Staff Picks
December 2019
Becoming Kareem: Growing Up on and Off the Court
by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
An authentic autobiography of basketball star, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and his journey to Islam. He talks about growing up in Harlem, dealing with racism and finding many life coaches along the way.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Hey, Kiddo
by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
An excellent graphic memoir about author Jarrett Krosoczka’s less than ideal upbringing with an absent father, a heroin addicted mother and the, at times, volatile grandparents who raised him.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Twelve Days in May: Freedom Ride 1961
by Larry Dane Brimner
A non-fiction book explaining the freedom ride in 1961. It also includes the landmark events that occurred before then. Vivid photographs illustrate the abuse the riders received from Klansmen.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Rhythm Ride : A Road Trip Through the Motown Sound
by Andrea Davis Pinkney
An engaging history of Motown told in first person by ‘The Groove’. It includes all the stars that got their start at Motown. It takes the reader from Berry Gordy’s original idea through to the apex of his career.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
My family divided : one girl’s journey of home, loss, and hope
by Diane Guerrero
Author, Diane Guerrero, is an American film star who tells the story of her undocumented parents and brother who were deported when she was 14 changing her life forever. Having been born in the United States, she realizes firsthand the privileges of citizenship.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Nowhere Boy
by Katherine Marsh
Two male main characters meet when one, a Syrian refugee in France, sneaks in the basement of the other, an American boy brought against his wishes to school in France. Containing adventure, history and poignant friendship scenes, this book is a compelling read.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
The Darkdeep
by Allyson Braithwaite Condie
Four main characters, 2 male and 2 female, discover an abandoned houseboat and within it a mysterious well that they name the Darkdeep. By diving into the well, they are able to bring figments of their imagination to life. These figments last only seconds at first but then longer and longer creating problems. This book contains lots of adventure and constant excitement.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Adult Fiction
Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World
by Ashley Herring Blake
This book begins with the destruction of the Aberdeen house by a tornado. It proceeds as a coming of age story with Ivy dealing with her family’s displacement, friend issues and her sexual awakening as a lesbian.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances
by John Green, Maureen Johnson, & Lauren Myracle
The three stories, all written by popular young adult authors, intertwine with one another throughout the different settings of Gracetown including a broken-down train, a Waffle House, and snow globe store. As you read the stories, the connections between the characters will surprise you. Not to mention, Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances is laugh out loud funny (seriously, I did quite often) and is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Let It Snow is now also a movie on Netflix. Read this one before to watch the movie to compare the two.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Monday’s Not Coming
by Tiffany D. Jackson
When Claudia comes back from visiting family over the summer, she can’t wait to catch up with her best friend, Monday Charles. When Monday’s phone goes to voice mail, she senses something weird is going on. When Monday doesn’t show up for school, Claudia is really worried. Monday’s mom says she’s being homeschooled, but conflicting stories about her whereabouts throw up some more red flags. None of the adults seem worried about Monday’s bizarre disappearance, but Claudia will not stop trying to figure out where her best friend is. Told in a nonlinear fashion with trips to the past and the present, this mystery will keep you hooked with a satisfyingly thrilling ending.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction