Welcome to the May 23, 2023 New Release Spotlight! YA and middle grade titles look especially awesome this week!
My top picks:
- Constellations by Kate Glasheen (YA)
- The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt (middle grades)
- Oh No, The Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex (picture book)
This week’s Spotlight titles are #3319-#3334 on The Ginormous book list.
I’ve got another New Release “Spotlight of the Spotlight” video today! In this YouTube video, I talk about 11 of the titles on this list.
Want your own editable copy of this presentation? Click this link, then click “Use Template”
*Painted Devils by Margaret Owen
Sequel to: Little Thieves. After taking down a corrupt margrave, breaking a deadly curse, and finding romance with the vexingly scrupulous junior prefect Emeric Conrad, Vanja had one great mystery left: her long-lost birth family…and whether they would welcome a thief.
But in her search for an honest trade, she hit trouble and invented a god, the Scarlet Maiden, to scam her way out. Now that lie is growing out of control–especially when Emeric arrives to investigate and the Scarlet Maiden manifests to claim him as a virgin sacrifice.
For his final test to become a prefect, Emeric must determine if Vanja is guilty of serious fraud or if the Scarlet Maiden–and her claim to him–is genuine. Meanwhile, Vanja is chasing an alternative sacrifice that could be their way out.
The hunt leads her not only into the lairs of monsters and the paths of gods, but also the ties of her past. And with what should be the simplest way to save Emeric hanging over their heads, he and Vanja must face a more dangerous question: Is there a future for a thief and a prefect, and at what price?
THREE starred reviews! Includes black and white illustrations. I do not normally include sequels at the top of my Spotlight, but I make exceptions when the original book (Little Thieves) and the sequel both receive multiple starred reviews, as this one has.
- Genre(s): fantasy, adventure
- Setting: Germanic folklore place
- Recommended for: Grades 9-12
- Themes: gods, folklore, thieves, cults, birth families
- Protagonist description: main cast cues white
*Constellations by Kate Glasheen
Debut author! Are you supposed to be a boy or a girl?
It’s a question that follows Claire everywhere. Inescapable on the street, in school, and even at home. A black hole forever trying to pull them in. But as long as they have ride-or-die best friend Greg at their side and a drink in their hand, everything will be okay. Right?
Except, Claire can never have just one drink. And when harassment at school reaches a fever pitch, Claire begins a spiral that ends in court-ordered rehab. Feeling completely lost, Claire is soon surrounded by a group of new friends and, with the help of a patient counselor, finds a space to unpack all the bad they’ve experienced. But as Claire’s release gets closer so does the question: Can Claire stay sober and true in a world seemingly never made for them?
Set in 1980s Troy, New York, Constellations is a portrait of a queer teen living in the margins but determined to find their way ahead. Done in watercolor and ink, debut author-artist Kate Glasheen has created a world where strong lines meet soft color, and raw emotions meet deep thought in this story of hope, humor, and survival.
THREE starred reviews! This is semi-autobiographical.
- Genre(s): realistic fiction, historical fiction, graphic novel
- Setting: Troy, New York, USA; 1980s
- Recommended for: Grades 8+
- Themes: LGBT+, teen alcohol addiction, coping mechanisms, bullying, alcoholism, gender identity, rehab, counseling, mental health
- Protagonist description: queer teen, high school, white, androgynous,from an Irish Catholic family
*Forever Is Now by Mariama J. Lockington
I’m safe here.
That’s how Sadie feels, on a perfect summer day, wrapped in her girlfriend’s arms. School is out, and even though she’s been struggling to manage her chronic anxiety, Sadie is hopeful better times are ahead. Or at least, she thought she was safe. When her girlfriend reveals some unexpected news and the two witness a violent incident of police brutality unfold before them, Sadie’s whole world is upended in an instant.
I’m not safe anywhere.
That’s how Sadie feels every day after–vulnerable, uprooted. She retreats inside as the weeks slip by and relies on her phone to stay connected to the outside world. When Sadie’s therapist gives her a diagnosis for her debilitating panic–agoraphobia–she starts on a path of acceptance and healing. Meanwhile, Sadie’s best friend, Evan, updates her on the protests taking place in their city. Sadie wants to be a part of it, to use her voice and affect change. But how do you show up for your community when you can’t even leave your house?
I can build a safe place inside myself.
That’s what Sadie learns over the course of one life-changing summer, with some help from her family, her best friend, an online platform for activists, and a magnetic crush she develops for the new boy next door.
Kirkus and Publishers Weekly starred.
- Genre(s): realistic fiction, novel in verse
- Setting: Oakland, California, USA, summer
- Recommended for: Grades 7-12
- Themes: anxiety, LGBT+, police brutality, safety, agoraphobia, healing, protests, activism, community, civil rights, dating and relationships, heartbreak. social media
- Protagonist description: female, age 16, Black, bisexual
Ever Since by Alena Bruzas
Seventeen-year-old Virginia makes bad choices. In fact, she’s That Kind of Girl, according to the whispers. But as long as she has her tight group of best friends by her side, she’s able to ignore the gossipers. Until she finds herself spending time with Rumi, Poppy’s boyfriend. Breaking with tradition, she doesn’t hook up with Rumi. Worse, she falls in love with him.
While Virginia and Rumi’s relationship grows in secret, she discovers that his little sister, Lyra, is being groomed for abuse. The soon-to-be-abuser is a respected member of the community, and only Virginia knows who he is and what he does. If she stays quiet, Lyra will become a victim. But coming forward feels equally impossible.
Booklist starred.
- Genre(s): realistic fiction
- Setting: summer before senior year
- Recommended for: Grades 9-12
- Themes: rumors, gossip, friendship, falling for best friend’s boyfriend, secret relationships, sexual abuse, protecting children, neglectful parents
- Protagonist description: female, age 17, white, rising senior
A Starlet’s Secret to a Sensational Afterlife by Kendall Kulper
Eighteen-year-old Henrietta arrives in Los Angeles in 1934 with dreams of trading her boring life for stardom.
She’s determined to make it as an actress, despite her family’s doubts and rumors of would-be starlets gone missing. And by the skin of her teeth, she pulls it off! A serendipitous job offer arrives and Henrietta finds herself on a whirlwind publicity tour for a major film role–with a vexingly unpleasant actor tapped by the studio to be her fake boyfriend.
But fierce Henrietta has more in common with brooding Declan than she realizes. They both have gifts that they are hiding, for fear of being labeled strange: he is immune to injury and she can speak to ghosts. When the co-stars get tangled up in the disappearance of a beautiful young actress, they go from bitter enemies and pretend lovers to reluctant partners–and possibly even friends.
Together, they might be the only people in Hollywood who can do something about these poor missing girls. And in doing so…they might just fall in love for real.
- Genre(s): historical fiction, supernatural, mystery, romance
- Setting: Los Angeles, California, USA; 1934
- Recommended for: Grades 9-12
- Themes: acting, performance arts, old Hollywood, starlets, missing women, fake dating, supernatural abilities
- Protagonist description: female, age 18, white
Lost in Taiwan by Mark Crilley
This wasn’t Paul’s idea.
The last thing he’s interested in is exploring new countries or experiencing anything that might be described as “cultural enrichment.” But like it or not, he’s stuck with his brother, Theo, for two weeks in Taiwan, a place that–while fascinating to Theo–holds no interest to Paul at all.
While on a short trip to a local electronics store, Paul becomes hopelessly lost in Taiwan’s twisting, narrow streets, and he has no choice but to explore this new environment in his quest to find his way back to Theo’s apartment.
In an unfamiliar place with no friends–and no GPS!–there’s no telling what adventures he could happen upon. And who knows? Maybe it turns out he has friends in Taiwan, after all.
- Genre(s): graphic novel, realistic fiction
- Setting: fictional metropolitan city in Taiwan, Asia
- Recommended for: Grades 7+
- Themes: appreciation of foreign cultures, new experiences, making new friends, Mandarin, wandering around a new city, opening one’s mind
- Protagonist description: male, white, American
The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes
Ariana Ruiz wants to be noticed. But as an autistic girl who never talks, she goes largely ignored by her peers–despite her bold fashion choices. So when cute, popular Luis starts to pay attention to her, Ari finally feels seen.
Luis’s attention soon turns to something more, and they have sex at a party–while Ari didn’t say no, she definitely didn’t say yes. Before she has a chance to process what happened and decide if she even has the right to be mad at Luis, the rumor mill begins churning–thanks, she’s sure, to Luis’s ex-girlfriend, Shawni. Boys at school now see Ari as an easy target, someone who won’t say no.
Then Ari finds a mysterious note in her locker that eventually leads her to a group of students determined to expose Luis for the predator he is. To her surprise, she finds genuine friendship among the group, including her growing feelings for the very last girl she expected to fall for. But in order to take Luis down, she’ll have to come to terms with the truth of what he did to her that night–and risk everything to see justice done.
- Genre(s): realistic fiction
- Recommended for: Grades 8+
- Themes: rape, rumors, gossip, girl power, making new friends, LGBT+, justice, mutism
- Protagonist description: female, age 16, queer, Mexican American, autistic, selectively mute
Of Light and Shadow by Tanaz Bhathena
When they don’t give us our birthright, we steal it.
Roshan Chaya is out for justice. Abandoned by her parents at birth and adopted by the kingdom of Jwala’s most notorious bandit before his brutal murder, she is now leader of the Shadow Clan, a gang of farmers-turned-bandits impoverished by the provincial governor’s atrocities and corruption. Roshan’s goal: to avenge her adoptive father and earn back rights and dignity for her people.
Prince Navin has always felt like an outcast. Second in line for the throne, he has never been close to his grandmother, Queen Bhairavi of Jwala. When a night out drinking with friends leads to his capture by the infamous Shadow Clan, Navin schemes to befriend Roshan and use her as a means to escape. His ploy, however, brings Navin closer to the corruption and poverty at the heart of Roshan’s province, raising questions about its governor and Navin’s own family.
To further complicate things, the closer Roshan and Navin get, the harder it becomes to fight their growing attraction. But how can they trust each other when the world as they know it starts to fall apart?
Set in a magical world inspired by the badlands of 17th century India, this standalone epic fantasy novel by Tanaz Bhathena is packed with political tensions, dangerous schemes, and swoon-worthy romance that asks the age old question: can love conquer all?
- Genre(s): fantasy, romance
- Setting: kingdom of Jwala, India, 17th Century
- Recommended for: Grades 7+
- Themes: gangs, corruption, vengeance, princes, kidnapping, poverty, magic, Indian and Persian mythology
- Protagonist description: female, Indian
*The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt
Herc Beal knows who he’s named after–a mythical hero–but he’s no superhero. He’s the smallest kid in his class. So when his homeroom teacher at his new middle school gives him the assignment of duplicating the mythical Hercules’s amazing feats in real life, he’s skeptical. After all, there are no Nemean Lions on Cape Cod–and not a single Hydra in sight.
Missing his parents terribly and wishing his older brother wasn’t working all the time, Herc figures out how to take his first steps along the road that the great Hercules himself once walked. Soon, new friends, human and animal, are helping him. And though his mythical role model performed his twelve labors by himself, Herc begins to see that he may not have to go it alone.
FOUR starred reviews!
- Genre(s): realistic fiction
- Setting: Truro, Massachusetts, USA
- Recommended for: Grades 3-8
- Themes: grief, death of both parents, older sibling caretaking younger sibling, Hercules, Greek mythology, 12 Labors, middle school
- Protagonist description: male, age 12, 7th grader, white
*Shakti by SJ Sindu (Author) and Nabi H. Ali (Illustrator)
Shakti is used to being the new girl at school. She and her two moms have moved more times than she can count. With her unborn baby brother on the way, Shakti hopes her family has found their forever home in Amherst, Massachusetts, and that she can finally make friends.
On her first day of seventh grade, she meets Xi and they bond over their shared passion for manga (and pizza with mayo). But the three meanest girls in school–Harini, Emily, and Kelly (aka “HEK”)–are determined to make life miserable for Shakti and her new friends.
When Shakti and Xi discover HEK casting spells in the woods, they fear what might happen to the other kids at school. Drawing on ancient Indian magic, Shakti seeks the aid of Durga Ma to stop HEK. But instead, Shakti accidentally conjures Kali Ma, the destroyer–Durga Ma’s dangerous twin. Kali Ma punishes HEK by transforming them into monsters and curses the entire town. As more and more people begin to fall ill, including Shakti’s mom, will Shakti be able to harness her own strength, power, and empathy to save those she loves–and put an end to all the hate?
BCCB and Publishers Weekly starred.
- Genre(s): graphic novel, fantasy
- Setting: Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Recommended for: Grades 3-8
- Themes: starting a new school, moving frequently, two moms, pregnant parent, bullying, Indian mythology, magic
- Protagonist description: female, age 12, Indian American, 7th grader
Second Chance Summer by Sarah Kapit
Maddie and Chloe have always been best friends, until last year, when Chloe’s popularity and budding fame as an actor left Maddie in the dust one too many times. Their friendship is over, and they’re both ready to move on.
But when the girls arrive at summer camp, they discover that the universe isn’t ready to let go of this friendship just yet: They’re cabinmates, and each of them has to spend the summer with her ex–best friend. Is it time to try again, or are they doomed to drift apart for good?
Booklist starred.
- Genre(s): realistic fiction
- Setting: summer camp
- Recommended for: Grades 3-8
- Themes: summer camp, theater, ex best friends, friendship, dyspraxia, acting, LGBT+, theater production of Wicked, fat girls
- Protagonist description: female, age 12, Jewish, chubby, dyspraxia
Matteo by Michael Leali
Eleven-year-old Matteo has never felt like one of the other boys. He’s sure that will change when he joins the Blue Whales, the baseball team his dad once played for. This is his chance to grow into a son his father can be proud of.
And grow Matteo does, but not the way he expected. Instead, he starts sprouting leaves and finding bark all over his skin. Alarmed, Matteo starts digging for the truth about what’s happening to him–and finds that all clues lead back to the oak tree at the center of town, which Creeksiders have always believed is a little bit magic. As his parents start noticing something is wrong, the truth gets harder to hide–and Matteo makes some surprising discoveries about himself, his hometown, and his entire family tree.
Booklist starred.
- Genre(s): retelling, fantasy
- Setting: small town preparing to celebrate its bicentennial
- Recommended for: Grades 3-7
- Themes: fathers and sons, Pinocchio retelling, baseball, magical trees, bullying, LGBT+, adoption, family secrets
- Protagonist description: male, age 11, white, adopted
Boomi’s Boombox by Shanthi Sekaran
When Boomi’s dad dies of Covid, the rest of her life topples like a row of dominoes. First her best friend, Bebe, stops talking to her. Then she gets kicked out of her ballet academy. Her mom becomes hyper focused on her weight. Her grandmother sinks further into the shadows of her mind.
Then Boomi is given one last gift from her dad: his old boombox. Inside it, she finds a mix tape and a note: You can change your life. When she presses play on the boombox, her life really does change: she’s magically transported to Thumpton-on-Soar, England, 1986. And her dad’s there!
But he doesn’t know he’s her dad–he’s twelve, just like Boomi. Boomi starts to see what being twelve was like for her dad, growing up Indian in a town that wanted to silence people like him. She starts to understand why he never went back. But why is Boomi sent back to Thumpton? Is she supposed to save her dad? Or change her life?
Booklist starred.
- Genre(s): magical realism, time travel, realistic fiction
- Setting: alternates between San Francisco, California, USA, modern day and Thumpton-on-Soar, England, 1986
- Recommended for: Grades 3-7
- Themes: grief, death of a parent (father), boomboxes, body image, performance arts, ballet, racism, xenophobia
- Protagonist description: female, age 12, Indian American
*Oh No, the Aunts Are Here by Adam Rex (Author) and Lian Cho (Illustrator)
Shhh, listen. Do you hear that?
Oh no. Oh dear. Oh…my…godmother.
They’ve traveled on planes, in taxis, and across state lines. And now they’re here at the doorstep, a cheesy gift in one hand, the other poised for a pinch on the cheek.
IT’S THE AUNTS! THE AUNTS ARE HERE.
One girl’s all-too-recognizable experience–a visit from a troupe of overwhelming and overly enthusiastic relations–escalates to new heights of chaos, absurdity, and delight in a laugh-out-loud take on family reunions.
THREE starred reviews!
- Genre(s): picture book
- Recommended for: PreS-Grade 3
- Themes: family, relatives, family reunions, aunts
- Protagonist description: brown-skinned child; aunts are diverse in race and gender
*The Good Hair Day by Christian Trimmer (Author) and J Yang (Illustrator)
Noah has a special day coming up, and he has a very long wish list. But there’s one thing missing from it, the thing he wants more than anything else in the world: long, beautiful, wavy hair.
Noah understands that his hair will grow if he just doesn’t get a haircut. But almost all the boys that Noah knows have short hair, and he’s heard people say mean things about men with long hair. So, he just doesn’t think he’s allowed to ask.
When a fresh trim brings Noah to his lowest point, it turns out his caring family has been paying closer attention than he thinks–and they have an idea that will show Noah it’s okay to be his gorgeous self.
Kirkus and Publishers Weekly starred.
- Genre(s): picture book
- Recommended for: PreS-Grade 3
- Themes: hair, long hair on boys, gender norms, birthday, supportive family, validation of one’s needs
- Protagonist description: boy, brown-skinned; his mother uses a wheelchair
Domino’s Tree House by Dawn Patitucci (Author) and Francisco Fonseca (Illustrator)
Domino’s backyard isn’t enough for him, so he builds a tree house. When the tree house isn’t quite enough, he builds a tree cottage, then a tree mansion, and on and on, pursuing something “more”–something that he can’t put his finger on and can’t quite reach. In a series of escalating feats of tree-house engineering, Domino builds and builds, until he finds himself alone on the moon, still not satisfied.
Gorgeous illustrations of a gravity-defying tree house will capture little ones’ imaginations, while the satisfying conclusion will remind young readers that wanting more might cause us to miss the sweetness of what we already possess.
- Genre(s): picture book
- Setting: treehouse in a boy’s backyard
- Recommended for: PreS-Grade 3
- Themes: treehouses, building, engineering, appreciating what you have, gratitude for everyday things, discontent
- Protagonist description: young boy, light-skinned, brown hair
THIS WEEK’S SEQUELS (YA):
THIS WEEK’S SEQUELS (MIDDLE GRADES):
THIS WEEK’S SEQUELS & FAVORITE CHARACTERS (ELEMENTARY):
ABOUT THE SPOTLIGHT
The New Release Spotlight began in May 2016 as a way to help librarians keep up with the many new children’s and YA books that are released each week. Every Tuesday, school librarian Leigh Collazo compiles the New Release Spotlight using a combination of Follett’s Titlewave, Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes and Noble. Titles with a * by them received two or more starred professional reviews. Recommended grade levels represent the range of grade levels recommended by professional book reviewers.