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- Ashley S.
- Thursday, February 02, 2023
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Check out these diverse titles releasing in February!
Here at Richland Library we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that celebrates and respects our differences and unique learning styles. Each month a blog post will go live that showcases forthcoming diverse youth titles that have been purchased by the library. From differences in race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability and more, these titles are great reads for the entire family.
Be sure to check out the 5 titles that I'm most excited for in the slideshow below as well as the curated list of releases at the bottom of this post.
Enjoy!
Baba's Gift
A Persian Father's Love of Family
Published in 2023
"Baba enchants his six daughters with his stories, transporting them to his childhood in Iran as they play on the flowering vines of the Persian carpet in California. He tells the story of a determined young man who comes to the United States, the challenges of leaving his Persian family, and the unfolding of his new American life"-- Provided by publisher.
Little Rosetta and the Talking Guitar
The Musical Story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Woman Who Invented Rock and Roll
Published in 2023
The Pearl Hunter
Published in 2023
"When Kai's twin sister, Kishi, is stolen and killed by the legendary Ghost Whale, Kai sets out a long and dangerous adventure to bring her back to life"-- Provided by publisher.
Wildblood
A Novel
Published in 2023
Kidnapped at six and sent to work at the Exotic Lands Touring Company as a Wildblood tour guide, eighteen-year-old Victoria takes on a dangerous expedition through the monster-filled Jamaican jungle to secure a better future and find where she truly belongs.
Rock, Rosetta, Rock! Roll, Rosetta, Roll!
Presenting Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the Godmother of Rock & Roll
Published in 2023
Come Home Safe
A Novel
Published in 2023
When two Black siblings, Reed and Olivia, are accused of crimes they didn't commit, they must find a way to prove their innocence, in this powerful novel exploring the pain, truths, and hopes that come with growing up as a person of color in America.
The Beauty Trials
A Belles Novel
Published in 2023
Rebellious and outspoken Edel Beauregard enters the Beauty Trials--a deadly competition to find the next Queen of Orleans.
The Story of the Saxophone
Published in 2023
"The award winners behind Before She Was Harriet explore the story of the saxophone, from its beginnings in 1840s Belgium all the way to New Orleans, where an instrument in a pawn shop caught the eye of musician Sidney Bechet and became the iconic symbolit is today"-- Provided by publisher.
Nerdcrush
Published in 2023
Shy sixteen-year-old Ramona uses cosplay as a way to escape her shyness and feel seen, but when she emails her crush using her online persona, Rel, and he starts to fall for her, Ramona must decide whether to hide behind her character forever or take a chance and let her crush see the real her.
Mimi and the Boo-hoo Blahs
Published in 2023
"Mimi is not having a good day. She can't get her pigtails to sit right, she's not in the mood for her favorite breakfast, and she's far from feeling like her usual self... Mimi has a case of the Blahs, where nothing feels quite right. So with the help ofPenelope, her magical toy dog and best friend, she sets out to find a way to get rid of this icky feeling"-- Provided by publisher.
Moon's Ramadan
Published in 2023
Moon smiles down on Earth and observes different countries celebrating Ramadan until her crescent tinkle triggers the start of Eid.
I'll Take Everything You Have
Published in 2023
While running a con in 1934 Chicago, sixteen-year-old Joe splits his time between Eddie, a handsome flirt, and Raymond, a carefree rich kid who shows Joe the queer life of the big city, but as danger closes in, Joe must decide who he wants to be before disappearing.
Winston Chu Vs. the Whimsies
Published in 2023
Winston Chu saves the owner of a curiosities shop from a robbery only to be gifted a broomstick and a dustpan for his trouble--items that turn out to be more a curse than a blessing when they sweep away important stuff, like his baby sister.
No Place Like Home
Published in 2023
"Carolina Aguasvivas's oldest friend, Vida Jones Castillo, has never been interested in riding horses -- until now! Carolina is thrilled for her BFF to join Paradise Ranch, along with new sponsorship student Brielle Stuart. But the girls' perfect summer falls apart when they find out that one of the horses might be sold -- Carolina's favorite riding buddy, Shadow. Can Carolina and her friends save her beloved horse...and the future of the Unbridled Dreams program?"-- Provided by publisher.
On Air with Zoe Washington
Published in 2023
Follows fourteen-year-old Zoe and her recently exonerated father as they build their new relationship and work to open a restaurant together.
Cameron Battle and the Escape Trials
Published in 2023
With his mother trapped and his father still missing, Cameron is desperate to return to Chidani, but when a nasty bully in his new school is possessed by a mmo, Cameron and his trusty friends Zion and Aliyah are transported to Chidani sooner than anticipated.
Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon
Published in 2023
In the Dominican Republic, twelve-year-old Pilar helps Ciguapa and Carmen hunt for the escaped demon El Baca and his mysterious new ally, and now, facing the threat of an ancient enemy, Pilar must harness her bruja powers in order to save Zafa and her family.
Afterglow
Published in 2023
After a summer of life changing, Gabriel, Reese, Sal, and Heath are finally ready for senior year, but as graduation nears and the boys prepare to enter the real world, it is clear their friendship will never be the same.
The House That Whispers
Published in 2023
"Simon, an eleven-year-old coming to terms with his gender identity, is convinced that his grandmother's house is haunted"-- Provided by publisher.
The Win-over
Published in 2023
Arriving in Mexico for their parents' wedding, stepsisters Raquel, Lucinda, and Juliette must show their disapproving Tia Enriqueta that their parents are meant to be together, but when their scheming leads to doubt, they wonder if they can really trust each other at all.
She is a Haunting
Published in 2023
Seventeen-year-old bisexual Jade Nguyrn is spending the summer in Vietnam at the French colonial house her estranged father is fixing up as a vacation rental, but unbeknownst to her family, the house and its ghosts have other plans.
And Other Mistakes
Published in 2023
Seventeen-year-old Aaliyah is trying to survive her last years of high school, but things become much more complicated after she is outed by a church elder and Aaliyah must navigate new friends, old flames, and nosy school counselors during her senior year.
Always the Almost
A Novel
Published in 2023
Sixteen-year-old trans boy Miles Jacobson's New Year resolutions include winning back his ex-boyfriend and winning the Widewest's biggest classical piano competition, but when a new, proudly queer boy moves to town, Miles reconsiders who is was and who heis now.
Daughters of Oduma
Published in 2023
Sixteen-year-old Dirt, a retired elite female fighter, must enter the South God Bow tournament to protect her found family of younger sisters and their beloved Mud Fam.
Sugar Pie Lullaby
The Soul of Motown in a Song of Love
Published in 2023
A child and caring adult share their musical love in this bedtime lullaby-along. Includes background information about Motown legends.
Finally Seen
Published in 2023
When ten-year-old Lina Gao leaves China to live with her parents and sister, after five years apart, she must reckon with her hurt, anger, and curiosity and find a way to get her bearings in this new country--and the almost-new family that comes along with it.