Staff Picks Youth

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

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

The Lost Library

by Rebecca Stead

With Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass being the authors, this book is a sure winner. When a Little Free Library guarded by a large orange cat, Mortimer, appears overnight, eleven-year-old Evan is the first person to take two books. Surprisingly the books were from the Martinville Library that had burned down 20 years ago. The story is told by Mortimer, Evan, and Al, a librarian. The connection of the town to one of the books, which has Evan’s dad’s name on the check-out card, will change lives in the future as a discovery is made to an event in the past. An entertaining puzzle read.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Dinosaur Club – Saving the Stegosaurus

by Rex Stone

Great time travel fiction book packed with lots of adventure! Although this book is fiction it’s filled with lots of dinosaur facts. In the back of the book, it goes through the dinosaur timeline, incorporates a comprehension quiz with answers and a glossary.  Lots of information to keep a dino loving young reader interested!

Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Lasagna Means I Love You

by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Maureen, who goes by Mo, is in the foster care system since her grandmother passed away. This entire book is written in letter form as Mo writes to her grandmother (in heaven) explaining what’s currently happening in her life. Unfortunately, Mo doesn’t have much family. When she becomes super interested in cooking, she decides to create a blog with much loved family recipes. The problem is getting the recipes. As she meets people with recipes to share, Mo begins to discover a new definition for family. Enjoy the ups and downs of Mo’s journey as you read this book.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Tales to Keep You Up at Night

by Dan Poblocki

You know how sometimes it is a good idea to follow the advice of a handwritten note such as one telling you to “not read this book”? Especially when the book is found in a dark corner of an attic? Well, Amelia reads and ignores the note and soon finds herself caught up in the book as her life takes on the events in the book. There are thirteen short stories to thrill and chill the reader and Amelia, too.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction