Staff Picks

June 2024

My Life with the Walter Boys

by Ali Novak

When Jackie’s family dies in a car accident, she is forced to move from New York City halfway across the country to a farm in the middle of nowhere with her mom’s old best friend. Worst of all, the friend has 12 kids of her own already and most of them are boys. How will Jackie figure out how to navigate the world of the Walters, especially without falling for one (or more) of the boys? Read the book, then watch the Netfix show to compare the two.

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.

Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

All That’s Left in the World

by Erik J. Brown

After a virus has killed off most of the population of the world, Andrew accidently stumbles upon Jamie’s house. Somehow they come to trust each other enough to live together and share their resources. When their shelter is attacked, they flee south, hoping to find safety. Both boys have secrets, but will those secrets save them, or get them killed? The only certain thing is their feelings for each other in a destroyed world.

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.

Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

The Deep Dark

by Molly Knox Ostertag

Magdalena’s life weighs heavy with all the responsibilities and secrets she carries. She was left behind by her mother and father after an accident that ended up getting Emil killed leaving her to be to sole caretaker of her Abuelita. But the secrets she carries weigh more on her than her responsibilities. She reconnects with Nessa, a friend from long ago, but will they be able to trust each other? Or will they be consumed by their secrets?

Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Young Adult Fiction

Camino Ghosts

by John Grisham

An extraordinary blend of fact and fiction, Camino Island grabs you at the very first page and carries you until the end. Continuing with his Camino Island series, this third book by Grisham brings us back to bookseller Bruce Cable and tells the story of a small barrier island off the coast of Florida settled by slaves hundreds of years ago and the 300-year-old curse that surrounds it.

When a giant resort developer uses its deep pockets to try to claim ownership of the island, the last surviving inhabitant is the only thing that stands in their way. What the developer doesn’t realize is that the island has a long history and the locals believe it is cursed. The author also provides us a look back into the horrors of the slave trade. The battle that ensues for ownership makes for fascinating reading. I would highly recommend this one.

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.

Recommended by: Denise Mitchel, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Forever Neverland

by Susan Adrian

Forever Neverland by Susan Adrian is an exciting new tale of Peter Pan’s Neverland. Siblings, Clover and Fergus, are the descendants of the original Wendy and anxiously await their turn to visit Neverland while staying with their grandparents. Clover isn’t sure if they should go at all, but Fergus, who has autism and is often misunderstood in the mortal world, is ready for an adventure. He fits right in with the lost boys, while Clover has some difficulties, but nothing compares to the mythological gods they end up against! Their story keeps you on edge the entire time turning the pages quickly for more. Fans of Rick Riordan will feel right at home.

Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Accountable: the true story of a racist social media account and the teenagers whose lives it changed

by Dashka Slater

A timely, essential read for our social media-dominated times; Dashka Slater presents a tragic story of a city torn apart over hate speech. Slater relies on multiple viewpoints to understand the diverse perspectives of those involved: perpetrators, victims, parents, students, educators and scholars. In-depth reporting allows Slater to present a story that is a challenging but deeply relevant tale. What happens when what starts as “edgy humor” hurts the people we supposedly care about? In our internet-centric culture, how do we walk the ever-blurring lines of online vs. real life? In Accountable, we see those effects on the community as intergenerational wounds and individual traumas reopen with every click, post and like.

This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.

Recommended by: Alexander Pappas, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Young Adult Nonfiction

Colours of Islam

by DAWUD WHARNSBY

This beautiful songbook is a compilation of poems and songs. The book is good for ages 6 and up. If your children like religious books with poetry and songs, this book will be a favorite. I would like to share some of the author’s words from this lovely book.

So many of our brothers and sisters, all across the land, they have no food to eat at all and they need a helping hand.

Smiles, warm and shining, like the sun upon our faces. Hope as rich and green as the trees of an oasis. The colours of Islam bloom in so many places.

Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Service

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction

Harriet Spies

by Elana K. Arnold

If you read “Just Harriet” then you will enjoy Arnold’s second novel called “Harriet Spies”. It’s a great summer read about Harriet who is spending the summer with her grandmother while helping out at her grandmother’s bed-and-breakfast. As the summer goes on, Harriet finds herself with a mystery to uncover. Along the way, she learns what it means to be honest and how to be a good friend. Perfect life lesson for little ones.

Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Butt or Face: can you tell which end you’re looking at?

by Kari Lavelle

Butt or Face by Kari Lavelle is a fun book that has the reader guessing “is this a butt, or is it a face?” Each page has a photo of a part of an animal and the reader must guess if it’s a butt…or is it a face? This is a fun book to read along with your child. The question is then answered when you turn the page and see a full photo of the animal and also learn facts about the (usually) obscure animal. There is a map at the end of the book and it showcases where each animal lives and this also becomes a great geography lesson. This book works best for ages 4-8. You and your child will have a fun time and a few laughs going through this book together!

Recommended by: Stacie Pendleton, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Nonfiction

May 2024

The Things We Cannot Say

by Kelly Rimmer

The Things We Cannot Say is a heartbreaking, heartwarming hopeful story that explores love, loss, hardship, sacrifice and the relationships that bond people together. This story was compelling and emotional by layering duel timelines and how they connected the story and the family. We see the historical side to the story and then a modern side to it. Each is strong, interesting stories with their conflicts and heartache that shape the people they are.

This book is available at the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and on Hoopla as an ebook and e audiobook.

Recommended by: Chris Schultz, Graphics Informational Clerk

Posted in: Adult Fiction

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