2023 ALA YMA Winners

Shop ALA YMA Winners! Print and eBooks are available on TS360!

 
CATS News

Coffee Break: I Grab the Mic

Coffee Break with Alison from CATS

Join Baker & Taylor CATS' Alison Curtin as she introduces us to the author, Malik Sickstein, and illustrator, Paige Mason, of I Grab the Mic, and experience a fun story time with the creators! Watch the Video

 

Mighty Mara

Mighty Mara reviewed by Kirkus

We're so pleased to share the following review of one of our upcoming titles, Mighty Mara (publishing 5/30/2023 written by Carina Ho & Jesse Byrd and illustrated by Monica Paola Rodriguez).

A girl hopes to dazzle the crowd at a talent show in Ho and Byrd's debut picture book. Co-author and dancer (Carina)Ho discusses her own wheelchair use in an author's note, which brings authenticity to the story. Rodriguez's pleasing full-color illustrations are refreshingly diverse, featuring characters with varying skin tones; Mara and her mother are portrayed as Asian. Discussion questions will spark conversations about uniqueness and unpack biases about people who use wheelchairs. A thoughtful, well-illustrated work about pursuing goals.

 

Jeet and Fudge: Forever Friends

Jeet and Fudge reviewed by SLJ

We're so pleased to share the following reviews from School Library Journal on titles from our popular series, Jeet and Fudge! (Standing Order ID and Series Name : 0003718350 / Jeet and Fudge)

Jeet and Fudge: Fun at the Waterpark —
"This emerging reader shows, rather than explains, the benefits of volunteering and helping others. Recommended for purchase."

Jeet and Fudge: The Loving Library —

"This sweet story is tailor-made for the emerging reader, with simple, straightforward sentences that are placed prominently at the top of each page. Large and colorful illustrations throughout, along with Jeet's trusty sidekick, Fudge, will keep young ones engaged. A glossary in the front of the book defines bapu, sewa, and patka. Back matter includes a letter from a boy named Anaik, whose own Loving Library inspired this book. VERDICT Recommended for purchase."

 
Interview

Malik Sickstein and Paige A. Mason

Author Malik Sickstein is a psychologist, Hip-Hop Historian, and recording artist who co-authored the critically acclaimed YA novel “Let Me Hear a Rhyme.” Illustrator Paige A. Mason was born and raised in Fresno, California. When she is not creating illustrations in her living room corner studio, you can find her teaching visual art to elementary and middle school students.

Learn more about these two inspiring creators for children’s literature! Watch the interview

 
For Your Library

Books on a shelf

First Chapter Fridays

Did you know that our publishing friends set us up each week with authors reading for YOU from their new books?

Look out for our posts on Facebook each Friday for the newest editions. From Sabaa Tahir, Tami Charles, Christine Soontornvat and more! Award winners, starred reviewed titles and debut authors who you will all want to know. Block out some time to watch or listen, and then head over to our new TS360 selection list . We update the list on a revolving basis, with highlighted titles and backlist titles from our guest readers!

First Chapter Fridays

 

 
Contests

Moth Keeper

The Moth Keeper Art Poster Contest

Enter to win original giclée's featuring artwork from K. O'Neill's debut graphic novel, The Moth Keeper! Fill out our survey on how your library uses graphic novels, winners will be drawn on Sunday 04/30/2023!

Enter Today!

 

 
Title Spotlight

Little Daymond Learns to Earn

Daymond John | RHCB | 3/21/23 | 9780593567272 | $19.99

 

Shark Tank star Daymond John uses this fun story to ignite kids' early interest in how money works—including the concepts of saving, spending, budgeting, and borrowing—to develop a basic foundation of financial literacy that sets children up for success in the future. Order Now


Hoops

Matt Tavares | Candlewick | 3/14/23 | 9781536231953 | $12.99

 

A work of fiction inspired by a true story, Matt Tavares's debut graphic novel dramatizes the historic struggle for gender equality in high school sports. Order Now


Nigeria Jones

Ibi Zoboi | Balzer & Bray | 5/09/23 | 9780062888846 | $18.99

 

From award-winning author Ibi Zoboi comes a bold new YA novel, which explores race and complicated family dynamics, about a 17-year-old girl whose father is the leader of a Black liberation group. Order Now


Henry, Like Always

Jenn Bailey | Chronicle Books | 3/21/23 | 9781797213897 | $14.99

 

Henry likes Classroom Ten. He likes how it is always the same. But this week, Henry's class will have a parade, and a parade means having Share Time on the wrong day. A parade means playing instruments that are too loud. A parade means this week is not like always. Order Now