2020 has been a challenging year to say the least, so we’re more than ready to reset and start the new year with some great new books coming out in 2021! Here’s a sneak peek of our Winter and Spring 2021 titles ranging from dance-stepping picture books to heart-stopping middle grade.
The Protest
written by Samantha Thornhill, illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez
Publication date: January 2021
~starred review, Kirkus Reviews~
In this new book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Lily and her friends organize a protest in order to save their neighborhood public garden from being demolished.
Pablo’s Pet
written by Sheri Tan, illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez
Publication date: January 2021
When Pablo must deal with the loss of his beloved pet fish, the Confetti Kids gather to support him.
Butterfly for a King: Saving Hawai’i’s Kamehameha Butterflies
written by Cindy Trumbore and Susan L. Roth, illustrated by Susan L. Roth
Publication date: February 2021
~starred review, Booklist~
The fascinating true story of a beautiful native Hawaiian butterfly, a great Hawaiian warrior king, and current-day efforts by scientists and citizens to restore the butterfly’s declining population.
Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame
written by Supriya Kelkar
Publication date: February 2021
In 1857 India, 12-year-old Meera escapes a life she has no say in—and certain death on her husband’s funeral pyre—only to end up a servant to a British general in the East India Company. When a rebellion against British colonizers spreads, she must choose between relative safety in a British household or standing up for herself and her people.
The Electric Slide and Kai
written by Kelly Baptist, illustrated by Darnell Johnson
Publication date: March 2021
~starred review, Kirkus Reviews~
Kai is the only member of his family who can’t get the dance steps to the Electric Slide right. But Kai is determined to bust a move in this fun and sweet celebration of African American families.
Kiyoshi’s Walk
written by Mark Karlins, illustrated by Nicole Wong
Publication date: March 2021
~starred review, Kirkus Reviews~
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.
I’ll Build You a Bookcase/Te haré tu propio librero
written by Jean Fahey, illustrated by Simone Shin
Publication date: March 2021
In this charming bilingual picture book, children and their caregivers work together to build home libraries and discover the magic and wonder of reading books. Also available in Vietnamese, Mandarin, and Arabic bilingual versions!
Boy, Everywhere
written by A. M. Dassu
Publication date: March 2021
~Best New Children’s Novels, The Guardian~
What turns citizens into refugees and then immigrants? In this powerful middle-grade debut, Sami and his family embark on a harrowing journey to save themselves from the Syrian civil war.
If I Were a Tree
written by Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong
Publication date: April 2021
Two siblings journey into the woods in a tender story of branching out and new growth from acclaimed writer Andrea Zimmerman and New York Times bestselling illustrator Jing Jing Tsong.
Want to share with friends, librarians, and educators? You can find our shareable 2021 Preview sheet here! You can also request review copies here on Edelweiss.
What are your most anticipated reads for 2021?
