Volume 268
Issue 6
02/08/2021
Kids’ and YA authors from publishers large and small play a growing role at virtual Winter Institute.
Picture Books
Jessixa Bagley
Daisy (Holiday House/Porter; Mar. 2; $18.99; 25,000-copy announced first printing; ages 4–8)
Why the buzz: “Whether they are attending school in person or visually, young children are still subject to the pressures of needing to conform to fit in. With award-winning author-illustrator Jessixa Bagley’s upcoming picture book Daisy, we hope kids will feel uplifted by a character who follows her own interests and accepts herself.”—Sara DiSalvo, senior publicist, Holiday House
Opening: “Daisy was named after her mama’s favorite flower.”
Author social: Picture book room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Amanda Gorman
Change Sings (Viking, Sept. 21; $18.99; 1,000,000-copy announced first printing; ages 4–8)
The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for America (Viking, Mar. 16; $15.99; 1,000,000-copy announced first printing)
The Hill We Climb and Other Poems (Viking, Sept. 21; $19.99; 1,000,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14–up)
Why the buzz: “Young readers will be energized by Amanda Gorman’s stirring words and Loren Long’s vivid illustrations in this triumphant call to action. Viking is honored to be publishing Change Sings, which is sure to ignite a love of poetry in a new generation of readers.”—Tamar Brazis, editorial director, Viking Books for Young Readers
Opening: “I can hear change humming/ In its loudest, proudest song. “
Poetry interlude, Thurs., Feb. 18, 11:30–11:35 a.m.
Illustrator Loren Long will not be appearing.
Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn (Abrams, Mar. 23; $18.99; 250,000-copy announced first printing; ages 4–8)
Why the buzz: “Itty-Bitty Kitty-Corn instantly captured my heart. It celebrates confidence and kindness and the magic of friendship. It’s about being exactly who you want to be, and seeing one another for who we truly are. It has humor, charm, emotional depth, and a childlike spirit. It made me run around the office (pre-Covid!) shoving a printout under my colleagues’ noses—so now that we have real, glittery hardcover picture books on the way, watch out!”—Emma Ledbetter, editorial director, picture books, Abrams
Opening: “Kitty thinks she might be a unicorn.”
Author social: Picture book room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Shawn Harris
Have You Ever Seen a Flower? (Chronicle, May 4; $17.99; ages 3–5)
Why the buzz: “Have You Ever Seen a Flower? is breathtaking in its medium, its language, its color. But the book is groundbreaking for its authentic depiction of a child’s connection with nature. Complex and instinctive, emotional and physical, simple and profound, the nature-human bond transforms our hearts and our bodies. Kids feel this affinity intuitively, and their first experience alone, outdoors, is transcendent. Shawn Harris bears respectful witness to this relationship and brilliantly illuminates its everlasting resonance.”—Taylor Norman, editor, Chronicle
Opening: “Have you ever seen a flower?”
Author social: Picture book room, Sat., Feb. 20, 4:15–5 p.m.
Rajani LaRocca
Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers (Storytelling Math series) (Charlesbridge, Apr. 20; $15.99; $6.99 paperback; 50,000-copy announced first printing; ages 3–6)
Why the buzz: “We are excited to add this title to our growing Storytelling Math series for so many reasons. This is an #OwnVoices author and illustrator telling a story about the Hindu holiday Raksha Bandhan. Many children will not know about this holiday, but nothing unifies us like sharing celebration. This is also a story about sibling love—not rivalry. Finally, this story illustrates how children are naturally mathematical thinkers in an exciting and encouraging way.”—Donna Spurlock, director of marketing, Charlesbridge
Opening: “Bina had three brothers: Vijay, Siddharth, and Arjun.”
Author social: Picture book room, Fri., Feb. 19, 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Illustrator Chaaya Prabhat will not be attending.
NoNieqa Ramos
Your Mama (Versify, Apr. 6; $17.99; 30,000-copy announced first printing; ages 4–7)
Why the buzz: “NoNieqa Ramos brings her considerable talents to younger readers in her picture book debut. Between her playful bilingual wordplay and Jacqueline Alcántara’s lively, fluid illustrations, Your Mama is a vibrant ode to mothers who live loud and proud, showing children how to take the world by storm.”—Weslie Turner, senior editor, Versify
Opening: “Your mama so sweet, she could be a bakery, all frosting, powdered sugar, and pastries.”
Author social: Picture book room, Sat., Feb. 20, 4:15–5 p.m.
Raúl the Third
Training Day and Tag Team (Versify, Apr. 13; $9.99; 25,000-copy announced first printing each; ages 4–7)
Why the buzz: “These books are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Remember when Elephant and Piggie seemed so fresh and original? El Toro and Friends are even more so. These new additions to the World of ¡Vamos! make me happy, make me laugh, make me love what I do. Raúl the Third is a brilliant artist we are so lucky to have in the children’s book world!”—Margaret Raymo, senior editorial director, Versify
Opening of Training Day: “El Toro has a big match soon!”
Author social: Picture book room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Kao Kalia Yang
Yang Warriors (Univ. of Minnesota, Apr. 13; $16.95; ages 5–10)
Why the buzz: “I fell in love with Kao Kalia Yang’s Yang Warriors immediately. I’ve long admired Kalia’s incredible work, and her story of these strong, resilient children in Ban Vinai refugee camp went straight to the heart. Their courage and compassion—on behalf of each other and in the face of such hardship—has so much to give us all in this time. And Billy Thao’s wonderfully layered illustrations bring these children and their bravery into such powerful, full-hearted relief.”—Erik Anderson, regional trade editor, Univ. of Minnesota
Opening: “Above the television set, in the dark room, the legendary heroes rose—the bald monk mobilizing his energy, the honorable warrior facing his enemies, the brave woman with her sword at the ready.”
Author social: Picture book room, Sat., Feb. 20, 4:15–5 p.m.
Illustrator Billy Thao will not be attending.
Middle Grade
Aimée Craft
Treaty Words (Annick, Mar. 9; ages 10–up)
Why the buzz: “In this small book, Aimée Craft deftly achieves what often seems insurmountable. Speaking to readers young and old, she deepens our understanding of the making and misinterpretations of treaties and opens our hearts to our responsibility to and, most importantly, the gift of living with all parts of Creation.”—Mary Beth Leatherdale, editor, Annick
Opening: “She sat there, on the bank of kitchi sipi with her Mishomis, watching the wide river pass them by.”
Author social: Middle grade room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7 p.m.
Sayantani DasGupta
Force of Fire: A Kingdom Beyond Novel (Scholastic Press; $17.99; 50,000-copy announced first printing; ages 8–12)
Why the buzz: “Force of Fire is all about how good it feels to be bad! Pinki is the daughter of revolutionaries, pressured by her rakkhosh demon community to be the leader their burgeoning resistance movement is crying out for. Her journey from disaffected outsider to fierce leader of her young revolutionary cohort is full of humor and heart and entrancing details. It’s thrilling fantasy at its very best. It’s a tour de force of fire.”—Abigail McAden, associate publisher, Scholastic
Opening: “The day I lost control of my rakkhosh power, fire-vomited in front of half the school, and then basically started a kingdom-wide revolution was absolutely not my fault.”
Author social: Middle grade room, Sat., Feb. 20, 4:15–5 p.m.
Dan Gutman
Houdini and Me (Holiday House, Mar. 2; $16.99; 50,000-copy announced first printing; ages 8–12)
Why the buzz: ”Holiday House is thrilled to publish Houdini and Me—our first title by New York Times bestselling author Dan Gutman. Synon-ymous with middle grade novels, Dan Gutman is a household name with kids around the country. In this time-travel tale, middle graders will get an inside look at how the greatest escape artist of all time performed some of his most famous stunts.”—Sara DiSalvo, senior publicist, Holiday House
Opening: “I was born in Harry Houdini’s house.”
Author social: Middle grade room, Sat., Feb. 20, 4:15–5 p.m.
Erin Entrada Kelly
Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey (Greenwillow, May 24; $16.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing; ages 8–12)
Why the buzz: “What amazes me about Erin Entrada Kelly—and what makes her so inspiring to work with—is her curiosity, her respect for her audience, and her desire to push herself to try new things. Maybe Maybe Marisol Rainey is for a younger reader than Erin has previously written for. The story is compelling and personal; the voice is pitch-perfect. And the icing on the cake? Funny, warm, lovely illustrations by Erin herself on almost every page! Hooray!”—Virginia Duncan, v-p, publisher, Greenwillow
Opening: “There is a magnolia tree in Marisol Rainey’s backyard.”
Author social: Middle grade room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Hena Khan
Amina’s Song (Salaam Reads, Mar. 9; $17.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing; ages 8–12)
Why the buzz: “Hena Khan is one of the foremost voices in realistic middle grade fiction, and her highly anticipated follow-up to Amina’s Voice encourages readers to use their own voices to bridge and share the cultures they call home. Fans of the first book Salaam Reads published will treasure this novel that gently introduces children to what Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has called ‘the danger of a single story’ and invites young readers to look deeper.”—Kendra Levin, editorial director, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Opening: “As I reach for a pair of silver earrings that my best friend, Soojin, might like, Zohra smacks my hand away.”
Author social: Middle grade room, Sat., Feb. 20, 4:15–5 p.m.
Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel Makonnen
Last Gate of the Emperor (Scholastic Press; May 4; $17.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing; ages 8–12)
Why the buzz: “Futuristic depictions of Africa are rare, and that’s especially true of ones written by Black and African writers. As kids witness the legacy of racism against Black Americans coming to a head again and again, day after day, stories like this are essential—especially in genres like sci-fi and fantasy. That’s why I’m so excited about this story. It’s Black joy and adventure and even a little pathos, set in a galaxy far away.”—Zack Clark, senior editor, Scholastic
Opening: “Once there was an empire that stretched across the galaxy.”
Author social: Science fiction/fantasy room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Les Stroud
Wild Outside (Annick, Mar. 9; 50,000-copy announced first printing; ages 9–12)
Why the buzz: “Les’s thrilling stories transport readers to some of the wildest places on Earth, from the Amazon rainforest, where he’s stalked by a jaguar, to the Australian outback, where he chows down on a surprisingly delicious worm. But I also love the book’s message that, with some basic skills, gear, and knowledge, anyone can have outdoor adventures, even just steps from their own home—which is especially resonant right now, in our locked-down world.”—Claire Caldwell, editor, Annick
Opening: “One of my favorite places to explore when I was growing up in Mimico, in the west end of Toronto, Ontario, was a shallow and rocky local creek.”
Author social: Middle grade room, Sat., Feb. 20; 4:15–5 p.m.
YA
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Ace of Spades (Feiwel and Friends, June 1; $18.99; 250,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14–18)
Why the buzz: “I love this story so much because not only will it keep you on the very edge of your seat (and practically falling over) in anticipation, but so rarely do we get to see Black protagonists in a true thriller. Faridah has really written something special here!”—Foyinsi Adegbonmire, editorial assistant, Feiwel and Friends
Opening: “First-day-back assemblies are the most pointless practice ever.”
Author social: Young adult room, Sat., Feb. 20; 4:15–5 p.m.
Dahlia Adler
Cool for the Summer (Wednesday, May 11; $18.99; 75,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14–18)
Why the buzz: “I’m always hungry for young adult novels that truly capture what is to be a teen and how complicated it can be. Dahlia Adler’s Cool for the Summer is a funny, heartfelt coming-of-age romance that showcases the confusion of figuring out who you love and who you are, and how it’s okay to not know right away. She just gets it.”—Vicki Lame, senior editor, Wednesday Books
Opening: “All things considered, high school’s been pretty good to me.”
“All You Need Is Love: LGBTQ+ Romance” session, Fri., Feb. 19, 5:45–6:45 p.m.
S.K. Ali
Misfit in Love (Salaam Reads, May 25; $19.99; 75,000-copy first printing; ages 14–up)
Why the buzz: “This companion novel to the award-winning Saints and Misfits, which was the first YA novel published by Salaam Reads, is a gorgeous showcase of Muslim wedding traditions and celebrates the experience of belonging to a big, diverse family. It’s also hugely fun (as only a massive family wedding can be!) and wildly romantic, though fans of Janna will be happy to see that the most important love she finds is compassion for her family and herself.”— Kendra Levin, editorial director, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Opening: “I’m in the water. Floating on my back, staring at the bluest sky there must have ever been in the history of blue skies.”
