that spans the centuries, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!

Lofty, elegant, and achingly beautiful, Carson Ellis's illustrations are the perfect pairing for Susan Cooper's poem. Don't miss this true winter solstice celebration from and for the ages! -Casey

Dragons in a bag

by Zetta Elliott

jFICTION Elliott Zetta
Fantasy, Adventure

In Brooklyn, nine-year-old Jax joins Ma, a curmudgeonly witch who lives in his building, on a quest to deliver three baby dragons to a magical world, and along the way discovers his true calling.--

Count down to the sequel! Super excited to see what happens in Jax's story next. -Casey

The girl and the wolf

by Katherena Vermette

jE Vermette
Read Woke, Picture Books, Nature

"A young girl becomes lost in the woods after wandering too far away from her mother. Scared because she is lost, she encounters a large wolf who reminds her of her own ability to survive and find her mother again."--

A stunning take on the classic "girl meets wolf" tale, just right for sharing. -Casey

Stargazing.

by Jen Wang

jGRAPHIC NOVEL/Wang
Graphic Novels

Growing up in the same Chinese-American suburb, perfectionist Christine and artistic, confident, impulsive Moon become unlikely best friends, whose friendship is tested by jealousy, social expectations, and illness.

I'm so happy it's September! Can hardly wait to get my hands on Jen Wang's latest graphic novel. -Casey

Goodbye, friend! Hello, friend!

by Cori Doerrfeld

jE Doerrfel
Picture Books

Two best friends understand that saying goodbye to one experience means saying hello to the next, but that does not make it easier when one friend has to move away.

Lovely, sweet, and perfect for sharing during times of transition! -Casey

Queen of the sea

by Dylan Meconis

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Meconis
Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, Kids

"When her sister seizes the throne, Queen Eleanor of Albion is banished to a tiny island off the coast of her kingdom, where the nuns of the convent spend their days peacefully praying, sewing, and gardening. But the island is also home to Margaret, a mysterious young orphan girl whose life is upturned when the cold, regal stranger arrives. As Margaret grows closer to Eleanor, she grapples with the revelation of the island's sinister true purpose as well as the truth of her own past. When Eleanor's life is threatened, Margaret is faced with a perilous choice between helping Eleanor and protecting herself."--Provided by publisher.

Inspired by Queen Elizabeth I's time in exile, Queen of the Sea is beautiful and fun! Don't miss out on this fantastic piece of historical fiction. -Casey

Nine months : before a baby is born

by Miranda Paul

jE Paul
Kids, Health, Nonfiction

"As a baby grows in her mother's tummy, a soon-to-be big sister and her family spend nine months preparing for the newest member of the family to arrive."--

A beautifully written story following a family of three as they prepare for another child, featuring life-size illustrations that highlight fetal development through each month of pregnancy. Backmatter includes tons of information for older readers to peruse, making this a perfect book for sharing with siblings awaiting a familial addition or children curious about where babies come from. -Casey

Hakumei & Mikochi : tiny little life in the woods

by Takuto Kashiki‏

MANGA Kashiki Hakumei
Graphic Novels, Nature, Fantasy, Humor, Short Story

"Deep within a lush, green forest live Hakumei and Mikochi. Making their home in trees, using leaves for umbrellas, and riding bugs for transportation is just part of everyday life for these tiny pals!"--

Nonstop cuteness from start to finish--a sweet slice of teeny tiny life! -Casey

The undefeated

by Kwame Alexander

jE Alexander
Picture Books, Poetry

"The Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree"--

"We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated." --Maya Angelou -Casey

Sweet dreamers

by Isabelle Simler

jE Simler
Picture Books, Nature, Animals

Several different animals settle in for the night, each with their own unique way of sleeping.

Soft and cozy, Simler's latest is a beautiful and informative look at animal sleep habits. Also, it glows under black light! -Casey