Staff Picks

October 2020

The One with the Scraggly Beard

by Elizabeth Withley

A beautifully illustrated and empathetically written story answering questions and concerns a mom’s young son has about a man who lives under the bridge. This is a story about homelessness, the path lives can take, and belonging. Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end of the story.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Tanaka-kun is Always Listless: Complete Collection

This slice of life comedy anime follows a high school boy named Tanaka who despite the best attempts of his friends still manages to sleep, no matter what is going on. This 12-episode series will put a smile on your face and relax you into a comfortable state of listlessness just like Tanaka-kun.

Recommended by: April Balasa, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Movies/TV

We Were Restless Things

by Cole Nagamatsu

Last summer, the police rule Link Miller’s death as a strange accident. He had somehow drowned on dry land in the woods, miles away from the nearest body of water. However, Link’s closest friend Noemi knows the truth, that he drowned in an impossible lake that only she can find. And there is even someone claiming to be Link who keeps contacting her. The strange and fascinating debut shows three teens coming of age in the wake of a mysterious death. And with the multiple points of view and the use of entries from dream journals, this novel explores how society shapes our reality, how we can learn to love ourselves and the power of our own desires.

Recommended by: April Balasa, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

These Vengeful Hearts

by Katherine Laurin

At Heller High School social ruin and favors are dealt out in equal measure. Anyone can ask for a favor of the Red Court but every request comes at a price. September (Ember) Williams knows the damage the Red Court and their leader The Queen of Heart can dish out. Two years ago, they had caused the accident that left her older sister April paralyzed. Now Ember is determined to see the group held accountable for their actions, by taking them down from the inside.

Recommended by: April Balasa, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Five Total Strangers

by Natalie D. Richards

Things don’t go as planned when Mira flies home to spend Christmas with her mother. But when a record-breaking blizzard results in all layovers being canceled, Mira decides to hitch a ride with some friendly college students who were on her initial flight. As the blizzard grows more sinister, she begins to realize that the other four passengers don’t actually know each other. Soon, it’s not just heavy snowfall and ice-slicked roads, but it’s also the fact that one of the passengers will stop at nothing to ensure that this trip ends in a deadly disaster.

Recommended by: April Balasa, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Esperanza Rising

by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Esperanza Rising is a touching story that follows Esperanza , the daughter of a wealthy Mexican rancher, and her mother as they are forced to leave their home and country to find work on a California farm labor camp. Esperanza, who was raised in a home full of servants and beautiful clothes, will have to learn to accept her new home in order to help her family survive, but can she also learn to appreciate a simpler life? To help support themselves, Esperanza is forced to learn new skills and embrace a new world. She and her mother face daily hardships , but are drawn together by the love of family and the commitment of friends. This book won the 2002 Pura Belpré Award and is a moving and timely read. This title is also available on OverDrive.

Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Talking is Not My Thing

by Rose Robbins

An autistic sister expresses herself to her brother and grandmother by using visuals such as flashcards or facial expressions and gestures. Throughout the day of play, meals, and then bedtime the love and support between family members are conveyed without needing words.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian 1

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Little Blue Cottage

by Kelly Jordan

Similar to The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton, this is an updated version with multi-ethnic family members who come to the cottage year after year in the summer. Both the house and the little girl look forward to being together. The little girl enjoys the outside and her special nook. Years go by and the girl does not return even though the cottage keeps waiting and falls into ruin. When the little girl does return, she is grown up with her own family. The cottage is restored and more memories are created with the new little girl.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian 1

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Thoughts and Prayers: a novel in three parts

by Bryan Bliss

Claire, Eleanor, and Brezzen are three high school students, who each in their own way, try to come to terms with the aftermath of a school shooting that threw them together for the first and only time as they hid under the stairs. Each tells of their process in stand-alone parts as they work through the trauma in their unique way. Thought-provoking as to what happens after the news people and concerned others move on after a couple of days and take their platitudes our “thoughts and prayers” are with you.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian 1

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Confess

by Colleen Hoover

Auburn Reed is in a bind but is determined to make her way out of it with no help from anyone. But when she meets Owen Gentry, her resolve fails her. Is he the one to help her or is he just an unneeded distraction? This realistic romance contains great characterization. This title is available in Large Print and OverDrive.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Adult Fiction

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