Welcome to the online presence of the Butler Children's Literature Center, housed in Dominican's SOIS (Crown Library room 214). Here, we celebrate the best in books for youth and those who delight in sharing them. For Summer 2025, BCLC will offer collection access to the Dominican community and general public during posted open hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9am to 4pm, Wednesday noon-4pm, Friday 9am-5pm and by appointment with the Curator. Contact Jen Clemons at jclemons@dom.edu to make arrangements or you can still reach us at butler@dom.edu.
This week on the Butler Bookshelf you will find The Cost of Knowing by Brittany Morris. Morris tells the story of 16-year-old Alex Rufus. Alex tries to lead a normal life and be the best version of himself. However, his psychic abilities hinder him. Knowing what’s going to happen before it does makes him anxious and prevents him from living an ordinary life. And when Alex receives a vision of his younger brother’s imminent death, he must race against time, face his past, and discover what it means to be a Black man in America. For more amazing titles, check out the list below!
Drawn Across Borders: True Stories of Human Migration Written and Illustrated by George Butler Published by Candlewick Studio Available now!
Race Cars: A children’s book about white privilege Written by Jenny Devenny, LCSW and Edited by Charnaie Gordon Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books Available now!
In Deeper Waters Written by F. T. Lukens Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books Available now!
The Cost of Knowing Written by Brittney Morris Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers Available now!
Bug Blonsky and His Swamp Scout Survival Guide Written and Illustrated by E.S. Redmond Published by Candlewick Press Available now!
Battle of the Blanket Forts: Fort Builders Inc. 3 (Quix) Written by Dee Romito and Illustrated by Marta Kissi Published by Aladdin Quix Available now!
The Passing Playbook Isaac Fitzsimons Dial Books, Penguin Random House June 1, 2021 Ages 12 and up
After transitioning at his old school leads to threats, Spencer Harris gets a second chance at a progressive, private (read: expensive) school. Thinking things will be easier if he can just pass; he plans to keep his head down and make his family’s sacrifice worth it. But when his teenage temper flares, an errant kickball to the head of the soccer team captain gets the attention of the head soccer coach. Spencer gets recruited for the team and develops a relationship with rival, turned boyfriend, Justice Cortes. All his under-the-radar plans may be for naught, when paperwork reveals the F (for female) on Spencer’s birth certificate. Sharing his identity risks his status on the team, his budding romance, and possibly his safety. But maybe being true to himself, and standing up for other trans kids in the process, is worth the risk.
This #OWNVOICES title by debut author (and soccer fan) Isaac Fitzsimons is a fun and complex illustration of a biracial, queer, trans boy who is also a soccer star, fantastic big brother, and irrational teenager (not always in that order). And an exploration of how he balances those identities with the consequences of not being himself. Spencer knows he’s “had it pretty easy, all things considered” with supportive family and friends who try, despite not always getting it right (265*). His support system stands in grave contrast to Justice’s ultra-religious and homophobic family. Secondary characters like sweet, but closeted Justice; snarky, but supportive best friend Arden; and tough, but tender Coach Schilling add balance and complexity to the cast and layers to the plot. But Fitzsimons truly let’s Spencer shine—as a soccer star, queer advocate, and thriving teenager.
This week on the Butler Bookshelf is Take Back the Block by Chrystal D. Giles! We are eager to dive into the story of Wes Henderson and his fight to save Kensington Oaks, the neighborhood he’s lived in since birth. When a real estate developer offers to buy Kensington Oaks, threatening to take away the only life he has ever known, Wes thought he could turn to the adults to fix the problem. But all they do is argue. Now it’s up to Wes to find the missing piece to this puzzle and save the Oaks! For more fantastic titles, check out the list below!
We Want A Dog Written and Illustrated by Lo Cole Published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky Available June 8, 2021
Take Back the Block Written by Chrystal D. Giles Published by Random House Children’s Books Available now!
Yesterday is History Written by Kosoko Jackson Published by Sourcebooks Fire Available now!
A World of Plants Written by Martin Jenkins and Illustrated by James Brown Published by Candlewick Studio Available now!
Goodnight, Astronaut Written by Scott Kelly and Illustrated by Izzy Burton Published by Crown Books for Young Readers Available now!
Bears at the Beach Written by Shirley Parenteau and Illustrated by David Walker Published by Candlewick Press Available now!
Sunshine Marion Dane Bauer Candlewick Press May 18, 2021 Ages 8-12
Ben is the only kid in his class without a mother. Unlike his peers, Ben’s mother left him and his father when he was just three years old. He only knows what his father told him—that she lives on a remote island in northern Minnesota as a writer, and that she loves him. Although Sunshine (Ben’s imaginary dog) has always been there to comfort him, Ben still longs to be like everyone else: a kid with a mother. He plans to persuade his mother to come home with a weeklong visit in her rustic cabin. Once she sees what a great son he is, she’ll come back, and they’ll be family again. However, upon spending time with his mother, Ben becomes torn between wanting to be with her, and the anger he feels toward her for leaving him alone all these years.
Sunshine is a somber story about a child trying to put his broken family back together. Bauer illustrates the strong emotions that overwhelm children with Ben’s angry outbursts, guilt, and unhealthy attachment to his imaginary dog Sunshine. She uses the mother and son duo to depict how complicated love can be and how our emotions affect our actions. Bauer also explores the tough subjects of child abuse, anxiety, and mental health, showing how a parent’s unhappy childhood can affect how they treat their own children. Still, watching Ben let go of Sunshine, become independent, and learn to cope with his emotions brings a ray of light to this dark tale.
May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month! To celebrate, we are featuring some fantastic titles from Asian authors and illustrators. One book in particular that is set debut later this year is I am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story by Martha Brockenbrough and Taiwanese-American author/illustrator Grace Lin. The book is illustrated by Julia Kuo, who is also Taiwanese-American. Brockenbrough, Lin, and Kuo tell the true story of how Wong Kim Ark challenged the Supreme Court in 1898, arguing that a person born in America is an American citizen no matter their race. This is a timely story that children today need to hear. Check out the list below for more titles from the amazing Asian community!
I am an American: The Wong Kim Ark Story Written by Martha Brockenbrough & Grace Lin Illustrated by Julia Kuo Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Available November 2, 2021
Yolk Written by Mary H. K. Choi Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Available now!
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners Written by Joanna Ho and Illustrated by Dung Ho Published by HarperCollins Available now!
I am a Bird Written by Hope Lim and Illustrated by Hyewon Yum Published by Candlewick Available now!
Branches of Hope: The 9/11 Survivor Tree Written by Ann Magee and Illustrated by Nicole Wong Published by Charlesbridge Available May 18, 2021
The One Thing You’d Save Written by Linda Sue Park and Illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng Published by Clarion Books Available now!
Last spring, I decided virtual conferences were a silver lining to a socially distanced and anxiety-ridden time. The endlessly creative library and book world was just a click away, and all the conferences I’d dreamt of participating in were suddenly coming right to the safety of my desk (AKA the dining room table)! And while I love the energy and spontaneous meet-ups of a face-to-face conference, I’m excited for another summer of safely connecting online while the world recovers from this pandemic. Check out this roster of fabulous upcoming events for your professional development delight. And perhaps we’ll meet in a virtual happy hour—cheers!
SLJ Day of Dialog May 20, 2021 9:00am-6:00pm EST Free with registration.
Come hear about the latest and most exciting forthcoming titles for children, tweens, and teens, from picture books and nonfiction to graphic novels and YA, and engage in Q&A sessions with authors and illustrators. There will also be opportunities to visit the virtual exhibit hall to network with leading publishers, enjoy additional author chats, and download digital galleys and other free resources.
Publisher’s Weekly: US Book Show May 25-27, 2021 9:00am-4:00pm CDT Registration required—librarian ticket $35
Attendees will enjoy a wide array of book and author panels; programming geared to publishing professionals; and exhibitor booths available on a sliding scale meant to attract displays from a range of vendors, from small presses to midsize imprints, university presses, sideline producers, distributors, library data providers and the largest publishers. Special programming for librarians will put forth thought-provoking discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing libraries now.
Indigenous Voices: Authentic Children’s Literature in the Classroom & Library May 25-26, 2021 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm PDT Free with registration by May 25th
San Diego County Office of Education is hosting this two-day event featuring Debbie Reese, Traci Sorell, Anton Treuer, Arigon Starr, Dawn Quigley, Naomi Bishop, and Darcie Little Badger. The webinar is free and open to the public.
Bologna Children’s Book Fair June 14-17, 2021 Combination of free and paid events with registration required.
Visit the BCBF page for events (with registration details) ranging from a Virtual Illustrators Wall, to Awards Ceremonies, Master Class sessions, and licensing events.
ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition June 23-29, 2021 Registration required, fee based on membership category.
Join your community online at the leading library event of the year with more than 200 educational sessions, 250+ exhibitors, 25+ Featured Speakers, and more than 140 authors — and the best part you’ll have access to the conference content for a full year!
London Book Fair June 7-10 and June 29-July 1 Registration opens soon.
This series of publishing and rights related events delivers quality content, exciting keynote speakers, future-gazing presentations, heated debate and unrivalled networking opportunities. Full conference programs will be posted soon.
American Booksellers Association The 2021 Children’s Institute August 30-September 1, 2021 Registration opens June 15th
Attendees can expect all their favorite events from Children’s Institute, including keynotes, author appearances, education sessions, rep picks presentations, social events, and more, but with a twist only available to booksellers in a virtual world.
What events are you attending this summer? Drop us a note if there is another can’t miss event you’d love to share and we’ll help spread the word.
This week, the Butler Bookshelf is honoring Motherhood! With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we are excited to dive into Your Mama by NoNieqa Ramos! This book is an ode to 21st century mamas everywhere, honoring their love, hard work, and dedication. It features fun rhymes, beautiful illustrations, and even some Spanish. For more titles celebrating motherhood, check out the list below!
My Brave Little Girl Written by Hilary Duff and Illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley Published by Random House Books for Young Readers Available now!
Grow Written by Theodore Henry and Illustrated by Hsulynn Pang Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Available now!
Mommy/Mami Written and Illustrated by Leslie Patricelli Published by Candlewick Press Available now!
Your Mama Written by NoNieqa Ramos and Illustrated by Jacqueline Alcántara Published by Versify Available now!
Dreams for a Daughter Written by Carole Boston Weatherford and Illustrated by Brian Pinkney Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers Available now!
Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna Written by Alda P. Dobbs Published by Sourcebooks Young Readers Ages 8+ Available September 14, 2021
It is September 1913, and the Mexican Revolution is well underway. Mexico is in the thick of the war between the Federales (the cruel army of Mexican President Victoriano Huerta), and the Revolucionarios (army of the people, fighting for liberty). In the small village of Esperanzas, we find 12-year-old Petra Luna. Her lifelong dream is to go to school and learn to read, but she must put it on hold to take on the responsibility of caring for her grandmother, younger sister, and baby brother. With her mother’s passing and her father forced to join the Federales, Petra made a promise to provide for her family and keep them safe. She struggles to keep this promise when the Federales attack Esperanzas and Petra and her family must flee with only the clothes on their backs. They trek the desert barefoot, finding temporary safe havens only to have to leave when danger arises. Petra must fight every minute of the day to protect her family, but she is determined to get them to America and away from the war. Will she be able to cross the Mexican-American border, keep her promise, and bring her dreams to fruition?
Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna is a story of bravery, courage, truth, and generosity in the face of adversity; not shying away from tough subjects like death, murder, famine, and people with cruel hearts and minds. Narrated by a mature 12-year-old voice, Petra’s journey illustrates that sometimes in life you will have to deal with harsh realities, but you can find direction and peace by connecting with your roots. Readers will know the power of independence, believing in themselves, and staying true to who they are. Inspired by the experiences of Alda Dobbs’ great grandmother, it serves as a cultural history lesson. Dobbs uses Spanish words throughout the book to show Petra’s culture and teach non-native speakers a little bit of the Spanish language. Dobbs shares the details of her great grandmother’s story in the author’s note and also includes a timeline of real-life events that took place during the Mexican Revolution. Barefoot Dreams is an important read for children not only to learn a significant part of Mexican history but also to learn the strength of being loyal to family, being unselfish, and keeping promises.
This week, the Butler Bookshelf features We Are a Garden by Lisa Westberg Peters and Victoria Tentler-Krylov. We are eager to dive into this nonfiction picture book about how America became the diverse country it is today. It tells the history of how different races and ethic groups found their way to America. Featuring the stories of the Apache and Navajo ancestors, enslaved Africans, and the Chinese among others, this is a timely book that all children need to read! Check out the list below for more fantastic titles!
365 Days to Alaska Written by Cathy Carr Published by Amulet Books Available now!
Homer on the Case Written and Illustrated by Henry Cole Published by Peachtree Publishing Available now!
Good Girl, Bad Blood Written by Holly Jackson Published by Delacorte Press Available now!
Two Can Keep a Secret (paperback) Written by Karen M. McManus Published by Ember Available now!
We are a Garden: A Story of How Diversity Took Root in America Written by Lisa Westberg Peters and Illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov Published by Schwartz & Wade Books Available now!
Honey for You, Honey for Me: A First Book of Nursery Rhymes Written by Michael Rosen and Illustrated by Chris Riddell Published by Candlewick Press Available now!
A Peek at Beaks: Tools Birds Use Written by Sara Levine and illustrated by Kate Slater Published by Lerner Publishing Group, Millbrook Press Ages 5-9 Available September 7, 2021
Have you ever seen a bird slurping down a drink with a straw? Or wielding a pair of tongs? What about manipulating an air conditioner to cool itself? Author Sara Levine poses these questions in a new nonfiction book about biodiversity in the bird world, A Peek at Beaks: Tools Birds Use. Levine uses the idea of tools as a concept for understanding how and why different birds beaks are used for specific purposes. Levine adopts a question-and-answer style approach to engage readers. This tactic, coupled with textured and intricate imagery from illustrator Kate Slater, invites readers to stretch their imagination and consider the purpose of how animals are shaped. For each question Levine poses, Slater complements it with an illustration of a bird’s silhouette with a tool for its beak. The images look downright silly—a bird with a large net, (or even a fan!) in place of its beak. The author invites readers to consider what type of bird would need such a tool before turning the page to reveal the answer. In the case of the large net, that bird is a pelican (and also a purple martin, nighthawk, swift, and a swallow). Slater’s vibrant collage illustrations are integral to visually understanding each bird. Levine’s descriptions, roughly a paragraph per bird, are filled with delightful facts and enough details so that an elementary child can understand the explanation behind biodiversity within the bird world. The back matter of the book gives a longer explanation of evolution and includes a simple hereditary bird chart. A resource on further reading includes selections for bird watching and evolution, are among other topics. This is a fun introduction to elementary school biology
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