The books that make the Wisconsin State Reading List are evaluated based on appeal for students and value for classroom use while also representing high-quality literature with a focus on diversity, authenticity, real-world awareness, thought-provoking response, engaging storytelling, and artistry of writing craft. Congratulations to author Saadia Faruqi for having her debut book make this list!
In honor of Read Across America Day, Ciarra Chavarria gave her top picks for the best children’s books that celebrate diversity. MEET YASMIN ranked #6 on her list, because:
“Yasmin’s religion and culture are woven so seamlessly and thoughtfully into her story that all readers — no matter their background — can learn from and enjoy her adventures. And I love the additional learning material at the back.”
To read the full article, click here.
“Exceptional storytelling, well-crafted, true-to-life dialogue, and the richly drawn Brooklyn landscape will draw readers into this fast-paced blend of mystery, budding romance, and social commentary. Thoroughly engrossing and as infectious as Steph’s lyrics: a testament to the unbreakable bonds of friendship and a love letter to Brooklyn and hip-hop in the late ’90s.” – Kirkus, starred review
“An obvious choice for any picture book collection, this book teaches counting skills and new words while celebrating Hispanic and Latinx culture.” – School Library Journal, starred review
Dierdre Wolownick’s THE SHARP END OF LIFE: A MOTHER’S STORY, to Editions du Mont-Blanc (France), at auction, by Marie Jaccard at La Nouvelle Agence, on behalf of Taryn Fagerness Agency and Jennifer Chen Tran at Bradford Literary Agency.
Joss Wood’s next four books, again to Stacy Boyd at Harlequin Desire, in a four-book deal, for publication beginning in late 2019, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency (world)
NYT-bestselling author Tessa Bailey’s FIX HER UP, the first title in a romantic comedy series featuring a group of blue collar best friends who flip houses and fall in love, to Nicole Fischer at Avon, in a three-book deal, for publication in June 2019, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency (world English).
Lauren Dane’s WRATH OF THE GODDESS, the fifth book in her Rowan Summerwaite series, along with a sixth Rowan book and one additional installment in the author’s Diablo Lake paranormal romance series, to Angela James at Carina Press, in a three-book deal, for publication in June 2019, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency (world English).
Maggie Robinson’s WHO’S SORRY NOW?, the second installment in the Lady Adelaide Mystery series, in which Bright Young People are poisoned across London, and a Scotland Yard Inspector must enlist the help of the well-connected Lady Adelaide to help him navigate the society waters—but he doesn’t know her late and unlamented husband will be along for the ride, to Barbara Peters at Poisoned Pen Press, for publication in mid-2019, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency (world English).
Tara Brown’s FLING CLUB, to Martina Donati at Newton Compton (Italy), by Thesis Contents Agency, on behalf of Alexandra Levenberg at Amazon Publishing and Natalie Lakosil at Bradford Literary Agency.
MONDAY’S NOT COMING is a Top 10 YALSA BFYA selection! During the Teen Feedback Session at ALA Midwinter, teens from Seattle and Oregon shared their opinions about the books on the Best Fiction for Young Adults 2019 list. With their input, the BFYA 2019 Blogging team determined the BFYA 2019 Top Ten. Congratulations to author Tiffany Jackson!