Today, we’re delighted to share with you the first episode of a new podcast, Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill. In response to legislation and other attempts to prevent young people from accessing uplifting LGBTQIA2+ content, author Lee Wind has turned the audiobook of his YA novel Queer as a Five Dollar Bill into a podcast. Listen to the first episode in our feed, then find Queer as a Five Dollar Bill wherever you get your podcasts. Bonus episodes of Lee’s podcast will include the author interviewed by legendary children’s and YA author and poet Lesléa Newman, a new audio recording of the Lincoln chapter from the Lerner YA nonfiction book No Way, They Were Gay?, and a sneak peek at the introduction from the author’s upcoming nonfiction title The Gender Binary Is a Big Lie, coming from Zest Books at Lerner next spring. Enjoy!Music credits: "Farm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 

Get an up-close look at new and already beloved picture books from a few of Lerner Publisher Services' exceptional publishing partners. During this free webinar, you'll hear from both US-based and international publishers about their most exciting picture books this spring.Explore inclusive picture books about activism and changemaking, as well as a book of mindful haiku poems exploring twenty-four flower species. Learn about an astute and sensitive picture book about the process of grief and new hope, which the Wall Street Journal called “a tender story,” and Kirkus starred, saying “Quietly contemplative, mingling hope and healing, this is a book that will offer comfort to many." Find the perfect present in Perfect Presents!, a happy little hardcover book about gifts and giving, and discover a joyful, energetic picture book perfect for reading aloud that will spark imaginative play for preschoolers. Meet Justice, aka Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire—a young girl discovering that she can make a difference in the world, inspired by men and women throughout history who change the world. Explore Amazing Africa in an abecedarium celebrating this diverse continent, and count to ten while celebrating the history, heritage, and ingredients of gumbo. Glimpse the heart of a compassionate child who asks questions about a refugee that grownups aren’t always brave enough to ask, and discover the magic of books in The Bookshop Mice.Our passionate presenters will share their delight in these joyful reads, and you’ll come away with new inspiration for perfect spring picture books. Click here to find the book list. You can also download the slides. Music credits: "Farm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 

Are you looking for books that cover topics that have historically been hidden, covered up, or outright denied? Join creators Lee Wind, Paula Yoo, Don Tate, Natasha Donovan and Annette Bay Pimentel as they discuss recent publications covering LGBTQ history, violence against Asian Americans, how Black History Month came to be, lesser-known African American and Native American heroes, and disability rights activists. From picture books to young adult titles, more and more books are pulling back the curtain and bringing these stories to light.  This powerhouse panel covers: 1. How to find hidden history to present to young readers 2. How to help readers understand that history is broader than what textbooks and popular media portray 3. Great examples of books for kids that bring hidden history to life, including a crowd-source booklist from our esteemed panelists and webinar attendees 4. How to evaluate your collection to make sure you have these books availableYou can access the resources referenced in the webinar at our website. 

Graphic novels have come a long way since their debut, being embraced by kids, librarians, and many teachers. The stigma about graphic novels not being “real” books is (almost) gone. But are educators using graphic novels to their full potential? What literacy skills can be practiced and honed using graphic novels? Which books are best for which purposes? Who still needs to be convinced that graphic novels have a role in promoting literacy—and how?  As a follow up to our popular webinar “Not Just for Kids: How to Use Picture Books with Tweens and Teens,” we are hosting a powerhouse panel of experts—Betsy Bird, Shveta Miller, Susannah Richards, and Ted Anderson—who will discuss using graphic novels with all types of readers at all grade levels.  Are you taking full advantage of the skill-building potential provided by graphic novels? Join us to learn more about the benefits of using graphic novels, and come away with a recommended book list and strategies to employ right away. You can access the resources referenced in this webinar at our website. 

Join us to learn about our forthcoming young adult nonfiction titles from Lerner Publishing Group!Walls and Welcome Mats: Immigration and the American DreamExamine the United States' history of immigration, as well as the backlash that so many immigrants have faced, while also understanding the optimism that leads people to seek a better future in a new land.Roads to Family: All the Ways We Come to BeExamine—and appreciate—the many ways in which people can create a family. This informative compendium goes beyond the basics of sexual reproduction to examine the diversity of methods people use, including in-vitro fertilization, surrogacy, adoption, and more.The Big Backyard: The Solar System beyond PlutoDeep space holds materials left over from the formation of the solar system. Astronomers have been making exciting discoveries on the outermost fringes and the New Horizons spacecraft brings new insights into the origins of the sun and planets.Nearer My Freedom: The Interesting Life of Olaudah Equiano by HimselfExplore Olaudah Equiano's life story—his childhood in Africa, enslavement, liberation, and life as a free man—through "found verse," a creative approach to primary source analysis. The authors selected excerpts from Equiano's autobiography to create the poetic retelling, adding annotations to deepen understanding. Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean WarNicknamed the Borinqueneers, the 65th Regiment was the envy of generals and the pride of Puerto Rico. How could a regiment known for honorable service in two world wars lay down their arms and refuse to fight in the Korean War? Thank you for listening! Music credits"Farm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

Join us to learn about our forthcoming picture books from Lerner Publishing Group! Dino Board BooksThere's tons of dino-fun for everyone in this high-energy board book series. Dinosaurs face off on the field, battle on the court, and rally in the rink.Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech KindertransportDiscover the powerful and sensitively told true story of the Czech Kindertransport, which rescued 669 children from Nazi persecution on the eve of World War II. Sasquatch and SquirrelStrawberry the Sasquatch is happy on her own—or so she thinks until an extremely enthusiastic squirrel named Nutty shows up. After a series of hilarious mishaps, they find a way to be friends.Rise to the Sky: How the World's Tallest Trees Grow UpWhat are the tallest living things on Earth? Trees! Discover what growing trees need so they can rise to the sky in this poetic look at the tree life cycle.Finding Family: The Duckling Raised by LoonsDiscover the true story of an unlikely family—an orphaned mallard duckling being raised by a pair of loons. Intriguing verse and striking illustrations combine in this heartwarming tale of unexpected animal cooperation.Never Give Up: Dr. Kati Karikó and the Race for the Future of VaccinesThis picture book biography introduces Hungarian American biochemist Katalin Kariko, who played a critical role in developing the mRNA vaccine for COVID-19. Follow the journey of Katalin (Kati) Kariko from her childhood in rural Hungary.Poop for Breakfast: Why Some Animals Eat ItEating poop is gross! So why do some animals do it? Get the scoop on the surprisingly good reasons animals such as elephants, butterflies, rabbits, robins, and dogs devour disgusting doo-doo!Hidden Creature FeaturesAnimals have adaptations to help them survive. But some of those traits can be hard to spot at first glance. Rhyming text and eye-catching photos introduce eight creatures with hidden features. Patterns EverywhereWhen you take the time to look, you'll find that nature is full of patterns. Rhyming verse and stunning photographs introduce young readers to patterns throughout the natural world.Climate Warriors: Fourteen Scientists and Fourteen Ways We Can Save Our PlanetMeet fourteen different scientists who are working to solve the climate crisis and the surprising ways they are doing it. This book informs young readers and gives them the tools they need to make a difference.The Great Giraffe Rescue: Saving the Nubian GiraffesAfter oil was discovered in the Nubian giraffes' habitat in Uganda, conservationists needed to move some of these endangered animals across a river to safer territory. But there was no bridge and giraffes can't swim. What did scientists do? Follow this unusual—and successful—rescue! Music credits"Farm" Kevin MacLeod (incompete

Join us to learn about our forthcoming educational books from Lerner Publishing Group!My World (Pull Ahead Readers — Paired Fiction and Nonfiction)Explore aspects of everyday life, including clothes, food, homes, holidays, school, and transportation. Early Bird Stories™Building Character Engaging, story-driven titles follow diverse characters through age-appropriate situations in which they need to draw on character values, such as learning to listen and treating others fairly.Early Bird Readers — Pink, Red, BlueEmergent readers will delight in these silly, simple, and carefully leveled stories.Read for a Better World™Read about Holidays Give young readers a peek inside various holidays we celebrate.  Read about Sports Introduce young readers to popular sports! Sesame Street® World of ScienceErnie, Big Bird, and the rest of your Sesame Street friends make key science concepts like color, light and shadow, and states of matter accessible and engaging for young learners.Read Woke™ BooksBo at the Buzz Young readers will love following Bo’s daily life and adventures in these early chapter books.Left Out of HistoryExplore the misunderstood and underexamined past in this engaging series. Lightning Bolt Books®Dirt Bike ZoneReaders will speed through this series as they learn about everything from the rules and bikes used to popular events and superstars of the sport.Minecraft 101Readers will be exposed to digital literacy and fundamental programming concepts alongside everything players love about the game.Searchlight Books™ — World TravelerTravel around the world to discover the peoples, cultures, histories, and landscapes of different countries. Top Secret (Alternator Books ®)Examine some of the top secrets and unsolved mysteries in history with this spooky series including Area 51 and the Bermuda Triangle.Lerner™ SportsEpic Sports Bios These biographies of the biggest superstars in sports history cover each athlete's rise to the top and the moments that cemented their status as sports legends.Sports VIPsExplore the lives of the world's best and hottest sports superstars. From childhood to the present, find out how they rule their sports, prepare for big events, and help their communities.

Join us to learn about our forthcoming children's books from Lerner Publishing Group!My Family HaggadahA colorful board book haggadah for the youngest seder-goer highlighting the main parts of the ceremonial meal. A Page Plus QR code in the book links to Songs for a Family Seder.Mazal Bueno!Parents celebrate baby’s first grin to baby’s first word, and all the milestones in between in this book featuring Ladino words, the language of the Sephardic Jewish community. Mazal bueno! Go, baby go!Moses and the Runaway LambA young lamb wanders away from the flock, but Moses the shepherd brings her back to safety. On that day, God sees that Moses is the right person to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.Debbie's SongDebbie Friedman always had music inside of her, and she had a dream. She thought music could heal the world and bring people closer. She did something radical and new—created Jewish music that brings the whole Jewish community together. Luis de Torres Sails to FreedomLuis de Torres is a secret Jew. When the Inquisition comes, Luis joins a sailing expedition to explore new worlds with only his faith, his wits, and a silver hamsa for protection. Could it be that Jewish tradition helped protect the ship?The Rabbi and His DonkeyHamor the donkey is proud to take Rabbi Moses Maimonides to the sultan’s palace every day—until he is replaced by a faster horse. But Rabbi and donkey are soon reunited, as each learns a lesson from the other.The Blue Glass HeartWhen Sarah accidentally breaks Bubbe’s blue glass bowl, she sets a heart-shaped piece of blue glass on an adventure, touching the lives of children around the world, until it finally—remarkably—finds its way back home.The Babka SistersDueling baker sisters Esther and Hester meet their new neighbor Sylvester, who gladly becomes their babka tester, determining which shvester’s (sister’s) Babka is the best. With cat Lester and dog Chester, the new friends enjoy a delicious Shabbat. But whose Babka is the best?Not So ShyTwelve-year-old Shai hates having to move to America. She's determined to find a way to get back home to Israel—until she starts opening up to new experiences and friendships.Nothing Could Stop Her: The Courageous Life of Ruth GruberRuth Gruber, a Jewish American born in 1911, was drawn to adventure and driven to fight injustice. Her career as a renowned journalist spanned seven decades, reporting on places like Nazi Germany and remote Arctic regions of the Soviet Union.Pirate PassoverThe pirates are getting ready for Passover, until their ship is washed ashore in a storm! What will they do? Luckily, they find a house with an open door, and everyone is invited in to enjoy the seder.Thank you for listening! Music credits"Farm" Kevin Mac

Join us to learn about our forthcoming graphic novels from Lerner Publishing Group!The Search for the Slimy StoneFelix and Calcite are on a journey to a muddy swamp in the faraway Land of the Ogres. Their mission: find the Slimy Stone, the only thing that can save the Master Troll from illness!The Green GirlsEmma, Lily, and Fadila want to save the planet . . . but no one around them seems to care. Frustrated, they name themselves the Green Girls, take to social media, and launch a series of bold protests.Another Band's Treasure: A Story of Recycled InstrumentsIn Paraguay, teacher Diego and carpenter Nicolas look to a nearby landfill and see instruments in the making. Soon, they're building what they need to begin music lessons for local children. A fictional reimagining inspired by true events.Strange AlliancesXinyue, guardian to a baby deity, has escaped death, waking in a strange land. Qiliu, his estranged brother, has been captured by enemies. Both young men will have to choose allies carefully as powerful forces emerge.Super Potato's Middle Ages AdventureSuper Potato is on a time-travel mission, searching the Middle Ages for a scientist trapped in the past! Soon he finds a heroic knight who turned into a serpent. Say, that sounds familiar . . .Graphic Science BiographiesExplore the lives of scientists who changed how people see the world. Follow famous figures from their childhoods throughout pivotal moments in their lives, learning about their groundbreaking scientific theories and discoveries as well as their personal stories. Invenciones Increíbles (Amazing Inventions)Discover true stories of invention behind coveted pop-culture objects—from sneakers to smartphones. With high-interest graphic novel art, these books profile the products' creators and subsequent innovators, as well as social history, revealing how people's needs in a particular period led to creative solutions. Now in Spanish!Thank you for listening! Music credits"Farm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  

Join us to learn about our forthcoming fiction novels from Lerner Publishing Group! Enly and the Buskin' Blues Hoping to earn money for band camp tuition, twelve-year-old Enly Wu Lewis starts busking. His mission quickly turns into a series of misadventures that change how he sees his family, his dreams, and himself.Indigo and IdaIndigo, an eighth-grade investigative reporter, is torn between fighting a racist school policy and keeping her friends—until she discovers a series of letters written by Black journalist and activist Ida B. Wells.The Weight of EverythingWhen Sarah's mom dies in an accident, Sarah must balance her new role as the family caretaker with her own needs: to grieve, to create art, and to open herself up to love.The Coldest Winter I Ever SpentEighteen-year-old Del is in a healthier place more than a year after a suicide attempt, but her aunt's terminal cancer diagnosis forces her to confront the demons she's been keeping at bay.Thank you for listening! Music credits"Farm" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/