Staff Picks
April 2022
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Round, pink and cute! Kirby is the lovable hero that finds himself lost in a new land in this adorable adventure celebrating the series’ 30th anniversary! When Kirby is transported through time and space, he gains the new power to change his shape by inhaling everyday objects. Watching Kirby eat up cars, vending machines and traffic cones is not only cute/hilarious (cutelarious?) but leads to some wildly creative puzzles in Kirby’s first fully 3D saga. These new abilities and returning classics like Cutter, Needle and Ice add variety to the game to make it approachable for newcomers and adds extra challenges for series veterans and completionists. Wait…you say you want more cute? Try teaming up with a friend! Kirby can invite his buddy Bandana Waddle Dee to help him out in friendly co-op. Save the Waddle Dees and learn the mystery of this new world alongside Kirby! Kirby and the Forgotten Land is available at the Orland Park Public Library on the Nintendo Switch system. Kirby and the Forgotten Land is rated “E 10+ for Everyone 10 and up.”
Recommended by: Alex Pappas, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Video Games
Blood Moon
by Lucy Cuthew
This book in verse chronicles Frankie’s fall from grace in high school after a vicious meme goes viral. Since Frankie thinks her best friend posted it, their friendship is now over. On top of that the guy she likes cuts off contact with her once the meme is public. While this is all going on, Frankie is in the midst of applying for a coveted internship in her field of choice: astronomy.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
March 2022
Needlework
by Julia Watts
Sixteen-year-old Kody has a lot on his plate. He lives with his grandmother since his mother suffers from an opioid addiction. His younger brother, Caleb, lives with their uncle and his wife. Kody who loves to quilt and sew with his grandmother is also a huge Dolly Parton fan. His father, who is imprisoned, does not think much of Kody as he would prefer that he liked sports, hunting and fishing. When Kody discovers a family secret, his entire world is turned upside down.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
I Must Betray You
by Ruta Sepetys
Another historical fiction novel by Ruth Sepetys that uncovers the brutality of a dictator in Romania and the power of the student led revolution that toppled his 24 year regime in 1989. The people of Romania lived with food, electricity, and heat shortages under the Communist rule while the dictator lived in luxury. Besides the deprivations, the Romanians lived in fear of being turned in by their fellow citizen for being disloyal. Not knowing who to trust or who was listening, the country lived in an oppressive environment until the uprising that turned brutality onto each other. The hope for freedom and liberty drove the masses to rise up and the army to join them.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Librarian I
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Roll with It
by Jamie Sumner
Baking is a fun hobby, but to Ellie the main character in Roll with It by Jamie Sumner, it is a way to handle the stresses that come with being a middle-schooler. Navigating a middle school in a wheel chair has its own challenges, but moving across the country to help with her grandpa who has dementia is the real hurdle. Can Ellie make friends at a new school? Will Grandpa forget who she is? Can she win the local baking contest and show the town that she is indeed destined to be a great baker one day? In this funny and touching story Ellie proves that a slice of pie does make life a little sweeter.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The School for Good and Evil
by Soman Chainani
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Bubblecat vs. Dragonbear!
by Sean Charmatz
How would you feel as a bubble creature navigating a world with all kinds of things that could suddenly make you pop! Adorable and super cautious little Bubblecat finds himself understandably worrying about his surroundings. He is super friendly and enjoys the outdoors. One day, however, he accidentally disturbs Dragonbear while he is working on his art. The spiky creature unleashes his rage. Fearing for his safety, Bubblecat realizes he may actually be stronger than he thought and by doing so, surprises Dragonbear with the ultimate weapon, kindness. This is a fun and quirky story featuring simple text and layered elements that combine photography backgrounds and nature objects along with cartoony digital art and imaginative characters. Texture is beautifully captured and tempts readers to take a closer look. Kids and grown-ups will enjoy this eye-catching and inspiring tale about confidence and identity.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Under the Ramadan Moon
by Sylvia Whitman
Very soon Muslims all around the world will celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. “Under the Ramadan Moon” is a very good choice for little ones to understand what is Ramadan and how Muslim families spend this month in very simple words by repeating the phrase “under the moon”.
Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Services Clerk
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Hate U Give
by Angie Thomas
In this young adult novel, Starr Carter is a Fresh Prince loving, Jordans obsessed, typical sixteen-year-old girl. Except for the fact that she has seen enough violent tragedy for three lifetimes. Starr’s grown up in Garden Heights, a poor black neighborhood but attends Williamson High School in a rich white neighborhood. Because of this, she has become two different people. After murder rocks her world, once again, her conflicting lifestyles have never been more exposed. Starr must find her voice and who she really is, all in the face of police brutality, gang violence, racism, and ignorance. The Hate U Give is a novel but is so relevant it could be a biography. The insight into Starr’s family life, her friends in Garden Heights, her friends at Williamson, it all reads so honestly. You will fall in love with Starr’s courage as she finds the power of her unique voice.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids: The Very Best and Easiest Playtime Activities
by Asia Citro
Looking for something to do with your kids? Then check this book out! It is packed with science based ideas and play recipes that will keep you and your little ones active all year long. There’s slimes, doughs, sensory bins and more!
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction