Book Nook: Bloomsbury Books for Back-to-School

 If you're looking for fun books for back-to-school, here are a few new(ish) titles from Bloomsbury.

Picture books

 

Sonny Says Mine! By Caryl Hart; ill Zachariah OHora

Sonny Says Mine! is the first book in a sweet and funny new series that explores universal social/emotional learning experiences - in this case, sharing and saying sorry. Brought to life by New York Times bestselling illustrator Zachariah OHora, whose iconic artwork is bold and fun - with speech bubbles, bright colors, and vivid expressions to make the story easy to understand for young readers.

Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival

Meet Meesha – the newest character in Tom Percival’s acclaimed Big Bright Feelings picture book series! Meesha loves making things, but she finds it hard to make friends. She doesn't know quite what to do, what to say, or when to say it, and she struggles reading and responding to social cues. But one day, she discovers that she has a special talent that will help her navigate challenging social situations and make friends. 

 

Dozens of Dachshunds by Stephanie Calmenson; ill Zoe Persico

Celebrate Dachshund Day with a pup filled costume parade! This adorable counting story starts with one long wiener dog and increases in number with each new group of doggies dressed as birds, bees, books, and other delightful surprises. At the parade's conclusion, a total of 78 dachshunds and tons of townspeople celebrate with lots of fanfare and backmatter highlights the different sizes, coats, and colors of this adorable breed! 

 

The Perfect Plan by Leah Gilbert

A great introduction to STEM and cooperation, this beautifully illustrated picture book is perfect for the youngest of engineers. After carefully drawing up plans, Maya and her animal friends work together to construct the tree fort of their dreams, even when faced with unexpected obstacles.  

 

Middle Grade

 

Ways to Grow Love by Renée Watson

Ways to Make Sunshine (Book 1)

NYT Bestselling author Renée Watson’s middle grade series stars Ryan Hart, a young Black girl living in Portland who is pure spirit and sunshine! In Ways to Grow Love, Ryan is waiting for lots of things: for her baby sister to be born, for her recipes to turn out right, and her upcoming camp trip to not be as scary as she fears. In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, Ryan grows in many ways: by sharing love, meeting challenges, and becoming the leader her mom and dad named her to be!

 

Revver the Speedway Squirrel: The Big Race Home by Sherri Duskey Rinker (will be released October 5)

Revver the Speedway Squirrel (Book 1)

Revver is a squirrel with big racing dreams, but when traveling through the airport with the rest of the team his lack of patience and intense curiosity get him lost in the terminal. Will Revver make it back to the team on time for the big race?  The author of the bestselling Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site picture books continues her fun, illustrated middle grade series that’s perfect for fans of Beverly Cleary’s The Mouse and the Motorcycle.

 

Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes 

Award winning writer Nikki Grimes brings to the forefront the struggles, victories, pain, and joy experienced by the women poets of the Harlem Renaissance. Paired with wholly original poems, accompanied by illustrations from contemporary African-American women artists together, and with extensive backmatter - this book is a must for budding artists and history buffs!

 

These Unlucky Stars by Gillian McDunn

From the highly acclaimed author of Caterpillar Summer comes a sweet and heartfelt story that beautifully captures the complexity of tween life and shows us that even the most unexpected friendship has the power to change us forever. After her mother leaves, Annie feels like no one understands her and is reluctant to get close to anyone, including her own family. But when she befriends her elderly neighbor Gloria she’ll learn to love her whole self and let people in again.  

 

Reckless, Glorious Girl by Ellen Hagan

From the co-author of Watch Us Rise comes Reckless, Glorious Girl – a heartwarming middle grade novel in verse that celebrates all the messy, beautiful parts of growing up. Beatrice Miller adores her Mamaw and her mom, who give her every bit of wisdom and love they have. But the summer before seventh grade, Bea wants more than she has, aches for what she can't have, and wonders what the future will bring. Perfect for those turbulent middle school years, Ellen’s poetic voice shines through the ups and downs of friendships, puberty, and identity.