Staff Picks
August 2024
Hemlock House: a Liar’s Beach Novel
by Katie Cotugno
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
God of the Woods
by Liz Moore
A mystery twofer told in dual timelines. One child who has gone missing in 1961; another 1975. Both are from the prestigious Van Laar family and owners of the camp. The setting is in the wooded area of the Adirondacks. But don’t be fooled by the beauty of the landscape. Something ugly is happening in these woods. This story is stacked with multiple characters, multiple scenarios and multiple suspects.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Chris Schultz, Graphics Information Clerk
Posted in: Adult Fiction
Oh My Dog!
by Iva-Marie Palmer
Caroline has had bad things happen in her life such as her mom dying when she was 7 years old and her house destroyed by a hurricane when she was 8 years old. Now she is 12 years and has trouble fitting in and making friends. She gets a job dog walking, Denver, to help out by earning money, but she gets more than money. Denver can talk to her. He wants her get people see how they are all connected and that belief in goodness of others will connect everyone. She is not sure she is up to the task or even wants to try. A heartwarming story about miracles and hope.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Spy X Family
by Tatsuya Endō
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Punching Bag
by Rex Ogle
A lot of people non-chalantly throw out phrases like “I hate my parents!” or “my parents are the worst!”. But no one really understands what it’s like to live under constant abuse from a parent while also living in poverty. Only those that have suffered a lot of childhood trauma do and one of those people is Rex Ogle. Follow his story in this harrowing biography.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult Biographies
The Night Librarian
by Christopher Lincoln
An action-packed graphic novel featuring a brother and sister, Page and Turner, whose favorite place is the New York Public Library. Since they are often left alone as their parents travel for work, they rely on each other. When their father’s first edition of Dracula gets lost, the adventure begins. They meet the Night Librarian and learn of a secret underground area of the library. They also learn that the characters in the stories, good and bad, are trying to escape the confines of their book covers. A battle between the characters ensues and the twins must help to try and save the library from destruction. Many classic book titles and characters are part of this story as they literally come alive on the pages. Realistic dialogue and amazing illustrations make this a page turner.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Orris & Timble The Beginning
by Kate DiCamillo
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Sunshine: how one camp taught me about life, death, and hope
by Jarrett Krosoczka
This is a wonderfully illustrated non-fiction graphic novel that tells the story of a group of teenagers that volunteer for the week at camp during their senior year of high school. With mixed emotions going into the week, helping children and families with cancer and illnesses is nothing but life-changing. Jarrett and his five other classmates embark on a week of camp activities and learn about the determination and perseverance of the children around them. I recommend this book for anyone that wants a feel-good story of hope and making a difference in the world. This book is included in the Read for a Lifetime 2025 program put on by the state of Illinois to target high school students. By reading this book, you can be part of the way to getting recognition from the state and receiving a certificate that looks great on college applications!
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Abigail Hooks, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult Nonfiction
The Golden Hour
by Niki Smith
This is a wonderfully illustrated, realistic fiction graphic novel about a group of friends working together in times of hardship. It shares the life of Manuel Soto, who just experienced an instance of gun violence in school. He finds comfort in photography and helping his friends prepare for the local county fair. This book shares the power of friendship and finding yourself even in the hardest of situations. This is an enjoyable novel if you want a realistic book about friendship and self-discovery.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Abigail Hooks, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Impossible Escape: a true story of survival and heroism in Nazi Germany
by Steve Sheinkin
This non-fiction novel tells the true story of the lives of Rudi and Gerta, both Slovakian-Jewish-born teenagers trying to escape their situations during World War II. Rudi in the Auschwitz concentration camp and Gerta hiding away in Hungary. This novel reads like a narrative and tells of the hardships they both endure while trying to survive the war. This is an incredibly well-written and descriptive story that comes full circle with true historical facts that impacted the rest of the war. If you want a historical and realistic novel, this is one you won’t want to put down. This book is included in the Read for a Lifetime 2025 program put on by the state of Illinois to target high school students. By reading this book, you can be part of the way to getting recognition from the state and receiving a certificate that looks great on college applications!
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Abigail Hooks, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult Nonfiction