Here a few mini-trends in children’s and teen literature for 2020 that I’ve noticed the past few weeks.
Picture Books About Blue Dwellings
I wanted to do a venn diagram of these three books but it didn’t quite work. I wonder why we have this sudden spate of blue house/cottage books – maybe they’re soothing.
The Blue House by Phoebe Wahl
In the tradition of Virginia Lee Burton’s The Little House comes a heartfelt story about a father and son learning to accept the new while honoring and celebrating the old.
For as long as he can remember, Leo has lived in the blue house with his dad, but lately the neighborhood is changing. People are leaving, houses are being knocked down and shiny new buildings are going up in their place. When Leo and his dad are forced to leave, they aren’t happy about it. They howl and rage and dance out their feelings. When the time comes, they leave the blue house behind–there was never any choice, not really–but little by little, they find a way to keep its memory alive in their new home.
The Little Blue Cottage by Kelly Jordan
The little blue cottage waits each year for summer to arrive—and with it, the girl. Through sunny days and stormy weather, the cottage and the girl keep each other company and wile away the long days and nights together. Until one year, and then another, the cottage is left waiting and empty season after season.
In this heartfelt story about change, Kelly Jordan’s lilting text and Jessica Courtney-Tickle’s lush art captures the essence of cherishing a favorite place.
Little Blue House Beside the Sea by Jo Ellen Bogart
What child doesn’t love walking in the surf, feeling the water steal the sand from beneath her toes as a wave retreats? Who doesn’t love the salty smell of the air and the sight of ships far out on the horizon?
What happens in the oceans is critically important to life on Earth. That’s why the girl in her little blue house wants to believe that the children gazing back from far over the horizon love the oceans as she does and wants to keep them safe, alive, and beautiful.
Picture Book Biographies of 2020 Presidential Candidates
These picture books are all biographies – not autobiographies – and were published this year, either while the candidate was running or soon after they left the race. I thought it was interesting that most weren’t published during the thick of the primary season, when presumably interest would be highest, but rather after most (or all) of the voting had already taken place.
Elizabeth Warren’s Big, Bold Plans by Laurie Ann Thompson
Elizabeth Warren always has a plan. As a child, she wanted to help others by becoming a teacher. When discrimination forced her to surrender that dream, she found another path: She became a lawyer. Then life changed again, and Elizabeth became a professor of law—and she didn’t stop there. No matter her job title, Senator Elizabeth Warren has always worked to ensure that people with more power help those with less. She leads by example, inspiring young people across the nation to pursue their dreams despite obstacles like prejudice and inequality. Known for her dedication and willingness to adapt, Elizabeth Warren has persisted and become a voice for fairness and positive change.
Now a presidential candidate, Senator Warren is a role model for the young people who will one day assume the mantle of leadership. And this gorgeously written, beautifully stylized picture book provides a pitch-perfect look at all they can accomplish.
Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice by Nikki Grimes
When Kamala Harris was young, she often accompanied her parents to civil rights marches—so many, in fact, that when her mother asked a frustrated Kamala what she wanted, the young girl responded with: “Freedom!”
As Kamala grew from a small girl in Oakland to a senator running for president, it was this long-fostered belief in freedom and justice for all people that shaped her into the inspiring figure she is today. From fighting for the use of a soccer field in middle school to fighting for the people of her home state in Congress, Senator Harris used her voice to speak up for what she believed in and for those who were otherwise unheard. Her dedication led to her being selected as the Democratic vice presidential nominee in the 2020 election.
Told in Nikki Grimes’s stunning verse and featuring gorgeous illustrations by Laura Freeman, this picture book biography brings to life a story that shows all young people that the American dream can belong to all of us if we fight for one another.
Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris
One day, Kamala and Maya had an idea. A big idea: they would turn their empty apartment courtyard into a playground!
This is the uplifting tale of how the author’s aunt and mother first learned to persevere in the face of disappointment and turned a dream into reality. This is a story of children’s ability to make a difference and of a community coming together to transform their neighborhood.
Mayor Pete: The Story of Pete Buttigieg by Rob Sanders
When Pete Buttigieg announced he was running for president, he became the first openly gay candidate to run for the Democratic party’s presidential nomination and the first millennial ever to pursue the office. But before the nation knew him as “Mayor Pete,” he was a boy growing up in a Rust Belt town, a kid who dreamed of being an astronaut, and a high schooler who wondered about a life of public service. Without a doubt, no one could have imagined who Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg, the boy who lived in a two-story house on College Street, would become.
Through victories and defeats, and the changes that the seasons bring, the young boy from South Bend grew into a man devoted to helping others. Mayor Pete: The Story of Pete Buttigieg celebrates the life of an American who dared to be the first and who imagined a better world for everyone.
Joey: The Story of Joe Biden by Jill Biden
Joey is the first ever picture book about the young life of Joe Biden, the 47th Vice President of the United States, and includes never before told family stories about the presidential candidate and former vice president’s childhood—written by Jill Biden, his spouse.
Joe Biden grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the oldest of four children. His parents always encouraged him and his siblings to be independent and strong. The family moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where at twenty-nine, Biden was elected one the youngest United States Senators ever elected. This is his story.
Witchcraft for Tweens and Teens
These nonfiction books are about witchcraft as a serious spiritual practice. For young people who are interesting in exploring paganism and non-mainstream belief systems, 2020 has provided some great resources.
Secrets of the Witch by Elsa Whyte and Julie Légère
Since ancient times, magic and witchcraft have inspired both fear and fascination. More recently, witchcraft has become a popular symbol for feminist empowerment. Everything a young witch needs to know is contained in Secrets of the Witch . Uncover the meaning and history behind magical tools and symbols such as cauldrons and pentagrams, find out the truths of the Salem Witch Trials and learn about witches in popular culture, from the ancient figure of Circe to Hermione Granger.
Part history, part spellbook, this magical compendium gives a fascinating insight into the lives and practices of witchesthroughout time and from all over the world. Initiates to the ways of the witch will learn the stories of legendary and real-life witches, as well as how to make their own talisman, how to use magical crystals and plants, which familiar is right for them and so much more. Aspiring witches 9 years and older will find this an invaluable and empowering guide, filled with authentic detail and strikingly illustrated.
With the supernatural wisdom of modern-day witches Elsa Whyte and Julie Légère and Laura Pérez’s rich artwork, step into your dark sisterhood and discover the Secrets of the Witch.
The Little Witch’s Book of Spells by Ariel Kusby
The Little Witch’s Book of Spells is an enchanting compendium of spells, potions, and activities for kids 8 to 12 years old. Young witches-in-training will discover spells to resolve problems, foster friendship, and engage with the natural world.
This spellbinding book guides readers on how to craft a magic wand, befriend a fairy, and read tea leaves, as well as glossaries of magical terms and symbols.
• A playful and immersive guidebook to all things magical
• Filled with simple activities using easily found ingredients
• Complete with lush illustrations
The Little Witch’s Book of Spells harnesses magic and the imagination to help little witches feel powerful, tap into creative energy, and practice self-love. Spells and activities include Best Friends Forever Spell, Jump Rope Protection Spell, Get Well Soon Elixir, Blanket Fort Magical Fortress Spell, How to Make a Magical Fairy Garden, and Mermaid Bath Spell.
The Young Witch’s Guide to Crystals by Cassandra Eason
A comprehensive and beautifully illustrated introduction to using crystals in magick, geared specifically to young adults.
Young witches, welcome to the school of crystals! In Young Witch’s Guide to Crystals you’ll discover what can be an exciting and beautiful addition to your life. It provides a basic introduction to magickal practice with information on using crystals for everything you can possibly imagine: healing your body and broken heart, fortunetelling, keeping away bad dreams, creating a lucky charm, and so much more. There’s also advice on choosing your crystals, keeping a crystal journal, and making a special altar and treasure box for your stones.
The Young Witch’s Guide to Magick by Cassandra Eason
Welcome to witch school, where renowned author Cassandra Eason teaches her magickal secrets! In this introduction geared especially to young adults, Eason targets teen issues like figuring out a future career path, dealing with bullies, changing bad luck, building self-confidence, and handling problems at school. Her spells use astrology, candles, crystals, colors, flowers, and moon power, and she also explores coven rituals and seasonal celebrations. Whether you’re trying to get your crush’s attention, pass your driver’s test, or simply let your natural beauty shine through, you’ll find the path to making your world better and your dreams come true.
Here are spells to help you:
Pass a tough test: use six dice, a photo of yourself looking happy, and dried mint for luck in a drawstring bag.
Relieve shyness and anxiety about moving or changing schools: Put a green plant on your altar, along with ribbons and small bells.
Follow your dream: go outdoors and shoot power into the cosmos by blowing bubbles.
Prevent nosy siblings from messing with your private things by creating a fragrant psychic barrier.
Call people back into your life with a beeswax candle.
Also: learn how to choose your witch name, set up an altar, make a spell book, and more!
The Junior Witch’s Handbook: A Kid’s Guide to White Magic, Spells, and Rituals by Nikki Van De Car
An empowering guide for young witches about the kinds of magic they can create for themselves every day.
Intended for children between the ages of eight and twelve, who are curious about the possibility of “something more” in their lives, this handbook focuses on three major areas of the witch’s life: friendship, personal fulfillment, and family. Each section includes spells, rituals, potions, and other useful information, such as tables about crystals, chakras, and herbs.
Graphic Novels About Donuts
This is my favorite of them all. What a weird and delightful mini-trend.
Norma and Belly: Donut Feed the Squirrels by Mika Song
Two squirrels–and best friends–meet their match: a donut food truck! A hilarious young graphic novel perfect for fans of Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea and anyone who would do ANYTHING for a donut.
Norma and Belly plan to start the day with some pancakes, but when Norma accidentally burns them, these two best friends set out to find a new treat. Chestnuts might be nice . . . but what is that delicious smell in the distance? A new food truck has parked near their tree, and these two squirrels are going to figure out how to get their hands on these “donuts” that it seems to be selling.
Mika Song gives readers something to laugh at as these squirrels try their hardest to get some donuts while just about everything goes wrong. A fun “donut caper” graphic novel that focuses on madcap action, problem-solving, and the power of working together.
Donut the Destroyer by Sarah Graley and Stef Purenins
Donut (middle name: The; last name: Destroyer) has a heart of gold and incredible strength. She lives in a world where everyone is born with a special ability and can choose whether to develop it for good or evil.
Donut has just received the best news of her life — she’s been accepted to Lionheart School for Heroes! But her parents are the most infamous villains around, and her best friend, Ivy, can’t understand why Donut would choose a life of boring heroism and ruin their plans to cause chaos. Donut is determined to prove that, despite her last name, she’s meant to go her own way and be a hero. Meanwhile, Ivy cooks up a plan to get Donut kicked out of Lionheart — and back on track to villainy!