PAL New Releases!
Congratulations to RMC PAL (Published and Listed) members with new books coming out in 2024!
Winter 2024-25 Releases
Mamiachi and Me: My Mami's Mariachi Band by Jolene Gutiérrez
Picture Book
Ages 3-7
Mamiachi & Me is a lyrical and empowering picture book written by Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez and illustrated by Mirelle Ortega, winner of a Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor, about what it means to be a mariachi in an all-female band.
Today's the day! Rosa will take the stage next to her mami and play along with her popular mariachi band. But as they fasten the shiny botonaduras and tie the moños on their charra suits, Rosa begins to worry. What if the audience doesn't like her? Is she ready to perform? With her "mamiachi" and madrinas by her side, Rosa's stage fright is soothed away by the sound of trumpets, guitars, and violins.
Release date: January 7, 2025
Bitsy Bat, Team Star by Kaz Windness
Picture Book
Ages 4-9
Bitsy meets a new nonspeaking student at school and learns the importance of being a star teammate and friend in this sequel to the “darling” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) Bitsy Bat, School Star from Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor–winning author-illustrator Kaz Windness.
Bitsy Bat is a star student and the only fantastic flier at Crittercrawl Elementary…until a new nonspeaking student named Enzo Owl arrives and outflies her during recess. Bitsy worries her friends won’t think she’s special anymore, so she’s determined to beat Enzo in the upcoming Critter Games and prove she’s the better flier.
But when her friend Mo needs help during the race, Bitsy must choose between winning and being a star teammate. And while she’s at it, she just might discover that making a new friend is more special than any trophy.
This sequel to Bitsy Bat, School Star is told from an autistic perspective and celebrates how our differences make each of us shine brightly on our own and as part of a team.
Release date: February 4, 2025
Fall 2024 Releases
In the Groves by Andrea Cruz Floren
Picture Book
Ages 4-9
From debut author-illustrator Andrea Cruz Floren comes a whimsical Spanglish picture book about finding belonging in an unlikely place.
Clara visits her abuelo and many, many cousins in California every year. And every year, her family tells tall tales about her abuelo’s orange groves: There’s magic! There’s mischief! There’s monstruos! But Clara’s never been to the orange groves. And she’s determined to change that.
So when her cousins aren’t looking, Clara sneaks into her abuelo’s truck and makes her way to the orange groves. Once Abuelo spots her, he and Clara have a wondrous time serenading oranges, bravely defending the groves against gophers, and eating some delicious tacos with—WHEW—just a little bit of spice.
Soon, Clara has magical tall tales to tell of her own. For she’s no longer just a visitor: She belongs to the groves, and the groves belong to her.
Release date: September 10, 2024
Turkey's Birthday Bash by Wendi Silvano
Picture Book
Ages 2-8
It’s Turkey’s birthday, but no one is celebrating. In fact, no one even seems to know about it. Even stranger, Farmer Jake and his family are up to something in the backyard. And Turkey isn’t allowed to see what it is. Good thing he knows how to be sneaky―and that his friends help him put together the best disguises. Turkey dresses up as everything from a candle to a cupcake, but try as he might, he can’t get past the family. It just may be that Turkey is in for a birthday surprise or two…
Release date: September 10, 2024
Author Visit Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Picture Book
Ages 5-10
Famous author S.J. Brown is coming to visit Mrs. Hartwell's class. The students have read every one of her books. They can't believe they get to meet their favorite author in person. Everyone rushes to decorate the classroom and brainstorm questions for the special guest. At last, everything is ready. But where is Mrs. Hartwell?
Release date: September 24, 2024
KEYSTONE SPECIES: Meet the Animals Key to Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity by Laura Perdew
Nonfiction
Ages 9-12
Keystone species play such a vital role in their ecosystem that without them, the ecosystem might collapse. In KEYSTONE SPECIES, readers are introduced to several different types of keystone species from around the world to discover the crucial roles these animals play. Meet the predators, herbivores, ecosystem engineers, mutualists, and foundational species that all have a keystone role in regulating their ecosystem and what happens when these species disappear. Throughout the book, find stories about science-based conservation practices that inspire kids to do their part in protecting their own environments. Includes hand-on activities and critical thinking exercises to further engage readers.
Release date: October 15, 2024
On the Block: Stories of Home, an anthology with a short story by Andrea Wang
Middle Grade
Ages 8-12
From We Need Diverse Books, the organization behind Flying Lessons & Other Stories, comes an inspiring middle-grade anthology that follows the loosely interconnected lives of multigenerational immigrant families, the residents at the Entrada apartment building. Edited by Ellen Oh, a founding member of WNDB.
12 Families. 12 Cultures. 1 Building.
Welcome to the Entrada, home to these everyday Americans, including:
- the new kid on the block, who is both homesick and curious
- a Popsicle-bridge builder, a ghost hunter, and a lion dancer
- their families, friends, and neighbors from all around the world!
Published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, this anthology features award-winning authors Tracey Baptiste, David Bowles, Adrianna Cuevas, Sayantani DasGupta, Debbi Michiko Florence, Adam Gidwitz, Erin Entrada Kelly, Minh Lê, Ellen Oh, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Andrea Wang, and Jasmine Warga. These inspiring stories celebrate family, friendship, culture, and American immigrant life today.
Release date: October 22, 2024
Where is Koketso? A Search, Seek & Find by Nyasha Williams
Activity Book
Ages 6-9
Do you know Where is Koketso? Explore multiple locations searching for her and other hidden items in this BIPOC-centered seek and find book from creator and activist Nyasha Williams.
From author Nyasha Williams and illustrator Anna Abl comes Where Is Koketso?: A Search, Seek & Find, a beautifully illustrated seek-and-find activity book that reminds readers of all ages that the best part of getting lost is being found again. A one-of-a-kind example of representation and expression of wonder, readers search for Koketso all over the world. Traveling with her from airports to train stations, from the local farmer’s market all the way to outer space, from deep inside an enchanting forest and out to the sun-lit sandy coast.
Where Is Koketso? A Search, Seek & Find is perfect for anyone looking for the youthful and imaginative excitement of seeing the world without ever leaving your cozy couch. So, cuddle up and see where Koketso is off to today!
Release date: October 22, 2024
Are you Stronger Than an Ant? by Karen Koepcke Morgan
Nonfiction
Ages 6-9
This book offers a wealth of fascinating facts about animals from around the globe. With detailed information presented in a concise and engaging format, young readers will delight in learning about animals with extraordinary characteristics. Each page invites readers to ponder the question, “Could you?” followed by interesting and informative facts about animals who do. The first book in a series.
Release date: November 12, 2024
Stopping by Jungle on a Snowy Evening by Julie Rowan-Zoch
Picture Book
Ages 4-8
When Robert Frost writes, “Whose woods these are I think I know,” he paints a picture of a serene winter night in the deep woods, surrounded by blankets and blankets of snow. But the tranquil scene is interrupted by a little boy! This wildly imaginative interloper generously offers to tweak the poem to make it more exciting.
Instead of riding a horse, why not a hippo? And replace the snow falling from the sky with cookie dough! As Robert Frost sputters in dismay, the boy unleashes poetic mayhem, but when his edits get away from him, the self-possessed poet and chaotic kid have to put their heads together to make a clean getaway.
Release date: November 26, 2024
Summer 2024 Releases
Saturday Magic by Nyasha Williams
Picture Book
Ages 3-8
An ode to the family, friendship, and the beautiful tradition of Hoodoo practice, this book celebrates the magic and symbolism to be found in every day, written by bestselling author Nyasha Williams.
Dayo practices Hoodoo with her family. One Saturday, she wakes from an interesting dream about a yellow bird. What could it mean? She knows that it’s up to her to figure it out. Over the course of the day, as Dayo and her family move through their daily rituals (mantras and affirmations included), the message sent from her Ancestors through her dream reveals itself. This celebration of spirituality (and heritage) highlights the rich history of Hoodoo and the beauty we can find in everyday magic.
Release date: June 11, 2024
Your Sustainable World by Laura Perdew
Picture Book
Ages 8-11
It's your world, so make it a sustainable one! Learn how small, everyday choices can lead to big, positive changes for the planet--from how you use energy to what you wear, eat, and buy. Packed full of tips and relevant actions for kids to take, this is an empowering guide for any young reader looking to help the environment and make a difference. Get ready to go green and create a sustainable lifestyle, one choice at a time!
Release date: August 1, 2024
The Miracle of the August Snow by Claudia Cangilla McAdam
Chapter Book
Ages 6-10
It's August in Rome in the year 358, and as the heat rises, so do tempers. Twin boys Ignatius and Paulus stand together against the teasing of the neighbor kids, but when the brothers quarrel, it doesn't seem like anything can heal their split. It might take a miracle to cool things down, and then, on the hottest night of the year, the most amazing thing happens.
Release date: August 5, 2024
The Ofrenda That We Built by Jolene Gutiérrez
Picture Book
Ages 3-7
Learn about and celebrate the Day of the Dead! With warmth and energy, this spirited picture book is a joyful ode to family traditions and the memory of loved ones who have passed but whom we continue to remember.
It is Día de Muertos--the Day of the Dead--and the family ofrenda is at the center of the celebration! Inspired by the popular nursery rhyme "The House That Jack Built," The Ofrenda That We Built invites readers to join in the building of a colorful ofrenda, a home altar full of symbols and meaning, one special element at a time.
Release date: August 6, 2024
The Horse Who Carries the Stars by Darby Karchut
Middle Grade
Ages 9-13
Thirteen-year-old Reece Harding has both hands full dealing with one headstrong mare who’s all go and no whoa. When a devastating wildfire threatens their corner of Colorado, it’s going to take all of Reece’s horse skills and some Appaloosa luck to save the day and prove to herself—and her family—she can handle Kip, the horse who carries the stars on her rump and a fire in her heart.
Release date: August 6, 2024
The Quest for a Tangram Dragon by Christine Liu-Perkins
Picture Book
Ages 5-8
A clever and charming introduction to the Tangram puzzle, a classic Chinese shape puzzle that's beloved in early math curriculum. A brave Little Triangle seeks a Chinese dragon to end the long drought. On the quest, Little Triangle meets other shapes who want to help. Using the magic of tangrams, the shapes do amazing things together: Two triangles flip and flap to make a butterfly! With a square, they swap and swivel to make a bat! Four shapes jump and bump to become a bird. But there's still no sign of the dragon they need. When they reach a mountain, no matter how much they hop and plop, huddle and muddle, or leap and heap, the shapes can't find a way to the top. How will they ever find the dragon they're searching for?
Release date: August 20, 2024
Reaching for the Stars: A Mission to Space by Roxanne Troup, illustrated by Amanda Lenz
Picture Book
Ages 3-6
Join a crew of young astronauts on an inspiring new mission to explore the moon, stars, and far reaches of outer space. With lyrical text and astonishing illustrations that incorporate NASA space photographs, this out-of-this-world adventure introduces space concepts and vocabulary while celebrating NASA's groundbreaking Artemis missions and all future space adventures.
Release date: August 28, 2024