Staff Picks

Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story

by Suzanne Slade

This is a beautiful picture book biography about Anna Comstock. Not many people have heard of her but she was a nature lover, scientist, artist, educational reformer, and author who produced amazing works of art. She revolutionized how students learn about nature insisting on students going outside and having hands on experience. She was also Cornell University’s first female professor. She did her work during a time period when women weren’t taken seriously, but through hard work and determination she took major steps in advancing women’s rights and careers. This picture book is perfect for little nature lovers and their parents.

Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian

Posted in: Youth Biographies

Flamer

by Mike Curato

I keep seeing the quote “This book will save lives” associated with this book, and it’s true. This graphic novel set in 1995 tells the story of Aiden during one summer at Scout camp and how it changes his life. It is a shout out to queer kids struggling with their identity in systems like a church, scout troops or school that leaves them alone and confused and full of unwarranted shame. It is a shout out to say, you are loved just keep your flame burning. You are enough.  This book is beautiful, devastating, and hopeful. It’s a great read for Teens and Adults alike.

Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Natural Curiosity: Educating and Nurturing Our Children at Home

by Lisa Carne

If you are thinking about homeschooling your child or are trying to bring more nature into your child’s education then this book is for you. It is a reflection on how the author, her husband, and her children found the right form of “unschooling” for them through nature and self-learning. There are many interesting points on why one would pull their children from a public school and create a nature based home school for them. She describes many ups and downs and worries that the family experience along their journey. This book isn’t a how to manual. There aren’t lesson plans or rules for games inside. It’s more of an experience story on what this family did and how it all worked out for them. This is a great read for someone who is going through the same experience or for someone who is thinking that this might be the route that they’d like to take with their children.

Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian

Posted in: Adult Nonfiction

The Gravity Tree: the True Story of a Tree That Inspired the World

by Anna Crowley Redding

A fascinating read about the tree that grew from a small seed into a tree that dropped the apple with Sir Isaac Newton sitting under it. And that is only the beginning. The tree has influenced other thinkers as well as ordinary people to potentially change the world. Seedlings have been transported all over the world and out of this world to the International Space Station. Over three hundred years later the tree still lives as do the inspired ideas brought on by it.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction

The Rose Code

by Kate Quinn

This historical fiction novel takes us back to both World War II and the wedding of then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Mab, Osla and Beth are three young women who are all chosen to work on code breaking at Bletchley Park in England during World War II. They are sworn to secrecy regarding their work.  As time and the war march onward, loyalties are broken, romantic liaisons are developed and emotions run high.  This book, Playaway and CD audio is available at the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Adult Fiction

On the Other Side of the Forest

by Nadine Robert

No one in the village dares to enter the forest that surrounds Arthur’s home. The forest is dark and people say it is filled with scary things. But Arthur’s dad is not scared, he is curious. Dad has a magnificent idea which brings the villagers together in a way that they’ve never been before. A tower, a storm, and a celebration will lead you to discover what is on the other side of the forest! Winner of the Harry Black Picture Book Award, this book will flood you with feel good, nostalgia as you turn each beautiful page.

Recommended by: Malorie Carpenter, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Fifth Quarter

by Mike Dawson

Fourth grader Lori loves to play basketball, even though she’s not the strongest player. This love of the game helps her to navigate all the realities of growing up: trouble with friends, a first sleepaway camp, and her mom’s political ambitions. A charming tale of growing up, working towards your goals, and basketball. Perfect for sports enthusiasts and fans of Hena Khan’s basketball series.

Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, Youth Services School Liaison

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Super Mario Maker 2

Ever breeze through a Mario level and thought that was too easy? Super Mario Maker 2 challenges Mario enthusiasts to make their own levels. Creating your own levels is a snap with a user-friendly course maker. You can save these levels for your friends and family to play or submit them over the internet. Not much of a creator and want to get in on the classic Mario platforming action? Super Mario Maker 2 has a story mode with pre-made levels for you to enjoy right away, and if you feel you need to up the ante, try going online and taking on some of the courses made by other Mario fans like yourself! Super Mario Maker 2 is available at the Orland Park Public Library on the Nintendo Switch console and is rated “E for Everyone.” A Nintendo Switch Online account is needed to submit and play user-created courses.

Recommended by: Alexander Pappas, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Video Games

Call Down the Hawk

by Maggie Stiefvater

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Black Brother, Black Brother

by Jewell Rhodes

Donte and Trey are brothers attending an elite school when Donte is unjustly accused of a crime. He discovers the sport of fencing while suspended and begins training with a former Olympic champion. Donte’s initial goal is to beat the reigning fencing champion but as his training continues, he learns much more than just the techniques of his sport.

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