Danez Smith, one of America's most popular young poets and the author of Don't Call Us Dead, recommends his 5 favorite books.

Lilith's Brood  by Octavia E. Butler (1989)

This book about aliens from the novelist who predicted "Make America Great Again" asks necessary questions about the harmful structures which we put our faith in despite our intelligence, and also how or if we will evolve out of our most dangerous selves. An essential, human book — with aliens!

The Collected Poems of Lucille Clifton (2012)

The book is my bible. Open up to any page and Clifton delivers a word. Whether the subject is roaches, family, death, or surviving, she has a poem for all occasions. She can create the most complicated magic out of the simplest words.

Man vs. Sky   by Corey Zeller (2013)

In his brief prose poems, Zeller represents the voice of a recently dead friend as he travels through the afterlife. Besides attracting me with its beauty to this day, it taught me that we can offer the dead not just our grief but our imaginations and dreams as well.

My Hero Academia  by Kohei Horikoshi (2014)

I'm a sucker for high school drama, superpowers, good-hearted heroes, and complicated bad characters. This manga（动漫）series is one of my favorite escapes. In a world where everybody and their mama has a superpower (literally), what makes someone a hero isn't about power or strength but about the desire to make people smile. Instant tears.

Deus Ex Nigrum  by Jasmine Reid (2019)

I recently picked this chapbook for a prize. It's a marvel of language and heart. Reid's lyrics map the ordinary and the extraordinary with rare and invigorating skill. In a world and a country ever dangerous to the black people, this poet says, "If I am to be a twist ending, let it be that I lived." I am so excited to follow Reid's poems into the future.

So many stories, so little time. Our favorite book clubs for kids will ensure that your kid is reading the coolest picks on the bestseller list and beyond!

Book Culture

This community bookstore goes above and beyond to make itself a destination for reading and playing alike. In addition to its inviting children’s room, packed with puzzles, art supplies, clothing and toys, the store attracts kids with its weekend storytelling sessions (一段时间), often featuring guest appearances by authors popular with kids.

Thalia Kids Book Club

Kids stay in close touch with best-selling authors and participate in writing workshops and literary camps around the city. In the past, campers have met with big names like Norton Juster (The Phantom Tollboth) and Rebecca Stead (When You Reach Me). Camp runs July 14—Aug 8, Mon—Fri, 9 am—4 pm. One-week session $675. Ages 9 to 13.

Dimenna’s Children’s History Museum

This new 18,000 square-foot space is perfect for those who can’t resist good books, including new releases, small press collections, translated works and more. But the bookshop is not just a place to make purchases. The 160-seat auditorium, reading room and classroom space will welcome book lovers for a wide variety of events. All ages.

The Center for Fiction

In an effort to add a personal touch to reading, this 18,000 square-foot space offers its own take on a book club for schools in the area—completely free of charge. Readers are invited to meet the authors they’ve been reading in class, ask questions and learn about the stories in a welcoming environment.

Everyday Food

by Martha Stewart

No matter how busy you are, at the end of the day you want meals that are easy to prepare. And you want lots of choices and variations. You’ll find all of that in this book: 250 simple recipes for delicious meals that bring freshness and nutrition.

Paperback, published by Random House, $16.79

Mighty Jack

By Ben Hatke

Jack dislikes summer. But he’s got a good reason: summer is when his single mom takes a second job and leaves him at home to watch his sister, Maddy. It’s lots of responsibility, and it’s boring, too, because Maddy doesn’t talk. But one day, at the market, Maddy does talk—to tell Jack to trade their mom’s car for a box of mysterious seeds. It’s the best mistake Jack has ever made.

Hardcover, published by First Second, $14.15

Zeroes

By Scott Westerfeld, Margo Lanagan, Deborah Biancotti

The New York Times best-selling author Scott Westerfeld teams up with Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti in the book about six teenagers with amazing abilities. These teenagers have powers that set them apart. They can do things ordinary people can’t.

Paperback, published by Simon & Schuster, $12.99

Only Daughter

By Anna Snoekstra

She’s caught stealing. She’s homeless and on the run. But she happens to look the same as a girl who went missing a decade ago, Rebecca Winter. She takes Rebecca’s identity, using it as a way out. Little does she know her new life as Rebecca is itself a prison and it looks like a killer might be after her.

Kindle edition, published by Harlequin Enterprises, $8.88