I spent this morning (Oct 20) at the Book Stall, a thriving Independent bookstore in Winnetka, Il. Teachers and school librarians came from all over to hear publisher representatives discuss new books, and to receive free copies and prizes for themselves and their students.
The event began with two authors discussing our newest books. I kicked things off discussing Courage (HarperCollins 2018) my middle grade debut, and Ruth Spiro and Made By Maxine (Dial Books), her new STEM picture book.
Educators listening to the Book Stall’s Robert McDonald
After that, attendees were regaled with information about a table full of new releases suitable for their students.
These included everything from picture books, to chapter books and middle grade fiction and non-fiction. There were books for lovers of minecraft and a variety of graphic novels suitable for the beginning and the advanced reader. The main interest was showing that there were books for everyone, including the so-called reluctant reader, who is really just someone who has not yet found the right book for him or her.
Jenny Sheridan from Harper Collins
Then educators were treated with each of the publisher representatives discussing books they were excited about. Each rep, Jenny Sheridan (HarperCollins), Terribeth Smith (Scholastic) and Sandra Law (Abrams and Associates) talked about a dozen or so books they loved, and we could hear the enthusiasm with every word. Book Stall staff also gave their personal suggestions.
After hearing about all these delicious books, I personally am resolved to find and read:
- The Girl Who Married a Skull and other african tales (Iron Circus Comics) a collection of African folk tales edited by Kel McDonald
- Mascot by Anthony John (Harper Collins) a book where a newly handicapped boy who refuses to be pitied teams up with two unlikely friends to combat school bullies, and
- Resistance, by Jennifer A Nielsen (Blue Sky Press), a story about a Jewish girl with her own brand of courage in Nazi Germany.
- We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices (Crown Books for Young readers), stories edited by Cheryl Willis and Wade Hudson, which I am reading right now!!
The Book Stall is an indie bookstore located at 811 Elm Street in Winnetka, Il 60093