Category Archives: youth services

Butler Bookshelf

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Even though it’s only April, we here at the Butler Center have received countless fantastic books for teens! From fantasy to romance, we want to share some great new teen fiction, like Love on Paper by Danielle Parker. When Macy Descanso is accepted to attend Penovation, a high-profile writing workshop program, she knows she has some big shoes to fill from her writer parents. However, when the workshop’s theme is romance and Macy’s critique partner is the (irresistably cute) son of her parents’ writing rivals, Caleb, she feels the pressure rachet up. Soon, when a classmate reveals a mystery left behind by a romantic literary giant, she knows it will be the perfect thing to distract her from her imposter syndrome. Plus, would it really be so bad to bond with Caleb, who is growing more charming by the second, over solving this mystery? Parker presents a fun summer romance, building Macy and Caleb’s relationship incrementally until they finally admit their feelings for each other. The mystery element adds an entertaining touch, propelling the story forward as the characters explore Berkeley and the surrounding area to find the prolific writer Betty Quinn’s last unfinished manuscript. Parker doesn’t shy away from heavier topics, discussing grief, complicated parental relationships, and imposter syndrome. Using thoughtful and humorous prose, Parker explores what it means to make a name for yourself, even when escaping your parents’ shadow feels impossible. Joyful, funny, and intriguing, Love on Paper is a wonderful young adult rom-com to add to any personal or public library collection!

Check out more teen fiction below!

A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe
Written by Mahogany L. Browne
Published by Crowne Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Camila Nunez’s Year of Disasters
Written by Miriam Zoila Perez
Published by Page Street Publishing
Available now!

Love on Paper
Written by Danielle Parker
Published by Joy Revolution
Available now!

On the Wings of la Noche
Written by Vanessa L. Torres
Published by Alfred A. Knopf
Available now!

True Life in Uncanny Valley
Written by Deb Caletti
Published by Labyrinth Road
Available now!

Where She Started: A Review of Janie Writes a Play 

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Janie Writes a Play: Jane Yolen’s First Great Story 
Written by Heidi E. Y. Stemple 
Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight 
Published by Charlesbridge 
Ages 5-8 
Available February 11, 2025 

Janie loves great stories of all forms. Constantly creating stories in her head, she loves writing down her ideas. With rehearsals about to start for her class play, Janie can’t wait to learn the story and get her part. Unfortunately, when she reads the script, she’s disappointed by its lack of a “rising plot or big moment” (p. 21), and she finds the ending unsatisfying. Later, in ballet class, Janie is disheartened by the lackluster story, but the satisfying ending of her class’s dance routine inspires her to write her own script. After a long night of writing and rewriting, Janie turns in her story to her teacher, Mrs. Jiler. She agrees to use the new play and hands out new roles. In the end, the success of her play inspires Janie to keep writing and ultimately become the beloved children’s author, Jane Yolen. 

In this imaginative picture book, Heidi E. Y. Stemple, Jane Yolen’s daughter, pays loving tribute to the story of her mother’s first story. Writing about young Janie’s constantly soaring imagination, Stemple shows an appreciation for Yolen’s artistry in a manner that encourages readers to foster their own creativity. Stemple shares some insight into Yolen’s creative process, like how she would learn new words by reading books that were above her reading level. At the end, Stemple includes a brief passage about her mother’s life and work, as well as photographs of Yolen and her family growing up. Madelyn Goodnight’s bright, full-color illustrations bring whimsy to Janie’s world by showcasing her strong imagination. One side of a spread shows a regular scene at the park, with people picnicking and flying kites. On the opposite side, Goodnight illustrates what Janie sees: swashbuckling pirates and tutu-clad dinosaurs throwing tantrums. Many of the illustrations are touching references to Yolen’s large body of work. Janie Writes a Play is a delightfully fun story that encourages creativity and curiosity and serves as an amusing resource for information on a beloved children’s author that can aid in a lesson about storytelling or a program featuring Yolen’s books. 

2024 New Year’s Resolution…

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Join the welcoming community of those who study, teach, and promote children’s and young adult books at the Butler Children’s Literature Center.

Explore your passion for the newest in children’s and young adult literature from publishers like Penguin, Candlewick, Sourcebooks, and more.

Dive into storytelling research with the Ellin Greene Folk and Fairytale Collection.

Consider the past, present, and future of diverse literature with the Effie Lee Morris Collection of African American-focused books for youth.

BCLC staff will be back on campus (7900 W Division St, River Forest, IL) beginning January 2nd. Visit during Spring Open Hours:

Tuesday: 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday: Noon-4pm
Thursday: 9 am-4 pm
Friday: 9 am-Noon

Or reach out to schedule an appointment butler@dom.edu.

Cheers to a happy, healthy, and well-read new year!

Application Deadline Extended: Butler Youth Services Scholarship

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Does this sound like you (or someone you know)?

  • Have you applied to DU’s School of Information Studies for Fall 2023?
  • Do you love youth literature?
  • Can’t wait to work with kids and teens?
  • Are you interested in becoming part of a diverse and engaged youth-services-focused library community?
  • Do you identify as part of an underrepresented group in librarianship?

Applications are now being accepted for the 2023-2024 Butler Youth Services Scholarship for Underrepresented Groups in the Field of Library Science. This $15,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student seeking to earn an MLIS with a planned focus on service to children and young adults.

For eligibility requirements and application procedures, please visit our website or contact Butler Children’s Literature Center Curator, Jen Clemons—jclemons@dom.edu.

Applications for Fall 2023 are being accepted until July 7, 2023.

Apply Now! for the Butler Youth Services Scholarship

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Does this sound like you (or someone you know)?

  • Have you applied to DU’s School of Information Studies for Fall 2023?
  • Do you love youth literature?
  • Can’t wait to work with kids and teens?
  • Are you interested in becoming part of a diverse and engaged youth-services-focused library community?
  • Do you identify as part of an underrepresented group in librarianship?

Applications are now being accepted for the 2023-2024 Butler Youth Services Scholarship for Underrepresented Groups in the Field of Library Science. This $15,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student seeking to earn an MLIS with a planned focus on service to children and young adults.

For eligibility requirements and application procedures, please visit our website or contact Butler Children’s Literature Center Curator, Jen Clemons—jclemons@dom.edu.

Applications for Fall 2023 are being accepted until July 7, 2023.

All of the Content, None of the Travel: Spring/Summer Virtual PD

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Last spring, I decided virtual conferences were a silver lining to a socially distanced and anxiety-ridden time. The endlessly creative library and book world was just a click away, and all the conferences I’d dreamt of participating in were suddenly coming right to the safety of my desk (AKA the dining room table)! And while I love the energy and spontaneous meet-ups of a face-to-face conference, I’m excited for another summer of safely connecting online while the world recovers from this pandemic. Check out this roster of fabulous upcoming events for your professional development delight. And perhaps we’ll meet in a virtual happy hour—cheers!

SLJ Day of Dialog
May 20, 2021 9:00am-6:00pm EST
Free with registration.

Come hear about the latest and most exciting forthcoming titles for children, tweens, and teens, from picture books and nonfiction to graphic novels and YA, and engage in Q&A sessions with authors and illustrators. There will also be opportunities to visit the virtual exhibit hall to network with leading publishers, enjoy additional author chats, and download digital galleys and other free resources.

Publisher’s Weekly: US Book Show
May 25-27, 2021 9:00am-4:00pm CDT
Registration required—librarian ticket $35

Attendees will enjoy a wide array of book and author panels; programming geared to publishing professionals; and exhibitor booths available on a sliding scale meant to attract displays from a range of vendors, from small presses to midsize imprints, university presses, sideline producers, distributors, library data providers and the largest publishers. Special programming for librarians will put forth thought-provoking discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing libraries now.

Indigenous Voices: Authentic Children’s Literature in the Classroom & Library
May 25-26, 2021 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm PDT
Free with registration by May 25th 

San Diego County Office of Education is hosting this two-day event featuring Debbie Reese, Traci Sorell, Anton Treuer, Arigon Starr, Dawn Quigley, Naomi Bishop, and Darcie Little Badger. The webinar is free and open to the public.

Bologna Children’s Book Fair
June 14-17, 2021
Combination of free and paid events with registration required.

Visit the BCBF page for events (with registration details) ranging from a Virtual Illustrators Wall, to Awards Ceremonies, Master Class sessions, and licensing events.

ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition
June 23-29, 2021
Registration required, fee based on membership category.

Join your community online at the leading library event of the year with more than 200 educational sessions, 250+ exhibitors, 25+ Featured Speakers, and more than 140 authors — and the best part you’ll have access to the conference content for a full year!

London Book Fair
June 7-10 and June 29-July 1
Registration opens soon.

This series of publishing and rights related events delivers quality content, exciting keynote speakers, future-gazing presentations, heated debate and unrivalled networking opportunities. Full conference programs will be posted soon.

American Booksellers Association The 2021 Children’s Institute
August 30-September 1, 2021
Registration opens June 15th

Attendees can expect all their favorite events from Children’s Institute, including keynotes, author appearances, education sessions, rep picks presentations, social events, and more, but with a twist only available to booksellers in a virtual world.

What events are you attending this summer? Drop us a note if there is another can’t miss event you’d love to share and we’ll help spread the word.

The Power of Invulnerability: A Review of Quincredible

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Quincredible Vol. 1: Quest to be the Best
Written by Rodney Barnes, illustrated by Selina Espiritu, colorist Kelly Fitzpatrick
Published by Oni Press
Available on February 23, 2021
Ages 13+

Quinton West may have invulnerability as a superpower, but he sure doesn’t feel invulnerable—not when he’s getting picked on by Caine and his buddies, or when he finds out his crush Brittany has a new boyfriend. But like it or not, Quin has a superpower, or “enhancement,” that he has worked hard to keep hidden from everyone, especially his parents, no matter how understanding and supportive they are. Ever since his hometown of New Orleans was struck by a meteor shower, he and other everyday folks have been blessed-or cursed-with superpowers. In the aftermath of the natural disaster, many new superheroes leaned into their new powers by fighting crime. After a chance encounter with superhero Glow, Quin learns to embrace his invulnerability superpower and becomes Quincredible. With Glow as a mentor, Quin uses his powers and joins his fellow superheroes in restoring justice to the community. However, not all community members support their efforts; Quin and his “enhanced” friends are the target of a sinister plot. As a marked young man, Quin will need to confide in his friends and family; he cannot fight injustice alone. Rodney Barnes’ new graphic novel is a powerful, heartwarming, and exciting read. Barnes’ savvy investigation into the tension between superheroes and the New Orleans Police Department correlates to current events, and invites readers to consider the real aim of justice. Quin’s strong relationship with his mother and father allow for conversations about goodness and perspective; these conversations surface again as Quin and Brittany discuss new ideals offered by a local organizer. Quin’s father asks his son to consider what good is. Barnes and illustrator Selina Espiritu do not shy away from tackling the institutional racism within the justice system. Espiritu’s images run the gamut of emotions: powerful and jarring panels of police brutality following a community rally to Quin’s amusing attempts to learn Parkour. During action scenes, the panels often shift to become more dynamic and reflect the energy of the encounter. Backstory concerning villain Alexandre Zelime’s rise to power is depicted in panels superimposed on Zelime himself, making for an eerie origin story. Colorist Kelly Fitzpatrick infuses images with vibrancy; the illustrations featuring Glow’s superpower are iridescent and spectacular. This #OwnVoices graphic novel mirrors reality and “enhances” it, making for a wonderful addition to any teen library. 

Butler Bookshelf

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Tensions are high on the Zero Local train, as riders deal with delays and frustrations. But a new passenger joins the daily commute, and passengers begin to practice gratitude. Ethan and Vita Murrow’s Zero Local: Next Stop Kindness picture book is next on our to read list. For more reads, check out the list below!

Portrait of an Artist: Georgia O Keefe
Written by Lucy Brownridge and illustrated by Alice Wietzel
Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Available now!

The Not BAD Animals
Written and illustrated by Sophie Corrigan
Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available now!

Who Do You Think You Are?
Written by Alice Harman and illustrated by Blok Magnaye
Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Available now!

Alphonse, There’s Mud on the Ceiling!
Written and illustrated by Daisy Hirst
Published by Walker Books
Available now!

Zero Local: Next Stop: Kindness
Written and illustrated by Ethan and Vita Morrow
Published by Candlewick
Available now!

Evonne Goolagong: Little People Big Dreams
Written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Lisa Koesterke
Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available now!

Resources to Help Combat Racism

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Here at the Butler Center, instead of our regular Butler Bookshelf, we are turning our attention to lifting up resources to help combat racism. As a Sinsinawa Dominican-sponsored institution, Dominican University prepares students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service, and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world. The Butler Children’s Literature Center carries out its own mission as a reflection of that inspiration.

book heart

Below please find resources for children’s book lists, resources for educators, as well as industry and publishing information.

Book Lists and Resources

Center for Racial Justice in Education: Reading Lists 

Chicago Public Library: Black Lives Matter e-books for kids 

Cooperative Children’s Book Center: Multicultural Literature 

Coretta Scott King Book Awards Blog: Online Resources 

Diverse Book Finder: Searchable Collection

Embrace Race: 31 Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance  

Multicultural Children’s Book Day: Diversity Book Lists  

St. Paul Public Library: Books About Hope and Resilience

St. Paul Public Library: Books for Talking About Race With Young Children 

St. Paul Public Library: Books for Talking about Race With Children and Teens 

 

Butler Children’s Literature Center Resources and Reading Lists in reverse chronological order

Butler Center: A Reading List for Black History Month

Butler Center: A Reading List for Hispanic Heritage Month  

Butler Center: Recognizing Diverse Children’s Literature

Butler Center: Own Story Narratives 

Butler Center: More Diverse Literature Resources 

Butler Center: A Reading List for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month 

Butler Center: Celebrating 50 Years of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards 

Butler Center: A Reading List for Pride Month 

 

Educator Resources

Common Sense Media: How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids 

Lee and Low Blog: Panel on Education Resources to Elevate Student Voice & Identity 

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture: Talking About Race  

TeachingBooks: Resources for Coretta Scott King Award Winning Titles, Authors and Illustrators 

Teaching Tolerance: Anti-Racist Education Public Lesson Plans

 

Publishing Statistics and Information

 Butler Center: Breakdown of Diverse Content & Own Voices works within Butler’s 2018 Collection 

Cooperative Children’s Book Center: Publishing Statistics on Children’s/YA Books about People of Color and First/Native Nations and by People of Color and First/Native Nations 

Lee and Low Blog: Where is the Diversity In Publishing? The 2019 Diversity Baseline Survey Results 

There’s still time to apply…

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For the Butler Youth Services Scholarship.

Are you interested in becoming part of a diverse and engaged
youth-services-focused library community?

diverse student group 2

Applications are still being accepted for the 2020-2021 Butler Youth Services Scholarship for Underrepresented Groups in the Field of Library Science. This $15,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student seeking to earn an MLIS at Dominican University with a planned focus on service to children and young adults.

For full eligibility and application requirements please visit our website or contact Butler Children’s Literature Center Curator, Jen Clemons, at jclemons@dom.edu.

Applications for Fall 2020 are being accepted until June 15, 2020.