Staff Picks
May 2022
Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls
by Kaela Rivera
When Cece’s sister, Juana, is kidnapped by a powerful dark criatura (creature), Cece is determined to get her back. In order to accomplish this, she must become a bruja (witch) and fight in Devil’s Alley with a criatura whose soul she owns. Cece needs to establish her own loyalties as what she’s learned in the past is constantly challenged.
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: Youth Fiction
The Red Palace
by June Hur
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
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
April 2022
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