Staff Picks
April 2020
Ghost Boys
by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Child of the Dream: a Memoir of 1963
by Sharon Robinson
The author, Sharon Robinson, is the daughter of Jackie Robinson, the African-American who broke the color barrier in baseball in 1947. This book centers on the year 1963 and the civil rights events that are taking place around the country such as the March on Washington. Robinson gives the reader a unique perspective into both her life and into the atmosphere of the United States at a turbulent time in its history. Also available on Hoopla.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Biographies
Carry On
by Rainbow Rowell
Simon and Baz have been roommates for seven years and they still hate each other. When their last year in magic school starts and Baz doesn’t return, Simon becomes obsessed with finding him thinking Baz is planning something nefarious. This book contains action, magic, and romance. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
A Heart So Fierce and Broken
by Brigid Kemmerer
The sequel to A Curse So Dark and Lonely doesn’t disappoint. This is Grey & Lia Mara’s story. Grey is struggling with both his newfound identity and his powerful magic. Lia Mara is dealing with her disappointment in not only not being named queen but having her younger sister chosen over her. Will Grey turn against Prince Rhen and Princess Harper? Will Lia Mara bend to the will of her mother? Questions are asked and answered in this thrilling second installment of the Cursebreakers series. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All
by Laura Ruby
Interweaving stories of Frankie, an orphan, and Pearl, a ghost, this book is told in flashbacks from the present to 1940s Chicago. Besides the stories of these two girls, there are stories told as they open doors in an effort to find their way. How many doors would you open knowing behind it could be a wolf? A fantastic read! Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Young Adult Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Orphan Island
by Laurel Synder
Every year a young child is brought by boat to the island and the oldest child leaves. There can only be 9 children at a time on the island. Jinny will be the oldest now and responsible for the latest arrival, a little girl. There is so much unknown about how the island or the boat works. Even more importantly, what will happen to the children if Jinny decides not to leave in a year, and now there are 10? This magical book will make the reader think and leave the reader with questions. This book is along the lines of The Giver by Lois Lowery. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Young Adult Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
My Jasper June
by Laurel Snyder
Leah has been unhappy and feeling alone for a year since one event changed things for her. She has no one to talk to . . . no friends or helpful parents. Then she meets Jasper, a girl who is fun and adventurous and has secrets too. An uplifting book covering serious topics of abuse, homelessness, and death. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Young Adult Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Stargirl (Stargirl Series: Book 1)
by Jerry Spinelli
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
What Can a Citizen Do
by Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris
This delightful picture book with beautiful art shows children the importance of being a citizen. A citizen is not who you are, but what you do. Citizens stand up for what is right, and let their voices be heard. A citizen helps friends in need and make them feel welcomed. This is a great introduction to present children with the idea of civic duty and how everyone is a citizen even though everyone is different. Also available on Hoopla.
Recommended by: Vanessa Fernandez, Youth Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom
by Louis Sachar
Released 40 years after the original book Sideways Stories from Wayside School, Wayside School Beneath the Cloud of Doom throws us back into the wacky ways of Wayside School. On the 30th floor of Wayside School Mrs. Jewls teaches her class of 28 strangely unique students. Ms. Jewls tasks her class by collecting 1 million on one thing. Of course, the class lands on collecting fingers and toenails. During all the short stories, there is a cloud of doom looming over Wayside School that makes the already wacky school even more out of whack. Will the students survive the cloud of doom or continue to blame all of their trouble on the cloud? Can all the students keep track of their ONE paperclip? Will Ms. Jewls’ class successfully collect 1 million toenails? Get ready for a fit of giggles in this silly read.
Recommended by: Vanessa Fernandez, Youth Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction