18 August Ave | Stories, literacy, and wellbeing — shared together.
Dive into a whimsical adventure with 'The Ghost Who Was Afraid of Everything,' where a timid ghost learns that bravery sometimes comes with a little spooky encouragement! Join in this delightful read, perfect for cozy story times with your little one.
A delightful tale of a timid ghost overcoming fears and discovering bravery.
Engaging illustrations that bring the whimsical story to life for young readers.
Ideal for encouraging discussions about fear and courage with children.
Uncover the magic of facing fears with your child as you journey through this charming adventure. Let it be a nightly favorite that sparks conversations and imagination.
In the tradition of Lemony Snicket's The Dark and Riel Nason's The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt, Finn, a whimsical ghostie - already popular on the author's social media - works through his fears of trick-or-treating.
If you're a fraidy-ghost, enjoying Halloween is hard!
When Finn is afraid, his stomach swoops, his hands sweat, and he can't move.
Finn, a spooky little ghostie, is too afraid to leave the comfort of his attic to enjoy trick-or-treating with his family. He's afraid of everything--the color orange, trees, people, even flying! But then he realizes that if he wants his favorite Halloween candy, he'll need to overcome his fears. Through incremental exposures to the things he's afraid of, Finn finds courage to do things he enjoys with the people he loves.
Perfect for spooky season, this debut picture book from artist Nadia Ahmed is sure to inspire readers to find the courage to overcome their own fears.
An awe-inspiring picture book about the origin and advancement of humans, from author and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith.
A Robert F. Sibert Informational Honor Book
Fossil records show that the first humans were born in Africa. Meaning, every person on Earth can trace their ancestry back to that continent. The History of We celebrates our shared ancestors' ingenuity and achievements and imagines what these firsts would have looked and felt like.
What was it like for the first person to paint, to make music, to dance, to discover medicine, to travel to unknown lands? It required courage, curiosity, and skill.
The History of We takes what we know about modern human civilization and, through magnificent paintings, creates a tale about our shared beginnings in a way that centers Black people in humankind's origin story.
Dive into a delightful adventure with 'My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World' by Malcolm Mitchell, an inspiring tale that ignites the joy of reading and self-discovery in young minds! It's a must-have for every child's bookshelf!
Engaging story that celebrates the joy of reading and self-discovery.
Features diverse illustrations that captivate young readers' attention.
Written by a celebrated author, perfect for inspiring young minds.
Unlock a love for reading and help your child see themselves in stories that celebrate diversity and learning. This book isn't just a story—it's a journey to self-love and understanding.
Inspire and empower young readers with 'I Am My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams,' a captivating children's book celebrating heritage and identity! Dive into vibrant illustrations and a heartwarming story that uplifts and educates. Perfect for family reading time!
Empowering narrative celebrating cultural heritage.
Vibrant illustrations that capture the imagination.
Ideal for family reading and discussions on identity.
Ignite the dreams of young readers and instill a sense of pride in their rich cultural heritage with this beautifully illustrated book.
URA BELPRÉ AUTHOR HONOR AWARD - In this powerful novel in verse, a Texan teen fights against racism and book banning efforts in her town by creating a theatre club that speaks up and speaks out.
"A powerful love letter to finding and using your voice."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"The perfect read for teens who are being impacted by book banning and other sociopolitical changes."--Booklist, starred review
Yulieta Lopez is accustomed to playing various roles: the diligent daughter, the honorable hija, the good girl who swallows the flames in her throat before they burn anyone. But the fire inside Yuli is spreading, and she can no longer be silent.
Because Yuli is angry. Angry at the school board threatening to ban books that made Yuli feel seen. Angry that she has to keep quiet until she can head to college and leave Texas forever. And angry at her racist drama teacher who refuses to cast Black students in lead roles. Determined to fight back, Yuli and her friends start a guerrilla theater club, which stirs things up and gets people talking, and finally, Yuli steps into the role she was always meant to play.
This powerful novel in verse is a timely story of resistance, a raw reflection of righteous anger in an unjust world, and a reminder that sometimes, the only way to be heard is to speak up and take center stage.
Instant #1 New York Times bestseller!
Internationally bestselling superstar author Angie Thomas makes her middle grade debut with the launch of an inventive, hilarious, and suspenseful new contemporary fantasy trilogy inspired by African American history and folklore.
It’s not easy being a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world. Some things are cool—like getting a pet hellhound for your twelfth birthday. Others, not so much—like not being trusted to learn magic because you might use it to take revenge on an annoying neighbor.
All Nic Blake wants is to be a powerful Manifestor like her dad. But before she has a chance to convince him to teach her the gift, a series of shocking revelations and terrifying events launch Nic and two friends on a hunt for a powerful magic tool she’s never heard of...to save her father from imprisonment for a crime she refuses to believe he committed.
A Modern Magical World: Welcome to the world of the Remarkables, where getting a pet hellhound for your twelfth birthday is totally normal, but learning your own powers is strictly off-limits.
Black Girl Magic: Meet Nic Blake, a determined Manifestor-in-training who just wants to learn the Gift. But when her own magic is the one thing that might save her dad, she’ll have to unlock it on her own terms.
Inspired by Folklore: Discover a rich fantasy landscape woven from African American history and legends like "The People Could Fly" and the tales of High John de Conqueror.
Friendship and Found Family: Joined by her hilarious, bow-tie-loving best friend JP and a long-lost twin brother she never knew existed, Nic must rely on her crew to uncover the truth.
Dive into the electrifying world of Miles Morales with 'Shock Waves', a graphic novel that captures the excitement of a superhero's journey with heart and action! Perfect for young readers who love adventure and superheroes.
A thrilling Spider-Man graphic novel featuring Miles Morales on a new adventure.
Vibrant illustrations bring the action-packed story to life.
Ideal for young readers, fostering a love of superheroes and graphic novels.
Watch your child become a hero of their own as they explore the world through Miles Morales' thrilling experiences. This graphic novel isn’t just a read—it’s an unforgettable adventure.
Unleash the spine-tingling thrills of nostalgia with this captivating 'Goosebumps' collector's tin. Dive into a world of eerie adventures and hair-raising tales—a perfect set for budding bookworms!
Iconic 'Goosebumps' book set featuring spooky stories by R.L. Stine.
Comes in a collectible tin, perfect for storage and display.
Encourages young readers to develop a love for thrilling tales.
Ignite your child's sense of adventure and imagination with these timeless, spine-tingling tales that foster a love for reading. Every turn of the page is a thrilling ride into the world of chills and thrills!
Five of the all-time bestselling Goosebumps books with their original covers in an exclusive collectible retro tin!
Goosebumps now on Disney+!
Reader beware--it's the original scare!
In this exclusive retro collector's tin are five of the all-time bestselling Goosebumps books including:
Welcome to Dead House
Say Cheese And Die!
Night of the Living Dummy
The Haunted Mask
One Day at HorrorLand
Give yourself Goosebumps!
Dive into the compelling journey of "Dreamer: A Graphic Memoir" by Akim Aliu and discover how dreams can defy all odds! This powerful graphic memoir captures the challenges and triumphs of growing up Black in the hockey world, delivering inspiration with every page-turn.
Engaging graphic memoir about overcoming adversity in the world of hockey.
Illustrated with vibrant, dynamic artwork to capture the excitement and emotion of the story.
Includes themes of perseverance, identity, and dreams, perfect for inspiring young readers.
Let your child embark on a journey of resilience and hope, learning the power of dreams and determination through this uplifting story.
URA BELPRÉ AUTHOR HONOR AWARD - In this powerful novel in verse, a Texan teen fights against racism and book banning efforts in her town by creating a theatre club that speaks up and speaks out.
"A powerful love letter to finding and using your voice."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"The perfect read for teens who are being impacted by book banning and other sociopolitical changes."--Booklist, starred review
Yulieta Lopez is accustomed to playing various roles: the diligent daughter, the honorable hija, the good girl who swallows the flames in her throat before they burn anyone. But the fire inside Yuli is spreading, and she can no longer be silent.
Because Yuli is angry. Angry at the school board threatening to ban books that made Yuli feel seen. Angry that she has to keep quiet until she can head to college and leave Texas forever. And angry at her racist drama teacher who refuses to cast Black students in lead roles. Determined to fight back, Yuli and her friends start a guerrilla theater club, which stirs things up and gets people talking, and finally, Yuli steps into the role she was always meant to play.
This powerful novel in verse is a timely story of resistance, a raw reflection of righteous anger in an unjust world, and a reminder that sometimes, the only way to be heard is to speak up and take center stage.
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
From National Book Award-winning author and renowned poet Elizabeth Acevedo comes a white-knuckle journey to self-understanding and doing the right thing, no matter the cost.
Lil is anything but small. She's rebellious, she's loyal; she's figuring out what kind of good person she wants to be, or if she wants to be a good person at all. But more than anything? Lil wants to be free.
When her instinct for freedom leads to another stay in D.C. juvenile detention, Lil knows she's lucky to just be on probation. But judgment, guilt, and an ankle monitor weigh heavily on her, and she can't shake that pinned-down feeling.
The only person who might understand is her big brother, Aldwin. Except he's more distant now than just the hundred miles where he's away at college. Something's been off with him for a couple of months, but only Lil seems to realize how important it is to get to him.
As her court hearing ticks closer, a question looms over Lil as the missed phone calls and strange texts from her brother pile up: will she follow the rules until her sentencing, or put her future freedom on the line?
Dive into the compelling journey of "Dreamer: A Graphic Memoir" by Akim Aliu and discover how dreams can defy all odds! This powerful graphic memoir captures the challenges and triumphs of growing up Black in the hockey world, delivering inspiration with every page-turn.
Engaging graphic memoir about overcoming adversity in the world of hockey.
Illustrated with vibrant, dynamic artwork to capture the excitement and emotion of the story.
Includes themes of perseverance, identity, and dreams, perfect for inspiring young readers.
Let your child embark on a journey of resilience and hope, learning the power of dreams and determination through this uplifting story.
Dive into the thrilling world of 'To Steal a Throne,' where secrets and magic collide in an unforgettable fantasy adventure.
Intriguing fantasy novel with a thrilling plot
Richly developed characters and captivating world-building
Perfect for young adults and fantasy lovers
Embark on an exhilarating journey through magic, lies, and destiny. This book will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to explore the mysteries and adventures within its pages.
In this YA fantasy novel perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter, a girl who has always served others decides to take power for herself.
Her magic feeds on lies.
His magic could destroy her.
Mira Kyler runs the court of Virdei from the shadows. Ever since she helped her half-brother Luc cheat his way into the role of Virdei's leader, she's used her lie-powered magic to collect secrets from members of court, then used them as blackmail to keep her brother in power.
But when newcomer Kaidren Vale shows up and challenges Luc's leadership, he threatens the stability Mira has worked so hard for. Kaidren also has magic—magic that can detect the precise nature of someone else's power with a single touch. If Kaidren so much as brushes against her, everyone will discover that Mira is the one who's been manipulating the court for years.
As Kaidren and Luc compete in three deadly challenges called The Trials, Mira realizes that no matter who wins, she'll be stuck serving a mediocre man who doesn't deserve to be in charge. She's done hiding in the shadows. She wants power of her own.
To get it, she'll have to betray both her own brother and Kaidren—but the fiercer the competition gets, the more Mira realizes that the one boy who could destroy everything is the one boy she might not be able to resist.
Uncover the complexities of young love and self-discovery with "Goodbye and Everything After"—a compelling novel about finding where you belong in the chaos of change.
Engaging storyline about love, friendship, and new beginnings.
Vivid, relatable characters that capture the essence of young adult experiences.
Beautiful, artistic cover that makes it a perfect gift or keepsake.
Dive into a world where every goodbye promises a new beginning. Whether you're a teen experiencing your first love or an adult reminiscing about youthful days, this book will tug at your heartstrings and offer a comforting escape.
A teen girl comes face to face with the ghost of her recently deceased dad when she ignores a strict Filipino superstition in this contemporary YA novel that tackles grief, family tension, and first love.
It’s been five years since Nika’s beloved father passed away, but her family has never fully grieved. They don’t speak of him much at all, except on the anniversary of his death.
Whenever they visit her father’s grave, Nika’s superstitious mother still insists on practicing pagpag, a Filipino belief that you can never go directly home after attending a funeral—or risk the spirit of the departed following you back home.
But when her mom’s new fiancé suddenly shows up at the cemetery for this year’s memorial for her dad, she furiously walks out, breaking the pagpag superstition. The next day, she finds herself face-to-face with the ghost of her dead father. . . and Nika’s the only one who can see him.
As she spends more time re-connecting with her dad’s ghost, Nika slowly learns about her parents’ past and how they fell in love back in high school. And when they recreate memories of her parents’ love story, Nika discovers that her dad’s spirit slowly becomes more solid and alive. Fearing that she’ll lose her dad again, Nika makes it her mission to find a way to make her dad stay permanently, no matter what the cost.
With a perfect blend of humor and heart, Mae Coyiuto artfully brings past to present in a way that explores grief head-on.
OPRAH'S BOOK CLUB PICK - A Goodreads Editors' Book Pick - For readers of The House on Mango Street and We the Animals, this striking debut brings to life an unforgettable young narrator and the complicated, loving, cruel, and generous figures that make up her universe.
"A riveting new novel from first-time author Amanda Rizkalla compassionately tackles the difficult subject of families who live outside the margins, living unhoused, and makes us see not only their struggles, but their hopes, dreams, and the perseverance it takes to face another day." --Oprah
Sofia's mother promises that soon she'll have her own bedroom to decorate. Soon, too, she'll be able to see her friends, go back to school, and eat the colorful, tempting cakes in the grocery store's display case. For now, though, twelve-year-old Sofia lives with her mother and younger brother in their car. For now, Sofia's days are a blur of freeways and strip malls as her mother searches for a safe place to park for the night. For now, Sofia tries to carve out a space and an identity for herself while grappling with her family's disintegration.
This haunting and lyrical novel captures the fault lines of an existence marked by economic insecurity, exploring what it means to come of age during a moment of displacement. Beautiful, evocative, and emotionally charged, Amanda Rizkalla'sHungeredis an indelible ode to survival, memory, and the search for home in its many forms
From the celebrated author of Bitter Orange and Swimming Lessons comes an "atmospheric, psychologically vivid, and unputdownable" new novel of complicated friendship and the desperate need to belong (Alice Winn).
1987: After a childhood trauma and years in and out of the care system, sixteen-year-old Ursula finds herself with a new job delivering mail at a local art school, a bed in a halfway house, and some new friends, including wild-child Sue. When Ursula is invited to join a squat at the Underwood, a mysterious house whose owners met a terrible end, she can't resist this hodgepodge family. But as Sue's behavior and demands become more extreme, Ursula, who has always been hungry--for food, but more importantly for love and acceptance--carries out her friend's terrible dare. And, for this, Ursula finds herself literally haunted.
Thirty-six years later, Ursula is a renowned but reclusive sculptor living under a pseudonym in London when her identity is exposed by a true-crime documentarian researching an unsolved disappearance. But the filmmaker is not the only one who has discovered Ursula's whereabouts, and as her past catches up with her present, Ursula must work out whether the monsters are within her or without--and if they will finally make her pay for her past mistakes.
Part gothic horror, part coming-of-age, and a with contemporary twist on the haunted-house story, Hunger and Thirst is a chilling tale of loneliness, of the dangerous line between wanting and needing, and of how far a person will go to truly belong.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Amazon Editors' Pick - Best Literature & Fiction of July
Mara Brock Akil, the award-winning creator of Girlfriends, Being Mary Jane, Love Is, and Forever, pens an emotionally enthralling debut novel about enduring love, world-shattering secrets, and self-awakening.
What happens when one knock at your door sends your entire world into chaos? When a stranger becomes a lifeline? When the reality you’ve meticulously curated seems to be a mirage?
From the outside looking in, one might say that Dionne Daphne had it all: being the beauty editor at a prestigious New York magazine, a boyfriend who could have been plucked out of its model pages, the social life of the upper echelon, and a girlhood steeped in debutant balls.
But that is from the outside. When the now ex-boyfriend arrives at her Brooklyn doorstep Dionne imagines reconciliation, going back to the good life brimming with the possibility of marriage; the life her mother always wanted for her. Instead, he delivers life-threatening news that creates a crack in her picture-perfect world. A crack that grows legs and runs her right into her past, unearthing a secret that she has hidden since childhood.
In an effort to run toward the truth and away from a lie, Dionne sets out on a spur of the moment road trip with an unlikely stranger to confront the long-buried darkness of her past and the family who made it so. As Dionne comes to a final reckoning, she begins to unravel new layers of herself and fresh possibilities for her life, her family, and even her love.
The Revelation of Dionne Daphne is at once a deeply moving and provocatively gripping novel that shows when you dig deep enough into the shadows of your life, light can be revealed. It’s a novel of broken lovers, a fractured family, and distant friendships all making their way back to one another.
Story Locale:New York City, 90s
Celebrate beauty in all sizes with "Plus: Expanding the Frame" by Lydia Hudgens. This book redefines fashion photography by showcasing the elegance and grace of plus-size bodies.
Features stunning photography celebrating plus-size beauty and fashion.
Curated by renowned photographer Lydia Hudgens.
Delivers an empowering message of body positivity and self-love.
This book invites you to celebrate the beauty and diversity of plus-size individuals, promoting a message of empowerment and authenticity. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration and positivity in their personal journey.
Dive into a vibrant tapestry of Black history with 'Black Archives: A Photographic Celebration of Black Life.' This stunning book captures the essence of Black culture through mesmerizing imagery and storytelling.
Stunning visual collection showcasing historical Black life and culture.
Features curated photographs with profound storytelling insights.
Beautifully designed hardcover, perfect for collectors and gift-givers.
This book gives you a powerful connection to the richness of Black heritage, making you feel both proud and inspired. Dive into stories captured in timeless images and experience a celebration of culture and identity.
Children Apparel
Launch into a world of fun with the Astronaut Adventure Bedding Set! This playful and educational ensemble transports children to the stars without leaving their bed.
Includes a durable astronaut helmet perfect for imaginative play.
Features a fun, space-themed bedding set that sparks curiosity and learning.
Made with soft, hypoallergenic materials for a comfortable night's sleep.
Unleash your child's creativity and let their imagination take flight with our Astronaut Adventure Bedding Set. Create a cozy, inspiring space where dreams of exploring the cosmos can come true every night.
Illustrated with love by Amy Williamson, this crib sheet is truly out-of-this-world! Your child will sleep amongst shooting stars and cheerful planets - the perfect backdrop for the sweetest little astronauts. Our high quality 100% cotton fabric consists of a soft 230 thread count sateen weave. OEKO-TEX® certified and carefully crafted without harmful chemicals. Twin Set includes: 1 duvet cover with zipper closure (66 x 86 in/168 x 218 cm), and 1 pillowcase (20 x 26 in/51 x 66 cm)
My Hair, My Crown 300 Piece Family Puzzle from Mudpuppy features bright and bold illustrations of a diverse range of beautiful Black hairstyles. Mudpuppy puzzles are packaged in matte-finish
Dive into a colorful world of imagination and culture with the 'Puzzles of Color' 300-Piece Set. Perfect for bonding and exploring diverse narratives, one piece at a time.
300-piece puzzle perfect for family fun or individual meditation.
Features vibrant and empowering artwork celebrating diverse cultures.
Crafted with high-quality materials that ensure durability and a seamless fit.
Unleash your family's creativity while celebrating cultural diversity. This puzzle not only entertains but also inspires endless conversations and connections.
With iconic characters from your favorite shows, this piece depicts a slumber party of all your favorites girlies having a ki.
Playroom Essentials
Brooklyn Children’s Bookstore Bringing Families Together Through Literacy
Events, Book Clubs, and Resources That Support Family Wellness
Discover resources and insights for BIPOC families focusing on children's health, literacy, and emotional well-being. Our blog offers expert tips, diverse book recommendations, and practical strategies to support parents in raising confident, healthy readers. Explore ways to build bonds through storytelling, promote mental health, and inspire young advocates for social change.
Growing Together Blog
Whether you’re shopping for a child’s first picture book, joining a family literacy event, or subscribing to our monthly book box, 18 August Ave is here to help you build a library that matters
Dive into a delightful journey with '¡Mistaco! A Tale of Tragedy y Tortillas', where mishaps turn into laughter and learning. Perfect for young readers eager to explore fun-filled cultural adventures!
Vibrant illustrations that captivate young readers and bring the story to life.
Engaging storyline about cultural mishaps, perfect for teaching kids the values of resilience and creativity.
Ideal for bilingual families, with a mix of English and Spanish text.
This whimsical tale fosters a sense of understanding and adaptability in children, teaching them that every mistake is an opportunity to learn and laugh.
“[W]ith magnificently scrawled artwork, Kinkz offers a story that blends deep empathy, raucous candor, and a useful ritual for dealing with shame.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
A chaotically funny debut picture book about a girl who's had a terrible day full of mistakes and finds that making mistacos could be a delicious solution.
After an awful day at school (including a tragic but plausibly deniable mishap with a pudding cup), Izzy wants to be left alone. But it's Friday, and that means making tortillas with Lito.
As the mistakes pile up, they come tumbling out of Izzy—and Lito surprises her by saying everyone makes mistakes, and if she makes a tortilla out of her mistakes, he will EAT it.
"Mmmm. . .spicy! And boogery! With a hint of courage. My favorite taco EVER!"
Suddenly, the whole family is confessing and getting mistakes off their chests with a feast of mistacos! A delightfully silly picture book for fans of Dragons Love Tacos and The Book of Mistakes. Includes instructions on how to make and enjoy your own mistacos!