Staff Picks Youth
October 2022
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
September 2022
The Path
by Bob Staake
This is a beautifully written picture book that is inspirational and uplifting. It teaches the reader that there are many paths and important choices to make in life. Some of these paths may be challenging, but it shows that they can be conquered and the reader will move forward to create their own path in life. I loved the simplistic colorful illustrations that tie in perfectly to the lyrical words.
Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
by Kenard Pak
Autumn has arrived and soon enough nature will once again remind us of the delightfulness of those early Fall days and the beauty all around us. The transitional aspects of the changing seasons are presented in this beautiful book as a conversation between a young child and nature itself. Whether in the forest or around town, children will learn and recognize the signs of autumn as they read and explore the evocative images in this engaging picture book.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Barakah Beats
by Maleeha Siddiqui
Nimra, who’s in 7th grade, is going to public school for the first time. She’s excited because her best friend from preschool, Jenna, goes to the same school. But once school starts Nimra senses that Jenna isn’t as invested in their friendship as Nimra. When Nimra is asked to join a popular band with older boys she becomes conflicted trying to blend her faith, music and new friends.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Jigsaw Jungle
by Kristin Levine
Claudia’s dad, who’s a teacher, doesn’t come home after the last day of school. Claudia and her mom are frightened and anxious. They file a missing person’s report and wait to find out any information. Then Claudia hears from her dad and it turns out he’s not missing at all. He’s just gone to visit a friend to ‘think things over’. Now Claudia is confused and mad.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Chance to Fly
by Ali Stroker
Natalie is concerned for a few reasons. For one, she has just moved across the country so is the new kid in class. Secondly, she really wants to try out for a musical but isn’t sure about getting a part. Her parents seem to want her to stick with wheelchair racing instead so she has to get to tryouts on her own. Things start working out when she makes new friends but then drama strikes!
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Legend of Auntie Po
by Shing Yin Khor
Mei lives in a logging camp with her cook father who is from China. She makes the best pies ever. Her best friend, Bee, is the camp foreman’s father. When racial tumult enters the scene, Mei tries to navigate her new world. She receives comfort through her retelling of stories of the Chinese matriarch, Auntie Po, and her giant blue water buffalo, Pei Pei.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Pigeon Will Ride the Roll Coaster!
by Mo Willems
This brand-new picture book was recommended to me by friend and coworker. It did not disappoint. We all love our friend Pigeon! Pigeon is witty, adorable and loves hot dogs. In this book Pigeon mentally prepares himself to ride a roller coaster. He knows he’ll have to wait in line and need a ticket. Pigeon is very excited for how awesome the ride will be. Will the roller coaster be as thrilling as Pigeon envisions? You’ll have to read to find out!
Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction