Staff Picks
January 2022
Ain’t Burned All the Bright
by Jason Reynolds
This is a weighty book literally and figuratively. The book is heavy because of the nearly 300 pages of art work and because of the topics covered representing the year 2020. Thoughts are told in three “breaths.” In spare but thought provoking words and dull to bright illustrations, the year 2020 is covered from the view point of unnamed Black narrator. A not to be miss read.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Who was the Girl Warrior of France?: Joan of Arc
by Sarah Winifred Searle
A new Who HQ Graphic Novels series tells the story of Joan of Arc. The set-up of this series are dialogue-driven panel art interspersed with short historical informational pages. Joan of Arc’s faith and determination are needed in her challenging journey to help end the Hundred Years War between England and France.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Biographies
You’ll Be the Death of Me
by Karen McManus
When old friends who have grown apart decide to take a ditch day from school, everything goes wrong. Wrong place, wrong time equals walking in on the murdered body of a classmate, who just happens to be the kid who beat out one of the “friends” for the position of class president. The press get wind that the “friends” weren’t in school and rumors start flying that they are the murderers. Can the “friends” come together and solve the mystery to clear their names? Or will they be next on the killers list?
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
Raybearer
by Jordan Ifueko
Tarisai has been raised for one thing…. REVENGE. When she reaches the proper age her usually absent mother (The Lady) sends her to the capital to compete with other children to become one of the Crown Prince’s Council members. If chosen she will have a real family and finally belong somewhere. The only thing is that The Lady has put a magical spell on her that will force her to kill the Prince as soon as she accepts his proposal. Will Tarisai be able to break the spell and finally choose her own path? Or will she be her mother’s pawn forever?
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
December 2021
The Mailbox in the Forest
by Kyoko Hara
Mayu is visiting her grandparents who live near a forest, so unlike where Mayu lives in the big city. As she explores the forest, she finds a “mailbocks” in a tree asking anyone to leave letters. An exchange of letters goes on for a while before the friends meet, and Mayu realizes the importance of writing to keep memories and to keep in touch.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Banana Fox and the Book-Eating Robot: A Graphix Chapter Book (Banana Fox #2)
by James Kochalka
The second book in a graphic novel series has Banana Fox living in a cardboard mansion after putting the Secret Sour Society in jail. When he sees Sour Grapes, Jr. walking down the street, Banana Fox discovers he has over $3000.00 in library book late fees and Banana Fox ends up in library jail. The robot book deposit begins to wreak havoc in the library. Can Banana Fox’s friends save Banana Fox and the books?
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Good Night, Oppy!
by James McGowan
An enlightening picture book full of great illustrations and facts about the 15 year mission of Opportunity, a NASA Mars rover. She sent back lots of data, including proof of water once being on Mars, until a dust storm blocked the sunlight from recharging her batteries.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Hades
Hades – “Fear is for the weak.” These words ring through young Prince Zagreus’s head as he attempts the impossible: running away from home. However, running away from home is a bit more challenging when your father is Lord of the Underworld. Zagreus wants to know secrets beyond the reach of the Underworld and to do so will need all the help offered from Mount Olympus itself. Uncle Zeus’s power can bestow your weapons with lightning to chain between the wretches of the Underworld. Cousin Athena can shield you from witches, Hydras and other blights. Cousin Artemis’s deadly precision can mark difference between striking down the heroes of Greek legend or ending up waking up back in the House of Hades, working from square one. The combat in this game is an absolute thrill and Hades offers plenty of choice in how you want to proceed, making each escape attempt unique and satisfying as Prince Zagreus grows stronger and you become a better player in the challenging (Under)world of Hades. Family is certainly a fickle thing and a lot of ironing out of centuries’ worth of pride, pain and punishment will require a lot of growth from young Prince Zagreus. Hey, when you’re an immortal, every death is just another lesson learned. Hades is available at the Orland Park Library on both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 consoles. Hades is rated “T for Teen.”
Posted in: Video Games
Winterhouse, book 1
by Ben Guterson
This middle grade novel begins when Elizabeth Somers finds an envelope taped to her front door. Inside is a note from her aunt and uncle, along with three dollars and a train ticket. The note explains that Elizabeth will be spending her holiday break at the Winterhouse Hotel. When she arrives, Elizabeth immediately understands that Winterhouse is a magical place. It’s a mix of a hotel, museum and mansion. The grounds are stunning and unlike anything she’s ever seen. There is a library, a candy making room, workshops and an observation deck. Early in her stay, Elizabeth meets another young, solo traveler. Their friendship is built on their shared interest of puzzles. Together they uncover a dangerous, coded mystery. They must solve an intricate puzzle to save the Winterhouse Hotel. Could Elizabeth, herself, be the magical key to cracking the infamous Winterhouse Secret. Winterhouse is a page-turner! And, you’ll be pleased to know, there are two more books in the series!
Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Beatryce Prophecy
by Kate DiCamillo
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction