Staff Picks Youth
January 2024
A Year of Good News
by Martin Smatana
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Wonka
by Sibeal Pounder
Posted in: Youth Fiction
December 2023
Tiger Daughter
by Rebecca Lim
Tiger Daughter is a middle grade novel about immigration, mental health, family, and feeling like the cultural other. Students Wen Zhou and Henry Xiao dream of going to a special academy to study but there are language barriers, patriarchy, and a death in the family in their way. Read it to find out what happens.
This book is available at the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e-audiobook.
Recommended by: Jackie Boyd, Communications Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
November 2023
Treaty Words: For As Long As the Rivers Flow
by Aimee Craft
Treaty Words: For As Long As the Rivers Flow by Aimee Craft, illustrated by Luke Swinson, is a beautiful look at the Indigenous culture. A grandfather and his granddaughter spend time together in nature appreciating their relationship with each other, their culture, and the earth. It is a short story with colorful art on every page so it will appeal to children of all ages, either reading independently or aloud. It would be a wonderful way to start a conversation about Native American heritage and caring for the environment. The author’s note at the end adds context and could provoke further research.
Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Ghost Book
by Remy Lai
July Chen’s mother died when she was born. July can see ghosts, but it seems that no one at school can remember her. During Hungry Ghost Month she tries to summon the Hungry Ghost so the kids might finally remember her. Instead she attracts the attention of a wandering soul still connected by a red thread to his body—that of 12-year-old William Xiao, who has many near-death accidents. The two become friends and discover how their fates are connected. An adventure with colorful graphics and thoughts on love, death, memories and friendship.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Fort
by Gordon Korman
When five friends find a hidden fort in the woods near their homes, the adventure is just beginning. There are two older boys bullying them any chance they get. One of the boys has an abusive stepfather. Another boy suffers with OCD and another is struggling with the fact that his parents abandoned him. The fort becomes their ‘home away from home’ until everything finally climaxes in a very explosive manner.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook and on Hoopla as an e audiobook
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Secret Schools True Stories of the Determination to Lear
by Heather Camlot
Can you imagine not being able to go to school? What if you had to keep it a secret and it meant hiding, sneaking out late at night or risk going to prision!! This book explores hidden classrooms all over the world. These true stories of courage introduce readers to the important person who played a role in each secret school. It shows the power of education and throughout history how far some have had to go to access it. Great lesson for middle school readers.
Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
October 2023
Where You’ve Got to Be
Where You’ve Got to Be by Caroline Gertler is a newer middle grade title with all the traditional growing pains and life lessons that come with entering the sixth grade. Nolie struggles with a fading friendship, choosing right from wrong, and finding her place, all while in the shadow of her “perfect” older sister. Everyone around her seems to know their purpose and passion in life, but she’s got nothing, which also means she’s often overlooked. Of course it turns out that not everything is what it seems, and she has a lot to learn. Luckily, Nolie has a loving family to help her find her way. Fans of Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly will really enjoy this one as well!
Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
A Man Called Horse: John Horse and the Black Seminole Underground Railroad
by Glenette Tilley Turner
In this intriguing biography covering the little-known subject of the history of Black Seminoles, children’s author, historian, and educator Glenette Tilley Turner presents an inspiring account of the remarkable life of chief John Horse. Also known as Juan Cavallo, Horse was a Black Seminole of African and Native descent. His leadership played a significant role in the political and military efforts that drove the relentless pursuit of freedom for his people. From Florida, to Texas and Mexico, John Horse dedicated most of his life during the mid 1800s to serve as a warrior, diplomat, and protector on a daring mission for survival. Supported with archival photographs, maps, and illustrations, Turner’s research findings offer an introduction to an unfamiliar aspect of the Underground Railroad and unsung heroes of American history.
This biography was one of the 6 selected titles for the Grades 9-12 category of the 2023 Illinois Reads, a yearly statewide project that highlights the work of Illinois authors and promotes reading for all Illinois citizens.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Biographies
Squire and Knight
by Scott Chantler
A fast-paced graphic novel that has adventure, magic and a dragon. There is also a knight, Sir Kelton, who is not very good at his job but always makes fun of his bookish Squire, who is good at his job. Going off to slay the dragon, Sir Kelton leaves the Squire behind. He promptly begins to delve into why the village has been cursed. At the end of the story the author gives interesting information about what all goes into the process of creating a graphic novel. It’s a behind the scenes look of how-to.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction