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Staff Picks Youth Nonfiction

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February 2020

Ibn-al-Haytham, The Man who Discovered How We See

by Libby Romero

I recommend “Ibn -al-Haytham, The Man who Discovered How We See.” He is an Arabian scholar from Basra (Iraq) who lived in the 10th & 11th centuries during the gold Muslim time. While he was under arrest for more than 10 years, Ibn al-Haytham made many important discoveries about light and vision. He took advantage of that time to read and learn and come up with new ideas that would change how people saw the world. Thanks to him that we know now how vision works and even cameras.

Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Services

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction


Cells: an owner’s handbook

by Carolyn Fisher

Told from a cell’s point of view, this is a complete, but easily understood informational book. From interesting facts, to understanding mitosis, or different types of cells, the book is not only readable but the illustrations are extremely useful. A great combination for learning.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction


Saving the countryside: the story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit

by Linda Elovitz Marshall

Beautifully illustrated, this biography about Beatrix Potter not only covers her early life and inspirations for Benjamin Bouncer and Peter Rabbit, but also her love of the English countryside. Using her success as an author and illustrator, she used her money and fame to be an advocate for women’s rights and a conservationist.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction


The only woman in the photo: Frances Perkins and her New Deal for America

by Kathleen Krull

Krull has once again written a factual, yet highly readable biography about a woman breaking barriers. Using facts and quotes by Frances Perkins, the reader learns about the first woman in FDR’s cabinet, her strategies to be successful in a man’s world, and the programs she was instrumental in designing that still impact today’s world.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction


January 2020

The little chapel that stood

by A.B. Curtiss

The story of the September 11 attacks focuses on St. Paul’s Chapel, which is located less than 100 yards from the Twin Towers. The chapel survived to become a place for rescue workers to gather and regroup. (The title is a nod to the children’s book The Little Engine that Could ). Written in rhyme and with watercolor illustrations.

Recommended by Joan Stoiber, Youth Services

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction


The eternal soldier: the true story of how a dog became a Civil War hero

by Allison Crotzer Kimmel

The true story of Sallie, a puppy who joined the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. She became such a part of the soldiers’ lives through her actions on the battlefield that there is a statue of her at the Gettysburg Battlefield. A beautiful story of service and devotion.

Recommended by Joan Stoiber, Youth Services

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction


December 2019

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and Off the Court

by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

An authentic autobiography of basketball star, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and his journey to Islam. He talks about growing up in Harlem, dealing with racism and finding many life coaches along the way.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager  

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction


Twelve Days in May: Freedom Ride 1961

by Larry Dane Brimner

A non-fiction book explaining the freedom ride in 1961. It also includes the landmark events that occurred before then. Vivid photographs illustrate the abuse the riders received from Klansmen.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager   

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction


Rhythm Ride : A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound

by Andrea Davis Pinkney

An engaging history of Motown told in first person by ‘The Groove’. It includes all the stars that got their start at Motown. It takes the reader from Berry Gordy’s original idea through to the apex of his career.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager 

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction


July 2019

What is the Story of Scooby-Doo?

by M.D. Payne

Scooby-Doo’s first episode was on CBS network on September 13, 1969 and it’s still going strong to this day. This book tells the story of Scooby-Doo and the gang from the beginning to their current iteration, how the show won the hearts of fans, and the many changes and avenues the show has taken.

Recommended by: Holly Balasa, Youth Services Shelver

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction


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