Staff Picks Youth

On the Other Side of the Forest

by Nadine Robert

No one in the village dares to enter the forest that surrounds Arthur’s home. The forest is dark and people say it is filled with scary things. But Arthur’s dad is not scared, he is curious. Dad has a magnificent idea which brings the villagers together in a way that they’ve never been before. A tower, a storm, and a celebration will lead you to discover what is on the other side of the forest! Winner of the Harry Black Picture Book Award, this book will flood you with feel good, nostalgia as you turn each beautiful page.

Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Fifth Quarter

by Mike Dawson

Fourth grader Lori loves to play basketball, even though she’s not the strongest player. This love of the game helps her to navigate all the realities of growing up: trouble with friends, a first sleepaway camp, and her mom’s political ambitions. A charming tale of growing up, working towards your goals, and basketball. Perfect for sports enthusiasts and fans of Hena Khan’s basketball series.

Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, Youth Services School Liaison

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Black Brother, Black Brother

by Jewell Rhodes

Donte and Trey are brothers attending an elite school when Donte is unjustly accused of a crime. He discovers the sport of fencing while suspended and begins training with a former Olympic champion. Donte’s initial goal is to beat the reigning fencing champion but as his training continues, he learns much more than just the techniques of his sport.

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

Animals!: Here We Grow

by Shelley Rotner

An engaging look at the beauty of transformation in nature for preschoolers and emerging readers. On this visual introduction to life cycles, children will learn the different stages of growth of diverse species. Up-close photographs are presented in large panels to depict animal development. The large and simple text introduces the concepts with appropriate terminology. Whether your child is an independent reader or you enjoy reading together, this one is a great pick for nature lovers and inquisitive minds.

Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction

The Dragon Egg Princess

by Ellen Oh

Koko, unbeknownst to her, is the last of the dragons. Given at birth to the king and queen to raise, she has no idea of her true identity. She goes missing while still a young girl but is then discovered alive and well and living in a magical forest. An evil plot is hatched to deprive Koko of both her power and her throne. Many magical and non-magical creatures and humans come together to fight for good. 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Amari and the Night Brothers

by B. B. Alston

Amari’s older brother, who was working in a top-secret job, has been missing for 6 months. When Amari receives an unusual message from him, she realizes there may be more opportunities for her in the world than she originally thought. She’s given an invitation to join a summer camp run by the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Should she accept it? This is, after all, the same place where her brother works and he’s missing!

This book is available at the library and on OverDrvice/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Little Witch’s Book of Spells

by Ariel Kusby

This book will help you find the magic in yourself! It is a wonderful book for all ages and genders. It will help inspire you to slow down, play, and find various forms of magic in your surroundings. It is an incredibly sweet and empowering little book, perfect for aspiring witches, wizards, and others who seek a bit of magic in their lives.

Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Teen Librarian

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction

Cinders and Sparks Magic at Midnight

by Lindsey Kelk

A retelling of the story of Cinderella where Cinders, as she is called, discovers that she has magical powers thanks to her sparkly fingers. Then she discovers that her dog Sparks can also talk. But where is her fairy godmother, Brian, to help her go to the ball? Brian is very unreliable and so are Cinder’s magical abilities which leads to laugh out loud silliness. This is the first book in the trilogy, Cinders and Sparks.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Celebrating Ramadan

by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction

Red, White and Whole

by Rajani LaRocca

Reha is torn between two worlds: her life with her Indian parents and relatives and her life at school where she’s the only Indian American student. She tries to fit in at each place but then her mother becomes sick and her life is turned upside down. Written in verse by an Indian American author, this book gives you a glimpse into the struggle of living in two different cultures. 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction