The Lilies
Written by Quinn Diacon-Furtado
HarperTeen
Ages 13-17
Available April 30th, 2024

Welcome to Archwell Academy, an “all-girls” preparatory school that honors legacy and scrutinizes difference, epitomized by the school’s exclusive secret society—the Lilies. Initially at odds with each other, Drew (a non-binary transfer student), Blythe (striving to be the first Black valedictorian), Veró (Latina daughter of a Senator doubling as a guerilla artist), and Rory (chancellor’s daughter and school founder’s great-granddaughter struggling with addiction) quickly become entangled when one of their classmates—and Lilies recruit—goes missing. Stuck in a time loop that forces each of them to relive their most shameful memories leading up to Charlotte’s disappearance, Drew, Blythe, Veró, and Rory must wrestle with their guilt. The focus remains on saving Charlotte, but a mysterious fifth narrator slowly reveals that the students are also solving an age-old murder of another student: Rory’s great aunt Lillian, the namesake of the Lilies. As they work together through a troubling past and present, these unlikely allies grow into trusting friends that work in solidarity to rewrite history.

Like many academic thrillers, Archwell is insulated in a bubble of boarding school rules, dynamics, and traditions. But Diacon-Furtado also intentionally sets Archwell in a DC suburb against a familiar backdrop of modern threats, like mass shootings and transphobic legislation, where boarding school can’t protect students from the real world. As the story unfolds, so do the larger metaphors of trauma cycles, privilege, truth, and even a new meaning to living in the closet, a.k.a. a time loop. In this debut novel, Diacon-Furtado appeals to the complex and ethical questions of teenage life in their careful crafting of unreliable, imperfect characters that ultimately become redeemable during their time together. Using a candid voice and unexpected plot twists, Diacon-Furtado simultaneously creates anticipation, anxiety, and hope that will keep readers thinking. This fast-paced, queer, genre-bending story of solidarity acts as a mirror, asking readers not only how they are reinforcing harmful cycles but also how they can break them.

In honor of Women’s History Month, this week, Butler Bookshelf is featuring some of our books by women writers and who center women or girls as main characters. In Tender Beasts, Sunny Behre—the oldest of four siblings—has been raised by her mom to be the next matriarch of her family. Suddenly, her mom is murdered, and her youngest brother, Dom, is the prime suspect. Sunny is thrust into the family leader role sooner than she expected, with one mysterious, dying wish from her mother: “Take care of Dom.” While Sunny isn’t particularly close with Dom, she trusts her mother enough to try to clear Dom’s name and discovers more secrets in the process. Liselle Sambury delivers a psychological thriller that will keep you hooked.

Check out more of our titles by women featuring women below!

Drawing Deena
Written by Hena Khan
Published by Salaam Reads
Available now!

Ellie Mae Dreams Big!
Written by Kristina McMorris
Illustrated by Amanda Yoshida
Published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Available now!

Finally Heard
Written by Kelly Yang
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available now!

Finding Normal
Written by Stephanie Faris
Published by Aladdin Books
Available now!

Tender Beasts
Written by Liselle Sambury
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books
Available now!

Marya Khan and The Awesome Adventure Park 

Saadia Faruqi 

Illustrated by Ani Bushry 

Amulet Books 

Available March 26, 2024 

Ages 6-9  

Excited about spring break, Marya, Hanna, and Alexa plan their trip to the most amazing place on the planet, Skye Adventure Park. Spirited third-grader Marya is determined to beat athletic Alexa in the obstacle course at Skye and have her name projected on the leaderboard for all to see. With the help of Baba, Marya researches how to become a major competitor and Operation Super Athlete, with its strict rules, is born. Rule number two states that athletes “practice regularly,” (p. 68) and rule number three asserts that it is important to “eat and sleep well” (p. 68). So, Mama cooks many delicious foods for Marya like protein-filled daal, wheat pancakes, yogurt, and fruit snacks. Marya then invites herself over to her frenemy’s (Alexa) house to train with her and her best friend, Hanna. The trio, but mostly Marya, prepare for the Skye Obstacle Course on ninja steps, a balance beam, a rock wall, and a climbing rope. Marya eagerly awaits competing against her friends at Skye and being crowned the super champion. 

In this playful and lighthearted series, Marya Khan battles her rival, Alexa, just like any competitive third grader. Each tome in the series is a stand-alone about Marya and Alexa competing to have the best birthday party, for example, in book one. The dialogue demonstrates the spunkiness in the well-developed young characters. When Mama announces they’re going to Skye Adventure Park, Alexa squealed, “Oh my god, seriously? That’s awesome!” (p. 48). The four rules about how to be a super athlete are themes in the book and rules of thumb for life. Rule number four is an important lesson, especially for the young readers of the book: “It’s okay to lose sometimes” (p.68). Losing is a crucial life lesson that everyone needs to experience, and as Marya learns, sometimes it is better to work as a team rather than fighting to win. Black and white illustrations complement the fast-paced and entertaining text. At the start of each chapter, a Word of the Day from Marya’s journal provides some insight into the upcoming plot, and at the end of the book, readers have the option to plan an obstacle course, just like Marya did in the story.

We have new teen fiction this week on the Butler Bookshelf! This week we are featuring a novel in verse called Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo. Elhillo recounts the story of 16-year-old Samira who has a reputation for being the “bad girl” in her neighborhood. After being grounded for a scandalous rumor, Samira’s dream of a fun summer full of parties and exploring the city is stymied. She turns to the poetry slam scene for support and captures the attention of an older, mesmerizing poet named Horus. Samira feels that she is desired for the first time, but she is keeping a secret that could threaten her reputation again in her community. She must figure out how to balance being true to herself, her poetry, and her family.

Bright Red Fruit
Written by Safia Elhillo
Published by Make Me A World
Available now!

Dead Girls Don’t Say Sorry
Written by Alex Ritany
Published by Alfred A. Knopf
Available now!

Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear
Written by Robin Wasley
Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available now!

The Eternal Ones
Written by Namina Forna
Published by Delacorte Press
Available now!

Snowglobe
Written by Soyoung Park
Published by Delacorte Press
Available now!

This week, Butler Bookshelf brings you a collection of our new nonfiction books. In She Can STEM, Liz Lee Heinecke rewrites women scientists into history, providing a short biography on 50 female scientists along with a related science experiment for readers to try at home for each historical figure. This work includes women who contributed to the fields of biology, chemistry, ecology, and physics, featuring people like Christine Darden–an aircraft wing designer who made important strides at NASA–and Tu Youyou–a pharmacist who discovered a treatment for malaria still used today. Readers will love the discoveries, experiments, and enchanting illustrations for each of these inspiring female figures.

Check out more of our nonfiction titles below!

National Monuments of the U.S.A. Activity Book
Written by Claire Saunders
Illustrated by Chris Turnham
Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Available March 5, 2024!

Only in Florida
Written by Heather Alexander
Illustrated by Joseph Moffat-Peña
Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Available March 5, 2024!

Rewild the World at Bedtime: Hopeful Stories from Mother Nature
Written by Emily Hawkins
Illustrated by Ella Beech
Published by Wide Eyed Editions
Available March 5, 2024!

She Can STEM: 50 Trailblazing Women in Science from Ancient History to Today
Written by Liz Lee Heinecke
Illustrated by Kelly Anne Dalton
Published by Quarry Books
Available now!

Tenzing Norgay
Written by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Illustrated by Bandana Tulachan
Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available now!

The Secret Life of Bugs
Written by Moira Butterfield
Illustrated by Vivian Mineker
Published by Happy Yak Books
Available March 5, 2024!

Ultraviolet
Written by Aida Salazar
Scholastic Press
Ages 10-14
Available April 2nd, 2024

The moment thirteen-year-old Elio Solis meets Camelia, his whole world seems to burst with light and color he never even knew existed. He’s in love and ready to learn how to be a good boyfriend. This vibrant new world creates more questions than answers though, especially in a family where his mom openly discusses resisting the patriarchy while his dad preaches about upholding the impenetrable, machismo way of the Solis family. Elio navigates his growing body, new vulnerable feelings, Mexican culture, and changing friendships with an open mind and kind heart, but his confidence turns to “angry, wild red” when he is unexpectedly heartbroken (p 192). In a climactic fist fight scene that ends in relief and tears, this novel shows that strength lies on the inside in a way that avoids clichés.

Dedicating this book to her tween son, Salazar counters her belief that society has “failed our boys emotionally” with sensitive masculine characters and an inviting, casual, powerful writing style that intersperses Spanish words and phrases. Using ethically centered characters like Elio’s mom, best friend Paco, and teachers, Salazar guides Elio through candid and difficult conversations about toxic masculinity, consent, and even sexual health. The recurring themes of light, flowers, and color also resist harsher versions of masculinity and give readers a view into the fullness of complex human emotions. Written in verse, Salazar’s language pops with accessible alliteration and engaging rhythm, like when Elio feels “freeze-tag frozen” or describes liking Camelia as “soul sonic cosmic” (p 11) (p 103). Through Elio’s vulnerable and imperfect soul-healing journey, Salazar helps give readers permission to shred unhealthy expectations and redefine themselves.

We are focusing this week on picture books and children’s literature. Our featured book this week is Too Much: My Great Big Native Family by Laurel Goodluck and Bridget George. Goodluck tells the story of young Russell who shines brightly when cast in his school play. When he tries to share the casting news with his huge loud family, getting their attention is nearly impossible. His boisterous family is just too noisy and too much! Venturing out on his own, Russell decides that being alone is not always the answer. His large loving family steps in at just the right moment when Russell needs them the most. For more amazing titles, check out the list below!

All of Those Babies

Written by Mylisa Larsen and Illustrated by Stephanie Laberis

Published by Simon & Schuster

Available now!

Sona Sharma: Looking After Planet Earth

Written by Chitra Soundar and Illustrated by Jen Khatun

Published by Candlewick Press

Available now!

This Little Kitty in the Garden

Written by Karen Obuhanych

Published by Random House

Available now!

Today Is For You!

Written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Illustrated by Kevin Waldron

Published by Candlewick Press

Available now!

Too Much: My Great Big Native Family

Written by Laurel Goodluck and Illustrated by Bridget George

Published by Simon & Schuster

Available now!

My Mother’s Tongues: A Weaving of Languages
Written by Uma Menon
Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell
Candlewick Press
Ages 4-8
Available February 13th, 2024

Snowflakes flutter to the ground as Sumi’s mother sets foot on U.S. soil from India painting a picture of her mother’s migration journey. Through tireless work, her mother learned English, and as a result, she now speaks two languages–Malayalam and English. Flash-forward to the present day while grocery shopping, Sumi’s mother switches from speaking Malayalam to grandmother to English with the cashier and a combination of both languages to Sumi. “The languages hop like rabbits from her tongue” (p. 4). To Sumi, her mother’s tongues are rapidly woven together into one fine tapestry with invisible seams. Sumi studies English at school like her mother and learns that each of her languages is like a muscle that needs to be exercised to grow strong. 

Sixteen-year-old Uma Menon, who grew up in a multilingual household, penned this picture book because she could not find stories that reflected her experience. Simple sentence structure gives the story a childlike tone reflecting the main character’s youthful age. However, the wise words and powerful messages that emerge surpass our expectations of a teenage author. The power of multilingualism is evident in this story when Sumi says, “I want to learn dozens of languages so that, one day, I can speak with people who live in every part of the world” (p.24). Speaking many languages is a superpower that can catapult one across boundaries and around the globe. Woven textures and muted earthy tones give the book a nostalgic feel of the old world and times gone by. On the cover page, title page, and final spread, Rhahele Jomepour Bell incorporates visual metaphors weaving together the Malayalam and English languages within an alphabet quilt. The quilt is then transformed into Sumi’s superhero cape in the final image of the book because “having a tapestry of tongues” (p. 26) will be her superpower.