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.
Lately at the Butler Center, we have been getting a lot of new books that are hitting the shelves soon! A recent addition to our collection that can soon be added to yours is Rory the Remarkable Dragon by Kathryn Rammell. Rammell tells the story of Rory, who is different from all the other dragons at school. They find her differences remarkable, making her the most popular dragon, but the principal is sure that something isn’t quite right. When she uncovers the truth about Rory, she discovers that Rory’s differences make her perfect for treasure guarding. Using engaging text accompanied by colorful drawings, Rory the Remarkable Dragon celebrates remarkable uniqueness!
Check out some more books to add to your shelves soon!
Please Be My Star Written and illustrated by Victoria Grace Elliot Published by Graphix Available September 3, 2024
Rory the Remarkable Dragon Written and illustrated by Kathryn Rammell Published by Orchard Books Available September 17, 2024
The Salt Thief: Gandhi’s Heroic March to Freedom Written by Neal Bascomb Published by Scholastic Focus Available September 3, 2024
Unico: Awakening Created by Osamu Tezuka Written by Samuel Sattin Illustrated by Gurihiru Published by Graphix Available now
The School for Wicked Witches Written by Will Taylor Published by Scholastic Inc Available September 17, 2024
The Girls of Skylark Lane Written by Robin Benway HarperCollins Children’s Books Ages 8-12 Available October 1, 2024
Twelve-year-old twins Aggie and Jac have always understood each other. But when they move to Los Angeles and start a new school, their differences drive them apart. Aggie lives in anxiety about all the changes in her life—friends, school, and distance between her and Jac—while Jac focuses on her need to be an individual. To Jac’s dismay, the twins end up in the same gym class, where they surprise everyone with their softball skills. They quickly discover a group of classmates with a neighborhood softball team that practices after school, and Aggie and Jac suddenly jump from the new kids to the new teammates. Made up of enthusiastically chatty Tink, her equally chaotic younger sister Josephine, piano-player Marnie, an influencer’s daughter Dylan, and the quiet and self-assured Taylor, this “ragamuffin crew” warmly welcome Aggie and Jac into their circle (p 112). Over time, these softballers learn to be vulnerable with one another, giving Aggie and Jac permission to be themselves and still love each other.
This middle grade novel has a fun, lighthearted tone while also tackling deep themes of fitting in, change, and growing up. Benway alternates between the perspectives of the two equally central characters, Aggie and Jac, so readers have the option to relate to one, both, or root for their reconciliation. Although the plot centers around the ragtag group of softball teammates, Benway only includes a few scenes of softball practices. Instead, the action in the novel lies more within the interpersonal relationships: disagreements, sharing vulnerabilities, and moments where friends support one another. Furthermore, Benway includes a strong, positive queer representation—Aggie and Jac have supportive dads, and their teammate Taylor comes out as trans. Under the guise of a sports drama, this heartwarming coming of age novel will get readers thinking about what it means to be family.
Friends can come in all shapes, sizes, and species. Our friends comfort us, keep us company, and show us how strong we can be. In this week’s Butler Bookshelf, we are featuring books about friendship, like Saki Tanaka’s Between Words: A Friendship Tale. With colorful and whimsical illustrations made with watercolor and colored pencil, Tanaka tells the story of a young boy named Kai and his journey to making friends. Kai and his father live nomadically, and a constant language barrier has made it difficult for Kai to make friends in the new places they live. However, with the help of a magical friend and a special stone, Kai learns that words are not the most important tool for making new friends. Between Words: A Friendship Tale is a touching story with beautiful illustrations that shows the power and beauty of friendships that come in all forms.
Check out more books about friendships below!
Between Words: A Friendship Tale Written and illustrated by Saki Tanaka Published by Orchard Books Available now
Even Better Than Sprinkles: A Story About Best Friends Written by Linda Skeers Illustrated by Heather Fox Published by Random House Studio Available now
Pig in Jeans Written and illustrated by Brenda Li Published by Orchard Books Available now
The Secret Elephant: Inspired By a True Story of Friendship Written and illustrated by Ellan Rankin Published by Random House Studio Available now
Shermy & Shake, the Not-So-New Kid Written by Kirby Larson Illustrated by Shinji Fujioka Published by Candlewick Press Available now
A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall Jasmine Warga HarperCollins Childrens Age 8-12 September 10, 2024
Stolen art, a floating girl, and a mystery-solving turtle make for a quirky and suspenseful whodunit. Introverted and outcast, Rami spends more time than he’d like at the Penelope L. Brooks Museum where his mom oversees the cleaning crew. When a painting is stolen from the Cherry Hall gallery, and he and his mom become suspects, Rami begins seeing a ghost girl hovering in that same gallery. And she looks an awful lot like the girl in the missing painting. With the help of a Veda, a clever classmate and aspiring detective, and an observant turtle named Agatha, he will unravel the story of the girl, the painting, and the theft at the Penelope.
In a story about the importance of being seen, Jasmine Warga explores the connection between art, understanding, and truth. As a child of Lebanese immigrants, Rami is an outcast at school, and too timid to make trouble. Veda, however, is a bold and quirky personality, willing to challenge him to be daring in an attempt to solve the mystery. Their tentative new friendship is drawn with thoughtful attentions to the changeable emotions and growing pains of middle school. Themes of friendship and the desire to be seen (by Rami and Veda, by the girl, and by Agatha) provide subtlety to balance the heavier aspects of loneliness and the immigrant experience. This gentle, yet thrilling early elementary school mystery combines brief chapters, a fast pace, and multiple narrators to appeal to a young audience without being entirely childish. Warga breaks the fourth wall in chapters narrated by Agatha to add context, and a touch of magical realism, for young readers. The best combination of a warm-hearted friendship and clue-laced mystery.
It’s time for some new teen fiction! Our collection has a wide variety of young adult novels covering genres like fantasy, thriller, romance, and everywhere in between. In The Word, Mary G. Thompson introduces us to the world of cults, where 16-year-old Lisa faces a decision between the familiar or something new. After her father kidnapped her 9 years ago to live in a cult, Lisa has adjusted to the gender expectations, religious beliefs, and modest lifestyle of the group. She spends her days preaching “the Word” and hasn’t seen the rest of her family since she was a child. But when the police disband the cult, Lisa returns to her mother in Oregon, where life is completely different, and maybe more freeing, than what she is used to. In this adventurous, coming-of-age novel, readers will question beliefs alongside Lisa as they follow her through the decision of whether to escape back to the life in a cult or continue to explore who she could be with the opportunity to make her own choices.
Check out more of our newer teen fiction novels below!
Bite Me, Royce Taslim Written by Lauren Ho Published by Disney Hyperion Available now
Furious Written by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos Published by Page Street YA Available now
It Waits in the Forest Written by Sarah Dass Published by Hyperion Available now
King of Dead Things Written by Nevin Holness Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers Available now
Love, Off the Record Written by Samantha Markum Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books Available now
The Word Written by Mary G. Thompson Published by Page Street Publishing Available now
The Daggers of Ire J.C. Cervantes HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray September 3, 2024 Ages 8-12
In this powerful coming of age story, Esmerelda Santos learns how her love for her family can help her believe in herself and save them from a fate worse than death. Esme lives in San Bosco with her family as they try to navigate life after the death of their beloved wife and mother two years prior. As a direct descendant of the original witches, or brujas, Esme possesses Chaos magic, which is dangerous and strictly forbidden. However, Esme is determined to save her father from his grief, even if it means using her magic. Before she can, all the brujxes are kidnapped by a witch hunter. Esme and her best friend, Tiago, are left and embark on a quest to find out who the witch hunter is. Travelling through magical realms and befriending a cursed fox along the way, Esme searches for the original witches to find a way to save her family, learning along the way that love is “bigger than […] magic” (pg. 341).
With rich imagery inspired by the Latine myths she grew up hearing, J.C. Cervantes crafts a world of magic, perseverance, and love. Cervantes’s love and appreciation for her Latine heritage and culture shines through, creating an immersive world. By incorporating Mayan and Aztec mythology, Cervantes creates a fresh new mythology for readers to explore without feeling overwhelmed. Cervantes develops Esme’s world in a way that is easy to digest as Esme learns new truths about her history, family, and herself piece by piece. Using riveting language and imagery, Cervantes creates strange and beautiful realms for Esme to travel through and Spanish phrases and words to connect back to the Latine roots of the story. The themes of sisterhood and the power of love over hate prove to be compelling motivators in both the plot and Esme’s character development as she uses her love for her family to unlock her true magical potential.
Have you ever wondered how animals communicate with each other? In Wild Languages of Mother Nature: 48 Stories of How Nature Communicates, Dawney explores the verbal, and non-verbal, communication of a wide variety of species. Each two-fold spread focuses on one species, such as the Egyptian fruit bat, Caribbean reef squid, and even plants like the black walnut and grass. Samson-Abadie provides detailed but engaging and humorous illustrations to bring readers’ eyes across the page and learn about how these species speak to each other. For instance, the fruit fly uses vibrations of their wings to signal to other flies, the white-spotted pufferfish creates mandala-like patterns in the sand to call mates, and Dawney even explains how this summer’s all-too familiar cicadas make their powerful buzzing sound using the muscles in their abdomen. The combination of informative, digestible text with text bubbles that provide funny commentary from the featured animals gives readers insightful knowledge about both animals and communication that is sure to spark curiosity.
Check our more of our nonfiction collection on animals below!
Calculating Chimpanzees, Brainy Bees, and Other Animals with Mind-Blowing Mathematical Abilities Written by Stephanie Gibeault Illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett Published by MIT Kids Press Available now
The Den That Octopus Built Written by Randi Sonenshine Illustrated by Anne Hunter Published by Candlewick Press Available now
I Was: The Stories of Animals Skulls Written by Katherine Hocker Illustrated by Natasha Donovan Published by Candlewick Press Available now
Super Swifts: Small Birds with Amazing Powers Written by Justin Anderson Illustrated by Clover Robin Published by Candlewick Press Available now
Superdads!: Animal Heroes Written by Heather Lang and Jamie Harper Illustrated by Jamie Harper Published by Candlewick Press Available now
Wild Languages of Mother Nature: 48 Stories of How Nature Communicates Written by Gabby Dawnay Illustrated by Margaux Samson-Abadie Published by Wide Eyed Editions Available now
At the End of the River Styx Written by Michelle Kulwicki Page Street YA Ages 14-18 Available September 24, 2024
Bastian is a cinnamon gum-loving, directionless, nightmare-ridden senior in high school trying to survive after a truck collided with his car one year ago, sparing him and his twin brother Dorian but not their mother. He is 6 months away from graduating high school, but he can’t seem to focus on classes. Instead, he spent the life insurance money from his mother’s death on a decrepit bookstore, to the dismay of his high-achieving, responsible brother and their fiercely loyal friends, Riley and Mathais. Meanwhile, Bastian visits a mysterious place in his nightmares that readers quickly identify as purgatory, or River Styx. In this “in-between,” 18-year-old Zan carries out his 500-year sentence serving the Ferryman, the Greek god who swallows souls stuck between life and death. As Bastian’s grief grows and his visits to River Styx become more frequent, he spends more time with Zan, who can’t seem to lead Bastian to his death. Their relationship soon blooms into a heartwarming, flirtatious young love that reminds Bastian of his will to live, fix his bookstore, and be there for his brother and friends. Zan ultimately sacrifices himself for Bastian in a heartbreaking yet beautiful ending.
In Kulwicki’s first full-length novel, she turns a devastating situation into a story of hope, love, and honor. Using light Greek mythology, she creates an alternative world of River Styx and lost soul’s memories without overpowering readers who are unfamiliar with these stories. The relationship-driven plot between Bastian and Zan builds steadily throughout the novel with an even pace that quickens towards the end. Kulwicki showcases her strong characterization skills, creating lovable, distinct characters with witty banter that balances the gravity of death, grief, and depression. Although Bastian’s romantic love for Zan is a large factor in coping with his grief, it is not the sole reason for Bastian’s healing. Kulwicki’s also makes sure to center the important role of Bastian’s support system in his friends and brother and passion for books. In addition to the serious themes of death, the novel contains scenes with drugs and lightly alludes to sex and suicide. This novel radiates acceptance and love, engages readers in a gripping plotline, and gives readers hope in the face of dark times.
Everyone has a story that makes them unique. Reading about other people’s stories can be fun, fascinating, and educational. Belen Medina tells the story of marathon and ultramarathon runner Lorena Ramírez in her book Daughter of the Light-Footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez. Medina writes about Lorena’s experiences that helped her build strength and stamina for marathon running, like herding goats and cows and playing running games with her siblings. She also writes about how Lorena’s community, family, and culture give her the strength to keep running. Illustrator Natalia Rojas Castro uses vibrant illustrations to depict Lorena’s running and culture. Included in the backmatter is information about Lorena’s upbringing and and the culture of her people, the Rarámuri.
Check out more biographies below!
As the Seas Rise: Nicole Hernández Hammer and the Fight for Climate Justice Written and illustrated by Angela Quezada Padron Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers Available now
Daughter of the Light-Footed People:The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez Written by Belen Medina Illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers Available now
Let Us March On: James Weldon Johnson and the Silent Protest Parade Written by Yohuru Williams and Michael G. Long Illustrated by Xia Gordon Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers Available now
Leo Messi (Spanish Edition) Written by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara Illustrated by Florencia Gavilan Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books Available now
A Mind of Her Own: The Story of Mystery Writer Agatha Christie Written by Robyn McGrath Illustrated by Liz Wong Published by Beach Lane Books Available now
Every year I’m envious of all the librarians that plan extra time into their annual conference trip for sightseeing in a new town. And every year I don’t plan to do it myself. This year a rudely early flight on Friday provided a morning to explore San Diego before my conference sprint began, and it was all I could have hoped for—the food, the bay, the people watching—delightful! And definitely contributed to the Disney-vacation-equivalent number of steps I walked this weekend exploring the inspirational offerings at #ALAAC24. Join me in a recap of all the places those steps took me…
Trevor Noah’s Opening Keynote Address
Yes, I was sitting ALL THE WAY in the back of the room.
There was no doubt that Trevor Noah was going to be funny, right? But he was funny, thoughtful, and so complimentary about the importance, power, and contributions of libraries. In discussion with ALA Past-President Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada, he discussed his upcoming book Into the Uncut Grass (One World Books, October 2024) a fable of imagination and connection inspired by his “never-ending war with [his] mother.” It was a lovely reminder that librarians are not alone in the struggle to support libraries.
Accidental Activism
Librarians all over the country are in a fight to defend intellectual freedom, and Louisiana school librarian Amanda Jones is no exception. After standing against book bans at her public library, she was labeled a “groomer” by some in her own community. Inspired to fight back, she continues to challenge the conservative voices in her community, and around the country, that would diminish intellectual freedom. Her new book, That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America (Bloomsbury, August 2024), Jones offers both a memoir of her experience and a call to action to all those that support the right to read. Thank you to Bloomsbury for the intimate breakfast reception and inspiring chat.
Increasing Access to Translated Literature
Indie publishers of international books are (not surprisingly) strong advocates for adding these titles to library collections. But they know the challenges for these titles at every step of the bookmaking process: from sourcing the books, paying for quality translations, and marketing a book with a non-English speaking author. In Diversity Beyond the Border: International and Multilingual Publishing, a panel of publishers discussed the challenges of the process versus the value to reader of having access to authentic voices in literature. It’s sobering to consider the privilege that allows the US market to be so selective in including translated titles, when most of the world depends on translations from English, and that maybe we could stand the challenge inherent in understanding a new voice. I also had a lovely post-panel chat with one publisher about DU’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair course and how we could partner to provide pre-conference insights to SOIS students—stay tuned.
Exhibit Floor Fun
This activity was closed every time I passed. 😦Highly recommend The Bletchley RiddleThat’s a dog signing their book.
As always, I spent a good part of my weekend (and steps) exploring the Library Marketplace, connecting with the publishers that so generously contribute to the BCLC collection, and collecting some new signed books for the Center. The energy on the floor is always inspiring, and this year was no different. From signing line chats with authors and librarians, to deep conversations about book banning and censorship with publishers fighting their own battles, and surprise run-ins with so many librarian friends, I left with a renewed appreciate for the care, commitment, and pure joy in this community of library land. If a theme ran through the sessions and conversations this weekend, it’s that librarians may be on the front lines in the battle for intellectual freedom, but we are surely not in the fight alone.
Until next year, #ALAAC24. See you in Philly @ #ALAAC25!
Butler's Pantry 