Staff Picks
February 2020
Ibn-al-Haytham, The Man who Discovered How We See
by Libby Romero
I recommend “Ibn -al-Haytham, The Man who Discovered How We See.” He is an Arabian scholar from Basra (Iraq) who lived in the 10th & 11th centuries during the gold Muslim time. While he was under arrest for more than 10 years, Ibn al-Haytham made many important discoveries about light and vision. He took advantage of that time to read and learn and come up with new ideas that would change how people saw the world. Thanks to him that we know now how vision works and even cameras.
Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Services
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Cells: an owner’s handbook
by Carolyn Fisher
Told from a cell’s point of view, this is a complete, but easily understood informational book. From interesting facts, to understanding mitosis, or different types of cells, the book is not only readable but the illustrations are extremely useful. A great combination for learning.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Saving the countryside: the story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit
by Linda Elovitz Marshall
Beautifully illustrated, this biography about Beatrix Potter not only covers her early life and inspirations for Benjamin Bouncer and Peter Rabbit, but also her love of the English countryside. Using her success as an author and illustrator, she used her money and fame to be an advocate for women’s rights and a conservationist.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
The only woman in the photo: Frances Perkins and her New Deal for America
by Kathleen Krull
Krull has once again written a factual, yet highly readable biography about a woman breaking barriers. Using facts and quotes by Frances Perkins, the reader learns about the first woman in FDR’s cabinet, her strategies to be successful in a man’s world, and the programs she was instrumental in designing that still impact today’s world.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
January 2020
More to the Story
by Hena Khan
This story of the Mirza family; four sisters mom and dad; might sound familiar to anyone who has read Little Women. But this updated take on a loving family going through some tough times is like a breath of fresh air. The Mizras are living in contemporary Atlanta, and Jameela (the narrator) wants to be an award-winning journalist, like her grandfather in Pakistan. When she gets chosen to be the features editor for her school newspaper, it looks like she’s on the right path. The only trouble is that the editor-in-chief doesn’t want any of the articles she suggests for the paper. By the time you finish this book, you will love each of the Mizra sisters and their world.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, School Liaison
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Magic for Liars
by Sarah Gailey
This book has more twists than a bag of pretzels. Imagine a school for magic, set in the rolling hills of California, from an adult’s point of view. Now throw in an unsolved murder, a non-magic private eye, and messy sibling relationships. It’s an edge-of-your-seat whodunit, and I could not put it down.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, School Liaison
Posted in: Adult Fiction
The Feather Thief
by Kirk Wallace Johnson
How does a flutist in the London Royal Academy of Music come to steal thousands of rare bird specimens from the British Museum in one evening? Through careful planning and a bit of bravado. But why? You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. True crime, history, and science all wrapped up in one compelling book.
Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, School Liaison
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
Chernobyl : a 5-part miniseries
In 1986, the Soviet Union experienced one of the most severe nuclear disasters in the history of the world. This miniseries follows the events that led up to the disaster, the response by the Soviet government to uncover as well as hide the truth, and the gruesome effects that are still being felt today. Despite knowing that they manage to control the radiation by the fact that Eastern Europe is not a nuclear wasteland, this show will keep you hooked to find out exactly what happened. With only five episodes, Chernobyl is by perfect binge-worthy show. Winner of the Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Movies/TV
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
by Greg McKeown
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to McKeown share his thoughts on our cluttered minds. This book ticked many boxes for me; self-help, psychology, minimalism, mental health. Think of it as a Marie Kondo for your mind. You will be challenged to think about what is essential in your life. Definitely a great read to start off the new year.
Recommended by: Theresa Hildebrand, Patron Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
The red bandanna
by Tom Rinaldi
The biography of Welles Crowther, who saved at least 10 people in the World Trade Center during the attacks on 9/11 before losing his own life. When Crowther was young, his father gave him a red handkerchief, which he always kept in his pocket. He became a volunteer with the fire department in New York and was in a Tower at the time of the attacks. No one knew what happened to him when he did not return home. However, eight months after attacks, his mother read stories about survivors who said they had been led to safety by a stranger who was wearing a red bandanna. This is an accounting of that day and his actions.
Recommended by Joan Stoiber, Youth Services
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction