Staff Picks Youth
April 2020
Breakout
by Kate Messner
When the public library decides to create a time capsule for the future residents of Wolf Creek, Nora Tucker, aspiring journalist, jumps at the opportunity to participate. Elidee Jones recently moved to Wolf Creek, and if it wasn’t for the extra credit, she wouldn’t really care about participating in the time capsule. She’s much too busy worrying about her brother, Troy, serving a 15-year sentence at the prison in Wolf Creek, and missing her family back in New York City. When two inmates at the prison escape, Nora and Elidee pour out their thoughts and experiences to the future residents of Wolf Creek in their time capsule letters. A suspenseful and thoughtful read. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Stephanie Thomas, Youth Services Preschool Services Coordinator
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Gift of Ramadan
by Rabiah York Lumbard
Sofia is a little Muslim girl who loves sparkles and after hearing her grandma describing the heart of a person who fasts is “Pretty and Sparkly” she did her best to fast and follow the traditions of Ramadan. Could Sofia fast the long days of Ramadan so she can have a pretty and sparkly heart? It’s a great book for anyone who wants to know what is Ramadan and how Muslim families spend each day of it.
Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Service Clerk
Posted in: Youth Fiction
A Good Kind of Trouble
by Lisa Moore Ramee
Shayla’s palms always start to itch when she senses trouble. She does not like trouble and likes to follow the rules. During her 7th grade school year, she begins to learn that some rules may need to be broken. Change can only be brought about by rethinking rules, and the trouble caused by that could be good. Will she be brave enough to be the change? A social justice book incorporating today’s headlines about Black Life Matters. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Spirit Hunters
by Ellen Oh
First in a series, this is a chilling ghost story about a haunted house and the new family living in it. Harper has lost memories and a long-lost Grandma, and she begins to understand that the two may be connected. As strange and scary events continue to occur in the house, Harper begins to realize that she holds the key for not only saving her brother, Michael but also saving their house. She is a strong protagonist who not only finds herself but also the secrets of the house. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Only Road
by Alexandra Diaz
A Pura Belpre honor that is straight from real-life events. Jaime is a teenage boy who needs to flee Guatemala before he is forced to become part of a drug trafficking gang. Along with his cousin Angela, they begin the arduous journey to escape to the United States. Who can they trust? Who is trying to use them? What will happen if they reach the U.S. border? Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The One and Only Ivan
by Katherine Applegate
This emotional story is great for readers of all ages, though sensitive readers may find some parts more difficult to read. Ivan’s character is a simple one, accustomed to his life and happy to have friends, Stella the Elephant and Bob the Dog in the Big Top Mall. One day, a new baby elephant, Ruby, comes to join their family. Together, Ivan and Stella promise to do all they can to ensure Ruby has a better life than they had in captivity. This book is a fictional story based on Ivan the Silverback, who lived out the end of his life in Zoo Atlanta after a similar life in a mall. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommend by: Alejandra Menendez, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Hello Universe
by Erin Entrada Kelly
Virgil cannot work up the courage to talk to his longtime crush Valencia. On his way to his psychic friend Kaori’s house, he is pranked by the school bully Chet causing Virgil to become trapped in a well. Virgil is accompanied by nothing but his pet gerbil Gulliver and the stories his Nona has told him through the years. Valencia and Kaori must follow their instincts and clues to help lead them to find Virgil. The Universe intertwines the lives of these four characters on an adventure that leads to new friendships. Also available on Hoopla and OverDrive.
Recommended by: Vanessa Fernandez, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
I Need A New Butt!
by Dawn McMillan
A young boy discovers he has a crack on his butt. How could something like this have happened? Now he needs to decide what kind of butt he will get, an artsy butt, a rocket butt, or an armor-plated butt. This silly book will bring lots of toots and giggles. Also available on Hoopla.
Recommended by: Vanessa Fernandez, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code: A Navajo Code Talker’s Story
by Joseph Bruchac
Taken from the reservation and sent to a missionary school, Chester, as he is now called, has no idea that his ability to speak Navajo and English will set him on an important path in WW II. He and other “code talkers” develop a code based on the Navajo alphabet that the Japanese could not break. Learn that code on after pages in this book. Older readers will also enjoy this author’s book, Code talkers. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Biographies
Sweep: the Story of a Girl and Her Monster
by Jonathan Auxier
Since she was 6 years old, Nan Sparrow has been on her own in Victorian London. Small and quick, she becomes a chimney sweep. Her only possession is a piece of char (coal) that is always warm to the touch and comforts her. As difficulties arise around Nan, she discovers that her char is more than a lump. Exciting and engaging storytelling abounds in this book. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction