Let’s Get Ready
On November 15, Penguin Young Readers will publish Georgia senator Reverend Raphael Warnock’s picture book Put Your Shoes On and Get Ready!, illustrated by Temika Grooms, from imprint Philomel Books. It’s the debut book from Warnock, the first Black senator from Georgia, and is a tale of perseverance inspired by Warnock’s own experiences as the 11th of 12 children, who were motivated by their father to “put on our shoes and get ready for what was in store.”
September Scaries with HarperCollins
HarperCollins will publish two haunting YA novels from bestselling authors Tiffany D. Jackson and Justina Ireland. YA thriller author Jackson will release The Weight of Blood, a twist on Stephen King’s horror classic Carrie that features segregated proms in Georgia, on September 6. Ireland will publish Rust in the Root, a fantasy novel set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, following a Black mage who is trained in traditional mystic arts, in an America ruled by those who don’t believe in their magic, as she uncovers work thought to be long vanished.
Antiracism for Young Readers
Bestselling author of How to Be an Antiracist Dr. Ibram X. Kendi has partnered with children’s author Nic Stone on How to Be a (Young) Antiracist for Penguin Young Readers, due out in January 2023. This reimagining of Kendi’s adult book will focus on teaching younger readers to think critically and creating a safer world. One World will also release The (Young) Antiracist’s Workbook, also from Kendi and Stone, aimed at helping readers to write about their journey toward becoming antiracist.
The Truth of War
Union Square & Co. has announced the publication of You Don’t Know What War Is: The Diary of a Young Girl from Ukraine, a recounting of the ongoing Russian invasion from the diary of 12-year-old Ukrainian Yeva Skalietska. Skalietska shares entries from the diary she wrote while hiding, including her 12th birthday taking place only days before the invasion began, her experiences fleeing her home in Kharkiv with her grandmother, finding refuge in Ireland, and her hope of returning home. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Ukraine refugee organizations.
Steph Curry with the Shot
Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry will make his debut as an author with his fall picture book I Have a Superpower, illustrated by Geneva Bowers. This will be Curry’s first project from the publishing branch of his multimedia company Unanimous Publishing. I Have a Superpower, out September 6, is inspired by Curry’s experiences of having his abilities to play basketball doubted because of his size, and with self-confidence one can achieve anything in life.
Liar Liar
Bestselling author and journalist Mark Kurlansky (Cod; Salt) is set to publish Big Lies: From Socrates to Social Media (Tilbury House), an illustrated guide to breaking down lies and thinking critically, out September 6. Spanning across hundreds of years, the book for teens and adults will explore the ways that lies have been used to distort history, refute scientific fact, promote hate, and fuel chaos.
