BLOGS > MAY 4, 2023
BY PENGUIN YOUNG READERS GROUP
Browse the most anticipated Summer 2023 releases from Penguin Young Readers Group, which include titles in historical fiction, mystery, poetry, and social issues. Then shop Titlewave® for your favorites!
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“A poignant glimpse into human imperfections and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review
In her coming-of-age memoir, refugee advocate Luma Mufleh writes of her tumultuous journey to reconcile her identity as a gay Muslim woman and a proud Arab-turned-American refugee.

“A fascinating and accessible adaptation for science-minded or history-obsessed youngsters.” – Kirkus Reviews
In this entertaining young readers edition of the environmental studies classic, Michael Pollan demonstrates how people and domesticated plants have formed a reciprocal relationship. He links four fundamental human desires – sweetness, beauty, energy, and control – with the plants that satisfy them: the apple, the tulip, coffee, and the potato. In telling the stories of four familiar species, Pollan illustrates how the plants have evolved to satisfy humankind's most basic yearnings. And just as we’ve benefited from these plants, we have also helped them to thrive.

“Sincere...Perceptive...Captures the joys and complex anxieties of middle school.” – Kirkus Reviews
Creative and brave sixth-grader Andy Zhou faces big changes at school and at home. No matter how much Andy cares about his friends and family, it’s hard not to feel pulled between all the ways he’s meant to be, all the different faces he wears, and harder still to figure out if any of these masks is the real him.

From the author of Stand Up, Yumi Chung! comes a funny and utterly charming novel about friends – how to make them, how to let go of them, and how to be your own BFF.

“Instructive and inspiring for storytellers of all ages.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
A powerful how-to book for aspiring writers that encourages you to look inward and excavate your own memories in order to discover the authentic voices and compelling details that are waiting to be put on the page. Masterfully weaving in humorous and heartfelt stories from her own life that illustrate an aspect of the craft of writing (such as plot, character development, or dialogue), Sepetys then inspires readers with a series of writing prompts and exercises.

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The skills that decide whether a student reads on grade level in third grade get built long before third grade. Here’s what to look for across PreK, Kindergarten, and Grades 1-2 – and what it takes to build the classroom...
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