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Staff Picks Youth Fiction

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January 2024

The Cardboard Kingdom: Snow and Sorcery

by Chad Sell

The Cardboard Kingdom: Snow and Sorcery by Chad Sell is the third installment of the graphic novel series. The Cardboard Kingdom is a neighborhood group of kids with big imaginations who like having adventures together. In this book, some kids from across town want to join the kingdom, but no one can seem to get along. A battle is brewing to settle things once and for all, unless they can find a way to live together in harmony. With slimy snowball attacks, elaborate costumes, and a whodunit mystery, this story has all the excitement to make you keep reading!

Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction


Babble: And How Punctuation Saved It

by Caroline Adderson

A humorously written story about the town of Babble. No one could understand each other and they all talked all the time in monotone, but never listening. The first few pages are one long run on sentence because there is no punctuation. Luckily, a young girl comes along and begins to share strange objects with all the town people. With the period they can stop talking and listen. With the question mark they can have a discussion. Other punctuation marks are given out such as commas, quotation marks, apostrophes, and very importantly exclamation marks. A very fun way to emphasize the importance of using punctuation but also the importance of communication in understanding each other. 

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian 

Posted in: Youth Fiction


Different: A Story of the Spanish Civil War

by Monica Montanes

With Francisco Franco in charge in Spain anyone who was different was in danger. Anyone who had fought for freedom had to flee the country. Different is told through the voices of seven-year-old Socorro and nine-year-old Paco who are siblings. Because their father had to escape Spain because of his political beliefs, the family must hide the truth and keep secrets in order to survive. They can’t ask for more food or better treatment because someone might find out why their father isn’t home anymore. After 8 years a letter finally arrives from the father reuniting them in Venezuela. Different is based on the author’s family history.  

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian 

Posted in: Youth Fiction


Wonka

by Sibeal Pounder

Wow what a book! This is a fast paced novel packed with lots of adventure through Wonka’s wonderful imagination.  The story line takes place when Willy Wonka was a child and how he became to be a chocolate maker. Readers will immediately be drawn to the story line as there are many twists and turns along the way.  This book is based on the motion picture “Wonka”. Enjoy all of the creativity and adventure in this book!
Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction


December 2023

Tiger Daughter

by Rebecca Lim

Tiger Daughter is a middle grade novel about immigration, mental health, family, and feeling like the cultural other. Students Wen Zhou and Henry Xiao dream of going to a special academy to study but there are language barriers, patriarchy, and a death in the family in their way. Read it to find out what happens.

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

Recommended by: Jackie Boyd, Communications Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction


November 2023

Treaty Words: For As Long As the Rivers Flow

by Aimee Craft

Treaty Words: For As Long As the Rivers Flow by Aimee Craft, illustrated by Luke Swinson, is a beautiful look at the Indigenous culture. A grandfather and his granddaughter spend time together in nature appreciating their relationship with each other, their culture, and the earth. It is a short story with colorful art on every page so it will appeal to children of all ages, either reading independently or aloud. It would be a wonderful way to start a conversation about Native American heritage and caring for the environment. The author’s note at the end adds context and could provoke further research.

Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction


Ghost Book

by Remy Lai

July Chen’s mother died when she was born. July can see ghosts, but it seems that no one at school can remember her. During Hungry Ghost Month she tries to summon the Hungry Ghost so the kids might finally remember her. Instead she attracts the attention of a wandering soul still connected by a red thread to his body—that of 12-year-old William Xiao, who has many near-death accidents. The two become friends and discover how their fates are connected. An adventure with colorful graphics and thoughts on love, death, memories and friendship.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction


The Fort

by Gordon Korman

When five friends find a hidden fort in the woods near their homes, the adventure is just beginning. There are two older boys bullying them any chance they get. One of the boys has an abusive stepfather. Another boy suffers with OCD and another is struggling with the fact that his parents abandoned him. The fort becomes their ‘home away from home’ until everything finally climaxes in a very explosive manner.

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

 Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction


October 2023

Where You’ve Got to Be

Where You’ve Got to Be by Caroline Gertler is a newer middle grade title with all the traditional growing pains and life lessons that come with entering the sixth grade. Nolie struggles with a fading friendship, choosing right from wrong, and finding her place, all while in the shadow of her “perfect” older sister. Everyone around her seems to know their purpose and passion in life, but she’s got nothing, which also means she’s often overlooked. Of course it turns out that not everything is what it seems, and she has a lot to learn. Luckily, Nolie has a loving family to help her find her way. Fans of Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly will really enjoy this one as well!

Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction


Squire and Knight

by Scott Chantler

A fast-paced graphic novel that has adventure, magic and a dragon. There is also a knight, Sir Kelton, who is not very good at his job but always makes fun of his bookish Squire, who is good at his job. Going off to slay the dragon, Sir Kelton leaves the Squire behind. He promptly begins to delve into why the village has been cursed. At the end of the story the author gives interesting information about what all goes into the process of creating a graphic novel. It’s a behind the scenes look of how-to.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction


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