Tag: July New Releases

Happy July! I hope this week finds you enjoying your summer and, if you are in the US, looking forward to celebrating Independence Day. Here are some new books out this week that you might want to make part of your holiday celebration.

Books for Kids

Battle on the Moon – Captain Marvel teams up with the Avengers in this Little Golden Book.
First Day of Groot – A celebration of learning and firsts with Groot and the Guardians of the Galaxy
I’m Trying to Love Math – An alien helps the reader see that math is all around us. This looks adorable! Perfect for classroom use.
The King of Kindergarten – In this darling story, a boy uses all of the things his parents taught him to have a great first day of Kindergarten.
Little Red Reading Hood and the Misread Wolf – A girl uses what she has learned from her reading to help her on a trip to her grandmother’s house.
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! – Mo Willems’ Pigeon is off to school.
Too Many Tribbles – Little Golden Books takes on the Star Trek tribbles.  This is on my list for this week.
Rocket’s Very Fine Day – Rocket the dog is back in this leveled reader about Rocket and his friend enjoying a lovely day together.
School of Fish – A fish is off to his first day of school in this leveled reader. First in a new series.
Uni’s First Sleepover – Uni the Unicorn’s first leveled reader! Uni struggles at a sleepover for the first time.

Books for Older Kids, Teens, Young Adults

Awesome Dog 5000 – A trio of video game-loving kids find an adventure in the real world when they discover a robotic dog. First in a new series.
The Echo Park Castaways – A trio of foster kids tries to adjust to a new arrival who throws the whole house into chaos.
Emperor of the Universe – A boy, his gerbil, and a package of ground beef are beamed onto an alien space ship. That description just BEGS for you to pick the book up and check it out!
Tom Swift’s Inventors’ Academy: The Drone Pursuit AND The Sonic Breach – First in a new series about a group of kids at the Swift Academy of Science and Technology. The first book is about the kids investigating the school custodian for being a spy, and the second is about a robotics club and a new phone app that could be helping kids cheat. Both stories sound terrific! An Alex Rider-type story for the younger middle grade crowd.
To the Forgotten Castle – Book 5 in the Finding Tinker Bell series of the Never Girls. The Never Girls and the fairies team up to find Tinker Bell.
Who Is Oprah Winfrey?
The Odd Sisters – Book 6 in the Disney Villains series. In the first five books, the Odd Sisters have meddled in the lives of other villains, but it’s time to find out who they are and what their story is.
Queen of Ruin – Sequel to Grace and Fury. The sisters have changed so much after the events of book one, and now they will team up to ensure that the revolution begun on Mount Ruin can sweep across the entire kingdom and kick off much needed change for everyone. I adored the first book! I can’t wait to read what happens next.
Symptoms of a Heart Break – A 16-year-old doctor arrives for her first day treating pediatric cancer patients and risks her future when she falls in love with a patient. I’m intrigued by this one – the full description talks about how she deals with skeptical adults in her new job and I am curious to read how she handles that.
Teen Titans: Raven – The latest graphic novel for teens from DC focuses on the story of Raven. Raven has lost her foster mother and finds herself in a new home (with her foster mom’s sister and niece), new school and new town. And some weird new abilities are developing, but Raven can’t remember anything from before the accident that killed her foster mother. Is she strong enough to dig into her past for the truth? I’ve always been fascinated by Raven’s character! I’ll be reviewing this one later this week.

Books for Adults

Booking the Crook (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 7 in the Bookmobile Cat Mystery series. While the bookmobile program is in danger thanks to a new library board chair, Minnie and her cat Eddie are determined to keep doing their work with a smile. When Minnie finds one of their regulars dead in the snow, she knows they will be sleuthing once again.
The Gifted School (Hardcover)  – When an exclusive school for the gifted opens in their town, a group of friends start showing their competitive and ambitious sides – and it has a huge impact on their kids, their marriages and their friendships.
Heart of Barkness (Hardcover) – Book 9 in the Chet and Bernie Mystery series. Look at that cover!! That cover is the whole reason I bought the first book in the series. I have to read through the first 8 books so I can get to this one! Chet and Bernie head out to a dive bar to hear a famous country singer. The $100 they place in the tip jar is stolen multiple times that night which launches them into the most puzzling case of their partnership.
The Me I Used to Be (Trade Paperback) – Evangeline is wrapping up 4 years in prison for a crime she didn’t commit when she gets word that her father has died. The officer who arrested her offers her a deal – help him hunt down the real culprits, and he’ll get her record cleared. Evangeline is not the same woman now that she was before prison. Her family wants nothing to do with her – and they are even more bitter when her dad’s will is read, and she is put in charge of the future of the family ranch. There are a lot of things stacked against her, but Evangeline is determined to get her freedom and reclaim her life after the years that were stolen from her.  I’ll be reviewing this one next week – it was terrific!
Protect the Prince (Trade Paperback) – EEEEK! It’s finally here! This is the sequel to Kill the Queen, my FAVORITE book from 2018. I have had this pre-ordered for ages. I can’t wait to hold this one in my hands and dive in.  Book 2 in the Crown of Shards series. Evie has her hands full with assassins, quarreling nobles who only want her crown, and pursuing an essential alliance with a neighboring kingdom. And she finds herself falling for a guy – and that relationship would be awfully complicated. With dark forces at work, Evie has to wonder if she is even strong enough to be a Winter Queen. Eeek! I can’t wait to read this.
A Thread of Darkness (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in the Queen Bees Quilt Shop mystery series. When the wife of the local celebrity chef is found murdered, he is the prime suspect. The Crestwood Quilters are on the case to keep him out of jail.
Unsung Heroine (e-book novella) – A new novella addition to the Heroine Complex series (Heroine Complex, Heroine Worship, Heroine’s Journey).  This is Lucy’s story. Lucy is the superhero bodyguard for Evie and Aveda. Lucy has had a crush on the head of the demon unit at the police department, but she’s afraid Rose won’t like the real Lucy. But when Lucy is displaced as the queen of karaoke at her favorite bar, strange and supernatural things seem to be at work. Which means Lucy and Rose are working on the case. Together. I have only read the first book in the original trilogy, but I loved it. I can’t wait to get caught up on these characters.
Wanderers (Hardcover)  – Shana’s little sister is the first person she knows who starts the sleepwalking thing – she can’t be awakened, and she is marching determinedly toward something only she knows. Shana follows along to keep her sister safe. And then they join up with others around the country who are in the same situation. Fear and violence follow as the country wonders about the cause of the epidemic – and where it is all leading. This sounds amazing!
Dear Church: A Love Letter from a Black Preacher to the Whitest Denomination in the US (Trade Paperback) – A former inmate turned preacher shares this love letter to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America calling Christians to renewal through racial equality and justice.

Believe it or not, we are in back-to-school mode here with area schools starting up in the next week or two. Some kids are back in classes today! It seems too soon! If the calendar says JULY it should still be summer vacation. Fight back with some new “summer reading” books from the ones releasing this week.

Books for Kids

Awesome! (August 1) – Marvin the moose and Woody the beaver are best friends, but when Marvin does something awesome it drives a wedge between the friends. I’ll be reviewing this one next week.
Hello Fall! – Get excited about fall with this new picture book. Looks adorable! I love fall.
Josephine Baker AND Mother Teresa – New picture books from the Little People Big Dreams series. This series is expanding into games and board books, and I am all over all of it!
The Three Little Superpigs – The Superpigs have defeated the Big Bad Wolf, but he breaks out of prison and sets a trap for them. This is a must-read for me!
Rocket the Brave! – Rocket is having fun chasing a butterfly when the butterfly disappears into the woods. Is Rocket brave enough to follow? I love Rocket from his previous books. This Early Reader looks adorable for kids looking for a new Rocket story.
The Haunted Halls – Book 3 in the Peachy and Keen series where the characters try to figure out if there are real ghosts wandering around their school’s Halloween celebration. This transitional chapter book series looks adorable!
Lullaby Lake – Book 4 in the Last  Firehawk series from Scholastic Branches. This is a fantasy series complete with a quest for the Ember Stone.
Meet Yasmin (August 1) – First in a new series about a little girl with a big imagination. This looks cute.
Super Rabbit Boy Blasts Off – Book 5 in the Press Start science fiction series from Scholastic Branches.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Giganta’s Colossal Double-Cross (August 1) – I love the DC books that come from Capstone – the illustrations are my idea of PERFECT. In this book, Wonder Woman discovers that Giganta may be on her side against Grodd.
The Griffin’s Feather – Dragon Rider book 2. In order to save the race of pegasi, a boy tries find a griffin feather. But griffins are some of the fiercest creatures in the world. This book sounds like something I would love. I will have to add this series to my list.
Making Friends (Graphic Novel) – Middle school raises new challenges for the main character so she creates a perfect best friend using a magical sketchbook.
The Principal Strikes Back – Book 6 in the Jarrett Krosoczka Jedi Academy series (originally written by Jeffrey Brown). Things at the Academy have been weird since last year’s security breech. They now have a droid for a principal and things aren’t as they seem. This is a fantastic series!
The Ultimate Weapon (You Choose Justice League) (August 1) – Another Justice League book from Capstone. This one uses a You Choose format which is so fun for kids!
Greek Mythology (Weird But True Know-It-All) – a nonfiction reference for kids about Greek Mythology
In the French Kitchen with Kids: Easy, Every-day Dishes for the Whole Family to Make and Enjoy – Great for kids who love to cook and teens and adults studying French and looking for some examples of the culture.
The Pacific Islands: A Moana Discovery Book – Kids can join the characters of the movie Moana and explore the Pacific Islands as Disney expands their nonfiction line with tie-ins from favorite movies.
The Cheerleaders – After multiple deaths on the squad, the Sunnybrook High cheer team disbanded. Five years later the town wants to remember the girls, but the sister of the last girl to die isn’t sure revisiting those days is a good idea. I have already requested this one from the library!
The Darkest Legacy – The latest in the Darkest Minds series, from Suzume’s perspective. I’ve only read the first two books (Fantastic!) so I need to get caught up so I can read this one. I’m looking forward to checking out the movie in August with my teen.
Grace and Fury – In a world where women have no rights one sister is selected by the heir to the throne while her sister (who was groomed for that role) is thrown into prison. This sounds twisty and complicated and exactly the sort of story I love. I’ll be reviewing this one in August.
Heart of Thorns – A young woman discovers she possess the very magic she has sworn to eliminate from her world. Yep, this one too.
If Only – A teen finds herself dumped and pregnant, searching for what path she wants to take into her future. Sixteen years later her daughter wonders what happened to the birth mother who placed her for adoption and then disappeared when she was one year old. I have requested this one from the library, too.
The Letting Go – A teen puts up walls to keep others out because anyone who gets close to her is murdered. But death follows her to her boarding school. I SOOOO want to know what happens in this book!
So Glad to Meet You – When two teens commit suicide, their younger siblings are forever linked together by tragedy. When one of the teens finds their siblings’ bucket list, she reconnects with the one person who understands her grief. WOW! What a great week for YA books! I’ll be reviewing this one later this week.

Books for Adults

Against the Claw – Book 2 in the Lobster Shack Mystery series. In this one, a woman finds a body in the bay when she is helping her family on the lobster boat. (Mass Market Paperback*)
Death Over Easy – Book 5 in the Country Store Mystery series. In this one, a musician in a bluegrass festival is killed.(Mass Market Paperback*)
A Dark and Twisting Path – Book 3 in the Writer’s Apprentice Mystery series, one of my favorite series! I pre-ordered this book months ago. If you love mysteries, check this series out! (Mass Market Paperback*)
A Duke by Default – Book 2 in the Reluctant Royals series. I read book one, A Princess in Theory, on vacation this summer and it was delightful! I’m looking forward to reading this one and getting more of Portia’s story. (Mass Market Paperback*)
Knot My Sister’s Keeper – Book 6 in the Quilting Mystery series. A woman and her newly-discovered half sister team up to find out what happened to their father. (Mass Market Paperback*)
Midnight Snacks Are Murder – Book 2 in the Poppy McAllister Mystery series. I adored book one, Class Reunions Are Murder, so I will absolutely be reading book two! (Mass Market Paperback*)
Murder at Ochre Court – Book 6 in the Gilded Newport Mystery series about a society reporter in 1898. I haven’t read any of these, but I’d like to give the first book a try. (Hardcover*)
Murder on Memory Lake – First in a new series about a woman who inherits a fortune and a secret lake house but finds a dead body when she arrives. I love trying new series, and the cover of this one makes me want to read it on vacation. That looks so restful (well, without the murder part). (Mass Market Paperback*)
Murder, She Reported (ebook) – A socialite tries to break free of expectations by getting a job at a newspaper in 1938 but finds herself in the middle of a scandal. This sounds terrific! (E-book pricing – $5 at the time of this writing)
Poppy Harmon Investigates – First in the Desert Flowers Mystery series. A widowed retiree opens her own private detective business. I am curious about this series, but I tried one of the author’s other books once and did not care for the main character at all. So, I’ll be trying this one from the library to see how this new character and I click. (Hardcover*)
Purrder She Wrote – Book 2 in the Cat Cafe Mystery series. A new cafe where diners can socialize with cats and even adopt one is the scene of drama that may have led to murder. I’d like to try this series out. (Mass Market Paperback*)
S’more Murders – Book 5 in the Five-Ingredient Mystery series. A guest disappears at a murder mystery party on a yacht. I haven’t read any books in this series – yet. (Mass Market Paperback*)
The Biggest Win: Pro Football Players Tackle Faith – Six Christians from the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl team share the stories of their lives and faith. (Trade Paperback*)
The Come Back Effect: How Hospitality Can Compel Your Church’s Guests to Return – For churches, businesses and ministries. This explores the keys to getting first time visitors to return. (Trade Paperback*)
The Family Bible Devotional: Stories from the Bible to Help Kids and Parents Engage and Love Scripture – I’ll be reviewing this one in a few weeks. (Trade Paperback*)

*I’ve noticed that publishers have shifted some of their new mystery series to Trade paperback (full size paperback with a sale price around $15 or $16) or hardcover (with a sale price around $25) instead of Mass Market paperback which runs around $8. When I think of it, I’ll try to note the format so readers can plan their book budgets – and trips to the library – accordingly.

It’s another small week for new books. But while we might be low on quantity, we have some great quality! Here are some of the books releasing this week.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Babymouse Miss Communication – Book 2 in the Babymouse Tales from the Locker series about graphic novel star Babymouse in middle school.  This one focuses on Babymouse’s quest to get a cell phone.
The Knight’s Armor – Book 3 in the Ministry of the SUITS series about a covert agency for Strange, Unusual, and Impossible Things and the kids who work for them. This series sounds perfect for me, so I need to get ahold of all three of these books asap.
Pizzasaurus Rex – A bullied genius finds a way to pull Pizzasaurus Rex – a party-dinosaur – into our universe in this new graphic novel for kids. This looks completely over the top and awesome!
The Winner Is – The third and final book in the Next Best Junior Chef series about the last two kids in the competition.
Theodore Roosevelt (Action Presidents) – Book 3 in the Action Presidents series of graphic novels introducing kids to historic individuals in a new format.
The Future Will Be BS Free – A group of teens use a souped up lie-detector to reveal government corruption. The kids are on the run and those in power want the device and won’t hesitate to kill to get it. I will be reviewing this one later this week.

Books for Adults

Star Wars Thrawn Alliances – Grand Admiral Thrawn teams up with Darth Vader to investigate a disturbance in the Force for the Emperor. But this isn’t the first time these two men have fought side by side. My husband loved the first Thrawn book, and I know this one is on his must-buy list. The story for this one makes me want to go back and read the first one so I can dig into this one, soon.

I find myself missing spring – we never really had one. Right now it is hotter than blazes, and I just want to curl up under a ceiling fan with a book and pray that fall doesn’t skip us too.  If you want that too, here are some books releasing this week to keep you company while you wait out the heat wave.

Books for Kids

Pass Go and Collect $200: The Real Story of How Monopoly Was Invented – This picture book detailing the history of the popular board game Monopoly looks fantastic!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Electric Boogerloo – Book 2 in the I Am Fartacus series is about a group of misfits trying to track down a missing school mascot. I love both the MAX and MIX series from Aladdin for middle grade readers. They are great stories.
The Game Masters of Garden Place – A group of kids playing an RPG (role playing game, like Dungeons and Dragons) find their characters have come to life. This was SO fun! I’ll be reviewing this one tomorrow.
Star Wars Adventures Vol 3: Endangered (Graphic Novel) – This story includes a story about Rose Tico from Star Wars The Last Jedi as well as a young Anakin Skywalker and Ezra Bridger from Star Wars Rebels.
My Family Divided: One Girl’s Journey  of Home, Loss and Hope – If you have been tracking the immigration crisis at the border and you have wondered how to talk about it with kids, check out this book. I haven’t read it – or the original book for adults – yet, but this is on my list. This is the true story of the author who was separated from her parents who were undocumented immigrants.
Like Never and Always – After four teens are in a car accident, one wakes up in the body of one of the others, discovering some dark secrets about the girl’s life. This sounds fascinating!

Books for Adults

Bad Girls (Graphic Novel) – Three women have 12 hours to get out of Cuba with six million dollars in 1958. Sounds like a thrilling edge-of-your-seat story. (Hardcover*)
Heart Land – After trying to make it in the fashion industry in New York, a young woman has to move back home to Iowa until she can scrape enough money together to go back. When she redesigns a vintage dress from a flea market and sells it for $200, she has her ticket back to the Big Apple. But her heart may be getting attached to Iowa. This sounds lovely.  (Trade paperback*)
Kill the Farm Boy: The Tales of Pell – An unlikely farm boy is off to rescue the princess in a Monty Python-esque story. Of course I am reading this one! I’ll be diving into it this week so I can review it next week. Be sure to come back and check out the review. (Hardcover*)
Maze Master – Two students are trying to find their missing brilliant professor who might the be only one who can stop a pandemic level virus. This sounds like the sort of thriller that will be hard to put down once you start reading. (Hardcover*)
Rescued – Book 17 in the fantastic Andy Carpenter series finds Andy and the team trying to defend a guy accused of murder who says it was self-defense. But there’s no sign of another weapon. The whole case may hinge on the smallest of clues. I loved this one and will be reviewing it in August. (Hardcover*)
Am I Enough? Embracing the Truth of Who You Are – A new book for Christian readers about finding your identity in Christ. I love books like this! (Trade paperback*)
Set Phasers to Teach! Star Trek in Research and Teaching (July 21) – This new book looks at the influence of the Star Trek universe on everyday technology and a wide variety of disciplines. I would love to read this one! (Academic Title*)

*I’ve noticed that publishers have shifted some of their new mystery series to Trade paperback (full size paperback with a sale price around $15 or $16) or hardcover (with a sale price around $25) instead of Mass Market paperback which runs around $8. When I think of it, I’ll try to note the format so readers can plan their book budgets – and trips to the library – accordingly.

How’s your summer reading going? Frankly, I’ve only finished two of my six summer challenge books, I have a backlog of library books (both physical and electronic), and I bought 8 new books for vacation. There are truly too many books and not enough time! Here are some new books releasing this week that you might want to add to your personal TBR list.

Books for Kids

A Place for Pluto (July 13) – Pluto is shocked when he is kicked out of the group of recognized planets and goes off to find where he belongs. I love the whole idea of this. Looking forward to this one.
Princess and the Pit Stop – A mashup of fairy tales and auto racing from Tom Angleberger (author of the terrific Origami Yoda series) and Dan Santat. This is a must read for me.
Sterling, Best Dog Ever – A dog looking for a home decides to settle for being the best FORK ever and wanders into a silverware factory. When a family finds the dog in their order, needless to say, they are surprised. This looks adorable!
That Bear Can’t Babysit – Bear isn’t the babysitter the rabbits had in mind to watch their seven little ones, but he is the only one who shows up. Yes, please. I would read any and all of these new picture books out this week!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Basque Dragon – Book 2 in the Unicorn Rescue Society about a secret group of adventurers charged with protecting mythical creatures. There are a few series out now with a similar premise, and they are a lot of fun. I have book one from this series on my summer reading TBR list. Book three releases later this fall.
A Hint of Hydra – Book 2 in the Mystic Cooking Chronicles series about a kid chef specializing in monster cuisine. I have book one in this series on my library wish list. Sounds like fun!
My Year in the Middle – In Lu’s classroom in 1970,  the white kids sit on one side of her classroom and the black kids sit on the other side. Lu bridges the gap in the middle. As her friendships start to change as Lu and her peers get older, she wants to branch out beyond the racial divides of her school. This would be a fascinating story.
I’m Not Missing – A teen who was abandoned by her mother found connection with a friend who didn’t let her lack of a mother define her. But when that friend disappears, the teen is left with a lot of questions. I’m curious about this one.
Notes from My Captivity – A teen who longs to get away to college and become a journalist heads to Siberia to cover a story, but the story is not at all what she expected. This is one of my top choices for this week.
The Supervillain and Me – A teen with a superhero brother and an insiders take on the heroes is rescued by a new supervillain, and he tells her the hero world is not at all what she thinks it is. This is at the top of my list for the week.

Books for Adults

The Book in Room 316 – Four different individuals pass through Room 316 at the Markham Hotel, each one looking for comfort and answers to the trials of life. This is on my list as well. (Trade Paperback*)
A Brush with Death – First book in the new Susie Mahl Mystery series. Looking forward to checking this one out. (Trade Paperback*)
Clock Dance – An elderly woman receives a call from a stranger and flies across the country to take care of a young woman and her child. This one piques my curiosity. It’s been getting a lot of positive press in pre-release. I hope it lives up to the hype. I have this one on hold already at the library. (Hardcover*)
The Con Artist – An illustrated mystery that takes place at San Diego Comic Con. Yep, sign me up for this one! (Trade Paperback*)
European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman – Book 2 of the Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club series about figures from science fiction and horror classics coming together to solve crimes. This time the daughters of literature’s mad scientists are off to rescue one of their own. This is a fascinating premise! I have book one on my library wish list. (Hardcover*)
Jedi the Last – Star Wars The Last Jedi in Shakespearean form. These are small but amusing books. Great gifts for Star Wars fans or collectors of the other books in the series. (Hardcover – $15ish)
Live and Let Chai – First in the Seaside Café Mystery series about the owner of an iced tea shop and café who is suspected of poisoning a grumpy customer. I love trying new mystery series! (Mass Market Paperback)
Poisoned Pages – Book 12 in the Booktown Mystery series. This time someone dies at Tricia’s home at a party where she prepared all the food. This is a series I have lost track of. I know I started it. I would love to get back to it. (Hardcover*)
Shelved Under Murder – Book 2 in the fabulous Blue Ridge Library Mystery series. I’ll be reviewing this one here Wednesday. (Hardcover*)
A Souffle of Suspicion – Book 2 in the French Bistro Mystery series. This time a festival organizer is found dead in her sister’s kitchen. I’d love to dig into the first book in this series. (Hardcover*)
When We Found Home – A woman discovers siblings she never knew she had when they all move into the family home with their mutual grandfather. I already have this on hold from the library, too. (Hardcover*)
The Fall of Wisconsin: The Conservative Conquest of a Progressive Bastion and the Future of American Politics – The Wisconsin I grew up in and the one I see today in politics don’t have a lot in common. I am interested in reading this to dig into some of that history a little. The author’s bias is evident in the title. I’m curious to see how balanced his research is. (Hardcover*)
Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done – I love everything about this title and premise. I’ll be reviewing this one later this summer. (Trade Paperback*)
Prayers of My Heart: A Personal Prayer Journal – This is a structured journal to track your prayer requests and your prayer life. I would like to see this in person before I decide if it would work for me. (Trade Paperback in pricing although I am not certain about the format*)
What Happens When Women Say Yes to God: Live More Fully, Love More Deeply, Experience God’s Best for You – The latest from Lysa TerKeurst, this is absolutely on my Must Read list. Looking forward to digging into this one, too (Trade Paperback*)

*I’ve noticed that publishers have shifted some of their new mystery series to Trade paperback (full size paperback with a sale price around $15 or $16) or hardcover (with a sale price around $25) instead of Mass Market paperback which runs around $8. When I think of it, I’ll try to note the format so readers can plan their book budgets – and trips to the library – accordingly.

Happy July! And for my American readers, happy Independence Day this week! If you are looking for something to read over your holiday time off, here are some suggestions from books out this week.

Books for Kids

Mabel Beecher Future Teacher (July 2) – A kindergarten student takes things into her own hands when her beloved teacher goes on maternity leave. I can’t wait to read this one!
Crayola: The Secrets of the Cool Colors and Hot Hues – This Early Reader is part of the Science of Fun Stuff series, which I adore. This and the History of Fun Stuff are both amazing series to get kids excited about history, science and nonfiction books. This one explores the science behind crayons. The history of Crayola will release later this fall.
Mr. Monkey Bakes a Cake – A banana-loving monkey bakes a cake. First in a new series. Looks adorable.
Home Again – Book 4 in this sweet transitional chapter book series. In this book, the animals try to save their home when tragedy strikes in the midst of wedding plans.
Tale of a Scaredy-Dog – Book 3 in the Bea Garcia transitional chapter book series about an artist and her canine best friend. This looks terrific!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Bumblebee at Super Hero High – Book 6 in the awesome DC Super Hero High series. This book focuses on Bumblebee and a problem with the world’s honey supply.
The Door to the Lost – A new fantasy book about magical kids in a world that doesn’t trust magic – refugees with no memory of their lives before. This sounds like a book I will love.
Max’s Story – Book 4 in the Dog’s Purpose series for kids. I loved the first book in this series, Ellie’s Story. This will be perfect for kids who love animal books.
Not So Normal Norbert (July 2) – A new series kicks off from James Patterson, this one starring a rule-following kid in a dystopian version of the future. One hilarious choice gets Norbert banished to another planet where he sees that being not-so-normal can be a lot of fun. I don’t generally read Patterson’s books (I’ve read a few but none became favorites), but the premise of this one sounds fantastic.
Power Play – Book 2 in the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series where the girls go out on their first mission. Sounds like a fun series.
Where the Watermelons Grow – A girl looks for solutions to her mother’s mental illness and her father’s frantic efforts to save the family farm. This sounds like a powerful story.
Copycat – A new teen thriller about a girl who discovers life is imitating art when a local murder fits the facts of a popular book series. This is at the top of my reading list for the week.
The Loneliest Girl in the Universe – The daughter of two astronauts finds herself orphaned and alone on a space craft. Contact with the captain of another craft coming to meet her helps with the loneliness, but their relationship uncovers information that will change everything. Yep, this is on my list, too.
Star Wars Maker Lab – 20 craft and science projects with a Star Wars theme.
Star Wars The Rebel Files – Background information on the characters and events of Star Wars.

Books for Adults

Black Chamber – This kicks off a new alternate history series where Teddy Roosevelt had a second term as president right before WWI and had the spies of Black Chamber as his allies. I’m curious about this series. I’ll be looking for this one at the library.  (Trade Paperback*)
The Calculating Stars – Book 1 in the new Lady Astronaut series about an alternate history where a meteorite wiped out most of the east coast of the United States in 1952 and accelerated efforts to colonize space. I’ll be looking for this one as well.  (Trade Paperback*)
The House at Saltwater Point – Book 2 in the Lavender Tides series about a house flipper who is searching for her missing sister. (Trade paperback*)
Italian Iced – Book 3 in the Ethnic Eats series (This actually released last week in paperback*) This is not a series I have tried, but it sounds terrific!
Killer Green Tomatoes – Book 2 in the Farm-to-Fork Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon, a writer I enjoy. I haven’t tried this series yet, but it’s on my list. (Trade Paperback*)
The Last Time I Lied – Three girls sneak out of their camp cabin, leaving the youngest roommate, Emma, behind. And they never return. Now that Emma is an adult, she returns to the newly reopened camp as a painting instructor, determined to find out what really happened to the others. This sounds terrific! (Hardcover*)
Scandal Above Stairs – Book 2 in the Kat Holloway Mystery series. This time Kat looks into some missing art work. I really enjoyed book one, and I’m eager to check out the sequel. (Trade Paperback*)
White Hot Grief Parade: A Memoir – I enjoy reading Memoirs, and this one about a girl who loses her father and finds her drama camp friends moving in to help with the grieving season sounds fascinating. (Hardcover*)
The Write Thing – YA author extraordinaire, Kwame Alexander brings teachers a resource for Writing Workshop. If I was still teaching, this would be a resource I would have pre-ordered so I could read it right away and incorporate it in my plans for the fall.

*I’ve noticed that publishers have shifted some of their new mystery series to Trade paperback (full size paperback with a sale price around $15 or $16) or hardcover (with a sale price around $25) instead of Mass Market paperback which runs around $8. When I think of it, I’ll try to note the format so readers can plan their book budgets – and trips to the library – accordingly.