New Releases by Nina LaCour

The third book in bestselling and Lambda Literary Award-winning author Nina LaCour’s delightful chapter book series for young readers. “Readers will want to move in here and meet these folks.”—Kirkus Reviews Ella Josephine is back! And ready for more adventures with her wonderfully eclectic neighbors in their bright pink home on Poppy Hill. She has a secret surprise for Cleo that will make the opening day of Poppy Hill Records a smashing success, helps Jacques understand that art is everywhere, and discovers that even when a campout doesn’t go as planned, it can still be perfect—especially on Poppy Hill. Highlighted by lively illustrations throughout, the Ella Josephine series celebrates community, friendship, family, and home. A fan favorite from the start, it’s the first chapter book series from the acclaimed author of picture books, adult literary fiction, and YA novels, including We Are Okay, recipient of the Michael L. Printz Award from the American Library Association, which is awarded annually to the best book written for young adults. EVERYONE LOVES ELLA JOSEPHINE: The Apartment House on Poppy Hill, the first book in the series, was celebrated for its charm, diversity, and heartwarming storylines. Winner of the 2024 Lambada Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Children’s Literature A Junior Library Guild selection A Kids’ Indie Next selection An Amazon Best Children’s Books of the Year (Ages 6-8) A San Francisco Chronicle 10 Best Children’s Books to Gift A We Are Teachers 60 Best Second Grade Books to Update Your Library CHAPTER BOOK READERS LOVE A SERIES: Newly independent and emerging readers love to immerse themselves in familiar characters and places. Ella is a strong protagonist that readers of all ages and genders will love. She is bighearted, curious, and just a tad mischievous. DIVERSE CAST OF CHARACTERS: Featuring many different family structures, this story is wonderfully diverse and inclusive. Any reader can imagine themselves living at 1106 Wildflower Place. The series combines the eccentric joy of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of The City and the fun of Ivy + Bean. INSPIRED BY AUTHOR’S LIFE: The charming characters and their stories were conjured by LaCour and her young daughter during the long walks they took through San Francisco during the early days of Covid-19 and inspired by the people they encountered along the way. Perfect for: Parents, teachers, and librarians Readers who love Nina LaCour’s books and such bestselling series as Ivy + Bean, Clementine, Judy Moody, and Junie B. Jones Gift-givers looking for entertaining chapter books for kids who enjoy stories full of humor and heart

Count down to Valentine''s Day with 14 sealed short stories. Open one each day between February 1st and 14th! Every romance has to start somewhere... Meet Cute is an anthology of short stories featuring tales of "how they first met" from some of today''s hottest YA authors. Open one story each day from February 1st until Valentine''s Day to set the mood for a romantic holiday, Meet Cute is the perfect gift for the romance lover in your life! Readers will experience Nina LaCour''s beautifully written piece about two Bay Area girls meeting via a cranky customer service Tweet, Sara Shepard''s glossy tale about a magazine intern and a young rock star, Nicola Yoon''s imaginative take on break-ups and make-ups, Katie Cotugno''s story of two teens hiding out from the police at a house party, and Huntley Fitzpatrick''s charming love story that begins over iced teas at a diner. There''s futuristic flirting from Kass Morgan and Katharine McGee, a riveting transgender heroine from Meredith Russo, a subway missed connection moment from Jocelyn Davies, and a girl determined to get out of her small town from Ibi Zoboi. Jennifer Armentrout writes a sweet story about finding love from a missing library book, Emery Lord has a heartwarming and funny tale of two girls stuck in an airport, Dhonielle Clayton takes a thoughtful, speculate approach to pre-destined love, and Julie Murphy dreams up a fun twist on reality dating show contestants. This incredibly talented group of authors brings us a collection of stories that are at turns romantic and witty, epic and everyday, heartbreaking and real.

An adorable and reassuring book for kids who are starting school for the first time, and a funny look at the similarities and differences between kindergarten and doggie daycare It''s the first day of kid school for Sammy and the first day of puppy school for Sunny. They both feel nervous, but they end up having a great time-- making friends, playing and napping, and learning all sorts of new things. That afternoon, they tell Mom and each other all about day one, Sammy with words and Sunny in his own special way. But what will happen on day two? Sammy wonders. And readers are in for a very funny surprise!

The second book in bestselling author Nina LaCour’s delightful chapter book series for young readers. “LaCour’s … series is cozy and classic-feeling … Ella’s curiosity and gregariousness are infectious, and she’ll easily sweep readers into her charming world.” ―Booklist Ella and her neighbors on Poppy Hill are back with more mischief and bighearted fun! The apartment house on Poppy Hill is inhabited by residents who are as much family as they are neighbors. Luckily, nine-year-old Ella is there to help everyone through all their ups and downs. She knows about the glitchy lights, the nighttime noises, the secret spaces, and each neighbor’s hopes and dreams. She even knows the mysterious Robinsons, who live on the top floor and are now her silent partners in making sure that the apartment house is the perfect place to live. Highlighted by lively illustrations throughout, the second book in the Ella Josephine series by bestselling author Nina LaCour celebrates community, friendship, family, and home. It is a place of noticing the small details that make a difference, keeping surprises secret, and making everyone feel welcome. Here, the eccentric joy of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of The City merges seamlessly with the antic fun of Ivy + Bean, the family tenderness of The Penderwicks, and the madcap adventure of Eloise in an irresistible book that will leave readers eager for the next one! BEST CHILDREN’S BOOK: The Apartment House on Poppy Hill, the first book in the series, got lots of love from readers and reviewers who celebrated its charm, diversity, and heartwarming storyline! It was named an Amazon Best Book of the Month and one of the Top 20 Children’s Books (Ages 6-8). AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: Nina LaCour is a highly acclaimed author of bestselling YA and adult novels. This is her first series for younger readers. The charming characters and their stories were conjured by LaCour and her young daughter during the long walks they took through San Francisco during the early days of Covid-19 and inspired by the people they encountered along the way. HILARIOUSLY UNIVERSAL: Ella is a strong protagonist that readers of all ages and genders will love. She is bighearted, curious, and just a tad mischievous. DIVERSE CAST OF CHARACTERS: Featuring many different family structures, this story is wonderfully diverse and inclusive. Any reader can imagine themselves living at 1106 Wildflower Place. Perfect for: Parents, teachers, and librarians Readers who love Nina LaCour’s books and such bestselling series as Ivy + Bean, Clementine, Judy Moody, and Junie B. Jones Gift-givers looking for entertaining chapter books for kids who enjoy stories full of humor and heart

Winner of the 2024 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Children''s Literature A charming new chapter book by bestselling author Nina LaCour. Welcome to 1106 Wildflower Place: It is no ordinary apartment house, but you, reader, are no ordinary visitor. So, please, come in! Two new tenants have just arrived, and nine-year-old Ella is determined to help them settle in. Who better to teach them about the glitchy lights and the nighttime noises? After all, Ella knows all the neighbors. Well, almost all. No one has met the mysterious Robinsons who live on the top floor. Will a special neighborly celebration change all that? This bighearted chapter book by bestselling author Nina LaCour, highlighted by lively illustrations throughout, celebrates community, friendship, family, and home. It is a place of walking dogs that aren''t yours, keeping surprises secret, and making everyone feel welcome. Here, the eccentric joy of Armistead Maupin''s Tales of The City merges seamlessly with the antic fun of Ivy + Bean, the family tenderness of The Penderwicks, and the madcap adventure of Eloise in an irresistible story that will leave you eager for the next one! BESTSELLING, AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: Nina LaCour is a highly acclaimed author of both YA and adult novels. This is her first novel for younger readers and a terrific introduction of a talented writer to the next generation. HILARIOUSLY UNIVERSAL: Ella is a strong protagonist that readers of all ages and genders will love. She is bighearted, curious, and just a tad mischievous. DIVERSE CAST OF CHARACTERS: Featuring many different family structures, this story is wonderfully diverse and inclusive. Any reader can imagine themselves living at 1106 Wildflower Place. DRAWN FROM AUTHOR''S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: The charming characters and their stories were conjured by LaCour and her young daughter during the long walks they took through San Francisco during the early days of Covid-19 and inspired by the people they encountered along the way. Perfect for: Parents, teachers, and librarians Gift-givers looking for entertaining chapter books for kids who enjoy stories full of humor and heart Readers who love such bestselling book series as Ivy + Bean, Clementine, Judy Moody, and Junie B. Jones

"With a good friend like Loonie the balloon, anything is possible. From neighborhood walks to dance parties, Loonie makes each activity a little brighter, a little more lit with sunshine. But when it''s time for Loonie to float away home, the sunshine goes, too."--

FROM BESTSELLING AND PRINTZ-AWARD WINNING AUTHOR NINA LACOUR, PERFECT FOR READERS OF WRITERS AND LOVERS "A study of complex, modern love...Expertly illuminates the trauma that Sara and Emilie are both wrestling with, as well as their hope and healing...Lingers like a perfectly mixed cocktail." — San Francisco Chronicle "A Carol for our times." — Harper''s Bazaar Sara Foster runs away from home at sixteen, leaving behind the girl she once was, capable of trust and intimacy. Years later, in Los Angeles, she is a sought-after bartender, renowned as much for her brilliant cocktails as for the mystery that clings to her. Across the city, Emilie Dubois is in a holding pattern, yearning for the beauty and community her Creole grandparents cultivated but unable to commit. On a whim, she takes a job arranging flowers at the glamorous restaurant Yerba Buena. The morning Emilie and Sara first meet at Yerba Buena, their connection is immediate. But soon Sara''s old life catches up to her, upending everything she thought she wanted, just as Emilie has finally gained her own sense of purpose. Will their love be more powerful than their pasts? At once exquisite and expansive, astonishing in its humanity and heart, Yerba Buena is a testament to the healing qualities of a shared meal, a perfectly crafted drink, a space we claim for ourselves. Nina LaCour''s adult debut novel is a love story for our time. "Trailblazing...One of my personal favorite authors." — Casey McQuiston, New York Times bestselling author of One Last Stop

Accustomed to life with her Mama and Mommy, a young girl misses her Mommy while she is away on a business trip and navigates her feelings while at home with her Mama.

A modern ghost story about trauma and survival, Watch Over Me is the much-anticipated new novel from the Printz Award-winning author of We Are Okay ★ “Gripping; an emotion-packed must-read.” –Kirkus, starred review ★ “A painfully compelling gem from a masterful creator.” –Booklist, starred review ★ “Moving, unsettling, and full of atmospheric beauty.” –SLJ, starred review Mila is used to being alone. Maybe that’s why she said yes. Yes to a second chance in this remote place, among the flowers and the fog and the crash of waves far below. But she hadn’t known about the ghosts. Newly graduated from high school, Mila has aged out of the foster care system. So when she’s offered a teaching job and a place to live on an isolated part of the Northern California coast, she immediately accepts. Maybe she will finally find a new home—a real home. The farm is a refuge, but it’s also haunted by the past. And Mila’s own memories are starting to rise to the surface. Nina LaCour, the Printz Award–winning author of We Are Okay, delivers another emotional knockout with Watch Over Me about trauma and survival, chosen family and rebirth.

Poetisch und einfühlsam schreibt Nina LaCour über Einsamkeit, Freundschaft und "über eine zerbrechliche, aber zutriefst menschliche Welt" (New York Times). Ein Roman über das Erwachsenwerden, so berührend und großartig, dass man kaum atmen kann. Eine schmerzlich schöne Darstellung von Trauer und ein Lobgesang auf die Kraft der Wahrheit. Marin hat alles hinter sich zurückgelassen, ist Tausende Kilometer geflohen vor ihrem alten Leben, vor dem Verlust ihres geliebten Großvaters. Doch eines Tages steht plötzlich ihre beste Freundin Mabel vor der Tür. Und mit ihr all die Erinnerungen an zu Hause, an Sommernächte am Strand. Mit ihrer Beharrlichkeit gelingt es Mabel, Marin aus ihrem Kokon der Einsamkeit zu befreien. Und Marin begreift, dass sie eine Wahl hat: weiter im Verdrängen zu verharren oder zu ihren Freunden und ins Leben zurückzukehren.

A celebration of "meet-cute" moments, this short-story collection features when-they-first-met-stories from such beloved YA authors as Armentrout, Nicola Yoon, Sara Shepard, and Katie Cotugno.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • An achingly beautiful novel about grief, the enduring power of friendship, and the healing effects of kindness, from the award-winning author of Hold Still WINNER OF THE MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD • ONE OF TIME’S BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOKS OF ALL TIME • KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF THE CENTURY “Short, poetic and gorgeously written . . . The world LaCour creates is fragile but profoundly humane.” —The New York Times Book Review You go through life thinking there’s so much you need. . . . Until you leave with only your phone, your wallet, and a picture of your mother. Marin hasn’t spoken to anyone from her old life since the day she left everything behind. No one knows the truth about those final weeks—not even her best friend, Mabel. But even thousands of miles away from the California coast, at college in New York, Marin still feels the pull of the life and tragedy she’s tried to outrun. Now, months later, alone in an emptied dorm for winter break, Marin waits. Mabel is coming to visit, and Marin will be forced to face everything that’s been left unsaid and finally confront the loneliness that has made a home in her heart. An intimate whisper that packs an indelible punch, We Are Okay is Nina LaCour at her finest. This gorgeously crafted and honest portrayal of grief will leave readers urgent to reach across any distance to reconnect with the people they love. Praise for We Are Okay “Nina LaCour treats her emotions so beautifully and with such empathy.” —Bustle ★ “Exquisite.” —Kirkus ★ “LaCour paints a captivating depiction of loss, bewilderment, and emotional paralysis . . . raw and beautiful.” —Booklist ★ “Beautifully crafted . . . . A quietly moving, potent novel.” —SLJ ★ “A moving portrait of a girl struggling to rebound after everything she’s known has been thrown into disarray.” —Publishers Weekly ★"Bittersweet and hopeful . . . poetic and skillfully crafted." —Shelf Awareness “So lonely and beautiful that I could hardly breathe. This is a perfect book.” —Stephanie Perkins, bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss “As beautiful as the best memories, as sad as the best songs, as hopeful as your best dreams.” —Siobhan Vivian, bestselling author of The Last Boy and Girl in the World “You can feel every peak and valley of Marin’s emotional journey on your skin, in your gut. Beautifully written, heartfelt, and deeply real.” —Adi Alsaid, author of Never Always Sometimes and Let’s Get Lost

You Know Me Well is a deeply honest story about navigating the joys and heartaches of first love, one truth at a time. Who knows you well? Your best friend? Your boyfriend or girlfriend? A stranger you meet on a crazy night? No one, really? Mark and Kate have sat next to each other for an entire year, but have never spoken. For whatever reason, their paths outside of class have never crossed. That is until Kate spots Mark miles away from home, out in the city for a wild, unexpected night. Kate is lost, having just run away from a chance to finally meet the girl she has been in love with from afar. Mark, meanwhile, is in love with his best friend Ryan, who may or may not feel the same way. When Kate and Mark meet up, little do they know how important they will become to each other -- and how, in a very short time, they will know each other better than any of the people who are supposed to know them more. Told in alternating points of view by Nina LaCour, the award-winning author of Hold Still and The Disenchantments, and David Levithan, the bestselling author of Every Day and co-author of Nick and Norah''s Infinite Playlist (with Rachel Cohn) and Will Grayson, Will Grayson (with John Green).

When she begins her work as a production designer in Los Angeles, Emi discovers a letter at an estate sale that leads her to uncover the secret life of a Hollywood legend.

From the award-winning, bestselling author of Hold Still and We Are Okay. Colby and Bev have a long-standing pact: graduate, hit the road with Bev''s band, and then spend the year wandering around Europe. But moments after the tour kicks off, Bev makes a shocking announcement: she''s abandoning their plans - and Colby - to start college in the fall. But the show must go on and The Disenchantments weave through the Pacific Northwest, playing in small towns and dingy venues, while roadie- Colby struggles to deal with Bev''s already-growing distance and the most important question of all: what''s next? Morris Award–finalist Nina LaCour draws together the beauty and influences of music and art to brilliantly capture a group of friends on the brink of the rest of their lives.

Ingrid didn''t leave a note. Three months after her best friend''s suicide, Caitlin finds what she left instead: a journal, hidden under Caitlin''s bed.