Staff Picks

August 2023

Florida

by Lauren Groff

Groff tells 11 separate short stories of people in or from Florida finding themselves in less-than-ideal situations. A story of two young sisters struggling to survive after a big storm knocks out power and leaves them stranded and alone stands out. Several of the stories include or follow the theme of alcoholic, inept, absent, or threatening fathers and father-figures.

Recommended by: Jackie Boyd, Communications Manager

Posted in: Adult Fiction

July 2023

Who’s the Bendiest?

by Emilie Dufresne

This Animal vs Animal nonfiction book series by Emilie Dufresne is sure to capture the attention of readers who love Jerry Pallotta’s Who Would Win? series or Kieran Downs’ Animal Battles series. Who’s the Bendiest? explores six “contenders,” the rat, cat, ferret, octopus, hagfish, and California Sea Lion. They are paired off in rounds where facts and pictures are shared with readers to determine who is the bendiest and why. At the end of the book, there is a “Hall of Fame” of honorable mentions, a quiz, an activity suggestion, and a glossary. Each book in the series is structured this way to make for a super fun reading experience! Grab a copy of Who’s the Bendiest? today to find out which animals can twist, squeeze, and squish the most to win the title!

Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services References Librarian

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction

Are you there God? It’s me, Margaret

by Judy Blume

For over fifty years, this popular story has resonated with young girls facing life and growing changes. Margaret, a sixth grader, finds herself experiencing difficulties and situations very much relatable to teens nowadays. This is a timeless book that, despite being challenged in the past, has proven to be an iconic tale of adolescence, puberty, and the search for spirituality. This realistic fiction classic has become a page-to-screen tale now that it is a major motion picture featuring Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates.

Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Little Dreamers – Visionary Women Around the World

by Vashti Harrison

Wonderful book with an encouraging message to girls today to follow their passions and dream big! Loved the variety of women represented from the arts and sciences, past and present. So many remarkable stories that are so inspiring to young girls today. The concise one-page biographies are easy to read accompanied with an illustrated portrait. If you are wanting more from Vashti Harrison, she has also written “Little Leaders” and “Little Legends”.

Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Biographies

The Boyfriend Candidate

by Ashley Winstead

Shy librarian Alexis has decided to have a one-night stand at the nicest bar in town. There she meets Logan who hangs on her every word. A crazy situation places Alexis quite quickly in a fake relationship. Who knew that Logan was running for Governor? Not Alexis. As Alexis gets to know Logan better, she finds that she is not so shy and he might be a nice guy. Political rallies also abound for Alexis and she comes out of her shell … for a short time. This is a great modern-day romance. A bit heavy on the political scenes but still enjoyable. Fans of Olivia Dade will like this one.

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

Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Library Clerk

Posted in: Adult Fiction

The Lost Letter

by Mimi Matthews

With the death of her father, Sylvia must survive by taking a position as a governess. Her life is quiet until a young woman visits her and ask for her help in regards to her brother, a retired Colonel who has hidden himself away from society. This young woman claims Sylvia is her brother’s lost love but this only confuses Sylvia. She once wrote him letters but she never received one in return. Sylvia’s kindness places her near the Colonel once again and a sweet, romantic reunion could be possible … or is it?

Author Mimi Matthews is a gem when it comes to historical fiction. If you enjoy Julia Quinn or Lisa Kleypas, this reads well minus the steamy scenes.

Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Library Clerk

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Everyone in my Family has killed Someone

by Benjamin Stevenson

Ernie, who has a fascination with crime novels, has accepted an invitation to a family reunion. A family who has shunned him since he testified against his brother who was jailed for murder. As the family gathers, the prodigal son returns, the snow fall becomes an unprecedented storm and the dead bodies begin to pile up. Ernie doesn’t hold back as he narrates the failings of his whole family. Who could be the murderer? There are endless possibilities.

This story is well-written, suspenseful and filled with various ‘Christie’ nods. This is a great read for Agatha Christie and Richard Osman fans.

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

Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Library Clerk

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Pieces of Me

by Kate McLaughlin

Dylan has woken up yet again in a haze with no memory of what happened last night. She’s just trying to figure who she really is, and these moments of sudden memory loss and confusion aren’t helping. Usually, they’re not so bad but when she calls back home, she realizes she’s been gone for 3 days. It’s never been this bad before. She’s never blacked out for this long, especially while being sober. Luckily, she woke up to a semi familiar face, but the questions still lingered. How did she end up in this place? Where is she? And most importantly why does she keep on blacking out?

Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Oh Sal

by Kevin Henkes

This is a great companion read to Kevin Henkes other chapter books, “The Year of Billy Miller” and “Billy Miller makes a Wish”. In this book, the point of view is told from the little sister Sal. Sal navigates the arrival of a new sibling, worries about trivial things that are important to her and how she matures with all of these changes. Sal is an easily relatable character and her story is told in such an authentic way! Good read for second or third graders.

Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

A Psalm for the Wild-built

by Becky Chambers

One day a traveling tea monk named Dex runs into a robot. No one has seen a robot in centuries after they left to live in the wilds after gaining self-awareness. Humans promised to leave the robots be until they were ready to interact with humans again. That time is now, and the story unfolds as our robot wishes to learn the answer to a simple but complex question. “What do people need?” Dex doing their best to answer that question, as they struggle with finding the answer for themself. It’s an insightful, funny, and peaceful little novel about purpose and what drives us to do the things we do, even when we seemingly already have everything we need.

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

Recommended by: Abigail Kearns, Adult Services Assistant

Posted in: Adult Fiction

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