Staff Picks Youth Fiction
April 2020
Spirit Hunters
by Ellen Oh
First in a series, this is a chilling ghost story about a haunted house and the new family living in it. Harper has lost memories and a long-lost Grandma, and she begins to understand that the two may be connected. As strange and scary events continue to occur in the house, Harper begins to realize that she holds the key for not only saving her brother, Michael but also saving their house. She is a strong protagonist who not only finds herself but also the secrets of the house. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Only Road
by Alexandra Diaz
A Pura Belpre honor that is straight from real-life events. Jaime is a teenage boy who needs to flee Guatemala before he is forced to become part of a drug trafficking gang. Along with his cousin Angela, they begin the arduous journey to escape to the United States. Who can they trust? Who is trying to use them? What will happen if they reach the U.S. border? Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The One and Only Ivan
by Katherine Applegate
This emotional story is great for readers of all ages, though sensitive readers may find some parts more difficult to read. Ivan’s character is a simple one, accustomed to his life and happy to have friends, Stella the Elephant and Bob the Dog in the Big Top Mall. One day, a new baby elephant, Ruby, comes to join their family. Together, Ivan and Stella promise to do all they can to ensure Ruby has a better life than they had in captivity. This book is a fictional story based on Ivan the Silverback, who lived out the end of his life in Zoo Atlanta after a similar life in a mall. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommend by: Alejandra Menendez, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Hello Universe
by Erin Entrada Kelly
Virgil cannot work up the courage to talk to his longtime crush Valencia. On his way to his psychic friend Kaori’s house, he is pranked by the school bully Chet causing Virgil to become trapped in a well. Virgil is accompanied by nothing but his pet gerbil Gulliver and the stories his Nona has told him through the years. Valencia and Kaori must follow their instincts and clues to help lead them to find Virgil. The Universe intertwines the lives of these four characters on an adventure that leads to new friendships. Also available on Hoopla and OverDrive.
Recommended by: Vanessa Fernandez, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
I Need A New Butt!
by Dawn McMillan
A young boy discovers he has a crack on his butt. How could something like this have happened? Now he needs to decide what kind of butt he will get, an artsy butt, a rocket butt, or an armor-plated butt. This silly book will bring lots of toots and giggles. Also available on Hoopla.
Recommended by: Vanessa Fernandez, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Sweep: the Story of a Girl and Her Monster
by Jonathan Auxier
Since she was 6 years old, Nan Sparrow has been on her own in Victorian London. Small and quick, she becomes a chimney sweep. Her only possession is a piece of char (coal) that is always warm to the touch and comforts her. As difficulties arise around Nan, she discovers that her char is more than a lump. Exciting and engaging storytelling abounds in this book. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Summer of a Thousand Pies
by Margaret Dilloway
Perfect for fans of The Great British Baking Show, this book melds a tale of family, friendship, and finding one’s voice with an endless stream of tasty treats. When Candy Bennett is sent to live with an aunt she has never met in a small tourist town, she is determined not to get too settled. After all, her dad will come and get her any day. Despite her intentions, it’s only a matter of time before she winds up making friends and hundreds of pies. When she learns that her Aunt’s pie shop is in trouble, she comes up with a clever way to save the shop. A sweet tale with a likable heroine, and recipes in the index. Also available on Hoopla.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, Youth Services School Liaison
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Ember’s End (The Green Ember Series: Book 4)
by S. D. Smith
Ember Ends is the final book in the compelling Green Ember series. With immense suspense, we see how far Picket has come in his leadership and bravery. The many battles serve as a backdrop to the unfolding story of a Queen that ascended to the throne due to the death of her unknown brother, Smalls and a nation awaiting emancipation from a harsh oppressor. As the tale comes to a spectacular end, we see the lives of our favorite characters come full circle. Hold on to your seats because you will feel as though you are on a roller coaster ride while reading the action-packed in these pages. Also available on Hoopla.
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
by Andrew Peterson
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is the first of four books in the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. It is the story of three siblings who find themselves on an adventure that changes the course of their lives. While their days were once spent working on a farm, doing school work, and visiting the local bookstore, things are quickly turned upside down when they find themselves on the run from the vicious reptiles, The Fangs of Dang, who have occupied their homeland for decades. The book was originally published in 2008 but was recently re-released with beautiful illustrations. If you love fantasy with a dash of humor this book is sure to become a favorite. Also available on Hoopla.
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Iggy Peck Architect
by Andrea Beaty
Iggy Peck is an architect, it’s easy for his family and friends to see. His teacher does not support him going on his building spree. One day tragedy strikes causing his class to be trapped without escape. Will Iggy build something amazing or forever take off his building cape? A great read for all our young STEAM fans.
Available on Hoopla and Overdrive.
Recommended by: Vanessa Fernandez, Youth Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Grades 3-5, Youth Fiction