Square Books, Jr.

Karina Yan Glaser signs The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

Join Square Books as author Karina Yan Glaser signs her book The Vanderbeekers of 141st StreetWednesday, March 27th from 4:30PM to 6PM at Square Books Jr.

There will be no presentation.

Can't make it? Purchase a signed copy here. Personalization available.

About the Book

The first book in the bestselling series that the New York Times Book Review hails as “delightful and heartwarming.”

The Vanderbeekers have always lived in the brownstone on 141st Street. It's practically another member of the family. So when their reclusive, curmudgeonly landlord decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have eleven days to do whatever it takes to stay in their beloved home and convince the dreaded Beiderman just how wonderful they are.

And all is fair in love and war when it comes to keeping their home.

The New York Times bestselling Vanderbeekers series is perfect for fans of the Penderwicks. As Booklist commented in a starred review: “Few families in children’s literature are as engaging or amusing as the Vanderbeekers, even in times of turmoil.”

The series includes:

  • The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
  • The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden
  • The Vanderbeekers to the Rescue
  • The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found
  • The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish
  • The Vanderbeekers on the Road
About the Author

Karina Glaser is the New York Times bestselling author of the Vanderbeekers series and A Duet for Home. A former teacher as well as employee of New York City’s largest provider of transitional housing for the homeless, Karina is now a contributing editor at Book Riot. Karina lives in Harlem, New York City, with her husband, two children, and assortment of rescue animals. One of her proudest achievements is raising two kids who can’t go anywhere without a book. Visit her at karinaglaser.com. 

Praise for The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

"Glaser’s love for the Vanderbeekers shines through in her prose and stick drawings. Readers will look forward to future adventures. A highly recommended purchase for all middle grade collections." — School Library Journal (starred review)

"Few [families] in children’s literature are as engaging or amusing as the Vanderbeekers." — Booklist (starred review)

"[Karina Yan Glaser’s] contemporary family narrative preserves the winsome tone and innocence of the aforementioned classics while updating them with a rich, modern diversity of characters, settings and problems. Glaser’s warmhearted story highlights a cold truth: What is often missing in the busy lives of today’s plugged-in, checked-out families is a sense of community. In the vast village of New York City, she suggests, what it takes to raise a child can still be found on one square block." — New York Times Book Review

"A heartwarming story about family and community that will appeal to readers who also enjoy an old-fashioned feel." — Kirkus Reviews

"With rich dialogue and detailed descriptions of the neighborhood, the text provides a humorous and heartwarming story about siblings uniting to save their home. Through the Vanderbeekers, Glaser provides a portrait of the splendors of Harlem and the sense of community that can be built among neighbors of all backgrounds. This will draw fans of rollicking family stories, and while it’s centered on Christmas, it would be enjoyable any time of the year." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"Uplifting. Readers who enjoy a cheery story that’s simultaneously old-fashioned and of the moment in its sensibility will enjoy this introduction to the Vanderbeekers and look forward to their future adventures." — Publishers Weekly

"Glaser’s third-person narration weaves individual characters’ plot threads and a palpable sense of place through the larger family story in the tradition of Jeanne Birdsall, Sydney Taylor, Elizabeth Enright, and Hilary McKay." — The Horn Book

“The Vanderbeekers join the Melendys, the Cassons, and the ‘All of a Kind’ Family on my list of favorite book-families. I’m in love with every single Vanderbeeker! Their story is utterly enchanting: I did not want it to end. More, please?” — Linda Sue Park, Newbery medalist

Books: 
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street By Karina Yan Glaser Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9781328499219
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Clarion Books - September 4th, 2018

The first book in the bestselling series that the New York Times Book Review hails as “delightful and heartwarming.”


Event date: 
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 - 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Square Books Jr.
111 Courthouse Square
Oxford, MS 38655

Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn in conversation with Kristi Livingston for Exclusion and the Chinese American Story

Until now, you've only heard one side of the story, but Chinese American history extends far beyond the railroads. Here's the true story of America, from the Chinese American perspective.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Join us in welcoming educator, speaker, coach and author Dr. Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn for her debut children's story Exclusion and the Chinese American Story (Race to the Truth)Tuesday, March 26th at 5:00PM at Square Books Jr. Blackburn will be in conversation with Educational Consultant and UM Department of Education instructor Kristi Livingston.

Reserve a signed copy here. Personalization available.

About the Book

If you've learned about the history of Chinese people in America, it was probably about their work on the railroads in the 1800s. But more likely, you may not have learned about it at all. This may make it feel like Chinese immigration is a newer part of this country, but some scholars believe the first immigrant arrived from China 499 CE--one thousand years before Columbus did! 

When immigration picked up in the mid-1800s, efforts to ban immigrants from China began swiftly. But hope, strength, and community allowed the Chinese population in America to flourish. From the gold rush and railroads to entrepreneurs, animators, and movie stars, this is the true story of the Chinese American experience.

About the Author

Dr. Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn is an educator, speaker and professional learning facilitator. She was born in Bangkok, Thailand into a mixed-race Malaysian Chinese and white American family. A classic “third culture kid,” she grew up moving between various East and Southeast Asian countries and the Washington DC area. Sarah moved to the Deep South in 2009, and she has now lived there longer than anywhere else. Her experiences first as a classroom teacher and then as a teacher educator inform her beliefs about the role that education can and must play in the realization of social justice.

She owes very much to her ancestors.

Sarah spent most of her years in the classroom teaching third and fourth grade. As a professional trainer, Sarah’s areas of focus have included workplace cultures, leadership skills, and diversity, equity and inclusion. Sarah has an M.A. in Social Justice and Education from University College London’s Institute of Education. Her doctoral research at Johns Hopkins University explored strategies for retaining rural educators, and her Ed.D. specialization was Instructional Design in Online Teaching and Learning. She is based out of Oxford, Mississippi.

About the Conversation Partner

 

Kristina Livingston is an Educational Services Consultant with CORE. She has extensive experience working with students in grades K-6 as well as training and coaching both preservice and in-service educators in the field of literacy. Kristina currently serves as an adjunct instructor for the University of Mississippi where she works closely with preservice educators as they learn about implementing key practices to support literacy achievement in all students. Prior to her work as an instructor, Kristina spent several years leading professional development and serving as a literacy coach for the Mississippi Department of Education. Before that, she spent several years as an intervention specialist supporting struggling readers in a high-needs K-6 school. Kristina earned her Ed.D. from the University of Mississippi and holds a National Board Certification in the area of literacy. She not only has deep knowledge of pedagogy, but is well-studied in the art of andragogy, or adult education, and has provided hundreds of hours of engaging professional development over the last several years focusing on modeling and application of new concepts.

At Kristi’s core, she believes that every child deserves the best educational experience possible and that every teacher deserves the materials and support to help make that happen.

Praise for Exclusion and the Chinese American Story

"Deftly written and informative; a call for vigilance and equality." —Kirkus Reviews

Books: 
Pre-Order Now Badge
Exclusion and the Chinese American Story (Race to the Truth) By Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780593567630
Availability: Coming Soon - Available for Pre-Order Now
Published: Crown Books for Young Readers - March 26th, 2024

Until now, you've only heard one side of the story, but Chinese American history extends far beyond the railroads. Here's the true story of America, from the Chinese American perspective.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection


Event date: 
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 - 5:00pm
Square Books Jr.
111 Courthouse Square
Oxford, MS 38655

STORYTIME TAKEOVER: Ballet Memphis reads Jan Brett's The Nutcracker

Join Square Books and Ballet Memphis for a very special storytime! Ballet Memphis will read Jan Brett's The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 9th at 10AM.

About the Book

Jan Brett's striking illustrations and the Christmas classic The Nutcracker are a match made in picture book heaven.

When Marie and her brother Fritz receive a special Christmas nutcracker from their uncle, Marie immediately feels something magical. "He looks like a real boy," she mused. "A real boy with a secret, who came from far away."

This feeling is only the beginning of the epic adventure she goes on with the Nutcracker—into the cabinet, through the battle with the mice, and finally to the magical land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Jan Brett makes this classic her own by setting it in snowy Russia and adding whimsical touches to the favorite elements of the traditional ballet. Enjoying this book will be an instant Christmas tradition for families who love the ballet and those new to the story.
As perfect a gift as Jan Brett's classics The Mitten and The Night Before Christmas.

About Ballet Memphis

Ballet Memphis, founded in 1986 by Dorothy Gunther Pugh, is a nationally lauded, professional dance company known for its innovative, classically based repertoire that reflects true American dance. The Company performs at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Memphis, Playhouse on the Square in Midtown Memphis, as well as at the Ballet Memphis Fly studio in the heart of midtown Memphis. Ballet Memphis has performed with rave reviews in New York, Washington DC, Central American, Tokyo and other cities across the country.

 

Books: 
Jan Brett's The Nutcracker By Jan Brett, Jan Brett (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jan Brett, Jan Brett (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780593109823
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers - November 16th, 2021

Jan Brett's striking illustrations and the Christmas classic The Nutcracker are a match made in picture book heaven.

When Marie and her brother Fritz receive a special Christmas nutcracker from their uncle, Marie immediately feels something magical. "He looks like a real boy," she mused. "A real boy with a secret, who came from far away."


Event date: 
Saturday, December 9, 2023 - 10:00am to 2:00pm
Square Books Jr.
111 Courthouse Square
Oxford, MS 38655

THACKER MOUNTAIN RADIO HOUR: Steve Azar and Sarah Frances Hardy

Thursday, November 9th: THACKER MOUNTAIN RADIO HOUR: Steve Azar and Sarah Frances Hardy

Thursday, November 9th – Thacker Mountain Radio Hour at the Powerhouse!

 Showtime: 6 pm

Learn more about the show's lineup here

Can't make it? Reserve a signed copy of One Mississippi here. Personalization available.

Featuring...

Steve Azar and illustrator Sarah Frances Hardy for their book One Mississippi

About the Book

Based on the new, official Mississippi state song “One Mississippi” by award-winning performer Steve Azar, and illustrated by award-winning children’s book author Sarah Frances Hardy, One Mississippi will be the children’s gift book for 2023.

About the Authors

Steve Azar, a Mississippi delta native, is a hit songwriter, recording artist, and music producer. He has released seven critically acclaimed studio albums, as well as several No. 1 music videos. His latest release, My Mississippi Reunion, winner of the 2021 Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters award for best contemporary album, features a collection of past and new songs inspired by Azar’s roots. The song “One Mississippi” is the official state song of Mississippi.


Sarah Frances Hardy studied at Parsons School of Design in New York and Paris. Her paintings are characterized by vivid colors and expressive brushstrokes. Hardy’s works have exhibited in galleries throughout the Southeast as well as a gallery in SoHo, New York. Hardy’s published children’s picture books include Puzzled by Pink (Viking Children’s Books), Paint Me! (Sky Pony Press), and Dress Me! (Sky Pony Press).

 

Air times:

Thursday, November 9th – 6:00 pm (CT) WUMS – University of Mississippi

Friday, November 17th – 6 am (CT) WYXR 91.7 FM Memphis, TN.

Saturday, November 18th –3 pm (ET) University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

7 pm (CT) Mississippi Public Broadcasting

9 pm (CT) Alabama Public Radio

Sunday, November 19th -3 pm (ET) WUOT | 91.9 FM, Knoxville

2 pm (MT) KNCE 93.5 | Taos, New Mexico

Books: 
One Mississippi By Steve Azar, Sarah Frances Hardy (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Steve Azar, Sarah Frances Hardy (Illustrator)
$18.95
ISBN: 9781949455427
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Nautilus - August 19th, 2023

Based on the new song “One Mississippi” by award-winning performer Steve Azar, and illustrated by award-winning children’s book author Sarah Frances Hardy, One Mississippi will be the children’s gift book for 2023.


Event date: 
Thursday, November 9, 2023 - 5:00pm
The Powerhouse
413 S. 14th Street
Oxford, MS 38655

Kalynn Bayron reads and signs The Vanquishers: Secret of the Reaping

Monday: 10/09 at 5 PM: Kalynn Bayron reads and signs The Vanquishers: Secret of the Reaping

The Vanquishers are back and ready to defend their town against the undead in this spooky middle grade from New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron.

 

Join us as we launch Cinderella is Dead author Kalynn Bayron's sequel to her middle grade series The Vanquishers: Secret of the ReapingMonday, October 9th · 5 PM at Square Books, Jr.

Don't have your copy of The Vanquishers yet? Be sure to preorder the paperback here

Personalizations of both books available.

About the Book

Boog and her best friends, Cedrick, Jules, and Aaron--aka the Squad--stick together, no matter what. Now that vampires are back, they'll need to take their Vanquisher lessons more seriously than ever. But who is behind this return of the undead? 

When strange disappearances keep happening across their community and the Department of Vampire Affairs not-so-subtly warns Boog's mom to keep quiet about vampires returning, it looks like uncovering the truth won't be so easy. The Squad is eager to kick some undead butt, but will they be able to convince their parents they are ready to fight alongside the Vanquishers?

About the Author

Kalynn Bayron is the bestselling author of the award-winning YA fantasy Cinderella Is Dead and This Poison Heart. She is a classically trained vocalist and when she’s not writing you can find her listening to Ella Fitzgerald on loop, attending the theater, watching scary movies, and spending time with her kids. She currently lives in upstate New York with her family.

Praise For...

“A sharp vampire tale full of bite, heart, and humor that's sure to please any 'thirsty' reader. The undead don't stand a chance with Malika 'Boog' Wilson and her friends on the case.” —Rena Barron, author of the Maya and the Rising Dark series

“A heart-pounding and hilarious reimagining of classic vampire mythology. Boog and her friends will capture your heart in an instant. You'll cry, laugh, and ache in this stunning, unique adventure. I'm ready to become a Vanquisher!” —Mark Oshiro, #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of THE SUN AND THE STAR

“Combining mythology and science to produce a fresh take on modern vampire lore, Bayron erects a fantastical San Antonio that is as chock-full of personality as each of the story's characters. Pithy dialogue and sensational description make this a speedy, eerie read.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Books: 
The Vanquishers: Secret of the Reaping By Kalynn Bayron Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9781547611577
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Bloomsbury Children's Books - October 10th, 2023

The Vanquishers are back and ready to defend their town against the undead in this spooky middle grade from New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron.


The Vanquishers By Kalynn Bayron Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9781547612710
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Bloomsbury Children's Books - October 10th, 2023

In New York Times bestselling author Kalynn Bayron's middle grade series, vampires were history . . . until now.

"A sharp vampire tale full of bite, heart, and humor." --Rena Barron, author of the Maya and the Rising Dark series


Event date: 
Monday, October 9, 2023 - 5:00pm
Square Books, Jr.
111 Courthouse Square
Oxford, MS 38655

Storytime Takeover with Jacki Kellum and The Donkey's Song

Saturday 11/19 10 AM | Storytime Takeover with Jacki Kellum and The Donkey's Song

Children will experience the first Christmas through new eyes in this heart-tugging story of the Nativity, told by the gentle but determined donkey that carried Jesus's parents to Bethlehem. It's a perfect Christmas gift book for snuggling up and sharing.

Masks Encouraged☺*

If you have questions or concerns about our safety protocols, please email rsvp@squarebooks.com

Can't make it? Reserve a signed first edition here. Personalization available.

*please note, as Covid case numbers change, these protocols may too. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

Square Books, Jr. is excited to announce this Storytime Takeover with veteran storyteller and children's author Jacki Kellum and her debut book The Donkey's Song. 

Join us Saturday, November 19th at 10 AM at Square Books, Jr. for a story hour that will include not only a reading, but also a sing-along and donkey puppet making!

About the Book

Sleepy but strong, I clip-clopped along
to rest in a stable with straw.

The wonder of the first Christmas miracle is movingly told with descriptions of scented pine, warm candlelight, fresh hay, and a "sweet angel sound" as a gentle donkey welcomes the baby Jesus. Each page has adorable, moonlit images of the humble farm animals that were there to witness and comfort.

This luminous, soothing song of hope, friendship, conviction, and faith is one that families will return to each Christmas for years to come.

About the Author

JACKI KELLUM is a painter and writer who works from her studio in the Ozark Mountains. The Donkey's Song is her debut picture book. See more of Jacki's work at jackikellum.com, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @jackikellum.

About the Illustrator

SYDNEY HANSON is the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Why a Daughter Needs a Dad by Gregory E. Lang. Sydney was raised in Minnesota alongside numerous pets, and her illustrations and paintings still reflect a love for animals and the natural world, in picture books such as The Donkey's SongPanda Pants, and Hugo and the Impossible Thing. In addition to her book illustrations, Sydney is an experienced production artist who has worked for animation companies such as Nickelodeon and Disney Interactive. Follow Sydney on Instagram at @sydwiki.

Praise For

"Utterly adorable."—Kirkus

"A sweet and gentle introduction to the nativity story."—Publishers Weekly

“Kellum uses short, lyrical stanzas to describe the sights and scents of the manger, such as the flicker of candlelight and the smell of pine. . . . Illustrations seem to glow with soft light, which gives each spread a cozy warmth.”—School Library Journal

Books: 
The Donkey's Song: A Christmas Nativity Story By Jacki Kellum, Sydney Hanson (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jacki Kellum, Sydney Hanson (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780593375051
Availability: Usually Arrives in Store in 1-5 Days
Published: Doubleday Books for Young Readers - October 18th, 2022

Children will experience the first Christmas through new eyes in this heart-tugging story of the Nativity, told by the gentle but determined donkey that carried Jesus's parents to Bethlehem. It's a perfect Christmas gift book for snuggling up and sharing.

Sleepy but strong, I clip-clopped along
to rest in a stable with straw.


Event date: 
Saturday, November 19, 2022 - 10:00am
111 Courthouse Square
Oxford, MS 38655

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