August New Releases We're Excited For!
August may mark the end of summer and the start of school, but it's still coming in hot with these incredible new releases our book buyers' picked!
Here are our Fiction and Nonfiction New Releases!
There Is a Rio Grande in Heaven: Stories by Ruben Reyes Jr
By now we all know how much I love a good short story, so I’m pumped about Reyes’ collection touching on, for one, Central American identity, but for two, also cyborgs, popstars, and even ex-guerilla fighters making difficult and meaningful decisions.
Out August 6th!
Why Animals Talk: The New Science of Animal Communication by Arik Kershenbaum
From wolves to parrots to dolphins, Kershenbaum takes a deep dive into animal communication, arguing that their signals are not all that different from our own. (Perhaps for those of us who can recognize our cat’s various meows.)
Out August 6th!
Deliquents and Other Escape Attempts by Nick Rees Gardner
More amazing short stories! I am biased, of course, as I know the writer, but I feel confident saying that the world at large needs to read this collection to learn about small towns, addiction, feeling trapped, and the joys and pains of escape. Learn about the real Ohio here.
Out August 13th!
Manboobs: A Memoir of Musicals, Visas, Hope, and Cake by Komail Aijazuddin
Aijazuddin hoped coming to the US from Pakistan would cure his struggles with self-acceptance, but it only changed them. Queer, foreign, and plagued by body image issues, the author uses his humor and intelligence to write a bitingly funny, poignant new memoir.
Out August 13th!
How to Leave the House by Nathan Newman
Told in the span of 24 hours, this novel revolves around Natwest, who is leaving for university tomorrow, but not without the embarrassing package that has yet to arrive at his home. A motley assortment of characters round out this tale of love and friendship.
Out August 13th!
The Fertile Earth by Ruthvika Rao
This is a novel of inequality, exploitation, class, time, and how love battles them all. Two lovers of unequal status navigate a tumultuous political landscape in India. It sounds like the kind of book you can sink your teeth into and enjoy for a long time.
Out August 13th!
Bluff: Poems by Danez Smith
My favorite poet has a new collection! They came out with Homie in 2020, which I thought was brilliant. In my opinion, they should write a new book every year, and possibly become the next president, but I realize these requests may be beyond them. I’ll try to be patient.
Out August 20th!
Einstein in Kafkaland: How Albert Fell Down the Rabbit Hole and Came Up with the Universe by Ken Krimstein
I love true graphic narratives that I learn from and also appreciate as art. This is a graphic narrative about the year Einstein became “Einstein,” and Kafka became “Kafka.” The two men were in Prague at the same time and both were pivotal in the birth of Modern with a capital M.
Out August 20th!
Planes Flying Over a Monster: Essays by Daniel Saldana Paris
These intimate essays take us through the cities Saldaña París has lived in and the person he was in each. He muses about who we really are and how we construct the stories that make us. He looks to art, literature, and philosophy for answers.
Out August 20th!
That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America by Amanda Jones
I would be remiss not to include this memoir and manifesto by a Louisiana librarian on the front lines of the book banning nonsense now sweeping the nation. Learn about her fight against those who are trying to make the US more white, straight, and “Christian.”
Out August 27th!
Here are our Young Adult, Middle Grade, and Children's New Releases!
Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson
From the bestselling author of the Truly Devious books, Maureen Johnson, comes a new stand-alone YA about a teen who uncovers a mystery while working as a tour guide on an island and must solve it before history repeats itself. As a fan of her previous work, I can’t wait to check this one out!
Out August 6th!
The Legend of the Last Library by Frank L Cole
Imagine a world without books, where there are no trees and paper is worth everything. Juni, desperate for money to save her grandfather, goes through his things and discovers a book, something that she has never seen before. But instead of selling it, she decides to read it and discovers a hidden library. So, Juni and her friends embark on an exciting adventure to find the last remaining library that could change everything. I hope to never live in a world without books. But that being said, this book sounds intriguing and has caught my attention.
Out August 6th!
Stay Angry, Little Girl by Madeleine L'Engle, illustrated by Michelle Jing Chan
This picture book encourages girls everywhere to proudly share their ideas and emotions, even if those traits will be met with resistance. Because being brave, sensitive, stubborn, curious, loud, kind, and playful helps them build strength and stay true to themselves.
Out August 6th!
Supernatural Creatures: Mythical and Sacred Creatures from Around the World by DK
Meet the magical, mystical, and miraculous! Dare you step inside the dark realm of mythical monsters, legendary spirits, and terrifying tricksters? As a kid and even as an adult this book is something I know I’d love. So, I'll definitely take a peek at this book!
Out August 13th!
The White House: A Meet the Nation's Capital Book by Lindsay Ward
Fans of Richard Scarry's Busy, Busy World will enjoy this fun, interactive picture book about the White House. Perfect gift to bring back after your vacation in DC!
Out August 20th!
A Banh Mi for Two by Trinity Nguyen
In this sweet sapphic romance about two foodies in love, Vivi meets Lan while studying abroad in Vietnam and they spend the semester unraveling their families' histories--and eating all the street food in Sài Gòn. A sapphic romance, sign me up! Bonas point for the pretty sprayed edges.
Out August 20th!
I Love You So Mush!: A Mushroom Friends Story Book by Danielle McLean, illustrated by Beatrice Tinarelli
An engaging rhyming book about friendship and love featuring adorable mushroom characters. I mean come on who doesn’t want to read a story with cute little mushrooms?
Out August 20th!
The Champions (Cheerleaders) by Kara Thomas
From the author of The Cheerleaders comes another dark YA thriller set in the same town of Sunnybrook. When a mysterious accident befalls a member of the all-star high school football team, the town's deadly history stands to repeat itself--and the price of discovering the truth is higher than anyone could imagine. I was lucky enough to read this one early and it did not disappoint!
Out August 27th!
Avatar: The Last Airbender: My Cabbages! by the creators of Avatar: The Last Airbender, illustrated by Bonnie Pang
Experience the internationally beloved cartoon Avatar: The Last Airbender in a brand-new way with this humorous and playful picture book, perfect for readers of all ages. I started watching Avatar for the first time and all I can say is I'm obsessed!
Out August 27th!
The Ghost Who Was Afraid of Everything by Nadia Ahmed
Halloween is hard if you’re afraid of everything, especially if you a ghost. It’s never too early to be ready for Halloween!
Out August 27th!
ABOUT THE BOOKSELLERS
Despite spending decades on the East Coast, Llalan remains a stalwart Midwesterner. And although she has an MA in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College in Boston, she prefers the life of a Bookstore Lady. Llalan loves literary fiction, nature writing, and craft beer.
Jordan, our YA, middle grade, and children's book buyer, has a fraternal twin sister. She has never been on an airplane--the farthest she has ever traveled was New Jersey by train. She is an avid K-Pop Collector and owns over 500 K-Pop albums!