OIB 2021

THE ODE TO THE GODDESS OF THE LUO RIVER

1/24/2021

By Zhiying, Yu.
Adapted and tr. from Chinese by author.
illus. by Ye Luying.
minedition
(China)

This lush, contemporary adaptation of Cao Zhi’s renowned poem, The Goddess of the Luo River, is a tale of forbidden love. Traditional and modern Chinese artistic styles and multi-page gatefolds literally unveil a world of fantasy replete with Chinese mythological gods, goddesses, and creatures.

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SOMEBODY GIVE THIS HEART A PEN

1/24/2021

By Thakur, Sophia.
Candlewick/Walker.
(UK)

In this debut poetry collection, an acclaimed performance poet offers an intimate, honest, heartfelt journey of identity. Divided into four parts (Grow, Wait, Break, and Grow Again), the poems are at times gut-wrenching and raw, and other times a tender celebration of the heart.

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BLUE FLAG. VOL. 1

1/24/2021

By Kaito.
tr. from Japanese by Adrienne Beck.
illus. by author.
VIZ Media
(Japan)

When unassuming high school student Taichi, his childhood friend (and star athlete) Toma, and lovelorn Futaba Kuze end up in the same homeroom, relationship drama ensues. This groundbreaking manga features evolving friendships and unexpected romances; distinctive cartooning balances the tension with light-hearted moments.

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deeplight

1/24/2021

By Hardinge, Frances.
Abrams/Amulet.
(UK)

When Hark finds a dangerous artifact on an undersea dive, those around him attempt to manipulate him in order to gain its power for themselves. Hardinge’s lush prose and rich psychological realism investigate the definition of friendship without taking a break from the action.

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blood moon

1/24/2021

By Cuthew, Lucy.
Candlewick/Walker
(UK)

When Frankie’s first sexual experience goes viral, the aftermath is widespread and destructive. Reputations are destroyed. Friendships disappear. Cyberbullying consumes. Shame reigns. Friendships are rekindled. Confidence is gained. This relatable, timely, and poignant novel in verse is a powerful voice for young women.

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hunted by the sky

1/24/2021

By Bhathena, Tanaz.
Macmillan/Farrar Straus Giroux
(Canada)

A prophecy of uprising underpins palace intrigue, political machination, and shifting alliances in a lush world replete with middle Eastern and east Asian touchstones. As Gul grapples with her power, magic and fantasy cloak everything and escalating action catapults the tale to a thrilling close.

migrants

1/24/2021

By Watanabe, Issa.
illus. by author.
Gecko Press
(Mexico)

Magnificent illustrations with black backgrounds and vibrant colors effectively tell this wordless tale about migration. Each animal character wears or carries everything they possess. They are frightened and exhausted, yet willing to share what they have. The weight of their experience and message is powerful.

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the wanderer

1/24/2021

By Van Den Ende, Peter.
illus. by author.
Levine Querido/Em Querido
(Netherlands)

Intricately detailed grayscale illustrations chronicle the worldwide voyage of a paper boat on a journey of whimsy and discovery. Van Den Ende’s breathtaking debut wordlessly floats from more realistic depictions of flora and fauna into a fantastical world upending usual tropes of oceanic exploration.

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the barren grounds

1/24/2021

By Robertson, David A.
illus. by Natasha Donovan.
Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers/Puffin
(Canada)

In a reimagination of the classic portal fantasy, Robertson (himself an award-winning #OwnVoices writer) weaves indigenous Cree culture and language together with exciting adventure and sensitive portrayals of two indigenous children in the Canadian foster care system.

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plasticus maritimus

1/24/2021

AN INVASIVE SPECIES
By Pêgo, Ana & Martins, Isabel Minhós.
tr. from Portuguese by Jane Springer.
illus. by Bernardo P. Carvalho.
Greystone Books
(Portugal)

What is plastic maritimus? How invasive is plastic to our oceans? Marine biologist Pêgo presents a well-researched book about the existing problem that plastics create for oceans. Sturdy field guide format provides accessible text, diagrams, photographs, colored pencil illustrations, social action tips and resources.

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