What’s your myth?
Penelope Weaver has spent her whole life preparing to attend Anaximander’s Academy, where students learn how to bring to life the stories of Greek mythology as well as discover the Greek god whose principles they most embody. Penelope knows she’s an Athena—all smart, practical, and rule-following girls who take part in stories that matter are Athenas.
But when Penelope and her twin brother Paris arrive at Anaximander’s, it appears fate has other plans. Penelope isn’t placed with Athena but with students who are anything but practical and who prefer parties to rules. And that’s just the beginning. She’s given the world’s worst muse, her assigned tasks feel impossible, and the magic of Anaximander’s is overwhelming. Not to mention, there are two very different boys making her new life even more confusing.
But as things go from bad to dangerously worse, one thing becomes clear: in a world where everything is fated to happen a certain way, some stories need to be rewritten. As the world around her shifts and cracks, Penelope is asked to forget everything she thought she knew to help create a better story…even if that changes every plan and breaks every rule.
The perfect read for middle school readers!
SPECIAL EDITION: For the first printing only, this hardcover will feature exclusive painted edges!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tracy Wolff is the #1 New York Times, #1 internationally, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of the Crave series as well as many other novels. A lover of mythology, vampires, and getting lost in a great book, she’s spent her whole life asking “what if” and “what happens next”—questions being a writer has helped her answer again and again. At six, she wrote her first short story—something with a rainbow, a unicorn, and a shapeshifting prince—and at seven, she forayed into the wonderful world of middle grade literature with her first Judy Blume novel. A one-time English professor, she now devotes all her time to writing fun, action-packed, romantic stories with fantastical worlds and characters who leap off the page. She has written all her seventy-plus novels from her home in Austin, Texas, which she shares with her partner, her sons, and their three adorable dogs.
The Chase is a new picture book from author/illustrator Jenny Bloomfield. When a mischievous gang of dogs set off after a bright red ball, nothing will stop the chase! The race leads them down the beach, through the city, into the museum, and more. An utter joy from beginning to end, this book combines the charm (with an adorably illustrated canine crew) of Hairy Maclary with the infectious rhythm and energy of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. This is such a fun and playful book to read!
VALENTINE’S ARE THE WORST Written and Illustrated by Alex Willan
S&S Books for Young Readers | on sale January 30, 2025 | 9781665962612| Ages 4-8
About the book: An unsuspecting Gilbert the Goblin finds himself in the crosshairs of cupids and their heart-tipped arrows in the hilarious latest installment in The Worst! picture book series, where even the strangest of creatures can become the best of friends.
Who needs valentines? Not Gilbert the goblin! There’s no time for cards and hugs and all that mushy malarky with far more important matters at hand—like, uh…eating tacos. When Gilbert bumps into a squad of cupids bent on showering him with love arrows, he runs for his life!
This is clearly proof that valentines are the worst! Can Gilbert avoid the trappings of the holiday or will love find a way?
This is such a fun holiday book to read!
About the author: If it was Alex Willan, and not Gilbert the Goblin, who was in charge of writing the stories, he’d make a book called Anchovies are the Worst!. Alex is the author-illustrator of the Worst! picture book series and the Jasper & Ollie series, as well as the illustrator of Got Your Nose, written by Alan Katz. Alex lives in Chicago with his dog, Harley, who is the absolute best. Visit him online at AlexWillan.com.
ARCTIC ADVENTURE: A TUNDRA TALE by Jyoti Rajan Gopal, illustrated by Alexandra Cook (Feiwel & Friends, Ages 3-6).
Exploring the wonder and mystery surrounding Svalbard—a Norwegian archipelago known for its remoteness, rugged terrain, glaciers, and wildlife—this story shines a timely light on our “global refrigerator.” It also contains extensive backmatter that starts conversations about what kids can do to protect this space, including: reducing the use of fossil fuels, recycling and reusing plastics, conserving water, planting gardens, and more. This is an engaging book that will delight young children this Winter season.
Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature. Cover images were also provided.
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