Staff Picks Youth Fiction
January 2022
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
They Stole Our Hearts: The Teddies Saga, Book 2
by Daniel Kraus
The second book in a trilogy for middle grades, the story of Buddy, a teddy bear, and his teddy bear friends continues. After thinking they had found a home with Darling, the teddies must run for their lives after the gruesome demise of Sugar, a sweet pink bear. Thinking that joining a village of other teddy bears to help find the factory where they were made leads to more angst and horror. The action and adventure is nonstop in this page turner of a book. Hopefully the third book will come out quickly.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
December 2021
The Mailbox in the Forest
by Kyoko Hara
Mayu is visiting her grandparents who live near a forest, so unlike where Mayu lives in the big city. As she explores the forest, she finds a “mailbocks” in a tree asking anyone to leave letters. An exchange of letters goes on for a while before the friends meet, and Mayu realizes the importance of writing to keep memories and to keep in touch.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Banana Fox and the Book-Eating Robot: A Graphix Chapter Book (Banana Fox #2)
by James Kochalka
The second book in a graphic novel series has Banana Fox living in a cardboard mansion after putting the Secret Sour Society in jail. When he sees Sour Grapes, Jr. walking down the street, Banana Fox discovers he has over $3000.00 in library book late fees and Banana Fox ends up in library jail. The robot book deposit begins to wreak havoc in the library. Can Banana Fox’s friends save Banana Fox and the books?
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Good Night, Oppy!
by James McGowan
An enlightening picture book full of great illustrations and facts about the 15 year mission of Opportunity, a NASA Mars rover. She sent back lots of data, including proof of water once being on Mars, until a dust storm blocked the sunlight from recharging her batteries.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Winterhouse, book 1
by Ben Guterson
This middle grade novel begins when Elizabeth Somers finds an envelope taped to her front door. Inside is a note from her aunt and uncle, along with three dollars and a train ticket. The note explains that Elizabeth will be spending her holiday break at the Winterhouse Hotel. When she arrives, Elizabeth immediately understands that Winterhouse is a magical place. It’s a mix of a hotel, museum and mansion. The grounds are stunning and unlike anything she’s ever seen. There is a library, a candy making room, workshops and an observation deck. Early in her stay, Elizabeth meets another young, solo traveler. Their friendship is built on their shared interest of puzzles. Together they uncover a dangerous, coded mystery. They must solve an intricate puzzle to save the Winterhouse Hotel. Could Elizabeth, herself, be the magical key to cracking the infamous Winterhouse Secret. Winterhouse is a page-turner! And, you’ll be pleased to know, there are two more books in the series!
Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Beatryce Prophecy
by Kate DiCamillo
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Flip-A-Feather: A Mix-And-Match Board Book
by Sara Ball
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Under My Hijab
by Hena Khan
Have you ever wondered how to explain hijab (the head scarf) to little children or even adults ? Have you ever wondered if a Muslim woman who wears a hijab can be stylish and dye her hair pink like auntie in the story? Have you ever wondered if a Muslim woman who wears a Hijab can play sports?
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Cat Kid Comic Club: Perspective
by Dave Pilkey
In the second graphic novel, the Comic Club characters are back once again and in the classroom with twenty-one baby frogs where everyone has their perspective about things. Naomi and Melvin disagree and disrupt the class and Poppy sees the world differently than her siblings. Each chapter has a different story told by one of the characters. As Pilkey teaches real life lessons on how to get along with different perspectives, he also teaches the reader how to draw perspectives and write a story.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction