Out now: new Ava Lin, a STEM PB, and a book for teachers
Plus cover reveals, new book deals, and events across the country
Welcome to the world, book babies! Check out our latest titles:
Ava Lin: Super-Duper Happy by Vicky Fang
A school walkathon! A visit from Popo! Six-year-old Ava’s week has SUPER potential—with just a few snags along the way. Kirkus Reviews says, “Black-and-white illustrations—made up of spot art and comics-style panels—add humor, while the simple vocabulary and story structure are ideal for newly independent readers. . . .Now in its third installment, this series continues to charm.”
Firefly Song by Colleen Paeff, illustrated by Ji-Hyuk Kim
The Leaf Detective meets fireflies in this inspirational nonfiction picture book from Sibert Honoree Colleen Paeff about how one woman proved to scientists that the fireflies she had watched as a young girl put on dazzling and impossibly synchronous nighttime performances. Kirkus Reviews says, “Paeff succinctly captures the patience and detailed work involved in this kind of study while keeping the sense of wonder in focus. Kim’s painterly art perfectly conveys the deep, leafy green of the forest in summer and the splashes and sparks of light from these bioluminescent creatures.” (⭐️ starred review)
Goal Setting in the Writing Classroom by Valerie Bolling
Goal setting is an integral part of life. But when and how do we teach this important skill to students? And how can we do so in ways that are engaging, rewarding, and nestled into our other priorities in the writing classroom?
In this book, Valerie Bolling breathes new life into the work of goal setting with students. “Valerie skillfully blends her experience as a children’s author and middle school writing teacher to offer practical strategies that help students set and achieve personal writing goals. This book is a valuable tool for educators.” ―Dr. Towanda Harris, author of The Right Tools: A Guide to Selecting, Evaluating, and Implementing Classroom Resources and Practices
Buy in our Bookshop. (Note: The Soaring 20s receives a small commission on purchases through our shop.)
New book deals
Mark your calendars...
Note: All events are in person unless otherwise indicated.
Connecticut
Aug. 14th 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Join Valerie Bolling for Kid Lib Camp at Darien Library, Darien, CT.
Massachusetts
Aug. 22 at 4 p.m.: Join Carrie Finison for Hurry, Little Tortoise, Time for School!
Back-to-School Story Time,Wellesley Free Library, Wellesley, MA.
Pennsylvania
Aug. 7th - Aug 10th: Join Valerie Bolling for the Highlights Foundation Black Voices Retreat in Milanville, PA, where she is lead faculty member.
Virtual
Jul 17 at 1:30 – 2:20 p.m. Eastern: Join Isabella Kung for the panel “Navigating Our Emotions” at SLJ Picture book Palooza. (FREE!) Learn more and register.
Jul 22 at 7 p.m. Eastern: Join Kirsten Larson for Digging Deeper (Part Two): Beyond the Library Walls. In this hands-on webinar, award-winning author Kirsten W. Larson shares practical strategies to help you uncover rich, accurate, and unexpected sources online ($25). Learn more and sign up here.
Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. Eastern: Join Valerie Bolling for the SCBWI virtual summer conference. Learn more and see the full schedule here.
Aug. 3 from 1- 3:30 p.m. Eastern Jen Malia will teach “An Introduction to Writing for Children” through the Muse Writers Center. Learn more and sign up here.
Aug. 18 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Join Valerie Bolling for Highlights Gather: When Reading & Writing Love Kids Back!
Ongoing: Kirsten Larson takes you from story spark to full draft in her self-study nonfiction picture book intro course, “Crafting Your Nonfiction Picture Book.” Learn more here.