Staff Picks
April 2020
Summer of a Thousand Pies
by Margaret Dilloway
Perfect for fans of The Great British Baking Show, this book melds a tale of family, friendship, and finding one’s voice with an endless stream of tasty treats. When Candy Bennett is sent to live with an aunt she has never met in a small tourist town, she is determined not to get too settled. After all, her dad will come and get her any day. Despite her intentions, it’s only a matter of time before she winds up making friends and hundreds of pies. When she learns that her Aunt’s pie shop is in trouble, she comes up with a clever way to save the shop. A sweet tale with a likable heroine, and recipes in the index. Also available on Hoopla.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, Youth Services School Liaison
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Ember’s End (The Green Ember Series: Book 4)
by S. D. Smith
Ember Ends is the final book in the compelling Green Ember series. With immense suspense, we see how far Picket has come in his leadership and bravery. The many battles serve as a backdrop to the unfolding story of a Queen that ascended to the throne due to the death of her unknown brother, Smalls and a nation awaiting emancipation from a harsh oppressor. As the tale comes to a spectacular end, we see the lives of our favorite characters come full circle. Hold on to your seats because you will feel as though you are on a roller coaster ride while reading the action-packed in these pages. Also available on Hoopla.
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
by Andrew Peterson
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is the first of four books in the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. It is the story of three siblings who find themselves on an adventure that changes the course of their lives. While their days were once spent working on a farm, doing school work, and visiting the local bookstore, things are quickly turned upside down when they find themselves on the run from the vicious reptiles, The Fangs of Dang, who have occupied their homeland for decades. The book was originally published in 2008 but was recently re-released with beautiful illustrations. If you love fantasy with a dash of humor this book is sure to become a favorite. Also available on Hoopla.
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Such a Fun Age
by Kiley Reid
Posted in: Adult Fiction
Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street
by Michael Davis
I was delighted to find that Carol Spinney (Big Bird & Oscar) read the audio version of this book, what a treat! Michael Davis brings us through Sesame Street’s history from the idea stage to the present day. I loved that every aspect of its conception was covered. It was interesting to hear the thought & decision-making process behind the characters, both human and muppet. Sesame Street did more than teach letters, colors & numbers ~ they also taught kindness & acceptance and for that I thank them.
Recommended by: Theresa Hildebrand, Patron Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
Iggy Peck Architect
by Andrea Beaty
Iggy Peck is an architect, it’s easy for his family and friends to see. His teacher does not support him going on his building spree. One day tragedy strikes causing his class to be trapped without escape. Will Iggy build something amazing or forever take off his building cape? A great read for all our young STEAM fans.
Available on Hoopla and Overdrive.
Recommended by: Vanessa Fernandez, Youth Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Grades 3-5, Youth Fiction
March 2020
Show Me a Sign
by Ann Clare Lezotte
Mary Lambert has always felt normal in her small community on Martha’s Vineyard. It doesn’t matter that she’s deaf- nearly 1 in 4 people in her community are deaf, and the hearing population speaks sign language, too. But it’s 1805, and when a young, ambitious scientist from Boston hears about Mary’s community, he is determined to figure out the cause of her community’s widespread deafness. Mary soon suspects this stranger is not what he seems and her suspicions are confirmed with he takes Mary captive as a “live specimen”. Suddenly, Mary finds herself in a strange city unable to communicate her desperate situation to the hearing population around her. Show Me a Sign reframes how we think of disabilities, abilities, and notions of what is “normal”. A great, fast-paced read for lovers of historical fiction.
Recommended by: Stephanie Thomas, Preschool Services Coordinator
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Darius the Great is Not Okay
by Adib Khorram
Darius is not the most confident of kids. When his Iranian grandfather is terminally diagnosed, his family makes a trip to Iran. Darius is not comfortable at first due to not understanding the language, Farsi, and being unfamiliar with some of the customs. This book not only takes you on a trip to Iran but on Darius’ trip working through his many issues.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Words in Deep Blue
by Cath Crowley
This book is a romance book lover’s dream. There are multiple love stories overlapping over multiple years with many taking the form of letters left between the pages of books. It starts with a typical love triangle and becomes much more. Have your hankie nearby.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Jelly
by Jo Cotterill
Angelica, Jelly for short, is in her 6th grade year at school. Every year, the school hosts a talent show and every year, Jelly comes in 3rd place. This year, she’s decided to take her talent of impressions and go big. However, her knack for comedy is really a protective shield–if people are laughing with you, they aren’t laughing at you. Jelly’s true talent is writing poetry, but no-one has ever seen her poems. It’s not until her mom’s new boyfriend gives Jelly the courage to share her poetry that Jelly really shines. Delightful characters and a quick-paced plot, this book will have you racing to the end. Perfect for fans of stories about growing up.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, School Liaison
Posted in: Youth Fiction