Staff Picks Youth Fiction
June 2021
The Fifth Quarter
by Mike Dawson
Fourth grader Lori loves to play basketball, even though she’s not the strongest player. This love of the game helps her to navigate all the realities of growing up: trouble with friends, a first sleepaway camp, and her mom’s political ambitions. A charming tale of growing up, working towards your goals, and basketball. Perfect for sports enthusiasts and fans of Hena Khan’s basketball series.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, Youth Services School Liaison
Posted in: Youth Fiction
May 2021
Black Brother, Black Brother
by Jewell Rhodes
Donte and Trey are brothers attending an elite school when Donte is unjustly accused of a crime. He discovers the sport of fencing while suspended and begins training with a former Olympic champion. Donte’s initial goal is to beat the reigning fencing champion but as his training continues, he learns much more than just the techniques of his sport.
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 Dragon Egg Princess
by Ellen Oh
Koko, unbeknownst to her, is the last of the dragons. Given at birth to the king and queen to raise, she has no idea of her true identity. She goes missing while still a young girl but is then discovered alive and well and living in a magical forest. An evil plot is hatched to deprive Koko of both her power and her throne. Many magical and non-magical creatures and humans come together to fight for good.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Amari and the Night Brothers
by B. B. Alston
Amari’s older brother, who was working in a top-secret job, has been missing for 6 months. When Amari receives an unusual message from him, she realizes there may be more opportunities for her in the world than she originally thought. She’s given an invitation to join a summer camp run by the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Should she accept it? This is, after all, the same place where her brother works and he’s missing!
This book is available at the library and on OverDrvice/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Cinders and Sparks Magic at Midnight
by Lindsey Kelk
A retelling of the story of Cinderella where Cinders, as she is called, discovers that she has magical powers thanks to her sparkly fingers. Then she discovers that her dog Sparks can also talk. But where is her fairy godmother, Brian, to help her go to the ball? Brian is very unreliable and so are Cinder’s magical abilities which leads to laugh out loud silliness. This is the first book in the trilogy, Cinders and Sparks.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
April 2021
Red, White and Whole
by Rajani LaRocca
Reha is torn between two worlds: her life with her Indian parents and relatives and her life at school where she’s the only Indian American student. She tries to fit in at each place but then her mother becomes sick and her life is turned upside down. Written in verse by an Indian American author, this book gives you a glimpse into the struggle of living in two different cultures.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Pete the Cat: Crayons Rock!
by Kimberly Dean and James Dean
Posted in: Youth Fiction
A Place to Hang the Moon
by Kate Albus
It’s June 1940 and siblings William, Edmund and Anna have a big problem. Since their parents died they have lived with their grandmother but now she has died. On top of that they are being evacuated from London to escape the potential bombings taking place. Their grandmother’s solicitor has come up with a plan. Try to find a suitable family to adopt them when they’re away in the countryside. But the children end up with some unsavory individuals and wonder if they’ll ever find a home.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Big Bad Wolf in My House
by Valerie Fontaine
An age-appropriate story for any young child who may have experienced domestic abuse or heard about it from others. Told from the point of view of the daughter, her efforts to protect herself physically and emotionally are by using the house building strategies of the three little pigs.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
March 2021
Doggo and Pupper
by Katherine Applegate
A humorous chapter book about an older dog, who likes his routines, but then a puppy joins the household. Mayhem and off to obedience school ensue. Will that solve the problems for Doggo and Pupper?
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction