Staff Picks
March 2020
Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice
Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Adult Services Shelver
Posted in: Documentary
Baristas
This movie follows four baristas as they practice and then travel to South Korea for an intense coffee competition. It is not all about your basic cup of coffee in this film as competitors race against a clock during presentations while also trying to inform judges about a new style of coffee that they have personally tried to develop. If you have any interest in what baristas do, or just love your coffee, then this is the film for you.
Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Adult Services Shelver
Posted in: Documentary
Coo
by Kaela Noel
Abandoned as a baby and rescued by a flock of pigeons, Coo has never left the protection of the roof she and her flock call home. After an attack by a hawk leaves one of Coo’s flock terribly wounded, Coo works up the courage to seek out help from a woman the pigeons call, “the Healer”. The Healer not only decides to help the wounded bird, but also decides to take Coo under her wing. Trying to navigate through the human world has it’s benefits (like fresh donuts!) but Coo is torn between her new world and the comfort and familiarity of her rooftop flock. When pigeons in the city start getting mysteriously sick and dying, Coo fears for the well being of her flock community. Can Coo and her new group of human friends help her pigeon family? Will Coo decide to stay in the human world, or will she return to her flock? A thoughtful read for fans of animal stories and the power of friendship.
Recommended by: Stephanie Thomas, Preschool Services Coordinator
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Louisiana’s Way Home
by Kate DiCamillo
This book starts with Louisiana, the brave and resourceful protagonist of the book, being woken by her grandmother at 3 am. As her grandmother is a force to be reckoned with, Louisiana packs her suitcase and leaves to who knows where with her grandmother. If you read this book you’ll be taking the journey with Louisiana and it won’t be one you forget.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Astonishing Color of After
by Emily X.R. Pan
This is a novel rich with characterization and imagery. Lee, the main female character, is in high school with a guy best friend, a love of art and a mother from Taiwan with secrets. When tragedy strikes, secrets are uncovered and parts of the past are revealed. Read this for a strong, poignant coming of age story.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
The Best at It
by Maulik Pancholy
This is a very realistic story of Rahul’s coming to terms with friendships, self-identity, and bullying. While attempting to more fully fit in with his peers, Rahul tries to become the best at anything instead of following his true passion. With humor and pathos, Pancholy brings together not only Rahul and his classmates but the cultures of the world.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
by Dan Gemeinhart
Adventure? Check. Drama? Check. Interesting characters? Check. What more can you ask for in a book? Not much. Just imagine a whole cast of fascinating people travelling together on a bus across much of the United States. Now add in their individual wants and needs and, bingo!, you’ve got quite the tale.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Two Peas in a Pod
by Sarah Mlynoski
Part of the Whatever After series, Abby wakes up after a restless night and is promptly named a princess. She and her brother and dog must have many adventures as they try to discover the identity of the real princess in the kingdom. Fast paced, clever, and full of girl power.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Grenade
by Alan Gratz
Set on the island of Okinawa as the Americans are starting their invasion during WW II, this action packed story will keep readers turning the pages. Told from the points of view of an American soldier and an 11 year old Okinawan boy, their lives will collide with a bang. The boy has been given two grenades, one to use to kill an American soldier. By the author of Refugee, the 2020 Caudill winner.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Dr. Snow Has Got To Go
by Dan Gutman
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference
Posted in: Youth Fiction