And One That’s Not Even Out Yet It’s funny to think about “fantasy” in terms of comic books. To me, they’ve always been fantasy, a form of wish-fulfillment. Who didn’t pretend they could climb walls like Spider-Man, fly like Superman, or read minds like Professor X? Then when I found the fantasy genre in my local comic book shop, I was hooked. These are my best fantasy comics. What are some of yours?...
Sure, that’s one version of a knight, and a glamorous, seductive one at that. (I think I can speak for many fellow millennials about the power of Heath Ledger in A Knight’s Tale.) But that’s not the only version of a knight. The idea of gallant soldiers, mounted or sword-wielding as they may be, serving their sovereigns and societies crosses cultures, borders, and genders. Check out a few favorite books with knights that will sweep you off your feet—in one way or another....
A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Perry, Illustrated by Mónica Armiño Inspired by the true story of a wolf named Journey, this novel spins a gripping tale of survival and perseverance. Swift, a wolf cub, finds himself suddenly separated from his pack after a rival pack attacks. Swift must flee across the Pacific Northwest to find a new place to call home. See You In The Cosmos by Jack Cheng The classic tale of a boy and his dog gets a science twist....
First of all, yes, I did say Autism Acceptance Month and not Autism Awareness Month. “Autism Awareness” is the creation of Autism Speaks, an organization that is now considered a hate group by many in the autistic community. Read more about them here. If you’re looking for some excellent groups to support that are actually by and for autistic folks, I suggest you check out ASAN, AWNN, and Neuroclastic (formerly The Aspergian)....
I can’t quite tell when I began reading SFF standalone books. But I began to love them so much I now read more standalones than series. There’s something truly magical and satisfying about reading a shorter story that is resolved within a single volume. Besides, we all get series fatigue from time to time right? There are a ton of great SFF standalones out there — so this list is by no means exhaustive or definitive....
Stranger Things Read-Alikes for the Very Young The Babysitter From Another Planet by Stephen Savage This goofy picture book is like E.T. crossed with Mary Poppins, and sure to appeal to the littlest fans of Stranger Things. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial by Jason Rekulak, illustrated by Kim Smith Reimagining the 1980s film as an illustrated storybook, this is a fun read for the youngest Stranger Things fans. Fans of this will likely also appreciate The X-Files: Earth Children Are Weird, from the same creative team....
These horror book for book club recommendations are chosen based on some discussions I think they could prompt, as well as how readable they are for groups. I’ll start with books that are a bit on the lighter side, and move to the darker, only-for-horror-lovers books toward the end of the list. This ranking, however, is my totally subjective opinion, and others may think these books are more or less gruesome than I do, so read with caution, because some definitely contain some upsetting subject matter....
Green on Blue by Elliot Ackerman Aziz and his older brother Ali are coming of age in a village amid the pine forests and endless mountains of eastern Afghanistan. Children of the New World by Assia Djebar Djebar focuses on the experiences of women drawn into the politics of resistance. The Blue Line by Ingrid Betancourt It is a story centered on the consequences of oppression, collective subservience, and individual courage, and, most of all, the notion that belief in the future of humanity is an act of faith most beautiful and deserving....
In short, the book is about the titular character, an aging star who selects reporter Monique Grant for a tell-all. As Evelyn recounts each of those husbands (a nod to Elizabeth Taylor) and discloses her ethnic background (a wink at Rita Hayworth), Monique discovers how her own life story intersects with Evelyn’s. In selecting books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I definitely looked for Old Hollywood. I also looked for compelling frame stories, a storytelling conceit I appreciate in everything from Gothic novels to historical fiction to beloved movies like Fried Green Tomatoes....
One thing. There’s a serious lack of backpacking books out there by, for, or about people of color hiking. That’s because hiking can be fraught for minorities, and that sucks. It also means that this list is very white. However, it’s 100% a myth that people of color don’t do outdoorsy stuff. Check out Outdoor Afro and the Facebook group Hiking While Black to get connected to an amazing, enthusiastic community of African-American hikers....
Take a look at these cards to find options for people who love dancing mice (or rats? probably they should love both), terrible puns, or plants on bookcases. Of course, along with a lovely card, you might want to include a birthday gift. Pop around this article on 25+ gorgeous gifts for book lovers if you don’t know where to start. We’ve got a lot of more specific lists, too, such as sustainable gifts for readers for eco-friendly birthday bashes, book club gifts for all your favorite folks to gab books with, and gifts for Bridgerton fans....
1. Participate in a Seasonal Reading Challenge at the Real Avengers Headquarters: Your Local Library There may be superheroes, disguised as librarians, found roaming the stacks at your local library. Why not join them in a reading challenge? If you find yourself busy certain times of the year over others, check with your library for seasonal reading challenges. One of the most popular times for reading programs is during the summer, but libraries across America are adopting accessible winter reading challenges....
While I typically bake 3,000–5,000 cookies in December, often picking 70 or 80 different kinds, you, too, can throw yourself a Cookie Extravaganza. It does not have to be as absurdly and outrageously over the top as mine. Cookies make wonderful gifts, and cookie boxes are super fun to put together. You can make two or three kinds of cookies, pack them up into pretty boxes, tie them up with ribbon, and send them off into the world....
I wanted to highlight some recent coloring books for the littles in your life, both because school is starting back up, and because if they love to color, I’m sure at one point or another you’ve exhausted your coloring book resources and are looking for something new. The batch below is from this year and last year, and they’re all just waiting to be colored in by some eager youngsters with their crayons ready....
Many authors on this list have tweeted about how their books will not be carried by Barnes & Noble after B&N’s decision to shelve only the top 1-2 bestselling children’s books per publisher. This decision disproportionally affects marginalized authors. I encourage readers to buy locally or buy online from places like bookshop.org. If a local bookstore isn’t carrying a book you want, call and ask them to stock it. September Children’s Book Releases: Picture Books September Children’s Book Releases: Middle Grade If this list of September children’s book releases isn’t enough, check out my lists for June, July, and August, and also sign up for Book Riot’s twice-weekly children’s book newsletter....
There are plenty of new SFF releases this August to look forward to, ranging from middle grade to adult. There are actually many more new SFF books out this month than I can list here! Nevertheless, I picked 12 books that should definitely be on your radar. Whether you like tea magic, dragons, secret societies or even zombies — there’s a book for you in this list! One last thing before we start!...
I’m ready to give awards to several books on January’s middle grade list as well, where novelists explore the ramifications of school shootings, school segregation in the 1950s, 1930s Ukraine during the Holodomor, toxic masculinity and domestic abuse, and so much more. 2023 isn’t holding anything back when it comes to books. It was hard to narrow this list of January children’s book releases down to just 12 books, so I recommend signing up for The Kids Are All Right newsletter, where I and middle grade author Karina Glaser will be reviewing even more children’s book new releases as well as making themed lists....
But other times, you just want the equivalent of a warm hug or a soothing cup of tea in book form. It could be No Plot, Just Vibes. Or it could be all about the relationship, until Something Happens. A romance with little conflict — or if there is conflict, it’s an external one and not strife between the protagonists — and lots of joy oozing through the pages. A book with a cozy setting, whether it’s a winter village or an island getaway....
When people say they don’t like romance, I react the same way I do to people who say they don’t like to read: fair enough, but maybe you just haven’t found the right book for yourself yet. Romance is an amazing genre. It the only genre dedicated to women and women’s stories. It is the clear leader in number of books published, purchased, and read. Romance fans are dedicated readers, and romance writers are prolific....
If you’re not a person who performs readers’ advisory, keep reading! You may find some great resources for figuring out what to read next yourself. Kitchen Sink RA This blog provides a list of linked genre tags as well as posts that offer lists of read-alikes. Four librarians contribute to some pretty out-there lists, including read-alikes for the popular movie Elf, books for fans of Taylor Swift, and more. In addition to being a great resource for suggesting books to readers, Kitchen Sink RA could spark some excellent ideas for book displays and lists of your own....
