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.
Martina Has Too Many Tias written by Emma Otheguy and illustrated by Sara Palacios is a reimagined Caribbean folktale of La Cucaracha Martina. In this bilingual picture book, Martina is described as a quiet girl who is quickly overwhelmed by her rowdy family members. She finds a magical land full of peace, it’s a solitude island all to herself. But in the process, she discovers what truly makes a home a home. The beautiful textured art paired with a relatable large family dynamic is perfect for children ages 4-8.
Check it out along with other books we’ve gotten this month below!
All you Have to Do Written by Autumn Allen Published by Penguin Random House Available August 1st!
Being Ace Written by Madeline Dyer Published by Page Street YA Available October 10th!
I Am Hungry Written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Robert Starling Published by Candlewick Press Available Now!
I Can Be All Three Written by Salima Alikhan and illustrated by Noor Sofi Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers Available Now!
Martina Has Too Many Tias Written by Emma Otheguy and illustrated by Sara Palacios Published by Atheneum for Young Readers Available Now!
Where the Water Takes Us Written by Alan Barillaro Published by Candlewick Press Available Today!
Where the Water Takes Us Alan Barillaro Candlewick July 11, 2023 Ages 8 to 12
Award-winning filmmaker Alan Barillaro makes his debut as an author with Where the Water Takes Us. Eleven-year-old Ava is sent to spend the summer on her grandparents’ island when her mother experiences unexpected pregnancy issues while carrying twins. Ava struggles with anxiety away from her parents, which only increases when a bird dies in front of her, which according to her Nonna, is a curse. She believes she is the reason her mother is in the hospital. She tries to reverse the curse by taking care of two abandoned robin eggs with a friend she meets from across the lake, Cody.
Barillaro uses Ava in third-person prose to explore the challenges faced when transitioning from childhood to adolescence. Multigenerational relationships and strong characters are woven together with enchanting nature descriptions to create an engaging story. Ava poorly hides her worries while trying to balance reversing the curse and having a normal summer. Instead of swimming, which is one of her favorite pastimes, she asks Nonna consistently to call her parents or is hyper fixated on caring for the birds. Cody is introduced as a cheerful yet annoying young boy. He is the perfect companion for Ava, he is able to distract her from her intrusive thoughts. Nonno and Nonna, Ava’s grandparents, assist their granddaughter in caring for the robin eggs and saving her from harm’s way as she makes difficult decisions while growing up. This debut book reveals confrontation with the unknown and acceptance of change at a young age.
Believe it or not, this is the first time I’ve attended the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago (more or less where the Butler Center lives–check out the links to find us). I’m used to catching a flight and totally submersing myself in a new town and new experience. This year was not that! It was lovely to explore some Chicago hot spots and then end up in my own bed after a long day of conferencing, even if it did mean fighting Chicago rush hour traffic—yikes! Balancing a conference and home schedule over Annual weekend—also yikes!
Opening Session with Judy Blume—fangirl sigh…
Judy Blume was nothing less than a delight. But her sweet demeanor masks a passionate advocate for books and literacy, and a sharp wit focused on connecting kids with books no matter the challenge. In conversation with S&S executive Justin Chanda, she enchanted the audience with stories from her illustrious career, including her first experience with her own books being challenged (by her children’s principal, no less) and teaching the young actresses from the new Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret movie how to do the exercise. Her thoughts on book challenges coming from a place of fear will stay with me long after this year’s event.
DU SOIS Table
In a hometown twist, I was able to spend time at Dominican’s School of Information Studies booth. I’ve never been on the other side of the table at ALA and it was a great change of perspective. The chance to visit with DU alumni (I spoke with a librarian that graduated from (then) Rosary College the year I was born!) and potential MLIS and PhD candidates was a thrill. ALA is a bit of a captive audience of those that support libraries, therefore something of a weekend-long love song to librarians and library school.
DU Alumni
And I didn’t just chat up DU alumni at our booth. The exhibit floor was teeming former SOIS students as vendors, speakers, and attendees. Be sure I’ll connect with many of them to participate in Butler Center and SOIS events in the future. Another benefit of the Chicago setting—enough alumni to plan a party! SOIS gathered at Fatpour Tap Works, across from the convention center, to unwind and reconnect after a long day of learning and working. Good food, good company, and good networking for all!
Conference Sessions—Book Banning
There was a definite, though not intentional, theme to my sessions this year. As you might expect, book banning was the topic of the conference. From Judy Blume, to Alexi Giannoulias (IL Secretary of State), to Ellen Oh (WNDB), nearly every session I attended touched on book banning in some way, shape, or form. The American Association of School Librarians hosted an especially emotional and thought-provoking panel for their Freedom to Read Ambassadors. An author, academic, and several librarians discussed their experiences with book banners and the support they needed and received through some heartbreaking professional and personal trials. Their commentary on the stories they are trying to protect and the young readers they are championing were truly inspiring.
New Books
And, despite my best efforts to be circumspect in my book haul, I brought home so many fabulous books for the BCLC collections. Signed copies, new picture books, ARCs galore, and SO MANY tote bags. Thank you to all our amazing publishers (and a few new publishing friends) for all the goodies and your ongoing support of BCLC and libraries–we appreciate your partnership! If you’re in the area, stop in to see the new collection additions and maybe I’ll share some swag. Puppet anyone?
Hope to see you all next year in San Diego, CA at #ALAAC24!
Sam with Ants in His Pants written by April Reynolds and illustrated by Katie Kordesh is a wildly clever adventure. Momma tells Sam it’s naptime, but Sam is absolutely not sleepy. He can’t stop moving! Momma says Sam has ants in his pants and he needs to calm down. Instead, Sam opens African Wildlife, his favorite book, and it comes to life. Gazelles, lions, and zebras parade out and into his room! They’re jumping and prowling until there’s a growling. It’s coming from Sam’s tummy. After a snack, he’s finally feeling tired from a crazy fun-filled day. This picture book is perfect for animal lovers and children who resist naptime!
Check it out along with other summer-themed books we’ve gotten this month below!
Gnome and Rat Written by Lauren Stohler Published by Alfred A. Knopf Available Now!
How to: Go Hiking Written by Jean Reagan and Janay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Lee Wildish Published by Random House Books for Young Readers Available Now!
The Ice Cream Vanishes Written by Julia Sarcone-Roach Published by Alfred A. Knopf Available Now!
Mary, Olive, and Dexter Play Hide-and-Seek Written by Catherine Rayner Published by Candlewick Press Available Today!
Our Pool Written by Lucy Ruth Cummins Published by Atheneum for Young Readers Available Now!
Sam with Ants in His Pants Written by April Reynolds and illustrated by Katie Kordesh Published by Anne Schwartz Books Available Now!
Picture Day by Sarah Sax is a high-energy graphic novel about self-exploration. Viv is in seventh grade and preparing for an extraordinary picture day. The night before, she live-streams cutting her own hair, which is in her normal, boring braid. Outside of Viv’s two best friends, Milo and Al, she hopes she will finally be noticed. She gets her wish and becomes an overnight sensation and influencer at Brinkley Middle School. All her classmates want to be her friend. She is so busy with dance proposals and mathlete championships she doesn’t even have time for Milo and Al anymore. But this was what she wanted, right? This inclusive and charming story is great for middle-grade students going back to school.
Check it out along with other back to school books we’ve gotten this month!
All Are Welcome Back! Written by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman Published by Random House Available Now!
Bear With Me Written by Kerascoet and illustrated by Sebastian Cossett Published by Random House Studio Available Now!
Bitsy Bat: School Star Written by Kaz Windness Published by Paula Wiseman Books Available Now!
Breathe Like a Bear: First Day of School Worries Written by Kira Willey and Illustrated by Anni Betts Published by Rodale Kids Available Today!
Our Classroom Rules! Written by Kallie George and illustrated by Jay Fleck Published by Rodale Kids Available Now!
Picture Day Written by Sarah Sax Published by Alfred A. Knopf Available Today!
The Probability of Everything Sarah Everett Clarion Books June 27, 2023 Ages 8 to 12
Kemi thinks she will keep her perfect school attendance record squeaky clean, spend time at the diner laughing with her family, and evaluate the science of probability for the rest of the year. Everything is great in her world, until an asteroid is predicted to collide with Earth in four days. Kemi loves her family: Dad, Mom, seventeen month sister Lo, and unborn Baby Z. She worries about their history being erased, so she begins creating a time capsule. In the process Kemi is learning how to say goodbye.
Everett’s story is an exploration of grief and acceptance. In her author’s note, she describes her personal experience of losing a loved one and the sorrow of the death being a result of a hate crime. Kemi’s father was murdered because of a racial conflict involving their neighbor. The narrative is told from Kemi’s perspective, but she disguises her mourning and deceives the reader with the asteroid and her time capsule mission. Along with other characters like Kemi’s mom, her cousins, and aunt, the author depicts the many different ways individuals cope with death. Kemi’s bravery and loyalty is ultimately what leads her to a place of acceptance. The character development paired with haunting flashbacks gave the plot a whole new meaning of healing and advocation. The Probability of Everything is a heartbreaking story about strong relationships, bereavement, and social justice.
Best-selling author Jewell Parker Rhodes reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel with Treasure Island: Runaway Gold. Zane lives in Rockaway, Queens, and is always seeking out adventure. He becomes entrusted with a treasure map and immediately begins his journey around Manhattan, recruiting his friends Kiko, Jack, and his dog Hip-Hop to join. On their way, they meet a sailor, John, who knows everything about Black New Yorkers’ buried history. Hidden in this information is the gold. They encounter dangers like rival skateboarder gangs and much more. Children who enjoyed the original Treasure Island will find this hunt captivating!
Check it out along with other books we’ve gotten this month below!
An Impossible Thing to Say Written by Arya Shahi Published by Allida Available September 23rd!
Ink Girls Written by Marieke Nijkamp and Sylvia Bi Published by Greenwillow Books Available November 21st!
The Kingdom Over the Sea Written by Zohra Nabi Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books Available Today!
A Prayer for Vengeance Written by Leanne Schwartz Published by Page Street YA Available September 19th!
The Queens of New York Written by E.L. Shen Published by Quill Tree Books Available Now!
Treasure Island: Runaway Gold Written by Jewell Parker Rhodes Published by Quill Tree Books Available October 3rd!
Award-winning author, Jen Ferguson’s new novel Those Pink Mountain Nights is full of unexpected events and connections. Berlin has her future planned, Cameron dropped out of high school after his Native cousin Kiki’s disappearance, and Jessie is labeled at school as a rich girl. All three teens have a connection to Pink Mountain Pizza and find themselves acknowledging their own pain and coping skills. This exciting, snowy adventure will keep teens engaged!
Check it out along with other books we’ve gotten this month below!
The Blackwoods Written by Brandy Colbert Published by Balzer + Bray Available October 3rd!
The Blood Years Written by Elana K. Arnold Published by Blazer + Bray Available October 10th!
Charming Young Man Written by Eliot Schrefer Published by Katherine Tegen Books Available October 10th!
Take Written by Jennifer Bradbury Published by Atheneum Available Today!
Those Pink Mountain Nights Written by Jen Ferguson Published by Heartdrum Available September 12th!
Time Out Written by Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, and Carlyn Greenwald Published by BFYR Available Now!
Beth Turley’s This Close to Home is a representation of tweens’ confusing and exciting transitions. Brooke loved softball but when she loses her mother, she loses her connection to her favorite sport. Now she doesn’t spend time with Dad or her older sister, Calla. One day, Brooke and her best friend Derek decide to revive a lost tradition that brought her whole community together at her parents’ lake house. She is determined that Lakefest will bring back joy to her town and her family. This heartwarming story is great for middle grade children. Check it out along with other books we’ve gotten this month below!
Check it out along with other books we’ve gotten this month below!
Happily Ever After (Once Upon Another Time Series #3) Written by James Riley Published by Aladdin Available Now!
Nowhere Special Written by Matt Wallace Published by Katherine Tegen Books Available October 4th!
Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels (Onyeka #2) Written by Tolá Okogwu Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books Available Now!
The Probability of Everything Written by Sarah Everett Published by Clarion Books Available June 27th!
Talia’s Codebook for Mathletes Written by Marissa Moss Published by Walker Books Us Available Today!
This Close to Home Written by Beth Turley Published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers Available Now!
Ruffles and the New Green Thing David Melling Candlewick Press Ages 2 to 5 March 24th, 2022
David Melling returns with Ruffles in Ruffles and the New Green Thing to encourage picky eaters to try new foods. Ruffles enjoys grubby, canine activities like howling, digging, and running. One day, he discovers broccoli, referring to it as “the new green thing,” in his bowl but anxiously ignores it. Ruffles instead plays with his friend, Ralph. The two dogs have similar interests, except Ralph’s curiosity leads him to try broccoli. Ruffles admires Ralph’s bravery and also takes a nibble, discovering his love for the new green thing.
Melling uses adorable illustrations to support the text focused on Ruffles’ journey through social-emotional learning. The neat pencil and digital illustrations enhance the canine’s story through a contrasting color scheme that is eye-catching. The full-spread illustrations represent pivotal moments. The vibrant backgrounds make the characters stand out and accentuate the bright green broccoli in Ruffles’ bowl. They are paired with text revealing the fear of broccoli, Ralph’s introduction, and the first nibble of the new green thing. Ralph is depicted as larger compared to Ruffles by carrying bigger branches and jumping higher fences, highlighting his big brother qualities. The scenes with vignettes portray Ruffles’ emotions throughout his path of fear and courage with Ralph, establishing that Ruffles trusts Ralph. Ruffles’ hesitation disappears when Ralph is by his side, inspiring his friend to challenge himself. Ruffles and the New Green Thing is an entertaining and educational story for children’s social-emotional literacy.
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