Staff Picks Youth Fiction
December 2022
Glass Slippers
by Leah Cypess
Did you know Cinderella had a third wicked stepsister? Tirza was only a little girl when the prince discovered Cinderella, so when she became queen, Ella didn’t hold her family’s evil ways against her. She took Tirza under her wing and let her live in the castle, so she never thought Tirza would betray her. Then, just before the annual ball to celebrate the magic of the glass slippers, they go missing, and Tirza is immediately accused as the thief. Tirza knows she didn’t steal the slippers, so who did? This story is one cliff hanger after another! Action packed with magic, suspense, betrayal, and rivalry, you don’t want to miss this one! Glass Slippers is the second book in the Sisters Ever After series by Leah Cypess.
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
November 2022
Consider the Octopus
by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Twelve-year-old Dr. Sidney Miller is not actually a doctor. She’s a girl with a goldfish longing for adventure since her best friend moved away. And twelve-year-old Jeremy “JB” Barnes makes a few mistakes that connect the two in some major scheming! JB’s mom is a scientist aboard a research ship desperately trying to clean up the Pacific Ocean. In a last ditch effort to help their mission, her team organizes an Emergency Global Summit and puts JB in charge of invitations. How long will it be before everyone realizes JB invited the wrong Sidney Miller? Can the two new friends make an impact before then? STEM enthusiasts, ocean lovers, environmentalists and tweens alike will all find something to love in this endearing middle grade novel full of mix-ups!
Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Ollie Escapes the Great Chicago Fire
by Salima Alikhan
Great historical fiction genre which combines storytelling with real life events. I loved the bravery and perseverance the character shows throughout the book. It is a fast read with suspense to keep the reader interested. Find out how Ollie saves his sister in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and all the emotions and hard times they went through. This new series also has four other great fiction titles.
Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Girl in White
by Lindsay Currie
Posted in: Youth Fiction
October 2022
Tune It Out
by Jamie Sumner
Twelve year old Louise Montgomery, Lou for short, has been displaced by her mom’s restlessness her whole life. They move from place to place living off of odd jobs and Lou’s singing talent, even though she hates performing. It’s been just the two of them against the world until an accident alerts the authorities to their questionable lifestyle. As a result, Lou is sent to live with her aunt and uncle while her mom works on rebuilding her life. Lou discovers a lot about herself and learns that her sensory processing disorder doesn’t have to hold her back. From the author of Roll with It, comes another wonderful middle grade novel about overcoming obstacles and being true to oneself.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Clues to the Universe
by Christina Li
Benji is tired of being bullied at school. When a new girl, Ro, shows up and they accidentally pick up each other’s folders they become friends. Ro is totally into science and space and wants to make a rocket and enter it into the science fair. All Benji wants to do is draw. He’s obsessed with comics. When Ro discovers something about Benji’s absent father, they make a deal.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
My Life in the Fish Tank
by Barbara Dee
Zinnia, Zinny for short, is having a rough school year after her older brother is diagnosed with a mental illness. Her parents ask Zinny and her siblings to keep it a secret. As a result of this, Zinny loses touch with her best friends because they ask questions that she feels she can’t answer.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Goblin Market
by Diane Zahler
Based on a narrative poem published in 1862, Goblin Market is perfect If you like creepy, fairytale stories. Lizzie and Minka are two completely opposite sisters. Lizzie is younger, painfully shy and has an unusual ability. Minka is older, friendly, and outgoing. One day while at the market, Minka meets a boy who gives her the most flavorful piece of fruit she has ever tasted. Eating the fruit makes Minka instantly blinded by infatuation. You could say it was love at first bite. The very next day, Minka becomes deathly ill. Even with her illness, her need to see the boy cannot be stopped. Lizzie promises Minka she will find the boy at the market, and let him know how sick Minka is. When Lizzie finds the boy, she immediately knows he is evil. Her abilities show her something is terribly wrong. Lizzie must save her sister from the evil spell this boy has cast before Minka succumbs to her illness.
Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Haven
by Megan Wagner Lloyd
This is a great middle school read told by a courageous cat named Haven. Haven the house cat had to leave her home to find help for her “human”. She befriended a fox and together they went through the forest and into real danger. Read this adventurous book to find out how brave Haven becomes and what she finds out about who she really is.
Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Leaf Thief
by Alice Hemming
Laugh out loud reading this autumn tale featuring a frantic squirrel suddenly realizing his beloved colorful leaves are disappearing. Someone must have been stealing them and with his bird pal he’s out to solve the mystery. The bold illustrations comically convey his dramatic overreacting, and we can’t help but laugh at all the commotion. This hilarious story is currently displayed at our storywalk for you to enjoy while taking a pleasant autumn nature stroll. The Storywalk is located on the outdoor path off of Ravinia Ave., adjacent to Village Center North Pond.
This book is available in the library and on Hoopla as an ebook.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction