Category Archives: Uncategorized

Books for Good

by

I find I’m turning to books even more (than usual) this year; for edification, entertainment, and just plain escape from the real world. If that sounds like you, or someone you know, books could be a better-than-ever holiday gift. Or maybe a “just because you need a break from doom-scrolling” gift!

Between books, I’ve been working extra hard to feel like I am helping others, both in my immediate community and our bigger, book-ish community. Here are some of my favorite ways to contribute. I hope they’ll inspire you to help too!

Bookshop

From their website: Bookshop is an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores.

We believe that bookstores are essential to a healthy culture. They’re where authors can connect with readers, where we discover new writers, where children get hooked on the thrill of reading that can last a lifetime. They’re also anchors for our downtowns and communities.

As more and more people buy their books online, we wanted to create an easy, convenient way for you to get your books and support bookstores at the same time.

If you want to find a specific local bookstore to support, find them on our map and they’ll receive the full profit from your order. Otherwise, your order will contribute to an earnings pool that will be evenly distributed among independent bookstores (even those that don’t use Bookshop).

Fun Fact: To date, they have raised almost $8 million for independent bookstores.

Our experience: The site is user friendly, shipping was fast, and the price was less than that other online option.

Liberation Library

From their website: Liberation Library provides books to youth in [Illinois] prisons to encourage imagination, self-determination, and connection to outside worlds of their choosing. We believe access to books is a right, not a privilege. We believe books and relationships empower young people to change the criminal justice system.

Fun Fact: The Liberation Library has partnered with 5 Chicago bookstores (City Lit Books, Open Books, Pilsen Community Books, Semicolon Books, and Women and Children First Bookstore) to engage in a form of mutual aid. You can purchase a gift card from a partner store, and the organization will buy books specifically requested by the kids.

Our experience: They also take donations of new or gently used paperbacks from your personal collection. BCLC is keeping an eye out for the titles on their current wish list.

Freadom USA

From their website: Being able to read is the most critical skill for anyone who wants to fully claim and realize the freedoms America promises; this is why Freadom exists. Freadom is a social enterprise created to accelerate and amplify the awareness of and advance the cause for literacy. Freadom designs and sells high-quality, responsibly made apparel and products from which 100% of the net profit supports literacy initiatives throughout America.

Fun Fact: Founded by Brian Floriani, Bernie’s Book Bank Founder & Chief Advancement Officer, Freadom aims to invest $100 million in literacy initiatives like BBB.

Our experience: Each year, the Butler Center donates books to Bernie’s Book Bank to support their goal of getting books to children in low-income homes. And my new t-shirt is in the mail—can’t wait!

Happy shopping, book-lovers!

Butler Bookshelf

by

On the Butler Bookshelf, we’re celebrating Fall Children’s Book Week! Every Child A Reader’s Fall 2020 celebration (November 9-15) will feature some exciting new resources to connect kids with books and reading at home. For more check out the website here, or follow the hashtag #BookWeek2020atHome for more content.

This week, in addition to celebrating Fall Children’s Book Week, we’re diving into Flying Paintings, a biography of the Zhou Brothers. Illustrated by the artists and written by Amy Alznauer, this picture book bio tells the story of their childhood and their grandmother Po Po, whose stories of flying paintings in the mountains inspired their budding artistry. The bio describes China’s Cultural Revolution in the 1970s, and explores how the brothers began painting together on the same canvas. For more great reads, check out the list below!

Flying Paintings: The Zhou Brothers: A Story of Revolution and Art
Written by Amy Alznauer and illustrated by ShanZuo Zhou and DaHuang Zhou
Published by Candlewick
Available now!

Ella’s Night Lights
Written and illustrated by Lucy Fleming
Published by Candlewick
Available November 24!

Joy
Written by Yasmeen Ismall and illustrated by Jenni Desmond
Published by Candlewick
Available now!

Birrarung Wilam: A Story from Aboriginal Australia
Written by Aunty Joy Murphy and Andrew Kelley, illustrated by Lisa Kennedy
Published by Candlewick
Available now!

The Suffragist Playbook: Your Guide to Changing the World
Written by Lucinda Robb and Rebecca Boggs Roberts
Published by Candlewick
Available now!

Wheels
Written by Sally Sutton and Illustrated by Brian Lovelock
Published by Candlewick
Available now!

Small Town America: A Review of Rural Voices

by

Rural Voices: 15 Authors Challenge Assumptions About Small-Town America
Edited by Nora Shalaway Carpenter
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now
Ages 14-18

In the introduction to this new collection, editor Nora Shalaway Carpenter recounts a childhood experience in which a stranger, upon learning she was from West Virginia, made a comment that instilled shame in her, based on where she lived. That comment stuck with her, and the feeling of being “less than” runs throughout this #OwnVoices anthology. The intention behind the anthology is to counteract the stereotypes of rural America, showing that it is not a monolith. The authors create stories, verse, and images that contain a multitude of states, ethnicities, sexualities, and economic realities—common to all is a question of what belonging, acceptance, and justice really mean. Self-acceptance is at the heart of the collection, where in so many of these stories, the protagonist must grapple with who they are and who the world assumes them to be. David Bowles’ “A Border Kid Comes of Age” is a free verse exploration of one young man’s attempt to claim his bisexual identity and still remain part of the family that he loves. Bowles’ poetry is linear and heavy, resonating beyond the bounds of the lead character’s geography. Tirzah Price’s “Best in Show” gives its narrator Molly the romantic-comedy outcome of her dreams—a date with her crush Amoreena—only it’s against the backdrop of the Mekawnee County Fair while she’s bathing her prize pig, Herbert; definitely not how she envisioned their romance blossoming. Molly struggles to reconcile her different worlds, and be noticed in a way that is not in her control. Many stories embrace their hometown while others grapple with finding their place in it. Rural Voices captures the different specifics of rural teen life, while embracing how belonging and identity are common lived experiences; this is a beautiful addition to any teen collection.

Butler Bookshelf

by

On this week’s Butler Bookshelf, we’re excited for The Purple Puffy Coat, a picture book by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Daniel Duncan. This read features the fashionable Beetle and his good friend Stick Bug. On Stick Bug’s birthday, Beetle knows just what to give him: a fabulous, attention-drawing coat–but does Stick Bug really want this? For more great reads, check out the list below!

1789: Twelve Authors Explore a Year of Rebellion, Revolution, and Change
Edited by Marc Aronson and Susan Campbell Bartoletti 
Published by Candlewick
Available now!

Norman: One Amazing Goldfish!
Written by Kelly Bennett and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones
Published by Candlewick
Available now!

The Purple Puffy Coat
Written by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Daniel Duncan
Published by Candlewick
Available November 10!

You Should See Me in a Crown
Written by Leah Johnson
Published by Scholastic Press
Available now!

This Is A Book Of Shapes
Written and illustrated by Kenneth Kraegel
Published by Candlewick
Available now!

Three Keys (A Front Desk Novel)
Written by Kelly Yang
Published by Scholastic Press
Available now!

Just Try It: A Review of No Reading Allowed: The WORST Read-Aloud Book Ever

by

No Reading Allowed: The WORST Read-Aloud Book Ever
Raj Haldar and Chris Carpenter
Illustrated by Bryce Gladfelter
Sourcebooks Explore
Available November 10, 2020
Ages 4-7

Ptolemy the Pterodactyl (from 2018’s P Is for Pterodactyl) is back to help explain another quirk of the English language: homographs, homophones, and homonyms. As if learning to read isn’t confusing enough, we have words that are spelled the same but have different meaning or pronunciation (homographs), words that are pronounced the same but have different meaning or spelling (homophones), and words that are spelled and pronounced the same but have different meanings (homonyms). Just try reading this book aloud and the listen to the madness! Clever word-play from rapper turned children’s book author Raj Haldar (also known as Lushlife), delivers pairs of sentences with hilariously different meanings. “The new deli clerk runs a pretty sorry store” full of rats and thieving gnomes vs. “The New Delhi clerk runs a pretty sari store” full of colorful dress fabrics. The absurd situations are each accompanied by their own wacky illustration, with opposing sentences on opposing pages or stacked on a page for easy comparison. Examples illustrated to dramatically silly effect showcase Gladfelter’s hand-drawn line work accented with vibrant digital color. Great vocabulary throughout is complemented by “the Worst Glossary Ever… Again!” to help those brave enough to read aloud parse the meaning of each wacky word pair.

Butler Bookshelf

by

This week on the Butler Bookshelf, we are excited to read the final installment of Victoria Bond’s Zora and Me trilogy. In The Summoner, upheaval in Zora Neale Hurston’s hometown Eatonville, America’s first incorporated Black township, has Zora imagining her future past its borders. Bond’s fictionalized tale explores the end of childhood and sins of the past. For more great reads, check out the list below!

Zora and Me: The Summoner
Written by Victoria Bond
Published by Candlewick
Available now!

Superhero Gran
Written by Timothy Knapman and illustrated by Joe Berger
Published by Nosy Crow
Available now!

World Politics in 100 Words: Start conversations and spark inspiration (In a Nutshell)
Written by Eleanor Levenson and illustrated by Paul Boston
Published by words & pictures
Available now!

How to Write a Story: (Read-Aloud Book, Learn to Read and Write)
Written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Mark Siegel
Published by Chronicle Books
Available now!

Mr Brown’s Bad Day
Written by Lou Peacock and illustrated by Alison Friend
Published by Nosy Crow
Available November 10!

Everything I Thought I Knew
Written by Shannon Takaoka
Published by Candlewick
Available now!

Autumn Virtual Events

by

As the weather gets colder, many beloved autumn events are going virtual. Check out the list below for some not-to-be-missed events in the coming weeks and months!

SLJ Summit 2020: Culture Shift
Dates: Saturday, October 24
Schedule: Check out the online schedule here.
Cost: Free with registration
About: Now in its 16th year, this national convening by School Library Journal will focus on creating a culture that promotes an equitable world and closes the opportunity gap for all children. Check out sessions like “Beyond Book Clubs: Next Steps in the Work of Antiracism with Children” or “Trauma-Informed Teaching and COVID.”

LibraryCon Live!
Dates: November 5
Schedule: Check out the online schedule here.
Cost: Free with registration
About: Join Library Journal and School Library Journal for our fourth annual LibraryCon Live! We’re excited to offer a day-long celebration of fandom-beloved stories and characters, featuring the creators behind mind-bending speculative fiction, innovative comics, and fan-favorite graphic novels. The event’s keynote speakers are Jerry Craft and John Jennings.

YALSA’s Young Adult Services Symposium
Dates: November 6-8
Schedule: Check out the online schedule here.
Cost: Varies
About: This year’s theme is the Biggest Little Spaces: How Libraries Serve the Expanding Worlds of Teens. Open to everyone, not just YALSA members, the programs will cover the entire spectrum of topics related to providing services for and with young adults.  Session content is focused around key issues in YALSA’s recent report.

Sweet (as candy) Halloween Reads

by

Are the little monsters in your library looking for not-so-spooky reads this season? Whether they want witches, ghosts, or some trick-or-treating fun—there’s a book for that! And check out Gustavo for a sweet Dia De Los Muertos ghost story.

Board Books:

Brooms Are for Flying
Michael Rex
Henry Holt/Godwin Books
July 2020

In this board book adaptation, follow a little witch and her trick-or-treating friends as they dance through this introduction to traditional Halloween characters and symbols. A sweet treat.

Trick-or-Treat with Tow Truck Joe
June Sobel, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
July 2020

Tow Truck Joe and his buddies are all dressed up for Halloween and ready to trick-or-treat, bob for apples, and have a frightfully-fun night on the town. Surprises under each flap are more friendly than scary, showing that even pirates and dragons can help a friend in need. A sweet treat.

Picture Books:

Monsters 101
Cale Atkinson
Random House/Doubleday
August 2020

Everything you ever wanted to know about monsters and more! You’ll learn from top monster professors about monster names, habits, diet, history, and even their biggest fears—humans! A silly and spooky trick.

Gustavo the Shy Ghost
Flavia Z. Drago
Candlewick
July 2020
Available in Spanish as Gustavo el Fantasmita Timido

Gustavo is shy and has a hard time making friends. In fact, the other ghosts and monsters see right through him. But he is also brave and invites them all to a Day of the Dead party to hear him play the violin. By sharing his talent he makes friends just by being himself. A sweet treat.

Bears and Boos
Shirley Parenteau, illustrated by David Walker
Candlewick
July 2020

The bears are back and ready to create the perfect Halloween costumes. Chaos at the costume box ensues as the bears scramble for the perfect costumes. With one left out, the bears show their trademark kindness to outfit their friend just in time for the Halloween parade. A sweet treat.

Butler Bookshelf

by

This week on the Butler Bookshelf, we’re reaching for The Suitcase, a new picture book by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros. In The Suitcase, a stranger arrives with just a suitcase, and everyone wants to know: why is the stranger here and where has the stranger come from, and what is in that suitcase? A story about kindness and perception, this picture book offers hope and empathy. For more great reads, check out the list below!

The Belonging Tree
Written by Maryann Cocca-Leffler and illustrated by Kristine A. Lombardi
Published by Henry Holt and Co. Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Catalyst
Written by Sarah Beth Durst
Published by Clarion Books
Available now!

What Do You Do If You Work At The Zoo?
Written by Steve Jenkins and Robert Page
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers
Available now!

First Prize for the Worst Witch
Written and illustrated by Jill Murphy
Published by Candlewick
Available now!

The Suitcase
Written and illustrated by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers
Available now!

The Con Code
Written by Shana Silver
Published by Swoon Reads
Available now!

A Reading List for Hispanic Heritage Month

by

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15), here at the Butler Center, we’d like to highlight several publications from 2020 that we think are compelling, poignant, or dazzling stories about different Hispanic experiences! Our list is by no means all that has been published this year, nor could it ever encapsulate the many different Hispanic experiences. Instead, it is a sampling of several stories–from reimagined folk tales to navigating athletic ambitions to budding youth activists.

Federico and the Wolf
Written by Rebecca J. Gomez and illustrated by Elisa Chavarri
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/Clarion Books
Available now!
Ages 3-8
This joyful Mexican-American retelling of Little Red Riding Hood features vibrant artwork and a playful rhyming scheme. This tale features Federico, outfitted with a red hoodie and bicycle basket full of goodies, on his way to his Abuelo’s when he comes across el lobo. As Federico outwits the wolf, illustrator Elissa Chavarri’s artwork leaps off the page, with action and detail-work alike. Author Rebecca J. Gomez features food heavily in the story, with Spanish throughout. Gomez ends the picture book with a recipe for pico de gallo and a glossary of Spanish words.

Queen of Tejano Music: Selena
Written by Silvia López and illustrated by Paola Escobar 
Published by little bee books
Available now!
Ages 5-9
In this picture book biography, Silvia López honors the late singer Selena in a descriptive account of the singer’s childhood and immersion in the music world. Starting at age nine, Selena Quintanilla began singing in her family’s band. The Tejano music world was dominated by men–not women or girls. Through hard work and talent, Selena became a superstar on the Tejano scene and later crossed over into mainstream American music. Illustrator  Paola Escobar charts Selena’s rise with expressive artwork. While Selena’s career was tragically cut short, López focuses on her life. End matter explores Tejano music further, as well as provides a timeline for Selena’s life.

Stella Díaz Never Gives Up
Written by Angela Dominguez
Published by Macmillan/Roaring Brook
Available now!
Ages 7-10
The second in the Stella Díaz series, author and illustrator Angela Dominguez’s chapter book gets deeper into Stella’s development as a young environmental activist. Set during the summer, Stella is excited about her family trip to Mexico, where she’ll see the ocean, and eager to begin camp at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. But soon Stella learns how the ocean is threatened by pollution–and she wants to do something about it! As Stella leans into her community and inspires friends and family alike to care about the ocean, readers will latch onto Stella’s enthusiasm. Dominguez’s note at the end offers more resources for helping with ocean conservation, as well as explains her choice to italicize the Spanish phrases throughout the book.

Ghost Squad
Written by Claribel Ortega
Published by Scholastic Press
Available now!
Ages 8-12
In this middle-grade fantasy, Dominican-American Lucely Luna and her family know ghosts–and they should! Lucely’s ancestors are part of their lives, appearing to them as fireflies or cucuyos. In the days leading up to Halloween, one of Lucely’s cucuyos fades. Worried and desperate, Lucely and her best friend Syd cast a spell to awaken the spirit–however, instead, they awaken evil spirits. As the evil spirits set on the city of St Augustine, Florida. To fight back and protect the city against the evil spirits, Lucely and Syd turn to Syd’s grandmother Babette.  This action-packed read is filled with Dominican culture. The supernatural spookiness is juxtaposed with family love and warmth, making for a ghost story with heart.

Furia
Written by Yamile Saied Méndez
Published by Workman Publishing/Algonquin Young Readers
Available now!
Ages 14-18
Seventeen-year-old Camila Hassan has a secret. To her parents, she is a respectful daughter living under her family’s rules and her father’s hard temper. What her parents do not know is that Camila is also “la Furia,” a talented fútbol player who has just won their local league championship. Instead of playing in Rosario, Argentina, Camila and her team have qualified for a South American tournament. Before this, Camila has not let herself dream–but now she is thinking about what the future could hold, including a sports scholarship to a North American university. But for that dream to become a reality, she needs her parents’ permission to play. And now, her old love Diego–now a famous international futboler–has moved back home. This coming of age story has Camila balancing her own desires as an athlete with her feelings of love, all against the backdrop of an abusive family.