#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Fire from the Sky

two boys kissing, with a mauve wash, against a background of blue patterns, with the title in orange and white

Fire from the Sky is the beautifully evocative story of Ánte, a young Sámi reindeer herder. Ánte loves his land and herding reindeer; he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps. But as the book begins, he has just realized he is attracted to his long-time good friend, Erik, who has a girlfriend but also … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Fire from the Sky

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: You Can’t Kill Snow White

At the risk of repeating myself yet again, picture books are for everyone. They are most certainly appropriate for young adults, especially when they are bold, daring, and splashed with a bit of danger. Published by Enchanted Lion Books' new picture book imprint Unruly, You Can't Kill Snow White is both a new interpretation and … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: You Can’t Kill Snow White

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady

1808. The Napoleonic wars. In Ghent, a draft for the Emperor’s army is looming and the respectable Hoste family is in financial trouble.  From the very first sentence, Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady is the engaging story of the two oldest Hoste siblings, 18-year-old Constance ("Stance") and her entitled 14-year-old brother Pieter (Piers), whom … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pardalita

Half graphic novel and half prose-poem journal, Pardalita is a sweet, gentle coming-of-age story for YA readers. At the start of the book, 16-year-old protagonist Raquel has been suspended from school for two days for cursing at the hall monitor, a suspension that doesn't much bother her, as she has the home to herself. Raquel hangs out … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pardalita

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: This Is Our Place

Vitor Martins' tender, funny, and honest YA novels are no stranger to Global Literatures in Libraries Initiative, nor to its Translated YA Book Prize. He returns to us with his newest novel and the 2023 Translated YA Book Prize winner, This Is Our Place. Translated by Larissa Helena (who translated Martins' previous prize winning book), … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: This Is Our Place

#IntlYALitMonth (We Made It!)

Thank You! (Gracias/Obrigada) Thank you for joining me and The Global Literature in Libraries Initiative (GLLI) for #IntlYALitMonth, a month dedicated to promoting international and translated literature in libraries worldwide (among other celebrations). Our primary goal has been to increase access to diverse literary works from around the globe and foster cultural exchange through literature. … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth (We Made It!)

#IntlYALitMonth: given

given, Volume 1 is the first title in a series (stylized in all lower case) from mangaka (manga creator) Natsuki Kizu. On its surface, given is a story about four high school and college students forming an amateur band. Underpinning that ‘simple’ premise however, is a rich opening tale on grief, healing, and relationships. The … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: given

#IntlYALitMonth: Thirty Talks Weird Love

Thirty Talks Weird Love If you could go back in time and visit your thirteen-year-old self, what would you say to them? Do you think they would listen? That is precisely what happens to thirteen-year-old Anamaria Aragón Sosa in this artful novel-in-verse by Alessandra Narváez Varela; Thirty Talks Weird Love. Set in Cuidad Juárez, Mexico … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: Thirty Talks Weird Love

Exploring the Magic of Children’s Literature at Antwerp University’s Summer School 2022

Children's literature has the remarkable ability to captivate young minds and ignite a lifelong love for reading. It takes a special kind of storytelling to transport children to far-off worlds, introduce them to fascinating characters, and instill important values. Recognizing the significance of children's literature, Antwerp University has organized a fun and collaborative initiative in … Continue reading Exploring the Magic of Children’s Literature at Antwerp University’s Summer School 2022

#IntlYALitMonth: The Marrow Thieves

The Marrow Thieves, by Cherie Dimaline From the first nostalgic and tangible whiff of nacho Doritos that Frenchie shares with his brother to the last hopeful lines that set up the sequel, The Marrow Thieves becomes a shining example of what dystopian literature can be. Set in a world not too far in our future … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: The Marrow Thieves