November is Native American Heritage Month. The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges. (NCAI.org)

Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year. It’s important to measure how common mental illness is, so we can understand its physical, social and financial impact — and so we can show that no one is alone. These numbers are also powerful tools for raising public awareness, stigma-busting and advocating for better health care. (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Although across the country there are different foraging seasons, sales of books about mushrooms see the most significant increases in stores and online in September. The PRH list includes a select of titles about hunting, identifying, cooking, use as pharmaceuticals, and other compelling titles.

Ensure that stores are well-stocked with mycology titles for September so they can make sure they’re available when consumers are looking. Great time for promotions too!

Over the past two decades, Americans have experienced a significant evolution in their understanding and cultural acceptance of transgender people.

Consequently, media coverage of trans issues has moved beyond simplistic political dichotomies and toward more fully realized representations, not only of the diversity of the trans community, but also of trans people’s lives, their families, and their fundamental inclusion in the fabric of American society. Today, transgender people’s stories are more likely to be told in the same way as others — with fairness, integrity, and respect. (glaad.org)

Between 9/15 and 10/15, we celebrate the history and countless contributions that Latinos have made to the US over the years. This month we also honor the cultural richness of Hispanics from Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

As a result of the pandemic, personal finance has become an increasingly important topic for many Americans. In 2020 spending was down and consumers participated in “savings challenges”. Although spending is back up, consumers are still dealing with the repercussions of 2020 and lost income. 

Financial experts say that online conversations about budgeting have skyrocketed, and that the pandemic has caused people to adjust their financial planning. (www.brandwatch.com)

This year Americans will commemorate the life-changing events of September 11, 2001, twenty years ago. In addition to tributes to those who lost their lives, including the traditional reading of names, and honoring the heroes of that day, many will ruminate about the ongoing war on terror that’s since taken place. The expected complete withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan by 9/11 of this year as ordered by President Biden will have readers refocused on all that has transpired over the past 20 years. 

According to an estimate by pop culture trade news sites ICv2 and Comichron, graphic novel sales in particular via the bookstore channel were $645 million, higher than comic book shops. 

According to the report, sales in the bookstore channel (which includes physical stores and online retailers) increased “dramatically” over comics shop market share and the popularity of graphic novels over periodical comics continued to grow. (PublishersWeekly.com)

10.1 million households camped for the first time in 2020, and more than 60% of these first-time campers plan to camp the same or more in the coming year (Kampgrounds of America’s annual North American Camping Report). Camping, hiking, and outdoor skills backlist is sure to see increases, so we need to ensure customers are well-stocked.

Industry sales of Wicca and Tarot titles were up massively this past year, to the tune of $90 million, with the majority of sales coming in the second half of the year. Every sales channel benefited from growth in this category. Accounts should be well-stocked beginning in July, and then on toward the fall.

Homeschooling in the 1980s typically called to mind white, middle class families who opted out of traditional district or private schools to focus on teaching their children through the lens of their religious faith.

In recent years, homeschooling has moved far beyond being the preferred learning method of a handful of American families, increasing in popularity as parents become less satisfied with more traditional choices. (redefineonline.org)

The intense fighting now raging between Israelis and Palestinians – in an area not much larger than New Jersey – may be the worst since 2014, but it’s part of a complex, bitter conflict that reaches back to the first World War. (USA Today)