Staff Picks Youth
July 2022
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
by Judith Viorst
Who hasn’t ever felt that their day is going so bad, it would probably be best to move to Australia? This classic story just turned 50 and we can’t help but sympathize with Alexander, who just can’t catch a break. Ray Cruz’ black and white illustrations perfectly portray and match the moods for Alexander’s relatable situations. Alexander’s mother is right, some days are just like that and this timeless book is a good reminder we all have not-so-great days sometimes. This picture book has stood the test of time to become an ode to terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
A Darkening of Dragons
by S. A. Patrick
Book One in the Songs of Magic trilogy introduces Patch Brightwater, a piper; Wren, a girl cursed to be a rat; and Barver, a dragon. Together they face challenge after challenge involving magic and intrigue as they try to save the world from the Pied Piper of Hamelyn’s scheme to rule or destroy everything. His piping to make the children disappear was just the beginning.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The River Between Hearts
by Heather Mateus Sappenfield
Rill is missing her father horribly after he got ‘lost’ down river. She is positive he’ll come back someday. Meanwhile her cat leads her to the family tree fort where it seems a girl from Rill’s class is living. Rill embarks on an adventure that has her figuring out many different aspects of life including how to be a friend.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
June 2022
Little Man
by Dionne Warwick
This inspirational tale is based on David Freeman Wooley’s childhood story of his love of drumming and his neighborhood. A young boy nicknamed Little Man embarks on a quest to find his passion and purpose in life. With his father’s guidance and a lot of determination, he finds success at mastering the drums and bringing joy to his community. His perseverance also pays off when he’s finally able to afford a new bike. The realistic illustrations are captivating and reflect the vibrant community of Little Man’s neighborhood. This read-along includes a CD delightfully narrated by Warwick, as well as a wonderful drumming demonstration by Wooley himself. A great pick for Audiobook month.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Lifeling
by Kirsty Applebaum
Twelve-year-old Lonny, his younger brother Midge, and their father have lived in the forest away from the town of Farstoke all of his life. They do that to protect Lonny because he is a lifeling, one who has the power to save dying things. The price of being able to do that though takes years off his own life. Because of the need for food and money, the brothers venture into Farstoke where the townspeople act as if they treasure a lifeling. Is he willing to bet his or his brother’s life on that? A face paced fantasy story.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Little Blue Bunny
by Erin Guendelsberger
A beautiful, simply written story with the big theme of love and togetherness. A young boy and his favorite toy have many adventures together as the years go by. Unlike in the Velveteen Rabbit where the rabbit is disposed of, when this bunny gets old and tattered, the Mom patches him up and they are off for more adventures. In time, the blue bunny is excited to see a new baby arrive to continue the love and togetherness.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Woman in the Woods and Other North American Stories
by Kate Ashwin
Several indigenous authors and illustrators, who identify as trans, binary or other, have created a collection of stories based on folklore from Indigenous North American Nations, such as Navajo or Odawa. These short stories are in a graphic novel format with panels of black and white illustrations. This is the fifth book in the Cautionary Fables and Fairy Tales series.
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Turtle Boy
by M. Evan Wolkenstein
Will is tired of being the subject of bullying at school. He especially despises the nickname ‘Turtle Boy’. When his rabbi introduces him to a terminally ill boy, Will begins to appreciate things and opens himself up to new things as he hadn’t before. While preparing for his bar mitzvah, Will encounters helpers all along the way that he hadn’t realized were there.
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 School for Whatnots
by Margaret Haddix Patterson
In this middle grade science fiction thriller, Margaret Haddix Patterson does what she does best: create an alternate reality. Fifth grade just ended for Max and his best friend Josie. It is summer and Max is ready to relax before middle school starts. Max’s life flips upside down when he finds an ominous note from Josie. The strange note has him questioning his reality. It seems that everything he thought he knew about his school and classmates was a lie. Max is unsure who to trust but he knows he must find Josie and the truth fast. The School for Whatnots will keep you guessing until the last page.
Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing
by Christopher Willard
Do you and your little one need a short break to recharge or calm down? Practice your ABCs while doing super simple and adorable breathing exercises. Each page presents a letter and a beautiful illustration with an exercise evoking playful visual imagery. Have your child pick their favorite letters or do them all if they are enjoying the mindfulness connection. A great resource to take a moment to be present and enjoy a book together.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction