Staff Picks

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

Bob

by Rebecca Stead

Livy is once again visiting her grandma in Australia. Unfortunately, she does not remember anything about her grandma’s farm, from when she visited five years ago. That quickly changes when Livy finds a small green creature, named Bob, in the upstairs closet of her grandma’s house. Bob remembers everything from the last time Livy visited. Using magic and imagination, Livy helps Bob remember his way home. Not only does Livy save Bob, but Bob saves Livy too. Like many of Rebecca Stead’s stories, Bob is a magical one.

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

Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Diamond Eye

by Kate Quinn

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Thanks A Lot, Universe

by Chad Lucas

This story begins with Brian and Richie’s dad leaving them and their mom taking a drug overdose. Brian struggles both at home and in school as his anxiety kicks in big time. Meanwhile, in a parallel plot line, Ezra is having trouble fitting in with his friends. They seem to be moving in different directions. Ezra tries to reach out to Brian but Brian is very wary. When Brian lashes out at another student things come to a head.

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

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Oliver: The Second-largest Living Thing on Earth

by Josh Crute

Oliver, a tall and majestic sequoia tree, finds himself discouraged. He’s not the number one largest living thing on Earth. He is, however, the second. His neighbor Sherman takes the spotlight and even has his own sign.  Even though he often feels invisible living in Sherman’s shadows, Oliver realizes he’s part of something much bigger. Kim’s illustrations beautifully convey the feelings of envy, determination, disappointment, and belonging. An inspiring tale of self-realization and self-acceptance. Author notes include interesting information about the real sequoias and other second-largest things on earth. Perfect for celebrating Arbor Day.

Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Frankie & Bug

by Gayle Forman

Ten-year-old Bug just wants to go the beach and swim as much as possible over the summer. But there’s a serial killer on the loose and Bug’s mom says she can only go with her older brother. But her older brother, who now wants to be called Daniel instead of Danny, would rather hang out with friends his own age. When the neighbor’s nephew comes for the summer Bug feels stuck with him and he doesn’t even like the beach. Will this summer ever improve? 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

I Wish You All the Best

by Mason Deaver

When Ben tells their parents that they identify as nonbinary and prefer the pronouns they/them, they are thrown out of the house. In desperation Ben contacts his estranged older sister. She offers him refuge and they begin to start over in a new house and school with no friends. When Nathan takes Ben under his wing, Ben is unsure of how to handle his exuberance and extroversion. As the two forge a friendship their feelings begin to change. Just what is in store for Ben and Nathan?

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

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction