Staff Picks
February 2022
Pony
by R. J. Palacio
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Fountains of Silence
by Ruta Sepetys
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
The Love Hypothesis
by Ali Hazelwood
Olive is a third year PhD candidate dedicated to completing her studies. When she breaks up with her boyfriend and realizes her best friend wants to now date the guy but won’t in deference to Olive she knows she has to do something. But, what? In a rash moment she says she’s dating someone new. In another rash moment, Olive kisses the first guy she sees who turns out to be a faculty member. Surprisingly he agrees to fake date her in order to keep Olive’s ruse going. You may know what ultimately happens, but getting there is so much fun.
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: Adult Fiction
This Poison Heart
by Kalynn Bayron
Briseis has a secret. Plants react to her emotions as well as grow brighter when she encounters them. Not an easy secret to keep when walking down the city streets causes trees to bend in your direction. Briseis gets word that her birth mother’s sister has passed away and she is set to inherit a large house on a huge plot of land in the small town of Rhinebeck, NY. Here is the chance for her adoptive moms to stop worrying about the increasing costs of a business in the city and an opportunity for Briseis to let her gift loose among the trees and fields of her new home. But soon she learns that her secret is not only hers alone. A mysterious apothecary, a garden full of poisonous plants, and a town full of strange characters introduce Briseis to the family in ways she never expected.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet
by Zanib Mian
Omar and his family just moved to a new town. That means a new school and new friends for Omar. It also means having run ins with a new bully. When Omar’s bully tells him that all Muslims are going to be kicked out of the country, could it possibly be true? Omar’s imagination and his amazing family help him fight through his problems. He even gets to show off his religion and holidays to his new friends. This is a great story that many younger kids can relate to no matter their background.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Heartstopper Vol.4
by Alice Oseman
There’s so much packed into this volume. Charlie and Nick finally start using the “L” word, even though they’re both extremely nervous to be the first one to say it. Nick confronts Charlie on his possible eating disorder. The duo learn that the best way to help each other is by needing others as well as each other. This volume is more than just about love. It’s about family, loyalty and mental illness. Pick up all 4 volumes of Heartstopper in the YA Graphic Novel collection today!
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
We Are Not Free
by Traci Chee
This book is a multi character account of what it was like for teenage Japanese American citizens to be removed from their homes (along with their families) and forced into incarceration camps during World War II. Each chapter is from a different character’s point of view, but they all overlap and continue each other’s stories. This is a great book that shows a usually unseen part of American history. If you’re looking for a World War II read, pick this one up.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audio book.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
The Dollhouse
by Charis Cotter
In this middle grade ghost story, Alice’s world has been turned upside down. Instead of spending her summer vacationing with her parents, Alice’s parents are separating. Alice and her mother will spend the summer away from her father. Alice’s mom has taken a live-in nursing job far away from the city. The patient is a secretive old woman who has fallen down the stairs of her 1900’s mansion. As if things couldn’t get worse, on their way there, their train stops abruptly, causing Alice to hit her head and get a concussion. Once settled, Alice finds a doll house in the attic that is an exact replica of the mansion. She’s always had an overactive imagination but when her dreams become haunted by a ghost girl, she has a hard time deciphering if she’s sleeping or awake, dead or alive. Are her dreams a side effect of her concussion or is the ghost girl trying to get a message to Alice? If you’re a fan of ghost stories, this book is for you! Also, read some of Charis Cotter’s other novels, The Ghost Road and The Painting.
Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Stuntboy, In The Meantime
by Jason Reynolds
Portico Reeves loves superheroes, and I mean, who can blame him? Superheroes can save the day and protect those around them, but who can protect the superheroes? That’s when Portico turns into the mighty Stuntboy, who can stand in for superheroes and take on their challenges for them! Stuntboy can fall down the stairs for an elderly neighbor or block insults from the local bully to save the day his own way. Portico though has his own problems. Portico struggles to combat his anxiety problems amidst his parents’ ever-escalating fights. Can Portico…er, Stuntboy save the day? Jason Reynolds crafts another outstanding story here with humor and heart. Raúl the Third’s wondrous illustrations bring to life the stunts of Stuntboy and Portico’s neighborhood and loved ones, making this an excellent read-alike for graphic novel fans.
Recommended by: Alexander Pappas, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
January 2022
Ten Mice for Tet
by Pegi Deitz Shea
A village of mice diligently prepares for the celebration and traditions of Tet, the Vietnamese lunar new year holiday. With this adorable book, children and caregivers will learn about this festive holiday, practice counting to ten, and admire the meticulous and detailed vibrant embroidery art on each page. From planning to fireworks, the simple text and bright playful illustrations serve as a great introduction to multicultural customs and celebrations. End notes provide additional information about the joyful traditions featured in the book.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction