Summer 2020 edition
Simon & Schuster’s Education & Library team is very proud to bring you The Book Pantry—your indispensable guide to book discovery. We strive to bring educators relevant book recommendations and valuable resources for their classrooms and libraries.
With significant contributions in K–12 literature, Simon & Schuster offers a wide range of engaging and important titles for children of all ages. Navigate the Literature By Category tab above to preview titles for the upcoming publishing season.
We encourage you to explore The Book Pantry and let us know what you think! Learn all about what new titles we are publishing each season, and be sure to sign up for our monthly e-newsletter so that you can stay informed.
We hope you find The Book Pantry to be a useful program for readers’ advisory and collection development. Let us know at Education.Library@SimonandSchuster.com. And if you’re also an adult librarian, be sure to check out The Book Drop for recommendations on new adult titles for your library!
—Rachel, Amy, Amanda, Sarah, Michelle, and Ana
Simon & Schuster’s Education & Library Team
seasonal spotlight
Lekha Divekar struggles with being Indian American in her small town. Afraid to speak up, she endures name‑calling from classmates and even members of her swim team. After a series of hateful events driven by racism and fear, Lekha, with the help of her two best friends, finds the courage to speak her mind and stand up for herself and others. American as Paneer Pie is a satisfying middle grade with an uplifting ending. For fans of Amina’s Voice.
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Sara and the Search for Normal
This book hit me hard; not only does it portray life with mental illness in a thoughtful and powerful way, but it’s also an important read for anyone needing to learn to accept or believe in themselves. Sara has over a hundred rules to being normal; this means stopping her pills, not putting mayonnaise on pb&j sandwiches, and, most importantly, making a friend. In group therapy, she meets another girl named Erin who slowly draws her out and helps her learn that it’s her uniqueness that makes life worth living.
seasonal spotlight
Deb Caletti once again skillfully explores the internal and external forces of growing up as a teenage girl where double standards run rampant. This coming‑of‑age triumph follows Sydney as she discovers her place in a world raging against her. Weaving the tension and thrill of a true crime story with relevant and timely social critique, this is necessary and urgent reading.
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Jennifer De Leon’s debut is a young adult coming‑of‑age novel about Liliana Cruz, a first generation Latinx teen trying to fit in at her new, predominantly white school. The story explores racial tensions, immigration issues, and growing up. Through Liliana’s eyes, we encounter the reality of microaggressions, and the struggle of relating to those around her while also getting them to understand her. Liliana’s voice is genuine, funny, and real, and I love that she’s a natural‑born writer and storyteller. De Leon paces the story in a way that leaves you wanting more.
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