Spring/Summer An imprint of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Transcription

1 Spring/Summer 2019 An imprint of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

2 EXCITING NEW RELEASES TEEN THE WEIGHT OF OUR SKY by Hanna Alkaf HC: $18.99 E: $10.99 On sale 2/5/19 A music loving teen with OCD does everything she can to find her way back to her mother during the historic race riots in 1969 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in this heartpounding literary debut. COVER TO BE REVEALED LOVE FROM A TO Z by S.K. Ali HC: $18.99 E: $10.99 On sale 5/7/19 From William C. Morris Award Finalist S.K. Ali, author of Saints and Misfits, comes an unforgettable romance that is part The Sun is Also a Star mixed with Eleanor & Park, following two Muslim teens who meet during a spring break trip to Doha, Qatar..com

3 RECENT RELEASES Now in paperback! TEEN SAINTS AND MISFITS by S.K. Ali HC: $18.99 TP: $11.99 E: $8.99 An Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of 2017 H This timely and authentic portrayal is an indisputable purchase in the realistic fiction category. School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW MIDDLE GRADE AMINA S VOICE by Hena Khan HC: $16.99 TP: $7.99 E: $7.99 A Washington Post Best Children s Book of 2017 For inspiring empathy in young readers, you can t get better than this book. R.J. Palacio, author of #1 New York Times bestseller Wonder Amina s anxieties are entirely relatable, but it s her sweet-hearted nature that makes her such a winning protagonist. Entertainment Weekly THE GAUNTLET by Karuna Riazi HC: $16.99 TP: $7.99 E: $7.99 Riazi gives readers a Muslim protagonist who resists genre clichés...a solid middle-grade fantasy and an auspicious debut. Kirkus Reviews.com

4 RECENT RELEASES PICTURE BOOKS SALAM ALAIKUM by Harris J, illustrated by Ward Jenkins HC: $17.99 E: $10.99 There s no questioning the sincerity of the message about kindness and coming together. Publisher s Weekly YO SOY MUSLIM by Mark Gonzalez, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini HC: $17.99 E: $10.99 A Huff Post Most Powerful Children s Book of 2017 H This startling introduction to faith captures the inclusiveness of Islam as do the following spreads showing children of different races and colors juxtaposed against scenes of nature and art...a special book that truly seems to dance with the wind and smile at the sun. Booklist, STARRED REVIEW MOMMY S KHIMAR by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Ebony Glenn HC: $17.99 E: $10.99 H Readers of all backgrounds can easily identify with the imaginative, young narrator...warm and sweet, Mommy s Khimar is an uplifting and invigorating tale for any story time. Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW.com

5 OUR STORY Founded in 2016, Salaam Reads is an imprint that aims to introduce readers of all faiths and backgrounds to a wide variety of Muslim children and families and offer Muslim kids an opportunity to see themselves reflected positively in published works. The imprint, which takes its name from the Arabic word for peace, plans to publish books for young readers of all ages, including picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult. ZAREEN JAFFERY Zareen joined S&S Books for Young Readers in February 2011, continuing her focus on commercial and literary young adult and middle grade fiction, as well as teen nonfiction. Zareen served for two years as a member of the Children s Book Council (CBC) Diversity Committee, and was appointed co-chair of the Diversity within ALSC (Association for Library Services to Children) Task Force from Prior to Simon & Schuster, Zareen worked at HarperCollins Children s Books and Hyperion books, with award-winning authors including Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, novelist Fae Myenne Ng, and mindfulness teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn. Zareen is a graduate of New York University. JUSTIN CHANDA Justin Chanda joined the editorial staff at Simon & Schuster in 2005 after an eight-year stint at HarperCollins. A graduate of New York University, Justin was named publisher of the S&S Books for Young Readers imprint in 2007, McElderry Books and Atheneum Books for Young Readers in 2009, and Salaam Reads in He is keenly interested in publishing books that are equal parts commercial and literary, books that make a contribution to the tradition, while truly entertaining kids. ALEXA PASTOR Alexa Pastor joined Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in August of First assisting Justin Chanda, and now working with Zareen Jaffery, Alexa has been fortunate enough to work with some of the most celebrated voices in the industry. She completed her master s degree in Children s and Young Adult Publishing at Rosemont College in She enjoys working on a wide range of picture books, middle grade, and teen that open up younger readers to new experiences and possibilities..com

6 Diversity in children s books has been an important conversation for decades, and it s great to see the enthusiasm and energy with which it s being tackled lately. It s not just about characters of different backgrounds; it s about respectful representation. I hope the conversation and pursuit of stories by and about underrepresented communities is sustained, and that it leads to meaningful change within the industry. I m proud to be able to champion the books Salaam Reads will publish about Muslim kids and families from all over the world. Zareen Jaffery, Executive Editor Simon & Schuster Children s Publishing Contact us To order, call (800) , PurchaseOrders@SimonandSchuster.com, or contact your Simon & Schuster sales representative.