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Today we are excited to share a guest post from author Ama Ofosua Lieb (Goldenborn).

Read on for more about the author, the book, and what she has to say!

Meet the Author: Ama Ofosua Lieb

Ama Ofosua Lieb was born in Ghana, and has lived in Canada, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Nigeria, and South Africa. She now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their two young children. She holds an MA in Sociology and a BA in Economics, both from Stanford University. Goldenborn is her debut novel.

Website * Instagram

About the Book: Goldenborn

A GOOD MORNING AMERICA YA BOOK CLUB PICK

A girl with a mission. A god with a deal. A story that could change everything.

When 17-year-old Akoma Addo stumbles into a world of ancient gods and modern magic, she’ll have to choose between saving her father… or staying true to everything she’s ever believed.

Akoma Addo has one rule: don’t get too close to the supernatural.

Ever since a blazing orb of light left her father in a coma, she’s buried herself in her secret job investigating magical crimes in San Francisco’s AfricaTown — just enough to keep her grief at bay. But when a body turns up in a pool of molten gold and ash, Akoma’s pulled into something much bigger — and far more dangerous. At the center of it all is Anansi, the trickster god of stories, who makes her an impossible offer: help him catch a killer and awaken the ancestral magic buried deep in her blood… and in return, he’ll give her a chance to bring her father back. To take the deal, Akoma will have to lie to everyone she loves and embrace the very power she’s spent years trying to deny. And as her connection grows with Xander, the new guy in town with secrets of his own, Akoma must decide who she can trust — especially when she’s no longer sure she can even trust herself. Rooted in Ghanaian mythology and packed with mystery, danger, and slow-burning romance, Goldenborn is a gripping fantasy about legacy, lies, and what it really means to rewrite your story.

Amazon * B&N * IndieBound

~ Guest Post ~

Three Things I Loved as a Teen That Made It onto the Pages of Goldenborn

They say to write what you know, and while Goldenborn is full of magic, mystery, and danger, some of the details came from real parts of my own teenage years. I loved weaving in moments, rituals, and passions that shaped me as a teen and finding ways to let them be reflected in Akoma’s story. Here are three of them.

(1) Found Family

I was lucky to form some of my closest friendships at seventeen, when I started college—friendships I can still rely on today. Those bonds taught me that family is not only about blood. Sometimes it’s also about the people who choose you, show up for you, challenge you, and love you through every version of yourself.

In Goldenborn, Akoma’s childhood best friends are integral to her story. They bring humor, support, and comfort, especially during one of the hardest moments of her life. Because found family is so important to me, I wanted to show the power of those bonds in the novel. Akoma receives a lot of love from her friends, but she also gives that same loyalty and care right back.

(2) Fashion

I wore a school uniform for many years growing up, so whenever I had the chance to wear non-uniform clothing, I took it seriously. Fashion became an important form of self-expression for me. I loved bold colors, playful patterns, and pieces that made me feel like I was exploring different versions of myself. Accessories were especially fun. To me, big hoop earrings, bangles, and combat boots could announce my mood.

That love of fashion shows up in Goldenborn in both mundane and magical ways. Akoma wears fingerless gloves as one of her daily signature accessories, and she enjoys getting fashion advice from her best friend, Lara. One scene that was especially fun to write—not a spoiler—captures the excitement of having a friend help you get dressed for a first date. Choosing the perfect outfit with someone who knows you well can be a treasured ritual, full of fun and care.

(3) Sports

As a teen, I loved being part of competitive sports. I played softball, volleyball, field hockey, and ran track. I loved the rush of competition and the camaraderie of being on a team.

In Goldenborn, Akoma is a runner and enjoys archery. Thanks to a potential love interest, she also learns a new sport—one I had to familiarize myself with in order to write the scene well. I had a lot of fun using sports to reveal different sides of Akoma’s personality, especially her competitive streak. It also felt exciting to let sports become a way for her to connect and flirt with a date!

Title: Goldenborn

Author: Ama Ofosua Lieb

Release Date: 6/2/26

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Age Range: 12+

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Today we are excited to share a guest post from Bex Hogan (Owl King)!

Read on for more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!

About the Author:  Bex Hogan

Raised on a healthy diet of fantasy and fairy tales, BEX HOGAN spends hours lost in daydreams. Writing her stories down was a natural progression and she enjoys sharing her time between the real world and escaping to her imagination. A Cornish girl at heart, Bex lives in Cambridgeshire with her family. She is the author of the Isles of Storm and Sorrow trilogy, Black Heat and, most recently, Nettle.

About the Book: Owl King

*GIVEAWAY DETAILS*

Use the Rafflepress Form below to enter

*be sure to include complete mailing address for the second entry question to qualify to win*

Ten (10) winners will receive a hardback copy of Owl King along with a hardcover copy of the first book in the standalone series, Nettle (Bex Hogan) ~ US/CAN ONLY!

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Today we are excited to share a guest post from author Jessica M. Felleman (LAST KISS OF SUMMER).

Read on for more about the author, the book, and what she has to say!

Meet the Author: Jessica M. Felleman

Jessica M. Felleman is a writer and literary agent from Massachusetts. She received her BA in English from Syracuse University and her MFA in Writing from CalArts. She lives on Cape Cod with her cranky tabby cat and can often be found at the beach looking for rocks. Last Kiss of Summer is her debut novel.

Website * Instagram

About the Book: LAST KISS OF SUMMER

A beautiful, heartbreaking love story about two teens who find their way back to each other through a second chance romance.

When Sera Watkins and her family arrive at their summer house on Cape Cod, she has one goal in mind: protect her heart from the boy who broke it, her next-door neighbor, Luke Tisdale. The problem is, Luke still has a piece of her heart—literally. When Sera received a new heart as a baby, the healthy valves of her old heart were given to Luke. Forever bonded, Luke and Sera grew up together spending sun-soaked days swimming at their secret beach and painting at art camp.

Then, two summers ago, their friendship almost turned into something more. Key word: almost. Because one fateful night, everything changed. Sera’s health took a turn for the worse. A family secret sent Luke spiraling. And they weren’t there for each other when it mattered the most.

Now Sera is ready for a fresh start, which means no more pining over the boy next door. But Luke has grown up a lot since she last saw him, and the chemistry she felt two summers ago? It’s still there. Sera isn’t sure she’s brave enough to risk it all again, but when she gets some difficult news, she realizes there’s no time to waste. Maybe it’s finally Luke and Sera’s moment, their chance to enjoy the sweet kiss of summer together—before it’s too late.

~ Guest Post ~

The first time I remember reading a book that made me cry, was reading Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls around when I was ten or eleven. I come from a family of easy criers; I tear up at sports interviews, emotional commercials, and the end of Lindsey Lohan’s The Parent Trap (yes, every time). But I’m not great at letting myself cry over the bigger, harder things, so the gut-wrenching ugly tears I cried over Where the Red Fern Grows felt new. At the time, I hadn’t experienced a loss in my life that matched what I felt reading about Billy and his dogs, but when I did, I was so grateful to have the memory of that book in my mind to remind me that grief isn’t the end all be all. I felt totally wrecked by that book, but I was still okay after. Since then, I’ve read plenty more books that have me emptying my tear ducts (Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson and The Fault in Our Stars by John Green stand out – as does Extremely Loud and Incredible Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, which I read my junior year of college on a bus within the first days of my study abroad program, and thus was introduced to my classmates as “that girl weeping on the bus”). After years of reading stories that make me sob, I’ve noticed something that happens after. Yes, I feel devastated, but I also always feel renewed. It’s like I’ve fought through the tears and somehow came out strengthened. And so, I’ve come around to the belief that crying is good for you actually and there’s nothing like a good book to help you get there.

This balance of heartbreaking and hopeful is what I was aiming for when I was writing LAST KISS OF SUMMER. I knew where the story was going, I knew my characters Sera and Luke would be facing tough health situations, frustrating miscommunications, and grief, but I also knew how they managed to live through those things was the bigger part of the story. They weren’t just the bad or difficult things in their lives, none of us are, even if in the moment, it might feel like it. So as I wrote, I let Sera and Luke be themselves, and in doing so, they showed me the joy in their own lives despite any heartbreak.

Sera has her love of painting, her students, her best friend Maddy and a family that, though maybe a little overprotective, still makes her laugh. Luke in turn has his wild little brothers, baseball and his teammates, and his love for graphic design and his hometown. And of course, they have each other. They are that person who understands them better than anyone else despite any rift between them. They are each other’s fiercest supporter, able to call each other out and push each other to pursue their biggest dreams even if – especially if – those dreams might defy the hand they’ve been dealt by the universe. Writing their story often had me in tears one minute and swooning the next, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

I want to read and write stories that wring out people’s hearts so there’s space for joy. I hope that the next time you read something that has you holding back tears, you let the tears be free. I swear, you’ll feel better afterwards.  – Jess

Title: LAST KISS OF SUMMER

Author: Jessica M. Felleman

Release Date: April 28, 2026

Publisher: Putnam

Genre: Contemporary Young Adult

Age Range: 16+

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Today we are excited to share a guest post from Yuko Torii (My Someone: A Pet Adoption Story)!

Read on for more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!

About the Author:  Yuko Torii

Yuko Torii was born in a small town near Kobe, Japan.  As a child, she always dreamed of traveling and discovering a new place to call home. Her dreams became a reality when she moved to Los Angeles and received a BFA in fine arts from the Otis College of Art and Design.  She then worked at Louis Vuitton as a top hand-painter and a designer of trunks, including the “Malle Mars” (Mars Trunk) now displayed in the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.  She also worked as a master embosser for Anya Hindmarch of London. After living in New York for many years, participating in the city’s active arts scenes, she and her husband made the move to Mexico, where she is enjoying the nation’s ancient and contemporary cultural riches, as well as the warmth of its people.  Yuko is a self-proclaimed “Queen of Kittyrature,” a storyteller whose trademark characters are feline protagonists (largely inspired by her three cats, Mitternacht, Mondschein, and Parsifal), but she loves dogs just as much!

About the Book: Anne: My Someone: A Pet Adoption Story

A heartwarming picture book about a stray dog’s journey to finding his forever home.

A little stray dog wanders the streets alone, afraid of everything he comes across—loud city noises, getting caught in the cold rain, and bigger dogs that fight for scraps. He doesn’t like it!

And he especially doesn’t like it when he gets caught by animal rescue and is forced to be cleaned and scrubbed. But everything changes when a family chooses him to take home, helping him slowly discover all the things he does like—playing fetch, eating delicious food, and being loved forever.

Through rich art and sparse text, debut author-illustrator Yuko Torii shows how to be grateful for every step of life’s journey.

Purchase

~Guest Post by Yuko Torii~

“I don’t like being alone.”
“I don’t like being hungry, or getting into fights.”

In my debut picture book, “My Someone: A Pet Adoption Story,” a small dog, living alone on the streets, narrates his journey to finding comfort and a loving family of his own. Will the little dog find what he’s looking for? And will his wishes come true?

This story is based on a real encounter I experienced.

One evening, back in January 2023, my husband and I went out to eat at a small local restaurant in Ajijic, México, where we live.  While we were enjoying dinner, we noticed this tiny dog peeking at us from the restaurant entrance. In our village, sadly it is not unusual to see stray dogs, freely roaming and begging for food.  Our waiter noticed the little dog and tried to shoo him away several times.  But the dog kept on coming back.  He was scruffy and extremely timid.  He was just sitting at the corner of a doorway and watching us with those sorrowful eyes.  Eventually he gave up and walked away.

Somehow, I could not shake off the image of the little dog.

Those who know me and my artwork know that I am an ultimate cat lover, and not a dog person at all.  So this new dog fixation surprised me most of all.

I had a strong urge to meet that dog again.

It sounds so surreal, but I felt as if my heart and all my senses were taken over by him through his gaze. I could instantly see the whole world through his eyes:

Huge speeding trucks, cars, motorcycles zooming by, often honking loudly.
Bigger stray dogs constantly barking at him and chasing after him.
People occasionally toss him food scraps, but most of the time, people don’t want him around.

Harsh words, hostile gestures, sometimes a broomstick to make him go away.

How frightening and unkind the whole world is!

The powerless little dog’s lonely, unhappy, aching soul filled mine.

Somehow I managed to take several photos of the dog that night, so I posted the photos on social media to inquire after his whereabouts. Some people responded with their sightings, and I kept on going back to those locations to look for him.

But I never saw that dog again.

To this day, every time I pass by the restaurant where I met the dog, my heart aches.
I still can’t help hoping and wishing that someone compassionate and brave found him and took him in.  I dream that the person is very kind and patient, so the little dog’s heart, filled with sorrow and fear, would slowly thaw. I envision the little dog found his special someone and lives happily in his forever home.

I’ve begun to call that nameless little dog “Perrito,” which means “puppy” in Spanish.

This book is my tangible dream for Perrito.

This book is for him, and for all animals still waiting for their special someone.

Through this book, I hope young readers learn that all living creatures have feelings and that they, too, deserve happiness and love.

The little dog also shows children that reaching your dreams often takes courage, patience, and the strength to move through discomfort.

Title: My Someone: A Pet Adoption Story

Author: Yuko Torii

Release Date: 3/3/26

Publisher: Rise x Penguin Workshop

ISBN-13: 9780593887271

Genre: Picture Book – Fiction

Age Range: 2-4

*Giveaway Details*

Two (2) winners will receive a hardcover copy of My Someone: A Pet Adoption Story (Yuko Torii)! ~ US ONLY!

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Hi, YABCers!

Today we’re super excited to celebrate the cover reveal for

Channeling Marilyn (Mima Tipper), releasing June 2, 2026!

Before we get to the cover, here’s a note from the author:

Dear YABC readers, Thank you so much for checking out Channeling Marilyn. The idea for the novel came to me as I sat with my then middle school-aged daughter reading through Teen Vogue. As we flipped pages, I couldn’t help noticing that some of the models and featured celebrities were dressed or styled like Marilyn Monroe. With that I began to wonder what Marilyn’s spirit would think of how she still permeates our culture more than 60 years after her death. I found I couldn’t stop thinking about Marilyn, and started reading about her life and her career and, of course, rewatching her movies. Enchanted with her luminous beauty and talent, I began to imagine a story of who Marilyn’s spirit would visit if she could come back. Channeling Marilyn is the result.

Ready to see?

Scroll, YABCers! Scroll!

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Here it is!

*** If you choose to share this image elsewhere, please include a courtesy link back to this page so others can enter the giveaway. Thank you! ***

Title: Channeling Marilyn

Author: Mima Tipper

Release date: June 2, 2026

Publisher: She Writes Press, Simon & Schuster distributing

ISBN:  979-8896363200

Cover designer/artist credit: Mary Ann Smith

Seventeen-year-old Lexa Donovan’s timid, plus-size life goes sideways when the spirit of Marilyn Monroe takes up residence in her body in this laugh-out-loud funny paranormal YA tale perfect for fans of Lisa Schroeder and Ashley Poston.

High school senior Lexa Donovan longs to be more than a bit player in her own drab life—and when she’s chosen to be part of her school’s spring production of Bus Stop, she thinks her wish has come true. But her thrill turns to panic when she’s tapped to play the leading role, sexy showgirl Cherie. One thing tall, plus-size Lexa knows for sure is that she is the exact opposite of the most famous Cherie ever: sex-goddess Marilyn Monroe.

Lexa wants out before she makes a fool of herself in front of everyone. But then something entirely unexpected happens: The spirit of Marilyn Monroe appears—ready and willing to be Lexa’s personal acting coach—and talks her out of quitting.

Soon, Lexa’s life becomes a screwball comedy, with her bouncing between Marilyn’s acting “help,” her crush on her gorgeous co-star Brian, and her unexpected attraction to the mysterious Jeremy Leith. Comedy shifts to drama, though, as Lexa’s fear of humiliation—fueled by Brian’s jealous girlfriend—morphs into full-on stage fright. A fright that grows dangerously intense when Marilyn starts having decidedly un-spiritish feelings that have nothing to do with Lexa or the play.

Before the curtain rises on opening night, Lexa and Marilyn will have to learn to trust their own hearts and act on what each truly needs to move forward—in life and in death.
Purchase * Goodreads

About the Author: Mima Tipper

Half Greek half American, Mima Tipper and her writing reflect her heritage—a little bit old-country, a little bit rock and roll: one foot wandering through the dreamy realms of myths and faerie tales, the other running on the solid ground of fast-paced, contemporary story. She earned her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is the award-winning author of the YA novel Kat’s Greek Summer (SparkPress, ISBN-9781684633067). Beyond devoting most of her time to writing, Mima helps at Inklings Children’s Books in Waitsfield, VT, volunteers at her local library, and is committed to promoting literacy and supporting the writing community. Currently, Mima lives in Vermont with her family.

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram

*Giveaway Details*

Three (3) winners will receive a signed ARC of Channeling Marilyn (Mima Tipper) and the following swag: a hot pink gauze bag holding a Marilyn sticker, a temp tattoo, a bookmark, a glittery stiletto shoe bag charm and a Marilyn button. ~ US/CAN ONLY!

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Today we are excited to share a guest post from author Maisha Oso (It’s Almost Time for . . .Easter! ).

Read on for more about the author, the book, and what she has to say!

Meet the Author: Maisha Oso

Maisha Oso is the author of picture books Buster the Bully, My Hair Is a Book, Before the Ships, and the It’s Almost Time For… series, as well as the Venus Washington chapter book series. She writes stories to empower, entertain, and encourage emotional intelligence in young children. A former strategy and analytics professional from New York City, Maisha is currently working in her most challenging role to date: a stay-at-home mom of three tiny humans. Visit her at MaishaOso.com.

Website * Instagram

About the Book: It’s Almost Time for . . .Easter!

It’s almost time for Easter, and excitement is running high! It might not be here yet, but there’s so much to do before the joyful day arrives…

From decorating and dyeing eggs in pastel hues, flaunting the most fabulous and fancy outfit, and diving into a basket filled with bunny-delivered goodies, there are endless ways to celebrate! But not everyone can read the signs of the highly anticipated holiday on the way…

It’s Almost Time for…Easter! is a perfect blend of festive fun and read-aloud magic that will have young readers laughing and identifying the misunderstanding at play before the characters catch on. This picture book makes a delightful gift for kids aged four to eight!

Amazon * B&N * IndieBound

~ Guest Post ~

The Wonder in the Waiting: Not Missing the Magic in the Journey

By Maisha Oso

Almost is a feeling that teens know all too well. You’re almost finished with school, almost independent, almost grown, but not quite yet. As a teenager, I spent so much time thinking about what my life would look like once I had a car, or once I was out of my parents’ house, or once I had that flashy job making so much money I could buy whatever I wanted (still waiting on that job), that I often failed to live in the present. I spent so much time waiting for things to change that I missed the magic of the moment I was already in.

Waiting itself isn’t the problem. The problem is when waiting convinces us that our lives are on pause until something changes.

And to be fair, it makes sense why teens spend so much time waiting. The teenage years are tough. They’re filled with pressure to be perfect, to know your purpose, to have everything figured out. In school and sports, we’re taught to value outcomes over process. That easy A is praised more than the hard-fought B. The first-place medal is celebrated more than the quiet growth it took to finally learn a new skill. It’s no wonder we’re always focused on getting to the finish line. But when the finish line becomes the only thing that matters, it’s easy to miss the growth, the self-discovery, the magic that happens along the way.

Now, when I talk about magic, I’m not talking about card tricks or disappearing bunnies (although both would be pretty dope). I’m talking about anticipation. The kind that makes ordinary days feel full of possibility. Take a moment and think back to when you were a small child. Remember the days leading up to a vacation, the last day of school, or the countdown to your birthday. Back then, waiting felt exciting. It was filled with imagination and wonder. The magic lived in the planning, the dreaming, and the journey, long before the big day came.

That idea sits at the heart of my It’s Almost Time For… picture book series, which focuses on the days leading up to a holiday rather than the holiday itself. In It’s Almost Time for… Easter, the child prepares for the big day by boiling and coloring eggs, going on an egg hunt, and baking treats. Yes, Easter is still coming. But the joy isn’t postponed until the morning arrives. It’s found in the moments leading up to it. The waiting becomes part of the celebration.

Teen life doesn’t always allow for that kind of joyful anticipation. Waiting can feel heavy when it’s accompanied by expectations, stress, and comparison. But even then, the journey matters. Growth happens quietly. We’re still becoming ourselves even when it doesn’t feel clear yet, even before everything clicks into place.

So, while you’re still in “The Almost”, try to remember this. Yes, you will still have to wait. The pressure, expectations, and uncertainty won’t magically disappear. But there is magic in the waiting, too, if you let yourself notice it. Because self-discovery, growth, and resilience are far more powerful than any card trick I’ve ever seen.

Title: It’s Almost Time for . . .Easter! 

Author: Maisha Oso

Illustrator: Tom Knight

Release Date: 1/20/26

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Genre: Picture Book

Age Range: 4-8

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Today we are excited to share a guest post from author Cassandra Gillies The Keep’s Secret (The Crescent Sword Series Book 1)!

Read on for more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!

About the Author:  Cassandra Gillies

The Keep’s Secret is the very first book Cassandra has written, apart from the short stories she dabbled in while growing up. Her parents—especially her stepmother—always made it clear how talented they thought Cassandra was at writing, whether it was essays or even birthday cards.

She always told Cassandra that she should write a book, but Cassandra  brushed it off, thinking her step-mother was just being biased. That was until she came up with the concept for The Keep’s Secret and received some amazing feedback on her dark and wild ideas.

Did she ever imagine becoming a published author? Absolutely not! It still feels like a fever dream, but here Cassandra is, and she’s incredibly proud of herself for pushing through this emotional and dark story without giving up.

It takes a lot for someone to pull a story from their imagination, but Cassandra thinks it takes even more to write one from the heart. Her stories come from hers, and she truly hopes they resonate with you as much as they do with her.

Website * Facebook * Instagram

About the Book: Anne: The Keep’s Secret (The Crescent Sword Series Book 1)

The realm of Krestoria was shattered; torn apart by a feared witch and a Fae king whose war left scars that never healed. From the war rose the Guardians’ Keep, a fortress built to protect children from magic’s destruction… or so the world was told.

Avery Ashgrove has spent her entire life behind the Keep’s stone walls and iron gates, taught to believe that magic is darkness-and those who once wielded it were monsters. But as her time in the Keep nears its end, a forbidden passage reveals itself, and whispers of long-buried secrets begin to rise.

Guided by cryptic warnings, suspicious victories, and the gaze of a silent observer, Avery begins to question everything: her teachings, her memories, and the true reason she was taken from her family.

The Keep didn’t just protect her.

It imprisoned her.

And the thing it tried hardest to hide… is waking.

As her journey leads her into forgotten ruins, mystical mountains, and the ashes of a past she was never meant to uncover, Avery must face a legacy soaked in betrayal and power.

Some secrets are locked away for a reason.

And some are born to burn their way out.

Amazon * Goodreads

~Guest Post by Cassandra Gillies~

Inspiration behind writing The Keep’s Secret

The Keep’s Secret was created over two years ago when I asked my husband if he were to write a book, what would he write? His answer was a fantasy.

A few weeks later, I began to plan the book because it was a persistent idea in my mind. I spent numerous sleepless nights meticulously planning a book that I never imagined would become a reality.

Where did it start, though? It’s quite simple. I grabbed the closest piece of paper, a bag of rice, and a pen and began with building the map, which is now known as the realm of Krestoria.

Who knew a scribbled line on a piece of paper would encourage me to actually start writing the book? I certainly had no idea that it would inspire me to begin, let alone complete.

I am an avid reader, and I swore that fantasy was not my genre until I read my first Sarah J. Maas book, which became my biggest inspiration for writing The Keep’s Secret.

Her intricate detail in worldbuilding and character design is what really made me study her writing and, truly, made me want to be like her.

I am nowhere near as skilled and talented as her, but one can dream, right?

Writing this book for myself has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and it’s the first time in a long time that I’ve done something for myself.

I care a lot about the story’s emotional side, even if it doesn’t resonate with everyone.

I’ve always been told I’m a drama queen, and writing this book really showed me who I am as a person and that there are many layers beneath the drama aspect of my personality.

For the longest time, I’ve had a habit of beginning something and never completing it, and for the first time in a very, very long time, I can actually say this is something I enjoyed completing because it was something that reflected me emotionally.

I also noticed this quality in Sarah J. Maas’s writing. I saw through the romance and the fighting scenes and the high fantasy aspect of her story. I actually truly saw her, and I think that is what inspired me the most to come up with The Keep’s Secret.

Title: The Keep’s Secret (The Crescent Sword Series Book 1)

Author: Cassandra Gillies

Release Date: January 9, 2026

Publisher: Flock Publishing

ISBN-10: 196849068X

ISBN-13: 978-1968490683

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Age Range: 15+

*Giveaway Details*

One (1) winner will receive a copy of The Keep’s Secret (The Crescent Sword Series Book 1) (Cassandra Gillies)! ~ US ONLY!

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Today we are excited to share a guest post from author Peter Draw (AI & AIKO AND THE DINOSAUR HUG)!

Read on for more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!

