This week on the podcast we get an inside scoop on an incredible bookish event coming up on Saturday, October 13th: The Boston Book Festival! Deputy Director, Norah Piehl joins me to highlight some of the incredible free author sessions and children’s offerings at this year’s day-long festival.
“Celebrating the power of words to stimulate, agitate, unite, delight, and inspire, Boston Book Festival presents year-round events culminating in an annual festival that promotes a culture of reading and ideas and enhances the vibrancy of our city.”
You can also find this episode on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.
For more information about the Boston Book Festival and to see the full schedule of sessions and presenters you can visit bostonbookfest.org and follow them on Twitter @BostonBookFest.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to subscribe and rate and review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. To stay up to date on bookish happenings, you can follow me on Twitter @ABookishHome.
Are you looking for picture books to share with your children or students?
Here are a few of my favorite new releases.
Look for these at your local bookstore or library. You can also use the links below to order online from Indiebound or Amazon. Descriptions are from the publishers.
Grow Up, David!
by David Shannon
David is back! The series that includes No David!, Davis Goes to School, and more returns after an 8 year gap. The David books were always in high demand with kindergarten and first graders in my library. Kids will be thrilled to get their hands on Grow up, David! and it doesn’t disappoint.
“Little-brother antics have never been so endearing — or true to life! David Shannon’s beloved character in his bestselling book No, David! captures the attention and hearts of young children as few characters can. Readers relish David’s exuberance, defiance, and wildly energetic curiosity, and when there’s trouble, you can bet “David did it!” Now he’s taunting his older brother by eating his Halloween candy, making a bathroom mess, and following him up the tree house. “You’re too little!” won’t stop David’s tricks in this all-time “read it again” favorite.”
Kevin Henkes is the beloved author/illustrator behind Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, Chrysanthemum, Kitten’s First Full Moon and many more. A Parade of Elephants would make a delightful bedtime story for preschoolers and toddlers.
“Up and down, over and under, through and around . . . five big and brightly colored elephants are on a mission in this picture book for young children by Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes. Where are they going? What will they do when they get there? It’s a surprise! With a text shimmering with repetition and rhythm, bright pastel illustrations, large and readable type, and an adorable parade of elephants, Kevin Henkes introduces basic concepts such as numbers, shapes, adjectives, adverbs, and daytime and nighttime.”
Lost in the Library: A Story of Patience & Fortitude
by Josh Funk, illustrated by Stevie Lewis
Fans of Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen will enjoy this new title by Josh Funk. Lost in the Library is ideal for sharing in public and school libraries.
“Steadfast Fortitude and curious Patience are waiting every morning to greet visitors of the Library. That is until, one early morning, when Fortitude finds Patience is missing. The city is about to awake, and the lions absolutely must be in their places before the sun rises. Now, Fortitude must abandon his own post to find his best friend in the Library’s labyrinthine halls.”
This book has been on my TBR list since it came out and I finally got my hands on a copy! Elementary school teachers, librarians, and parents: I can’t recommend this picture book highly enough. Run to your school or local library and borrow a copy! This would spark such valuable discussions about feeling like an outsider, acceptance, differences, and classroom community. A must read.
“National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpre Illustrator Award winner Rafael Lopez have teamed up to create a poignant, yet heartening book about finding courage to connect, even when you feel scared and alone.
There will be times when you walk into a room
and no one there is quite like you.
There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.
Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael Lopez’s dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.”
This beautiful and fascinating nonfiction picture book is full of surprising facts about animals we might deem frightening, mean, or ugly. Engaging and perfect for reading out loud. Follow up with The Blue Whale by Jenni Desmond or Feathers, Not Just for Flying by Melissa Stewart.
“Spiders are creepy. Porcupines are scary. Bats are ugly. Or are they . . . ? This captivating book invites you to look beyond your first impressions at these awe-inspiring animals in the wild. After all, it’s best not to judge a beast until you understand its full, lovely life.”
What picture books are topping your list of favorites right now? I’d love to hear your recommendations. Leave a note in the comments or let me know on Twitter or Instagram @ABookishHome.
If you’re enjoying the blog, be sure to tell a friend and subscribe to make sure you’ll never miss a new post.
Are you looking for a bookish event to add to your calendar?
Here is just a sampling of some of the wonderful author events coming to the Boston area this month.
Be sure to check your local library and bookstore’s event calendar to see what author events are coming to your community.
Author events are also a great way to help build bookish enthusiasm in your family and inspire young readers. You can take your little one to a kidlit author event or bring them along while you hear from one of your favorite authors. Bonus: they’ll see you modeling an active reading life!
Tuesday, October 2nd – 6pm at Brattle Theatre, Cambridge: sponsored by Harvard Bookstore
Steven Johnson, Farsighted
“Harvard Book Store welcomes bestselling author STEVEN JOHNSON—host and co-creator of How We Got to Now—for a discussion of his latest book, Farsighted: How We Make the Decisions That Matter the Most.”
You can find more information about this ticketed event here.
“Join us as Mitali Perkins discusses her novel, You Bring the Distant Near. A 2017 National Book Award Longlist Title with six starred reviews, A School Library Journal’s Best Books of 2017, A New York City Public Librariy’s Notable 50 Best Books for Teens South Asia Book Award Winner. This elegant young adult novel captures the immigrant experience for one Indian-American family with humor and heart. Told in alternating teen voices across three generations, You Bring the Distant Near explores sisterhood, first loves, friendship, and the inheritance of culture–for better or worse. From a grandmother worried that her children are losing their Indian identity to a daughter wrapped up in a forbidden biracial love affair to a granddaughter social-activist fighting to preserve Bengali tigers, award-winning author Mitali Perkins weaves together the threads of a family growing into an American identity. Here is a sweeping story of five women at once intimately relatable and yet entirely new.”
You can find more information about the event here.
You Bring the Distant Near is available on Indiebound and Amazon.
Thursday, October 4th – 7pm at Wellesley Bookstore
Kerri Maher, The Kennedy Debutante
“Book Launch event for The Kennedy Debutante: “A captivating novel following the exploits of Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy, the forgotten and rebellious daughter of one of America’s greatest political dynasties: London, 1938. The effervescent “It girl” of London society since her father was named the ambassador, Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy moves in rarified circles, rubbing satin-covered elbows with some of the 20th century’s most powerful figures. Eager to escape the watchful eye of her strict mother, Rose, the antics of her older brothers, Jack and Joe, and the erratic behavior of her sister Rosemary, Kick is ready to strike out on her own and is soon swept off her feet by Billy Hartington, the future Duke of Devonshire. But their love is forbidden, as Kick’s devout Catholic family and Billy’s staunchly Protestant one would never approve their match. When war breaks like a tidal wave across her world, Billy is ripped from her arms as the Kennedys are forced to return to the States. Kick gets work as a journalist and joins the Red Cross to get back to England, where she will have to decide where her true loyalties lie—with family or with love . . .”
You can find more information about the event here.
Sunday, October 7th – 2pm at Silver Unicorn Books, Acton
Ann Braden, The Benefits of Being An Octopus
“Ann is a local author who lives in southern Vermont. In addition to being an author and a former teacher, Ann is an organizer for the Kids Need Mentors program, co-hosts her own podcast, and has created other ventures as well. Basically, Ann is always up to something! What she’s been up to in the publishing world is her debut novel, The Benefits of Being an Octopus, will be released on Sept. 4. It has already received a starred review from School Library Journal, which called it “heartbreaking” and “beautifully written.”The novel is geared toward middle-grade readers, and follows seventh-grader Zoey, who is so busy taking care of her younger siblings that she doesn’t have time for boys or even her homework. The book explores the cultural divides around class and the gun debate through the eyes of one girl, living on the edges of society, trying to find her way forward. Join us as we celebrate this layered, original debut novel!”
You can find more information about the event here.
The Benefits of Being An Octopus is available on Indiebound and Amazon.
Wednesday, October 10th – 7pm at Belmont Books
Doug Burgess, Fogland Point in conversation with
Hank Phillippi Ryan, Trust Me
“Join us for a conversation between Doug Burgess, author of Fogland Point, and Hank Phillippi Ryan, author of Trust Me. (Fogland Point): David Hazard wanted nothing more than to forget his renegade family and the foggy New England village “on the wrong side” of Narragansett Bay where he grew up. When sudden tragedy brings him back to Little Compton to care for his grandmother during her struggle with dementia, he discovers her fragile memories may hold the key to a bizarre mystery half a century old – and perhaps to the sudden and brutal murder right next door.Once Chief of Police Billy Dyer names her as a witness, Grandma Maggie’s recollections become vital. But can they be trusted, especially in a town where everyone has a secret, including David himself?The investigation stalls. Then eccentric millionaire Marcus Rhinegold’s yacht disappears into the fog, bodies begin to wash ashore, and Maggie’s stories come vividly to life, setting off a chain of events both horrifying and hauntingly familiar. Puritans, gun-runners, Mafiosi, and a rogues’ gallery from past and present converge in the mists of the bay, challenging Billy with layers of deception. On Christmas Eve, he enlists David in a daring move to uncover the many truths surrounding Fogland Point. Trust Me is the chilling standalone novel of psychological suspense and manipulation that award-winning author and renowned investigative reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan was born to write. CAN YOU SPOT THE LIAR? An accused killer insists she’s innocent of a heinous murder. A grieving journalist surfaces from the wreckage of her shattered life.Their unlikely alliance leads to a dangerous cat and mouse game that will leave you breathless. Who can you trust when you can’t trust yourself?”
You can find more information about the event here.
Wednesday, October 10th – 7pm at An Unlikely Story, Plainville
Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson,
Carmela Full of Wishes
“An Unlikely Story is honored to welcome Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Christian Robinson, the creators of the #1 New York Times bestseller LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET. Matt and Christian will present their highly anticipated new book CARMELA FULL OF WISHES—a heartfelt sibling story that explores what hope looks like in a vibrant migrant community, and illuminates the experience of mixed-status families. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A and a signing; books will be available for purchase at the event.”
You can find more information about the event here.
“Celebrating the power of words to stimulate, agitate, unite, delight,
and inspire, Boston Book Festival presents year-round events
culminating in an annual festival that promotes a culture of reading
and ideas and enhances the vibrancy of our city.”
The Boston Book Festival is an event I look forward to every year. 2018 presenters include a wide range of stellar authors including Kate DiCamillo, Tayari Jones, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jonathan Auxier, Louise Miller, Fatima Farheen Mirza, and more.
For more information you can visit the event website.
On October 11th, I will also be sharing an interview with Boston Book Festival deputy director Norah Piehl on the A Bookish Home podcast.
Saturday, October 13th – 10am at the Eric Carle Museum, Amherst
Book Party with Mo Willems
This would be well worth the drive to Amherst to get to see the author of Elephant and Piggie and the Pigeon books in person!
“GO NUTS!” at The Carle as we celebrate the new book in Mo Willems’ beginning-reader series, Unlimited Squirrels: I Lost My Tooth! In I Lost My Tooth!, meet an ensemble cast of squirrels and learn fun jokes and nutty facts. Listen to Mo as he reads from his new book, watch films, and create “Squirrel-scapes” in the Art Studio.”
You can find more information about the event here.
Sunday, October 14th – 3pm at Trinitarian Congregational Church, sponsored by Concord Bookshop
Doris Kearns Goodwin, Leadership in Turbulent Times
“Please join us on Sunday, October 14 at 3pm, when Doris Kearns Goodwin presents her new work, Leadership: In Turbulent Times. The event will be held at Trinitarian Congregational Church (54 Walden Street) in Concord. Doors open at 2:15 This is a free ticketed event. Tickets will be distributed beginning at noon on Sunday, October 14, at the back desk of the Concord Bookshop(near Young Readers); limit two tickets per person. We do expect the event venue to fill, and will announce on social media and signage on the Bookshop doors when all tickets have been distributed. Every person attending the speaker program must have an admission ticket, which will also be used to enter the book-signing line following Ms. Goodwin’s talk.
You can find more information about the event here.
Leadership: In Turbulent Times is available on Indiebound and Amazon.
Monday, October 15th – 7pm at Brookline Booksmith
Young Adult Panel
“A night of YA fun with with authors Dhonielle Clayton, Zoraida Cordova, Katie Cotugno, Sara Farizan and Julie Murphy.”
You can find more information about the event here.
Tuesday, October 16th – 7pm at An Unlikely Story, Plainville
Jarrett Krosoczka, Hey, Kiddo
“Jarrett Krosoczka returns to An Unlikely Story for an event hosted by our owner, Jeff Kinney, to introduce Jarrett’s stunning new YA graphic memoir, HEY, KIDDO. It’s a bittersweet story that tackles the subject of learning to love your family during the not-so-great moments of their life. It’s raw, honest, and beautiful, and a MUST read for teens and adults alike. Heartbreaking and life affirming, this is timely and a perfect book for book groups.”
You can find more information about the event here.
Thursday, October 18th – 6pm at Congregation Kehillath-Israel, sponsored by Brookline Booksmith
Barbara Kingsolver, Unsheltered
“This event will take place at Congregation Kehillath Israel. Buy tickets HERE!The New York Times bestselling author of Flight Behavior, The Lacuna, and The Poisonwood Bible and recipient of numerous literary awards—including the National Humanities Medal, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and the Orange Prize—returns with a timely novel that interweaves past and present to explore the human capacity for resiliency and compassion in times of great upheaval. Brilliantly executed and compulsively readable, Unsheltered is the story of two families, in two centuries, who live at the corner of Sixth and Plum, as they navigate the challenges of surviving a world in the throes of major cultural shifts. In this mesmerizing story told in alternating chapters, Willa and Thatcher come to realize that though the future is uncertain, even unnerving, shelter can be found in the bonds of kindred—whether family or friends—and in the strength of the human spirit.”
You can find more information about the event here.
Saturday, October 20th – 11am at Wellesley Bookstore
Rob Buyea , The Perfect Secret
“From the beloved author of Because of Mr. Terupt comes the sequel to The Perfect Score, about a lovable group of students at Lake View Middle School and the rewards and challenges of seventh grade: These students are in for a year of secrets, discoveries, and kid power! GAVIN finally joins the football team—a dream come true!—but Coach Holmes refuses to play him for reasons that also threaten to tear Gavin’s family apart. When RANDI attends an elite gymnastics camp, she uncovers a startling family connection. SCOTT starts researching an article for the school newspaper and stumbles right into a hornet’s nest of lies. With his loser older brother, Brian, out of the house, TREVOR’s life is loads better—until he realizes that only he can save Brian from getting into deep trouble. NATALIE’s top goals: (1) find out why Mrs. Woods and Mrs. Magenta no longer speak to each other—a mission shared by all the kids—and (2) teach a certain someone an important life skill without anyone knowing. It’s tough keeping secrets. And tougher still to deal with the fallout when secrets spill out.
You can find more information about the event here.
“Debut memoirist Nicole Chung discusses her book with Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere…What does it mean to lose your roots–within your culture, within your family–and what happens when you find them? Nicole Chung was born severely premature, placed for adoption by her Korean parents, and raised by a white family in a sheltered Oregon town. From childhood, she heard the story of her adoption as a comforting, prepackaged myth. She believed that her biological parents had made the ultimate sacrifice in the hope of giving her a better life, that forever feeling slightly out of place was her fate as a transracial adoptee. But as Nicole grew up–facing prejudice her adoptive family couldn’t see, finding her identity as an Asian American and as a writer, becoming ever more curious about where she came from–she wondered if the story she’d been told was the whole truth. With the same warmth, candor, and startling insight that has made her a beloved voice, Chung tells of her search for the people who gave her up, which coincided with the birth of her own child. All You Can Ever Know is a profound, moving chronicle of surprising connections and the repercussions of unearthing painful family secrets–vital reading for anyone who has ever struggled to figure out where they belong. Nicole Chung has written for The New York Times, GQ, Longreads, BuzzFeed, Hazlitt, and Shondaland, among other publications. She is Catapult magazine’s editor in chief and the former managing editor of The Toast.
You can find more information about the event here.
Sunday, October 21st – 1pm at the Eric Carle Museum
Our Voice: Gallery Talk with Ekua Holmes, Gordon C. James, and Jerry Pinkney
You can find more information about the event here.
Thursday, October 25th – 6pm at Congregation Kehillath-Israel, sponsored by Brookline Booksmith
Jason Reynolds, Lu
“This event will take place at Congregation Kehillath-Israel. Purchase tickets HERE.Celebrated children’s author Jason Reynolds discusses Lu, the fourth and final book in the Track series. Lu was born to be cocaptain of the Defenders. Well, actually, he was born albino, but that’s got nothing to do with being a track star. Lu has swagger, plus the talent to back it up, and with all that—not to mention the gold chains and diamond earrings—no one’s gonna outshine him. Lu knows he can lead Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and the team to victory at the championships, but it might not be as easy as it seems. Suddenly, there are hurdles in Lu’s way—literally and not-so-literally—and Lu needs to figure out, fast, what winning the gold really means. Starting with National Book Award finalist Ghost, the Track series follows the four rookie members of a middle school track team.
You can find more information about the event here.
Concord Festival of Authors: John Matteson, presented by Orchard House
“In honor of the Little Women Sesquicentennial Celebration, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House presents Pulitzer Prize winner Prof. John T. Matteson. In addition to discussing the enduring nature of Little Women, Professor Matteson will offer insights into and an advance preview of his forthcoming book,which is primarily focused on the Battle of Fredericksburg. This event will take place on Friday, October 26th at 7:30 pm at the Concord Free Public Library.”
You can find more information about this event here.
Monday, October 29th – 6pm at the Boston Public Library, Copley
Dr. Crystal Fleming, How to Be Less Stupid About Race
“Combining no-holds-barred social critique, humorous personal anecdotes, and analysis of the latest interdisciplinary scholarship on systemic racism, sociologist Crystal M. Fleming provides a fresh, accessible, and irreverent take on everything that’s wrong with our “national conversation about race.” Drawing upon critical race theory, as well as her own experiences as a queer black millennial college professor and researcher, Fleming unveils how systemic racism exposes us all to racial ignorance–and provides a road map for transforming our knowledge into concrete social change. How to Be Less Stupid About Race is a call to action for everyone who wants to challenge white supremacy and intersectional oppression.”
You can find more information about this event here.
Jan Turnquist joins me on the podcast this week to discuss a special bookish destination for fans of Little Women. Orchard House, the home of the novel’s author, Louisa May Alcott is located in Concord, Massachusetts. We discussed why you should visit Orchard House, upcoming special events to mark Little Women’s 150th anniversary, favorite Alcott related reads and more.
You can also find this episode on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.
Books, Authors, and Links Mentioned In This Episode:
If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to subscribe and rate and review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. To stay up to date on bookish happenings, you can follow me on Twitter @ABookishHome.
Have you checked out your state’s book awards for children? These lists can be a great way to find new titles for your children and students to enjoy.
You can find a link to your state’s book award program here.
I am a huge fan of the Massachusetts Children’s Book Award program. Each year in my school library, I would promote MCBA books to students with book trailers and much bookish enthusiasm. If they read five books out of the 25 nominated titles by March, they would be eligible to vote for the winner along with 4th, 5th, and 6th graders all over the state. We approached it like one big book club with a lot of choice and it was so much fun discussing the books with one another and discovering great new reads.
Last year’s winner was one of my all time favorite middle grade novels, The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. There was so much book joy watching my students fall in love with this story and root for Ada.
Kids were hooked as soon as they watched this trailer from author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, where she shares her inspiration for this captivating historical fiction title:
This year’s list of MCBA nominees has blown me way. There are so many titles that I adore that I think kids will not be able to put down.
Here are a few of my favorite MCBA 2019 nominees:
The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz
This Newbery Honor title sweeps you up in an epic story that you won’t want to put down:
“1242. On a dark night, travelers from across France cross paths at an inn and begin to tell stories of three children. Their adventures take them on a chase through France: they are taken captive by knights, sit alongside a king, and save the land from a farting dragon. On the run to escape prejudice and persecution and save precious and holy texts from being burned, their quest drives them forward to a final showdown at Mont Saint-Michel, where all will come to question if these children can perform the miracles of saints.”
“Running. That’s all that Ghost (real name Castle Cranshaw) has ever known. But never for a track team. Nope, his game has always been ball. But when Ghost impulsively challenges an elite sprinter to a race — and wins — the Olympic medalist track coach sees he has something: crazy natural talent. Thing is, Ghost has something else: a lot of anger, and a past that he is trying to outrun. Can Ghost harness his raw talent for speed and meld with the team, or will his past finally catch up to him?”
Based on author Firoozeh Dumas’ own experiences, It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel is funny, compelling and sure to stay with you. You can read more about this book in my post Middle Grade Reads I Can’t Wait to Recommend.
“Zomorod (Cindy) Yousefzadeh is the new kid on the block . . . for the fourth time. California’s Newport Beach is her family’s latest perch, and she’s determined to shuck her brainy loner persona and start afresh with a new Brady Bunch name—Cindy. It’s the late 1970s, and fitting in becomes more difficult as Iran makes U.S. headlines with protests, revolution, and finally the taking of American hostages. Even puka shell necklaces, pool parties, and flying fish can’t distract Cindy from the anti-Iran sentiments that creep way too close to home.”
This funny series is one we could not keep on the shelves last year:
“They sound like bad guys, they look like bad guys . . . and they even smell like bad guys. But Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark are about to change all of that…Mr. Wolf has a daring plan for the Bad Guys’ first good mission. They are going to break two hundred dogs out of the Maximum Security City Dog Pound. Will Operation Dog Pound go smoothly? Will the Bad Guys become the Good Guys? And will Mr. Snake please stop swallowing Mr. Piranha?!”
This beautiful historical fiction book and Newbery Honor winner weaves together themes of kindness and courage.
“Growing up in the shadows cast by two world wars, Annabelle has lived a mostly quiet, steady life in her small Pennsylvania town. Until the day new student Betty Glengarry walks into her class. Betty quickly reveals herself to be cruel and manipulative, and while her bullying seems isolated at first, things quickly escalate, and reclusive World War I veteran Toby becomes a target of her attacks. While others have always seen Toby’s strangeness, Annabelle knows only kindness. She will soon need to find the courage to stand as a lone voice of justice as tensions mount.”
Fans of Wonder, Absolutely Almost, and Because of Mr. Terupt will love Ms. Bixby’s Last Day.
“Everyone knows there are different kinds of teachers. The boring ones, the mean ones, the ones who try too hard, the ones who stopped trying long ago. The ones you’ll never remember, and the ones you want to forget. Ms. Bixby is none of these. She’s the sort of teacher who makes you feel like school is somehow worthwhile. Who recognizes something in you that sometimes you don’t even see in yourself. Who you never want to disappoint. What Ms. Bixby is, is one-of-a-kind. Topher, Brand, and Steve know this better than anyone. And so when Ms. Bixby unexpectedly announces that she won’t be able to finish the school year, they come up with a risky plan, more of a quest, really, to give Ms. Bixby the last day she deserves. Through the three very different stories they tell, we begin to understand what Ms. Bixby means to each of them—and what the three of them mean to each other.”
Putting yourself in another person’s shoes is so important for adults and kids alike. This novel accomplishes this in a way that is thought-provoking and full of heart.
“From comes Eleven-year-old Perry was born and raised by his mom at the Blue River Co-ed Correctional Facility in tiny Surprise, Nebraska. His mom is a resident on Cell Block C, and so far Warden Daugherty has made it possible for them to be together. That is, until a new district attorney discovers the truth—and Perry is removed from the facility and forced into a foster home. When Perry moves to the “outside” world, he feels trapped. Desperate to be reunited with his mom, Perry goes on a quest for answers about her past crime. As he gets closer to the truth, he will discover that love makes people resilient no matter where they come from . . . but can he find a way to tell everyone what home truly means?”
Fans of Sara Pennypacker’s Clementine series will enjoy this spinoff. She is also the author of Pax, Summer of the Gypsy Moths, and many more.
“Waylon has lots of ideas for making life more awesome through science, like teleportation, human gills, and attracting cupcakes by controlling gravity. But it’s impossible for him to concentrate on his inventions when he’s experiencing his own personal Big Bang. Arlo Brody is dividing the fourth grade boys into two groups. Waylon would rather be friends with everyone. Well, everyone except the scary new kid, Baxter Boylen.Waylon’s older sister, Neon, is shooting away from the family. He wishes everything would go back to the way it was before she started wearing all black and saying “What’s the point?” all the time. Just when it looks as though Waylon’s universe is exploding, something happens to bring it all together again, and it is, without a doubt, One Awesome Thing.”
These are the 25 books nominated for this year’s Massachusetts Children’s Book Awards. Voting will take place at participating schools and libraries mid-March and the winner will be announced by Salem State in April 2019. You can find more information about the MCBA program here.
MCBA 2019 Nominated Books:
Anderson, J.D. (2016). Ms. Bixby’s Last Day.
Arnold, E. (2017). A Boy Called Bat.
Barnett, M. (2015). The Terrible Two.
Blabey, A. (2016). The Bad Guys #1.
Chad, J. (2016). Science Comics: Volcanoes.
Connor, L. (2016). All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook.
DiCamillo, K. (2016). Raymie Nightingale.
Dinerstein, E. (2016). What Elephants Know.
Dumas, F. (2016). It Ain’t so Awful, Falafel.
Gannon, N. (2017). The Doldrums.
Gidwitz, A. (2016). The Inquisitor’s Tale: Or, the Three Magical Children and Their Holy Dog. Grimes, N. (2017). One Last Word.
Hahn, M. D. (2016). Took: A Ghost Story.
Hale, N. (2015). The Underground Abductor.
Kelly, J. (2015). The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate.
Lord, C. (2015). A Handful of Stars.
Martin, A.M. (2014). Rain Reign.
Nielsen, J.A. (2015). A Night Divided.
Pennypacker, S. (2016). Waylon! One Awesome Thing.
Ponti, J. (2016). Framed: A T.O.A.S.T. Mystery.
Reynolds, J. (2016). Ghost.
Rhodes, J.P. (2016). Towers Falling.
Shovan, L. (2016). The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary.
Tavares, M. (2015). Growing Up Pedro: How the Martinez Brothers Made It from the Dominican Republic All the Way to the Major Leagues.
Wolk, L. (2016). Wolf Hollow.
Do the kids in your life participate in your state’s book award program? I’d love to hear some of your favorite nominated titles.
Share in the comments or on Twitter @ABookishHome. And you can find a link with details for your state here.
Author Karina Yan Glaser joins me on the podcast this week to discuss the second book in her beloved middle-grade series, The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden. Vanderbeeker fans will get to revisit this lovable family beginning September 25th when the book comes out.
You can also find the podcast on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.
Books and Resources Mentioned On This Episode:
Look for these books at your local library or bookstore or use the links below to order them online.
If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to subscribe and rate and review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. To stay up to date on bookish happenings, you can follow me on Twitter @ABookishHome.
Vanderbeeker fans, the wait is almost over! The sequel to the enchanting middle-grade novel, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Streetcomes out on September 25th and it does not disappoint. This time, the lovable Vanderbeekers are on summer vacation–having adventures in their Harlem neighborhood and trying to create a community garden. This is a must-read for the kids in your life and would make a fantastic classroom read aloud for upper elementary. Look out for my interview with author Karina Yan Glaser on Episode 6 of the A Bookish Home podcast, coming up on Thursday, September 20th.Amy Poehler also recently optioned the rights to The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street, so I’m hoping we see this heartwarming, funny book on the big screen soon!
Look for The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden at your local library or bookstore or order online:
What We Were Promised is the stunning debut novel by Lucy Tan that draws the reader into the world of modern Shanghai from the views of the wealthy Zhen family, and Sunny, the housekeeper employed at their luxury high rise. Fans of The Expatriates by Janice Y.K. Lee will find What We Were Promised also delivers keen observations and a carefully woven story with deeply buried secrets. Library Journal declares, “A novel of class, culture, and expectations; readers who enjoyed works like Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians will likely find Tan’s surprising and down-to-earth tale an entertaining read.” And Booklist writes, “Tan’s first novel is beautiful and compassionate as it explores how identity is reinvented and the importance of confronting the past to move into the future.” Lucy Tan will be on the podcast to discuss What We Were Promised on October 4th!
Look for What We Were Promised at your local library or bookstore or order online:
Bibliophiles and fellow fans of author Anne Bogel’s Modern Mrs. Darcy blog and What Should I Read Podcastwill enjoy her new book of essays on the reading life: I’d Rather Be Reading. I listened to the audiobook and it was a treat to hear some of Anne’s backstory as a reader and the role books have played in her life as I took note of countless literary references. If you’re looking to make the leap from podcasts to audiobooks, this conversational collection would be an excellent place to start.
Look for I’d Rather Be Reading at your local library or bookstore or order online:
This gorgeous picture book examines the mysterious nature of time. In Forever or a Day, we look at time from a child’s point of view. The narrator notes, “Sometimes it’s far, far away–like when you will be old, gazing out at the sea” and later, “You cannot hold it. You cannot give it to someone in exchange for a snack.” School Library Journal notes, “This is a book that bears repeated readings. Its treasures reveal themselves on close examination and its subject matter is, of course, profound…. A lovely lap book, exceptionally well-suited for intergenerational sharing again and again.” For those doing Mock Caldecotts this year, I think Forever or a Day‘s detailed illustrations and complex topic would be perfect for discussion with older picture book readers.
Look for Forever or a Day at your local library or bookstore or order online:
Jo Piazza is the author of six books, including The Knockoff and How to Be Married. In her new novel, Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win, a Silicon Valley executive decides to return to her small hometown in Pennsylvania to run for the Senate. The campaign that follows will turn her life upside down in more ways than she ever expected. Library Journal writes, “Piazza’s contemporary representation of what women go through to become successful politicians is both insightful and honest. Rooted in current events, the plot precisely captures the modern political environment. It’s easy to empathize with and cheer for this likable heroine.”
Look for Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win at your local library or bookstore or order online:
Are you looking for a bookish event to attend this month? Add an author reading to your calendar!
Check the events calendar at your local bookstores, libraries, and museums to find authors coming to your area. You can also follow favorite authors on social media or visit their website to see if they have any upcoming events. Attend on your own or bring your child along to experience the magic of hearing from an author in person!
If you are local to the Boston area, here are some fantastic author events coming your way this month:
Wednesday, September 12 – 6pm at Boston Public Library, Copley Square
Anne Boyd Rioux, Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women And Why It Still Matters
“On its 150th anniversary, discover the story of the beloved classic that has captured the imaginations of generations. Soon after publication on September 30, 1868, Little Women became an enormous bestseller and one of America – and the world’s – favorite novels. When Anne Boyd Rioux read the novel in her twenties, she had a powerful reaction to the story. Through teaching the book, she has seen the same effect on many others. In Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, Rioux recounts how Louisa May Alcott came to write Little Women, drawing inspiration from her own life. Rioux also examines why this tale of family and community ties, set as the Civil War was tearing America apart, has resonated through later wars, the Depression, and times of changing opportunities for women.”
Wednesday, September 12th –6pm at Silver Unicorn Books, Acton
Rebecca Caprara (The Magic of Melwick Orchard) and Erin Cashman (Uncharted)
“This is going to be one of the best events of the year! Two local authors, both from Boxborough, have great novels out just a week apart from each other! First up is Rebecca Caprara’s debut novel, The Magic of Melwick Orchard. You may know Rebecca because her family owned the Acton School of Ballet for a very long time before turning it over to new ownership this summer. Rebecca’s book follows the story of a young girl who just can’t be a priority in her parents’ lives because of her ill sister is heartwrenching, but it is infused with a magic that will keep you up late at night finishing it. The book doesn’t come out until September, and we are so excited for it. Erin Cashman’s book, Uncharted, comes out a few days later. Hers is a gaenre-defying novel that is at once young adult, fantasy and mystery. It tells the tale of teenage Annabeth, and a secret society that may have found the fountain of youth. But the book is so much more than that, as Annabeth grapples with love and loss, and has to summon the strength inside of herself to be brave and do what’s right, all while trying to unravel a mystery that has far more twists and turns than you would expect. We thought we had this book figured six times, and were wrong every single time! Both books are among our favorites of 2018. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be celebrating these two great ladies and their two excellent books!”
You can find Rebecca Caprara’s full book tour information here.
Book tour information for Erin Cashman is available here.
Friday, September 14th –7pm at Newtonville Books
Release Party for Here to Stay by Sara Farizan
“What happens when a kid who’s flown under the radar for most of high school gets pulled off the bench to make the winning basket in a varsity playoff game? If his name is Bijan Majidi, life is suddenly high fives in the hallways and invitations to exclusive parties—along with an anonymous photo sent by a school cyberbully that makes Bijan look like a terrorist. The administration says they’ll find and punish the culprit. Bijan wants to pretend it never happened. He’s not ashamed of his Middle Eastern heritage; he just doesn’t want to be a poster child for Islamophobia. Lots of classmates rally around Bijan. Others make it clear they don’t want him oranybody who looks like him at their school. But it’s not always easy to tell your enemies from your friends.
“The Great Belmont Books Bake-Off returns! To celebrate special cake in The Late Bloomers’ Club, [Louise Miller] will be judging a cake baking contest at Belmont Books. There will be prizes. Reading, Q&A, Book Signing and Bake-Off”
Do you love picture books? Join us in our children’s section each Wednesday and Sunday for drop-in storytime! Today’s storytime features Emilie Boon reading her new book. Leaving home and traveling to a whole new place is overwhelming, so it’s good to have a beloved toy who can help express how you feel. Ella’s best friend, Monkey, doesn’t like good-bye hugs. He doesn’t want to say good-bye to Oma. And he doesn’t want to move away forever. Neither does Ella. But Papa is waiting for them in New York. So Ella and Monkey must board the ship with Mama and leave their old home in Holland for their new home in America.
Sunday, September 16th –2pm at Silver Unicorn Bookstore, Acton
Author Event with Christina Collins (After Zero), Jen Petro-Roy (P.S. I Miss You), and Beth Turley (If This Were A Story)
“This is going to be a great middle-grade panel discussion, led by three local authors who have debut novels — all geared toward middle-grade readers — out in 2018.
Christina Collins is a Maynard native who now lives across the pond in Northern Ireland. Her debut novel, After Zero, comes out Sept. 4, and is an incredibly moving story of what happens to a girl who decides to stop talking. The book has already received praise from Kirkus Reviews and Booklist, who says it’s “easy to root for” main character Elise.
Beth Turley lives in southeastern Connecticut, and her book, If This Were a Story, debuts on Aug. 28. Her book centers on a 10-year-old girl who deals with bullies at school through the power of stories. The book has earned praise from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and has been compared to The Thing about Jellyfish.
Jen lives in Massachussetts, and her book, P.S. I Miss You, debuted in March. Two sisters are torn apart by strict Catholic parents, when the older sister, Cilla, becomes pregnant. Younger sister Evie is forbidden to speak to Cilla, who is sent away to live with her aunt, so instead she secretly sends her letters. That is, until Cilla stops writing back.
These women have written three excellent middle-grade novels that deal with mental health and we couldn’t be more excited to have them all to the store individually, never mind at the exact same time! Join us for this fabulous middle-grade event!”
Sunday, September 16, 2018 – 3:00pm at Porter Square Books
Mission Defrostable by Josh Funk & Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes and Stinkers by Melissa Stewart
“There’s a frost in the fridge–and it’s hardened Pudding Pond and frozen Yogurt Falls. Agent Asparagus is on the case, and she begs Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast to join her superspy team. But when the enemy snatches Asparagus, Pancake and French Toast have only one dough man to turn to for help: the evil Baron von Waffle Will he help them save the fridge . . . or are they doomed to become frozen food? Josh Funk is the author of Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, followed by its sequel The Case of the Stinky Stench, Albie Newton, How to Code a Sandcastle, Lost in the Library, and more. He lives in Concord, MA.
Puny? Poky? Clumsy? Shy? A lighthearted look at the surprising traits that help some animals survive. Written with a lively, playful voice, Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers introduces young readers to a variety of “animal underdogs” and explains how characteristics that might seem like weaknesses are critical for finding food and staying safe in an eat-or-be-eaten world. Award-winning author Melissa Stewart offers readers a humorous and informative nonfiction picture book with a gentle message of understanding and celebrating differences. Stephanie Laberis’s bright, bold–and scientifically accurate–illustrations add to the fun.”
Monday, September 17, 2018 – 7:00pm at Belmont Public Library, with Belmont Books
Winnie’s Great War by Lindsay Mattick and Josh Greenhut
“Learn the story behind everyone’s favorite bear in Lindsay Mattick’s Winnie’s Great War at Belmont Public Library.
This beautifully told story is a triumphant blending of deep research and magnificent imagination. Infused with Sophie Blackall’s irresistible renderings of an endearing bear, the book is also woven through with entries from Captain Harry Colebourn’s real wartime diaries and contains a selection of artifacts from the Colebourn Family Archives. The result is a one-of-a-kind exploration into the realities of war, the meaning of courage, and the indelible power of friendship, all told through the historic adventures of one extraordinary bear. ”
Friday September 21st – 8:00 PM with Harvard Bookstore at Memorial Church, Cambridge
Leadership In Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin
“Harvard Book Store and Mass Humanities welcome Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer and historian DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN—the bestselling author of Team of Rivals and The Bully Pulpit—for a discussion of her highly anticipated latest book, Leadership: In Turbulent Times.
Are leaders born or made? Where does ambition come from? How does adversity affect the growth of leadership? Does the leader make the times or do the times make the leader? In Leadership, Goodwin draws upon the four presidents she has studied most closely—Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson (in civil rights)—to show how they recognized leadership qualities within themselves and were recognized as leaders by others. By looking back to their first entries into public life, we encounter them at a time when their paths were filled with confusion, fear, and hope. Leadership tells the story of how they all collided with dramatic reversals that disrupted their lives and threatened to shatter forever their ambitions. Nonetheless, they all emerged fitted to confront the contours and dilemmas of their times.”
Saturday September 29th –7pm with Harvard Bookstore at First Church, Cambridge
A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult
“Harvard Book Store welcomes celebrated novelist JODI PICOULT—whose last ten novels have debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list—for a discussion of her latest novel, A Spark of Light. She will be joined in conversation by CELESTE NG, award-winning author of Little Fires Everywhere and Everything I Never Told You.”
Saturday, September 29nd – 10:30am at Book Ends Bookstore, Winchester
Storytime with Kate Gardner, Lovely Beasts: The Surprising Truth
“Please join us for Saturday Story Time on Septemberr 29th at 10:30am! We are welcoming author Kate Gardner in to read her new picture book Lovely Beasts,a stunning debut picture book that encourages kids to look beyond first impressions by sharing unexpected details about seemingly scary wild animals like gorillas, rhinoceroses, and more.
After all, it’s best not to judge a beast until you understand its full, lovely life.
Kate Gardner says hello to every animal she encounters, regardless of its reputation. Once, she was even voluntarily shocked by an electric eel named Thor. Kate lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, with three lovely beasts (one of whom is her husband).”
Book Lunch Party for I Am Human by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds
“From the picture book dream team behind I Am Yoga and I Am Peace comes the third book in their wellness series: I Am Human. A hopeful meditation on all the great (and challenging) parts of being human, I Am Human shows that it’s okay to make mistakes while also emphasizing the power of good choices by offering a kind word or smile or by saying “I’m sorry.” At its heart, this picture book is a celebration of empathy and compassion that lifts up the flawed fullness of humanity and encourages children to see themselves as part of one big imperfect family—millions strong.”
Sunday, September 23rd – 12:30pm at the Eric Carle Museum
Meet Dav Pilkey! Author of Dog Man and Captain Underpants
“Meet Dav Pilkey, author/illustrator of the bestselling Captain Underpantsand Dog Man series! Pilkey will talk about his new book, Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas, do a live drawing, and share fun trivia with the audience. Following the 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm auditorium programs, guests can get books signed by Pilkey and enjoy photo opportunities with Dog Man and Captain Underpants!
UPDATE – 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm auditorium programs with Dav Pilkey are FULL. The wait list is also FULL. Visitors can still meet Dav Pilkey during the book signing times. A limited number of book signing tickets are available first come, first serve when Museum opens at 12:00 pm.”
For more information, visit the event website. A full schedule of Dav Pilkey’s book your is available here.
“#1 New York Times bestselling author John Flanagan returns to the world of Ranger’s Apprentice, continuing the story arc starring fan favorites, Will and Maddie (The Royal Ranger: A New Beginning).
After passing her third-year assessment as a ranger’s apprentice, Maddie is called home to Castle Araluen. Forced to keep her ranger training a secret, Maddie feels trapped by the monotony of castle life and longs to find a way out. But there are whisperings of a new threat to the kingdom. The mysterious Red Fox Clan, a group of anarchists all donning fox masks, have threatened Castle Araluen and question Princess Cassandra and Madelyn’s succession to the throne. Will they succeed in unseating Cassandra and Madelyn and take the throne for themselves?”
John Flanagan’s full book tour information is available here.
Saturday, September 29th at 1:30pm, Eric Carle Museum
Drawing Paddington with R.W. Alley
“R.W. Alley has been illustrating Michael Bond’s Paddington books for over twenty years. Guests of all ages will enjoy watching Alley capture Paddington’s likeness and personality in this lively drawing demonstration, which includes a Q&A with the audience. Paper and drawing supplies will be provided for those who wish to draw along with Alley! Book signing to follow program.”
These days, my library holds list is a mile long and the book piles in my house seem to be growing by the minute. Every time I turn around I hear about another great book coming out! #Reader problems.
Are you looking for some new releases to add to your own “To Be Read” list?
Here is my roundup of new kid lit and adult books:
There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.
There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael López’s dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.
Jacqueline Woodson is the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Rafael López is a two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner.
Written by Jessie Oliveros, Illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte
James’s Grandpa has the best balloons because he has the best memories. He has balloons showing Dad when he was young and Grandma when they were married. Grandpa has balloons about camping and Aunt Nelle’s poor cow. Grandpa also has a silver balloon filled with the memory of a fishing trip he and James took together. But when Grandpa’s balloons begin to float away, James is heartbroken. No matter how hard he runs, James can’t catch them. One day, Grandpa lets go of the silver balloon—and he doesn’t even notice! Grandpa no longer has balloons of his own. But James has many more than before. It’s up to him to share those balloons, one by one.
Ivy’s worried. She’s read a lot of books about only children, so she knows that they are sometimes spoiled rotten. They don’t share their toys. They never do any work. They scream and cry when they don’t get their way. Spoiler alert! Ivy doesn’t have any brothers or sisters. That’s why she’s worried. How can she keep from getting spoiled? She could give away all her clothes, but she’d probably get in trouble. She could give away all her toys, but she likes her toys. There’s really only one solution: she needs a baby sister, on the double! Luckily, Ivy and Bean know just where to get one.
When a new bunch of baddies bust up the town, Dog Man is called into action — and this time he isn’t alone. With a cute kitten and a remarkable robot by his side, our heroes must save the day by joining forces with an unlikely ally: Petey, the World’s Most Evil Cat. But can the villainous Petey avoid vengeance and venture into virtue?
Kristy’s mom is getting married, and Kristy is going to be a bridesmaid! The only problem? Fourteen kids are coming to town for the wedding. Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, Stacey, Dawn, and Mallory think they can handle it, but that’s before they spend a week changing diapers, stopping arguments, solving mix-ups, and planning activities. It’s the biggest job the BSC has ever had, but they’ll work together to make sure Kristy’s big day is a success!
Seventh-grader Zoey has her hands full as she takes care of her much younger siblings after school every day while her mom works her shift at the pizza parlor. Not that her mom seems to appreciate it. At least there’s Lenny, her mom’s boyfriend—they all get to live in his nice, clean trailer. At school, Zoey tries to stay under the radar. Her only friend Fuchsia has her own issues, and since they’re in an entirely different world than the rich kids, it’s best if no one notices them. Zoey thinks how much easier everything would be if she were an octopus: eight arms to do eight things at once. Incredible camouflage ability and steady, unblinking vision. Powerful protective defenses. Unfortunately, she’s not totally invisible, and one of her teachers forces her to join the debate club. Even though Zoey resists participating, debate ultimately leads her to see things in a new way: her mom’s relationship with Lenny, Fuchsia’s situation, and her own place in this town of people who think they’re better than her. Can Zoey find the courage to speak up, even if it means risking the most stable home she’s ever had?
It all starts when six kids have to meet for a weekly chat-by themselves, with no adults to listen in. There, in the room they soon dub the ARTT Room (short for “A Room to Talk”), they discover it’s safe to talk about what’s bothering them–everything from Esteban’s father’s deportation and Haley’s father’s incarceration to Amari’s fears of racial profiling and Ashton’s adjustment to his changing family fortunes. When the six are together, they can express the feelings and fears they have to hide from the rest of the world. And together, they can grow braver and more ready for the rest of their lives.
In Denmark, Professor Anders Larsen, an urbane man of facts, has lost his wife and his hopes for the future. On an isolated English farm, Tina Hopgood is trapped in a life she doesn’t remember choosing. Both believe their love stories are over.
Brought together by a shared fascination with the Tollund Man, subject of Seamus Heaney’s famous poem, they begin writing letters to one another. And from their vastly different worlds, they find they have more in common than they could have imagined. As they open up to one another about their lives, an unexpected friendship blooms. But then Tina’s letters stop coming, and Anders is thrown into despair. How far are they willing to go to write a new story for themselves?
On the day the government decrees that women are no longer allowed more than 100 words daily, Dr. Jean McClellan is in denial–this can’t happen here. Not in America. Not to her. This is just the beginning. Soon women can no longer hold jobs. Girls are no longer taught to read or write. Females no longer have a voice. Before, the average person spoke sixteen thousand words a day, but now women only have one hundred to make themselves heard. But this is not the end. For herself, her daughter, and every woman silenced, Jean will reclaim her voice.
When Andrei Kaplan’s older brother Dima insists that Andrei return to Moscow to care for their ailing grandmother, Andrei must take stock of his life in New York. His girlfriend has stopped returning his text messages. His dissertation adviser is dubious about his job prospects. It’s the summer of 2008, and his bank account is running dangerously low. Perhaps a few months in Moscow are just what he needs. So Andrei sublets his room in Brooklyn, packs up his hockey stuff, and moves into the apartment that Stalin himself had given his grandmother, a woman who has outlived her husband and most of her friends. She survived the dark days of communism and witnessed Russia’s violent capitalist transformation, during which she lost her beloved dacha. She welcomes Andrei into her home, even if she can’t always remember who he is. Andrei learns to navigate Putin’s Moscow, still the city of his birth, but with more expensive coffee. He looks after his elderly–but surprisingly sharp!–grandmother, finds a place to play hockey, a cafe to send emails, and eventually some friends, including a beautiful young activist named Yulia. Over the course of the year, his grandmother’s health declines and his feelings of dislocation from both Russia and America deepen. Andrei knows he must reckon with his future and make choices that will determine his life and fate. When he becomes entangled with a group of leftists, Andrei’s politics and his allegiances are tested, and he is forced to come to terms with the Russian society he was born into and the American one he has enjoyed since he was a kid.
When the communist-backed army from the north invades her home, sixteen-year-old Haemi Lee, along with her widowed mother and ailing brother, is forced to flee to a refugee camp along the coast. For a few hours each night, she escapes her family’s makeshift home and tragic circumstances with her childhood friend, Kyunghwan. Focused on finishing school, Kyunghwan doesn’t realize his older and wealthier cousin, Jisoo, has his sights set on the beautiful and spirited Haemi—and is determined to marry her before joining the fight. But as Haemi becomes a wife, then a mother, her decision to forsake the boy she always loved for the security of her family sets off a dramatic saga that will have profound effects for generations to come.
In this collection of charming and relatable reflections on the reading life, beloved blogger and author Anne Bogel leads readers to remember the book that first hooked them, the place where they first fell in love with reading, and all of the moments afterward that helped make them the reader they are today. Known as a reading tastemaker through her popular podcast What Should I Read Next?, Bogel invites book lovers into a community of like-minded people to discover new ways to approach literature, learn fascinating new things about books and publishing, and reflect on the role reading plays in their lives.
For more book recommendations, be sure to check out the new A Bookish Home podcast, available on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. And to stay in the know on all things bookish, subscribe to the blog and follow me on Twitter @ABookishHome.
Liz Rosenberg joins me this week to discuss her latest book, House of Dreams: The Life of L.M. Montgomery. This biography for young readers is sure to delight and inspire fans of Anne of Green Gables. Liz shares how the character of Marilla helped spark the idea for this project, the connections between L.M. Montgomery’s real life and her books, and much more.
Ep 3: Author Liz Rosenberg On “House of Dreams: The Life of L.M. Montgomery” is also available on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.
The free, public domain audiobooks of the Anne of Green Gables series mentioned on the podcast are available on Librivox.
To see more books by Liz Rosenberg you can visit her Amazon author page.
For more bookish ideas and recommendations for your next read, you can visit my blog A Bookish Home and follow me on Twitter @ABookishHome. To make sure you never miss an episode of this podcast, subscribe in iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. And if you like the podcast, you can recommend A Bookish Home to a friend, share an episode on social media, or rate and review the show on iTunes.
![IMG_6478[14430]](https://i0.wp.com/abookishhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_647814430.jpg?w=372&h=476&ssl=1 "IMG_6478[14430]")
A Bookish Home 