Staff Picks
July 2021
The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane
by Kate O'Shaughnessy
Eleven-year-old Maybelle has been raised by a single mother. She only has a recording of her father’s voice. When she hears that same voice on the radio and discovers that her father is a DJ, she decides to go in search of him. The somewhat stiff next-door neighbor offers to drive her and the local bully hitches a ride as well to round out the diverse cast of characters.
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
Root Magic
by Eden Royce
This book begins with the funeral of twins Jezebel (Jez) and Jay’s grandmother. Soon after this the twins turn eleven years old and their uncle tells them he’s going to teach them root magic. They knew their grandmother had special powers but didn’t think they did, too. Add in a harassing police officer and a boo hag and the excitement mounts and the adventures begin.
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 Message
Posted in: Movies/TV
When the World Was Ours
by Liz Kessler
A heartbreaking story about 3 best friends and the different journeys they take during World War II. The story starts with the friends sharing all their time together. Slowly things begin to change as Hitler comes into power. Max’s dad gets a job working for Hitler and forbids his son from associating with Jews. Leo and Elsa are both Jewish and things start to change drastically for their families. Elsa’s family moves in the middle of the night to another country where they think they’ll be safe, but the war follows them and in the end they end up in a concentration camp. Leo’s family at first stays where they are, but when his dad is taken away by the police one night, Leo and his mother do everything they can to get to England where they have friends. Max eventually becomes part of the Hitler Youth and is influenced more and more by the Nazis and his Father. Despite being apart, the 3 friends still influence each other and in some cases meet again. If you are interested in the holocaust and WWII this is a book for you.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
The Babysitter: My Summers with a Serial Killer
by Liza Rodman
Liza grew up in the 1960’s. Her mother worked at a local Motel and went out dancing most nights leaving Liza and her sister with the handyman (Tony) as their babysitter. He took the sisters on adventures in his truck, treating them to popsicles and taking them places like the woods. He made their summers fun and the sisters thought he was just a nice guy. It was not until later in life that Liza learned that he was a serial killer and some of his victims were buried in the same woods where he took her and her sister to play. Liza’s memories mixed with her research on Tony makes for a great true crime read.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
She Drives Me Crazy
by Kelly Quindlen
A cute enemies to lovers teen relationship novel. After losing a basketball game to her ex and getting into a car accident with her worst enemy, Scottie comes up with the best plan ever. She is going to fake date her enemy in order to make her ex jealous. What could go wrong? And what happens when things go much better than anyone ever expected?
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
Spoiler Alert
by Olivia Dade
Spoiler Alert is a story about a plus sized woman who gets bullied for posting a photo of herself in a cosplay dress from her favorite show, and how an actor from the show sees the harassment and invites her out to dinner. Things go well, but they both have secrets that could threaten the relationship and their jobs. Full of fandom, fanfiction, and overall geekiness, you’ll fall in love with this romance.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Adult Fiction
Prairie Lotus
by Linda Sue Park
It’s 1880 and Hanna and her father leave California in search of a new start after the death of Hanna’s mother. Will the people in the Dakota Territory be welcoming? Hanna is used to being shunned because she is half Chinese, but more than anything she wants to go to school and sew dresses for her father’s new shop. When she is given the opportunity to do both, trouble emerges. With the help of friends, Hanna does her best to be true to herself, honor her mother’s memory, and stand up for what is right. This historical fiction read also addresses modern day issues around prejudice and racism.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Stephanie Thomas, Youth Services Preschool Services Coordinator
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Starfish
by Lisa Fipps
A middle grade novel written in verse, Starfish shines a light on the effects of relentless bullying, while highlighting how stereotypical judgments shape a person’s view of themselves. Ellie, a middle schooler, living by her own set of “fat girl rules” has been bullied about her weight ever since making a huge splash while wearing a whale swimsuit. Ellie is ridiculed about her weight everywhere she goes. She’s not safe at school, the mall, or restaurants. Sadly, she’s not even safe from judgement in her own home. When her best friend moves away, Ellie has never felt more alone. Luckily, an accepting family moves in next door. Ellie’s resilience and wit are admirable and as a reader you’ll truly understand how ignorance affects us all.
This book is available at the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Fiction
June 2021
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry
by Joya Goffney
High School is hard enough, but it becomes a nightmare when Quinn’s personal journal comes up missing. This journal contains detailed lists of all the things she hopes to accomplish, the boys she likes and dislikes, and the deep secrets she’s never shared with anyone. The only way to get her beloved journal back will require her to put her trust in an unlikely set of new friends. On this journey back to her journal Quinn realizes that she is much stronger than she ever expected she could be. There are laugh out loud moments and tear-jerking moments in this YA novel that you are sure to love.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction