Staff Picks 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

Northwind

by Gary Paulsen

Last book written by Gary Paulsen and continues his forte in writing about young men surviving and thriving in a hostile world… think back to Hatchet. Also think about what we have learned about him through his books… My Life in Dog Years… and interviews about his neglectful upbringing… “The Librarian Who Changed His Life”. Leif, an orphan, was pushed from the fishing camp in a cedar canoe after a brutal sickness killed any and all in the camp. He was told to head North and never look back. His survival depended on luck, ingenuity, and the natural world he finds himself alone in. Beauty and savagery abound throughout.

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

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Space Between Before and After

by Sue Stauffacher

Thomas Moran’s mother has been struggling with depression for years. It seems to Thomas that his mother is physically with him, mentally somewhere else. Thomas says his mother always looks like she has clouds in her eyes. After his mom disappears, Thomas learns how to cope without her. With the help of neighbors and friends, the power of storytelling becomes his savior. It is through storytelling that his family learns to live again. The Space Between Before and After is a serious and very emotionally heavy book. But just like life, not all books are fun and happy.

Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction