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Staff Picks Youth

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December 2021

Winterhouse, book 1

by Ben Guterson

This middle grade novel begins when Elizabeth Somers finds an envelope taped to her front door. Inside is a note from her aunt and uncle, along with three dollars and a train ticket. The note explains that Elizabeth will be spending her holiday break at the Winterhouse Hotel. When she arrives, Elizabeth immediately understands that Winterhouse is a magical place. It’s a mix of a hotel, museum and mansion. The grounds are stunning and unlike anything she’s ever seen. There is a library, a candy making room, workshops and an observation deck. Early in her stay, Elizabeth meets another young, solo traveler. Their friendship is built on their shared interest of puzzles. Together they uncover a dangerous, coded mystery. They must solve an intricate puzzle to save the Winterhouse Hotel. Could Elizabeth, herself, be the magical key to cracking the infamous Winterhouse Secret. Winterhouse is a page-turner! And, you’ll be pleased to know, there are two more books in the series!

Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction


The Beatryce Prophecy

by Kate DiCamillo

What do a donkey, a monk, and an orphan boy have in common? Well, in Kate DiCamillo’s newest novel they all have a girl named Beatryce in common. The Beatryce Prophecy is the story of a girl gone missing who soon realizes that she is the one a monk prophesied would unseat a king. How could this be during a time when girls weren’t even allowed to read? As Beatryce loves those around her, she begins to see how the prophecy does not only impact her future but is also responsible for her past. Will the prophecy be fulfilled or is it just a bunch of stories told to upset the king?

Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction


Unconventional Vehicles: forty-five of the strangest cars, trains, planes, submersibles, dirigibles, and rockets ever

by Michael Hearst

This is not the average transportation book. These vehicles are unconventional indeed. A detailed, yet eye-catching and far from overwhelming read that presents some unimaginable works of engineering and ingenuity, as well as some silly and kind of ridiculous inventions. From the rudimentary such as the handcar or ostrich carriage, to the straight-out-of-Sci-Fi walking truck. Author Michael Hearst uses a very approachable attention-grabbing and humorous writing style. Jensen’s illustrations are intricate and crisp. Each vehicle is introduced in a two-page aesthetically pleasing spread with information divided by clean lines. One side provides manufacturer, date of production, and overview data, while the other side includes fun and interesting facts for all curious minds. A good pick for transportation enthusiasts, as well as non-fiction reluctant readers.

Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction


Flip-A-Feather: A Mix-And-Match Board Book

by Sara Ball

Read some interesting facts about ten beautiful and intriguing bird species. Then see an array of amazing possibilities unfold as you mix-and-match the sectioned panels of this highly interactive book. Young readers will become instantly engaged as they flip and flop the different heads, bodies, and tails to come up with wacky combinations. With light text and vibrant realistic illustrations on a plain light background, Ball highlights details and characteristics for each species. A simple, yet appealing chart on the back of the front cover summarizes key facts and serves as a quick index.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction


Under My Hijab

by Hena Khan

Have you ever wondered how to explain hijab (the head scarf) to little children or even adults ? Have you ever wondered if a Muslim woman who wears a hijab can be stylish and dye her hair pink like auntie in the story? Have you ever wondered if a Muslim woman who wears a Hijab can play sports?

In this colorful picture book, you will find the answers to all those questions. This book talks about Muslim females and how they spend their day like: Grandma, Mama as a Dr., Jenna as a fearless troop leader, the sister as a student in high school, and Iman as a cousin tries to earn her first black belt.
Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Youth Fiction


Cat Kid Comic Club: Perspective

by Dave Pilkey

In the second graphic novel, the Comic Club characters are back once again and in the classroom with twenty-one baby frogs where everyone has their perspective about things. Naomi and Melvin disagree and disrupt the class and Poppy sees the world differently than her siblings. Each chapter has a different story told by one of the characters. As Pilkey teaches real life lessons on how to get along with different perspectives, he also teaches the reader how to draw perspectives and write a story.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction


November 2021

Long Distance

by Whitney Gardner

A graphic novel which starts with Vega’s dads deciding to move to Seattle from Portland, so she has to leave her BFF behind. Then her dads decide to send her to summer camp where she can work on making new friends. Her steps in the process are the titles of the chapters. When her cellphone quits and things at camp get stranger and stranger, Vega has to team up with her fellow campers to figure out what’s going on! What is going on is nothing ordinary and out of this world.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction


The List of Things That Will Not Change

by Rebecca Stead

Bea’s parents have divorced and, as Bea navigates living in two separate places, her father announces he’s remarrying. Part of the remarriage comes with a new sister for Bea which she’s thrilled about since she’s an only child. As the wedding gets closer, Bea realizes that blending a new family isn’t always as easy as it appears.

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


October 2021

Set Me Free

by Ann Clare LeZotte

Mary Lambert loves her island home on Martha’s Vineyard in the early 1800s, but she’s eager to explore beyond her comfort zone.  When she gets a letter from a past acquaintance asking for her help, Mary knows this is the adventure she’s been waiting for.  Mary, like many people in her hometown, is deaf.  Everyone in her town uses sign language, and now it will be Mary’s job to teach a young girl how to use sign language as well.  But when Mary arrives and discovers her young pupil is a prisoner in the house, she does everything she can to help the young girl escape.  A companion book to LeZotte’s first book, Show Me a SignSet Me Free is a historical drama, mystery, and adventure mixed into one story.

Recommended by: Stephanie Thomas, Youth Services Preschool Services Coordinator

Posted in: Youth Fiction


Sir Simon: Super Scarer

by Cale Atkinson

Simon the ghost got transferred to his first ever haunted house. He is a professional scarer, but he knows a haunted house comes with a lot of ghost chores. Like many of us, Simon wishes he had more time for other things he also enjoys. When a new family moves in, he seizes the opportunity to trick little Chester into doing his ghost chores. After getting to know Chester better, he realizes how much they have in common and how he’s not being fair. Sir Simon Spookington experiences the feeling of empathy and a new beautiful friendship is born. A super scarer duo of “ghotests with the mostests”.  Cale Atkinson’s illustrations are captivating. Both kids and adults will truly appreciate the wittiness of the storyline, as well as the hilarious and authentic expressions on the characters.

Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction


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