Do You Love Poetry? Check These Books Out From HarperCollins Children's Books

HarperCollins Children's Book has three upcoming Young Adult books that are perfect for Poetry Month. These collections and novels-in-verse are for the young adult readers out there today. 

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

9780062662804. $17.99. Ages 13 & Up. On Sale March 6, 2018.

Fans of Jacqueline Woodson, Meg Medina, and Jason Reynolds will fall hard for this astonishing #ownvoices novel-in-verse by award-winning slam poet Elizabeth Acevedo, about an Afro-Latina heroine who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth. Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking. But Xiomara has plenty she wants to say, and she pours all her frustration and passion onto the pages of a leather notebook, reciting the words to herself like prayers—especially after she catches feelings for a boy in her bio class named Aman, who her family can never know about. With Mami’s determination to force her daughter to obey the laws of the church, Xiomara understands that her thoughts are best kept to herself. So when she is invited to join her school’s slam poetry club, she doesn’t know how she could ever attend without her mami finding out. But she still can’t stop thinking about performing her poems. Because in the face of a world that may not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to be silent.

« “In nearly every poem, there is at least one universal truth about adolescence, family, gender, race, religion, or sexuality that will have readers either nodding in grateful acknowledgment or blinking away tears.” — The Horn Book Review STARRED review

Voices in the Air: Poems for Listeners by Naomi Shihab Nye

9780062691842. $17.99. Ages 13 & Up. On Sale February 13, 2018.

Acclaimed and award-winning poet, teacher, and National Book Award finalist Naomi Shihab Nye’s uncommon and unforgettable voice offers readers peace, humor, inspiration, and solace. This volume of almost one hundred original poems is a stunning and engaging tribute to the diverse voices past and present that comfort us, compel us, lead us, and give us hope. Written in honor of the artists, writers, poets, historical figures, ordinary people, and diverse luminaries from past and present who have inspired Nye, Voices in the Air celebrates the inspirational people who strengthen and motivate us to create, to open our hearts, and to live rewarding and graceful lives. With short informational bios about the influential figures behind each poem, and a transcendent introduction by the poet, this is a collection to cherish, read again and again, and share with others. 

« “A rich collection of poems celebrating diverse lives. ...Asking tough questions and demonstrating the beauty of the voices on the fringe, Nye once again deftly charts the world through verse: not to be missed.” — Kirkus Reviews STARRED review

Light Filters In: Poems written by Caroline Kaufman & illustrated by Yelena Bryksenkova

9780062844682. $14.99. Ages 13 & Up. On Sale June 5, 2018.

In the vein of poetry collections like Milk and Honey and Adultolescence, this compilation of short, powerful poems from teen Instagram sensation Caroline Kaufman—known as @poeticpoison—perfectly captures the human experience. In Light Filters In, Kaufman does what she does best: reflects our own experiences back at us and makes us feel less alone, one exquisite and insightful piece at a time. She writes about giving up too much of yourself to someone else, not fitting in, endlessly Googling “how to be happy,” and ultimately figuring out who you are. This hardcover collection features completely new material plus some fan favorites from Caroline's account. Filled with haunting, spare pieces of original art, Light Filters In will thrill existing fans and newcomers alike.

Books to Read During Mental Health Awareness Month

Books to Read During Mental Health Awareness Month

In observation of Mental Health Awareness Month, HarperCollins Children’s Books offers a sneak peek of our list of upcoming titles promoting mindfulness and greater understanding of mental illness.

My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing written & illustrated by Nick Ortner

9780062687760. $17.99. Ages 4-8. On Sale 5/15/2018.

From New York Times bestselling author Nick Ortner comes a beautiful picture book that will help children discover calm through the magic of mindful breathing. Sometimes it’s hard to feel happy. But with this interactive picture book, children breathe along as they learn how to make angry or sad thoughts disappear. In a world that is sometimes too busy, with too many things going on, My Magic Breath will help steer children into a serene space of mindfulness, self-awareness, and balance. A wonderful classroom and naptime story, this book is perfect for fans of Susan Verde’s I Am Yoga and I Am Peace, Mariam Gates’s Good Night Yoga, and Deborah Underwood’s The Quiet Book.

Stanley Will Probably Be Fine by Sally J. Pla & illustrated by Steve Wolfhard

9780062445797. $16.99. Ages 8-12. On Sale 2/6/2018.

Nobody knows comics trivia like Stanley knows comics trivia. It’s what he takes comfort in when the world around him gets to be too much. And after he faints during a safety assembly, Stanley takes his love of comics up a level by inventing his own imaginary superhero, named John Lockdown, to help him through. Help is what he needs, because Stanley’s entered Trivia Quest—a giant comics-trivia treasure hunt—to prove he can tackle his worries, score VIP passes to Comic Fest, and win back his ex-best friend. Partnered with his fearless new neighbor Liberty, Stanley faces his most epic, overwhelming, challenging day ever. What would John Lockdown do? Stanley’s about to find out. This funny and moving second novel from the author of The Someday Birds features comic trivia, a safety superhero, and a super-cool scavenger hunt all over downtown San Diego, as our young hero Stanley Fortinbras grapples with his anxiety—and learns what, exactly, it means to be brave.

“The story never dumbs down or oversimplifies Stanley; he’s a multidimensional character of great depth who gradually learns how to calm his worried mind…. Add to the growing list of intelligent books about kids whose brains operate outside the norm.” – Kirkus Reviews

Light Filters In: Poems by Caroline Kaufman & illustrated by Yelena Bryksenkova

9780062844682. $14.99. Ages 13 & Up. On Sale 6/5/2018.

In the vein of poetry collections like Milk and Honey and Adultolescence, this compilation of short, powerful poems from teen Instagram sensation @poeticpoison perfectly captures the human experience. In Light Filters In, Caroline Kaufman—known as @poeticpoison—does what she does best: reflects our own experiences back at us and makes us feel less alone, one exquisite and insightful piece at a time. She writes about giving up too much of yourself to someone else, not fitting in, endlessly Googling “how to be happy,” and ultimately figuring out who you are. This hardcover collection features completely new material plus some fan favorites from Caroline's account. Filled with haunting, spare pieces of original art, Light Filters In will thrill existing fans and newcomers alike.

Celebrate The Holidays with Shel Silverstein and RUNNY BABBIT RETURNS!

HarperCollins Children’s Books to Publish

RUNNY BABBIT RETURNS, a Never-Before-Published Collection of Spoonerism Poems 

by Shel Silverstein!

New York, NY (February 8, 2017) – Today HarperCollins Children’s Books announced the publication of Runny Babbit Returns, a never-before-published book of spoonerism poems by the legendary Shel Silverstein and follow-up to the 2005 publication, Runny Babbit. Antonia Markiet, Senior Executive Editor at HarperCollins, acquired U.S. and Canada rights, and publication is scheduled for September 19, 2017.

Runny Babbit Returns takes us back to the green woods of Runny Babbit with 41 never-before-published poems and drawings. Compiled from completed but unpublished works in the Silverstein archive, this next installment encompasses beloved themes such as friendship, kindness, family, and, of course, food. The first Runny Babbit is a charming and witty collection of spoonerisms written and illustrated by Silverstein before his death and his first book published posthumously, in 2005. Filled with creative words and phrases with letters or syllables swapped (bunny rabbit becomes Runny Babbit), this poetry book follows the warm, insightful, and laugh-out-loud adventures of an endearing cast of characters. Maurice Sendak said of Runny Babbit, “I wish I had done this book!” 

Runny Babbit has sold over 770,000 copies and spent 39 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. This companion book,Runny Babbit Returns, features extraordinarily imaginative poems that embody Silverstein’s iconic humor and style, with tongue-twisting wordplay and uproarious characters. New and old readers alike won’t want to miss their chance to revisit their favorite Runny and meet even more of his woodland friends.

“We’re delighted to continue the legacy of the extraordinary Shel Silverstein, a household name for over fifty years,” said Suzanne Murphy, President and Publisher of HarperCollins Children’s Books. “This never-before-published collection of poems and drawings will be cherished by readers of all ages and is a wonderful companion book to follow Runny Babbit.”

Generations have grown up with the works of Shel Silverstein, known not only as a poet and illustrator but also for his work as a cartoonist, playwright, performer, recording artist, and Grammy Award–winning songwriter. Silverstein’s children’s books have sold more than 39 million copies in the U.S. alone and have been translated into 46 foreign languages. He has encouraged children to dream and dare to imagine the impossible with his exceptional poetry and unforgettable characters. 

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ABOUT SHEL SILVERSTEIN

Shel Silverstein is the author of Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back; A Giraffe and a Half; The Giving Tree; Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?; Don’t Bump the Glump!;Where the Sidewalk Ends; The Missing Piece; A Light in the Attic; The Missing Piece Meets the Big O; Falling Up; Runny Babbit; and Every Thing On It.  He was a cartoonist, playwright, poet, performer, recording artist, and Grammy-winning/Oscar-nominated songwriter. Shel Silverstein’s children’s books have sold more than 39 million copies in the U.S. alone and have been translated into 46 foreign languages. You can learn more about Shel and his books by visiting www.shelsilverstein.com.

ABOUT HARPERCOLLINS CHILDREN’S BOOKS

HarperCollins Children’s Books is one of the leading publishers of children’s and teen books. Respected worldwide for its tradition of publishing quality, award-winning books for young readers, HarperCollins is home to many timeless treasures and bestsellers such as Charlotte’s Web, Goodnight Moon, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where the Wild Things Are, The Graveyard Book and series including The Chronicles of Narnia, Ramona, Warriors, Pete the Cat, Fancy Nancy, Divergent, and The Selection. Consistently at the forefront of digital innovation, HarperCollins Children’s Books delights readers through engaging storytelling in all formats, including e-books and apps. HarperCollins Children’s Books is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, which is the second largest consumer book publisher in the world, has operations in 18 countries, and is a subsidiary of News Corp (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). You can visit HarperCollins Children’s Books at www.harpercollinschildrens.com and www.epicreads.com and HarperCollins Publishers at corporate.HC.com.

Celebrate Halloween with Shel Silverstein and RUNNY BABBIT RETURNS!

HarperCollins Children’s Books to Publish

RUNNY BABBIT RETURNS, a Never-Before-Published Collection of Spoonerism Poems 

by Shel Silverstein!

New York, NY (February 8, 2017) – Today HarperCollins Children’s Books announced the publication of Runny Babbit Returns, a never-before-published book of spoonerism poems by the legendary Shel Silverstein and follow-up to the 2005 publication, Runny Babbit. Antonia Markiet, Senior Executive Editor at HarperCollins, acquired U.S. and Canada rights, and publication is scheduled for September 19, 2017.

Runny Babbit Returns takes us back to the green woods of Runny Babbit with 41 never-before-published poems and drawings. Compiled from completed but unpublished works in the Silverstein archive, this next installment encompasses beloved themes such as friendship, kindness, family, and, of course, food. The first Runny Babbit is a charming and witty collection of spoonerisms written and illustrated by Silverstein before his death and his first book published posthumously, in 2005. Filled with creative words and phrases with letters or syllables swapped (bunny rabbit becomes Runny Babbit), this poetry book follows the warm, insightful, and laugh-out-loud adventures of an endearing cast of characters. Maurice Sendak said of Runny Babbit, “I wish I had done this book!” 

Runny Babbit has sold over 770,000 copies and spent 39 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. This companion book, Runny Babbit Returns, features extraordinarily imaginative poems that embody Silverstein’s iconic humor and style, with tongue-twisting wordplay and uproarious characters. New and old readers alike won’t want to miss their chance to revisit their favorite Runny and meet even more of his woodland friends.

“We’re delighted to continue the legacy of the extraordinary Shel Silverstein, a household name for over fifty years,” said Suzanne Murphy, President and Publisher of HarperCollins Children’s Books. “This never-before-published collection of poems and drawings will be cherished by readers of all ages and is a wonderful companion book to follow Runny Babbit.”

Generations have grown up with the works of Shel Silverstein, known not only as a poet and illustrator but also for his work as a cartoonist, playwright, performer, recording artist, and Grammy Award–winning songwriter. Silverstein’s children’s books have sold more than 39 million copies in the U.S. alone and have been translated into 46 foreign languages. He has encouraged children to dream and dare to imagine the impossible with his exceptional poetry and unforgettable characters. 

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ABOUT SHEL SILVERSTEIN

Shel Silverstein is the author of Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back; A Giraffe and a Half; The Giving Tree; Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?; Don’t Bump the Glump!; Where the Sidewalk Ends; The Missing Piece; A Light in the Attic; The Missing Piece Meets the Big O; Falling Up; Runny Babbit; and Every Thing On It.  He was a cartoonist, playwright, poet, performer, recording artist, and Grammy-winning/Oscar-nominated songwriter. Shel Silverstein’s children’s books have sold more than 39 million copies in the U.S. alone and have been translated into 46 foreign languages. You can learn more about Shel and his books by visitingwww.shelsilverstein.com.

ABOUT HARPERCOLLINS CHILDREN’S BOOKS

HarperCollins Children’s Books is one of the leading publishers of children’s and teen books. Respected worldwide for its tradition of publishing quality, award-winning books for young readers, HarperCollins is home to many timeless treasures and bestsellers such as Charlotte’s Web, Goodnight Moon, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where the Wild Things Are, The Graveyard Book and series including The Chronicles of Narnia, Ramona, Warriors, Pete the Cat, Fancy Nancy, Divergent, and The Selection. Consistently at the forefront of digital innovation, HarperCollins Children’s Books delights readers through engaging storytelling in all formats, including e-books and apps. HarperCollins Children’s Books is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, which is the second largest consumer book publisher in the world, has operations in 18 countries, and is a subsidiary of News Corp (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV). You can visit HarperCollins Children’s Books at www.harpercollinschildrens.com and www.epicreads.com and HarperCollins Publishers at corporate.HC.com.

Book Review: Anatomy of a Misfit by Andrea Portes

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Anatomy of a Misfit
Author: Andrea Portes
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary | Romance
Released: September 2nd 2014
Review Source: Harper Children's

This emotional, hilarious, devastating, and ultimately triumphant YA debut, based on actual events, recounts one girl’s rejection of her high school’s hierarchy—and her discovery of her true self in the face of tragedy.

Fall’s buzzed-about, in-house favorite.

Outside, Anika Dragomir is all lip gloss and blond hair—the third most popular girl in school. Inside, she’s a freak: a mix of dark thoughts, diabolical plots, and, if local chatter is to be believed, vampire DNA (after all, her father is Romanian). But she keeps it under wraps to maintain her social position. One step out of line and Becky Vilhauer, first most popular girl in school, will make her life hell. So when former loner Logan McDonough shows up one September hotter, smarter, and more mysterious than ever, Anika knows she can’t get involved. It would be insane to throw away her social safety for a nerd. So what if that nerd is now a black-leather-jacket-wearing dreamboat, and his loner status is clearly the result of his troubled home life? Who cares if the right girl could help him with all that, maybe even save him from it? Who needs him when Jared Kline, the bad boy every girl dreams of, is asking her on dates? Who?

Anatomy of a Misfit is Mean Girls meets The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Anika’s hilariously deadpan delivery will appeal to readers for its honesty and depth. The so-sad-it’s-funny high school setting will pull readers in, but when the story’s dark foreboding gradually takes over, the devastating penultimate tragedy hits like a punch to the gut. Readers will ride the highs and lows alongside funny, flawed Anika — from laughter to tears, and everything in between.

When I was sent Anatomy of a Misfit I was excited, I was hearing great things about this book. Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t one of them who fell in love with it and I hate saying that.

Anatomy of a Misfit follows Anika Dragomir, a junior in high school, who she declares is the third most popular girl in high school. She has to be careful with what she does and says because the evil, most popular girl Becky will take her down and destroy her. Anika falls for two guys throughout the story and tries to decide what she wants to do about it, be with the geeky but newly hot guy Logan or the sexy older god like guy Jared. I unfortunately found Anika quite annoying throughout the book which made it hard for me to relate to her or even have compassion towards her story. Closer to the end of the story I started enjoying Anika a little more, she was righting wrongs and trying to make better of some crap situations, but by that time I was too far unconnected with her that it didn’t help. This story was definitely spoken like a true teenager when their angst, drama, slang, and a bunch of irony. There were some instances where she uses queer and retarded in her speech (like talking about her mom) and that just doesn’t fly with me, I am very reserved when it comes to using those terms.

I know this story will be loved by many, and I unfortunately wasn’t one of them. I wasn’t able to connect with the main character and that made it harder for me to enjoy the story. If you enjoy snarky teens, love triangles, and the taking down of the mean girl, this story is for you. This may not have been for me, but I know it’s going to be loved by many.