Staff Picks Youth Fiction
November 2022
Ollie Escapes the Great Chicago Fire
by Salima Alikhan
Great historical fiction genre which combines storytelling with real life events. I loved the bravery and perseverance the character shows throughout the book. It is a fast read with suspense to keep the reader interested. Find out how Ollie saves his sister in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and all the emotions and hard times they went through. This new series also has four other great fiction titles.
Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Girl in White
by Lindsay Currie
Posted in: Youth Fiction
October 2022
Tune It Out
by Jamie Sumner
Twelve year old Louise Montgomery, Lou for short, has been displaced by her mom’s restlessness her whole life. They move from place to place living off of odd jobs and Lou’s singing talent, even though she hates performing. It’s been just the two of them against the world until an accident alerts the authorities to their questionable lifestyle. As a result, Lou is sent to live with her aunt and uncle while her mom works on rebuilding her life. Lou discovers a lot about herself and learns that her sensory processing disorder doesn’t have to hold her back. From the author of Roll with It, comes another wonderful middle grade novel about overcoming obstacles and being true to oneself.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Clues to the Universe
by Christina Li
Benji is tired of being bullied at school. When a new girl, Ro, shows up and they accidentally pick up each other’s folders they become friends. Ro is totally into science and space and wants to make a rocket and enter it into the science fair. All Benji wants to do is draw. He’s obsessed with comics. When Ro discovers something about Benji’s absent father, they make a deal.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
My Life in the Fish Tank
by Barbara Dee
Zinnia, Zinny for short, is having a rough school year after her older brother is diagnosed with a mental illness. Her parents ask Zinny and her siblings to keep it a secret. As a result of this, Zinny loses touch with her best friends because they ask questions that she feels she can’t answer.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Goblin Market
by Diane Zahler
Based on a narrative poem published in 1862, Goblin Market is perfect If you like creepy, fairytale stories. Lizzie and Minka are two completely opposite sisters. Lizzie is younger, painfully shy and has an unusual ability. Minka is older, friendly, and outgoing. One day while at the market, Minka meets a boy who gives her the most flavorful piece of fruit she has ever tasted. Eating the fruit makes Minka instantly blinded by infatuation. You could say it was love at first bite. The very next day, Minka becomes deathly ill. Even with her illness, her need to see the boy cannot be stopped. Lizzie promises Minka she will find the boy at the market, and let him know how sick Minka is. When Lizzie finds the boy, she immediately knows he is evil. Her abilities show her something is terribly wrong. Lizzie must save her sister from the evil spell this boy has cast before Minka succumbs to her illness.
Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Haven
by Megan Wagner Lloyd
This is a great middle school read told by a courageous cat named Haven. Haven the house cat had to leave her home to find help for her “human”. She befriended a fox and together they went through the forest and into real danger. Read this adventurous book to find out how brave Haven becomes and what she finds out about who she really is.
Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Leaf Thief
by Alice Hemming
Laugh out loud reading this autumn tale featuring a frantic squirrel suddenly realizing his beloved colorful leaves are disappearing. Someone must have been stealing them and with his bird pal he’s out to solve the mystery. The bold illustrations comically convey his dramatic overreacting, and we can’t help but laugh at all the commotion. This hilarious story is currently displayed at our storywalk for you to enjoy while taking a pleasant autumn nature stroll. The Storywalk is located on the outdoor path off of Ravinia Ave., adjacent to Village Center North Pond.
This book is available in the library and on Hoopla as an ebook.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
September 2022
The Path
by Bob Staake
This is a beautifully written picture book that is inspirational and uplifting. It teaches the reader that there are many paths and important choices to make in life. Some of these paths may be challenging, but it shows that they can be conquered and the reader will move forward to create their own path in life. I loved the simplistic colorful illustrations that tie in perfectly to the lyrical words.
Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
by Kenard Pak
Autumn has arrived and soon enough nature will once again remind us of the delightfulness of those early Fall days and the beauty all around us. The transitional aspects of the changing seasons are presented in this beautiful book as a conversation between a young child and nature itself. Whether in the forest or around town, children will learn and recognize the signs of autumn as they read and explore the evocative images in this engaging picture book.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction