Meet Kyle Lukoff: 12th Annual Butler Lecturer

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This year’s lecture, “The Right to Be Confused,” is fast approaching. Have you registered to join us on Wednesday, March 13th? Find all the details and get registered here.

Now, let’s meet Kyle…

Kyle Lukoff has been working at the intersection of people and reading for over twenty years. From a high school job at Barnes & Noble, he has managed to make books his entire life. He grew up near Seattle, Washington but moved to New York City in 2002.

Kyle is the author of the middle grade novel Too Bright to See, which was a 2022 Newbery Honor book, the 2022 Stonewall Award winner, and a National Book Award finalist. He also wrote the Stonewall-award winning picture book When Aidan Became a Brother, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita, which “sets a new standard of excellence in transgender representation,” according to a Kirkus starred review.

He is the author of many other books for young readers including the Max and Friends early reader series illustrated by Luciano Lozano, the linguistically humorous picture books A Storytelling of Ravens (illustrated by Natalie Nelson) and Explosion at the Poem Factory (illustrated by Mark Hoffmann), the Acorn series Mermaid Days (illustrated by Kat Uno), and his first non-fiction work, If You’re A Kid Like Gavin, co-authored by young trans activist Gavin Grimm and illustrated by J Yang. Kyle has several forthcoming titles, including the epistolary picture book I’m Sorry You Got Mad, a Jewish fantasy-adventure upper middle grade novel, and several other projects.

Prior to becoming a full-time writer Kyle was the librarian at Corlears, an independent elementary school in New York City. He spent eight years working with children from preschool through fifth grade, teaching literature and research skills as well as helping kids and their parents connect with books and reading. He reviews regularly for Kirkus and served as a 2020 Kirkus Prize judge. He also spent two years as a juror for the Stonewall Award, prior to winning it in 2020, and was a 2023 National Book Award judge for the category of Young People’s Literature.

When Kyle isn’t reading or writing, he’s making something complicated for dinner, petting a cat, or riding his bike.

You’ll find more fun backstory, book love, and an assortment of articles and interviews on Kyle’s website. Check out a few of my favorites (linked from KyleLukoff.com)…

Middle Grade Ninja Episode 112: Literary Agent Saba Sulaiman and Author Kyle Lukoff

“Evaluating Transgender Picture Books; Calling for Better Ones” by Kyle Lukoff

Kirkus interview with Kyle Lukoff

You can find his books in the all the usual places, but one of my favorites is Bookshop.org, a hub for independent bookstores, where your purchases provide support for indy bookstores around the country.

Full Lecture Details:

12th Annual Butler Lecture featuring Kyle Lukoff
March 13, 2024
6:00 p.m.
Free with registration required
Location: Springer Suites, Dominican University’s Rebecca Crown Library, 7900 W. Division St. River Forest, IL 60305
Online (link will be sent to online registrations the day of the event)
A book signing and reception, hosted in the Butler Children’s Literature Center, will follow the lecture

Butler Bookshelf

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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!

Life in Color: A Review of Ultraviolet

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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.

Butler Bookshelf

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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!

A Review of My Mother’s Tongues: A Weaving of Languages

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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.  

Butler Bookshelf

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Our Butler Bookshelf this week features our new arrivals touching on historical events, themes of romance, and even some nonfiction about the body. One of our powerful new works is a young adult adaptation of Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo,” a posthumous publication from Zora Neale Hurston that illustrates the experience of the last known survivor of the Atlantic slave trade in 1927: Cudjo Lewis. Adapted by Ibram X. Kendi, this nonfiction work gives age-appropriate historical context to Lewis’ story, brought to life with Jazzmen Lee-Johnson’s accompanying illustrations.

Check out more of our new additions below!

Barracoon: Adapted for Young Readers
Written by Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi
Illustrated by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson
Published by Amistad Books for Young Readers
Available now!

I Hope This Doesn’t Find You
Written by Ann Liang
Published by Scholastic Press
Available now!

It’s So Amazing!: A Book about Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, Gender, and Families
Written by Robie H. Harris
Illustrated by Michael Emberley
Published by Candlewick Press
Available now!

Uprising
Written by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Published by Scholastic Press
Available March 5, 2024!

Yours from the Tower
Written Sally Nicholls
Published by Walker Books
Available now!

You’re Invited: A review of My Big, Fat Desi Wedding: A YA Romance Anthology

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My Big, Fat Desi Wedding: A YA Romance Anthology
Edited by Prerna Pickett
Page Street Publishing
February 13, 2024
Age 14+

All the big flavors, big fashion, and big family drama of an extravagant Desi wedding, in an extraordinary series of bite-sized stories. Jaanu, a sassy younger sister who’s very words can mysteriously bring about disaster for the happy couple—rainy weather, a tipsy bride, or a missing wedding dress. Zayna, driven to distraction by a desire to help her mother and avoid a cute, but infuriating classmate, finds that food and friendship can go hand-in-hand to help heal a heartache. In a blackout experience, Shloka, binds herself, and her cult, to a rival vampire who also happens to be her long-lost love. Eight short stories full of wedding drama and swoony romance, spanning genre, culture and location, are bookended by the perspective of a mysterious auntie that flits through the stories like a Desi fairy godmother.

Prerna Pickett expertly weaves these stories of family, tradition, and love while still honoring the diversity of Desi cultures the authors celebrate. Each well-crafted story shines, and includes its own variation of the highs and lows that all families go through and the complex emotions that often bubble up around even the most joyous wedding celebration. The individual authors’ style and flair are evident, and the entries vary in themes and tone (from humorous to horrifying), while still reading as a well-linked collection. Design details such as the mehndi-like border to the chapter breaks and the varied skin tones and traditions represented in the cover art add to the cultural (and romantic) emersion readers will get from this delightful anthology. A fun and fast-paced collection sure to entice romantics, foodies, fashionistas, and maybe a meddling auntie or two.

Butler Bookshelf

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Love and belonging is the theme of this week’s Butler Bookshelf. We are featuring Courtesy of Cupid by Nashae Jones on the Butler Bookshelf this week. Jones recounts the story of Erin Johnson’s 13th birthday, which begins like any other day. Erin competes with her rival Trevor Jin for the number one spot in their class and indulges her quirky mother who wants to celebrate her birthday after school. However, her birthday presents this year are unusual: magical powers. Erin finds out that her enigmatic father is Cupid the love god, and she has inherited his talent for love. Erin thinks that if she wraps Trevor around her finger with her new talent, she will win the race against him for president of the Multicultural Leadership Club. For more amazing titles, check out the list below!

Courtesy of Cupid
Written by Nashae Jones
Published by Aladdin
Available now!

Diary of a Confused Feminist
Written by Kate Weston
Published by Simon & Schuster
Available now!

How Big is Love?
Written and illustrated by Emma Dodd
Published by Candlewick Press
Available February 6, 2024!

Love Lah, Lah!
Written by Nailah Blackman
Illustrated by Jade Orlando
Published by Random House
Available now!

Okay, Cupid
Written by Mason Deaver
Published by PUSH
Available now!

Bake It ‘Till You Make It: A Review of Gut Reaction

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Gut Reaction
Written by Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt
Scholastic Press
Ages 8-12
Available March 5th, 2024

Tess Medina’s new beginning is anything but refreshing. She just moved to a new town, she’s started a new middle school, and ever since her dad died three years ago, she can’t shake these new sharp pains in her stomach after every meal. Luckily, Tess is an excellent baker thanks to her dad—but she can’t eat anything she makes, and she has to develop a mental map of all public bathrooms in case “the Knife” visits her stomach (p 137). Despite these difficulties, Tess meets some warm, unwavering friends (with the help of her salted butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies), who help give her courage to enter the Junior Baker Competition. As she prepares, Tess’ pain becomes so unbearable that she eventually receives another new thing: a diagnosis. Culminating in an exciting, fast-paced baking competition that pushes Tess to her mental and physical limits, she learns how to fit her love of baking into her new normal.

Award-winning author Kirby Larson partners with her daughter, Quinn Wyatt, for a mother-daughter debut that balances grief, loneliness, and chronic illness with joy, passion, and friendship. Wyatt’s personal experience with Crohn’s disease genuinely immerses readers in Tess’ emotional and physical distress. At the same time, mouth-watering recipes, strong friendships, and witty middle-school humor add depth and hope to the more distressing plotlines. As Tess works through pain and grief, Larson and Wyatt slyly offer readers coping skills, such as Tess’ breathing mantra: “inhale to four, exhale to eight” (p 9). Ending the book with Tess thinking, “I have a disease; I’m not a disease,” Larson and Wyatt instill a lasting powerful message of self-acceptance that can help give readers strength during any number of middle-grade maladies (p 253).

Butler Bookshelf

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The Butler Bookshelf is featuring some of our newly acquired children’s fiction this week, highlighting the graphic novel Shiny Misfits by comedian and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid. This novel centers a confident, smart, talented, Arab American, Muslim middle schooler named Bay Ann with cerebral palsy, a strong friend group, and determination the strength of steel. After winning her school’s talent show with her tap dance routine, Bay Ann feels flustered and almost falls in the presence of her crush, Alyee Maq, who ends up catching her on stage. Alyee becomes and instant viral sensation, minimizing Bay Ann’s identity down to her disability. Furious and driven, Bay Ann uses the help of her friends and her own will power to reclaim her identity and take the spotlight back from Alyee.

Check out this hilarious, trailblazing novel along with more of our children’s fiction below!

The Fifth Hero: Escape Plastic Island
Written by Bill Doyle
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Available January 30, 2024!

Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor
Written by Alan Gratz
Published by Scholastic Press
Available February 2, 2024!

Marshmallow Martians: Museum Sleepover
Written by Deanna Kent
Illustrated by Neil Hooson
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Available today!

Shiny Misfits
Written by Maysoon Zayid
Illustrated by Shadia Amin
Published by Graphix
Available April 16, 2024!

The War of the Witches
Written by Zetta Elliott
Illustrated by Cherise Harris
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Available now!

Words are Magic!
Written by Zaila Avant-garde
Illustrated by Felicia Whaley
Published by Random House Children’s Books
Available now!