The library is closed Sunday, March 31 for Easter.

Staff Picks


March 2021

Other Words for Home

by Jasmine Warga

Jude, our female main character, leaves her hometown in Syria with her mother to escape violence and moves to America. Navigating her new normal, she tries not to be ‘weird’ according to her cousin and worries about her brother and father who stayed behind. This book title 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


It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

by Trevor Noah

Comedian, Trevor Noah, describes his childhood in shocking detail. From having to distance himself from his white father to an abusive stepfather to the fierce love provided by his mother, Noah tells his story with both humor and pathos. This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Biographies


Thunderstruck

by Erik Larson

This compelling historical true crime read by Eric Larson weaves together the invention of radio and an almost perfect murder.  The restlessly curious Guglielmo Marconi attempts to complete his trans-Atlantic radio station in the face of relentless skepticism; meanwhile the kindly-seeming Hawley Crippen commits murder and races against time as he attempts to vanish into the crowd.  This title is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.

Recommended by: Peter Tew, Adult Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Adult Nonfiction


Brother’s Keeper

by Julie Lee

This historical fiction book tells the story of Sora Pak and her family in North Korea in 1950. When war breaks out between North and South Korea, Sora’s family flees North Korea for South Korea. This harrowing story, based in part on the author’s mother’s life, takes place over approximately two years. This book is available in the library and on OverDrive as an ebook.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction


February 2021

Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting

by Ann Hood

Twenty-seven writers tell their stories about knitting and writing. From triumphs to disasters in both knitting and life, these essays will make you laugh and cry. There are also five patterns included. 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Adult Nonfiction


Song in a Rainstorm: The Story of Musical Prodigy Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins

by Glenda Armand

When Thomas was born blind to slaves, his mother was not going to let that determine his fate. She and others soon found out that he had an affinity for music and could recreate the sounds of rainstorms or trains on the piano. He gave his first concert at six years old and was the first black person to play for a president.  His abilities were amazing as he wowed crowds in America and Europe by playing any song, sometime even sitting backwards at the piano and using opposite hands to play the song.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Biographies


Forever Home

by Jenna Ayoub

A graphic novel about Willow, a young girl who has never had a place she can call home as both her parents are in the military and have been moved from place to place. That changes when they move to the historic Hadleigh House but then the ghosts appear. They do not want to share the house. So begins the clash between Willow, who does not want to move again and the ghosts, who do not want others there… but does it have to be one or the other?

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction


One Step Further: My Story of Math, the Moon, and a Lifelong Mission

by Katherine Johnson

An empowering narrative about a young girl who counted everything, even her steps, as her lifelong love of mathematics led her to become part of the team that helped John Glenn circle the Earth and land men on the moon, one step for mankind. Her perseverance and abilities enabled her to overcome the prejudices of the 1960’s against African-Americans and women in the work force and be part of the civil rights movement for herself and her daughters.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Biographies


Kate’s light: Kate Walker at Robbins Reef Lighthouse

by Kate Kaird

A biography of one of the first women lighthouse keepers on the Eastern seaboard. Immigrating from Germany, Kate met and married a man who became the lighthouse keeper on Robbins Reef in New York Harbor. She became the assistant lighthouse keeper as she helped keep the light burning at night and rescuing people from floundering ships. After her husband’s death she convinced the Lighthouse Board that she could do the job alone, which she did for 34 years.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Biographies


If You Want a Friend in Washington: Wacky, Wild & Wonderful Presidential Pets

by Erin McGill

This is a funny and informative book about the variety of animals presidents have kept as pets at the White House. The animals range from the very small to huge, common and rare. A fun read with whimsical illustrations.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction


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