Welcome to the online presence of the Butler Children's Literature Center, housed in Dominican's SOIS and generously supported by the Butler Family Foundation. Here, we celebrate the best in books for youth and those who delight in sharing them. For Summer 2023, BCLC will offer collection access to the Dominican community and general public during posted open hours: Tuesday — Thursday 9 am-3 pm 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Below please find resources for children’s book lists, resources for educators, as well as industry and publishing information.
Are you interested in becoming part of a diverse and engaged
youth-services-focused library community?
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.
The Edge of Anything Written by Nora Shalaway Carpenter Published by Running Press Kids Available March 24, 2020 Ages 13+
Sage is going places: she’s a varsity senior on her school volleyball squad, scouted by Penn State and UNC. But when a court accident leads to a medical disqualification, she’s sent reeling. Her family isn’t helping, and her teammates just don’t get it. But then she meets high school loner Len. Len isn’t going places: Len’s stuck. Ever since a family tragedy, her photography has lacked life and Len has been picking up strange fears: most recently, dirt and the diseases it holds—even though she used to hike the Asheville mountains every day. As Sage and Len’s friendship grows, so does their willingness to face their inner turmoil.
In some ways, this is a tough read. Len, a gifted artist, struggles with grief and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder amidst a troubling family backdrop—a family of free thinkers who believe the mind is enough to cure what ails. Sage, faced with devastating and scary news of a genetic medical condition, also struggles and shuts out her family and friends. Both teenage girls exhibit scary signs that something is wrong, but families, teachers, coaches, and teammates are unable to get through to either girl. Despite the serious topics (mental health, grief, genetic conditions), both Sage and Len are fully realized teenagers—and their big deal topics are imbued with adolescent attitude. Sage doesn’t mean to ice out her teammates, but she thinks that they should be able to intuit what kind of support she needs. Len does not want anyone to feel pity for her family, so she doesn’t seek help or confide in anyone about their financial circumstances. Author Nora Shalaway Carpenter writes the girls’ stories with great care. Her author’s note details her own experience with trauma-induced Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In addition to her own story, she spotlights mental health resources at the close of the book.
Anxiety Relief for Teens: Essential CBT Skills and Mindfulness Practices to Overcome Anxiety and Stress
Written by Regine Galanti, PhD
Published by Zeitgeist
Available March 31, 2020
Ages 13+
In this practice-based book, Dr. Regine Galanti addresses anxiety in teens. Galanti is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of the New York-based Long Island Behavioral Psychology and has expertise in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety, as well as parenting and behavior problems. Galanti employs cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, to give teenagers mindfulness tools and coping skills so that they can—with consistent practice—meet their fears and challenges and improve their quality of life.
Mindfulness is a word thrown around a lot these days. For Galanti, mindfulness skills are integral in addressing anxiety because they allow the individual to be present and observe their surroundings without judgment. Of course, as anyone who’s tried to meditate knows: it’s no easy feat. Which is why the realism behind her Galanti’s mindfulness practices will be welcome to anyone who’s ever worked with teenagers: no quick fixes are promised, but consistent and deliberate practice can improve one’s reaction to life’s stressors. These practices run the gamut from “talking back” to your fears to visualization exercises where teens imagine breathing in a calm color (blue) and exhale a stressful color (in this case yellow, like a caution sign). The sheer abundance of cognitive behavioral techniques (there are over 30 instances) lets readers choose what works for them—and invites them to try on different tools for different stressors. Galanti’s judgment-free writing makes these exercises appealing, never shaming. It is important to note: Galanti is quick to provide hotline numbers and a medical disclaimer in the pages. That warning is serious; this book can be a wonderful supplement to those in treatment—possibly a standalone for a teen who is looking to improve their negative reactivity. This is a great resource for teens, but it should not be the only resource. This book includes quiz-style assessments, sample worksheets, and diagrams; its back matter includes a list of mental health resources.
This week’s Butler Bookshelf features some excellent nonfiction picks, including some great read-a-louds like Poems Aloud, written by Joseph Coehlo and illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett. Check out the list below for more!
The Surprising Lives of Animals
Written by Anna Claybourne and illustrated by Stef Murphy
Published by QEB Publishing
Available now!
Poems Aloud
Written by Joseph Coehlo and illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett
Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Available now!
The Truth App (Liars Book 1)
Written by Jack Heath
Published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Available now!
This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do The Work
Written by Tiffany Jewell and illustrated by Aurélia Durand Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available now!
Everybody Counts: A counting story from 0 to 7.5 billion Written and illustrated by Kristin Roskifte
Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Available now!
The Wonders of Wildflowers
Written by Anna Staniszewski
Published by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Available now!
Search and Find A Number of Numbers: 1 book, 100s of things to find!
Written by Amanda Wood & Mike Jolley and illustrated by Allan Sanders
Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Available now!
The Edge of Anything
Anxiety Relief for Teens: Essential CBT Skills and Mindfulness Practices to Overcome Anxiety and Stress
This week’s Butler Bookshelf features some excellent nonfiction picks, including some great read-a-louds like Poems Aloud, written by Joseph Coehlo and illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett. Check out the list below for more!
Butler's Pantry 