Staff Picks Youth
August 2020
Kiki’s Delivery Service
by Eiko Kadono
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Witch’s Hand: The Montague Twins Series; Volume 1
by Nathan Page and Drew Shannon
Posted in: Youth Fiction
All He Knew
by Helen Frost
Helen Frost has written a book in verse that is at times depressing and at other times uplifting, but always engaging. Henry, labeled wrongly as “unteachable” by school officials, was sent to the Riverdale Home for the Feeble-minded. He had become deaf after a fever when he was 6 years old. At Riverdale, he and other boys, many with physical or mental disabilities, are treated cruelly and warehoused. With the start of WW II, a conscientious objector came to work there who treated the boys kindly and took the time to see their potential and worth. The book is based on true events in the author’s husband’s family so be sure to read the poem and author’s note at the end of the book. In real life not all stories end happily ever after.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Oliver the Curious Owl
by Chad Otis
Oliver is so inquisitive that he does not ask “who” like the other owls but wants to know the “what, when, and where” of the big world that is out there beyond his tree. Along with his friend, Bug, who accidentally starts them on their adventures, Oliver discovers many new places and things before he and Bug decide it is time to return to the best place, home.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
I Promise
by Lebron James
The perfect back to school book to inspire students to try their best in school as excelling at school is the way to success. With simple rhyme scheme and colorful illustrations representing diversity, this book encourages readers to strive for greatness through accountability and achieving goals.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Monkey with a Tool Belt Blasts Off
by Chris Monroe
When the Moon Malt machine at the Superstar Space Station and Snack Bar breaks, Chico Bon Bon and sidekick Clark the elephant rush to the rescue. While Chico Bon Bon puzzles over how to fix the malt machine, he takes the time to fix other things, such as a droid’s underwear. Then the cutest alien in the universe pops out of the malt machine, so that fixes that, but can Chico Bon Bon and Clark repair her spaceship so she can get home? A story of ingenuity and can do attitude as everyone helps each other. A series available on Netflix. Also read Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Silly School Mystery.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Into the Clouds: the Race to Climb the World’s Most Dangerous Mountain
by Tod Olson
A white knuckle account of the dangers faced and challenges overcome to be the first to reach the top of K2. The book tells the stories of three different groups over 15 years who tried to reach the top. Suffering from frostbite and illnesses and storms and many other dangers, this book reads as if you are there. For thrills and chills from safely on the ground, this is a must read.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Unbeatable Betty : The First Female Olympic Track & Field Gold Medalist
by Allison Crotzer Kimmel
An inspiring biography of the first woman to win a gold medal in track and field at the 1928 Olympics. While preparing to compete in the 1932 Olympics, she was in a plane crash. Her left leg was crushed. Would her hopes of repeating as a gold medal winner at the Olympics also be crushed?
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Biographies
The Fighting Infantryman: The Story of Albert D. J. Cashier, Transgender Civil War Soldier
by D. J. Albert
A lyrical telling of the life and challenges of Jennie Hodgers/Albert D. J. Cashier who served in the infantry during the Civil War and lived life as a man. When it was discovered that Albert was born a woman, the government wanted to stop the military pension.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Biographies
June 2020
Mommy’s Khimar
by Jamilah Thompkins - Bigelow
This book is about a little girl from Africa who likes mommy’s Khimar or Hijab. She likes to look inside mommy’s closet and count the Khimars, there are so many colors. She wears them without her mom seeing her and when she wears her favorite yellow Khimar (hijab) she becomes a queen with a golden train or a superhero in a cape that can run at a speed of a light, but at night mommy’s Khimar makes her feel she is safe and that mommy is always around.
Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Service Clerk
Posted in: Youth Fiction