Presented by: School Library Journal
Event Date: Monday, May 9, 2022

Tune-in for this special webcast presentation of books for reluctant and struggling readers. Publishing insiders from Lorimer, Simon & Schuster Children's, and Thorndike Press will join us to present their new and upcoming hi-lo titles, which are designed to engage struggling teen readers by exploring complex, age-appropriate themes at a lower reading level, building their comprehension and fluency skills, ultimately leading to an interest in reading.

Featured Titles: 

Catalina Incognito, by Jennifer Torres

Catalina Castaneda is not persnickety, even though that’s what her parents and sister, Coco, like to think. Catalina just likes things the way she likes them—perfect.

That’s why it’s very hard to hide her disappointment when her glamorous Tía Abuela, a famous telenovela actress, gives her an old sewing kit for her eighth birthday. However, Catalina soon discovers the sewing kit isn’t as boring as she thinks—it’s magic, turning ordinary clothing into magical disguises.

When Tía Abuela’s most famous costume has rhinestones stolen from it where it’s being displayed at the local library, Catalina gets to work on creating the perfect disfraz (disguise) to track down the thief. But, as Tía Abuela warned her, the magic is only as strong as her stiches, and Catalina doesn’t always have the patience for practice...

Walk This Way, by Tony Correia

Sixteen-year-old Joshua does drag on social media but wants to have the full drag performance experience. Trouble is, he’s attracted to guys who don’t like drag and want nothing to do with gay men they think are feminine and have a flamboyant image. With the help of a drag mother, Joshua has the chance to live his dream, but only by keeping it secret from the guy he is dating. Grounded by what Joshua learns about how drag continues to be controversial in the gay community, this essential light-hearted story focuses on facing your emotions and finding your authentic self, even if it’s by pretending to be someone else.

Presenters:

Joe Stacey, Digital Marketer & Sales Coordinator, James Lorimer & Company Ltd.

Susan Elliot, Education Sales Consultant, Thorndike Press

Caleigh Flegg, Marketing Associate, Children's Library, Simon & Schuster Children's

Sponsored by:

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