Staff Picks
January 2021
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
by Stuart Turton
Posted in: Adult Fiction
They Threw Us Away (The Teddies Saga #1)
by Daniel Kraus
First in a trilogy for middle grades, this is the story of Buddy, a teddy bear, who finds himself in a garbage dump and releases other bears that he finds still in their boxes. How did they get there? Why were they dumped? The teddies only want to be hugged by a child so they can have their Forever Sleep.
To do so, the teddies must band together to try and survive the many perils awaiting them as they try to find a home. This book reads like a cross between a fairy tale and Toy Story. It is a great read and leaves the reader anxious for the sequel.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
December 2020
What it’s Like to Be a Bird
by David Sibley
This guide to birds is well laid out and easy to understand. The author is able to break down complicated parts of bird life into layman’s terms. The guide is full of wonderful and life-like illustrations. I highly recommend it to anyone with any level of curiosity about birds.
Recommended by: Peter Tew, Adult Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
Words on Fire
by Jennifer Nielsen
Audra, a young Lithuanian girl, escapes her farm house when both of her parents are arrested. Her mother gives her a package, tells her the recipient’s name and town and tells her to give it only to that person. Although Audra is frightened and confused, she does her best amidst many difficulties to fulfill her mother’s wish. This title is also available on Hoopla.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
by Katherine May
Posted in: Adult Fiction
COBRA KAI: The Karate Kid Saga Continues
Revisit ‘Karate Kid’ characters as they navigate life 30 years after that infamous karate competition. Successful Daniel owns a car dealership. Johnny has been less successful and takes on new students upon re-opening the Cobra Kai dojo. It can’t be all about two guys and how they thought their high school days were the best. There is so much more! Daniel and Johnny’s children, who are in high school, have their own storylines which helps set a good story pace. Great karate scenes at Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do studios bring back great memories of the movie franchise. Familiar friends and evil characters also emerge in this saga, plus a season 2 cliffhanger leave us looking forward to Season 3 which is due out in early 2021. This is a binge worthy series for your holiday break.
Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Adult Services, Shelver
Posted in: Movies/TV
The Ghosts of Harvard
by Francesca Scottoline Serritella
New Harvard Freshman Cady Archer steps onto campus with an anchor on her heart. Not one year earlier, her older brother Eric took his life on this very campus. He was a brilliant mind that began to unravel in his final year at Harvard – but why? As Cady investigates, she begins to hear the voices of three ghosts who help her juggle her school work, her social interactions, and her investigation. The Ghosts of Harvard is a suspenseful read that will keep you turning the page to find out the truth.
Recommended by: Natalie Leoni, Adult Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Adult Fiction
Infinite Hope: A Black Artist’s Journey from World War II to Peace
by Ashley Bryan
Ashley Bryan, an artist, storyteller and writer, tells the story of his service in World War II. This autobiography includes many of his letters home and much of his art produced during those years.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Biographies
King and the Dragonflies
by Kacen Callender
This book opens with the recent death of King’s older brother, Khalid. As the family is learning to live with this loss, King’s former best friend goes missing. Add King’s emerging sexual identity and friend issues for a page turning real life drama.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
You Never Forget Your First: A biography of George Washington
by Alexis Coe
I love history and reading about people and events of the past, but I often find those books so intimidating with their length and innumerous citations. These hefty tomes have a lot of great information in them, I’m sure, but sometimes it’s nice to find a quick read that still provides the knowledge you crave but in a more compact book. That’s what you find in this book. Alexis Coe, the first woman to ever write a biography about George Washington, walks us through the life of George Washington from his time fighting for the British in the French and Indian War to his deathbed. Coe includes charts and call out boxes with more detailed information. If you’re like me and want your history in a more easily digestible book, this one’s for you.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Biography