#harpercollins
IF YOU COULD SEE THE SUN
by Ann Liang
Inkyard Press | Oct 11 | 9781335915849
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Alice Sun has always felt invisible at her elite Beijing international boarding school, where she’s the only scholarship student among China’s most rich and influential teens. But then she starts uncontrollably turning invisible—actually invisible.
When her parents drop the news that they can no longer afford her tuition, even with the scholarship, Alice hatches a plan to monetize her strange new power—she’ll discover the scandalous secrets her classmates want to know, for a price.
But as the tasks escalate from petty scandals to actual crimes, Alice must decide if it’s worth losing her conscience—or even her life.
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SILVER IN THE MIST
by Emily Victoria
Inkyard Press | Nov 1 | 9781335406705
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Eight years ago, everything changed for Devlin: Her country was attacked. Her father was killed. And her mother became the Royal Spymistress, retreating into her position away from everyone… even her daughter.
Joining the spy ranks herself, Dev sees her mother only when receiving assignments. She wants more, but she understands the peril their country, Aris, is in. The malevolent magic force of The Mists is swallowing Aris’s edges, their country is vulnerable to another attack from their wealthier neighbor, and the magic casters who protect them from both are burning out.
Dev has known strength and survival her whole life, but with a dangerous new assignment of infiltrating the royal court of their neighbor country Cerena to steal the magic they need, she learns that not all that glitters is weak. And not all stories are true.
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RUST IN THE ROOT
by Justina Ireland
Balzer + Bray | Sep 20 | 9780063038226
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It is 1937, and Laura Ann Langston lives in an America divided–between those who work the mystical arts and those who do not. Ever since the Great Rust, a catastrophic event that blighted the arcane force called the Dynamism and threw America into disarray, the country has been rebuilding for a better future. And everyone knows the future is industry and technology–otherwise known as Mechomancy–not the traditional mystical arts.
Laura disagrees. A talented young queer mage from Pennsylvania, Laura hopped a portal to New York City on her seventeenth birthday with hopes of earning her mage’s license and becoming something more than a rootworker.
But four months later, she’s got little to show for it other than an empty pocket and broken dreams. With nowhere else to turn, Laura applies for a job with the Bureau of the Arcane’s Conservation Corps, a branch of the US government dedicated to repairing the Dynamism so that Mechomancy can thrive. There she meets the Skylark, a powerful mage with a mysterious past, who reluctantly takes Laura on as an apprentice.
As they’re sent off on their first mission together into the heart of the country’s oldest and most mysterious Blight, they discover the work of mages not encountered since the darkest period in America’s past, when Black mages were killed for their power–work that could threaten Laura’s and the Skylark’s lives, and everything they’ve worked for.
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SALT & SUGAR
by Rebecca Carvalho
Inkyard Press | Nov 1 | 9781335454331
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The grandchildren of two rival Brazilian bakeries fall in love despite their families’ feud in this delicious debut rom-com perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Gloria Chao.
Trust neither thin-bottomed frying pans nor Molinas.
Lari Ramires has always known this to be true. In Olinda, Brazil, her family’s bakery, Salt, has been at war with the Molinas’ bakery across the street, Sugar, for generations. But Lari’s world turns upside down when her beloved grandmother passes away. On top of that, a big supermarket chain has moved to town, forcing many of the small businesses to close.
Determined to protect her home, Lari does the unthinkable—she works together with Pedro Molina to save both of their bakeries. Lari realizes she might not know Pedro as well as she thought—and she maybe even likes what she learns—but the question remains: Can a Ramires and a Molina truly trust one another?
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Nothing to See Here
by Kevin Wilson
Kevin Wilson has done it again. You may remember Kevin Wilson from his darkly comedic Royal Tennenbaums-eque take on the hapless performance art family in The Family Fang. Or perhaps from his alternatively optimistic commune of utopian ideals in A Perfect Little World.
While similar in tenor, imbued with Wilson’s quixotic hopefulness and unexpected chaos, Nothing to See Here is wholly unique in premise and scope.
Lillian, a smart girl from the wrong side of the tracks, fights her way into a privileged prep school where she and her rich roommate, Madison, bond during their first year. Then an infuriating circumstance (which I won’t spoil here) leads to a split. Fast-forward ten years later when Madison, now married to a senator, summons Lillian for an urgent, yet mysterious, job opportunity. Lillian, still stuck in a dead-end life, jumps at the chance and quickly finds herself dousing the flames of the senator’s twin offspring.
Literally.
Because they self-immolate when they get agitated.
Wilson writes in such a way that I simultaneously want to ask him to be my friend and tell him to get out of my head. His commentary sometimes made me laugh out loud in doctors’ office waiting rooms. He describes a spoiled little boy removing toys from a chest: “like clowns from a VW bug, out came so many stuffed animals that I felt like I’d dropped acid.” And on feeling out of place: “I felt like some mermaid who had suddenly grown legs and was now living among the humans.” He expertly describes “bread that cracked open like a geode” that makes me crave a loaf immediately. And then he subversively sneaks in plenty of touching real-life wisdom about things like life, parenthood and meditation: “And I had never thought about it this way, had always assumed that whatever was inside me that made me toxic could not be diluted, but each subsequent breath made me a little more calm.”
Wilson’s is the type of voice we need more of in the world: unfailingly witty, unexpectedly original and always, and perhaps most importantly, relentlessly hopeful, even when it seems like the world is burning down around us.
*Netgalley provided B3 with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: November 5, 2019
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An Excess Male
by Maggie Shen King
Imagine a world where you could only have one child. Where adult men significantly outnumber adult women to the point that a quarter of men are forced into bachelorhood. Where there are penalties for multiple children, homosexuality, large dogs, and defying the government.
Perhaps the scariest part of it all is: you don’t have to imagine at all.
Fact: China’s one-child policy was introduced in 1979 and was only altered in 2016. While some argue the family planning initiative had its desired effect of decreasing population growth, others argue that the population growth would have slowed naturally anyway. The “excess” consequences of the policy however, resulted in the abortion and abandonment of less-desirable girls and an aging population of “excess” men. Not to mention the surplus of second and third children who were not recognized by the state as citizens. Parents discovered to have more than one child were often dismissed from work and heavily fined. Many unregistered children still exist who are unable to obtain an education or even ID. (For more information, check out this news story from Time:http://time.com/4598999/china-one-child-policy-family-planning/)
That is the nonfiction part.
Enter Maggie Shen King’s addictive novel An Excess Male where we meet 40-something bachelor Wei-guo who has just become eligible for matchmaking services. With such a disproportionate number of males, the policy of Family Advancement has been introduced, and each woman may marry three men, and mother three children, one from each. Wei-guo, escorted by his two fathers (the product of such an “advanced” household) meets May-ling, her two peculiar husbands - who are incidentally brothers - and their irascible son, Bei-Bei. So ensues a very unique courtship under the watchful eye of an ever-imposing government.
Told from four alternating and enjoyably distinctive perspectives, it’s part sci-fi, part love story, part bromance, part thriller. Don’t be fooled by its seeming domestic trappings. There is a Middle Kingdom real life battle club for bachelors, an anti-social brilliant hacker, and a highly secretive underground gay circuit. In fact, two-thirds of the way through, King’s twists so jolted me I reread the page and stayed up until the wee hours to learn Wei-guo’s fate.
That is the fiction part.
The problem is: they aren’t so far apart.
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Perfect Little World by Kevin Wilson
I really should have already written about Kevin Wilson’s The Family Fang as a page-turner. But, you know, hindsight. Family Fang is written for performance artist and Royal Tenanbaum junkies alike and as a card-carrying member in both arenas, it fulfilled all of my dark humor needs.
