It’s the start of a new decade, and what better way to launch into the new year than to check out new and exciting books coming out in 2020! Here’s a sneak peek of our Winter and Spring 2020 titles ranging from boogie-down picture books to magic-filled middle grade.
Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon
written by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Laura Freeman
Publication date: January 2020
You’ve seen the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Now meet the man whose life went into building it.
A Space for Me
by Cathryn Falwell
Publication date: February 2020
Alex needs a break from his pesky little brother, Lucas, so he creates a space for himself, but soon realizes that he and Lucas need time together too.
The Lion Queens of India
by Jan Reynolds
Publication date: April 2020
Award-winning photojournalist Jan Reynolds offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the endangered Asiatic lions and the female forest rangers who fight to save them.
On These Magic Shores
written by Yamile Saied Méndez
Publication date: April 2020
When Minerva’s mother goes missing, it’s up to her to take care of her younger sisters, audition for the school’s production of Peter Pan, and not let anyone know they’re home alone. Thankfully, she has the help of a friend… and some very real fairy magic.
Julieta and the Diamond Enigma
written by Luisana Duarte Armendáriz
Publication date: May 2020
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler meets Merci Suarez Changes Gears in this smart young middle-grade mystery about a diamond gone missing from the Louvre and the sweet and spunky girl who cracks the case.
When the Shadbush Blooms
written by Carla Messinger and Susan Katz, illustrated by David Fadden
Publication date: May 2020
A young Lenape Indian girl observes and reflects on the small, important ways her family today, and her ancestors generations before, celebrate the cycle of seasons.
Sharuko: El arqueólogo peruano Julio C. Tello/Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello
written by Monica Brown, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri
Publication date: May 2020
A fascinating bilingual picture book biography of Peruvian archaeologist and national icon Julio C. Tello, who unearthed Peru’s ancient cultures and fostered pride in the country’s Indigenous history.
sample interior image from She Was the First!
Nacho’s Nachos: The Story Behind the World’s Favorite Snack
written by Sandra Nickel, illustrated by Oliver Dominguez
Publication date: May 2020
The delicious true story of an inventive chef and the serendipitous events that led to the creation of the world’s favorite snack–nachos!
Crazy Legs: A B-Boy from the Boogie Down Bronx
written by Linda J. Acevedo, illustrated by Frank Morrison
Publication date: June 2020
A boogie-down picture book biography about the innovative dancer Richard Colón—better known as Crazy Legs—who became one of the pioneers of breaking.
She Was the First!: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm
written by Katheryn Russell-Brown, illustrated by Eric Velasquez
Publication date: June 2020
A timely, inspiring picture book biography of the dynamic twentieth-century educator, activist, and politician Shirley Chisholm.
Kiyoshi’s Walk
written by Mark Karlins, illustrated by Nicole Wong
Publication date: June 2020
sample interior image from Kiyoshi’s Walk
Where do poems come from? This beautiful picture book about a young aspiring poet and his grandfather shows that the answer lies all around us—if we take the time to look.
Seven Golden Rings: A Tale of Music and Math
written by Rajani Larocca, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan
Publication date: July 2020
In this clever, convivial picture book, an Indian boy untangles a mathematical conundrum to win a place at the Rajah’s court.
Pedro’s Yo-yos
written by Roberto Peñas, illustrated by Carl Angel
Publication date: July 2020
Discover the rags-to-riches backstory of one of America’s favorite toys, the yo-yo, in this colorful biography of businessman Pedro Flores.
Want to share with friends, librarians, and educators? You can find our shareable 2020 Preview sheet here! You can also request review copies here on Edelweiss.
What are your most anticipated reads for 2020?
