Staff Picks Youth Fiction

What If I’m Not a Cat?

by Kari-Lynn Winters

Looking for a funny book to read for your little kids, or your grandchildren and have a laughter time. What if I’m not a Cat?  Will make everyone giggle by just looking at the cats’ faces expression. Very cute picture book about a donkey who lives with lots of cats in a barn trying to act like them. Was he able to? Read this book and find out.

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

Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Garlic and the Vampire

by Bree Paulsen

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Oh My Dog!

by Iva-Marie Palmer

Caroline has had bad things happen in her life such as her mom dying when she was 7 years old and her house destroyed by a hurricane when she was 8 years old. Now she is 12 years and has trouble fitting in and making friends. She gets a job dog walking, Denver, to help out by earning money, but she gets more than money. Denver can talk to her. He wants her get people see how they are all connected and that belief in goodness of others will connect everyone. She is not sure she is up to the task or even wants to try. A heartwarming story about miracles and hope.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Night Librarian

by Christopher Lincoln

An action-packed graphic novel featuring a brother and sister, Page and Turner, whose favorite place is the New York Public Library. Since they are often left alone as their parents travel for work, they rely on each other. When their father’s first edition of Dracula gets lost, the adventure begins. They meet the Night Librarian and learn of a secret underground area of the library. They also learn that the characters in the stories, good and bad, are trying to escape the confines of their book covers. A battle between the characters ensues and the twins must help to try and save the library from destruction. Many classic book titles and characters are part of this story as they literally come alive on the pages. Realistic dialogue and amazing illustrations make this a page turner.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Orris & Timble The Beginning

by Kate DiCamillo

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Golden Hour

by Niki Smith

This is a wonderfully illustrated, realistic fiction graphic novel about a group of friends working together in times of hardship. It shares the life of Manuel Soto, who just experienced an instance of gun violence in school. He finds comfort in photography and helping his friends prepare for the local county fair. This book shares the power of friendship and finding yourself even in the hardest of situations. This is an enjoyable novel if you want a realistic book about friendship and self-discovery.

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

Recommended by: Abigail Hooks, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Frizzy

by Claribel Ortega

Straight hair, curly hair, good hair, bad hair. Frizzy by Claribel Ortega is all about the hair! In a family that values physical appearance,  Marlene struggles to tell her mom how much she hates her weekly salon visit to straighten her hair. After a bad experience in school, she gets an opportunity to learn how she can be herself and embrace her natural curls.

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

Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Labors of Hercules Beal

by Gary D. Schmidt

Hercules Beal knows he has an unusual name. When his teacher assigns him a project to perform the twelve labors of Hercules he wonders if it’s even possible. He has no idea where to find Nemean lions or a Hydra! But he gets creative and gets quite a bit of help from people in his community. This story is filled with adventure, friendships and unusual relationships.

This book is available in the library and on Hoopla as e audiobook.

Submitted by: Becky McCormack, Youth Service Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman

by Gennifer Choldenko

When eleven-year-old Hank’s mother disappears once again and leaves him in charge of his sister, 3 year-old Boo, he must reach out to an old friend of his deceased grandmother for help. They are out of food, out of money and out of their apartment. Though he doesn’t know who to trust, including the old friend and the next door neighbor, and kids at his new school, Hank begins to create a new life for himself even knowing that at any time it could fall apart. Such as when his Mom returns. A realistic story that is relatable, heartbreaking, and based on some of the childhood experiences of the author.

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

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Ghostly Photos

by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Once again, Haddix has written a page-turning thriller. This is the second title in the Mysteries of Trash and Treasure series. Colin and Nevaeh, founding members of the Mystery Solvers, Inc, are asked by a new girl in town to help solve a mystery about old pictures found in the attic of her home, a funeral home. There are many subplots in the book revolving around family and friendships. There is a ghost story, missing persons, death, and dementia spanning decades to resolve the mysteries. Author’s Notes give further information about the Great Depression, funerals, and dementia.

This book is available in the library and on Hoopla as an e audiobook.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction