Staff Picks

January 2020

The runaways

by Ulf Stark

Grandpa hates being in the hospital and is so obnoxious that his own son will no longer come visit him, but his grandson, Gottfried, visits as often as he can. Grandpa wants to go back to the place he was happiest—a house on an island where he lived with Grandma. He wants to go back one last time, so Grandpa and Gottfried decide to run away, no matter the risks or challenges. A touching story of the power of love.

Recommended by Joan Stoiber, Youth Services

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The little chapel that stood

by A.B. Curtiss

The story of the September 11 attacks focuses on St. Paul’s Chapel, which is located less than 100 yards from the Twin Towers. The chapel survived to become a place for rescue workers to gather and regroup. (The title is a nod to the children’s book The Little Engine that Could ). Written in rhyme and with watercolor illustrations.

Recommended by Joan Stoiber, Youth Services

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction

The eternal soldier: the true story of how a dog became a Civil War hero

by Allison Crotzer Kimmel

The true story of Sallie, a puppy who joined the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. She became such a part of the soldiers’ lives through her actions on the battlefield that there is a statue of her at the Gettysburg Battlefield. A beautiful story of service and devotion.

Recommended by Joan Stoiber, Youth Services

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction

Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All

by Laura Ruby

Frankie feels like she’s living a life decided by others. Her father has placed Frankie and her siblings in an orphanage while he starts a life with his new wife and her children. Frankie’s brother, her secret boyfriend, and all the boys at the orphanage are sent off to fight in Europe after Pearl Harbor is bombed. Life outside the orphanage seems like a million years away. The ghost of a teenage girl who died in 1918 visits the orphanage and becomes interested in Frankie. The ghost moves from watching Frankie to making friends with another spirit and learning her story. Ruby presents stories within stories, rarely revealing the truth until the end. A gripping read that allows a rare opportunity to show ghosts being haunted by their pasts.

Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager

Posted in: Young Adult

December 2019

A Star Is Born

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s chemistry, musical prowess and undeniable talent are unparalleled. The original soundtrack is knockout and the script is brilliant. A completely raw and sincere experience from start to finish.