Justice Is… (Crown), by Preet Bharara, illustrated by Sue Cornelison was published January 25, 2022. In clear and simple language, Preet Bharara, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, explains what justice is and what it takes to achieve it for even the youngest readers. Drawing on examples of historic justice seekers whose deeds best demonstrate those attributes by asking hard questions, keeping an open mind, defending the truth, and using their voices and their bodies to fight injustice—such as Ida B. Wells, John Lewis, Malala Yousafzai, and many others, this timely book is perfect for exploring the concept of justice. Inspire young readers to fight for justice in their world and to remain hopeful that by standing together, it can triumph. “A beautiful, relevant picture book.” —Kirkus Reviews “A heartening…introduction to justice-focused luminaries.”–Publishers Weekly Congratulations Sue! Get the book here
Publisher’s Weekly has revealed the cover of Stand Up (Orchard) by Brittney Cooper, illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson. An academic and activist by day, bestselling author Brittney Cooper wanted to write a book for Black girls that would remind them that history is not only made by Black men, that they also have a role to play. In Stand Up! 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change, Cooper highlights the contributions of 10 Black women and girls who were instrumental in influencing the world we live in. Illustrator Cathy Ann Johnson devised the cover for Stand Up! based on Cooper’s preference for a vibrant illustrative style and rich color palette. “I wanted this book to feel not too heavy or somber or serious,” Cooper said. “I wanted a bit of lift and lightness. Cathy has an amazing eye and I think she got the vision for this book.” The book will be published in August. Read the full PW article here
De Aqui Como El Coqui (Dial Books), written and illustrated by Nomar Perez, translated by Farah Perez, has been awarded Pura Belpre honors for both Author and Illustrator at the 2022 ALA Youth Media Awards. Congratulations Nomar! Get the book here
A jury convened by the Bank Street Children’s Book Committee has awarded one of three silver medals to: Sharuko: El arqueólogo Peruano Julio C. Tello (Lee & Low) by Monica Brown, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri, deeming it one of the best Spanish language picture books of 2020 and 2021. This biennial prize was first awarded in 2020 for books published in 2018 and 2019. Congratulations Elisa! Get the book here
The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver (HarperCollins) by Gene Barretta, illustrated by Frank Morrison is one of three selected books for Virginia’s Reading Makes Cents Program. The program is designed to help students understand how money works in the world. On January 19, there will be a free webinar is to introduce the Reading Makes Cents program to librarians and teachers in the Southwest Region of Virginia served by our Center for Economic Education at UVA Wise. To learn more about the program go here Register for the webinar here Get the book here
When the Schools Shut Down, (HarperCollins) by Yolanda Gladden as told to Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, illustrated by Keisha Morris, was published January 11, 2022. The book is an awe-inspiring autobiographical picture book about a young African American girl who lived during the shutdown of public schools in Farmville, Virginia, following the landmark civil rights case Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka. Congratulations Keisha! Get the book here
