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.
Halloween is only a couple of weeks away, and we are in the height of spooky season! The Butler Center still has lots of magical, scary, and supernatual books to share, so this week’s Butler Bookshelf will be another list of new books featuring spooky characters, like ghosts and vampires. This week’s Butler Bookshelf feature is The Curse of the Dead Man’s Diamond by Christyne Morrell, which tells the story of twelve-year-old Charlie as she and her father settle into their new home in Florida. Soon, Charlie discovers that their house is haunted by three ghosts who are trapped as punishment for stealing a dead man’s diamond. Charlie decides that if she can find the diamond and sell it, she and her dad will be able to move back to New York City. She asks her new friend, Sarah, to help, as well as the medium Madame Rayna. While Charlie works hard to find a way back to New York, she learns a lot about friendship, grief, and compassion. With its valuable lessons and ghostly adventures, The Curse of the Dead Man’s Diamond is perfect for middle-grade readers who love a supernatural twist.
Check out more scary books below!
The Curse of the Dead Man’s Diamond Written by Christyne Morrell Published by Delacorte Press Available now
A Family of Killers Written by Bryce Moore Published by Sourcebooks Fire Available now
Hemlock House Written by Katie Cotugno Published by Delacorte Press Available now
It Watches in the Dark Written by Jeff Strand Published by Sourcebooks Available now
This Ravenous Fate Written by Hayley Dennings Published by Sourcebooks Fire Available now
Diverse stories are an important part of literature for all ages, especially for kids. October is Global Diversity Month, so this week’s Butler Bookshelf highlights some fiction and nonfiction books from authors around the world. One of these books is Look! Look! written by Uma Krishnaswami and illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy. Krishnaswami tells the story of a young Indian girl discovers a slab of stone in the weeds, and she calls her friends to come and take a look. They work together to clean the weeds, garbage, and other stones up. Soon, more and more people from their village and other villages nearby help them uncover an old step well. Once the well is cleaned up, rain fills the well, and the previously dry and dusty land comes back to life as plants begin growing again and the animals return. Accompanied by colorful, geometric illustrations done in acrylic, poster color, and water color by Uma Krishnaswamy, Look! Look! is a delightlful story that educates readers on ancient Indian step wells and shows how they can potentially be a solution for handling floods and providing water in India.
Check out more books from diverse authors below!
Hooray for She, He, Ze and They!: What Are Your Pronouns Today? Written by Lindz Amer Illustrated by Kip Alizadeh Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Available now
Look! Look! Written by Uma Krishnaswami Illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy Published by House of Anansi Press Available now
My Olive Tree Written and illustrated by Hazar Elbayya Published by Anne Schwartz Books Available now
Old Wounds Written by Logan-Ashley Kisner Published by Delacorte Press Available now
Tala Learns to Siva Written by Kealani Netane Illustrated by Dung Ho Published by Orchard Books Available now
Are you enjoying spring’s softer weather and blooming flowers or are you, like me, already deep in summer planning mode? Are you thinking about summer activities, events, maybe a weekend at ALA Annual Conference, possibly some time at the beach? Well, thankfully kid lit creators and book industry folks are way ahead of us with some outstanding summer-themed reads and tools to use in your library, summer-school classroom, and at home. Hopefully, the titles and tools on this list give you a bit of time back to dream about a shady porch, and comfy chair, and a fun summer-read of your own. Or is that just me?
Summer Reads Recommendations:
Picture Books
Cooler Than Lemonade By Harshita Jerath llustrated by Chloe Burgett Sourcebooks
When summer heat inspires Eva to open a lemonade stand, she’s prepared for everything but a nearby competitor. Innovation abounds as their rivalry heats up—new flavors, live music, and free samples to bring in the crowds. Jerath weaves problem-solving skills and creativity through this snappy and sizzling story of vibrant young entrepreneurs.
Sari Sari Summer By Lynnor Bontigao Candlewick
Nora spends summers with her Lola in the Philippines, and this summer she is finally old enough to help in the sari-sari convenience store. When a heat wave slows business, Nora’s plan to whip up mango ice candy draws a crowd and saves the day. Gentle language and pacing combines with soft focus digital illustrations bring the fascinating store and sweet intergenerational relationship to life.
Wild Blue By Dashka Slater Illustrated by Laura Hughes Candlewick
Kayla is in for a wild ride when she trades her training-wheeled Pink Pony in for Wild Blue, a brand new big kid bike. But summers are meant for bike rides, and with a lot of practice and Dad’s reassurance, she tames her new mount and rides off into the summer afternoon. Imagination and persistence are key in this sweet tale of overcoming a fear in order to do something new. Charming acrylic ink illustrations capture Kayla’s emotions, the glorious light of summer and the triumph of accomplishment.
Middle Grade
The Firefly Summer By Morgan Marson Simon & Schuster
Ryanna is a mystery book lover and when she finds out there is a mystery in her very own life, a cryptic invitation for a summer with grandparents she’s never heard of, she can’t resist finding out more. At Camp Van Camp she discovers unknown cousins, details about the mother that died when she was a toddler, treasure map, and her happy place. Matson blends adventure, uncertainty, and self-discovery in this sweet family drama.
Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz By Nina Moreno Illustrated by Courtney Lovett Scholastic
Maggie Diaz is ready for the trip of a lifetime, or at least seventh grade. As her trip gets closer, everyone in her life is distracted by something more important—grades, first loves, family drama. Moreno blends humor and emotion as Maggie finds her place in school, social, and family dynamics. Fun artwork throughout the text brings the diverse and multigenerational cast to vivid life.
Young Adult
Picture Perfect Boyfriend By Becky Dean Delacorte Press
Determined to fit into her proper family of optometrists, Kenzie has dropped her photography dreams for science classes and made up a responsible and respectable boyfriend. When her completely fictional boyfriend suddenly shows up on her family vacation to Hawaii, Kenzie isn’t sure how it all happened, but knows the lie is about to blow up in her face. Time with fake-Jacob reveals just how unsatisfied Kenzie is with her new life-path and how being truly herself is the only way to happiness. Part swoony romance and part heartfelt exploration of balancing family expectations and being true to yourself.
Rosewood: A Midsummer Meet Cute By Sayantani Dasgupta Scholastic
Eila has changed her pre-law plans to accompany her sister to Regency Camp and a potential role in a period drama. Camp drama and uncertainty about her life plans, combined with an unexpected summer romance, lead to conflict for the usually sensible Eila. Dasgupta combines her love for Bengali folktales, Shakespeare, and Jane Austen in this romantic, multicultural retelling combination of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Sense and Sensibility.
Tools for Teachers and Librarians:
iRead (from the Illinois Library Association)—Perhaps you’re still looking for a Summer Reading program or need some ideas to help implement yours. The iRead Program website is full of resources to support you and your readers. You can even get a head start on planning summer 2024 programming and, if you dig into the blog, get a sneak peek at the 2025 theme!
Kindly Ever After Adventures—Join Storyologist Page Turner (aka Jill Ross Nadler) for a summer reading program package full of stories, crafts, and videos for in person and/or online events.
Tools for Home-Adults:
ALSC Summer Reading Lists–The Association for Library Service to Children has posted their new reading lists, divided by age, and associated tools, games, and resources. Created by ALSC’s Quicklists Consulting Committee, the lists are a fantastic tool for both librarians and home adults.
Scholastic Summer Reading—Home Base—From May 9 through August 19, kids can visit the summer zone in Scholastic Home Base, a completely free digital destination which offers stories, characters, games, and a community of readers. Home Base is moderated for safety 24/7.
And, of course, I highly recommend caregivers get kids involved in their local library’s summer reading program. Youth librarians around the country have been hard at work for months, dreaming up creative ways to connect kids with stories this summer. All you have to do is READ! Check library websites for availability to those outside the particular town.
Oak Park Public Library: Find Your Voice. Runs 6/1-8/15. Open to everyone.
Tools for Everyone:
Reading is Fundamental: Literacy Central — With tools for educators, caregivers, and volunteers, RIF’s site hosts a wealth of resources, tips, activities, and assistance in one free-to-use account.
Into the Glades Laura Sebastian Delacorte Press October 25th, 2022 Ages 8 to 12
The Glades—a peaceful but magical swamp-like area filled with magical creatures—has been the home to best friends, Cecilia and Larkin, since they were young. But with the unexpected death of Cecilia’s father, Oziris, the leader of the village, the Glades has turned maliciously towards the townspeople like never before. Wrapped in anger and grief but determined to resurrect Oziris and break the curse on the Glades, Cecilia and Larkin, along with their two younger brothers, embark upon a journey through the Glades to find a powerful witch. But the potential price of such dark magic may be too much for the children to handle, along with the grief and fury threatening to consume them.
As the girls and their brothers’ journey through the Glades, Sebastian weaves in how each handles their grief, from simmering anger to calm acceptance. Tested throughout their journey, Cecilia and Larkin are challenged by their emotions, magical ability, and fear of losing each other. In the end, they have to accept each other for their bonds of friendship to endure. Sebastian uses the journey though the Glade as a metaphor for moving through the stages of grief. Details of Oziris’s death introduce a darker tone, but Sebastian balances it with subtle humor and lightheartedness from the brothers. She firmly places them as emotional support for Cecilia and Larkin while away from the rest of their grieving family members. The characters and location of the story are inspired by the author’s childhood, making it a personal story that still allows readers to immerse themselves in her experience. Into the Glades is a fantasy adventure encouraging social-emotional learning by bringing to life real issues surrounding loss and grief along with accepting change and enjoying each moment, providing a silver lining to even the darkest events.
This week’s Butler Bookshelf features recently released and coming soon titles! In Stella Keeps the Sun Up written by Clothilde Ewing and illustrated by Lynn Gaines, Stella schemes to keep the sun up so she never has a bedtime! She learns the benefits of sleeping and why going to bed is great. Check it out along with the other titles below!
Catalina Incognito Written by Jennifer Torres and Illustrated by Gladys Jose Published by Aladdin Available now!
Darryl’s Dream Written by Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Shawnee, Johnny Warfield, and Adam Padilla. Illustrated by Tristan Tait Published by King of Rock Publishing Available now!
Emile and the Field Written by Kevin Young and Illustrated by Choima Ebinama Published by Make Me a World Available April 15th!
Finn and the Subatomic Slip-and-Slide Written by Micheal Buckley Published by Delacorte Press Available now!
Lady Icarus: Balloonomania and the Brief, Bold Life of Sophie Blanchard Written by Deborah Noyes Published by Random House Studio Available now!
Stella Keeps the Sun Up Written by Clothhilde Ewing and Illustrated by Lynn Gaines Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers Availible now!
When Life Gives You Mangos
Written by Kereen Getten
Published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Ages 10-14
Available September 15, 2020
Clara lives in a small village on a tourist-destination Caribbean island, but to Clara, it’s not a destination—it’s just home. This summer, she is twelve, and she’s struggling. Her former best friend Gaynah does not want to play in their secret dugout anymore; she is more interested in Calvin and being grown up. Also, Gaynah teases her about last summer. Even though Clara tries, she cannot remember what happened. All she knows is that her parents will not let her surf anymore, and she can never go into the water alone. Sometimes she has nightmares that she does not understand. Her parents explain the imagery, but they tell her not to worry. Clara finds that she angers and frustrates easily, but she does not understand why. Now, a mysterious new girl named Rudy is living on the island and wants to be friends with Clara. But Rudy does not know the rules of the island, and what spots are off-limits. Clara does not want to lose another friend, so she follows along, even though she could get in trouble. Kereen Getten’s When Life Gives You Mangos begins slowly, unfolding the story of Clara’s memory loss. The calm pace and beautiful landscape exacerbate the scary and obscure reason behind the amnesia. The book takes time to reveal what happened, and the grief behind the loss is significant. Newcomer Rudy serves as a stand-in for the reader at times, as she is learning how the village of Sycamore operates. Religion is an important factor in how Clara’s memory loss is dealt with by the community; ultimately Getten reveals that pastors and bishops, no matter how well-intentioned they are, are ultimately human and can make mistakes. The reveal behind Clara’s amnesia involves grief, but also reconciliation as her family makes room for members that have been long shunned in the village. This read emphasizes the power of love and community.
We’re eager to read Nelly Buchet’s picture book Cat Dog Dog: The Story of a Blended Family, with charming illustrations by Andrea Zuill. It’s about what happens when families come together–all the messiness and the joys. For more great reads, check out this week’s Butler Bookshelf below!
The Water Bears
Written by Kim Baker
Published by Wendy Lamb Books
Available now!
Cat Dog Dog: The Story of a Blended Family
Written by Nelly Buchet and illustrated by Andrea Zuill
Published by Schwartz & Wade
Available now!
A Girl in Three Parts
Written by Suzanne Daniel
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Available now!
Dirt Cheap
Written and illustrated by Mark Hoffman
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Available now!
The Lucky Ones
Written by Liz Lawson
Published by Delacorte Press
Available now!
Bedtime Bonnet
Written by Nancy Redd and illustrated by Nneka Myers
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Available now!
Top on our TBR list? A story about a girl, her grandmother, and an alternate reality–steeped in magic. Diana Abu-Jaber’s Silverworld has us longing to cast spells and learn from our elders. For more great reads, check out the list below!
Silverworld
Written by Diana Abu-Jaber
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers
Available now!
Awesome Dog 5000 vs. Major Bossypants (Book 2)
Written by Justin Dean
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Available now!
Golden Arm
Written by Carl Deuker
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers
Available on April 7, 2020
On The Horizon
Written by Lois Lowry and illustrated by Kenard Pak
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers
Available on April 7, 2020
Bloom (The Overthrow Book 1)
Written by Kenneth Oppel
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Available now!
The Twin
Written by Natasha Preston
Published by Delacorte
Available now!
Brave (American Dog)
Written by Jennifer Li Shotz
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers
Available on April 7, 2020
Taking the Reins (An Ellen & Ned Book)
Written by Jane Smiley
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Available now!
Stargirl (Movie Tie in Edition)
Written by Jerry Spinelli
Published by Ember
Available now!
Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee
Written by Jeff Zentner
Published by Ember
Available now!
This week on the Butler Bookshelf, we’ve delving into breakups. Friend breakups. In When Your Were Everything, Ashley Woodfolk explores what happens when a teenage friendship implodes, going from nourishing to destructive. For lighter fare, there are also some great new reads like My Life As A Potato and The Third Mushroom, check out the list below for more!
Amelia Fang and the Rainbow Rangers
Written by Laura Ellen Anderson
Published by Delacorte Books For Young Readers
Available March 31, 2020
My Life As A Potato
Written by Arianne Costner
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
Available now!
What Matters Most
Written by Emma Dodd
Published by Templar
Available now!
The Third Mushroom
Written by Jennifer L. Holm
Published by Yearling
Available now!
Superhero Mom
Written By Timothy Knapman and illustrated by Joe Berger
Published by Nosy Crow
Available now!
The Fabled Life of Aesop: The extraordinary journey and collected tales of the world’s greatest storyteller
Written by Ian Lendler and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers
Available now!
When You Were Everything
Written by Ashley Woodfolk
Published by Delacorte Press
Available now!
Here are some books that we got in this week that we’re really excited about:
Paper World: Planet Earth illustrated by Bomoboland, published by Big Picture Press
Permanent Record by Mary H.K. Choi, published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
The Other Side: Stories of Central American Teen Refuges Who Dream of Crossing the Border by Juan Pablo Villalobos, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
King of the Mole People by Paul Gilligan, published by Henry Holt and Co.
If Animals Celebrated Christmas by Ann Whitford Paul, illustrated by David Walker, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Color Me In by Natasha Diaz, published by Delacorte Press
Best Friends by Shannon Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, published by First Second
Life is Short and Then You Die: Mystery Writers of America Present First Encounters with Murder edited by Kelley Armstrong, published by Macmillan
Stargazing written and illustrated by Jen Wang, published by First Second
Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border by Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Sara Palacios, published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Arriverderci Crocodile or See You Later Alligator begun by Fred Marcellino and completed by Eric Puybaret, published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Remarkables by Lisa Mantchev, illustrated by David Litchfield, published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
When Life Gives You Mangos
Here are some books that we got in this week that we’re really excited about:
Butler's Pantry 