It's hard to go back to school or work after a long break. And this year, at least in the United States, back to school has been disrupted by icy temperatures, snow as far South as Florida and Texas, and wildfires in California (here's a link to bid on a wonderful auction put together by the kidlit community to benefit organizations providing relief and help). As we look ahead to the spring (it really is just around the corner), check out these books that can transport you to other worlds. We've got mystery, mythology, and even some fabulous time travel -- and a podcast episode to go with each book.
I loved this latest installment in the City Spies series. James Ponti puts his teenaged spies through their paces from Istanbul to Rome to London as the team risks discovery to save one of their own. There's humor and mystery, dramatic twists and turns, travel adventure, STEAM connections, and so much more. If you have students who enjoyed the Spy School series, introduce them to City Spies.
My interview with James Ponti about this book (episode 119 of the Adventures in Learning Podcast) covers all sorts of new ground, including a fast paced fill in the blanks section. Plus, there are two additional interviews with James Ponti to provide more background on the writing process, the keys to his successful series (he's got two different series going with books out every year right now), and engaging middle grade readers.
James Ponti Blog Post and Podcast Episode (City Spies series/Mission Manhattan)
James Ponti Podcast Episode (The Game Is Afoot/Sherlock Society)
Grace Lin's first middle grade novel since the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon trilogy -- and it's a stunner.
The Gate, The Girl, and The Dragon is like a mug of hot tea on a snowy day. It warms your soul and sparks the imagination. The characters are memorable and Grace Lin’s lyrical storytelling and gorgeous illustrations are sure to make this an instant beloved classic for families and classrooms everywhere.
Use the QR codes to pre-order and get special goodies.
Check out my interview with Grace Lin here (hoping to get her back on the show to talk about this book!).
Lunar New Year is coming Up Jan. 29 -- it's the year of the Snake! Sign up for Grace's newsletter and get lots of resources and activities you can share with your students.
Step into a realm where imagination dances with science, as Thomas Wheeler invites us on a captivating journey through time with his new middle grade fantasy (soon to be movie), Everwhen: The Doomsday Vault. Tom weaves a world where imagination propels scientific discovery, led by the lively trio of Bertie (aka H.G. Wells), Zoe, and Millie daVinci (younger sister to THAT daVinci.) I loved the science and history Easter Eggs sprinkled throughout this fast paced plot, and really connected with the characters and the themes of friendship and second (or fiftieth) chances.
On the podcast, I chat about creative spark, time travel, writing, and hope with screenwriter, showrunner, and producer Thomas Wheeler. You know Tom Wheeler for his feature films Puss in Boots and The Lego Ninjago Movie, as well as Cursed for Netflix, Empire for ABC, and The Cape for NBC. In this episode, we delve into Tom's newest creation, into his newest creation, Everwhen: The Doomsday Vault, a fascinating fusion of time travel, science, and imaginative storytelling. For your language arts classes, we also explore how he launched and sustained a successful writing career in Hollywood.
I love a good debut novel -- and this one, by Gloria L. Huang, is great! One of the things I love about the work I do is discovering new authors to share with you. Set against the scenic backdrop of Hawaii, Kaya of the Ocean intertwines themes of folk literature, family challenges, and the struggles of finding self-acceptance while battling anxiety. And Gloria juggles these themes with humor and grace, giving us a book that is full of adventure and humor, as well as nuanced characters struggling with anxiety, self-acceptance, and the worries of middle graders. If your readers liked Drawing Deena or When You Trap a Tiger, they're sure to fall in love with Kaya!
Your Turn: You Have Questions, I'll Find Answers
Later, this spring, I'll be talking brand new book releases with Carole Boston Weatherford and Jefferey Boston Weatherford (Rap It Up!), Teresa Robeson (Disgustology: The Science of Gross, Clear and Bright: A Ching Ming Festival Story), Emma Ortheguy (Cousins in the Time of Magic), DeAndra Hodge and Allen Wells (Yvonne Clark and Her Engineering Spark), and Matt Forrest Esenwine (A Universe of Rainbows: Multicolored Poems for a Multicolored World).
If you have questions for any of these authors/illustrators, comment below. I'll select audience questions to include in the podcast.
Note: I am a bookshop.org affiliate. The links to the books are provided for your convenience. If you click through the links and elect to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. I encourage you to visit your local independent book store or library and request these amazing new releases.
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