Staff Picks Youth

A Pizza with Everything on It

by Kyle Scheele

What toppings do you like on your pizza? Pepperoni? Mushrooms? Penguins? A particle accelerator?  When a child tasks his pizza shop owning father to make them a pizza with everything on it, they mean EVERYTHING.  As father and child pile on a doghouse, regular house, even the White House, the pizza crust magically expands to accommodate all the not so traditional toppings.  What happens when the pizza crust can’t hold anymore toppings?  The answer is out of this world! A fun and quirky read.

This book is available in the library and on Hoopla as an ebook.

Recommended by: Stephanie Thomas, Youth Services Preschool Services Coordinator

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Pay Attention, Carter Jones

by Gary D. Schmidt

Right when Carter Jones is starting sixth grade, a butler from England appears at their door and stays. Carter’s father is deployed in Afghanistan so they can use the help but the butler has some different ideas including a love of the game of cricket. Carter’s family, including his three sisters, adjusts as the butler insists on manners and always remembering ‘who you are’.

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

Becoming RBG

by Debbie Levy

This graphic novel biography clearly outlines the outstanding life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Beginning with her birth, the author details her rise, through law school and various jobs, to the Supreme Court of the United States of America. 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Biographies

Walking Toward Peace: The True Story of a Brave Woman Called Peace Pilgrim

by Kathleen Krull

This is the true story of a woman who gave up everything she owned, including her name, to walk over twenty-five thousand miles, spreading peace.  With her new name, “Peace Pilgrim” starts on an amazing journey, walking through all fifty states.  She spread the message of, “a golden age of peace, a world with no fighting between people or nations.” Over twenty-eight purposeful years, she walked many different pilgrimages, crossing the country seven times. Peace Pilgrim was an amazing woman, who proved one person can inspire many.  

 “Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth, and hatred with love.” – Peace Pilgrim

Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

10 Hidden Heroes

by Mark K. Shriver

What would your superpower be? This is a frequent question kids get asked all the time. After reading this fun book, the little ones will not hesitate to come up with an inspiring answer since they will soon realize that everyone can be a hero. This is both a counting and a seek & find book in rhyme with detailed and vibrant illustrations of real life multi-generational and diverse community members working together for the greater good. It is a fun-filled countdown portraying realistic examples of kindness and caring. Each page will present an opportunity to spark a conversation about compassion and generosity and how simple it can be to make a difference. A guaranteed uplifting attention-grabbing pick that celebrates everyday good deeds and inclusivity.

Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Where is the Taj Mahal?

by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler

As one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal is designated as “the Jewel of Muslim Art in India”. The Taj Mahal tomb was built from a blend of Persian, Mongol and Islamic styles that includes a mosque and lovely gardens. The most interesting fact behind the reason for this magnificent building is a true love story. I suggest reading this book if you want to know more about the Taj Mahal’s history. It is a good read for ages 8 and up, as well as adults.

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction

The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane

by Kate O'Shaughnessy

Eleven-year-old Maybelle has been raised by a single mother. She only has a recording of her father’s voice. When she hears that same voice on the radio and discovers that her father is a DJ, she decides to go in search of him. The somewhat stiff next-door neighbor offers to drive her and the local bully hitches a ride as well to round out the diverse cast of characters.

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

Root Magic

by Eden Royce

This book begins with the funeral of twins Jezebel (Jez) and Jay’s grandmother. Soon after this the twins turn eleven years old and their uncle tells them he’s going to teach them root magic. They knew their grandmother had special powers but didn’t think they did, too. Add in a harassing police officer and a boo hag and the excitement mounts and the adventures begin.

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

Prairie Lotus

by Linda Sue Park

It’s 1880 and Hanna and her father leave California in search of a new start after the death of Hanna’s mother.  Will the people in the Dakota Territory be welcoming?  Hanna is used to being shunned because she is half Chinese, but more than anything she wants to go to school and sew dresses for her father’s new shop.  When she is given the opportunity to do both, trouble emerges.  With the help of friends, Hanna does her best to be true to herself, honor her mother’s memory, and stand up for what is right. This historical fiction read also addresses modern day issues around prejudice and racism.

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

Recommended by: Stephanie Thomas, Youth Services Preschool Services Coordinator

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Starfish

by Lisa Fipps

A middle grade novel written in verse, Starfish shines a light on the effects of relentless bullying, while highlighting how stereotypical judgments shape a person’s view of themselves. Ellie, a middle schooler, living by her own set of “fat girl rules” has been bullied about her weight ever since making a huge splash while wearing a whale swimsuit.  Ellie is ridiculed about her weight everywhere she goes. She’s not safe at school, the mall, or restaurants.  Sadly, she’s not even safe from judgement in her own home.  When her best friend moves away, Ellie has never felt more alone. Luckily, an accepting family moves in next door.  Ellie’s resilience and wit are admirable and as a reader you’ll truly understand how ignorance affects us all.

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

Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction