New Releases

Inspired by the authors’ real lives, this picture book shares what sound means for one young deaf boy as he experiences the world with cochlear implants.

Most people either can or cannot hear sound . . . but some people can do both! Meet a deaf boy with cochlear implants as he moves about his day. Sometimes he prefers not to hear, but when he wants to connect with the hearing world, he puts on his cochlear implants. Can he explain to his hearing parents what the absence of sound is like? Suddenly he has an idea of how to share this part of him with those he loves.

With whimsical, bright illustrations and lyrical words, Sound Switch Wonder is a tender story about sharing and embracing differences.

Inspired by the authors’ real lives, this picture book shares what sound means for one young deaf boy as he experiences the world with cochlear implants.

Most people either can or cannot hear sound . . . but some people can do both! Meet a deaf boy with cochlear implants as he moves about his day. Sometimes he prefers not to hear, but when he wants to connect with the hearing world, he puts on his cochlear implants. Can he explain to his hearing parents what the absence of sound is like? Suddenly he has an idea of how to share this part of him with those he loves.

With whimsical, bright illustrations and lyrical words, Sound Switch Wonder is a tender story about sharing and embracing differences.

The follow-up to the bestselling book The Noisy Classroom, this new adventure explores how creative thinking can lead to fun and unexpected surprises.

"West Margin [will release] The Noisy Classroom Goes to the Museum by Angela Shanté, illus. by Alison Hawkins, in which one student in the third-grade class known for being noisy uses her problem-solving skills to keep her classmates and teacher from being disruptive on a field trip."
—Publishers Weekly, Children's Announcements

Ms. Johnson is a bit, well, odd. So when she announces she’s taking the class on a field trip to the natural history museum, one young girl can’t help but worry. Everyone at school already knows Ms. Johnson, but what will strangers think of her? As the day of the field trip draws nearer, the girl and her friends decide to hatch a plan for their teacher’s sake.

From the same award-winning team who had brought you the first book, The Noisy Classroom Goes to the Museum playfully combines science and humor in this new adventure of Ms. Johnson and her noisy class.

Expand your taco repertoire in new and exciting ways!

Like all genius ideas, tacos have inspired chefs all over the world to come up with their own spin on this traditional tortilla-wrapped handheld delicacy. There are many ways to fill a taco—so many, in fact, that you could easily create a taco for every letter in the alphabet, which is exactly what Ivy Manning has done!

Tacos A to Z is your one-stop taco shop for non-traditional tacos. Here, you will find a creative approach to tacos that will fill your table with meals inspired by cooking from all over the place, from Chiang Mai to Chattanooga. Learn how to build your own puffy, bendy, delicious corn and flour tortillas with detailed instructions that will convince you that homemade tortillas are worth making from scratch.

Among the recipes, you’ll find:

• Mole Chicken Tacos
• English Breakfast Tacos
• Korean Kalbi Tacos
• Buffalo Chicken Tacos
• Vindaloo Pork Tacos
• Jerk Salmon Tacos
• Chocolate Dipped Ice Cream Tacos

With recipes that are as diverse as they are delicious, Tacos A to Z is your ticket to making every day Taco Tuesday!

A memoir about what it’s like when they think you’re their daughter, but you know you’re their son.

For as long as he could remember, Grayson has known he is a boy, not a girl. While his identical twin sister wore princess dresses and danced ballet in a tutu, Grayson preferred his Spider-Man costume or sweats. He was uncomfortable in anything considered “girly.” People called him a tomboy, but he knew that wasn’t right either. He explained to his mother, “I know I’m supposed to be your daughter, but I feel more like your son. I guess I’m your… Dot-son.”

Grayson is now twelve years old. This is his story about what it’s like growing up transgender—from small moments, like getting a new haircut or playing football, to the big life events, like choosing a bathroom, coming out to his friends, and picking a new name. Filled with humor and joy, Dotson is a thought-provoking and honest story of one boy’s journey to becoming his best and truest self and sharing that with the world.

The book also includes helpful resources for transgender kids and families.

To know the story of the life and times of Judge Gilbert Merritt is to understand modern U.S. politics of the mid to late 20th century—how it came to be, and how it worked—particularly in the American South.

Judge Gilbert Merritt and his circle of young lawyers and journalists in Nashville were among the South’s earliest Kennedy Democrats in the late 1950s. Their brash political strivings, though not always victorious at the polls, affected the shape of many things, including the rise of modern Nashville.

As a young legal scholar in his twenties, Merritt was one of the nation’s youngest U.S. Attorneys (appointed by President Johnson); candidate for Congress; opponent of the death penalty; President Carter’s nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; and almost a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

This social biography is a graduate course in Southern political history, and how that history is much more than campaigns and elections. It depicts a much deeper weave of the power of friendship and loyalty, the influence of history upon individuals and generations, and of how communities of interest formed and evolved over time in our nation—and of how it is all connected.

To know the story of the life and times of Judge Gilbert Merritt is to understand modern U.S. politics of the mid to late 20th century—how it came to be, and how it worked—particularly in the American South.

Judge Gilbert Merritt and his circle of young lawyers and journalists in Nashville were among the South’s earliest Kennedy Democrats in the late 1950s. Their brash political strivings, though not always victorious at the polls, affected the shape of many things, including the rise of modern Nashville.

As a young legal scholar in his twenties, Merritt was one of the nation’s youngest U.S. Attorneys (appointed by President Johnson); candidate for Congress; opponent of the death penalty; President Carter’s nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit; and almost a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

This social biography is a graduate course in Southern political history, and how that history is much more than campaigns and elections. It depicts a much deeper weave of the power of friendship and loyalty, the influence of history upon individuals and generations, and of how communities of interest formed and evolved over time in our nation—and of how it is all connected.

From revered nature writer Brenda Peterson and told through striking and vibrant mixed-media collages by Caldecott Medalist Ed Young, Catastrophe by the Sea is a poignant story of redemption through empathy and compassion found in the most surprising places, and also provides a rich understanding of small creatures that live in a dangerous tidal zone.

A lost cat roams the tide pools, pawing relentlessly at the small creatures that live there. One day an anemone confronts him and asks why he is alone and befriends him. In partnership with the Seattle Aquarium, Catastrophe by the Sea delivers a powerful message of finding understanding and friendship, and at the same time educates on the varied wildlife brimming in tide pools.

“For several years, the Seattle Aquarium has studied the role of empathy in promoting conservation. Empathy is the ability to perceive, understand and care about the experiences or perspectives of another person or animal. We most often feel empathy for other people, but we can also feel empathy for animals. This led us to the idea of a children’s book. Animals are regular protagonists in children’s books, but these characters are primarily vertebrates and often charismatic mammals. Could we create a book that would allow kids and their caregivers to empathize with strange and exotic marine animals, like sea anemones or barnacles? We hope this book strikes a chord with audiences and fosters empathy for animals less like us.” --Jim Wharton, director of conservation engagement and learning at the Seattle Aquarium

Introducing SNOTS—a new graphic novel series about incredible superpowers, space robots, bad dudes, and just a regular kid who one day gets the call to save the world . . . with video games!

Meet Rusty Crumb, a boy who loves pizza, picking his nose, and playing video games. And he’s really good at gaming. In fact, he’s so good that every game now is just too easy for him. All he wants is a challenge, something that will make things fun and interesting again.

Meanwhile, in space, Commander Newton Bean of the Superpixel Ninja Officer Tweens of Space is looking for a new recruit to help him defeat the evil Baron Buttz and his nefarious pranks. Newton needs someone who’s not just courageous and smart, but also an amazing gamer to be able to wield the immense powers of the Super Game Dude device. Could Rusty be just who the SNOTS are looking for?

A ridiculously hilarious romp through space filled with action, adventure, and out-of-this-world fun!

RUSA BOOK AND MEDIA AWARD WINNER
MPIBA's EATING THE WEST AWARD FINALIST
AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHY 37 WINNER
IPA INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD WINNER

Named one of the best cookbooks of the year by the Arizona Republic, Phoenix New Times, and Arizona Daily Star

Learn how to make Mexican food the Sonoran way!

"Jackie's delicious book takes me back to Tucson, with each incredibly delicious recipe, tied to stories and wonderful characters. It will connect you to the one and only place that Tucson is. What a delight!"
—Pati Jinich, chef, cookbook author, and host of PBS's Pati's Mexican Table

Award-winning photographer and cookbook author Jackie Alpers shares her own inspired recipe creations in this book as well as recipes for her favorite restaurants' dishes provided by 16 regional chefs, while incorporating the history of the region, the mysticism and lore, and how it has contributed to the food of the people who live there. Building from tried-and-true basics and tutorials on tacos, enchiladas, carne asada, and huevos rancheros, she divulges secrets to making the Tucson area's most unique Sonoran style savories and sweets, including: Chicken Mole Amarillo, Adobo Pulled Pork, Red Pozole, Dark Chocolate and Coffee Figgy Pudding Cakes, and more.

For cooks of all levels, from anywhere in the world. This cookbook welcomes you to bring the Sonoran region's best and most iconic tastes into your own kitchen.

Silver Medalist, 2020 Wishing Shelf Book Awards: Books for 6–8 Year Olds
Winner, 2020 American Fiction Awards for Best Cover Design: Children's Books
Finalist, 2020 American Fiction Awards for Children's Fiction

The first day of school is coming… and I'm going to be in the noisy class. Any class but the noisy class will do!

A young girl is about to enter the third grade, but this year she's put into Ms. Johnson's noisy class. Everything about the noisy class is odd. While all the other classes are quiet, Ms. Johnson sings and the kids chatter all day. The door is always closed, yet sounds from it can be heard in the hallway. With summer coming to an end and school starting, the girl realizes that soon she'll be going to the noisy class. What will school be like now?

Featuring the honest and delightful humor of debut author Angela Shanté and the bold, graphic imagery of debut illustrator Alison Hawkins, The Noisy Classroom encourages those with first-day jitters to reevaluate a scary situation by looking at it from a different angle and to embrace how fun school can be, even in nontraditional ways.

Rusty Crumb and the SNOTS return in this super sequel to Call of Doody—just in time to confront a trio of cloaked Evil Dudes, a rogue AI, and a missing blankie!

Rusty Crumb and his friends have defeated the evil Baron Buttz and his nefarious pranks. The galaxy is safe again! Or is it? A new danger has been waiting in the wings and is now ready to strike—once they settle on their villain name, that is.

TED, The Evil Dudes, are looking for their leader and won't stop until they find them. Only the SNOTS stand in their way. But what if their evil leader has been among the SNOTS this whole time? Will the gang's gaming powers be enough to save the day? Or is this game over for the SNOTS?

Rusty Crumb and the SNOTS return in this super sequel to Call of Doody—just in time to confront a trio of cloaked Evil Dudes, a rogue AI, and a missing blankie!

Rusty Crumb and his friends have defeated the evil Baron Buttz and his nefarious pranks. The galaxy is safe again! Or is it? A new danger has been waiting in the wings and is now ready to strike—once they settle on their villain name, that is.

TED, The Evil Dudes, are looking for their leader and won't stop until they find them. Only the SNOTS stand in their way. But what if their evil leader has been among the SNOTS this whole time? Will the gang's gaming powers be enough to save the day? Or is this game over for the SNOTS?

The Hollows thrums with excitement when a famous student appears on campus. Follow Zee as she rubs elbows with royalty in Book 5 of The Zee Files!

Zee is getting ready to go back to school for spring term when the big news comes: there’s a new transfer student in year nine—and she’s a real-life princess! As everyone busily prepares for royalty to arrive, Zee can’t help but worry. She just got comfortable in England—how much will her life change now with a princess at school?

A fun, lively story of Black family and cousin culture that celebrates individuality and embraces differences.

One of the New York Public Library's Best Books for Kids in 2021!

Nominated, Bank Street College of Education's 2022 Irma S. Black Award

"This endearing picture book from Shanté (The Noisy Classroom, 2020) is a beautiful ode to Black families and the bond cousins have. . . Shanté's love letter to Black families and the typical relationship Black children have with their cousins is smartly complemented by Morris' bold, vivid illustrations of the cousins' summer antics, often from the main character's perspective. This story about wanting to feel included will be a storytime must!"
—Booklist

"An adorable book about being true to yourself and the joys of family, especially cousins."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Layered, collage-style art by Morris features rounded panels and centers warm relationships. Shanté aptly portrays the experiences of a young city denizen, peppering the family-centered tale with resonant cultural details."
—Publishers Weekly

Fitting in can be hard, but standing out isn’t easy either!

Every summer a young girl eagerly waits for her cousins to come visit and celebrate her birthday. All her cousins are unique in their own ways and have earned cool nicknames for themselves… except for the girl. But this year things are going to be different. This year before summer ends, she’s determined to earn her own nickname!

Filled with warmth, love, and laughter, When My Cousins Come to Town brings all the energy and love of a big family to prove that you don’t need to be anyone else to be special—just the way you are is exactly right!

A happy-go-plucky rhyme adventure of chickens frolicking in an urban environment as they run rampant all around town!

"Urban backyard chickens go on a madcap tour of the city in this rhyming romp. . . the narrative bounces off the tongue. The marker-bright illustrations are frenetic and filled with humorous details."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Hysterical rhyming book about chickens escaping from their yard. Funny shenanigans ensue with each towns-person and animal they encounter. This will appeal to lots of kids around here whose families own chickens!"
--Buttonwood Books & Toys, bookseller recommendation

"Reading this out loud was so much fun! The rhyming and rhythm added a musical element to reading the book. And within the rhymes there are great vocabulary moments, too! . . . The backmatter of the book gives information about keeping urban chickens and some fun chicken facts. It is a great way to connect the story to science."
--Unleashing Readers

Chickens on the loose.
Chickens on the lam.
Zipping from the yard,
As quickly as they can.

Chickens don't just live on farms--they're in the city too! In the store, on the street, they bring mayhem and excitement to all the surprised people. See where these mischievous chickens go in this brightly illustrated picture book told in verse. Also included at the back are fun facts and tips for the urban chicken farmer.

A Visit to Moscow is inspired by the true experience of an American rabbi who travels to the Soviet Union in the 1960s, a dangerous time of uncertainty and fear for Jews in the nation.

2023 Eisner Award Nominee, Best Adaptation from Another Medium

2022 Brightness Illustration Award Longlist

In 1965, an American rabbi travels to the Soviet Union to investigate reports of persecution of the Jewish community. Moscow welcomes him as a guest—but provides a strict schedule he and the rest of his group must follow. One afternoon, the rabbi slips away. With an address in hand and almost no knowledge of the Russian language, he embarks on a secret journey that will change his life forever. Inspired by the true experience of Rabbi Rafael Grossman, A Visit to Moscow captures the formidable perseverance and strength of the Jewish people during the "Let My People Go" movement, a modern exodus that is often overlooked.

"With starkly dramatic text and haunting images, author and illustrator convey the devastating oppression of Soviet Jewish life, and the commitment of one Jew to bring their horrifying reality into the light [...] Whether readers are familiar with the harrowing subject matter or learning about it for the first time, Rabbi Grossman's story will immerse them in a harsh world and in the persistent truth-telling needed to bring about change. A Visit to Moscow is highly recommended." —Jewish Book Council

“This briefly told story is compelling and will provoke curiosity about a topic that isn’t often told or taught. While readers may be familiar with the Holocaust, where 6 million Jews were murdered, not many are aware that in the era of Communism, a different type of Holocaust, a spiritual Holocaust, was also happening in the USSR. This is a worthy read and hopefully will jump-start the discussion of Soviet Jews who lived behind what was known as the “iron curtain.””—School Library Journal "Good Comics for Kids"

"The concise text is brilliantly illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg, who is herself a former Soviet Jew. Her angular drawings, often with subdued colors, neatly fit the narrative and greatly enhance the story. The combination of a moving narrative and outstanding artwork makes for a most compelling read. I highly recommend A Visit to Moscow. Like any fine book, it will leave a deep impression. It is a story you will not forget reading or seeing."—The Detroit Jewish News

"Yevgenia Nayberg’s art is evocative and claustrophobic and lives  in that liminal space between simple children’s book illustration and profound abstract comics work. Her choices in coloring are particularly well-matched to the emotional tone of the narrative. This is ultimately a story of hope—how the actions of one person can reverberate through generations to come—and as story, this is appropriate and uplifting." —SOLRAD

With gentleness and empathy, this beautiful story follows a young boy as he learns how a word that may seem funny to one person can be hurtful to another.

"When Words Have Power. . . follows a boy as he learns how a word that may seem funny to one person can be hurtful to another."
—Publishers Weekly, Fall Children's Announcements

Henry overhears someone calling his Chinese American mother a strange name at the market: "banana." But Henry doesn't understand. A banana is just a piece of fruit. What's the big deal? And what does the name mean?

With beautiful illustrations, When Words Have Power gently reveals the powerful effect microaggressions and name calling can have, and instead shows how a little kindness and respect can lead to bright, new friendships and stronger relationships with loved ones.

For kids who want to learn about what life was like on the Oregon and California Trails between 1840 and 1869, this fascinating history book features beautiful papercut illustrations to reveal the true experiences of real children who had traveled west. The book shows how these children's courage, determination, perseverance, and hope defined the West for what it represents today.

Between 1841 and 1884, more than 300,000 people—40,000 of whom were children—moved over land across North America in search for a new start and better life. The journey presented challenges at every turn, from the initial preparations to the months-long trip, and even after when the travelers reached their final destinations. Young emigrants played large roles throughout it all, with responsibilities ranging from hunting animals to gathering buffalo dung, or even caring for babies.

Relying on real letters and memoirs of actual children on the trail, My Way West offers a fresh perspective so that readers, too, can smell the campfire smoke and see the dust kicked up by the wagon wheels. Learn about seven-year-old Benjamin Bonney from Illinois who was introduced to a new type of bread by Native Americans he met on the trail; how thirteen-year-old Heber McBride and his family from England were able to keep up with their traveling group; what ten-year-old Thocmetony of the Northern Paiute in Nevada thought of the travelers passing by her home; what the difficulties twelve-year-old Owen Bush met when his family, including his free African American father, finally reached Oregon; and more.

Including a bibliography and gorgeously illustrated in vibrant, masterful papercut art, this book presents true stories plus quotes so that young readers can share the emigrant kids’ triumphs and tragedies as they make their journey west.

Combining humor and art with STEM subjects of science, technology, and math, Betty Builds It explores a burgeoning friendship between a genius engineering robot girl and her sweet younger brother who just wants to support his sister.

Betty could build just about anything. Whatever she needs, she can make it for herself. But with a screen as her parental unit and her baby brother Toby who can’t do much, Betty longs for a friend—so she builds one! While Toby struggles to get his sister’s attention, Betty continues to build and build, until finally she realizes what she was looking for was beside her the whole time.

Betty Builds It is a sweet family story of the new friendship between siblings, and also celebrates and promotes women and girls in science.