Perfect Little World, however, is the sweet quirky answer to my deep desire to run a commune. With a definitively-unique scientifically-sanctioned premise, Perfect Little World plays a little game of God within the structure of a 10-year social experiment. Ten families, each with one newborn, brought to live in a state-of-the-art complex to raise their children as one superfamily. All of the adults co-parent, and all of the families’ needs are met, from education of the children to professional development of the parents, housing, food, you name it. All this with one little caveat: the children will not know who their biological parents are until the age of 5.
Ready to sign up?
We see the delectable scenario play out through the eyes of the youngest and only single mother of the group, Izzy, whose own path to motherhood is a story within itself.
The perhaps most impressive part of the tale is how artistically Wilson writes about childbirth. His depiction is so vivid, so accurate, that I would not be surprised if he had actually given birth himself.
Signature to Wilson’s style, his words are funny and honest, freshly hewn buoyant logs floating down the river of darkness that is the ever-infectious world.
The only shortcoming of the book is that I would have read a novel twice the size I so longed to hear more of Izzy’s floundering tale.
So does the experiment fail? Does it succeed?
You’ll have to draw your own conclusions.
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Symptoms of Being Human
by Jeff Garvin
When you start any novel, what do you notice first about the narrator? I imagine concurrent to style of voice, you make immediate assumptions about gender. I, in fact, often actively search for narrators of a certain gender. I imagine there are some readers out there that actively avoid narrators of a certain gender. Actually, the old chestnut that they like to sell writers is that girls will read stories about boys and girls, but boys are only interested in stories about boys. #alternativefact
So, then, what do you do when the narrator’s answer to “boy or girl” is a simple nod?
Riley is starting at a new high school halfway through the four arduous years, a terrifying plight for any narrator, but exacerbated more acutely by the fact that Riley identifies as “gender fluid,” - as male or female or anywhere along the spectrum on any given day. Compound this situation by a congressman father running for re-election and an accidental fame-by-blog-post scenario and you’ve got the makings of a modern cyber hero - and heroine - tale.
The book came out five minutes ago and has already been recognized as a 2017 Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection by American Library Association, among Most Anticipated Debuts by Barnes & Noble, and in 5 YA Novels You Need to Read in the First Half of 2016byHuffington Post. The list of notable mentions is exhaustively long this far. And why?
Well, it’s a fun read to be sure, but what is perhaps most notable about this book is that like all good fiction, it manages to implicate the reader in its exploration. Heck, the gender-fluid narrator is even self-critical. Why are we all so eager to categorize? To label? To break down? Is a thing defined less scary? More relatable? Or is it simply habit? A result of a lifetime of pronouns we’ve been fed and regurgitated? Or, it is more insidious? Is it segregated children’s toy aisles and blue and pink cake reveals and seventy-seven cents on the dollar? Why do we see the world how we do, and why do we cling so ferociously to our arbitrary classifications?
Symptoms of Being Human is destined to join the ranks of the young modern underdog tales like Wonder, Eleanor & Park,andCurious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime. It’s a story we’ve never heard before from a narrator we didn’t know we needed - a narrator who invites us to see the world from a slightly less-defined perspective.
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I didn’t know this was the path my art would take, but illustrating children’s books is something I always wanted to do. I intend to study typography to further grow my skillset in this area as well. Cranking out 3 children’s books in the span of one year was a true test, but I’m all for embracing whatever I feel will make me a better artist. I know how fortunate I am in being able to wake up, go to my studio everyday, and do what I love.
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Probably my favorite page! So fun to draw all that sawdust!
Builder Brothers: Big Plans, the first picture book from @mrsilverscott and @mrdrewscott is available now in bookstores.Follow the link in my bio to find out where you can get your hands on a copy.
@harperkid #builderbrothers #builderbrothersbigplans #jonathanscott #drewscott #harpercollins #kidlit #kidlitart #illustration #childrensbook #propertybrothers
https://www.instagram.com/p/BogoIeaAiJO/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=im914ynbtdsx
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This is the first time I had the chance to illustrate a case cover that was different than the book jacket. Love the blue print vibe! Check out this illustration that’s hiding under the jacket of Builder Brothers: Big Plans, this first picture book from @mrdrewscott and @mrsilverscott . Available now where books are sold.
