Staff Picks

The Road to After

by Rebekah Lowell

This novel in verse is beautifully written and illustrated by the author. This quick read is so empowering and shows that even through the darkest, hardest childhood experiences can lead to survival, hope and ultimately healing. There are also lots of metaphor’s used to help the young reader see the meaning readily.

Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Nothing But Blackened Teeth

by Cassandra Khaw

Feeling the summer heat? This short novel will send chills down your spine! Four thrill-seeking friends celebrate a wedding by renting out a supposedly-haunted Heian-era manor. As the night goes on, long-buried tensions between them simmer to the surface, and beneath the manor an ever longer buried bride begins to stir.

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

Recommended by: Peter Tew, Adult Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Mindfulness Meditations for Teens

by Bodhipaksa

Posted in: Young Adult Nonfiction

Caprice

by Coe Booth

Caprice has just returned from a summer program at an exclusive boarding school. She’s thrilled to be back home but is conflicted as well. She’s been offered a scholarship for 8th grade and high school at the boarding school. Should she stay or should she go? In the meantime, her grandmother has become ill and some memories from the past are haunting Caprice. Add in some friend troubles and a boy who’s interested in her, and Caprice has a lot on her mind.

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

Submitted by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Peace is a Chain Reaction: How World War II Japanese Balloon Bombs Brought People of Two Nations Together

by Tanya Lee Stone

A not well-known fact from World War II is the basis of this book. During this war the Japanese were looking for ways to attack Americans on their own soil. They came up with the idea of balloon bombs that would travel across the Pacific and detonate in the United States. Not many of them were successful in their mission but, tragically, one was. A minister and his wife were on a picnic with some school-age children in Oregon. When the children went exploring, they came across a downed balloon. Somehow the attached bomb was triggered and 6 people were killed, one adult and 5 children. Years later a Japanese American man, Yuzuru Takeshita, spoke with a woman who worked in the factory in Japan where these balloons were made. He began a peace connection between her and others involved in the balloon manufacturing with the families of those killed. 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction

Spooky Sleuths: The Ghost Tree

by Natasha Deen

Do you like mysteries and spooky stories?  Then you’ll love this new series based on ghost stories from Guyana.  It’s the first book in the series which is illustrated and good for an early chapter book reader. It’s a fast paced book that keeps you hanging on for the next clue! Asim moves to a new town and hears weird noises at night, eerie lights and an evil tree. Can Asim and his friends save their teacher and the town from the ghost tree? Read on if you dare!

Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Abby in Orbit: Blast Off!

by Andrea J. Loney

Blast Off! by Andrea J. Loney is the first book in the new Abby in Orbit series. It’s a beginner chapter book for any reader interested in space or surviving their first day of third grade. Abby and her little brother Nico, just moved from Earth to the OASIS International Space Station, joining their scientist parents. There’s a lot to get used to, like the lack of gravity, and making new friends. Abby tries her hardest to get it all right, but runs into some trouble. This sweet, funny, relatable story will have readers laughing and daydreaming about living in space.

Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Dress Coded

by Carrie Firestone

When a school wide camping trip is cancelled due to a dress code infraction, Molly starts a podcast. She talks with current students and students who have already graduated regarding their experiences. Some girls seem to be targeted as their friends wear the same clothes but aren’t called out. As the podcast grows in popularity, the small revolt gains traction. New friendships are made and bonds are strengthened as the students organize their protest.

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

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

The Rise of Kyoshi

by F. C. Yee

A humble Earth Kingdom-born girl is left to fend for herself in a world where nations have succumbed to tyranny and greed. Every day the nations become more corrupt and violent, but the Avatar is nowhere to be found. Jianzhu and Kelsang grow more desperate in their attempts to find this era’s Avatar and having lost one of the avatar toy relics to an orphan girl they’re at their wits end. Will they be able to recover the relic and find the Avatar in time? Or will the world be destroyed by countless mass murders?  This first volume in the Chronicles of the Avatar series is great for fans of Avatar: The Last Air Bender looking to learn more about previous legendary Avatars.

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

Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

The Derby Daredevils: Kenzie Kickstarts a Team

by Kit Rosewater

Kenzie is passionate about roller skating and, especially, roller derby. When she, along with her best friend, Shelly, find out about the new junior derby league tryouts, they are super excited. But when they learn they need to try out as a team if they want to be on the same team, they are stuck. They don’t know anyone else who roller skates. Will they be able to form a five person team in time for tryouts? 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction