Staff Picks

Hollow Fires

by Samira Ahmed

After discovering the body of fourteen-year-old Jawad Ali in Jackson Park, seventeen-year-old journalism student Safiya Mirza begins investigating his murder believing it is connected to white supremacists. Jawad first received media attention after his teacher believed the jet pack he created for a school project was a bomb. After Jawad disappears, his case isn’t a police priority. As Safiya investigates what happened, she begins hearing messages from Jawad’s ghost. Then, in an amazing twist, Safiya realizes that Jawad’s killer is closer than anyone imagined. Ahmed’s gripping story details how many forms of extremism are normalized in the media.

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

#Murdertrending

by Gretchen McNeil

Much like The Hunger Games or The Testing, seventeen-year-old Dee fights to survive on a reality show using paid killers taking place on Alcatraz 2.0, an island near San Francisco. After a wrongful conviction of murdering her stepsister, Dee discovers that she is not the only innocent person on the island and alliances are formed. With fast paced action and cringe worthy violence this story is one of non-stop action.

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

The importance of being Ernie (and Bert): a best friends’ guide to life

Bert and Ernie have been entertaining kids for over 50 years with their pals on Sesame Street, but how do two with so much different between them make their friendship work? This silly “self-help” book authored by both of our Sesame Street friends switches between both of their perspectives as they describe the important things that go into a friendship. Bert and Ernie certainly have their differences, but they are also able to find common ground on important things such as how to spend time together and what makes each other unique. Whether you rely on a rubber ducky or have a penchant for pigeons, this book will have you smiling from ear to ear and thinking about your relationships with your own friends.

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction

The Stranded

by Sarah Daniels

The Arcadia is a cruise ship that has been turned into a refugee camp for those that fled Europe after a disease ridden war broke out. It has been floating off the coast of America for years. No one gets off unless they have special permission. Esther has been working extremely hard to become a medic and earn her passage to the main land. Nik has been working on plans of his own. Plans that will maybe get everyone off the ship, even if they have to force their way off. When America has decided that they have had enough of the ships floating in the ocean, and decides to start getting rid of them, both Esther’s and Nik’s worlds will collide. Will they be able to work together and save everyone on the ship and each other?

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook

Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

A Door in the Dark

by Scott Reintgen

Ren has spent her whole life trying to prove that she is something more than a poor girl from the wrong side of town. She has perfected her magic and is one of the top students at school. The last thing she needs is for one of the “big” families to offer her a job. Yet, despite all of her efforts, she has no takers. Then a portal spell malfunctions, sending her and some of her classmates into the deadly wilderness. Upon arrival, one student is dead, and one of the other students is the cause. Will Ren be able to get herself and the other students to safety? Will they figure out which one of them is a killer before it’s too late? Everyone has secrets, but some of them are more deadly than others.

Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone

by Airlie Anderson

Only is a sweet little bird who enjoys spending time by herself. The other birds see her doing quiet activities all alone and wonder why she doesn’t always want to participate. Is she lonely, or is she happy doing things on her own? The other birds eventually realize that Only likes being by herself and that is ok! The bird teaches the other birds that it is nice to be quiet sometimes, and sometimes they can be loud and have fun with others as well. This picture book does a great job of showing how there are introverts and extroverts and each individual can decide what makes them happy! It is beautifully illustrated with vivid colors and is perfect for kids ages 4-8.

Recommended by: Stacie Pendleton, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Unchartered Flight of Olivia West

by Sara Ackerman

This riveting novel is inspired by real life events and tells the story of a female aviator who defied the odds and entered a daring race across the Pacific in 1927.   Being a woman, she is unable to enter the race as a pilot and is forced to enter as a navigator for a male pilot where she quickly proves her worth.  The novel then crosses over to 1987 where clues to this piece of aviation history are found in a dilapidated barn by a young woman determined to find out what really happened all those years ago.  Fast paced and exciting to the very end!

This book is available in the library and on Hoopla as an e audiobook.

Recommended by: Denise Mitchel, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Let’s Read Animal Words

by Ji Lee

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Legends and Lattes

by Travis Baldree

Viv is ready to put her adventuring days behind her. After her last quest to retrieve a mythical stone, she’s ready to take on a new adventure….the food and beverage industry. But what does an orc barbarian know about running a coffee shop? Viv makes friends and discovers her softer side while slinging lattes and pastries to the citizens of her new home. Baldree has created a story for a super niche genre reader which combines the fantasy elements of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign with a cozy relationship story.

This book is available in the library, on OverDrive/Libby as an e audiobook, and on Hoopla as an e audiobook.

Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Who Was Harry Houdini

by Tui T. Sutherland

The “Who Was” series is a wonderful series which is perfect for 3^rd graders.  The story of Harry Houdini is very captivating and will keep readers interested from beginning to end.  I love all he did to support American soldiers and their families during and after WWI.  Kids will love to read about the most famous magician who ever lived!

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.

Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Biographies