Did You Miss It? | August 2023 Releases

Keeping up with new book releases is an extremely difficult task. Even as a voracious reader, I'm unable to keep up with every single youth title that releases each week. "Did You Miss It" is a new review based series that takes time to explore and highlight youth titles that may have gone unnoticed. Each month, I will showcase 2 to 3 titles from the previous month providing both a summary and my own personal thoughts. This month's post features three of my favorite reads from August! I hope you enjoy!

We Still Belong by Christine Day (Released August 1st)

Summary: A thoughtful and heartfelt middle grade novel by American Indian Youth Literature Honor–winning author Christine Day (Upper Skagit), about a girl whose hopeful plans for Indigenous Peoples’ Day (and plans to ask her crush to the school dance) go all wrong—until she finds herself surrounded by the love of her Indigenous family and community at an intertribal powwow. Wesley is proud of the poem she wrote for Indigenous Peoples’ Day—but the reaction from a teacher makes her wonder if expressing herself is important enough. And due to the specific tribal laws of her family’s Nation, Wesley is unable to enroll in the Upper Skagit tribe and is left feeling “not Native enough.” Through the course of the novel, with the help of her family and friends, she comes to embrace her own place within the Native community. 

My Thoughts: Published by one of my favorite authors, We Still Belong, is a heartfelt and beautiful look at heritage, culture, and identity. Wesley is excited about celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day, but finds that many in her community, including a teacher, completely ignore and disregard the holiday. Caught in between feeling like she doesn't exactly fit in with her predominately white classmates or even her own Native community due to tribal laws, Wesley, with the help of family and friends, attempts to find joy in simply being herself. This book also does a great job exploring friendships, difficult family dynamics, and compassion for those who seem different based on outward appearances. There are also many moments where Christine allows Wesley to shine creating an emphasis on the importance of Native joy. With a great number of elements that middle grade readers will connect to and enjoy, this is one that I wouldn't miss reading this fall. 

Julie and the Mango Tree by Sade Smith, Illus. by Sayada Ramdial (August 8th)

Summary: Julie loves all kind of fruit, but mangoes are her absolute favorite. One sticky summer afternoon, Julie goes to the big mango tree in her yard to ask for a snack. But no matter how nicely she asks or how patient she tries to be, the tree just won’t drop a single sweet, juicy mango! Will Julie ever be able to convince the tree to let her have just a taste of her favorite treat?

My Thoughts: This is such a lovely picture book that reminds me of the time I spent with my grandmother in Jamaica. I, too, had a thing for mangos. Like her previous work, Granny's Kitchen: A Jamaican Story of Food and Family, Sade Smith exhibits fun and creative writing. The vibrant and rich illustrations by Sayada Ramdial added to the fun nature of the story and will have your mouth watering for this delectable fruit. Additionally, Julie, along with other characters, showcase the benefit of perseverance and creativity. Overall, this is a great read with bonus mango recipes in the back that you don't want to miss. A great selection for any foodie!

My Bollywood Dream by/illus. by Avani Dwivedi (Released August 8th)

Summary: t’s Friday night, and on the bustling streets of Mumbai, a girl heads out with her family to the cinema. As she rides through the winding blocks with her maa, baba, and bhai, old melodies fill the car. And as she captures the sights and sounds of the city with her camera, she imagines a movie unfolding before her eyes. A choreographed dance sequence atop a long line of cars! When they arrive at the screening, the room is abuzz with people from all walks of life, waiting to lose themselves in the show. And finally comes the best part: time for everyone to jump up and dance! First-time author-illustrator Avani Dwivedi offers a buoyant, whimsically illustrated love letter to Mumbai and Bollywood—and to children everywhere eager to take mastery of their dreams.

My Thoughts: My Bollywood Dream is one of my favorite picture book releases of 2023. Set in the beautiful, colorful, vibrant city of Mubai, Dwivedi takes readers on a journey exploring the amazing history and art that is Bollywood film making. With Hindi words mixed into the text and bright illustrations that match the energy of the storytelling, this is one that you'll want to explore over and over again. This is truly Avani Dwivedi's love letter to both Mumbai and Bollywood. If you decided to check this one out, be sure to explore the back matter shared by Dwivedi about her experience growing up watching Bollywood movies and her desire to use this book to highlight the work women have done in Bollywood.