Staff Picks Youth Fiction
February 2022
The Lost Language
by Claudia Mills
Two best friends named Elizabeth go by the nicknames of Lizard and Bumble. Lizard is definitely the more dominant of the two girls but they still have a strong friendship. When Bumble branches out and starts doing things with another girl, Lizard becomes jealous. When Bumble gets a part in the school play, Lizard gets more jealous. Now the friendship is in trouble. Meanwhile, there is trouble afoot in Bumble’s house that she is not even totally aware of. This book in verse asks the question: Can this friendship be saved?
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Pony
by R. J. Palacio
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
by Zanib Mian
Omar and his family just moved to a new town. That means a new school and new friends for Omar. It also means having run ins with a new bully. When Omar’s bully tells him that all Muslims are going to be kicked out of the country, could it possibly be true? Omar’s imagination and his amazing family help him fight through his problems. He even gets to show off his religion and holidays to his new friends. This is a great story that many younger kids can relate to no matter their background.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Dollhouse
by Charis Cotter
In this middle grade ghost story, Alice’s world has been turned upside down. Instead of spending her summer vacationing with her parents, Alice’s parents are separating. Alice and her mother will spend the summer away from her father. Alice’s mom has taken a live-in nursing job far away from the city. The patient is a secretive old woman who has fallen down the stairs of her 1900’s mansion. As if things couldn’t get worse, on their way there, their train stops abruptly, causing Alice to hit her head and get a concussion. Once settled, Alice finds a doll house in the attic that is an exact replica of the mansion. She’s always had an overactive imagination but when her dreams become haunted by a ghost girl, she has a hard time deciphering if she’s sleeping or awake, dead or alive. Are her dreams a side effect of her concussion or is the ghost girl trying to get a message to Alice? If you’re a fan of ghost stories, this book is for you! Also, read some of Charis Cotter’s other novels, The Ghost Road and The Painting.
Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Stuntboy, In The Meantime
by Jason Reynolds
Portico Reeves loves superheroes, and I mean, who can blame him? Superheroes can save the day and protect those around them, but who can protect the superheroes? That’s when Portico turns into the mighty Stuntboy, who can stand in for superheroes and take on their challenges for them! Stuntboy can fall down the stairs for an elderly neighbor or block insults from the local bully to save the day his own way. Portico though has his own problems. Portico struggles to combat his anxiety problems amidst his parents’ ever-escalating fights. Can Portico…er, Stuntboy save the day? Jason Reynolds crafts another outstanding story here with humor and heart. Raúl the Third’s wondrous illustrations bring to life the stunts of Stuntboy and Portico’s neighborhood and loved ones, making this an excellent read-alike for graphic novel fans.
Recommended by: Alexander Pappas, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
January 2022
Ten Mice for Tet
by Pegi Deitz Shea
A village of mice diligently prepares for the celebration and traditions of Tet, the Vietnamese lunar new year holiday. With this adorable book, children and caregivers will learn about this festive holiday, practice counting to ten, and admire the meticulous and detailed vibrant embroidery art on each page. From planning to fireworks, the simple text and bright playful illustrations serve as a great introduction to multicultural customs and celebrations. End notes provide additional information about the joyful traditions featured in the book.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
There’s a Ghost in this House
by Oliver Jeffers
A very creative picture book by Oliver Jeffers , a little girl takes you through each room in her house looking for a ghost. This gorgeous book is not scary at all in fact it’s funny and a very creative book. I loved it so much.
Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Youth Fiction
A Home for Goddesses and Dogs
by Leslie Connor
Lydia, having just witnessed her mother’s death, is brought to live with her aunt, her mother’s sister. The life her aunt lives, with her wife and elderly landlord, on a farm of sorts, is quite different from what Lydia is used to. When her aunt decides to adopt a rescue dog, Lydia slowly grows accustomed to her new life.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an e audiobook.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Waiting is Not Easy!
by Mo Willems
My four year old son was having a hard time waiting. Together we read books about waiting. This one was our favorite! In Waiting is Not Easy, Piggie has a surprise for Gerald. But, the surprise is not here yet so Gerald must wait. Gerald is impatient and the waiting is excruciating. He has to wait all day, until it gets dark out, for his surprise to arrive! Because of this, Gerald gets crabby. My son loved that Gerald’s grouchy groans were so loud they physically knock Piggie over. Even still, Piggie convinces Gerald the waiting will be worth it. Waiting is Not Easy was fun and silly to read aloud. My son laughed and requested it be read again and again. I loved that I could refer back to this witty story as a reminder to be patient. You will love the sweet surprise at the end.
Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
When Pigs Fly
by Rob Harrell
A new graphic novel series by author of Wink bringing a new superhero, Batpig! After being accidently bitten on his snout by his friend Brooklyn, a bat. Gary the pig discovers he has super powers. In several action packed stories, Batpig takes on villains, gets a special Batpig ringtone, and many more adventures. Be sure to read this book to find out the answer to the question “Why didn’t the toilet paper cross the road?”
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction