graphix

Join Scholastic at Comic-Con@Home

This year—from July 22–26—you can head to Comic-Con right from your own home! 

On Wednesday, July 22, the Comic-Con@Home Online Exhibit Hall will go live. You can download the full map here, and be sure to virtually stop by Scholastic in Booth #1700!

Check out Scholastic's programming highlights below.

Graphix: Get Drawn In 

Thursday, July 23, 10:00AM (PST)

Stories that inspire. Characters that connect. Art that comes alive. Meet the authors of some of the hottest upcoming graphic novels for kids. Featuring Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant (authors, Animorphs), Varian Johnson (author, Twins) and Shannon Wright (illustrator, Twins), and Tom Angleberger (author/illustrator, Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novel). and These are the stories that ignite their imaginations, spark creativity, encourage reading while engaging them in new and exciting ways. There are graphic novels. And then there’s Graphix. Moderated by Raina Telgemeier (author/illustrator, Guts).

Raina and Robin in Conversation

Friday, July 24, 11:00AM PST

Two top children's graphic novelists, Raina Telgemeier (author and illustrator, Guts) and Robin Ha (author and illustrator, Almost American Girl), discuss the art of creating graphic novel memoir, draw on camera, and take questions from their fans.

Zoom into Xadia: The Dragon Prince

Friday, July 24th, 3:00-4:00 PST

The creators and voice actors of The Dragon Prince celebrate the saga, perform some behind-the-scenes skits, give a sneak peek of upcoming books, and answer fans' burning questions submitted via social media. 

From Wakanda to Numbani, Writing the Next Generation of Heroes

Saturday, July 25, 11:00AM PST

Through original novels, these authors expand the world of some of the newest pop culture heroes from Marvel and Overwatch. Featuring Preeti Chhibber (author, Orientation: Avengers Assembly), Nicky Drayden (author, Overwatch: Hero of Numbani), and Nic Stone (author, Shuri: A Black Panther Novel). Moderated by Michael Petranek (executive editor, Scholastic). 

Join Scholastic at BookExpo and BookCon Online

Celebrate where your favorite stories come to life at BookExpo and BookCon Online! On May 26-29, tune into BookExpo Online, featuring authors, experts and peers sharing their great work and ideas. You can join BookCon on May 30 & 31 for a free virtual event where the book community can stay connected while social distancing. 

Check out how our Scholastic authors are participating: 

May 29, 2020, 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM

BookExpo Middle Grade Editor's Buzz

BookExpo proudly presents Editors' Buzz 2020 and shows off the books that readers and media will be buzzing about!!! Join this thrilling session and hear editors share their excitement and passion for six of the Fall's biggest potential breakout releases! Watch live here: http://www.facebook.com/bookexpo

May 30, 2020, 11:00 AM - 11:40 AM

The New Age Of Heroes

From Wakanda to Numbani, these novels usher in a new wave of heroes. Meet the next generation of heroes from Marvel, Overwatch, and more as we welcome authors Preeti Chhibber, Nic Stone, Zoraida Cordova, and Nicky Drayden to BookCon 2020!

Watch live here: http://www.facebook.com/bookcon

May 30, 2020, 11:40 AM - 12:20 PM

We Need Diverse Kids Comics

Roxane Gay and co-writer Tracy Lynne Oliver join Mike Curato, Varian Johnson and illustrator Shannon Wright to discuss how race and gender influence their new works. These own stories star African-American characters and LGBTQIA+ young adults in graphic novels that reflect a diverse set of identities. Moderated by Alex Lu (The Beat) and sponsored by the CBC Graphic Novel Committee. Watch live at https://www.facebook.com/groups/bookcon

Panelists:
Roxane Gay and Tracy Lynne Oliver (THE SACRIFICE OF DARKNESS)
Varian Johson and Shannon Wright (TWINS)
Mike Curato (FLAMER)

Moderator:
Alex Lu (The Beat)

Jim Di Bartolo on the Inspiration Behind The Boy Who Became A Dragon

This is a guest blog post from Jim Di Bartolo, author of The Boy Who Became a Dragon: A Bruce Lee Story

“Boards…don’t hit back.” That was a line delivered by Bruce Lee in the movie ENTER THE DRAGON after a fairly larger man punched through a board right in front of Bruce, trying to intimidate him. When I first saw that scene sometime around eighth grade, I just thought it was the coolest! I was already a fan of Bruce Lee by that point, but I remember recognizing the calm disdain in his voice as such a narrative embodiment of the confidence he had in his skills. Old enough to be aware of the separation between movie-fiction and reality, I still couldn’t help but be inspired! Who would bother someone with that level of brashness, let alone with those butt-kicking skills?! If I’m being honest, a fairly big reason why he so captivated me was that I got picked on here and there in Elementary School. Throughout this time, I was working through how to process this situation, and Bruce Lee offered me a source of solace. In going through such challenges, to this day I remain empathetic to all who deal with similar circumstances.

Oozing pure charisma and chock full of a magnetic personality, he was one of my heroes growing up, as I’m sure was the case for many throughout the world. Along with characters like THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN and SUPERMAN, Bruce Lee was a touchstone of strength, confidence, and ability. The thing that made him stand out among those others was that he was real! Yes, those movies were scripted and choreographed, but it was clear he had actual impressive skills to support those fantastical theatrical displays. Everything from his sinewy muscled body, his piercingly intense expressions, and lightning-fast movements were all real and thus, could be replicated! Or, perhaps more realistically, at least regarded as an ever-out-of-reach goal for which to strive. As I learned more about the man – though that early knowledge would later be dwarfed by the research for this book – I soon realized how much of a thinker he was as well. Martial arts magazines at the time still had quotes full of wisdom he had penned, displaying the depth of a man beyond just a fighter. My appreciation of him grew.

Around the same time of my early fandom, I had begun karate lessons at the suggestion of my father as an alternative to football, which many of my friends were signing up for. The idea of learning to defend myself easily outweighed the notion of playing a sport I had little-to-no interest in watching, let alone participating in. Karate was the hardest, most exhausting thing I had ever done…and I loved it! Was I ever going to be as good as Bruce Lee? Of course not, but along the way, he remained an inspiration.

I’ve trained off and on since then, but my life has become more focused on family and my career as an artist and a writer. As such, this book is a convergence of several of my interests: my continued fandom of Bruce Lee and appreciation of all martial arts, my lifelong love of comics, and my want of focusing on a project solely my own. The idea of a book about him had kept returning to my mind for several years, and I have been thrilled at the opportunity to pursue that goal through Graphix and Scholastic. 

I began working on the book by taking a deep dive into Bruce Lee by reading articles, interviews, and numerous books. Naturally, a number things came to light. Not only facts I wasn’t aware of – easily, hundreds! — but also that there are small portions of his life he hadn’t documented or written about – at least that I could find -- and where I couldn’t locate firsthand accounts by him there were usually varying takes of things depending on who told the story. It soon became clear that if I was going to make this book about his childhood – and that was my goal – I would have to take small liberties in order to add humor and breathe life into supporting characters. That said, my unwavering goal was to remain respectful to the man, to his legacy and family, and to be accurate when and where facts were well-documented.

Along the way, I learned a fair amount of interesting things about Bruce Lee I hadn’t known beforehand, and here are just a few:

  1. His earliest years were spent in Hong Kong while under Japanese occupation during World War 2, where his family (as well as most everyone else) lived in fear of physical harm, imprisonment, or even death.
  2. Before he became famous for his better known movie roles, he was in numerous movies as a childhood actor, even appearing with his father – also an actor – in a movie when he was a newborn!
  3. He was expelled from school for troublemaking when he was young.
  4. He won the Hong Kong Cha Cha championship when he was eighteen years old.
  5. He also won a high school boxing championship, defeating most opponents with first round knockouts and unseating the previous year’s champion by a third round knockout.

As is the case when anyone begins researching a project, they uncover facts, rumors, disputed stories from people from years later, and – when you’re reading about someone so admired and famous -- things that become almost legendary. For example, when I began reading about the fight between Bruce Lee and another accomplished martial artist Wong Jack Man, there were so many varying accounts as to the lead up to the fight, the length of the fight, who won, etc, that I wasn’t certain how to depict the event. The same could be said among people who trained with Bruce Lee. Some were ever-gracious and humble in their descriptions of him while others seemed to hint that they were the training partner that Bruce could never quite get the best of, and really put him through the paces! *eyeroll emoji* Sure, dude.

Ultimately, I had several goals in creating this graphic novel. I wanted to introduce today’s kids to this determined, goal-oriented, flawed, philosophical, ever-restless, ever-striving, focused man – and what better way to do that than to tell the story through someone relatable: the man himself as a child. Along the way, there were troublesome aspects I had to leave out and characters and events I had to embellish when facts were thin, but I hope I’ve created something that not only captures the imagination of kids, but is also fun and informative for fellow life-long fans of the man. Thankfully, the skills I’ve picked up along the way since my childhood and earliest fandom allowed me to create the story, and ultimately the finished book, in what is probably my favorite medium: sequential art/comic book form. I hope those who give it a chance find themselves entertained, informed, and leave with a new or renewed sense of the rarity of someone like Bruce Lee.

For everything graphic novel-related, be sure to follow @GraphixBooks on Twitter!

Celebrate Galentine's Day With These Books Featuring Some of Our Fave Friendships

Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating female friendships, and what better way to celebrate that than with some of the best literary friendships. Here are some books that are filled with love between friends!

Eva and Lucy from Owl Diaries by Rebecca Elliot

Eva Wingdale gets in over her head when she offers to organize a spring festival at school. Even with her best friend Lucy's help, there is NO way she will get everything done in time. Will Eva have to ask Sue (a.k.a. Meanie McMeanerson) for help? Or will the festival have to be cancelled?

Raina and Amara from Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Raina can't wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she's also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn't improve much over the years, but when a baby brother enters the picture and later, something doesn't seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all.Raina uses her signature humor and charm in both present-day narrative and perfectly placed flashbacks to tell the story of her relationship with her sister, which unfolds during the course of a road trip from their home in San Francisco to a family reunion in Colorado.

Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey from Kristy’s Great Idea by Ann Martin; Illustrated by Raina Telgemeier

When Kristy Thomas has the great idea to form a baby-sitters club — a chance to earn money and spend time with her friends, all while doing something they each love to do — she has no idea how much the club will change everything.

Karen and Hadie from Karen’s Witch by Ann Martin; Illustrated by Katy Farina

Karen Brewer lives next door to Mrs. Porter, who wears long black robes and has wild gray hair. Mrs. Porter has a black cat named Midnight and always seems to be working in her garden. Karen isn't supposed to spy on her neighbor, but with Hadie’s help, Karen's determined to prove that Mrs. Porter is a witch named Morbidda Destiny!

Hope and Sam from Project Middle School by Alyssa Milano with Debbie Rigaud; Illustrated by Eric S. Keyes

Hope's BFF Sam made some new friends over the summer and Hope doesn't know how to handle it. She and Sam have always been inseparable! Then Hope meets her new lab partner, Camila, and they get off on the wrong foot. And even though Camila is great at science, she doesn't want to join the science club. The club is all boys, and she doesn't feel welcome.

When Hope hears that, she's determined to recruit more girls into the science club, including Camila. Hope knows that sometimes changing the world starts small. So now Hope has a mission! Can she turn the science club into a place that's welcoming for everyone and make some new friends along the way?

Lina and Claudia from Diary of an Ice Princess by Christina Soontornvat

It's Winter Break at Hilltop Academy and Lina couldn't be more excited. With time off from school, Lina's parents say it's all right for her best friend, Claudia, to come up to their cloud palace for a sleepover (as long as she double pinkie-swears never to tell the royal family secret!). Claudia can't wait to see what it's like to actually be a real princess!

But she soon learns that all the stuffy palace protocol isn't nearly as fun as it sounds. The girls just have to get out and play! Claudia suggests they go down to the ground and have some fun with Lina's winter magic. They have a blast sledding and skating in the snow until an actual winter blizzard moves in. The girls are stuck on the ground, lost in the storm. They will have to get resourceful, be brave, work together — and use Lina's magic in a creative way — if they are going to find their way out.

12 books to kick off the holiday season

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the books inside are so delightful! It’s officially the holiday season, and we’re so excited to dive into some of our favorite holiday reads. If you’re looking for the perfect book for your family or to give to a friend, here are some of our personal favorites that will get you in the holiday spirit!

How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas?And How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? By Jane Yolen & Mark Teague

The bestselling picture book series How Do Dinosaurs? by Jane Yolen with illustrations by Mark Teague has delighted children for two decades, and now little ones can experience the fun with the board book editions! How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas? and How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? are the perfect ways to introduce little ones to silly dinosaurs, gentle lessons, and the holiday spirit!

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Sandra Magsamen

Discover this adorable rendition of a beloved Christmas story, retold by bestselling baby and toddler creator Sandra Magsamen. Featuring sweet rhymes and adorable illustrations, this is the latest in Sandra's tall book line.

The Great Santa Stakeout by Betsy Bird with illustrations by Dan Santat

Freddy Melcher is Santa's #1 Fan. He has Santa posters, Santa action figures, and even Santa underwear. But there is one prize Freddy desperately wants: A photograph taken with Santa, fresh out of the chimney.

Oh, is it risky! It's awfully hard to sneak anything by someone who can see you when you're sleeping and knows when you're awake. That's why Freddy has been extra good this year . . . at hiding his plans.

Will Freddy get away with his delightfully devious scheme to outwit Santa Claus himself and capture the ultimate selfie?

I Spy Christmas by Jean Marzollo & Walter Wick

A photographic puzzle book features rhyming riddles that invite young readers to locate hidden objects — clocks, nickels, pickles, frogs, and others — among double-page spreads filled with holiday delights.

A Christmas Carol by Geronimo Stilton

Ebenezer Scrooge is a cranky old mouse who's only concerned with his business and making money. He thinks Christmas is just a waste of time — but Christmas Eve, he's visited by three ghosts who take him on a journey through his past, present, and future and his mind is changed.

The Puppy Place #2: Snowball by Ellen Miles

Charles and Lizzie Peterson are very good with puppies. They want one of their own, but their mom isn't ready for them to have one full time. For now, they help take care of puppies that need to find a new home. They are a foster family for young dogs.

The Peterson kids hear about Snowball. Someone left the fluffy puppy all alone at a gas station in a tattered, old box. Snowball is sick and hungry. He needs a family of his own. Can Charles and Lizzy find one that is just right?

Diary of an Ice Princess series by Christina Soontornvat

Princess Lina has a life any kid would envy. She lives in a massive palace in the clouds. Everyone in her family has the power to control the wind and weather. On a good day, she can even fly! She loves making lemons into lemon ice, riding wind gusts around the sky, and turning her bedroom into a real life snow globe.

There's just one thing Lina wants: to go to regular, non-magical school with her best friend Claudia. She promises to keep the icy family secret under wraps. What could go wrong? (EVERYTHING!)

The Midwinter Witch by Molly Know Ostertag

Aster always looks forward to the Midwinter Festival, a reunion of the entire Vanissen family that includes competitions in witchery and shapeshifting. This year, he's especially excited to compete in the annual Jolrun tournament — as a witch. He's determined to show everyone that he's proud of who he is and what he's learned, but he knows it won't be easy to defy tradition.

Ariel has darker things on her mind than the Festival — like the mysterious witch who's been visiting her dreams, claiming to know the truth about Ariel's past. She appreciates everything the Vanissens have done for her, but Ariel still craves a place where she truly belongs.

The Festival is a whirlwind of excitement and activity, but for Aster and Ariel, nothing goes according to plan. When a powerful and sinister force invades the reunion, threatening to destroy everything the young witches have fought for, can they find the courage to fight it together? Or will dark magic tear them apart?

Top Elf by Caleb Zane Huett

The elves can't be kept on shelves in this hilarious middle-grade debut about what happens when Santa opens a contest to find his successor. These elves are off the shelves. Ollie and Celia think they know what the life of an elf is supposed to be like: Make toys. Help Santa. Make more toys. Help Santa. Try out a new ice-cream flavor. Help Santa. 

But then Santa rocks the North Pole with a surprise announcement! He's decided this is going to be his last year in the Big Red Suit. Instead of letting his oldest son, the unfortunately named Klaus Claus, take over, he's opening up the job to any kid who wants to apply, Claus or elf. 

The Santa Trials have begun! Ollie and Celia enter the contest, having no idea whatsoever that they'll soon have to squeeze through impossible chimneys, race runaway sleighs, sweet-talk a squad of rowdy reindeer, and consume cruel amounts of cookies and milk. It's both an adventure and a survival test, far beyond what any elf or Claus has been asked to do before. But whoever rises to the top will get a reward even bigger than Christmas…

Snow One Like You by Natalie Blitt

Mia can't wait for the Winter Festival; it's what her hometown, Flurry, Vermont, is famous for. Plus, maybe she can work up the courage to show the cute new boy, Yoshi, how much fun snowball fights can be. There's just one problem: The weather forecast isn't predicting a single snowflake before the big day. And what's the Winter Festival without snow? Canceling the festival would spell disaster for the local businesses, including the cozy inn that Mia's family runs. With the town in chaos, Mia is suddenly at odds with Yoshi and with her best friend, Lark. Can Mia save the festival in time, or is she in for a wintry mix of troubles?

Snow In Love by Melissa de la Cruz, Nic Stone, Aimee Friedman, & Kasie West

What's better than one deliciously cozy, swoon-worthy holiday story? Four of them, from some of today's bestselling authors.

From Kasie West, a snowy road trip takes an unexpected detour when secrets and crushes are revealed.

From Aimee Friedman, a Hanukkah miracle may just happen when a Jewish girl working as a department store elf finds love.

From Melissa de la Cruz, Christmas Eve gets a plot twist when a high school couple exchange surprising presents.

From Nic Stone, a scavenger hunt amid the holiday crowds at an airport turns totally romantic.

So grab a mug of hot cocoa, snuggle up, and get ready to fall in love…

Merry Christmas, Peppa! By EOne

'Tis the season for Peppa Pig! Join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, and all of their friends as they celebrate Christmas in this adorably sweet storybook.

Peppa loves Christmas. It's filled with family time, fun, and of course, presents! But this year Peppa loves her presents TOO much . . . she plays too rough and gets hurt! Can it still be a merry Christmas after all?

This book makes a perfect holiday gift or read-aloud storytime for little ones. It also comes with a glitter cover AND glitter stickers!

 

Take flight with a Wings of Fire Twitter Takeover

Since 2018, Tui T. Sutherland’s Wings of Fire series has been getting the graphic novel treatment with beautiful illustrated versions by Mike Holmes.

The third book, The Hidden Kingdom, hit shelves last week, and to celebrate this new release, our @GraphixBooks Twitter account hosted a takeover on Sunday with a special look inside the action-packed story!

Missed the takeover? We’ve collected all the panels they shared and put them below, or check out the hashtag #WingsOfFireTakeover on Twitter!

For more takeovers and everything graphic novel-related, be sure to follow @GraphixBooks on Twitter!

It takes Guts to face your fears

“Lane 3, we’re waiting on you! Are you coming?”

“Just a second! I’m coming”

3..2..1..BLEH

“Okay, okay I’m on the line, I’m ready for the race.” 

Throughout my childhood, it was always the same story before a game or presentation. Whether it was two minutes before the starting whistle or 10 minutes before the first day of school, I could be found doubled over a garbage can, dry heaving. But, as soon as I was able to release the tension in my stomach, I was totally myself again. 

My family, teammates, and teachers knew this strange warmup routine, and came to accept it as just something I did. Despite their acceptance, I always felt weird and frustrated that I couldn’t shake my nerves without throwing up. 

I often felt isolated because of this habit, and I worried that there was something wrong with me. And most of all, I wondered if this was something I would deal with for the rest of my life. 

When I first read Guts by Raina Telgemeier, I couldn’t believe how much her story resonated with me. In the book, young Raina has anxiety around the thought that she might throw up. At some points, it gets so bad that she ends up making herself sick over it. But Raina's tummy trouble isn't going away... and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. I loved the way Raina depicts how anxiety can manifest itself in many ways.

Seeing the visual depiction of Raina going through the mental spiral of anxiety was extremely relatable, and for the first time gave me an image of what my own mind sometimes looks like. Raina’s journey through therapy and finding ways to confide in her friends reminded me of how isolated I had felt growing up. It can be difficult to put into words why you’re nervous or anxious. Just like Raina was nervous about how her friendships were changing, I was nervous about sports. And we were both super nervous about public speaking! 

We know how important it is for kids to see themselves in books (more than ¼ of kids say they want to read about characters who are similar to them!), and I really wish this book had been around when I was in elementary school. It would have given me a way to show those around me what I was feeling when I couldn’t find the words to describe it.

Like Raina, I was able to open up to others about my nerves and eventually find ways to cope with them. While I personally don’t struggle as frequently anymore, I’m glad to have a book like Guts around to remind me that I’m not alone. Most importantly, I’m so happy that the young readers of today who may be experiencing the nerves and fear and embarrassment that can come with anxiety will be able to see themselves in the pages of Guts.I hope this novel shows them that they can find help and use this book as a tool for explaining how they’re feeling.

Learn more about Guts by Raina Telgemeier here. 

Graphix roundup of gorgeous Spring 2020 covers

Take a look at some of the exciting, new graphic novels from our friends at Graphix hitting shelves in Spring 2020! Scroll down to see all the amazing covers!

Dog Man: Fetch-22 by Dav Pilkey

On sale Decemeber 10, 2019

Petey the Cat is out of jail, and he has a brand-new lease on life. While Petey's reevaluated what matters most, Li'l Petey is struggling to find the good in the world. Can Petey and Dog Man stop fighting like cats and dogs long enough to put their paws together and work as a team? They need each other now more than ever — Li'l Petey (and the world) is counting on them!

Karen's Witch (Baby-sitters Little Sister Graphic Novel #1) by Ann M. Martin and Katy Farina

On sale December 26, 2019

A fresh and fun graphic novel series spin-off of The Baby-sitters Club, featuring Kristy's little stepsister!

Karen Brewer lives next door to Mrs. Porter, who wears long black robes and has wild gray hair. Mrs. Porter has a black cat named Midnight and always seems to be working in her garden. Karen isn't supposed to spy on her neighbor, but she's determined to prove that Mrs. Porter is a witch named Morbidda Destiny!

Mrs. Porter is getting ready to have a special meeting at her house, and Karen is sure the meeting is for witches. Are they going to cast a spell on Karen? Or will she be brave enough to send them away — once and for all?

The Silver Eyes (Five Nights at Freddy's Graphic Novel #1) based on the novel by Scott Cawthon and Kira Breed-Wrisley, adapted and illustrated by Claudia Schröder

On sale December 26, 2019

Ten years after the horrific murders at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza that ripped their town apart, Charlie — whose father owned the restaurant — and her childhood friends reunite on the anniversary of the tragedy and find themselves at the old pizza place which had been locked up and abandoned for years. After they discover a way inside, they realize that things are not as they used to be. The four adult-sized animatronic mascots that once entertained patrons have changed. They now have a dark secret... and a murderous agenda.

The Way Home (Owly #1) by Andy Runton

On Sale February 4, 2020

Owly is a good-natured little owl, and he's always helping those around him. But despite his kindness, he seems to frighten would-be friends away before they even give him a chance, just because he's an owl. That all changes, though, once Owly meets Wormy. Like Owly, Wormy is in need of a good friend, too — someone who can be counted on for a helping hand, a good laugh, and a great adventure!

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 (I Survived Graphic Novel #1) by Lauren Tarshis, adapted by Georgia Ball

On Sale February 4, 2020

Ten-year-old George Calder can't wait to explore every inch of the Titanic, even if his little sister, Phoebe, has to tag along. But when George sneaks away without her and ventures into the first class baggage room, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George's life changes forever...

The Legend of the Fire Princess (She-Ra Graphic Novel #1) based on stories by by Noelle Stevenson, written by Gigi D.G., and illustrated by Paulina Ganucheau

On Sale February 4, 2020

Even after everything that's happened, the world outside the Horde's walls is still a strange one to Adora. Each day she's learning more about her growing powers as She-Ra, including something new: the ability to heal corrupted runestones. Runestones are the magical source from which princesses like Frosta, Mermista, and Perfuma draw their power, but Glimmer knows of another runestone — one with a dark past. Long ago a fire princess ruled the lands to the west, until her thirst for power corrupted her, and led to the ruin of her kingdom. Glimmer thinks the lost fire runestone could give the Rebellion an edge in the fight against the Horde, but claiming this ancient power won't be easy... especially not when the Horde has their eyes set on the same prize.

The Boy Who Became a Dragon: A Biography of Bruce Lee by Jim Di Bartolo

On Sale February 4, 2020

Bruce Lee was born on November 27, 1940 — in both the hour and the year of the dragon. Almost immediately, he was plunged into conflict: as a child in Hong Kong as it was invaded and occupied by the Japanese; as the object of discrimination and bullying; and as a teenager grappling against the influence of gangs.

As the world knows, Lee found his salvation and calling through kung fu — first as a student, then as a teacher, and finally as a global star. 

Nat Enough by Maria Scrivan

On sale April 7, 2020

Making friends isn't easy, but losing them is even harder! Natalie has never felt that she's enough — athletic enough, stylish enough, or talented enough. And on the first day of middle school, Natalie discovers that things are worse than she thought — now she's not even cool enough for her best friend, Lily! As Natalie tries to get her best friend back, she learns more about her true self and natural talents. If Natalie can focus on who she is rather than who she isn't, then she just might realize she's more than enough, just the way she is.

Me Three! (Catwad #3) by Jim Benton

On sale April 7, 2020

Catwad and Blurmp are back and ready for more adventures in this newest volume in which they explore subjects like new friends, jealousy, allergies, and more!

(Cover not final.)

Bird & Squirrel All Or Nothing (Bird & Squirrel #6) by James Burks

On Sale April 21, 2020

Squirrel helps Bird overcome his biggest challenge yet — FAMILY! The dangerous Horned Toad 500 cross-country race is coming up and Bird's father has always won it. But when his dad gets injured, Bird reluctantly joins the race to save the family honor. While dealing with the scorching desert heat and dirty tricks from another team, Bird and Squirrel are put to the ultimate test of endurance and sportsmanship. Along the way, the duo learns that, win or lose, having good friends and family will always get you to the finish line.

Follow @GraphixBooks for future announcements and takeovers!

13 books perfect for Leo season

If anything can defeat Mercury in retrograde, a lion most definitely can! Mercury turns direct on July 31, about a week into Leo Season (July 23 – August 23). And let's be honest, that is something to ROAR about!

Leos are as fierce as their symbol, the lion. These natural leaders use their bold confidence and courage to be trailblazers in everything they do. Lions tend to be super social and love making sure that the whole pack is included. 

Energetic and optomistic, Leos never back away from a challenge. As they strive to shine like their ruling planet the sun in all that they do, those around them will absorb this bright energy.  

Symbol: Lion

Ruling Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Hogwarts House: Gryffindor

Sign of their sidekick: Libra

Leo as a protagonist: A book with a Leo at the forefront will be a grand adventure. Our hero may learn a lesson on sharing the spotlight or learning how to harness their inner roar. They are bold enough to face demons and Dementors, while making sure no friend is left behind.

How a Leo saves the day: When a Lion swoops in to the save the day, they are probably leading a whole team to victory! They use their boldness to their advantage to overcome any challenge.

Perfect reads for the Leo in your life: We rounded up a list of books filled with bold and brave characters for the Lions in your life!

Picture Books (4-7):

Young Readers (5-10):

Middle Grade (8-12):

Young Adult (12+):

If your young reader is picking up one of these books, make sure they're logging their reading minutes in the Scholastic Read-A-Palooza Summer Reading Challenge!

Celebrating fantasy and graphic novels at San Diego Comic-Con

Last week, Scholastic attended San Diego Comic-Con, one of the biggest events in the world for fans of comics, movies, and entertainment! This year, we celebrated our Graphix titles and upcoming releases, with appearances from authors such as Raina Telgemeier, Tui T. Sutherland, Aron Nels Steinke, and Molly Knox Ostertag.

The Scholastic booth hosted meet and greets, author signings, giveaways, and more. Some other highlights include Raina Telgemeier presenting an award at the convention’s Eisner Awards, and Aron Nels Steinke discussing the Mr. Wolf’s Class series with The Beat. (You can take a look at his interview here.)

Relive all the fun with our social media roundup below:

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