Staff Picks
December 2021
The Beatryce Prophecy
by Kate DiCamillo
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Unconventional Vehicles: forty-five of the strangest cars, trains, planes, submersibles, dirigibles, and rockets ever
by Michael Hearst
This is not the average transportation book. These vehicles are unconventional indeed. A detailed, yet eye-catching and far from overwhelming read that presents some unimaginable works of engineering and ingenuity, as well as some silly and kind of ridiculous inventions. From the rudimentary such as the handcar or ostrich carriage, to the straight-out-of-Sci-Fi walking truck. Author Michael Hearst uses a very approachable attention-grabbing and humorous writing style. Jensen’s illustrations are intricate and crisp. Each vehicle is introduced in a two-page aesthetically pleasing spread with information divided by clean lines. One side provides manufacturer, date of production, and overview data, while the other side includes fun and interesting facts for all curious minds. A good pick for transportation enthusiasts, as well as non-fiction reluctant readers.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Flip-A-Feather: A Mix-And-Match Board Book
by Sara Ball
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Nature of Fragile Things
by Susan Meissner
In this historical fiction book, Sophie Whalen becomes Mrs. Martin Hocking after answering his ad for a wife in the newspaper. Sophie, an Irish immigrant, is disillusioned with life in New York City and relishes the chance to start over in San Francisco. She’s especially excited to be stepmother to widower Martin’s young daughter. As the marriage progresses many things in Martin’s life don’t seem to make sense. Right when Sophie starts to piece everything together, the devastating earthquake of 1906 happens. Left homeless, Sophie and her stepdaughter continue to search for the truth.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Adult Fiction
Malibu Rising
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
For close to 20 years, Mick Riva has been the biggest name in the music industry. But he isn’t the star of this story. Instead, Reid focuses on his four children: model Nina, surfer Jay, photographer Hud, and the youngest, Kit. Reid tells the tale of the Mick and the Riva children in alternated timelines, jumping from the introduction and marriage of Mick and June Riva to 1983 in Malibu. Prepare for a taste of the 80s as the Riva siblings prepare to host the biggest party of the year.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Fiction
Under My Hijab
by Hena Khan
Have you ever wondered how to explain hijab (the head scarf) to little children or even adults ? Have you ever wondered if a Muslim woman who wears a hijab can be stylish and dye her hair pink like auntie in the story? Have you ever wondered if a Muslim woman who wears a Hijab can play sports?
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Cat Kid Comic Club: Perspective
by Dave Pilkey
In the second graphic novel, the Comic Club characters are back once again and in the classroom with twenty-one baby frogs where everyone has their perspective about things. Naomi and Melvin disagree and disrupt the class and Poppy sees the world differently than her siblings. Each chapter has a different story told by one of the characters. As Pilkey teaches real life lessons on how to get along with different perspectives, he also teaches the reader how to draw perspectives and write a story.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Assignment
by Liza Wiemer
One school assignment can change everything. It’s Logan and Cade’s final year of High School when their favorite teacher gives an assignment in which the students need to argue in favor of the Nazi’s Final Solution. Logan and Cade are horrified by the assignment. Is there a way for them to show the issue of the assignment without getting themselves in trouble? Or worse? Is there a way to stop the assignment without putting their families and friends in danger? A great story that will really make you stop and think.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an e audiobook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
The Loop
by Ben Oliver
The Loop is a futuristic death row prison for teens. Everyday is that same for those in the Loop… until one day the world outside falls apart. Luka was serving time in the Loop for a crime he didn’t commit. He’s one of the first to figure out that things aren’t right. Will he be able to save his friend and escape the Loop? And if they escape what will the world be like that they’re escaping to? This is one intense Science Fiction read full of action and danger. It is a trilogy so if you enjoy this book there is even more to the story.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Sanctuary
by Paola Mendoza
In the near future everyone is required to be chipped and tracked by the government. It is almost impossible to live in the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant. Vali and her family are undocumented but are surviving by using counterfeit chips. When the counterfeit chips start to malfunction and the government starts attacking and taking away the undocumented, will Vali and her family be able to make to a safe zone? Or will they die trying? This is a scary dystopian look at a possible future. It is a very quick read that will keep you on your toes.
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