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Perfect for fans of Pilu of the Woods or the Amulet series by author Amy Kim’s Kibuishi's husband, Kazu Kibuishi, Realm of the Blue Mist is the first book in a new graphic novel series: The Rema Chronicles.
Realm of the Blue Mist introduces us to Tabby Simon, a young girl seeking the mystery of what happened to her father who died after investigating a tree releasing an unexplained mist in her neighborhood. When Tabby enters a portal to another planet, a great adventure begins. Absolutely stunning illustrations and riveting storytelling make this a wonderful gem of a graphic novel, great for ages eight and up. 

The first African-American actor to receive an Emmy, an Oscar, and a Tony award, Viola Davis has written a beautiful and inspiring memoir, beginning from her working-class upbringing in Rhode Island to her time spent at Julliard and her determination for playing the roles she wanted to play. If you’ve been enthralled by her craft in film, television, and stage, you will enjoy this wonderful memoir by an amazing actor. 

Kim Gordon of the iconic post-punk band, Sonic Youth, assembles an all-star collection of essays about music, activism, and sexism from icons in the industry, along with award-winning writer, Sinéad Gleeson. Featuring authors Rachel Kushner, Anne Enright, Margo Jefferson, Fatima Bhutto, and Megan Jasper on her ground-breaking work with Sub Pop, these ground-breaking stories from the pioneers of feminism and politics in modern music are captivating and inspiring. 

Four women who are witches and friends since childhood have radically differing ideas about a young, powerful warlock. Is he a threat, someone who needs training, or all of the above? Gender politics are front and center here, and race, class, and power dynamics all affect their actions and choices and are central to the outcome. 

A biopunk noir with lots of pirates and magic that isn't called magic, The Dawnhounds is a heady brew of fungus and the story of Yat, a former thief turned police officer. Recently demoted for her "unnatural activities" (frequenting a queer bar), Yat is murdered one night, returned to life, and then things get really interesting. 

Stories focusing on queer characters and pivotal moments in their relationships. Conklin deftly captures both the sweetness and strangeness the heart contains. 

Located between France, Germany, and England, the Burgundian State was a formidable power in medieval Europe. Currently, the home of the modern nations of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands; the Dukes of Burgundy ruled one of Europe’s major centers of commerce and culture for over a thousand years. The Burgundian State ceased existence as a distinct political entity at the dawn of the 16th century. This lavish history of the Burgundian Dukes was a massive hit in Europe. I can’t wait to get lost in here and learn about a part of Europe often forgotten.

In 1853, a fleet of US warships arrived at Japan, and through the threat of violence, ended Japan's 250 years of self-isolation from the world. The destabilization caused by this event led to a government that looked to the Western powers as their example, and they started down the road to creating an empire. Jonathan Clements's new book outlines how a nation that had no living memory of war transformed itself into a militarized, expansionist power that dragged the entirety of Asia and the Pacific into war. 

I love learning the history of everyday things. Extra points when these things are so small and ubiquitous you probably never really think about them at all. In her debut book, Slaves for Peanuts, Jori Lewis brings to light the dark and violent history of this unassuming legume. A history that continues to affect the lives of millions.

Magic Steeped in Poison (Book of Tea #1)  (March 2022)
by Judy I. Lin

I immediately fell in love with this unforgettably unique debut (first in a duology) from Judy I. Lin. Young teamaker Ning is determined to join the competition to choose the next shénnóng-shi (a master of the magical art of tea) of the Imperial court. Ning cares more about the favor granted to the winner; she’s determined to save her sister, suffering from a poisoned tea that killed their mother. But that poison is part of a larger plot, and Ning finds herself (and a handsome stranger) in the center of a fight for the throne.

The Rick Riordan Presents imprint is a platform for authors of color to craft modern myths based in their own cultures, heritages, and experiences. Ballad and Dagger marks the imprint’s first foray into YA, and Daniel José Older is the perfect author for the job. The Brooklyn diaspora community of the (fictional) sunken island of San Madrigal — once home to Cuban Santeros, Sephardic Jews, and pirates — is vibrant, full of real joy and real pain. All Mateo Matisse wants is to make his name as a traditional musician; but what if he can reclaim his people’s island from the sea?

A few things to know about me as a reader: I’m a sucker for a literalized metaphor; I’m very invested in the expression of female rage; and I love dragons. I’m also a huge fan of Kelly Barnhill’s middle grade writing (The Girl Who Drank the Moon is a masterpiece that should be devoured by readers of all ages), so when I found out she was writing an adult fiction novel in which unhappy, furious women spontaneously turned into dragons, my response, naturally, was, “sign me the $%*& up.” Yours should be the same.