Staff Picks
August 2021
10 Hidden Heroes
by Mark K. Shriver
What would your superpower be? This is a frequent question kids get asked all the time. After reading this fun book, the little ones will not hesitate to come up with an inspiring answer since they will soon realize that everyone can be a hero. This is both a counting and a seek & find book in rhyme with detailed and vibrant illustrations of real life multi-generational and diverse community members working together for the greater good. It is a fun-filled countdown portraying realistic examples of kindness and caring. Each page will present an opportunity to spark a conversation about compassion and generosity and how simple it can be to make a difference. A guaranteed uplifting attention-grabbing pick that celebrates everyday good deeds and inclusivity.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
Posted in: Video Games
Grown
by Tiffany D. Jackson
This very intense book deals with misogyny and physical and drug abuse. It is not for the faint of heart. Enchanted, the main character, is in high school and dreams of a successful singing career. When the legendary superstar Korey Fields sees her at an audition and offers to mentor her, Enchanted is thrilled. Her parents are somewhat skeptical but allow her to tour with Mr. Fields. Things start spirally down fairly rapidly and soon Enchanted feels stuck and hopeless.
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: Young Adult Fiction
July 2021
Firekeeper’s Daughter
by Angeline Boulley
They say bad luck comes in threes, and Daunis Fontaine can prove it. As a biracial and unenrolled tribal member, Daunis’ eighteenth year is spent trying to figure out where her place is among her Native American Ojibwe community in Sault Ste. Marie. After the loss of her beloved Uncle David and her GrandMary’s subsequent stroke, Daunis’ world crumbles as she’s forced to face head on the ugly influence of meth that is ravaging her Native community. Using her scientific prowess and fueled by the passion of protecting her people, Daunis is thrusted into the heart of a criminal investigation that forces her to discover what it takes to truly become a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman). Daunis’ story is heartwrenching in all the right ways—perfect for any teen or adult reader looking for a complex story dipped in rich characterization, culture and strength.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an eBook.
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Somebody’s Daughter; a memoir
by Ashley C. Ford
This beautifully told story of Ashley Ford’s life is filled with compelling stories and heartbreaking scenes. Raised by a volatile single mother, while her father sits in jail for a heinous crime, Ashley struggles to find her place and her voice. You will be charmed by the young, voracious reader of Ashley’s youth, and mourn for the childhood she was denied. This page-turner is perfect for fans of memoir writers such as Roxane Gay and Lindy West.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, Youth Services School Liaison
Posted in: Adult Biography
Curses
by Lish McBride
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Vegetables Unleashed: A Cookbook
by José Andrés
Healthy eating has become very trendy, but something as basic as eating vegetables every day is still difficult for most people. How do you squeeze in 3-5 servings of vegetables each day without eating the same thing repeatedly? José Andrés, popular chef and restaurant owner, has made eating greens more fun that you can imagine. In his popular cookbook Vegetables Unleashed: A Cookbook, Andrés gives us a plethora of ideas for making vegetables so delicious that they will become the star of the plate and not just a sad standby. The book is organized by season for easy shopping throughout the year and even includes many articles on sustainability and agriculture. This book is sure to inspire you to try something new. So go and eat your vegetables!
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
Blood Water Paint
by Joy McCullough
This book in verse takes place in the 1600’s. Artemisia Gentileschi loses her mother at age twelve. Her choice is then to live as a nun in a convent or grind pigment for her father’s paint. She chooses to become her father’s apprentice and becomes a very talented painter. But, to be a woman in Italy at that time is not easy and all the power lies with the men. McCullough weaves Artemisia’s story with the stories of the ancient heroines Susanna and Judith, who become the subjects of Artemisia’s paintings.
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
Where is the Taj Mahal?
by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler
As one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal is designated as “the Jewel of Muslim Art in India”. The Taj Mahal tomb was built from a blend of Persian, Mongol and Islamic styles that includes a mosque and lovely gardens. The most interesting fact behind the reason for this magnificent building is a true love story. I suggest reading this book if you want to know more about the Taj Mahal’s history. It is a good read for ages 8 and up, as well as adults.
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
by Holly Jackson
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction