Staff Picks Youth
June 2021
Bear’s Bicycle
by Laura Renauld
Bear wants to participate in the Summer Scoot for bicycles but will he be ready in time? He gets a book from the library, Learn to Ride in Five Easy Steps, and thinks he’s ready to go. After a number of falls he realizes the most important step is PRACTICE!
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
G My Name Is Girl: A Song of Celebration from Argentina to Zambia
by Dawn Masi
Embark in an alphabetical journey around the world with this wonderful picture book that highlights not only the ABCs, but the beauty of female relationships, countries, as well as names and ways of life in different cultures. Masi’s soft-toned and friendly illustrations invite young readers, for a brief instance, to imagine what it is like to live in other parts of the world. Kids will enjoy finding the countries on the map at the back of the book. The relationships featured on each page are very relatable and celebrate positive and uplifting experiences that reflect diverse ethnicities, abilities and circumstances. Empowering and inspiring for all ages.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Burt the Beetle Doesn’t Bite!
by Ashley Spires
Burt is a June Beetle who shares his backyard home with thousands of other awesome insects with all kinds of special abilities. Some bite, some stink, some are super strong! And Burt? Beyond flailing his legs in the air when trapped on his back, or falling in love with lightbulbs, Burt can’t seem to find his special ability. When he happens upon his talented friends trapped in a spider web, can Burt free them with nothing more than his own ability and love of hugs? A cute, funny, and sweet early reader graphic novel.
Recommended by: Stephanie Thomas, Youth Services Preschool Services Coordinator
Posted in: Youth Fiction
I’m a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog
by Michal Babay
Chewie, an energetic poodle, is in training to become a gluten-sniffing service dog. It’s really important that he focus and graduate training school so he can protect his person, Alice, from gluten that can cause her to get very sick because she has Celiac disease. Chewie is working hard, but he can’t help but get distracted by bugs! Squirrels! Pizza! Can Chewie push past his distractions to become the best service dog for Alice? A cute and informative read about the many ways service dogs can help their humans.
Recommended by: Stephanie Thomas, Youth Services Preschool Services Coordinator
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story
by Suzanne Slade
This is a beautiful picture book biography about Anna Comstock. Not many people have heard of her but she was a nature lover, scientist, artist, educational reformer, and author who produced amazing works of art. She revolutionized how students learn about nature insisting on students going outside and having hands on experience. She was also Cornell University’s first female professor. She did her work during a time period when women weren’t taken seriously, but through hard work and determination she took major steps in advancing women’s rights and careers. This picture book is perfect for little nature lovers and their parents.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Youth Biographies
The Gravity Tree: the True Story of a Tree That Inspired the World
by Anna Crowley Redding
A fascinating read about the tree that grew from a small seed into a tree that dropped the apple with Sir Isaac Newton sitting under it. And that is only the beginning. The tree has influenced other thinkers as well as ordinary people to potentially change the world. Seedlings have been transported all over the world and out of this world to the International Space Station. Over three hundred years later the tree still lives as do the inspired ideas brought on by it.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
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
May 2021
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