Staff Picks
May 2021
The Sun Down Motel
by Simone St. James
Two stories, separated by time and connected by location. In 1982, Viv stops in Fell, NY on her way to New York City. She trades working the night shift at the Sun Down Motel for a place to stay. Soon she gets pulled into the mystery and suspense of a small town with 3 recent murders and a haunted motel. In 2017, Carly heads to Fell, NY after her mother passes to see if she can uncover the truth about her Aunt Viv’s mysterious disappearance in 1982 and ends up working the same night shift in the motel. This dual timeline, alternating narrator novel is absolutely thrilling. Part murder mystery, part ghost story, this novel is bound to get you hooked.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Fiction
The Dark Matter of Mona Starr
by Laura Lee Gulledge
When Mona’s best friend moves, her depression and social anxiety go into overdrive. She feels alone and insecure, and her mental illnesses (her Dark Matter) are crushing her. She internalizes the shame and fear, worrying deeply when she befriends a new girl at her school. Will that friend be able to handle all of her? Will Mona be able to come up with a solution to help with her dark matter? Or will it swallow her up? This graphic novel is beautiful and heart-wrenching and will especially resonate with artsy kids struggling with their mental health.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
A Crash of Fate (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, #1)
by Zoraida Córdova
Heading to Disney anytime soon? Pick this book up before you go and learn a bit about the planet that inspired Galaxy’s Edge.
Izzy and Jules were childhood friends, living amongst the spires of Batuu. Then, Izzy’s family left abruptly. Izzy’s life became one of constant motion, traveling from one world to the next, until her parents were killed and she became a low-level smuggler to make ends meet. Jules remained on Batuu, eventually becoming a farmer like his father, but always yearning for something more. Thirteen years later, Izzy returns to Batuu. She’s been hired to deliver a dangerous package, and she just wants to finish the job and leave. But upon arrival at Black Spire Outpost she runs smack into the one person who still means something to her after all this time: Jules. Will they fall in love and find a place where they both belong? But how could that happen when one lives the outlaw life of adventure, and the other has never left the safety of home?
This book is available at the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
The Little Witch’s Book of Spells
by Ariel Kusby
This book will help you find the magic in yourself! It is a wonderful book for all ages and genders. It will help inspire you to slow down, play, and find various forms of magic in your surroundings. It is an incredibly sweet and empowering little book, perfect for aspiring witches, wizards, and others who seek a bit of magic in their lives.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Teen Librarian
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Forest School Adventure: Outdoor Skills and Play for Children
by Naomi Walmsley
This book is great for those looking to get their kids (of any age) outside exploring nature. It is based on the Forest School concept, but the activities can very easily be used by parents, teachers, scout masters, or anyone really. This book is full of wilderness skills, nature crafts, activities, and team building games. It has everything you need to begin the adventure of teaching kids to fall in love with the forest.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Teen Librarian
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
The Curie Society
by Heather Einhorn
An action packed Young Adult graphic novel revolving around new recruits Simone, Maja, and Taj. When they become roommates at Edmond University, they think they are there as regular students. Almost immediately they are caught up in puzzles that lead them to become members of a secret society, the Curie Society. Their abilities at being brilliant with science have them on a mission to save the world! Scientific terms used in the book are explained in a glossary at the end of the book. An adventuresome way to learn STEM.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Cinders and Sparks Magic at Midnight
by Lindsey Kelk
A retelling of the story of Cinderella where Cinders, as she is called, discovers that she has magical powers thanks to her sparkly fingers. Then she discovers that her dog Sparks can also talk. But where is her fairy godmother, Brian, to help her go to the ball? Brian is very unreliable and so are Cinder’s magical abilities which leads to laugh out loud silliness. This is the first book in the trilogy, Cinders and Sparks.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Mother May I
by Joshilyn Jackson
You won’t have to wait long for the action to begin in this fast-paced page turner. Bree Cabbat has it all, the handsome husband, three kids, beautiful home. Her world comes crashing in as she is forced to decide what truly matters to her. What is she willing to do to keep them all safe ? Well-developed storyline that will keep you guessing until the end.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.
Recommended by: Theresa Hildebrand, Patron Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Fiction
April 2021
I Do Not Like Yolanda
by Zoey Abbott
Bianca loves writing and sending letters. She takes her time to make sure her letters are interesting, well crafted and addressed. She also loves and collects stamps….. but she does not like Yolanda. After finishing five lovely letters to be sent to friends and family, she gathers her courage to visit the post office. She’s terrified of Yolanda and hopes to not end up in her line. Luck is not on her side. However, to her surprise, things change once she makes a brave effort to interact and an unexpected connection and friendship is born. A great pick for little writers, stamp and correspondence enthusiasts, as well as those little ones who experience social anxiety once in a while. With captivating illustrations, this funny and intriguing story will sure have you and your kids wondering about mysterious Yolanda too.
Recommended by: Fanny Camargo, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
If I Was Your Girl
by Meredith Russo
Amanda Hardy is starting over in a new town at a new school. Amanda has a secret that she’s reluctant to share with anyone least of all her new friends. As her life accelerates and she not only meets great new girlfriends but has a boyfriend as well, she decides to trust a certain someone with her secret.
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