Author social: Young adult room, Fri., Feb. 19, 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Christian Allaire
The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures (Annick, Apr. 27; 25,000-copy announced first printing; ages 12–up)
Why the buzz: “The Power of Style is a joyful tour de force. The extraordinarily talented Christian Allaire shines a light on fashion’s power to promote diversity and inclusivity—a colorful call for respect and understanding.”—Mary Beth Leatherdale, editor, Annick
Opening: “Aanin, hello. This book is for anyone who has never felt represented, who has felt inferior or less beautiful, and who has questioned their roots.”
Author social: Young adult room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7 p.m.
David Arnold
The Electric Kingdom (Viking, Feb. 9; 75,000-copy announced first printing; ages 12–up)
Why the buzz: “This is Arnold’s first foray into speculative fiction and his most ambitious novel yet. It’s a fresh new take on a postapocalyptic Earth with overlapping timelines, alternating voices, and gripping storytelling. Arnold started writing this book nearly a decade ago, and his worldbuilding is masterful. It has Station Eleven, The 5th Wave, and Westworld all in one!”—Ken Wright, president and publisher, Viking Books for Young Readers
Opening: “Life began with a snowstorm.”
Author social: Science fiction/fantasy room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Kalynn Bayron
This Poison Heart (Bloomsbury, July 6; $18.99; 85,000-copy announced first printing; ages 13–up)
Why the buzz: “We were thrilled to launch Kalynn Bayron’s career last year with the indie bestselling Cinderella Is Dead. This Poison Heart takes her storytelling to an amazing new level while continuing to provide much-needed visibility for queer Black girls, and I can’t wait for readers to meet Briseis, a girl with a unique and deadly gift.”—Erica Barmash, senior director, marketing and publicity, Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Opening: “White roses.”
Author social: Science fiction/fantasy room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Tashie Bhuiyan
Counting Down with You (Inkyard, May 4; $18.99; ages 13–17)
Why the buzz: “Counting Down with You is a must-read! Not only does this #OwnVoices debut deliver an engaging contemporary story featuring a Bangladeshi American teen, fake dating, and cinnamon roll-like characters you can’t help but cheer for—but it also gives us a nuanced depiction of a girl learning to manage her anxiety and the pressures she faces not only externally but internally. I can’t wait for readers to meet Karina and Ace.”—Brittany Mitchell, marketing manager, Inkyard
Opening: “Airports are the true chaotic evil.”
Author social: Young adult room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Matthew Bogart
Incredible Doom (HarperAlley, May 11; $24.99 hardcover; $16.99 paperback; 37,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14–up)
Why the buzz: “Set against the backdrop of the dawn of the internet, Incredible Doom reminds us of the good that can come from this digital world, how it can connect us to one another and keep us connected through the best—and worst—of times. Incredible Doom is a page-turner that will keep readers on the edge of their seats and leave them wanting more. Luckily, there’s a second book on the way in fall 2022!”—Andrew Arnold, editorial director, HarperAlley
Opening: “Ever since I was a little girl, my dad’s been making me help with his magic career.”
Author social: Graphic works room, Sat., Feb. 20, 4:15–5 p.m.
Angeline Boulley
Firekeeper’s Daughter (Holt, Mar. 16; $18.99; 250,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14–18)
Why the buzz: “Firekeeper’s Daughter will blow you away. A debut thriller about a Native teen who must root out the corruption in her community, it’s at once a gripping page-turner and a nuanced look at identity, family, and the choices that define us.”—Molly Ellis, v-p, executive director of publicity, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
Opening: “I am a frozen statue of a girl in the woods.”
Author social: Young adult room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7:30 p.m.
J. Elle
Wings of Ebony (S&S/Millner, out now; $19.99; 60,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14–up)
Why the buzz: “Wings of Ebony is a genre-blending fantasy that grabs your attention from the very first line. In Rue, J. Elle delivers a protagonist who is strong, clever, passionate, and unapologetically Black—and that’s before she even uncovers her half-god heritage and abilities. A glorious tribute to her hometown of Houston, Elle paints her inner-city community as a magical place and insightfully explores racism, colonization, the devastation of neglect, and the urgency of change in today’s America.”—Denene Millner, editorial director of Denene Millner Books
Opening: “Bullets don’t have names. But if they did, chances are one would have mine.”
Author social: Young adult room, Fri., Feb. 19, 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Joya Goffney
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry (HarperTeen, May 4; $17.99; 40,000-copy announced first printing; ages 13–up)
Why the buzz: “Debut author Joya Goffney captivated me immediately with her powerful voice and breakout talent. This standout #OwnVoices romance tackles tough themes—how we present ourselves to the world versus who we genuinely are, how a first love can be so raw and surprising, and what real friendship means, especially when faced with racial and economic divides.”—Alyson Day, executive editor, HarperTeen
Opening: “ ‘FRANK SINATRA.’ ‘Which song?’ Auden asks. ‘Just write Frank Sinatra.’ ‘But Mr. Green wants us to be specific.’ ”
Author social: Young adult room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Jenny Elder Moke
Curse of the Specter Queen (Disney-Hyperion, June 1; $17.99; ages 12–18)
Why the buzz: “This book is the first in a new series featuring a strong female protagonist with potential for [TV or film] development. In Samantha Knox, Moke has created a young woman who can crack any code, scale the side of a moving cruise liner, and take down an ancient goddess with a rune and a tube of lipstick, all midbattle. Move over, Indiana Jones—there’s a new adventurer in town!”—Seale Ballenger, publicity director, Disney Publishing Worldwide
Opening: “Sam let the first door chime go unanswered, occupied as she was with the stack of delicate books cradled in her arms.”
Author social: Young adult room, Sat., Feb. 20, 4:15–5 p.m.
Brittney Morris
The Cost of Knowing (Simon Pulse, Apr. 6; $18.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14–up)
Why the buzz: “Brittney Morris is a real master of taking weighty topics and exploring them through commercial concepts and accessible characters, and she’s done it remarkably in her sophomore novel, The Cost of Knowing. I am deeply proud of this powerful, luminous book about mental health, inherited trauma, and two Black boys who, in the midst of major grief and turmoil, are still able to find joy and hope in the world around them.”—Jennifer Ung, senior editor, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Opening: “I pick up the ice cream scoop, and the vision begins.”
Author social: Young adult room, Sat., Feb. 20, 4:15–5 p.m.
Kristen O’Neal
Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses (Quirk, May 27; $18.99; ages 14–up)
Why the buzz: “Kristen uses the monster-as-metaphor approach to illuminate what it’s like to live with a chronic illness, which can be as terrifying and unpredictable as being a werewolf. The twist is that Kristen’s werewolf is more inclined to eat pizza and chat with her friends on Discord. The result is a novel bursting with energy, vitality, and humor. I laugh-cried my way through the edit while also recognizing my own experience with chronic illness in these memorable characters.”—Jhanteigh Kupihea, editorial director, Quirk Books
Opening: “Ticks don’t actually have teeth. I looked it up afterward, scrolling through photos with the same kind of sick
fascination of watching someone pop a pimple.”
Author social: Young adult room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Alice Oseman
Loveless (Scholastic Press, Nov. 2; $18.99; 35,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14–up)
Why the buzz: “I have long been a fan of Alice’s (because of Heartstopper), and with Loveless she has written a book I was desperately looking for—a brilliant, moving, laugh-out-loud/cry-on-the-subway story about a girl who comes into her own when she learns how to articulate that she is aromantic and asexual. This book is, above all other things, honest, and is something I’m thrilled to welcome into the queer YA canon.”—David Levithan, publisher and editorial director, Scholastic
Opening: “There were literally three separate couples sitting around the fire making out, like some sort of organized kissing orgy, and half of me was like, ew, and the other half was like, Wow, I sure do wish that was me.”
Author social: Young adult room, Fri., Sat. 20, 4:15–5 p.m.
Eliot Schrefer
The Darkness Outside Us (HarperCollins/Tegen, June 1; $17.99; 50,000-copy announced first printing; ages 13–up)
Why the buzz: “Two boys, alone in space. Sworn enemies sent on the same rescue mission. That’s how this book begins—a story that opens your heart and grabs you by the collar simultaneously. Two-time National Book Award finalist Eliot Schrefer brilliantly blends a love story that transcends space and time with a page-turning mystery and the human fight for survival. It is a beautiful, inventive, intimate, and profound novel you won’t soon forget.”—Benjamin Rosenthal, executive editor, Katherine Tegen Books
Opening: “Her voice rings out over a pink-sand beach: Get up, Ambrose.”
Author social: Young adult room, Sat., Feb. 20; 4:15–5 p.m.
Phil Stamper
As Far as You’ll Take Me (Bloomsbury, Feb. 2; $17.99; 60,000-copy announced first printing; ages 13–up)
Why the buzz: “As Far as You’ll Take Me is an emotionally satisfying, authentic look at a teen taking big steps toward finding his true path in life, with all the messy missteps along the way. As a reader you want to save him from the heartache, but you know that it’s those challenging moments in life that help us figure out who we want to be.”—Mary Kate Castellani, editorial director, Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Opening: “As it turns out, I’m pretty good at lying.”
“All You Need Is Love: LGBTQ+ Romance” session, Fri., Feb. 19, 5:45–6:45 p.m. and Author social: Young adult room, Sat., Feb. 20; 4:15–5 p.m.
Ray Stoeve
Between Perfect and Real (Amulet, Apr. 13; $18.99; ages 12–up)
Why the buzz: “Between Perfect and Real follows a trans boy finding his voice—and himself. As a former high school theater nerd, I was hooked by Ray’s debut novel, which captures that awkward, exciting, sometimes painful time so perfectly. There are so many ways to be queer and trans, and I want to publish books that speak to all different types of experiences. You’ll fall in love with Dean, just as I did, as he explores how we find and become our fullest selves.”—Maggie Lehrman, editorial director, fiction, Abrams
Opening: “I think I might be trans.”
Author social: Young adult room, Sat., Feb. 20; 4:15–5 p.m.
Aiden Thomas
Lost in the Never Woods (Swoon Reads, Mar. 23; $18.99; 60,000-copy announced first printing; ages 13–18)
Why the buzz: “If Cemetery Boys is Aiden’s lead-off hitter, get ready for what’s striding to the plate. Lost in the Never Woods is a dark, nostalgic masterpiece as much about surviving trauma and living with grief as it is about the magic of childhood. It’ll not only haunt you, but also make you side-eye your shadow.”—Kelsey Marrujo, publicity manager, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
Opening: “As Wendy Darling pushed through the door, all conversation died and every eye focused on her.”
“All You Need Is Love: LGBTQ+ Romance” session, Fri., Feb. 19, 5:45–6:45 p.m.
Anton Treuer
Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians but Were Afraid to Ask (young readers ed.) (Levine Querido, Apr. 6; $18.99 paperback; ages 12–18)
Why the buzz: “Over 100 stereotype-debunking questions are answered thoughtfully, with humor and compassion, by professor and Ojibwe expert Anton Treuer. The last question is one of the most powerful: ‘As a non-Native person, how can I help make a difference?’ For readers grappling with antiracism and equity, this book is as important as Stamped for shaping how we think about the complicated history and challenges faced by Native people today.”—Antonio Cerna, marketing director, Levine Querido
Opening: “Indians. We are so often imagined, but so infrequently well understood.”
Author social: Nonfiction room, Fri., Feb. 19, 6:45–7:30 p.m.
Nicola Yoon
Instructions for Dancing (Delacorte, June 1; $19.99; ages 12–up)
Why the buzz: “Not only is Instructions for Dancing the first new book from superstar Nicola Yoon in nearly five years, it’s about my favorite topic: love. I can’t wait for readers to add this incredible book to their dance cards and meet Evie and X. It’s a beautiful, emotional, and romantic novel with all the heart, hope, and swoonworthy romance readers have come to expect from her exceptional body of work.”—Wendy Loggia, senior executive editor, Delacorte Press
Opening: “Books don’t work their magic on me anymore.”
Author social: Young adult room, Fri., Feb. 19; 6:45–7:30 p.m.
