Current Recommendations for Booklovers

May 3-9 is Children's Book Week, the annual celebration of children’s books and reading. Established in 1919, it is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country.

Today, we are publishing a special edition of LitNuts, with a great selection of children's books from indie authors, just in time for Mother's Day. Enjoy!

"Fantastic story!! I read this story with my 8-year-old nephew, and we both really enjoyed this. Definitely a story I'd like to read to my son when he's old enough!" -Kylie, ARC Reader. The first book in the series, Marty is the classic family book that’s entertaining for all ages. Join Marty and Ruzo on an adventure that will tickle the funny bone, tug at the heartstrings and spark the imagination. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

“Beautifully written and illustrated book. My grandchildren are enjoying Liza‘s letters very much and I appreciate all the sound information behind each story." -Amazon review. Read Letters From Liza and experience the dog’s perspective and adventures with her human siblings, Sam and Bea. "It is essential for children to understand the perspective of others, and using a sweet dog helps to teach children patience and understanding." -Amazon review From $2.99 SHOP NOW / 

Do you believe in magic, that of kindness and love? One year, Christmas and Eid fell on the same day. On that day, two girls met. Find out how their magical friendship and acts of kindness spread the spirit of giving. This story inspires children to think of others and to give generously regardless of social backgrounds and beliefs. A reader stated: I was enchanted with its sweet message and lovely illustrations about a friendship between two young girls from different religious backgrounds. From $3.99 SHOP NOW / 

“If you are a fan of Harry Potter, this book is a must read.” -Sublime Book Review. A teenage wizard moves to the mystically jeopardized Scottish Highlands to discover that magic is forbidden in a land where legends run awry. “With flavors of modern folklore and old-world chivalry, a riotously-paced adventure with a hip edge.” -McKelle George, author From $5.99 SHOP NOW / 

Kylie loves her life with her horses, best friend Joey, and her parents on their Montana horse ranch. Then one summer, Mom can't get out of bed one day, and the next, she can't sit still. She's embarrassing and mean, and Kylie keeps secrets from everyone except her horses. From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

A small yellow school bus pulls up in front of the little red brick schoolhouse. Telly, the bus driver, discovers all of the children are missing -- all except one very frightened Billy who has hidden in a cabinet. Where is everyone? The little town of Rocky Flats is stirred into a frenzy. As the clock ticks and the little town rallies together in the search, will they find the children before it's too late? From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

Twelve-year-old Henry Simmons lives in Greenwood, the thriving side of Tulsa, OK, known as "Black Wall Street." One night, Henry's life changes forever when a Black shoe shiner is accused of assaulting a girl. Henry witnesses violence because of the color of his skin and has to flee with his family. "This riveting, multi-layered story about family, race, and loss will appeal to adults as well." -Amazon review From $0.99 SHOP NOW / 

EventBrite is a great source of online culture, comedy and fine arts events, free and paid. Note that a (free) Eventbrite account may be required to register for these events.

Here are a couple of great events happening TODAY, May 7: 

• A Virtual Street Art Exhibit in Brooklyn, 1 - 2 p.m. EDT: In this virtual visit to Brooklyn, you'll see some of the finest street art in the world! 
• Comedy Crossing: The "Animal Crossing" Standup Comedy Show, 10 - 11:30 p.m. EDT: Jump inside the super cute world of "Animal Crossing" for this virtual comedy show. 

“Culture is the arts elevated to a set of beliefs.” ~Thomas Wolfe

“This book will stay with me.” -Sarah Haywood, The Cactus. A boy and his father are separated by an unforgivable lie. Twenty years later they meet, and the dying father tells his son of the men who cheated him and the town of Mission that spurned him. John plans his revenge. What follows is a twist of guile and brutality, mud and gold, as his father's enemies are played by the young man with the crooked snout and the pocketful of hatpins. “Powerful” -Tamar Hodes, The Water and the Wine From $3.99 SHOP NOW / 

Today's featured books include a recent release from our long-time friend and Chicago Writers Association member Libby Fischer Hellmann. If you know Libby's work, you know her novels are always gripping and meticulously researched. If you don't know Libby, A Bend in the River would be a great introduction. 

Looking for online literary events you can attend from anywhere? Check out the listings on the Book Signing Event Calendar. They list a combination of in-person and virtual events, so look for listings that have been labeled as "Online Events" or events in your area.

"A healthy social life is found only when, in the mirror of each soul, the whole community finds its reflection, and when, in the whole community, the virtue of each one is living." ~Rudolf Steiner

Publishers Weekly says Like No Other Boy "finds true beauty in the moving love of fathers for sons" in this emotional tale of a single father fighting for the happiness of his autistic child. By weaving in scientific concepts about communication barriers, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and humans' connections to animals, author Larry Center creates an optimistic story filled with hope. From $3.99 SHOP NOW / 

Is there a warning before life shatters into pieces? In 1968 two young Vietnamese sisters flee to Saigon after their village on the Mekong River is attacked by American forces and burned to the ground. The only survivors of the massacre that killed their family, the sisters struggle to survive but become estranged, separated by sharply different choices and ideologies. From $1.99 SHOP NOW /