Staff Picks
February 2022
On Account of the Gum
by Adam Rex
Posted in: Youth Fiction
How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love With the Universe
by Rachel Vasquez Gilliland
Star and Moon are twins. They prefer the Spanish versions of their names, Estrella and Luna, but their mom insists on the American ones. Star has achieved social media stardom and Moon basically tags along as her helper. Moon has secretly applied to college but has told no one. The twins leave on a tour with Moon filling the role of ‘merch girl’. The other person filling the same role is a very attractive guy named Santiago. The two start off as arch enemies but that gradually changes as they have more contact with each other. Will Moon discover her own path? Will she find a life separate from Star’s?
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Negative Cat
by Sophie Blackall
This little boy never gave up and after 427 days of nagging to adopt a cat he finally got the okay from his parents but only after following certain rules in the house. This book reminded me of when my kids wanted to adopt a cat from a shelter and I started putting rules in place for them to follow before agreeing to adopt one. I believe the negative cat is a very smart cat who made the little boy love reading and achieve good habits. Honestly, this easy book is a very good choice for little kids to make them love to read.
Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Lost Language
by Claudia Mills
Two best friends named Elizabeth go by the nicknames of Lizard and Bumble. Lizard is definitely the more dominant of the two girls but they still have a strong friendship. When Bumble branches out and starts doing things with another girl, Lizard becomes jealous. When Bumble gets a part in the school play, Lizard gets more jealous. Now the friendship is in trouble. Meanwhile, there is trouble afoot in Bumble’s house that she is not even totally aware of. This book in verse asks the question: Can this friendship be saved?
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Pony
by R. J. Palacio
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Fountains of Silence
by Ruta Sepetys
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
The Love Hypothesis
by Ali Hazelwood
Olive is a third year PhD candidate dedicated to completing her studies. When she breaks up with her boyfriend and realizes her best friend wants to now date the guy but won’t in deference to Olive she knows she has to do something. But, what? In a rash moment she says she’s dating someone new. In another rash moment, Olive kisses the first guy she sees who turns out to be a faculty member. Surprisingly he agrees to fake date her in order to keep Olive’s ruse going. You may know what ultimately happens, but getting there is so much fun.
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: Adult Fiction
This Poison Heart
by Kalynn Bayron
Briseis has a secret. Plants react to her emotions as well as grow brighter when she encounters them. Not an easy secret to keep when walking down the city streets causes trees to bend in your direction. Briseis gets word that her birth mother’s sister has passed away and she is set to inherit a large house on a huge plot of land in the small town of Rhinebeck, NY. Here is the chance for her adoptive moms to stop worrying about the increasing costs of a business in the city and an opportunity for Briseis to let her gift loose among the trees and fields of her new home. But soon she learns that her secret is not only hers alone. A mysterious apothecary, a garden full of poisonous plants, and a town full of strange characters introduce Briseis to the family in ways she never expected.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
by Zanib Mian
Omar and his family just moved to a new town. That means a new school and new friends for Omar. It also means having run ins with a new bully. When Omar’s bully tells him that all Muslims are going to be kicked out of the country, could it possibly be true? Omar’s imagination and his amazing family help him fight through his problems. He even gets to show off his religion and holidays to his new friends. This is a great story that many younger kids can relate to no matter their background.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Heartstopper Vol.4
by Alice Oseman
There’s so much packed into this volume. Charlie and Nick finally start using the “L” word, even though they’re both extremely nervous to be the first one to say it. Nick confronts Charlie on his possible eating disorder. The duo learn that the best way to help each other is by needing others as well as each other. This volume is more than just about love. It’s about family, loyalty and mental illness. Pick up all 4 volumes of Heartstopper in the YA Graphic Novel collection today!
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction