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.
Sleep Barbara Herkert Illustrated by Daniel Long Albert Whitman & Co. October 1, 2022 Ages 4-8
Humans require less sleep as they grow older. Grey whales float on the water’s surface to breathe while they sleep. Most mammals and birds exhibit signs of REM sleep, which means they may dream like humans. All living things with a nervous system need sleep, from dogs to insects to sharks to us; sleep specificsjust depend on the type of animal and its habitat. Sleep, written by Barbara Herkert and illustrated by Daniel Long, dives deep into the world of slumber with detailed facts about sleep patterns, cycles, and the differences between sleep needs and experiences in humans and animals.
Filled with a lush color scheme and vivid images, the book resonates calm, perfect for this topic of sleep and making it a relaxing bedtime read. Each image is digitally illustrated, in a similar style to mixed media collages, but shaded to bring out depth and textures, which brings each animal to life. Long’s images are vibrant, but simply detailed, keeping them from distracting from the information provided on each page. Sedate pacing prevents the fact-heavy text from overwhelming readers. With a background in biology and fine arts, Barbara Herkert provides facts in a tone filled with admiration for the natural world that complements the extraordinary details she provides. The author also includes a glossary and additional resources as backmatter for those who would like to continue researching the world of sleep. Working through interesting information on humans and animals, the book takes young readers on a mind-opening adventure into the world of sleep and the extraordinary world we live in.
In The Tower of Life by Chana Stiefel and illustrated by Susan Gal, after Yaffa Eliach has to escape the Nazis during WW2, her hometown is destroyed. President Jimmy Carter reaches out to Yaffa and asks her to help build a holocaust memorial. She decides to make the memorial out of found photographs instead of bricks; it becomes what will be called the Tower of Life.
Check it out, along with the other titles we are featuring below!
Catalina Incognito: Off-Key Written by Jennifer Torres and Illustrated by Gladys Jose Published by Aladdin Available Today!
Freestyle Written by Illustrated by Gale Galligan Published by Graphix Available October 18th!
I am Ruby Bridges Written by Ruby Bridges and Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith Published by Orchard books Available September 6th!
Monsters Play… Counting! Written and Illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago Published by Orchard books Available Now!
This is Our Place Written by Vitor Martins Published by Push Available November 1st!
TheTower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs Written by Chana Stiefel and Illustrated by Susan Gal Published by Scholastic Press Available October 4th!
Sweet and Sour Debbi Michiko Florence Scholastic July 26, 2022 Age: 8-12
Mai, budding birder and BTS stan, and her parents have always spent idyllic summers with family friends in small-town Mystic, Connecticut. Until two summers ago, when their son and Mai’s BFF, Zach, betrayed her and the friends suddenly moved to Japan. Now the trip is back on and Mai is unhappily headed from west coast to east with a new BFF, Lila, and years of built up anger. When Zach, so changed from two years away, wants to pick up their friendship right where he thinks they left it, Mai must decide how to handle her hurt feelings (not well), whether to hang onto a grudge she may have outgrown (not fun), and how to be a better friend to new friends and old.
Told from Mai’s point of view, Debbi Michiko Florence perfectly captures the 13-year-old voice with swings from light to moody, petulant to kind. The text is sprinkled with good and bad memory flashbacks, labeled sweet or sour, providing the backstory of Mai and Zach’s childhood and the racist incident that fractured their bond. Mai’s journey from sadness to anger to letting go is choppy and full of tween uncertainty. But her moments of introspection and insistence on standing up for yourself and your friends, whether it be from anti-Asian hate, bullying, or on matters of consent, keep her character from verging into the self-centered and vengeful. With wise words from friends, she learns to process her feelings rather than bury them and how to both forgive and ask for forgiveness. The relationships between Mai and Lila, Zach, and a new friend Celeste provide powerful examples of different types of friendships and illustrate the value of each. A secondary storyline, featuring Mai’s parents and their perceived inability to handle her big emotions, could have been better developed, but lends import to the central theme of communicating one’s feelings. Mai’s complicated emotions add both sweet and sour notes to the narrative of this summer adventure exploring the complexities of friendship, memory, growing up.
A story about siblings, middle school, and peer pressure, the graphic novel Twin Cities by Jose Pimienta follows twins as they try to find their own identities separate from each other. Set on the border of the US and Mexico, Teresa crosses the border to go to school in the US while her brother Fernando stays in Mexicali, Mexico. When the twins have trouble in their new school lives, they still push each other apart when they get home. How will they navigate this new distance?
Check it out along with the other titles we are featuring below!
Chester Keene Cracks the Code Written by Kekla Magoon, Published by Wendy Lamb Books Available Now!
Race for the Escape Written by Christopher Edge Published by Delacorte Press Available Now!
Revenge of the Zombert Written by Kara LaReau and Illustrated by Ryan Andrews Published by Candlewick Press Available August 8th!
Star Knight Written and Illustrated by Kay Davault Published by RH Graphic Available Now!
Twin Cities Written and Illustrated by Jose Pimienta Published by RH Graphic Available Today!
Witches of Peculiar (#1): Double, Double, Twins and Trouble Written by Luna Graves Published by Aladdin Available Today!
Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten. Illustrated by Gaary Meeches Sr. Charlesbridge August 2nd, 2022 Ages 3 – 7
Keepunumuk is an embedded narrative about the harvest feasts that became known as the first Thanksgiving, composed in the style of Wampanoag oral storytelling tradition. When Maple and Quill ask their grandmother to tell them a story about the three sisters, the personifications of Corn, Beans, and Squash, she tells them about Keepunumuk, the first Thanksgiving. Weeâchumun (Corn), the eldest of the three sisters, is told of the arrival of newcomers to Turtle Island (North American continent). When Fox asks if they should trust the newcomers, Weeâchumun cautions them to watch them over the winter. These newcomers, the pilgrims, are seen struggling until spring. Weeâchumun and her two sisters decide, along with Fox and the other animals, to help these new people and send the First People, the Wampanoag, to teach them how to live with the land. With the help of the Wampanoag, the Pilgrims are saved and can survive the year. With the harvest that saved their lives, they had the first Thanksgiving. Meeches’ art, based on the Plains art style, excels at the depictions of Weeâchumun and her two sisters. Her form flowing out of corn stalks reinforces this connection between the personification and the crop she represents. The choice of detailing Weeâchumun and Fox more than the various humans in the narrative also supports the idea that the flora and fauna of Turtle Island are of primary importance in this story. Compared to the simple depictions of the pilgrims, they are important to the story only as beings to be cared for and the first people as willing helpers to the other residents of the land. The front and back of the book include additional materials for the readers about the Wampanoag, the first people of Massachusetts. The backmatter contains sections on Wampanoag storytelling tradition, traditions of giving thanks, a brief historical overview of the land and its inhabitants before the Pilgrim arrival, the basics of the aftermath of that arrival, a glossary of Wampanoag language (Wôpanâak) terms, as well as a recipe for Nasamp, a cornmeal-based dish.
A reimagined indigenous folktale about giving thanks to the world that provides for us.
A couple of our staff members visited ALA this week, (if you’d like to read more about the event head over to our blog post on it https://wordpress.com/post/butlerspantry.org/34939) so we are featuring some of the books that we brought home from the trip! Slip by Marika McCoola and Aatamja Pandya follows Jade who is on her way to a summer art incentive when her best friend, Pheobe, attempts suicide. Jade must deal with her feeling if she doesn’t focus completely on Pheobe, does that mean she is abandoning her.
Check it out along with the other titles we are featuring below!
Everyday Hero MachineBoy Written by Irma Kniivila and Tri Vuong Published by SkyBound Comet Available Sept 13th!
Magically Maximus Written by Kiki Thorpe and Illustrated by Laura Catrinella Published by Disney Hyperion Available Now!
My Second Impression of You Written by Michelle I. Mason Published by Bloomsbury Publishing Available Sept 20th!
The Orphan Keeper Written by Camron Wright Published by Algonquin Young Readers Available Now!
A Scatter of Light Written by Malinda Lo Published by Dutton Books Available Oct 4th!
Slip Written by Marika McCoola and Aatmaja Pandya Published by Algonquin Young Readers Available Now!
Written by Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart and illustrated by Daniel Wiseman, The World Needs More Purple Schools is the sequel to The World Needs More Purple People, teaching kids how to celebrate their individuality while also being part of a group! Follow Penny and her friends as they take the lessons they learned in the original and move them to the classroom!
Check it out along with the other titles we are featuring below!
The Clackity Written by Lora Senf Published by Athenium Available Now!
Crimson Twill: Witch in the City Written by Kallie George and Illustrated by Birgitta Sif Published by Candlewick Press Available July 12th!
TheLittle Bear Written and Illustrated by Nicola Killen Published by Simon and Schuster Books For Young Readers Available Now!
Mum, Me, and the Mulberry Tree Written by Tanya Rosie and Illustrated by Chuck Groenink Published by Candlewick Press Available July 19th!
One Hundred Saturdays: Stella Levi and the Search for a Lost World Written by Micheal Frank and Illustrated by Maira Kalman Published by Avid Reader Press Available September 6th!
The World Needs More Purple Schools Written by Kristen Bell & Benjamin Hart and Illustrated by Daniel Wiseman Published by Random House Children’s Books Available Now!
The energy and excitement of ALA annual is always uplifting, always inspiring, but after two years of screens and separation this year was truly energizing. Being back in person with librarians from around the country was just the boost I needed to recharge and prepare for another academic year. Butler also had a graduate assistant, and first-time attendee, at ALAAC22. Together, we’ll share impressions and all of our favorite moments from the POV of a fresh and experienced attendee.
EXHIBIT FLOOR
Peace Bunnies
Jen: This year was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with the generous publishers that contribute to the BCLC review collection and thank them for their continued support. And, as always, a chance to get a sneak peek at what is coming up for the book world and our shelves. Keep an eye open for Maya’s Song by Butler Lecture alumni Renèe Watson and Bryan Collier. Perhaps my favorite part of this year’s hall was the bunny petting zone! For a donation to Peace Bunny Island (check out their site for info and their book), attendees could take their turn cuddling the comfort bunnies in training. This graduating class of bunnies was bound for kids in Uvalde, TX.
Dalia: As a current MLIS student attending my first ALA conference in Washington, D.C., it was quite overwhelming and exciting all at the same time. My desire to meet other library professionals, authors, and attend sessions overcame me as I walked into the conference hall, and I had absolutely no idea what to do first. I can see how pre-planning for something this giant sometimes goes out the window. Luckily, another attendee saw how overwhelmed I was and directed me to the Exhibit Hall, where multiple book signings, sessions and booths were happening. While walking through the hall, many people noticed that my badge had a student ribbon displayed and stopped me to discuss why I was there and where Dominican University was, which I was happy to do. Coming back after two long years didn’t seem to interfere with many people’s exuberance as they discussed previous ALA conferences they attended, innovative ideas, and current events they were excited to attend with people they knew and people they did not.
SESSIONS
Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd
Jen: It’s always a treat to take a break with a room full of book lovers. Add in lunch and some of today’s most celebrated names in children’s books and you have the delight of the Scholastic Literary Luncheon. Gale Galligan, Lamar Giles, Natalie Lloyd, Amy Sarig King, and Christina Soontornvat shared the motivations, experiences, and terrifying stories (thanks, Lamar!) that inspired their books, then very patiently posed for pictures. And we each left with a sturdy tote bag full of ARCs and goodies.
Dalia: Besides author signings, the exhibit floor had innovative technology, university presses, education sessions, and so many more items that I couldn’t help but browse. Attending the session for upcoming books from Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Disney Publishing, HarperCollins Children’s Books, and Macmillan Children’s Books was a revelation about how fast, dedicated, and enthusiastic these publishing houses work in getting the marketing out there for their upcoming books.
BOOKS
Jen: I’m not capable of leaving an annual conference without many pounds (read: overweight suitcase!) of new books for the BCLC shelves and two years away from in-person conferencing didn’t change that. Stop by the Center this fall for a peek at all the signed books that came home with me and look out for them in the 2022 book sale this December. I’ll keep You Can’t Say That (Leonard Marcus) for addition to the permanent collection for the MAYL program. Also keep an eye open for new publishers on the shelves this fall, thanks to a group of exciting names added to our publishing partner group—Albert Whitman, Disney, and Page Street Kids among them.
Book Buzz Theater
Dalia: I was incredibly lucky to interact with many authors I knew and some I did not. Being able to listen to their stories and the motivation behind their life’s work was inspirational. Meeting Alyson Noël, an author I’ve been following since her first book, was unbelievable and I cannot wait to dive into her new book Stealing Infinity. Running over to meet Kami Garcia (Teen Titans: Raven #1) and Sabaa Tahir (An Ember in the Ashes #1) and adding their new books to my TBR pile would have to be another highlight of my trip.
FAN SIGHTINGS
Rainbow Fish turns 30!
Jen: I had my obligatory Jason Reynolds sighting (3 conferences in a row and I am NOT complaining about this) while walking into the convention center on Saturday. And, of course, he was as lovely and gracious as always while people stopped him to profess their love and appreciation of his work. I didn’t snap his pic, but got one of Rainbow Fish on his 30th anniversary.
Dalia: I was surprised and thrilled to find Tiffany Haddish as a speaker at this year’s ALA conference, and she absolutely rocked the stage. Discussing her new book, Layla, the Last Black Unicorn, Haddish explains her motivations behind the plot and illustrations and how they relate back to her growing up in the foster system. Her heartwarming story and comedic attitude while discussing her life and her book made for a standing ovation and a few tears in the audience.
Walter E Washington Convention Center
Reuniting with librarians from around the country (at what a former classmate called “librarian summer camp”) was such a thrill. The excitement of the conference and enthusiasm for the work are always contagious. It was rewarding to see this amazing group of librarians embrace and encourage a first-timer and welcome her into the library community. We’re both excited to have ALA Annual here in Chicago in 2023 and hope you’ll join us there!
My Name Is Jason. Mine Too. Our Story. Our Way. by Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin is the shared memoir of two great creators and best friends who happen to have the same name. Follow their story of meeting in New York and becoming the artists they are today.
Check it out along with the other titles we are featuring below!
Bad Things Happen Here Written by Rebecca Barrow Published by Margaret K. McElderry Brooks Available Today!
Jigsaw: Mystery in the Mail Written and Illustrated by Bob Graham Published by Candlewick Press Available July 12th!
Leila: ThePerfect Witch Written and Illustrated by Flavia Z. Drago Published by Candlewick Press Available July 12th!
McTavish on the Move Written by Meg Rosoff Published by Candlewick Press Available July 12th!
My Name Is Jason. Mine Too. Our Story. Our Way. Written by Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin Published by Atheneum Books For Young Readers Available Today!
The Other Side of the River Written by Alda P. Dobbs Published by Sourcebooks Young Readers Available September 6th!
The Feeling of Falling in Love Mason Deever Scholastic/Push August 2, 2022
When his perfect friends with benefits situation is complicated by feelings—yikes—Neil panics. But instead of talking things out, he determines the best way to help Josh get over him is to fake a new relationship with the roommate he barely tolerates. A conscientious student and budding musician, Wyatt agrees to the plan in exchange for a potential audition with Neil’s music exec brother. But a family wedding in Beverly Hills is a long way, in every way, from their North Carolina boarding school. And if Neil thinks he’s a complicated mess, introducing sweet, sensitive Wyatt to his mother’s performative allyship and his grandparents’ transphobia only adds to it. As fake feelings turn real, Neil realizes he deserves better than he’s had and that Wyatt deserves better too. So it’s time to be better. Though not an especially sympathetic character, Deaver draws Neil as a messy and emotional jerk who is ultimately capable of change. Tenderly awkward Wyatt is an adorable foil and rounds out Neil’s found family of LGBTQ friends and support. This train wreck turned love story is full of snarky humor, complex friendships, and just the right amount of angsty YA romance.
Love from Scratch
Love from Scratch Kaitlyn Hill Penguin Random House/Delacorte April 5, 2022
Landing a coveted summer marketing internship with the foodie channel Friends of Flavor is a dream come true for super-fan Reese Camden. The Seattle media company is worlds away from her Kentucky home and the social media trolling nightmare that was her high school years. Thrown into a video with fellow intern and charming cooking wiz, Benny Beneventi, turns her summer upside down. Her safely behind-the-scenes job is suddenly not so hidden when their video is a viral sensation and becomes a regular feature on the channel. And friendly competition turns serious when the two are pitted against each other for the chance to stay on with the company come fall. What’s more important, her career goals or her potential romance? Hill throws plenty of obstacles in Reese’s way (internet trolls, sleazy executives, and LOTS of self-doubt), balanced by supportive friends and goofy, but loveable Benny. Reese’s work ethic, perseverance, and her desire to make a difference for the channel, keep things from getting too saccharine. A perfect sweet and salty combo!
My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding
My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding Sajni Patel Abrams/Amulet April 19, 2022
Music college dreams hit family responsibility reality for hip hop violin phenom, Zuri Damani. Her college hopes seem dashed for good by a rejection letter from Juilliard, but a local competition offers a second chance if only she can fit it into a week packed with wedding prep, wedding photography, and LOTS of wedding parties. And hide it all from her very traditional, law-school-plotting parents. When her biggest competition turns out to be the heartthrob cousin of her future brother-in-law, Zuri turns challenge into inspiration. Support from a big, sneaky group of cousins and a growing rivalry/friendship with Naveen (the heartthrob) push her to get creative to follow her dreams and be there for her family. Well drawn primary characters, exhibiting all the insecurities, bravado, and creativity of teenagers, are balanced by very involved, if sometimes domineering adult family members. Full of vibrant colors, music, and smells that drift tantalizingly off the page, Patel pulls the reader right into the party and all the chaos you’d imagine from an 8-day wedding extravaganza.
Nothing Burns as Bright as You
Nothing Burns as Bright as You Ashley Woodfolk Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/Versify April 5, 2022
This stark and beautiful novel in verse follows two unnamed queer black girls in a dual-timeline look at how they came together and how they burned it all down in the end. As their relationship moves beyond just friendship, their unhealthy and unbalanced dynamic begins to wear them both down. The neediness and desperation of the narrator and episodes of aloofness from a love interest only referred to as “You” foreshadow the moment one draws the other over the edge of self-destruction. The girls start a fire in a school dumpster, leading to the eventual destruction of their relationship. Woodfolk uses fire imagery throughout the novel, evoking volatile emotions, incredible passion, and actual acts of arson. Verses often flash back to their very different childhoods and follow a winding path exploring struggles with adultification, neglect, and the need to be seen. Spare language and many quick, yet powerful verses create a quick read that packs a powerful punch.
Rivals
Rivals: American Royals III Katherine McGee Random House May 31, 2022
In an alternate reality America, a royal family—the Washingtons—rules the country and they provide all the drama and romance one might expect of young royals. Newly crowned Queen Beatrice is learning how to rule while navigating a relationship with a disgruntled fiancé, who will always come in second place to her job. After years of being the Party Princess, Samantha has finally fallen in love with a future Duke, but with her relationship under a microscope, she might just be ready to run away from her royal duties for good. Prince Jefferson, the family heartthrob, has his pick of girls: Daphne, his on again off again girlfriend; Nina, his friend, turned lover; and Gabriella, a ruthless noble bent on becoming a princess. Three intertwined storylines follow the siblings as they deal with life, love, and friendship in the royal spotlight. McGee weaves themes of love and angst, with grief, guilt, and glamor to create an emotional connection to characters that might otherwise seem far removed from us commoners. This third installment in the series builds on their glittering world and complicated relationships, and ends on the perfect cliffhanger to leave royal-watchers on the lookout for volume four (coming 2023).
Butler's Pantry 