Staff Picks
June 2022
The School for Whatnots
by Margaret Haddix Patterson
In this middle grade science fiction thriller, Margaret Haddix Patterson does what she does best: create an alternate reality. Fifth grade just ended for Max and his best friend Josie. It is summer and Max is ready to relax before middle school starts. Max’s life flips upside down when he finds an ominous note from Josie. The strange note has him questioning his reality. It seems that everything he thought he knew about his school and classmates was a lie. Max is unsure who to trust but he knows he must find Josie and the truth fast. The School for Whatnots will keep you guessing until the last page.
Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
It’s All Relative: Adventures Up and Down the World’s Family Tree
by A.J. Jacobs
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
Pride: A Pride & Prejudice Remix
by Ibi Zoboi
Pride: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Ibi Zoboi’s is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s classic novel. Zuri Benitez takes immense pride in her Brooklyn neighborhood and is devastated by the gentrification taking place. The love she has for her neighborhood is in sharp contrast to the new Darcy boys that have moved across the street from Manhattan. While she aims to prevent her sister from falling for the oldest son, she finds herself in a situation that flips everything upside down. Her neighborhood is changing before her eyes which is causing her to look at people with a fresh perspective.
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing
by Christopher Willard
Do you and your little one need a short break to recharge or calm down? Practice your ABCs while doing super simple and adorable breathing exercises. Each page presents a letter and a beautiful illustration with an exercise evoking playful visual imagery. Have your child pick their favorite letters or do them all if they are enjoying the mindfulness connection. A great resource to take a moment to be present and enjoy a book together.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
May 2022
Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls
by Kaela Rivera
When Cece’s sister, Juana, is kidnapped by a powerful dark criatura (creature), Cece is determined to get her back. In order to accomplish this, she must become a bruja (witch) and fight in Devil’s Alley with a criatura whose soul she owns. Cece needs to establish her own loyalties as what she’s learned in the past is constantly challenged.
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: Youth Fiction
The Red Palace
by June Hur
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
The Wild Huntsboys
by Martin Stewart
When Luka’s sister, Elena, gets sent away to protect her from the air raids, she asks Luka to continue her practice of feeding the faeries. He promises but then flings the food away causing the faeries to seek revenge upon both him and his sister. Luka ends up with 3 accomplices as he fights for his and his sister’s lives. This book is filled with action and adventure.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
All the Best Liars
by Amelia Kahaney
Three best friends grew up poor, but one by one each gained money and popularity, until only one girl was alone on the wrong side of the tracks. When the ex friends reunite in a blaze of fire, one will end up dead, one will be a murderer, and one will be taking the fall. You think you know someone…. Until you don’t. Check out this YA read today!
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Furia
by Yamile Saied Méndez
Camila is forced to live a double life. At home she is a well behaved daughter who is excelling at school. In her spare time though, she is La Furia. An amazing female soccer player who might just be good enough to win a scholarship to a North American University, and her chance to play in the professional women’s league. Her biggest problem is that her parents don’t know about her soccer passion, and if they did, they would never let her play. Worst of all, she needs their permission to play in a tournament where all of her dreams might come true. Her life gets more complicated when the boy she once loved comes back into town and starts distracting her. But Camila won’t let anything stand in the way of her dreams. Will she face her secrets and find her true place in the world? Check out this 2023 Abe Lincoln Award nominee today!
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
An Ember in the Ashes
by Sabaa Tahir
This is a dystopian fantasy that is inspired by Ancient Rome. There is a world where if you defy the empire, you will be put to death. When Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, she is forced to spy for the rebels within the Empire’s military academy to keep him alive. There she meets Elias, the Empire’s best soldier and it’s most unwilling. Both Laia and Elias want freedom. When their destinies come together their choices might change the fate of the Empire forever. Check out this 2023 Read For A Lifetime book today!
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