Staff Picks
October 2022
Haven
by Megan Wagner Lloyd
This is a great middle school read told by a courageous cat named Haven. Haven the house cat had to leave her home to find help for her “human”. She befriended a fox and together they went through the forest and into real danger. Read this adventurous book to find out how brave Haven becomes and what she finds out about who she really is.
Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Wrong Train
by Jeremy de Quidt
A spooky group of horror stories all wrapped up in one bigger story. A teen finds out he took the wrong train and has to get off at a pitch black station…. only he isn’t alone. Along comes a creepy old man who starts telling him scary stories. But what do the stories have to do with the teen? And why won’t the old man leave him alone? Will another train ever show up? A twisted tale perfect for fans of horror.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
We Speak In Storms
by Natalie Lund
50 years ago a tornado tore through a drive-in movie theater in a tiny town in Illinois and left almost a whole generation of teens dead. On the anniversary of this event, in the same exact spot, another tornado hits. The event will change three teenagers lives forever and bring them together in ways no one expected. The living and the dead have secrets and to find peace they all must move forward and work together. This is a book about friendship, pain, love, life, death, acceptance, tragedy, family and letting go. And yes, there are ghosts too.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrvie/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Bad Girls Never Say Die
by Jennifer Mathieu
If you like The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, pick up this book! Evie is a “bad” girl from the “wrong” side of town. Her friends are all rough and ready to fight. They protect their own from the world and are loyal to the end. When Evie is attacked while at a movie and a girl from the “right” side of the tracks is the one who saves her, her views on things change. Secrets, loyalty, and tragedy all wrap up this amazing book.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
All of Our Demise
by Amanda Foody
The conclusion to All Of Us Villains picks up right where the first book left off. The tournament is breaking, but that doesn’t mean all of the champions will survive. And just because it breaks, doesn’t mean it will end. Will the champions be able to work together to dismantle the tournament puzzle by puzzle? Or will their fighting destroy them all? One thing is for sure real villains aren’t destined for happily ever afters.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
The Leaf Thief
by Alice Hemming
Laugh out loud reading this autumn tale featuring a frantic squirrel suddenly realizing his beloved colorful leaves are disappearing. Someone must have been stealing them and with his bird pal he’s out to solve the mystery. The bold illustrations comically convey his dramatic overreacting, and we can’t help but laugh at all the commotion. This hilarious story is currently displayed at our storywalk for you to enjoy while taking a pleasant autumn nature stroll. The Storywalk is located on the outdoor path off of Ravinia Ave., adjacent to Village Center North Pond.
This book is available in the library and on Hoopla as an ebook.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
September 2022
The Path
by Bob Staake
This is a beautifully written picture book that is inspirational and uplifting. It teaches the reader that there are many paths and important choices to make in life. Some of these paths may be challenging, but it shows that they can be conquered and the reader will move forward to create their own path in life. I loved the simplistic colorful illustrations that tie in perfectly to the lyrical words.
Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn
by Kenard Pak
Autumn has arrived and soon enough nature will once again remind us of the delightfulness of those early Fall days and the beauty all around us. The transitional aspects of the changing seasons are presented in this beautiful book as a conversation between a young child and nature itself. Whether in the forest or around town, children will learn and recognize the signs of autumn as they read and explore the evocative images in this engaging picture book.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Barakah Beats
by Maleeha Siddiqui
Nimra, who’s in 7th grade, is going to public school for the first time. She’s excited because her best friend from preschool, Jenna, goes to the same school. But once school starts Nimra senses that Jenna isn’t as invested in their friendship as Nimra. When Nimra is asked to join a popular band with older boys she becomes conflicted trying to blend her faith, music and new friends.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Jigsaw Jungle
by Kristin Levine
Claudia’s dad, who’s a teacher, doesn’t come home after the last day of school. Claudia and her mom are frightened and anxious. They file a missing person’s report and wait to find out any information. Then Claudia hears from her dad and it turns out he’s not missing at all. He’s just gone to visit a friend to ‘think things over’. Now Claudia is confused and mad.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction