Summer Reading Recs

Looking for books that will keep kids reading all summer long? Here are some of our recommendations:

SUMMER ADVENTURE FOR GROOT! by Brendan Deneen, Illustrated by Cale Atkinson

The Guardians of the Galaxy are off on a summer “road” trip through the cosmos. From surfing the waves of Zenn-La and riding a tandem bike on Morag to playing hide-and-seek in Asgard and enjoying a dazzling display of fireworks on Xandar, Rocket and Groot are determined to enjoy all the best activities that summer in space has to offer! Young readers will be inspired to create their own to-do list for the ultimate summer adventure.

SPIDER-MAN SWINGS THROUGH EUROPE! by Calliope Glass

Swing alongside Spider-Man as he travels through Europe! Whether he’s riding in a gondola through the Venice canals or breaking out all his best moves to get a reaction from the Queen’s Guard in London, Spider-Man is determined to have the best vacation ever.

HOTEL BRUCE by Ryan T. Higgins

When Bruce gets home from a southern migration trip with his goslings, he is tired. He is grumpy. And he is definitely not in the mood to share his home with the trio of mice who have turned his den into a hotel. Bruce is in a little over his head, especially once the goslings join the staff. Will this grumpy bear ever get his quiet, peaceful den back to himself?

SHOULD I SHARE MY ICE CREAM? by Mo Willems

In this Elephant and Piggie early reader featuring a classic summertime treat, Gerald must decide if he will share his ice cream, before it’s too late!

INTO DARKNESS by Liz Braswell

In this sequel to Stuffed, Clark can’t wait to go away to camp. And now that he knows (or suspects . . . very strongly) that his grandma-made Stuffy, Foon, heroically saved his own father from a horrible fate, Clark is obviously bringing Foon to camp along with him. But once Clark gets to camp, he and his friends discover things are off. There are strange, gooey findings in some of the bunks, the adults are acting weird, and, worst of all, their Stuffies and dolls go missing right at the moment they need them the most. Will Clark and Foon be able to stop the Monsters and save the camp?

THE HIGH REPUBLIC RACE TO CRASHPOINT TOWER by Daniel José Older

The newest action-packed adventure set in the era of The High Republic finds Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram facing down the enemy, the dreaded Nihil, at Crashpoint Tower in order to protect the Republic Fair. Luckily, he’s about to get some assistance from unexpected new friends.

PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE FOREST OF TEARS by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears

When budding scientist Paola Santiago’s best friend goes missing near the Gila River, she knows there must be a logical explanation. It can’t be the work of La Llorona, the mythical wailing woman her mother has always warned her about, who prowls the banks of the river waiting to drag in unsuspecting children. Or can it? Paola’s quest to find her friend will bring her into the the world of her nightmares, where unnatural mist, mind-bending monsters, and relentless spirits controlled by a terrifying force that defies both logic and legend will make her question everything she thought she knew.

TRISTAN STRONG DESTROYS THE WORLD by Kwame Mbalia

Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there’s no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge. Tristan must return to Alke—and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby—in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation.

10 TRUTHS AND A DARE by Ashley Elston

When Olivia Perkins finds out an unsigned PE slip has put her in danger of not graduating, she has one week to set things straight without tipping off her very big and very nosy extended family. What results is a fun-filled romp that is a celebration of friendship, family, and, yes, maybe even a little bit of romance.

COLD HEARTED by Serena Valentino

The latest novel in Serena Valentino’s deliciously devious Villains series introduces the most famed and hated wicked stepmother of them all—but turns everything you know about her on its head.

CURSE OF THE SPECTER QUEEN by Jenny Elder Moke

Indiana Jones gets a refresh with this female-driven mystery adventure, set in the 1920s, full of ciphers, ancient relics, and heart-stopping action – the first in a brand-new series featuring aspiring archaeologist Samantha Knox!

Celebrating Stories with Pride

This June, celebrate Pride Month in the library or classroom with these books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters.

SAL AND GABI FIX THE UNIVERSE by Carlos Hernandez

Among many other challenges, Sal and Gabi have to try to make everything right with their world when a rogue Gabi from another universe enters through one of the Sal’s wormholes. With multiple Sals and Gabis in charge, it’s no wonder this sequel offers even more hilarious weirdness, warm-hearted hijinks, and love than the first book.

Educator’s guide for the Sal and Gabi series.

DRAGON PEARL by Yoon Ha Lee

Dragon Pearl Cover

This action-packed, sci-fi adventure novel is about Min, a teenage fox spirit, who runs away to solve the mystery of what happened to her older brother, and maybe even save her home planet.

Educator’s guide for Dragon Pearl

TOWER OF NERO by Rick Riordan

The Trials of Apollo

The final book in the Trials of Apollo series, which finds the god Apollo cast to earth as mortal teenager Lester Papadopoulos. The series brings together a diverse and beloved cast of characters from previous Riordan books in the epic conclusion to the saga that began with The Lightning Thief.

Educator’s guide for the Trials of Apollo series. 

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: The Road Trip by Melissa de la Cruz

The drama kids of East High hit the road in this original novel set between the events of seasons 1 and 2 of the Disney+ series, featuring fan-favorite characters as they journey to a HSM convention in a neighboring state.

SHIP IT by Britta Lundin

Ship It Cover

Teen fanfic blogger Claire comes out of her basement and into the limelight when her favorite TV show invites her to consult on its stars’ public image.

Look out for Like Other Girls, the newest from Britta Lundin, coming this summer!

THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP: BUILT ON HOPE by Sam Maggs

Unstoppable Wasp

This thrilling adventure finds Nadia Van Dyne (aka the Unstoppable Wasp) confronting her past as she tries to shape her future, and learning that sometimes the best way to effect big change is to think small—maybe even super small—in an original YA novel based on the Marvel comic series.

THE HIGH REPUBLIC: INTO THE DARK by Claudia Gray

Into the Dark

Jedi Padawan Reath Silas must challenge himself to step outside of his comfort zone and into the heart of the action when a trip from the cosmopolitan galactic capital of Coruscant to the undeveloped frontier goes disastrously wrong.

Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Stories and Storytellers

This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and all year long, we celebrate stories that reflect the immense diversity of cultures, languages, foods, histories, religions, and mythologies, along with common experiences, both positive and negative, that shape the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). The following books, either written by AAPI authors, or featuring AAPI characters, or both, offer stories that will captivate any reader. You can find these titles and more in our AAPI-focused catalogs: Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Storytellers and Celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Stories.

ELLIE MAKES A FRIEND by Mike Wu

Ellie Makes a Friend

When Ping, a panda who also happens to be a talented artist, moves to the zoo, Ellie is a bit intimidated. Is there room for two artists at the zoo? As she learns more about her new friend from China, Ellie finds that a fresh perspective can lead to new inspiration—and maybe something wonderful they can create together!

Educator’s guide for The World of Ellie.

I’M ON IT! By Andrea Tsurumi

A prepositional game of one-upmanship tests the limits of play for Goat and Frog in the newest installment in Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie Like Reading! series, by acclaimed illustrator Andrea Tsurumi.

ARU SHAH AND THE CITY OF GOLD by Roshani Chokshi

In the penultimate book in the Pandava series, Aru Shah and her sisters—including one who also claims to be the Sleeper’s daughter—must find their mentors Hanuman and Urvashi in Lanka, the city of gold, before war breaks out between the devas and asuras.

Educator’s guide for the Pandava series.

THE LAST FALLEN STAR by Graci Kim

In this thrilling middle-grade adventure infused with Korean mythology, an adopted Korean-American girl named Riley discovers her heritage and her magic on a perilous journey to save her witch clan family.

Educator’s guide for The Last Fallen Star.

THE STORY OF MOANA by Kari Sutherland

Inspired by the Disney Animation Studios film Moana, this middle grade novel features characters and adventures based on the rich culture of Oceania. It includes original content in the form of mini folktales interspersed throughout the story of the film.

REFLECTION: A TWISTED TALE by Elizabeth Lim

What if Mulan had to travel to the Underworld to save Shang? This book, from the New York Times best-selling Twisted Tale series, explores a new story about honor, courage, and love inspired by the Disney animated classic.

BOOKS THAT CELEBRATE WOMEN’S HISTORY AT WALT DISNEY ANIMATION

This Women’s History Month, we recognize the achievements of the women of Walt Disney Animation Studios. From inkers and painters, to sculptors, to concept artists, to animators and beyond, women have long been involved in bringing Disney’s animated films to life. Learn more about these trailblazing women from the following books.

INK & PAINT: THE WOMEN OF WALT DISNEY’S ANIMATION

By Mindy Johnson

This authoritative volume on the history of women animators at Walt Disney Animation Studios covers the often overlooked history of female artists and innovators who played an integral role in the development of animated films. Beginning in the Ink & Paint Department, where legions of female artists brought the pencil sketches of the animators to colorful life as they transferred the paper drawings to celluloid sheets, women soon were part of every discipline within animation production. Extensively researched with the full support of the entire Walt Disney Studios archival resources, plus a multitude of private collections, firsthand accounts, newly discovered materials, and production documentation, as well as never-before-seen photography and artwork, this essential volume redefines the collective history of animation.

PENCILS, PENS, AND BRUSHES: A GREAT GIRLS’ GUIDE TO DISNEY ANIMATION

By Mindy Johnson, Illustrated by Lorelay Bové

Pencils, Pens & Brushes

Mindy Johnson brings her illuminating research from INK & PAINT to a younger audience with this non-fiction picture book that highlights the lives and work of some of the trailblazing women who worked at Walt Disney Animation Studios. These amazing women achieved a lot of “firsts”: from the first woman to head a department in animation (helping to win high-profile awards) to the chemist who created the world’s first animation paint laboratory to the first woman to design famous Hollywood monsters. Their achievements have and continue to inspire generations of women to break down barriers in animation and the wider film industry.

MARY BLAIR’S UNIQUE FLAIR

By Amy Novesky, Illustrated by Brittney Lee

Mary Blair's Unique Flair

The stylishness and vibrant color of Disney films in the early 1940s through mid-1950s came primarily from artist Mary Blair. In her prime, she was an amazingly prolific American artist who enlivened and influenced the not-so-small worlds of film, print, theme parks, architectural décor, and advertising. This picture book biography, illustrated by a current visual development artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios, is a colorful introduction to the life and legacy of a legendary artist who left a lasting impact on Disney and animation.

Celebrating Black Authors

February is Black History Month, and while Black history should be a feature of curriculum year-round, it is an important opportunity to highlight the experiences of Black Americans, and to celebrate the contributions of Black innovators, artists, and visionaries, while also recognizing the violent history of systemic oppression and racism in the United States, which persists to this day. It is also an opportunity to center Black voices in the classroom, using books by Black creators.

THE TRISTAN STRONG SERIES by Kwame Mbalia

Tristan Strong Medal            Tristan Strong Destroys the World

The Tristan Strong series, by Kwame Mbalia, is an action-packed adventure that centers a young Black boy. Still reeling from the recent loss of his best friend, Tristan accidentally punches a hole in the sky of another world, a world where African Gods and African American folk heroes exist, and he must deal with the consequences of the trouble he has unleashed.

In addition to covering themes familiar to kids the world over, including dealing with parental expectations, loss, friendship, anger, joy, fear, uncertainty, and finding one’s place in the world, the Tristan Strong series also incorporates concepts related to Black history, including the African Diaspora, the transatlantic slave trade, African and African-American mythology and folk stories, and the tradition of oral storytelling.

Incorporate Tristan Strong into your classroom using the educator’s guide, newly updated to include Book 2.

THE VOTING BOOTH by Brandy Colbert

The Voting Booth

An all-in-one-day love story perfect for fans of THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR about two first-time teen voters who meet at their polling place and overcome obstacle after obstacle in order to cast a ballot in a critical election. This book by an Black author featuring Black teens can be an important tool for discussions about widespread attempts to strip Black citizens of their voting rights.

THE BELLES and THE EVERLASTING ROSE by Dhonielle Clayton

            The Everlasting Rose

In a world where Beauty is a commodity only a few control, one Belle will learn the dark secrets behind her powers, and rise up to change the world. Written by Dhonielle Clayton, the founder of Cake Literary, a literary development company, and COO of We Need Diverse Books, this book features diverse characters and offers a commentary on beauty standards that is sure to spark discussion.

IT’S SHOE TIME by Bryan Collier

This lyrical beginning-reader by six-time Coretta Scott King award winner and four-time Caldecott honor recipient Bryan Collier turns the closet on its heel and redefines what it means to be a pair. Beautifully rendered art paired with rich, rhyming dialog creates a powerful reading experience.

BLACK PANTHER: THE YOUNG PRINCE by Ronald L. Smith

When a twelve-year-old T’Challa is sent to Chicago to escape danger in Wakanda, he realizes that he might not be as equipped to handle life in America as he thought. Especially when it comes to navigating new friendships while hiding his true identity as the prince of a powerful nation, avoiding a menacing classmate who is rumored to be involved in dark magic, and coming to terms with the very different reality of life for Black boys in America.

MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN by Jason Reynolds

Miles Morales is Spider-Man, but he is also just a teenager, dealing with crushes, parents, school, and trying to get by in a world where boys like him rarely get to be the hero. In addition to all of the action and humor that one can expect from Spider-Man, multiple award-winning author Jason Reynolds has created a nuanced hero struggling with his identity, and racism and injustice in society.

Find a discussion guide here.

STAR WARS THE HIGH REPUBLIC: A TEST OF COURAGE by Justina Ireland

Best-selling author Justina Ireland explores a new era in a galaxy far, far away: the High Republic. Set 200 years before the Skywalker Saga, when the Jedi were guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy, this action-packed adventure finds a diverse group of young people fighting for their survival on an inhospitable planet when a journey to a new space station goes horrible wrong.

Congrats to What About Worms?!- Geisel Honor Book

At the 2021 Youth Media Awards, held during the annual ALA Midwinter meeting, this years winners for some of the most prestigious awards in children’s literature were announced.

Disney Publishing was fortunate to have one book selected for an award: What About Worms?!, by acclaimed authors Ryan T. Higgins and Mo Willems, was chosen as 2021 Theodor Suess Geisel Honor Book!

Downloadable Activity Sheets

Visit Disney Publishing at the NCTE Virtual Annual Convention

For the first time in its 110 year history, NCTE is going virtual. While we will be sad to miss seeing you all in person, we are so excited to still have this opportunity to connect.

Visit the Disney Publishing Worldwide virtual booth for a look at our recent and upcoming releases, grab some e-galleys, and download teacher’s guides and reproducible activity sheets to use in the classroom.

picture of NCTE booth in platform

We will also be hosting two in-booth author chats during the conference, so please stop by to connect with the authors, and ask them any questions you might have about their books or their writing process. The first is on Friday, November 20, from 2:00-2:20pm ET, with Tehlor Kay Mejia, author of Paola Santiago and the River of Tears, and Kwame Mbalia, author of Tristan Strong Destroys the World. The second chat is on Saturday, November 21, from 3:30-3:50pm ET, with Alexandra Bracken, author of The Darkest Minds series and the upcoming YA novel, Lore.

Also, look for our authors in the On Demand panels, which attendees can watch at any time during the conference. Picture book author and illustrator Ryan T. Higgins (We Will Rock Our Classmates) participated in the roundtable discussion for “How Pictures and Words Come Together,” and Kwame Mbalia participated in the panel “A Confluence of Readers and Writers: Connecting Students and Authors.”

We also participated in a Book Buzz that is scheduled for Friday, November 20, from 4:30-5:45pm ET. We will present an overview of our most anticipated titles for Winter/Spring 2021, along with several other publishers.

The school and library team will be in the booth during the exhibit hall hours, so feel free to stop by and ask us questions, or just say hi.

Spooky Reads for Halloween

Looking for a Halloween read-aloud even the most hesitant kid will enjoy? Or a recommendation for a teen who can’t get enough of gory slasher films? We have books for every kid, tween, teen, ghost, or witch that you may meet this spooky season. The jack-o’-lantern emoji indicates the book’s scare factor, on a scale of 1-5.

PICTURE BOOKS

Are You Scared, Darth Vader? by Adam Rex

What scares Darth Vader? Certainly not monsters, witches, or ghosts, and especially not the dark. So what causes the most fearsome villain in the galaxy to cower behind his mask? Read on in Adam Rex’s hilarious and spooky Star Wars tale to find out.

The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton

This picture book adaptation of the beloved movie, written and illustrated by creator Tim Burton, is perfect for bringing the story of Jack Skellington and Halloweenland to young fans and newcomers alike.


MIDDLE GRADE

DISNEY CHILLS: FIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE by Vera Strange

Disney Villains meets Goosebumps in this brand new chapter book series, where kids discover what happens when the dreams that they fear will come true, do. In Fiends on the Other Side, 12-year-old Jamal is about to find out why people say never to make a deal with the Shadow Man. Grab your night-light, dear reader, and prepare to be CHILL-ed!

TALES FROM THE HAUNTED MANSION by Amicus Arcane

In this chapter book series, Amicus Arcane, the resident librarian of the Haunted Mansion, shares spooky stories about the ghosts that roam the halls of his legendary home. What frightening fictions does this once-living librarian hold in store? And will you, foolish reader, be brave enough to listen to them all without going mad…or dying from fright?

THE DREADFUL TALE OF PROSPER REDDING by Alexandra Bracken

A darkly delightful MG contemporary fantasy from New York Times best-selling author Alexandra Bracken about a modern New England boy who must rid himself of the ancient demon inhabiting his body and break his family’s curse.

STUFFED by Liz Braswell

10-year-old Clark’s beloved stuffed animals protect him every night from the Monsters, but they face their biggest challenge yet when one targets Clark’s dad.

PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE RIVER OF TEARS by Tehlor Kay Mejia

Paola Santiago and the River of Tears

Fans of scary movies and horror legends will be reaching for this thrilling fantasy adventure based on the Mexican legend of La Llorona.


YOUNG ADULT

HOCUS POCUS AND THE ALL-NEW SEQUEL by A. W. Jantha

Fans of the classic Halloween movie will love returning to the world of the Sanderson sisters with this fresh retelling of the original movie, and an all-new sequel that finds the next generation of Salem teens fighting to save their town from the witches’ latest vile scheme.

EVIL THING by Serena Valentino

Evil Thing

The captivating seventh installment in the popular Villains series follows the rise and fall of the deranged and glamorous fan favorite, Cruella De Vil. If it doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will…

#NOESCAPE by Gretchen McNeil

#NoEscape

In this twisty, campy horror novel set in the same world as teen favorites #MurderTrending and #MurderFunding, 17-year-old Persey enters an escape room competition. But when contestants start getting killed off, Persey must solve a series of bizarre and gruesome puzzles, riddles, and games, not just to win, but to make it out alive.

Disney Publishing at School Library Journal Day of Dialog

 

This year, SLJ’s Day of Dialog is going fully virtual, from panels to keynote talks, and yes, even an exhibitor’s hall.

Visit the Disney Publishing Worldwide virtual booth to learn more about recent and upcoming releases, snag eGalleys, and access our downloadable activity sheets and teacher’s guides.

We will also have a very special guest stopping by to chat and answer questions live in our booth: Sarwat Chadda, author of City of the Plague God. This forthcoming release from Rick Riordan Presents is the story of thirteen-year-old Sikander Aziz, who has to team up with the hero Gilgamesh in order to stop Nergal, the ancient god of plagues, from wiping out the population of Manhattan in this adventure based on Mesopotamian mythology.

City of the Plague God   

Sarwat Chadda will be chatting in our booth from 11:10-11:30 am ET, following his participation in the panel In The Midst of it All: Books for Middle Graders. This panel will take place from 10:05am-11:00am ET, and features four authors representing a range of genres discussing the challenges and rewards of writing for a middle grade audience.

We will miss seeing you all in person, but hope you will stop by and say hi!

And if you haven’t yet registered for this free event, there is still time. Visit the SLJ website here for more details and to sign up.

 

Fall & Winter Books Preview (Free Booklist Webinar)

Since we can’t travel to our usual conferences, to showcase all of our exciting new books and talented authors we decided to bring our preview to you—virtually!

We recently partnered with Booklist on a free webinar to highlight our new titles publishing this fall and winter, as well as offer a chance to hear directly from the authors about their books.

In this hour long webinar, we share the most anticipated upcoming titles across our imprints, from Disney Hyperion to Marvel Press to Lucasfilm Press. Included in the list are the latest books from Mo Willems, Eoin Colfer, Kwame Mbalia, and Alexandra Bracken, just to name a few of our amazing authors, as well as introductions to several brand new series we can’t wait for you to read.

To make things even more exciting, we asked a few of the authors to join in and share a little bit about what we can expect from their books. There are two panels during the webinar. The first panel features authors who are reimagining Disney stories in brand new ways. This panel is moderated by Julia Smith, Books for Youth senior editor at Booklist, and includes J.J. Gilbert, author of The Mouse Watch, Estelle Laure, author of City of Villains, Alyssa Moon, author of Delphine and the Silver Needle, and Emma Theriault, author of Rebel Rose. The second panel features authors from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint discussing their upcoming books. This panel is moderated by Stephanie Lurie, the editor of Rick Riordan Presents, and features J. C. Cervantes, author of The Shadow Crosser, Sarwat Chadda, author of City of the Plague God, and Kwame Mbalia, author of Tristan Strong Destroys the World.

To watch a recording of the webinar click here.