Be Bold, Be Brave: A Review of Epically Earnest

by
Epically Earnest–cover art

Epically Earnest
Molly Horan
Clarion Books
June 21, 2022
Ages 12+

At one-year-old, Jane Worthing was abandoned in the back of the Poughkeepsie train station. Despite this unlucky start, Jane’s led a happy life thanks to the generous and supportive man who found, and later adopted her. Now eighteen-years-old and in the final months of her senior year, Jane finds herself with all the typical high school drama and more. Her best friend Algie secretly, and high-handedly, sent her DNA to Ancestry.com. Jane has always avoided searching for her birth parents out of fear of what she might uncover. But now there’s a familial match in the form of an acorn, staring at her from the computer screen. On top of this, Gwendolyn Fairfax—Algie’s cousin and the girl Jane’s been in love with since she was 13—is visiting over school break. Jane has some big decisions to make. Should she click the acorn? Profess her love to Gwen? When the final decision is made, will chaos ensue, or will she finally find what she’s longing for?

Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, Epically Earnest shares character names, loves, and the protagonist’s back story—left in an oversized handbag. Horan adds a contemporary twist to these plot lines with the discovery of baby Jane becoming a viral video and Jane’s bisexual identity. Epically Earnest centers themes of acceptance, believing in yourself, and what it means to be family. Jane comes to find that searching for her birth family isn’t a betrayal to her adoptive parents. Her birth family is an addition to the family she already loves. Throughout the story, Jane becomes more confident in herself. She gains the courage to pursue Gwen, believing that she deserves to be happy and that being honest with herself and others is the best way to get what she needs. Horan includes a further nod to Wilde by prefacing each chapter with a quote from one of his plays. A sweet and romantic comedy, this coming of age novel illustrates that happiness comes to those boldly open to it.

Some things are too important to be taken seriously. — Oscar Wilde.

Butler Bookshelf

by

This week’s Butler Bookshelf features recently released and coming soon titles! Abdul’s Story is a colorful story about how Abdul, with a little help from his teacher, learns that it’s okay to make mistakes when writing stories. Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Illustrated by Tiffany Rose. Check it out along with the other titles below!

Abdul”s Story
Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and Illustrated by Tiffany Rose
Published by Salaam Reads
Available today!

Always Jane
Written by Jenn Bennett
Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Available today!

A Spring Treasury of Recipes, Crafts, and Wisdom
Written by Angela Ferraro-Fanning and Illustrated by Anneliesdraws
Published by Ivy Kids
Available now!

Professor Figgy’s Professor Figgy’s Weather & Climate Science Lab for Kids
Written by Jim Noonan
Published by Quarry Books
Available April 12th

So This Is Ever After
Written by F.T. Lukens
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books
Available today!

Trigger
Written by N. Griffin
Published by Atheneum
Available today!

From Boring Summer Vacation to Surprise Quinceañera: A Review of Miss Quinces

by

1

Miss Quinces
Kat Fajardo
Scholastic
May 3, 2022
Ages 8 to 12

This coming of age graphic novel follows Suyapa Gutierrez, a young Latin-American girl who reluctantly journeys to Honduras for her summer vacation, only to receive an unwelcome surprise. Learning that she has to draw a comic over the summer break, Suyapa believes that her trip to Honduras will lead to boredom with no cell service or friends. However, during her stay in Honduras, Suyapa’s mom surprises her by planning a quinceañera. Reluctantly, Suyapa begins to enjoy the planning of the party and her Latina heritage. Blindsided by a close death in the family, but determined to honor the family, Suyapa perseveres and ultimately does have fun participating in the quinceañera. In the end, she completes her travelogue comic, giving insights into her trip and the importance of her cultural heritage.

The novel contains text that is mainly in English with some Spanish words throughout, but they can be interpreted easily in the contents of the English dialogue. As Suyapa’s family in Honduras only speaks Spanish, the speech bubbles reflect that language when the text is a different color. As speaking Spanish is important to Suyapa’s family and quinceañera traditions, this distinction is important as Suyapa begins the novel refusing to speak it but gradually ends up only speaking Spanish. The plot is fast-paced as Suyapa’s Honduras trip does happen within a month of time, which influences the fast development of the characters, especially the main character. Suyapa is portrayed as journeying through girlhood to womanhood as she transitions from disinterested in her family and Latin American roots to becoming culturally appreciative. The novel is efficient in its progression of actions within panels and its simplistic illustrations, moving from a darker scheme to vibrant colors engaging readers in the cultural heritage of Honduras and the traditions of the quinceañera. Miss Quinces will appeal to young readers looking for a fast-paced novel and those who struggle with the weirdness of identity and the cultural importance of traditions.

Butler Bookshelf

by

1

This week’s Butler Bookshelf features recently released and coming soon titles! In Some Questions about Trees by Toni Yuly, an inquisitive child asks about the trees they see on their simply illustrated adventure. Check it out along with the other titles below!

Bristlecone: The Secret Life of the World’s Oldest Tree
Written by Alexander Siy and Illustrated by Marlo Garnsworthy
Published by Web of Life Children’s Books
Available June 19th, 2022!

The Fairy Garden
Written by Georgia Buckthorn and Illustrated by Isabella Mazzanti
Published by Ivy Kids
Available April 5th, 2022!

Little People, Big Dreams: Florence Nightingale
Written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley
Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Available now!

Make This Book Wild
Written by Jo Schofield and Fiona Danks and Illustrated by Anna Ivanir
Published by Wide Eye
Available now!

My World in 100 Words: My Garden
Illustrated by Marijke Buurlage
Published by Happy Yak
Available now!

Some Questions About Trees
Written and Illustrated by Toni Yuly
Published by Atheneum Books For Young Readers
Available Today!

Sharing Nature Through Seasons: A Review of Emile and the Field

by

Emile and the Field 
Kevin Young 
Illustrated by Chioma Ebinama 
Make Me a World 
March 15, 2022 
Ages 4-8 

Young Emile loves the field close to his home, spending time alone in the field where he appreciates all the animals. He sees the field as a living being itself, thoughtfully wondering about things the field cannot experience that are far away from it, such as the sea. He also contemplates how the field changes during the seasons. He is upset that in the winter he must share his field with others who come to loudly play in the snow. When Emile shares this thought with his father, his father explains that no one owns the field and that sharing it ensures that it will continue to exist. The book closes with an illustration of Emile playing in the field with someone else in the spring. 

This is Young’s first book for children, though his experience with poetry and essays comes through in the lyrical writing style. The book is written in rhythmic verse, with many rhyming lines. The text on each page is sparse and appears in a variety of placements. This highlights the watercolor illustrations which bring the vibrant field to life through the usage of a wide color palette. The textured look of watercolor further brings the field to life. The initial textual description of Emile’s field even takes pause early on to allow for a full two-page illustration which depicts the lush field. The illustrations are key to storytelling as at the end of the book we see that Emile has learned to share the field only through illustration. This ending highlights the theme of thoughtfully enjoying nature while sharing it with others. The eye-catching illustrations and rhythmic writing make this book a great option for story time and new readers. 

Butler Bookshelf

by

This week’s Butler Bookshelf features recently released and coming soon titles! In Stella Keeps the Sun Up written by Clothilde Ewing and illustrated by Lynn Gaines, Stella schemes to keep the sun up so she never has a bedtime! She learns the benefits of sleeping and why going to bed is great. Check it out along with the other titles below!

Catalina Incognito
Written by Jennifer Torres and Illustrated by Gladys Jose
Published by Aladdin
Available now!

Darryl’s Dream
Written by Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, Shawnee, Johnny Warfield, and Adam Padilla. Illustrated by Tristan Tait
Published by King of Rock Publishing
Available now!

Emile and the Field
Written by Kevin Young and Illustrated by Choima Ebinama
Published by Make Me a World
Available April 15th!

Finn and the Subatomic Slip-and-Slide
Written by Micheal Buckley
Published by Delacorte Press
Available now!

Lady Icarus: Balloonomania and the Brief, Bold Life of Sophie Blanchard
Written by Deborah Noyes
Published by Random House Studio
Available now!

Stella Keeps the Sun Up
Written by Clothhilde Ewing and Illustrated by Lynn Gaines
Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Availible now!

It’s the End of the World as We Know it

by

It’s the End of the World and I’m in My Bathing Suit
Justin A. Reynolds
Scholastic Press 
April 5th, 2022
Grades 4 to 6
In Justin Reynolds’ love letter to the stories of his childhood, we follow Eddie. This charming and quick-witted 12-year-old black boy has been grounded on the most important day of the year, Beach Bash. In vain, he sweet talks his stepdad into vouching for him, but Eddie made a deal with his mom. If he takes care of himself, he can do what he wants over the summer. So, Eddie is stuck doing the laundry he hasn’t done in a month and a half, wearing the only clean clothes he has left, his bathing suit. Reynolds’ writing, through the delightful narration of Eddie, twists and turns through memories, tangents, side notes, and assurances that it’s better, in Eddie’s words, “to take your time, to take the scenic route, to take chances.” This style keeps the story feeling fast-paced, fun, and light, making even the task of doing the laundry entertaining. Fortunately, Reynolds doesn’t push that statement too far as Eddie’s house has a blackout, making it impossible to finish his chores. Instead, Eddie ventures out into the quiet suburban neighborhood where he meets up with his friends: Xavier; the wet blanket who was in the middle of giving himself a haircut when the power cut out; Sonia, Eddie’s best friend and the smart one; Trey, the star athlete; and Sage, the precocious younger sister of Trey. Getting into the type of shenanigans 12-year-olds dream about when they are free of parent supervision—candy mountain included. But it’s not all fun and games. The streetlights kick on, the sun sets, but no one in the entire neighborhood returns home. The group of 5 friends must overcome challenges and learn a little about themselves. This novel revels in its dialog, narration, and character interaction. This focus affects the plot as the story barely begins by its last page and ends on a cliffhanger with the group driving off to see what happened at Beach Bash.

A fun, fast-paced, and character-focused novel that is more like the first act than the complete story.

Butler Bookshelf

by

This week’s Butler Bookshelf features recently released and coming soon titles! These include It Starts With a Bee by Aimee Gallagher. A poetic look into the world of bees. The colorful illustrations by Jennie Webber show the journey bees take to help the flowers you love, and the fruits and vegetables you eat, grow.  Check it out along with the other titles below!

Blue Badger
Written by Huw Lewis Jones and Illustrated by Ben Sanders
Published by Happy Yak
Available Now!

Don’t Call me a Hurricane
Written by Ellen Hagan
Published by Bloomsbury
Available July 19th, 2022

It Starts With a Bee
Written by Aimee Gallagher and Illustrated by Jennie Webber
Published by QED Publishing
Available April 5th, 2022

The Loophole
Written by Naz Kutub
Published by Bloomsbury
Available June 21st, 2022

A Taste of Magic
Written by J. Elle
Published by Bloomsbury Children’s books
Available August 30th, 2022

You Are Not Alone
Written by The Alphabet Rockers and Illustrated by Ashley Evans
Published by Sourcebook eXplore
Available now!

Empathy in Action: A Review of Our World is a Family: Our Community Can Change the World

by

Our World is a Family: Our Community Can Change the World
Miry Whitehall and Jennifer Jackson
Illustrated by Nomar Perez
March 8, 2022
Sourcebooks Explore
Ages 3+

We know that young children have lots of questions. Our World is a Family is a simple and sweet explanation of immigration for the youngest and most curious among us. Where might the new people in our neighborhood come from? Why and how do they leave their homes for new ones? Whitehall and Jackson gently explore these questions, and perhaps more importantly, the complex emotions involved in their answers. Vignettes of everyday activities provide examples of before and after homes, and how we can all make a community feel like a more inclusive and welcoming new home. Mini language lessons spread throughout the text provide examples of our similarities and differences. We all say “hello” and here is how—hello, ni hao, jambo, bonjour. And while a language note for each might have been helpful, the bright and joyful spreads are a delight. Superimposed over a map of the world, the diverse cast of children and adults is introduced as a vibrant and varied rainbow of humanity. Perez utilizes a combination of simplistic figures over a more structured and well-drafted backdrop, a juxtaposition that adds softness and humanity to the characters. An author’s note directs adult readers to a resource site to support honest and age-appropriate conversations about migrants and refugees.

A simple explanation for the universal truth that no matter where we come from, we all want to feel welcome where we are.

Registration is open NOW

by

Join us Thursday, March 31, 2022 for the 10th Annual Butler Lecture with Aisha Saeed.

The Butler Children’s Literature Center will host a live (and live-streamed) event with bestselling author and founding member of We Need Diverse Books, Aisha Saeed. Saeed will discuss the power of books in her own life and how books are the key to helping the young people in our lives see their way through. She will speak to our current moment as well as provide book recommendations for all ages. A book-signing with the author will follow the lecture.

Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 6 p.m.
Presented Online and in-person at Lund Auditorium
Dominican University
This event is free and open to the public, with registration required.

REGISTER NOW

This lecture series is generously funded by the Butler Family Foundation.

Aisha Saeed is an award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of books for children. Her books, including the middle grade novel Amal Unbound (Penguin), the young adult novel Yes No Maybe So (co-written with Becky Albertalli), and the anthology Once Upon an Eid (co-edited with S.K. Ali) received multiple starred reviews. Amal Unbound was selected as a Global Read Aloud for 2018 and was the winner of the South Asian book award. Her picture book, Bilal Cooks Daal (Simon and Schuster) received an APALA honor. Aisha is also a founding member of the nonprofit We Need Diverse Books™. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her family. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram via @aishacs.

For questions, contact butler@dom.edu.

Please visit https://www.dom.edu/arts-minds for the latest vaccine and masking information for attending in-person events at Dominican’s Performing Arts Center.