About the Author:  Peter Draw

Peter Draw is the creative force and the artist behind the Guinness World Record-setting, 65-billion-plus-viewed Giphy phenomena Ai & Aiko. On top of being a savvy, strategic digital creator, Peter leads his company with an unparalleled warmth and philanthropic spirit that has already impacted the lives of children around the globe. He has traveled to China, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Japan, South Africa, and beyond, providing free art lessons for kids in areas impacted by earthquakes and tsunamis and to children in economically disadvantaged communities. Peter’s warmth and spirit bring to life his mantra that love can happen anywhere and that children everywhere should have access to art. Peter lives with his family in Singapore. You can find more Ai & Aiko content at AiAndAiko.com, and you can follow them and their friends on Instagram @AiAndAiko. You can follow Peter Draw on Instagram @PeterDraw.

Website * Instagram

About the Book: Anne: AI & AIKO AND THE DINOSAUR HUG

Based on the viral, record-breaking, and award-winning Giphy sensation, this latest loving and heartfelt magical adventure stars a boy and his dog who learn that there is nothing warmer than a hug from a friend.

Ai and his friends are excited to play in the snow! It might be chilly, but they know they have Grandpa’s warm café waiting for them when they return. So when Aiko finds a big blue dinosaur shivering in the cold, they know they need to help him, even if they’re scared. It’s time for another Ai and Aiko adventure!

Back at the café, the friends do everything they can think of to warm the dinosaur up. They give him hot chocolate, a hat and mittens, and every cozy thing they have. But the dinosaur keeps shivering and shivering! It’s only when Ai comes face-to-face with his fear that he realizes just what the dinosaur really needs.

In this sweet and cozy winter story, a hug is the warmest thing of all.

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~Guest Post by Peter Draw~

When I first thought of turning my beloved Ai & Aiko GIFs into picture books, I wondered whether it was a plan that made sense. These were sweet little characters that I knew and loved, but did they have full stories to tell? But as I thought about it some more, it actually made so much sense: GIFs are beloved because they work their way into viewers’ hearts, and the Ai & Aiko GIFs have gained as much popularity as they have because they’ve been able to do that well, to keep fans coming back for more. In the same way, picture books are great when they’re books that kids want to read many times over. I hope in the Ai & Aiko’s picture books, I’ve created stories that give readers a reason to flip the pages over and over, and that I’ve done so by building stories around messages that are simple yet powerful enough to bring readers back to the books as many times as possible.

In Ai & Aiko and the Dinosaur Hug, the main message is that sometimes, in the coldest of winters, a little hug is all we need to give enough warmth to someone who needs it. But there’s also a message that digs deeper. The dinosaur in this story has been forgotten, left alone, neglected. And as soon as Ai figures out that all our dino friend needs is a bit of love and care, the rest of the Tofu Café crew joins in and helps give the dinosaur just that.

As I see it, our blue dinosaur is actually a hidden piece that each of us holds, a piece that we’ve left in some way neglected or unnoticed – and that we often leave that way until someone close to us discovers our hidden piece. Much like Ai and his friends didn’t know what to do with the dinosaur at first, we often don’t know how to navigate new pieces that we discover about ourselves. But with the help of friends and family and loved ones around us, we’re able to make sense of new things – and once we do, we can enjoy our full selves and love ourselves (and have others love us) just as we are.

In the previous book, Ai & Aiko and the Little Curve, the message is a different one, but not unrelated. In this book, Ai & Aiko need to find just the right curve to finish Ai’s self-portrait, and only at the end of a fun and heartwarming journey do they realize that the curve they’ve been looking for is a smile.

In my work with children and families who have lost so much in natural disasters, I’ve met many people who have lost their reasons to smile. As I sit and create art with them, if I’m lucky, I sometimes see a hint of a smile start to creep back onto their faces. And that reaffirms what I’ve always believed: that the most beautiful curve in the world is a smile.

And so, this book again has a two-layered message. The first is the obvious one, that a smile is a beautiful thing, that joy is a beautiful thing. On top of that, in this book, Ai’s journey takes him up into the sky and back down to earth, and it also takes him on a wide path around the town. All of these are also curves, and they symbolize the idea that, in life, we all have ups and downs, we all take paths with curveballs and roadblocks. And after it all, the best way to end a journey is to smile, and I hope readers find that joy in this story and take it into their own hearts.

In both of my books, I’ve tried to incorporate both an obvious message and an underlying one, but at the heart of all of it is the idea of love – a concept that we all need more of, and one that I truly hope will have readers coming back to these books regularly. I hope my books fill every reader they reach with as much joy as creating these characters and stories has filled me.

