Staff Picks Youth Fiction

Lifeling

by Kirsty Applebaum

Twelve-year-old Lonny, his younger brother Midge, and their father have lived in the forest away from the town of Farstoke all of his life. They do that to protect Lonny because he is a lifeling, one who has the power to save dying things. The price of being able to do that though takes years off his own life. Because of the need for food and money, the brothers venture into Farstoke where the townspeople act as if they treasure a lifeling. Is he willing to bet his or his brother’s life on that? A face paced fantasy story.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Little Blue Bunny

by Erin Guendelsberger

A beautiful, simply written story with the big theme of love and togetherness. A young boy and his favorite toy have many adventures together as the years go by. Unlike in the Velveteen Rabbit where the rabbit is disposed of, when this bunny gets old and tattered, the Mom patches him up and they are off for more adventures. In time, the blue bunny is excited to see a new baby arrive to continue the love and togetherness.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Turtle Boy

by M. Evan Wolkenstein

Will is tired of being the subject of bullying at school. He especially despises the nickname ‘Turtle Boy’. When his rabbi introduces him to a terminally ill boy, Will begins to appreciate things and opens himself up to new things as he hadn’t before. While preparing for his bar mitzvah, Will encounters helpers all along the way that he hadn’t realized were there.

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The School for Whatnots

by Margaret Haddix Patterson

In this middle grade science fiction thriller, Margaret Haddix Patterson does what she does best: create an alternate reality. Fifth grade just ended for Max and his best friend Josie. It is summer and Max is ready to relax before middle school starts. Max’s life flips upside down when he finds an ominous note from Josie. The strange note has him questioning his reality. It seems that everything he thought he knew about his school and classmates was a lie. Max is unsure who to trust but he knows he must find Josie and the truth fast. The School for Whatnots will keep you guessing until the last page.

Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls

by Kaela Rivera

When Cece’s sister, Juana, is kidnapped by a powerful dark criatura (creature), Cece is determined to get her back. In order to accomplish this, she must become a bruja (witch) and fight in Devil’s Alley with a criatura whose soul she owns. Cece needs to establish her own loyalties as what she’s learned in the past is constantly challenged.

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Wild Huntsboys

by Martin Stewart

When Luka’s sister, Elena, gets sent away to protect her from the air raids, she asks Luka to continue her practice of feeding the faeries. He promises but then flings the food away causing the faeries to seek revenge upon both him and his sister. Luka ends up with 3 accomplices as he fights for his and his sister’s lives. This book is filled with action and adventure. 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Bob

by Rebecca Stead

Livy is once again visiting her grandma in Australia. Unfortunately, she does not remember anything about her grandma’s farm, from when she visited five years ago. That quickly changes when Livy finds a small green creature, named Bob, in the upstairs closet of her grandma’s house. Bob remembers everything from the last time Livy visited. Using magic and imagination, Livy helps Bob remember his way home. Not only does Livy save Bob, but Bob saves Livy too. Like many of Rebecca Stead’s stories, Bob is a magical one.

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.

Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Thanks A Lot, Universe

by Chad Lucas

This story begins with Brian and Richie’s dad leaving them and their mom taking a drug overdose. Brian struggles both at home and in school as his anxiety kicks in big time. Meanwhile, in a parallel plot line, Ezra is having trouble fitting in with his friends. They seem to be moving in different directions. Ezra tries to reach out to Brian but Brian is very wary. When Brian lashes out at another student things come to a head.

This book is available in the library and on Hoopla as an ebook.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Oliver: The Second-largest Living Thing on Earth

by Josh Crute

Oliver, a tall and majestic sequoia tree, finds himself discouraged. He’s not the number one largest living thing on Earth. He is, however, the second. His neighbor Sherman takes the spotlight and even has his own sign.  Even though he often feels invisible living in Sherman’s shadows, Oliver realizes he’s part of something much bigger. Kim’s illustrations beautifully convey the feelings of envy, determination, disappointment, and belonging. An inspiring tale of self-realization and self-acceptance. Author notes include interesting information about the real sequoias and other second-largest things on earth. Perfect for celebrating Arbor Day.

Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Frankie & Bug

by Gayle Forman

Ten-year-old Bug just wants to go the beach and swim as much as possible over the summer. But there’s a serial killer on the loose and Bug’s mom says she can only go with her older brother. But her older brother, who now wants to be called Daniel instead of Danny, would rather hang out with friends his own age. When the neighbor’s nephew comes for the summer Bug feels stuck with him and he doesn’t even like the beach. Will this summer ever improve? 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction