Welcome to the online presence of the Butler Children's Literature Center, housed within Dominican's School of Information Studies, Crown Library room 214. Here, we celebrate the best in books for youth and those who delight in sharing them. For Fall 2026, BCLC will offer collection access to the Dominican community and general public during posted open hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9am-4pm, and by appointment with the Curator. Contact Jen Clemons at butler@dom.edu or jclemons@dom.edu to make arrangements.
The first day of school is just around the corner, but the adventurous summer fun never ends here at the Butler Center. This week we’re featuring middle-grade adventure novels from our Children’s Fiction collection! Our feature pick of the week is Wilderness Hacks by Joslin Brorsen. Twelve-year-old Sadie Hahn didn’t picture herself on a raft with world famous YouTube star Radley “Rad” Shaw after winning a contest, but she’ll do anything to cheer her younger brother and Rad Shaw superfan, Silas, who was too young to compete. Rad, on the other hand, has millions of online followers but no real-life friends, and to make matters worse, he doesn’t give Sadie a good first impression. Things quickly devolve into disaster when their scripted rafting adventure goes off script, leaving both tweens to need to put aside their differences to survive in the wild.
Check out this and other adventurous titles here!
Wilderness Hacks Joslin Brorsen Alfred A. Knopf/Random House Children’s Books Available now!
The Misfits: A Sea Monster Conundrum (The Misfits Book: 3) Lisa Yee Illustrated by Dan Santat Random House Books for Young Readers/Random House Children’s Books Available now!
Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer Paige Classey Random House Books for Young Readers/Random House Children’s Books Available now!
RV There Yet? Suzanne Nelson Alfred A. Knopf/Random House Children’s Books Available now!
Alex Wise Vs. The Gods of the Apocalypse (Alex Wise Book: 3) Terry J. Benton-Walker Labyrinth Road/Random House Children’s Books Available now!
Dasia (Forever) Nic Stone Illustrated by Simone Douglas Crown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books Ages: 10+ Available: October 6, 2026
13-year-old Dasia Monae Riley is not supposed to have visitors while undergoing bone cancer treatment. This doesn’t stop 14-year-old fellow cancer patient Jameson “Jimmy” Jeffs from entering her room, unnoticed by the doctors and nurses, and having a conversation with her on a lonely July night. As the two girls talk, Dasia realizes she has more in common with Jimmy than she first thought. Little does she know that one night in spectral Jimmy’s company will change her life forever.
This magical realistic middle grade fiction novel, a spin-off of Stone’s the Dear Martin series, is part prose and part verso libre poetry in the form of Dasia’s unsent letters to her incarcerated older brother, LaQuan. The letters give readers a glimpse of Dasia’s life prior to induction chemo, feelings and experiences that she’s rarely shared with others except for Jimmy. Simone Douglas’s black-and-white illustrations, mainly seen as margin doodles in Dasia’s letters, accurately capture her sometimes-extreme emotional state. Stone gives the intense topic of childhood cancer gravitas and is not shy in including the isolation and pain associated with it, while Jimmy’s encouragement for Dasia to keep going and Dasia’s resolve to still fight her cancer, even at her lowest point, provide the reader hope. Extensive prior knowledge of the Dear Martin series isn’t required to understand Dasia’s narrative. Its powerful message of optimism in the face of illness is strong enough to stand alone. In short, Dasia (Forever) is an emotionally charged tale that will tug a reader’s heartstrings.
Maptacular! Laura Baker Illustrated by Jorge De La Paz Lonely Planet Kids November 10, 2026 Age 8-12
Most maps divide the world by country borders, but what if it were split by favorite ice cream flavors, tallest trees, or global distribution of video gamers? Prolific children’s nonfiction author, Laura Baker, along with travel guide powerhouse Lonely Planet, offers middle grade readers this fascinating, infographic-like twist on cartography. Maptacular! features 70+ maps with chapters focused on countries, people, nature, transportation, history, and technology, then subdivided further into 2-page spreads exploring a single topic or question, such as “Do You Need a (School) Uniform?” or “Marco Polo’s Voyage.” The amount of easily digestible text varies from spread to spread, but most include a helpful key for understanding the map and fun facts associated with the topic, like that Australia is home to 28 million people and 40 million kangaroos (p24). Without a strong narrative structure, the title allows for consuming intriguing details at a reader’s own pace, either moving slowly through the ideas and images, or dipping in and out like a reference text, while wildly varied topics nurture curiosity about both the earth and the global community. Baker introduces deeper topics for consideration in age-appropriate ways, like that maps are organized the way they are (with Europe in the center) because they were developed by European explorers, gently encouraging readers to look at other things from a new perspective. De La Paz uses graphic design-inspired digital images in a candy-colored palette to clearly express the facts of each topic. Clean image overlays help simplify complex ideas, like the way Mercator Projection maps stretch out the land at the top/bottom of the globe. The inclusion of several wayfinding aids, an about section (explaining the parts of each spread), a world map, glossary, and resource list support both new nonfiction readers and those looking to dig deeper into a topic.
A vivid, info-packed guide for geography buffs and fun fact collectors alike.
Friendships can be hard to navigate during middle school. These middle-grade novels from our Butler Center Children’s Fiction collection represent challenges students face and how they face them. This week’s feature pick is Roohi and Nate are Not on the Same Page by Supriya Kelkar and Jarret Lerner. Studious Roohi and rebellious Nate couldn’t be any more different, and they don’t consider themselves friends when they join their school Lunch Bunch. As they spend more time together, and when they learn the school librarian’s job is on the line due to budget cuts, Roohi and Nate put their differences aside and work together to save what they hold dear.
Roohi and Nate are Not on the Same Page Supriya Kelkar and Jarret Lerner ABRAMS/Amulet Books Available now!
Camp Big Top Alexandra Diaz Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing/Beach Lane Books Available now!
The Unlikely Aventuras of Ramón and El Cucuy Book 2: Don’t Eat the Birthday Boy! Donna Barbara Higuera Illustrated by Juliana Perdomo ABRAMS/Amulet Books Available now!
When Tomorrow Burns Tae Keller Random House Children’s Books/Random House Books for Young Readers Available now!
The Catastrophic Friendship Fails of Lottie Brooks Kate Kirby Random House Children’s Books/Random House Books for Young Readers Available now!
The Continuation of Summer Dillon Sarah Everett HarperCollins Children’s September 15, 2026 Age 8-12
What would you think of a replica android replacing your sibling? What if you were the replica? That’s how Summer 2.0 came to join the grieving Dillon family after their 11-year-old daughter’s passing. With downloads of Summer’s memories and mannerisms, she is not meant to replace, but to continue Summer’s life. That is, until a glitch in her code has Summer 2.0 developing her own likes (the color turquoise), dislikes (oatmeal-yuck), fears (being recycled), and a “forever plan” with dreams for her future—gaining her family’s love, becoming the perfect Summer, growing old, and visiting the Grand Canyon.
This middle grade, science fiction novel is an exploration of what makes us “us,” what makes us human. Sarah Everett’s characters embody all the joys and heartbreaks of life (for both humans and androids), with themes of grief, love, friendship, and individuality. She handles tough subjects delicately and with an 11-year-old’s worry about their place in the worlds of school and family. Fast prose, brief paragraphs, and journal-like footnotes addressed to Summer 1.0 and future Summers embody the voice of a vibrant, yet unsure young girl, with just a touch of AI omniscience. This juxtaposition poses questions about the ethics of artificial intelligence in an age-appropriate way and mirrors the changes tweens experience as they grow from childhood wants to the more complex understanding that comes with growing up. A bittersweet coming of age story to remind readers that we are all unique, we all have value, and we are all irreplaceable.
With the holiday season officially in full swing, there’s no better way to spend the day than with a good book—cozy clothes & hot cocoa optional, but encouraged. From snowy stories to Yuletide tales, whether you’re counting down the days ‘til Santa or just enjoy the cold, our early gift to you is a list full of wonderful wintertime books for all ages. As a wise, jolly old man once said, be sure to check it twice.
PICTURE BOOKS:
The Muttcracker Written by Anna Kemp and illustrated by Sara Ogilvie Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers Ages 4-8 September 9th, 2025
Biff is not like other dogs; he’d rather be in ballet than barking—pliéing than playing! When their ballet teacher assigns The Nutcracker’s roles, aspiring Sugar Plum Fairy Biff is devastated to learn he and his human have been cast as measly bonbons. But the show must go on, and the two are determined to dazzle with their fine dancing. With charming illustrations and warm-and-fuzzy words, this picture book is perfect for ballerinas, dogs, and humans alike.
Elmore and the Big Christmas Rescue Written by Dev Petty and illustrated by Mike Boldt Random House Children’s Books / Doubleday Books for Young Readers Ages 4-8 October 28th, 2025
When Santa Claus comes down with a cold the week before Christmas, Elmore the trusty moose volunteers to take over. But he’s got a big to-do list, and he’d better check it twice. Exercise the reindeer! Don’t give the elves too much sugar! Easy-peasy, right? But things go south (no, not the pole) fast, and it’s up to Elmore to save the big day. With jokes that both kids and adults can appreciate, this holiday story is sure to be a Christmas crowd-pleaser.
NON-FICTION:
Joy to the Whole World!: A Round the World Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book Written by Lucy Brownridge and illustrated by Sang Miao The Quarto Group / Wide Eyed Editions Ages 3-6 September 2nd, 2025
Whether it’s an Ethiopian feast, snowballs & sledding in Finland, or a dip in the pool for Australians, Christmas looks different all around the world. Intricate, lively illustrations are paired with liftable flaps hiding all sorts of Yuletide treasures, making this the perfect way to travel internationally this holiday season, all from the comfort of your own home.
Our Frozen Planet Written by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and illustrated by Kim Smith Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Beach Lane Books Ages 4-8 September 2nd, 2025
Bundle up for a trek through the tundra, and beyond, as tales are told of grandfatherly Greenland sharks, cuddly Japanese macaques, blubbery seals, and all of the other flora & fauna brave enough to (polar) bear the cold. With colorful pictures and a knowledgeable narrative that’s far from information-heavy, this book is apropos for aspiring Antarctic explorers. Or anyone looking to escape the snow… with more snow.
MIDDLE GRADE:
Twelve Classics of Christmas Louisa May Alcott, F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Brothers Grimm, et al. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Aladdin Ages 8+ September 9th, 2025
Forget partridges in pear trees! With short stories from the Brothers Grimm, L. Frank Baum, Charles Dickens, and many more beloved authors, this collection of twelve Christmas classics might just be the best way to count down the days ‘til December 25th.
Snow Written by Meera Trehan Candlewick Press / Walker Books US Ages 8-12 January 21st, 2025
The Snow Princess spends her days in the snow, digging for something, anything, to save her kingdom. When twelve-year-old Ela’s boring family vacation prompts her to take a walk through the snow, the two girls and their worlds can’t help but collide. With wishes and twists and magic galore, this snowy story is the perfect wintertime tale for valiant princesses and family vacationers alike.
YOUNG ADULT:
Joy to the Girls: A She Gets The Girl Novella Written by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Ages 14+ September 30th, 2025
It’s the holiday season, and Alex and Molly are madly in love, so what better way to spend their last winter break together than with a romantic getaway to a small storybook town? And how about getting their friends to fall in love, too? With Christmas and a bit of matchmaking on their minds, the two girls scheme to make this the most memorable holiday yet. This short and sweet novella nicely pairs with a warm mug of cocoa.
Fake Skating Written by Lynn Painter Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Ages 16+ September 30th, 2025
It’s been five years since they last talked, and childhood best friends Dani and Alec are now, pun intended, polar opposites. The once goofy Dani now keeps her nose quietly buried in books, and the once gangly Alec is now… a perfectly chiseled high school hockey star?! The ice rink and Minnesota snow might be frigidly cold, but when Alec and Dani begin “fake dating” to save face after a locker room mishap, things heat up. Fast. A perfectly formulaic rom-com story to satisfy all of your saccharine holiday Hallmark movie needs.
Sounds like the perfect time to bundle up with a book (or two).
Fall has officially begun, and with October just around the corner, this week’s Butler Bookshelf is all about middle grade horror stories! From fantastical mysteries to nail-biting thrillers, these books are the perfect way to kick off spooky season early. (Scaredy-cats beware!) Our feature pick this week is Cry Out Loud, a graphic novel written and illustrated by Tara O’Connor. After Irish teen Nell’s been suspended from school, her mother decides she’s going to spend her school term off on the coastal countryside, with a mysterious aunt and uncle she’s never met. There’s no cell service; it’s rainy, dreary, and the townspeople are far from friendly, but things quickly take a terrifying turn as Nell discovers her family belongs to an ancient, murderous cult. And to make matters worse, their magical ritual requires the sacrifice of a first-born daughter… one who just so happens to be Nell! Can she escape before it’s too late? Pick up Cry Out Loud to find out!
Check out some more middle grade spooky stories below!
Open Wide I.M. Eerie Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Aladdin Available now!
Stitch: Reimagining Frankenstein Padraig Kenny Candlewick Press / Walker Books US Available now!
Cry Out Loud Tara O’Connor Random House Children’s Books / RH Graphic Available now!
Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave Ally Russell Random House Children’s Books / Delacorte Press Available now!
Phantom Academy Christine Virnig Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Aladdin Available now!
Bunns Rabbit Written and illustrated by Alan Barillaro Candlewick Press Ages 8-12 Available October 7th, 2025
Although the superstitious elders of the warren fear newborn Bunns’ peculiarly small ears, thanks to the loving heart song of her mother—thump, thump, thump—Bunns feels no different than the rest of her long-eared family. But when a flutter of Monarchs lures Bunns into the deep, dark forest, she comes face to face with the fiery Spirit Fox, feared by all. Legend says the Spirit Fox has the power to grant wishes, but after seeing Bunns in its presence, the other rabbits decide that she is the “Bad Omen,” and banish her from the meadow. Determined to save her place in the burrow and stay with her family, young Bunns sets out to find the fox again, longing for the wish of, well, long ears. As she wanders beyond the meadow, Bunns befriends Bee, a gentle hummingbird, and Loon, whose cold heart she’s determined to warm. Together, the trio set off on a journey full of myth, mystery, and riddles. Filled with bravery (and a belly of clover!), Bunns is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her family and home safe.
Academy Award-winning writer & director Alan Barillaro is no stranger to the allure of a story rooted in the courage and curiosity of young animal creatures. With the adorable Pixar short Piper under his belt, it comes as no surprise that Barillaro’s new book Bunns Rabbit is just as moving; this time combining that heartstrings-will-be-tugged narrative with an action-packed fantastical journey. There are moments of despair for the trio, plenty of obstacles, and times when Bunn loses hope, but nevertheless, she persists. Complete with rich, hand-painted illustrations and some truly wonderful poetic moments, Bunns Rabbit is the perfect blend of graphic novel and parable for both children and adults; it’s a timeless exploration of family, friendship, and, most importantly, self-love. Big ears or small.
Dive Written by John David Anderson Published by Walden Pond Press/HarperCollins Publishers Ages 9-13 Available August 19, 2025
Thirteen-year-old Kass feels frustrated with her life. She and her best friend are drifting apart, and her parents’ marriage is strained by money problems. Even Kass’s safe space in the pool as a competitive diver causes her stress as she struggles to master a dive that her teammate, Amber, could perform in her sleep. Disheartened, Kass’s life changes when she finds Miles, a seventeen-year-old high school dropout, dumpster diving near her bus stop. Intrigued, Kass starts taking “lessons” from him on how to scavenge, looking for the value in discarded objects. Along the way, Kass learns the importance of looking past her assumptions to find the deeper story.
John David Anderson delivers a heartwarming story about looking past appearances to find deeper connections with the people and places around you. Through Kass’s character arc, Anderson explores what it means to test boundaries and make mistakes as a way toward self-discovery. Miles and Amber further propel Kass’s development as they teach her that her assumptions of others aren’t always true. Anderson utilizes cheeky teenage humor to bring levity to the emotional, serious situations that Kass finds herself in, like the effects of her parents’ struggling marriage. The novel is fast-paced, covering only a couple of weeks of Kass’s life, but its impression is long-lasting. Both moving and thought-provoking, Dive by John David Anderson is a mirror for many tweens and young teens trying to figure out where they land in the world.
The Queen Bees of Tybee County Written by Kyle Casey Chu Published by Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins Publishers Ages 8-13 Available April 15, 2025
Talented middle school point guard Derrick Chan has the perfect summer plan: go to basketball camp and practice every day so he and his best friend, JJ, can make the varsity team next year. His plan is upended when his dad can’t afford the tuition, so instead, Derrick is sent to his grandma Claudia’s in boring Heritage, GA. There, Derrick befriends roller skater Ro and queer photographer Giles. When he has an opportunity to help out with the town pageant, Derrick volunteers out of curiosity and is soon faced with an opportunity to be daring and authentically express himself to the world.
The Queen Bees of Tybee County is an emotional and heartwarming story of one middle school boy’s journey to self-discovery. Every reader will be able to understand Derrick’s confusion and anxiety, and they’ll find comfort in the safe space that his loved ones give him to be himself. Simultaneously, Chu expertly makes Derrick’s experience specific to his queer Chinese American identity. He demonstrates the diversity of expression in the LGBTQ+ community by showing the different ways Derrick and Giles express their queerness, as well as the ways that racism has affected Derrick’s family members chasing their own dreams. All told from Derrick’s perspective, his sweet and genuine personality makes the story compelling. Community is the heart of this novel, and Chu creates a comfortable safe space in Giles, Ro, and Claudia for Derrick to explore his feelings before feeling safe to come out to JJ and his dad. Although the resolution is fairytale-esque, Chu doesn’t shy away from the reality of being queer and Chinese American by showing resistance from some townspeople when Derrick competes in the pageant. This touching story of self-love and acceptance is sure to inspire upper-elementary and middle schoolers everywhere to be proud of who they are.
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