“Raw, intense, and utterly unique exploration of grief and guilt.”
—Booklist
“A highly original tale exploring grief and weaving together the realistic and fantastical.” —Kirkus
“A darkly atmospheric love letter to siblinghood in this speculative foray into processing grief, guilt, and shame.” —Publishers Weekly
“Powerful and moving.”
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“This cheerful celebration of ethnic food, storytelling, and diverse experience also explores concepts of bravery, identity, sharing, and open-mindedness.” — BOOKLIST
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year!
An ALSC Dia Reading List Title
A BCALA Best of the Best Book!
An IndieNext Top Ten Pick
A Children’s Book Council Teacher and Librarian Favourite!
OPERATION SISTERHOOD
”a jubilant middle grade novel”
-The NY Times
“Rhuday-Perkovich’s love letter to New York City is brimming with heartwarming moments….A loving display of family and community.” –Kirkus Reviews
“In this sweet and comforting middle-grade novel, a tween girl deals with the changes that come along with being a part of a new blended family.” -Shelf Awareness
“This eclectic celebration of Black joy, community, learning, and sisterhood is perfect for fans of Kelly Yang or Aisha Saeed.” –School Library Journal
IT DOESN’T TAKE A GENIUS
A KIRKUS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
“The cast of characters is fully realized, distinct, and absolutely lovable, and E’s journey will resonate. An exceptional novel with broad appeal.”
Available Now
SOMEDAY IS NOW: Clara Luper and the 1958 Oklahoma City Sit-Ins
A NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES TRADE BOOK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
"Not only does this book highlight an important civil rights activist, it can serve as an introduction to child activism as well as the movement itself. Valuable." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Relatable and meaningful ... A top addition to nonfiction collections." - School Library Journal, starred review
“The story’s drama is inherent, and readers may well be inspired by the difference people—even young ones—can make.”-Booklist
Someday Is Now tells the inspirational story of the celebrated civil rights leader, Clara Luper, who led one of the first lunch-counter sit-ins in America.
How will you stand against something you know is wrong? One way is to follow the lessons of bravery taught by civil rights pioneers like Clara Luper.
MAE MAKES A WAY: The True Story of Mae Reeves, Hat and History Maker
NAOMIS TOO
“A sequel that packs as much heart, humor, and understanding as the first.” - Kirkus Reviews
“The heftier sequel allows Vernick and Rhuday-Perkovich to explore the intricacies of middle-school life as the girls must find a balance between multiple homes and groups of friends with rising expectations in the classroom…Perfectly captures the wonder and sometime-challenges of adjusting to the “yes, and” experience of blended families.” — Booklist
The sequel to Two Naomis! As the girls deal with the ups and downs of middle school and the mysteries of family dynamics, they learn that even when life and school try to drive you apart, it’s ultimately easier to face everything together.
THE SUN DOES SHINE (Young Readers Edition)
a Chicago Public Library, Bank Street, and School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Junior Library Guild Selection
The Sun Does Shine is an extraordinary testament to the power of hope sustained through the darkest times, now adapted for younger readers. With themes both timely and timeless, Hinton’s memoir tells his dramatic 30-year journey and shows how you can take away a man’s freedom, but you can’t take away his imagination, humor, or joy.
“In this accessible young readers' adaptation of Hinton’s adult memoir, middle-grade readers will learn of Hinton’s wrongful conviction and deep flaws within the U.S. criminal justice system….Periodically, chapters end with compelling facts and statistics on the American criminal justice system, grounding Hinton’s emotional and human story in important, objective context; citations are provided for this information, and quotes are incorporated throughout. Though profoundly tragic, Hinton’s story is ultimately one of hope and an undeniable call for change.” — Booklist, starred review
“Hinton’s story begins with exploring his youth and promising future, which is taken away all too quickly with a case of mistaken identity and manipulated evidence. Throughout his ordeal, he remained a beacon of hope and represented quintessential human kindness, will, and perseverance. While adapted for a younger audience, the story does not shy away from harsh realities or speak down to readers. Legal proceedings are explained in a clear and non-patronizing way, while the events and dialogue are utterly engrossing.” — School Library Journal, starred review
WE RISE, WE RESIST, WE RAISE OUR VOICES (Contributor)
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2018!
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018!
from the publisher: “Fifty of the foremost diverse children’s authors and illustrators…share answers to the question, “In this divisive world, what shall we tell our children?” in this beautiful, full-color keepsake collection, published in partnership with Just Us Books.
MAE MAKES A WAY: The True Story of Mae Reeves, Hat and History Maker
a CCBC Choices Book of the Year
RISE Feminist Book List Honoree
“In effervescent prose…Rhuday-Perkovich traces both Reeves’ family life and her career, from early years as a schoolteacher and student at the integrated Chicago School of Millinery to fame as owner of a Philadelphia shop….A pleaser for younger readers, particularly fans of fashion and fashion design, in search of role models.” -Kirkus
“A vital piece of literature that documents an amazing woman who continuously persevered despite racial disparities.” –Booklist
“A fine introduction to a determined trailblazer.” -The New York Times
SAVING EARTH: Climate Change and The Fight for Our Future
Art: Tim Foley
a CCBC Choices Book of the Year
Junior Library Guild Selection
“A caustic indictment of this country’s foot-dragging response to the threat of climate disaster, paired with a rising international chorus of younger voices raised in protest . . . Readers will be jolted out of any sense of complacency” —Kirkus Reviews
A timely and inspiring nonfiction guide for middle grade readers about the history of our fight against climate change, and how young people today are rising to action.
Inspired by Nathaniel Rich’s Losing Earth: A Recent History…Saving Earth tells the human story of the climate change conversation from the recent past into the present day. It wrestles with the long shadow of our failures, what might be ahead for today’s generation, and crucial questions of how we understand the world we live in—and how we can work together to change the outlook for the better….Filled with the voices of climate activists from the past and present, this book is both a call to action and a riveting dramatic history.
Available Now
TWO NAOMIS
“A smart, endearing story about two girls who are blending families, growing up, and building a friendship.” - Kirkus, starred review
“This story of two families coming together is grounded and sweet. Recommended for all children who appreciate realistic contemporary stories.” - Booklist, starred review
“Warm, upbeat, and satisfying.” - Publishers Weekly
“A sweet coming-of-age story. Highly recommended” - School Library Journal
Other than their first names, Naomi Marie and Naomi Edith are sure they have nothing in common, and they wouldn’t mind keeping it that way.
Naomi Marie starts clubs at the library and adores being a big sister. Naomi Edith loves quiet Saturdays and hanging with her best friend in her backyard. And while Naomi Marie’s father lives a few blocks away, Naomi Edith wonders how she’s supposed to get through each day a whole country apart from her mother.
When Naomi Marie’s mom and Naomi Edith’s dad get serious about dating, each girl tries to cling to the life she knows and loves. Then their parents push them into attending a class together, where they might just have to find a way to work with each other—and maybe even join forces to find new ways to define family.
8th GRADE SUPERZERO
Amazon Book of the Month
"Rhuday-Perkovich delivers a masterful debut, telling a layered middle-school tale filled with characters who are delightfully flawed and, more importantly, striving to overcome those flaws." -Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A good-hearted, nuanced story of a young man who dares to be more than his place in a middle-school social hierarchy, a tale rooted in religious faith and social conscience, related with lively good humor." - Kirkus Reviews
One of the “Books for Grandparents” in AARP Magazine!
After the worst first day back *ever*, Reggie's been nicknamed "Pukey" McKnight at his Brooklyn school. He wants to turn his image around, but he has other things on his mind as well: his father, who's out of a job; his best friends, Joe C. (who's a little too white) and Ruthie (who's a little too intense); his ex-best friend Donovan, who's now a jerk; and of course, the beautiful Mialonie. The elections for school president are coming up, but with his notorious nickname and "nothing" social status, Reggie wouldn't stand a chance, if he even had the courage to run.
Then Reggie gets involved with a local homeless shelter. Inspired by the clients there--especially Charlie, a five-year-old kid who becomes his official "Little Buddy"― he begins to think about making a difference, both in the world and at school. Pukey for President? It can happen . . . if he starts believing.
Additional Titles: ABOVE and BEYOND: NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow, The Hero Next Door, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Sesame Workshop)