@harperkid #builderbrothers #builderbrothersbigplans #jonathanscott #drewscott #harpercollins #kidlit #kidlitart #illustration #childrensbook #propertybrothers #casecover
https://www.instagram.com/p/Boe0yjPHR0C/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1xm6sp1qxjg3o
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A big happy book birthday to the Builder Brothers: Big Plans! This is the first picture book from @mrsilverscott and @mrdrewscott . As a fan of the Property Brothers, it was such a treat to illustrate this picture book for two of the nicest people. Jonathan and Drew are also on book tour now! If they’re visiting a bookshop near you, I highly recommend going to pick up a copy from the brothers themselves. If not, and you’re looking to pick up a copy, follow the link in my bio to find out where it’s available near you!
@harperkid #builderbrothers #builderbrothersbigplans #jonathanscott #drewscott #harpercollins #kidlit #kidlitart #illustration #childrensbook #propertybrothers
https://www.instagram.com/p/BobuCAGAk_8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=7o5w2lm487aa
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Cover Art painted for Lark and the Wild Hunt by Jennifer Adam. The book will be publishing at HarperCollinscoming June.
This was the first time I had to work within a very strict template. It was challenging but also tons of fun. Kudos to my editor Jessie Gang who was very chill and patient with me during the process. :)
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C. S. Lewis was born on this date in 1898. Take a look at this original cover for a 1965 edition of Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,from the HarperCollins archives.
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Ted Sanders’ The Keepers: The Box & the Dragonfly is on sale today! Our excellent teen reviewer Lilian took a look at the novel for us:
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The Keepers is an exciting novel written by Ted Sanders, the author of ‘No Animals We Could Name’ and many other well written stories. Starting now is the first book in the series 'The Keepers. The Box and The Dragonfly’. You find yourself living inside a world with evil giants, strange creatures, and magical objects that only you can posses,.
This book follows Horace Andrews, a twelve year old boy who seems to understand the world until he sees something - one thing, his own name written on a single sign. His confusion leads him to an underground place called “The House of Answers”. Anyone who walks into this place has to choose wisely. An object with a special ability that he/she feels the right to own carefully. It could be kept in this person’s hands for years, a few months, or even a few minutes. All these objects are called “Tanu”. Once fallen into the right hands they become this person’s “Tanji”. Horace feels a strange draw to a golden box, and after many experiments realizes it’s power - time travel. He soon possesses the power to look into the future. Danger awaits though, as groups of gigantic ten feet men go after all the Tanji trying to keep the magic to themselves. Horace does whatever he can to protect the box, and soon pairs up with another young Keeper; Chloe, a twelve year old girl who is able to walk through walls, which comes from her Tanji, a necklace with a silver dragonfly attached to it. They form a strange friendship bond walking in and out of danger, almost in the hands of the men who are after their Tanji and even the Keepers themselves.
The Keepers is a book for all ages 10+. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves adventurous mysteries. If you do, you’ll get absorbed by this story after the first two chapters. It’s medium-paced, though there’s always something to look forward to after each chapter. You never know what’s going to happen next. The gripping story also shows that a simple mistake could lead to a total disaster. This is only the beginning to the many adventures of Horace and Chloe. I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.
-Lilian R, 13
In your new book, THE VOICE IN MY HEAD , your main character is having conversations with God. And God sounds like…Dave Chapelle?
The short answer here is… kinda! God is patterned after Dave Chapelle’s sarcastic wit. In fact, when my main character, Indigo explains to her family what “God” sounds like, she says, “Well…he sounds a bit like Dave Chapelle.”
I can explain! One of the themes in THE VOICE IN MY HEAD is opening up our minds to a new concept of God. For so long we’ve all imagined this white faced God with a long beard, sitting on a throne, holding a scepter, doling out blessings and punishments. How droll! I think as we evolve as a race of beings, we have to have our perceptions about God and spirituality evolve too. I wanted to create the kind of God I’d want to talk to. And I’ve always admired Dave Chapelle. Not just for being funny, but for being wise and intelligent and inspiring. It’s like that song by Joan Osborne, What if God Was One of Us? I love those lyrics. I wanted to create a “God” like us. So yeah…in this book “God’s” gonna make you laugh, not cower in fear. But more importantly “God’s” gonna open up your mind and help you realize that perhaps you’re the power you seek.
It’s 100 years from now. How do you want to be remembered as a writer?
This question is everything! One I think all authors should seriously ask themselves before they write another word. I want to be remembered as a person who stopped complaining about how people of color were being represented in film and TV and in literature and who decided to do something about it. I want to be remembered as an author who worked hard to normalize the black experience. In 100 years, there will no longer be a go to narrative for black stories. I want to be remembered as an author who contributed to the new movement.
What’s your author pet peeve? Like…what really drives you crazy about the publishing world right now?
Comparison! I think platforms like Goodreads have given people a voice to say things like… “It wasn’t as good as (insert an entirely different book by an entirely different author with an entirely different life experience).” Look…don’t do that! If a book doesn’t resonate with you, don’t waste your time reading it! But for the love of everything good and pure, don’t read a book and then find an online platform to state… “Well…it wasn’t as good as this other book I read!” There are authors who create these lush, literary masterpieces and I read their works and I cry and I’m transformed and I see the world differently. There are other authors who create a laugh out loud, wild experience and I love it. Another author might create a sexy, fun love story. I can’t compare the lush, literary work that changed my life to the sexy rom com that made me not wanna be single. It’s not fair to authors. We have to stop comparing and allow authors to feel good about exactly where they are in their journey as a writer.
What’s your all time favorite book. Like…ever.
WHAT DREAMS MAY COME by Richard Matheson. This book wasn’t just spun from the author’s imagination. I mean…many parts were. But he compiled a ton of research on near death experiences and really took his time to compose such a beautiful story. I found so much truth in it. It truly changed my life and gave me a lot of peace about life on the other side. Glad I’m talking about it now because it’s one of those books you really should read more than once. I’d love to read it again someday. The movie that’s based on the book is interesting and I certainly enjoyed that too. But the book is truly a work of art.
Your first book TIFFANY SLY LIVES HERE NOW was about family. THE VOICE IN MY HEAD is about family too. What gives with all the family?
I’m all about breaking down stereotypes and normalizing the black experience. We don’t always have to be what you think we should be. We are princesses, queens, lovers, haters, doctors, lawyers, teachers. We are laughing ‘til our eyes water with tears, we are hanging out with friends. We are anything and everything you can imagine. In order for me to help people to truly understand that the black experience is just like any experience, I decided family is a great place to start. Families are the building blocks of who we are and who we become.
What makes you sad? What makes you happy?
I’m still living with anxiety…that makes me sad. It’s a tough road to travel. It’s heartbreaking at times. One of the things I miss is reading for enjoyment. My anxiety makes it nearly impossible to read. I also find it tough to focus on TV, so I don’t watch much of that. I had a blast writing TIFFANY SLY LIVES HERE NOW because it helped me to share a bit about the experience of living with anxiety. What makes me happy? Seeing the people I love succeed. Whatever success is to them. There is nothing better than celebrating a friend. Seeing their dreams come true.
What’s next?
More books! It was actually just announced that Inkyard Press acquired rights to my THIRD young adult novel Roman and Jewel. It’s a “witty, modern and unforgettable take on the classic star-crossed lovers story with a divers cast of characters.” I can’t wait to share it with the world. I feel like I came to Earth specifically to write this book! Ha. Can you tell I’m excited about it?!
Dana L. Davis is an actress who lives and works in LA. She has starred in Heroes,Prom Night,Franklin & Bash, and 10 Things I Hate About You. Dana is the founder of the Los Angeles-based nonprofit Culture for Kids LA, which provides inner-city children with free tickets and transportation to attend performing-arts shows around LA County. She currently stars in the following animated series: Star vs. the Forces of Evil,Craig of the Creek, and She-Ra.