Title: AI & AIKO AND THE DINOSAUR HUG

Author/Illustrator: Peter Draw

Release Date: 01/06

Publisher: Philomel Books; Penguin Young Readers

Genre: Picture Book – Friendship

Age Range: 4-8

*Giveaway Details*

Three (3) winners will receive a copy of AI & AIKO AND THE DINOSAUR HUG and AI & AIKO AND THE LITTLE CURVE (Peter Draw)! ~ US ONLY!

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We are excited to share a giveaway for Break Wide the Sea (Sara Holland)!

Meet the Author: Sara Holland

Sara Holland is the author of Havenfall and the New York Times bestsellers Everless and Evermore. She grew up in small-town Minnesota and has held jobs in a tea shop, a dentist’s office, and a state capitol building, to name a few. She now lives in New York, where she can be found exploring bookstores or finding new ways to put caffeine in her bloodstream.

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About the Book: Break Wide the Sea

In New York Times bestselling author Sara Holland’s new novel, Break Wide the Sea, a young woman cursed with a fatal heartbreak-induced sickness must race against time to find a cure and protect her family legacy from the ancient finfolk that would destroy it, the fiancé that would kill her for it, and the boy who would love her if she forsook it.

In the treacherous waters surrounding Kirkrell, sailors hunting magic whales live in fear of the finfolk–bloodthirsty sea fae who sink ships and curse bloodlines. Nineteen-year-old Annie, as heir to the city’s preeminent whaling company, is determined to carry on her parents’ life’s work. But she keeps a secret from everyone: she’s cursed to transform into a monster, with scales spreading up her arms and claws growing from her fingertips.

Her fiancé August offers comfort, but their love falls apart when Annie discovers his plan to take over the company. Desperate, Annie makes a deal with Silas Price, a young captain rumored to be half-finfolk. He says he knows how to break the curse – but only if Annie promises to stop the practice of whaling forever.

As Annie, August and Silas sail north, Annie wrestling with her family’s legacy, the threat of the finfolk and August’s ambitions increasingly force her to put her trust in Silas. Yet Silas has secrets of his own, and they might be the most dangerous of all.

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Title: Break Wide the Sea

Author: Sara Holland

Release Date: 11/11/2025

Publisher: Wednesday Books

ISBN-10:  1250854490

ISBN-13: 9781250854490

Genre: YA / Fantasy

Age Range: 13-18

*GIVEAWAY DETAILS* 

Three (3) winners will receive a copy of Break Wide the Sea (Sara Holland) ~US ONLY!

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Today we are excited to share a guest post from author Kallie George (Anne: The Chapter Book Collection)!

Read on for more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!

About the Author:  Kallie George

KALLIE GEORGE is an author, editor and creative writing teacher. She has written numerous books for early readers, including the first four books in the Anne chapter book series (Anne Arrives, Anne’s Kindred Spirits, Anne’s School Days and Anne’s Tragical Tea Party), The Magical Animal Adoption Agency series, The Heartwood Hotel series and The Wings of Olympus series, as well as numerous picture books, such as Goodnight, Anne; If I Couldn’t Be Anne; Merry Christmas, Anne; The Secret Fawn and The Lost Gift. Kallie currently lives in Vancouver, BC, and feels positively certain she and Anne Shirley are kindred spirits.

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About the Book: Anne: The Chapter Book Collection

Anne Arrives: Anne isn’t quite what the Cuthberts expected, and she sets out to prove she belongs at Green Gables.

Anne’s Kindred Spirits: Anne meets Diana, her first friend . . . and Marilla’s brooch goes missing!

Anne’s School Days: Anne is enjoying her first few weeks of school, but new student Gilbert Blythe isn’t making things easy.

Anne’s Tragical Tea Party: Things go wrong at Anne’s first tea party, and Diana ends up sick.

Anne Dares: Anne undertakes some fearful tasks — a mean-spirited dare from Josie Pye followed by a starring role in the Christmas recital.

Anne Dreams: Anne is starting to grow up as she goes from dreaming to making plans.

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~Guest Post by Kallie George~

Anne of Green Gables has been part of my life since I was a young child. I have always loved L.M. Montgomery’s books and especially her character Anne Shirley. Anne always felt like a kindred spirit to me–she has a wild imagination, and a powerful love of nature and stories. And she makes lots of mistakes but finds a way to move through them with humor and heart.

*Giveaway Details*

Four (4) winners will receive a complete copy of Anne: The Chapter Book Collection (Kallie George)! ~ US/CAN ONLY!

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