Let's Party!: A DIY Illustrated Guide to 10 Fantastic Birthday Parties

Children's Books

Iwai, Melissa

Arts, Music & Photography

Christy Ottaviano Books

A powerful biography in poems about a trailblazing artist and a pillar of the Harlem Renaissance—with an afterword by the curator of the Art & Artifacts Division of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.\nAugusta Savage was arguably the most influential American artist of the 1930s. A gifted sculptor, Savage was commissioned to create a portrait bust of W.E.B. Du Bois for the New York Public Library. She flourished during the Harlem Renaissance, and became a teacher to an entire generation of African American artists, including Jacob Lawrence, and would go on to be nationally recognized as one of the featured artists at the 1939 World’s Fair. She was the first-ever recorded Black gallerist. After being denied an artists’ fellowship abroad on the basis of race, Augusta Savage worked to advance equal rights in the arts. And yet popular history has forgotten her name. Deftly written and brimming with photographs of Savage’s stunning sculpture, this is an important portrait of an exceptional artist who, despite the limitations she faced, was compelled to forge a life through art and creativity.\nFrom School Library Journal\nGr 6 Up—Influential Harlem Renaissance artist Augusta Savage (1892–1962) rarely had the money to cast her art in bronze. Instead, what survives of her work, collected in major museums all over the country, is made of humble materials like plaster and clay. Her sculptures are realistic, insightful, and compassionate, much like the sure-footed poetry in this book by celebrated author Nelson. The artist's life—what is known of it—is related largely in the first person. A variety of poetic forms are precisely chosen to fit opportunities, setbacks, triumphs, and encounters with famous people, children, and a truly unhinged admirer. Poems are paired with archival photos and reproductions of artwork and often describe the act of creation and the puzzles that each subject poses—how to capture Marcus Garvey's "black light" or the clear-eyed determination of the young model for "Portrait Head of John Henry." One of the last poems describes Savage at the kitchen table in her home in rural Saugerties, NY, creating a bas-relief of a young dancer using plaster poured into a cookie sheet. This psychological portrait gathers the artist's natural talent, technical expertise, and love of teaching and creating, balanced against the restrictions she faced due to poverty, racism and misogyny, to leave readers with a woman as real and dimensional as the portraits she left the world. VERDICT A master poet breathes life and color into this portrait of a historically significant sculptor and her remarkable story.—Paula Willey

Augusta Savage: The Shape of a Sculptor's Life

Nelson, Marilyn

History

A rousing picture book biography of the only woman whose name is printed on the Declaration of Independence.\nBorn in 1738, Mary Katharine Goddard came of age in colonial Connecticut as the burgeoning nation prepared for the American Revolution. As a businesswoman and a newspaper publisher, Goddard paved the way for influential Revolutionary media. Her remarkable accomplishments as a woman defied societal norms and set the stage for a free and open press. When the Continental Congress decreed that the Declaration of Independence be widely distributed, one person rose to the occasion and printed the document—boldly inserting her name at the bottom with a printing credit: Mary Katharine Goddard.\nHere is an important biography of a groundbreaking woman who had the courage to write herself into the history she helped create.\nFrom School Library Journal\nK-Gr 3-Mary Katharine Goddard grew up in the colony of Connecticut, under British rule. After her father died, her older brother began a newspaper, but William "wasn't the best newspaper owner," and loyal Katharine spent her life running the paper he started and abandoned, printing patriotic articles against Britain's unfair treatment of the colonies. The title serves as the beginning of a refrain: "Her name was Mary Katharine and she had an important job to do." One of her important jobs was printing the Declaration of Independence, upon which she included her whole name instead of her usual initials. Detailed but static watercolor and digital illustrations look appropriately old-fashioned. With a glossary and selected sources, the back matter also includes an author's note which describes the later years of Mary Katharine's life and reveals that she had an enslaved person, whom she freed upon her death. VERDICT This brings deserved attention to an overlooked patriot, and is highly recommended.-Jenny Archα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Her Name Was Mary Katharine: The Only Woman Whose Name Is on the Declaration of Independence

Schwartz, Ella

Biographies

"Amid recent efforts to diversify bird-watching, this inviting work is especially welcome. Certain to cultivate a love of nature in all who pick it up." --Kirkus Reviews Meet Sparrow--a curious young birder eager to explore her neighborhood's surroundings--in this STEM picture book written by a professional&nbsp;wildlife ornithologist. Sparrow sets out for a day of birding, where she watches, listens, and identifies the many types of birds around her through their color (red--a cardinal), song ("Cheer up! Cheer up!"--a robin), and movement (flitting backward, forward, and even upside down--a hummingbird). Using her notebook and markers, Sparrow records all the birds she sees on her walk. This interactive STEM offering is a welcome primer for young children interested in birding close to home.&nbsp;The back matter features an author's note, birding tips for kids to get started, and a primer birding field guide.

Sparrow Loves Birds (Sparrow Loves Animals, 1)

Burgess, Murry

Animals

Dead End Girls

Review\nPraise for Dead End Girls:\n"What a wild runaway ride! Maude’s sharp mind and intricate death plan was brilliant. I was rooting for her and Frankie the whole time. A clever page-turner that I couldn’t put down."―Natasha Preston, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author\n“This fun, dark, fully queer thriller embraces its premise without pulling any punches. A romantic thriller that takes “Be Gay, Do Crime” to heart.”\n―Kirkus Reviews\n"There is no shortage of drama but the characters’ complexities build given time. Readers will need to block out the whole day for this one because they won’t put it down until it’s done."―BCCB\n“Wendy Heard writes smart, edgy thrillers that often explore LGBTQ and coming-of-age themes, and Dead End Girls promises to continue that reputation. In what feels like the lesbian version of Cruel Intentions I always wanted (I mean, who even remembers Ryan Phillippe these days), two stepcousins become obsessed with each other—and with faking their own deaths.”―Crime Reads\n“Utterly addictive. Dead End Girls is a riveting, holds-no-punches thriller with the deeply relatable adolescent hunger for escape and reinvention at its core.”―Kit Frick, author of I Killed Zoe Spanos and Very Bad People\n"Both Maude and Frankie are quick-witted heroines whose respective quests for autonomy and internal struggles regarding sexuality and gender identity provide depth. Culminating in a suspenseful ending, Heard’s alluring novel is an invigorating ride." 
―Publishers Weekly\n"An atmospheric, heart-jolting thriller. The book alternates between Maude's and Frankie’s perspective as they explore their relationship, identities, and what it means to be truly free from people who don’t want you to be yourself or pursue happiness." ―Booklist\n"An action-packed LGBTQIAIA+ thriller. Compulsively readable."―School Library Journal\n"Freedom, identity, and unexpected love collide in a pulse-pounding thrill ride."―Mindy McGinnis, Edgar Award-winning author of The Female of the Species\n"A clever page-turner that I couldn’t put down."—Natasha Preston, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author\nTwo girls fake their deaths only to face mortal danger in this YA thriller perfect for fans of The Twin and None Shall Sleep.\nIn one week, Maude will be dead. At least, that’s what she wants everyone to think. After years of research, Maude has decided to fake her own death. She’s figured out the how, the when, the where, and who will help her unsuspectingly. The why is complex: revenge, partly. Her terrible parents deserve this. But there’s also 'l’appel du vide,' the call of the void, that beckons her toward a new life where she will be tied to no one, free and adrift. Then Frankie, a step-cousin she barely knows, figures out what she’s plotting, and the plan seems like it’s ruined. Except Frankie doesn’t want to rat her out. Frankie wants in.\nThe girls vault into the unknown, risking everything for a new and limitless life. But there are some things you can never run away from. What if the poison is not in the soil, but in the roots? This pulse-pounding thriller offers a nuanced exploration of identity, freedom, and falling in love while your world falls apart.\nFrom School Library Journal\nGr 9 Up-An action-packed LGBTQIAIA+ thriller. Forced to live out of a suitcase and shuffled between her divorced parents each week, Maude is fed up with her life. But all that is about to change; Maude has found her way out by faking her death. However, her perfect plan goes awry when her step-cousin, Frankie, discovers her false passport. Maude thinks everything is ruined, but Frankie offers her a deal: help her fake her death, too, or she'll rat Maude out to her parents. Frankie has her own reason for wanting to start over, but she keeps it to herself. Maude decides she's put too much time and effort into the plan to stop now. So, with an unexpected companion, Maude fakes her death, and the first part of the plan goes off without a hit

Teen & Young Adult

Heard, Wendy

Literature & Fiction

Determined to escape suffocating expectations and menacing families, two desperate teens fake their own deaths in this queer contemporary thriller perfect for fans of The Twin and Five Survive.&#8203; In one week, Maude will be dead. At least, that's what she wants everyone to think. After years of research, Maude has decided to fake her own death. She's figured out the how, the when, the where, and who will help her unsuspectingly. The why is complex: revenge, partly. Her terrible parents deserve this. But there's also 'l'appel du vide,' the call of the void, that beckons her toward a new life where she will be tied to no one, free and adrift. Then Frankie, a step-cousin she barely knows, figures out what she's plotting, and the plan seems like it's ruined. Except Frankie doesn't want to rat her out. Frankie wants in. The girls vault into the unknown, risking everything for a new and limitless life. But there are some things you can never run away from. What if the poison is not in the soil, but in the roots? This pulse-pounding thriller offers a nuanced exploration of identity, freedom, and falling in love while your world falls apart. "A clever page-turner that I couldn't put down."--Natasha Preston, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author&#8203; A Rainbow Book List Selection A YALSA Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults A YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers &nbsp;

A determined Owl builds strength and confidence in this medieval picture book about the real mettle of a hero: wits, humor, and heart.\nSince the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial—a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas.\nFull of wordplay and optimism, this surprising display of bravery proves that cleverness (and friendship) can rule over brawn.

Knight Owl (Caldecott Honor Book) (The Knight Owl Series, 1)

Denise, Christopher

Product Description ★ “Powerful and vulnerable"—Booklist, starred reviewEcho Brown testifies to the disappointments and triumphs of a Black first-generation college student in this exploration of the first year experience.There are many watchers and they are always white. That’s the first thing Echo notices as she settles into Dartmouth College. Despite graduating high school in Cleveland as valedictorian, Echo immediately struggles to keep up in demanding classes. Dartmouth made many promises it couldn't keep. The campus is not a rainbow-colored utopia where education lifts every voice. Nor is it a paradise of ideas, an incubator of inclusivity, or even an exciting dating scene. But it might be a portal to different dimensions of time and space—only accessible if Echo accepts her calling as a Chosen One and takes charge of her future by healing her past. This remarkable challenge demands vulnerability, humility, and the conviction to ask for help without sacrificing self-worth.In mesmerizing personal narrative and magical realism, Echo Brown confronts mental illness, grief, racism, love, friendship, ambition, self-worth, and belonging as they steer the fates of first-generation college students on Dartmouth’s campus. The Chosen One is an unforgettable coming-of-age story that bravely unpacks the double-edged college transition—as both catalyst for old wounds and a fresh start. Review Praise for The Chosen One: "Instantly enthralling, Echo Brown crafts a heartrending and triumphant coming-of-age memoir . . . She lays bare cracking wounds of mental illness but finishes with the healing balm of friendship, mentorship, and belonging. Her narrative soars with rawness, magic, and prophetic vision. Echo is the voice of legions of first generation college students."―Miesha Headen, Loganberry Books“Powerful and vulnerable. Brown paints a realistic portrait touched with fantasy in this story of a young girl struggling to adapt to a new culture while also acknowledging the harsh truth of privilege and how it impacts academic success. This meaningful account will speak to many students who are both eager about and burdened by being their family’s First. ”―Booklist, starred review"The story asks readers to examine the various intersections of their own identities as they reflect upon the circumstances that shape Echo’s reality . . .A hopeful conclusion brings a sense of clarity and confidence that Echo and her crew will defy the many odds stacked against them." ―BCCB, starred review"A testimony to starting from the bottom to doing the unimaginable while trauma lingers. The Chosen One is an influential novel encouraging healing, perseverance, and candid conversation about educational disparities. Authentic, thought-provoking, and timely—Echo did it again."―Erica Marks, Cleveland Public Library"Weaves magical realism and mentions of Star Wars mythology into the collegiate experience of Echo, a Black student whose aim to succeed at Dartmouth becomes a quest to overcome personal trauma and broad cosmic forces. Echo’s internality is rife with tender ruminations—on independence, fear of failure, and mental health—explored with vigor alongside themes of healing, forgiveness, and the human need to be and feel loved."―Publishers Weekly"By adding a dash of magical realism to her real-life experience of being a Black first-generation college student in "The Chosen One," Echo Brown weaves a story that's at once deeply honest and hopeful."―PopSugar About the Author Echo Brown is the award-winning author of Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard, which was named a William C. Morris Award Finalist, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, a New York Public Library Best Book of the Year, a CCBC Choice Title, and a Rise: A Feminist Book Project Selection, among other honors. A performer and playwright, Echo created the acclaimed one-woman show Black Virgins Are Not for Hipsters. She is a Dartmout

The Chosen One: A First-Generation Ivy League Odyssey

Brown, Echo

The Chosen One: Triumphs of a Black Girl in the Ivy League

In an abandoned city lot, Cat lives alone in a cardboard box. He leaves only to find food. One day, Cat discovers an unbroken egg too beautiful to eat. Soon, out pecks Pigeon, and they become fast friends. Cat is happy to share his box with Pigeon. But when Pigeon flies far away from where they live, Cat must brave the city in order to rescue his friend. This journey will forever transform his understanding of home. This heartwarming story explores unlikely friendships, the creative spark within us, and how to give comfort and kindness in small, impactful gestures. It is also a celebration of urban community.

Pigeon & Cat

Hemingway, Edward

Growing Up & Facts of Life

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Christy Ottaviano Books publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Christy Ottaviano Books

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the Christy Ottaviano Books publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Let's Party!: A DIY Illustrated Guide to 10 Fantastic Birthday Parties

Augusta Savage: The Shape of a Sculptor's Life

Her Name Was Mary Katharine: The Only Woman Whose Name Is on the Declaration of Independence

Sparrow Loves Birds (Sparrow Loves Animals, 1)

Dead End Girls

Dead End Girls

Knight Owl (Caldecott Honor Book) (The Knight Owl Series, 1)

The Chosen One: A First-Generation Ivy League Odyssey

The Chosen One: Triumphs of a Black Girl in the Ivy League

Pigeon & Cat