Kim Baker
former kid from the projects,
current writer of books for kids
author, teacher, and speaker
Kim Baker’s first middle grade novel, PICKLE, has been selected for many reading lists and was a finalist for the CBC Children’s Choice Book of the Year. Her second book, THE WATER BEARS, was named a best children’s book of 2020 by Bank Street College and Kirkus.
“Rich character building, tender relationships, and a vibrant setting tingling with magical possibility combine for a satisfying tale.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review ⭐️
“Deliberately paced…a subtle, satisfying read.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review ⭐️
“A sweet coming-of-age novel…recommended.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
"Fans of The Goonies and treasure-hunt adventures will revel in Baker’s vivid and diverse characters, snappy dialogue, and mystical clues that arise as Newt decides what things in life are worth holding on to and what needs letting go.”
BOOKLIST
KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOKS OF 2020
BANK STREET BEST CHILDREN’S BOOKS 2020
WASHINGTON POST SUMMER BOOK CLUB PICK
WSRA “JUST ONE MORE PAGE” SELECTION
EL DÍA DE LOS NIÑOS/EL DÍA DE LOS LIBROS 2021
“Author Kim Baker packs a lot of questions into her engaging story.” WASHINGTON POST
Want a personalized copy? Order from Kim’s neighborhood indy, Secret Garden Books, and add a note in the comments.
ISBN: 9781984852236
“With warmth and humor, Kim Baker conjures a magical tale of finding the most elusive creature of all: one’s true self.” —Kirby Larson, author of the New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor winner Hattie Big Sky and the Audacity Jones series
“A captivating story that creatively blends the wonder and excitement of potential magic with the life challenges that each character must face. A joy to read!” —Christina Diaz Gonzalez, author of the award-winning The Red Umbrella and the Moving Target series
“Is there magic on Murphy Island: a monster in the lake, a bear that grants wishes? The Water Bears is a magical story with wonderful characters set in a most unusual place.” —Patricia Reilly Giff, author of the Newbery Honor winners Lily’s Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods
“Like a lucky charm or a cup of warm cocoa, this book wraps the reader in hope and offers comfort in the face of change. A sincere exploration of recovery and growth.” —Anna Meriano, author of the Love Sugar Magic series
“Kim Baker sees the world I live in clearly: the beauty and the hard things, the complications, and the magic. Most of all, she sees our connections. A magical, honest look at life’s messy wonder. Highly recommended.” —Kelly Jones, author of the Unusual Chickens series and Sauerkraut
“I fell in love with Newt's story from the very first page. Full of humor and heart, The Water Bears is brimming with enchantment, from the maybe-magic of a wish-granting bear to the tried-and-true, real-world magic of family, friendship, and community.” —Kate Messner, author of Chirp and The Seventh Wish
2013 SCBWI Crystal Kite West winner
2013 CBC Children's Choice Awards, Book of the Year finalist
2014-2015 Texas Bluebonnet Award finalist
2015 Louisiana Young Reader's Choice selection
Junior Library Guild Selection
2018 Global Reading Challenge
Top 5 Northwest Children's Books by KING 5
The Washington Post 2016 Summer Book Club selection's
Mamiverse's 50 Latino Children's Books You Should Know
100 Books for Reading and Sharing— New York Public Library
"Book Spine of the Year" from 100 Scope Notes
“Pickle is fun and hilarious! The pranks pulled off are so fantastically fun that it's almost dangerous to let kids read it.”
—Chris Rylander, Sid Fleischman Humor Award Winner and author of The Fourth Stall series
“A book that I simply cannot keep on my library shelves . . . kids eat this book up with a spoon.”
—Elizabeth Bird, Fuse #8, New York Public Library
“Reading Pickle makes me want to fill an entire school waist-deep with bean dip; stage an impromptu zombie attach during lunchtime; wear a cowbow hat while driving a herd of house cats through the halls. . . . Whatever it moves you to do, you'll find Pickle to be inspired fun.”
—Matthew Holm, co-creator of Babymouse and Squish
“Baker writes with a light and lively hand, depicting a realistic urban setting peopled with engaging characters from various ethnic backgrounds.” —The Horn Book
“Sure to please anyone with a puckish sense of humor or a hankering for innocent prank ideas.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Probert's finely detailed, expressive illustrations depict the club's racially diverse makeup. Baker's debut novel shows promise and offers an enjoyable read.” —School Library Journal
Want a personalized copy? Order from Kim’s neighborhood indy, Secret Garden Books, and add a note in the comments.
ISBN: 9781250044273
