Staff Picks Youth Fiction

Ask Mr. Bear

by Marjorie Flack

This children’s classic book was published in 1931.  I first discovered it when I was researching books for a preschool birthday storytime that I was presenting at my library.   

The gentle tale tells the story of Danny who is in search of the perfect birthday gift for his mother.  Through a series of meetings with some farm animals, Danny tell them of his dilemma and each offers a gift:  The Hen offers Danny a fresh egg; the Goose offers feathers so Danny can make a pillow for his mother; the Goat suggest his milk so they can have cheese.  Danny thanks them all but tells the animals that his mother has all of those things.  Finally, Danny and the animals come across a Cow who tells Danny that he should visit Mr. Bear who lives in the woods on the other side of the hill.  Danny heads off and reaches Mr. Bear, and asks Mr. Bear what he has for Danny to give to his mother for her birthday.  Mr. Bear tells Danny he doesn’t have anything for Danny’s mother’s birthday but he whispers something that Danny can give her himself. 

I don’t want to give away the ending, but to me this soothing story tells little ones and grown-ups too, that the best presents are the giving of yourself by showing love. 

 Recommended by: Mary G. Adamowski, Library Director

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Grow Up, Tahlia Wilkins!

by Karina Evans

When puberty hits for Tahlia Wilkins, the hits just keep on coming! School’s out for the summer, she has the best friend a girl could ask for, and she has a foolproof plan to become popular this summer before eighth grade, so what could go wrong? Everything. Literally, everything that could go wrong is going wrong in this hilarious middle grade novel by Karina Evans. Tahlia and her best friend, Lily, spend days dealing with one disaster after another, until the biggest disaster of all threatens their friendship. If you’ve ever felt some serious growing pains, this book reminds you you’re not the only one. Fans of Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. by Betsy Bird will find this story just as entertaining.

Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

We Are Wolves

by Katrina Nannestad

Liesl, Otto and Mia are siblings living in Germany in 1944 with their mother, father and grandparents. The war affects them only in small ways until their father is forced to join the army and then they are told to leave their home as the Russian army is coming. They struggle to survive but one by one they get separated from their group. Fortunately, there are good people everywhere and the three children use all their wits just to survive. 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Honestly Elliott

by Gillian McDunn

Elliott is having a rough year. His best friend moved away, his parents got divorced, he’s having trouble transitioning to middle school AND his ADHD is hard for him to keep under control. When his ‘friends’ don’t want him to join their group for a school project, Elliott is feeling pretty low. Luckily one of the smartest girls in his class, Maribel, is willing to work with him on the project. As Elliott and Maribel learn more about each other, Elliott’s year begins to get better.  

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Winterborne Home for Vengeance & Valor

by Ally Carter

This action packed book caught my attention right away! The story revolves around five orphans who are brought to live at the Winterborne home. Little do they know, they will become immersed in a mystery of a missing family heir. Great read aloud for middle school. It has you thinking and guessing the whole way through!

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

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Lion of Mars

by Jennifer L. Holm

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live on Mars? Jennifer L. Holm imagines a version in her book, The Lion of Mars. Eleven year-old Bell and his friends in the US colony on Mars have never known anything different. Bell can’t understand certain things about life on Earth, like growing grass outside only to keep cutting it, or how a giraffe stands without tipping over. Although some things about life on Mars are vastly different from Earth, teenagers are still weird, grown-ups still have secrets, and cats are still a favorite pet. In an unprecedented turn of events, the adults get sick, so the kids get desperate and have to break a few rules. This leads to friendships, reunions, Ping-Pong, and answered questions. You won’t want to miss this science fiction gem!

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

Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

We Disagree

by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

A mouse and a squirrel both they disagree about many things but at the end they remain friends, I totally recommend this book if you want to teach your kids disagreeing doesn’t mean the end of a friendship. I loved the illustration of this book. This book made me laugh, it’s kind of funny.

Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero

by Saadia Faruqi

Yusuf is excited to be starting middle school until he gets a mean note in his locker. Was it an accident or does someone really hate him? As he acclimates himself to his new school and begins making new friends, he puts the note behind him. When the incidents of bullying increase, Yusuf wonders if he should look the other way or confront the bullies? 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Quiltmakers Gift

by Jeff Brumbeau

At this time of year, it is especially important to teach our youth about the joy of giving. The illustrations in this picture book are stunning! Even more beautiful is the message about generosity and happiness. Additionally, there are games online that go with the story which brings it to another level of enjoyment!

Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Ophie’s Ghosts

by Justina Ireland

Ophelia, known as Ophie, ‘sees’ her father but he has just been killed. This is how Ophie finds out she has the ability to see and talk to ghosts. Her father’s ghost saves both her and her mother’s lives. When they are forced to move in with relatives when their house is burned down, Ophie has to leave school and work for a rich family. When Ophie is at her new job, she sees ghost everywhere. Ophie asks questions of both the staff and family in order to determine how she can help the ghosts find closure. 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction