Staff Picks Youth
February 2020
The only woman in the photo: Frances Perkins and her New Deal for America
by Kathleen Krull
Krull has once again written a factual, yet highly readable biography about a woman breaking barriers. Using facts and quotes by Frances Perkins, the reader learns about the first woman in FDR’s cabinet, her strategies to be successful in a man’s world, and the programs she was instrumental in designing that still impact today’s world.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
January 2020
More to the Story
by Hena Khan
This story of the Mirza family; four sisters mom and dad; might sound familiar to anyone who has read Little Women. But this updated take on a loving family going through some tough times is like a breath of fresh air. The Mizras are living in contemporary Atlanta, and Jameela (the narrator) wants to be an award-winning journalist, like her grandfather in Pakistan. When she gets chosen to be the features editor for her school newspaper, it looks like she’s on the right path. The only trouble is that the editor-in-chief doesn’t want any of the articles she suggests for the paper. By the time you finish this book, you will love each of the Mizra sisters and their world.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, School Liaison
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The runaways
by Ulf Stark
Grandpa hates being in the hospital and is so obnoxious that his own son will no longer come visit him, but his grandson, Gottfried, visits as often as he can. Grandpa wants to go back to the place he was happiest—a house on an island where he lived with Grandma. He wants to go back one last time, so Grandpa and Gottfried decide to run away, no matter the risks or challenges. A touching story of the power of love.
Recommended by Joan Stoiber, Youth Services
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The little chapel that stood
by A.B. Curtiss
The story of the September 11 attacks focuses on St. Paul’s Chapel, which is located less than 100 yards from the Twin Towers. The chapel survived to become a place for rescue workers to gather and regroup. (The title is a nod to the children’s book The Little Engine that Could ). Written in rhyme and with watercolor illustrations.
Recommended by Joan Stoiber, Youth Services
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
The eternal soldier: the true story of how a dog became a Civil War hero
by Allison Crotzer Kimmel
The true story of Sallie, a puppy who joined the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. She became such a part of the soldiers’ lives through her actions on the battlefield that there is a statue of her at the Gettysburg Battlefield. A beautiful story of service and devotion.
Recommended by Joan Stoiber, Youth Services
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
December 2019
Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and Off the Court
by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
An authentic autobiography of basketball star, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and his journey to Islam. He talks about growing up in Harlem, dealing with racism and finding many life coaches along the way.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Hey, Kiddo
by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
An excellent graphic memoir about author Jarrett Krosoczka’s less than ideal upbringing with an absent father, a heroin addicted mother and the, at times, volatile grandparents who raised him.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Twelve Days in May: Freedom Ride 1961
by Larry Dane Brimner
A non-fiction book explaining the freedom ride in 1961. It also includes the landmark events that occurred before then. Vivid photographs illustrate the abuse the riders received from Klansmen.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Rhythm Ride : A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound
by Andrea Davis Pinkney
An engaging history of Motown told in first person by ‘The Groove’. It includes all the stars that got their start at Motown. It takes the reader from Berry Gordy’s original idea through to the apex of his career.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
October 2019
A Dash of Trouble
by Anna Meriano
Leonora loves her big family and their family bakery. Every year, her family takes pride in crafting beautiful pastries for the town’s annual Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebration and certainly this year Leonora will be invited to help out in the kitchen. After a frustrating day at school and being told by her mother that she’s still too little to help, Leonora decides to borrow the old family cookbook from the bakery. She’s determined to show everyone how great she is in the kitchen, but it turns out the cookbook is not just a cookbook. It’s a book of magic spells! This story of families, holidays, and magic is a real treat. If you want a story with magic, but find the world of Harry Potter a bit too much, this book is a great choice.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, School Liaison
Posted in: Youth Fiction