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Celebrating World KidLit Month

Celebrating World KidLit Month

September is #WorldKidLitMonth, an annual celebration of world literature for children and young adults! September 30th is also International Translation Day.

To celebrate, we are very happy to share some recent translated titles from around the world — from beautiful picture books to insightful middle grade non-fiction texts to engrossing YA novels.

For young readers:

 

Dogs and Us: A Fifteen-Thousand-Year Friendship
Written and illustrated by Marta Pantaleo
Translated from Italian by Debbie Bibo and Yvette Ghione
 
“A fetching tribute … sure to enrich the natural bonds between dogs and dog lovers.”
Kirkus Reviews

Every Wrinkle Has a Story
Written by David Grossman
Illustrated by Ninamasina
Translated from Hebrew by Jessica Cohen
 
“Gentle, straightforward and lovely.”
New York Times

The Pet Store Window
Written by Jairo Buitrago
Illustrated by Rafael Yockteng
Translated from Spanish (Mexico) by Elisa Amado
 
“I love the translation of [The Pet Store Window] almost as much as the art and story.”
—Betsy Bird, A Fuse #8 Production Blog 

We Are Lions!
Written by Jens Mattsson
Illustrated by Jenny Lucander
Translated from Swedish by B.J. Woodstein

★ “This shattering picture book is practical and elevating in equal measure. … As unflinching as a child’s questions, and brutally compelling.”
School Library Journal, Starred Review

For middle grade readers:

 

Severn Speaks Out
Speech by Severn Cullis-Suzuki
Commentary by Alex Nogués
Illustrated by Ana Suárez
Commentary translated from Spanish (Spain) by Susan Ouriou

Malala Speaks Out
Speech by Malala Yousafzai
Commentary by Clara Fons Duocastella
Illustrated by Yael Frankel
Commentary translated from Spanish (Spain) by Susan Ouriou

Wangari Speaks Out
Speech by Wangari Maathai
Commentary by Laia de Ahumada
Illustrated by Vanina Starkoff
Commentary translated from Spanish (Spain) by Susan Ouriou

José Speaks Out
Speech by José Mujica
Commentary by Dolors Camats
Illustrated by Raúl Nieto Guridi
Speech translated from Spanish (Uruguay) by Sofía Jarrín
Commentary translated from Spanish (Spain) by Sofía Jarrín

“The speech is powerful on its own, but the design of the book’s pages and the inclusion of stylized drawings and illustrations add to the appeal.”
School Library Connection

 For teen and new adult readers:  

 

Suck It in and Smile and Say Yes and Keep Smiling
Written by Laurence Beaudoin-Masse
Translated from French (Québec, Canada) by Shelley Tanaka

★ “This unfiltered look at being a successful influencer strips away the glitz and glitter to show the emotional and physical tolls of fighting for demographics and followers. … A perfect crossover title.”
Booklist, Starred Review
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