Staff Favorites
Picture Books
Think Tap the Magic Tree but with dog noses! This interactive board book teaches little ones how to treat our puppy friends with gentle and kind touches, and how to boop their snoots, aka touch their noses! —Kelsie
Think Tap the Magic Tree but with dog noses! This interactive picture book teaches little ones how to treat our puppy friends with gentle and kind touches, and how to boop their snoots, aka touch their noses! —Kelsie
Bruce can sometimes be a little grumpy about things, especially holidays. But his friends have an idea to make him like Halloween—they decide to tell him the tall of "The Legend of Soggy Hollow." Needless to say, Bruce is grumpy about this, and, at one point, possibly runs away. Funny and charming as always, this new Bruce story is a great read-aloud for the whole family. —Jaya
I had the wonderful fortune of seeing Rhiannon Giddens perform early last summer and hearing her sing her song, Build a House. It was moving and powerful! So, imagine my excitement when after the song, she announced that this song was a forthcoming picture book. The book is just as powerful. The lyrics and the beautiful illustrations celebrate the power of music as they capture the deep sorrows and the resilience and joy of a family as they move from slavery to freedom. A QR code in the back will give you access to the song so you can listen while you read.—Holly
Through rhyming text and whimsical illustrations, best-selling author Julie Fogliano and Caldecott-Honor-winning artists Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal show what it means to be a true friend. It's not caring about how a person dances or draws, or if that person agrees with you, or even that her lunches smell funny. A true friend cares about the other person as he is, and connects with you in a million large and small ways. This is a delightful book, a testament to fast friends everywhere. —Susan
Life is full of many special moments, and Caldecott honoree Marla Frazee has captured them perfectly in this companion to All the World. The text is SO simple, but the exquisite illustrations speak volumes. I dare anyone to read this book and not get teary-eyed. What a wonderful gift for parents, grandparents, or virtually anyone with a pulse! —Barb
I just adore Oona's stories, and this new one is just as delightful! Oona in the Arctic is beautifully illustrated and full of adventure. Oona and Otto help a baby beluga whale find her way back home with the assistance of many arctic animals. A fun read-aloud, this book is perfect for families looking for excellent visuals and narrative storytelling! —Jaya
Get ready for a night of wild music and dancing with the cool cats in this fabulous read-aloud picture book! The rhyme is great, the illustrations are so retro—and it reveals why cats tend to sleep so much during the day! This is sure to be a storytime favorite, whether you're partying down or getting ready to hit the hay. Love it!! - Barb
Squirrel has discovered a new, magical treat--ice cream--and wants to share with friend Bear. But is this the making of a great show for the other animal friends? This great read-aloud with colorful, fabulous pictures is perfect for those of us who love summer, ice cream, and cute critters creating CHAOS! -Barb
From the creators of many best selling picture books comes a retelling of the beloved Norwegian fairy tale: The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Mac Barnett's rhyming text is hilarious (and sometimes gross) while Jon Klassen's sepia-toned illustrations perfectly capture the expressions of the characters and the overall scenes. Together the combination is a book sure to delight both children and adults. This is the first in a series of three fairy tales from this award-winning team. —Susan
This is a Story is a poem—a love song to libraries and librarians and the amazing ways they connect readers to other readers, to the world around them, and to their imaginations, hopes, dreams. It starts small with one word and expands on the idea of communication through the many books housed in a library! Written by librarian John Schu and illustrated by award-winner Lauren Castillo, this story shows libraries to be beacons of light housing the most amazing gifts for all to enjoy, to learn from, to think about. And it comes with a poster as part of the inside cover featuring kids reading well-known books: The Dot; Mango, Abuela, and Me; The Sea Horse (featured as part of the storyline); and Rescue & Jessica. This is a simple, yet profound, story.—Susan
Middle Grade
Resilience. That’s the name of the NASA Mars rover in this story and a perfect name for a character that completely found its way into my heart. Told from the perspectives of the rover, “Res” and a young girl, Sophie, this creative and wonderful story celebrates scientific discovery, the importance of teamwork and connections and what it means to be fully alive. A terrific STEM book that would also make a great read-aloud .—Holly
How does one describe such a powerful book...I hope a generation of botanists emerge from reading this beautifully illustrated story about two sycamore seedlings. It's a story about hope, and siblings, and taking a journey on your own. Such a delightful dive into the natural world, and a great read for the whole family! —Jaya
Nev Tallow is the newest student at the secretive Deephaven Academy. They're hoping to get away from the troubles of their home life but everything is not what it seems at this school and students and faculty alike seem to be in on the mystery. What stalks the halls of the cordoned-off east wing of the school? What do the prefects know about the student who passed away years ago? Can Nev figure out the secrets of the academy before the secrets find them? Filled with incredible illustrations and chilling twists, Deephaven is a great fall read going back to school and getting into the spooky season. -Gigi
A fantastic, fast-paced adventure full of everything I love in a great story: brilliant writing, high stakes, other worlds, danger, friendship, family, and a Very Good Dog. Not to mention, the illustrations are awesome! —Angela
What a fantastic book! A. Deborah Baker (aka Seanan McGuire) does not disappoint with this third book. Avery and Zep are still stuck in the Up-and-Under and are joined by their new friends Niamh and the Crow Girl. They find themselves in the Land of Air ruled by a Queen with a habit of turning people into monsters. With the help of her son Jack, they realize they can retrieve something that belonged to the Crow Girl. Full of adventure and friendship, a great read for the whole family. —Jay
Iris doesn't remember anything before Mr. Halloway discovered her, but now she lives in a mansion with lots of other monsters (known as horrors) that he has saved over the years. Despite being a horror herself, Iris feels out of place at the mansion, and longs to venture out to the nearby town to find a real family. When the opportunity finally arises, Iris and her friends head to town for their annual Halloween celebration—will they be accepted? Or will the townspeople be afraid of them? And will Iris finally fit in and find a family? —Kelsie
Sejal Sinha is a girl after my own heart - she thinks science is cool, she's got a cheetah best friend, and she believes in cardboard box magic. This is a delightful read for the whole family about believing in yourself and your own imagination. Full of South Asian references and scientific facts! I'm very excited for this series! —Jaya
This book is hilarious! It also deals with the trauma and PTSD in the years following a horrific public tragedy. Yes, both of those things are true. I laughed out loud, then cried and then laughed some more. The story isn’t so much about the actual tragic event, but about Simon as he learns to move forward in a new town and a new school with the love and support of his family, friends, and community. Simon’s PTSD and anxiety are handled sensitively and honestly. Full of wonderful quirky characters in a unique and fascinating small town, Simon Sort of Says will make readers of all ages feel and think. And laugh! This story will stay in your heart for a very long time.—Holly
Set against delightfully eerie marshlands and the villages that inhabit them, this book pulled me in right away (much like the marsh will, if you aren’t careful)! The story follows Willa, one of six sisters, who must confront old superstitions when she journeys from her home and deadbeat father in order to find the sister who ran off with the fair. Or maybe the mythical Marsh King is to blame? Lucy Strange’s writing is clear and compelling, each sister fully realized and distinct from one another. Great for readers who appreciate a well-told ghost story, Sisters of the Lost Marsh will keep you guessing from start to finish!—Claire
If, like me, you’re a fan of Jon Klassen’s delightfully deadpan picture books, then you’re sure to love his foray into chapter books! Inspired by a traditional Tyrolean folktale, The Skull nonetheless felt perfectly original and full of surprises. Klassen somehow manages to make what’s at heart a gentle tale of friendship and acceptance both hilarious and truly spooky! And the illustrations are stunning too, of course. This is the perfect ghoulish tale to take into the Fall season! -Claire
When Paul’s grandmother is stopped at an airport security check because of a strange container in her luggage, effects ripple out to other Asian American children waiting for their flights. Each story, written by a different Asian American author, highlights the individuality of the kids–their interests, relationships to their families, and relationships to the countries of their familys’ origins. But the kids face a similar racism in the way people see them, throwing them into moments of brief connection to each other. —Joan
Young Adult
An incredible debut! Loved this story about sisters and magic, and finding yourself! The alternating timelines kept the story moving, and the magic was quite interesting. Can't wait to see what Vanessa Montalban writes next! -Jaya
What a beautifully written book! Rachel Griffin has become one of my favorite authors. She writes wonderfully, her characters are well-developed, the setting is incredible, and each book touches on environmental issues. Plus, the romances are such epic slow burns! I definitely recommend this book, and her others, to anyone who likes contemporary settings with touches of magic and romance. -Jaya
Drawing on their own experiences, Kate Glasheen creates a 1980's Troy, NY you feel like you can touch. Claire is a queer teen questioning their gender and escaping into alcohol. They are court-mandated to attend rehab, and Constellations follows that painful and honest journey. So well done, and the watercolor and ink illustrations are the perfect medium.—Sarah
Kelsie Miller just THINKS everyone hates her--she's an overachiever who keeps people at arm's length. It takes an overnight road trip with her archrival, super-smart, hunky Eric Mulvaney Ortiz, to make her rethink her "failed" friendships and sort out her feelings about herself. I love these characters--and who doesn't love a good rom-com?! —Barb
If Talia Hibbert Writes it, I will read it! Ex-Friends turned Academic Rivals, Celine and Bradley are competing for a life-changing scholarship that takes them on a camping trip into the Scottish wilderness. While proving their leadership skills, sparks begin to fly like a roaring campfire! —Gigi
If you are looking for a page-turner that is both a thriller and a young love story—that is as deeply moving as it is thought-provoking—this is your book. Alberto struggles with mental illness and when accused of a crime, he is uncertain about his innocence. Many rally around him, including his friend (and quickly becoming his girlfriend) Grace. Alberto and Grace, along with others in their circle, go to great lengths to piece together what actually happened the day the crime was committed. I was instantly pulled into this story and the lives of these characters as they navigate a messy and complex world. —Holly
I loved this book! It does such a nice job of laying the groundwork (grade and middle schools) and then picks up the momentum during high school and college as the author struggles to find herself and her place in the world. Through word and graphic, she very realistically conveys the overwhelming pressures on young people as they prepare for adulting. Self-doubt and courage, expectations and thoughtful advice, failure and success are all part of the journey. A hugely inspiring story, and because of its format, very accessible. —Susan
Silver in the Bone will draw you into its world—full of mystery and suspense from the start. Tamsin feels like a real person with real problems, and she grows as a person throughout the story. This story has a good twist as Tamsin battles to save her brother (but no spoilers!) and ends in a big cliffhanger, leaving you ready for Tamsin's next adventures! This book is full of magic, some Arthurian legend, and definitely holds its own against other fantasy books I have read. —Kelly (and her son, John!)
Perla has to live up to crushing expectations at home and school in a crazy story that keeps you on the edge of your seat as she attempts to fake her way through a semester at a school she doesn't actually attend. Through the stress of it all, she is able to figure out that her parents' plan doesn't match her dreams, and she works up the courage to stand up for herself and follow her own dreams. The twists and turns of this book keep you flipping pages to see if Perla will get caught and if she'll finally tell her parents the truth. If you've ever worried about living up to others' expectations or felt the stress of trying to be perfect, you'll relate to Perla and her story. —Kelly
LOVED IT! Characters from The Firekeepers Daughter return for a thrilling heist that dives into big and often complex injustices facing Native communities. Not only did I fall in love and cheer for the young people in the book, I also learned A LOT. —Holly
In the jungles of Jamaica, 18-year-old Victoria leads tours through the wilderness as a Wildblood, someone who uses their magic to protect the tourists. The latest tour is for Thorn, a renowned goldminer, who is handsome and kind to Victoria. It's up to her to get them through the jungle in one piece. The adventure in this story jumps off the pages. Lush setting, interesting magic, and a hopeful romance. An excellent read! (Author's CW: blood/gore; physical/sexual assault; death; sexual trauma; disturbing imagery; body horror; spiders; references to suicide and suicidal ideation.) —Jaya
Adult
A Restless Truth is proof that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Freya Marske sticks to the winning formula that made her first book, A Marvellous Light, such a delight to read. A queer romance set in a magical, Edwardian-era society? Only this time, they’re on an England-bound ocean liner?? Yes, please! This second installment in The Last Binding trilogy expands on the world that began with A Marvellous Light and introduces a zany new cast of characters. All aboard for A Restless Truth! —Claire
In cogent essays so relevant in these times of unabating anti-Asian violence, Julia Lee takes a close and thoughtful look at the varieties of racism she’s survived–from her early days as a child of Korean immigrants, during her schooling (especially at Princeton), in her short career in management consulting, and as a professor of English. Her words are conversational in tone but sharply analytical, communicating something of the deep anger and shame so many Asian Americans bear, but there is relief and hope as she finds support among others who fight to be seen as human in a culture of white supremacy. —Joan
Have you ever wondered how we got here from there? From Bitcoin and Bowie to Vegas and Zuckerberg, Jeffries draws on history, philosophy, art, and popular culture to draw together some of the threads that form life as we know it today. It’s eminently readable, with enough of the familiar (Netflix, iPods, Madonna) to make the potentially daunting (Foucault, Baudrillard) accessible and interesting, and seeing how things are connected make the world seem a lot less bewildering and random. —Joan
I was in high school in the early 80s, so I’m the perfect age to remember when U2’s first albums came out. And I’ve been a fan ever since. When Bono’s memoir was published in early November, I was interested but skeptical. I mean, of course he can write great song lyrics, but a book?
On vacation last week, I decided to give the first few chapters a try. And then I couldn’t put it down! Bono is a gifted storyteller. His writing is thoughtful, insightful, funny and often filled with humility as he reflects on his life of family, friendships, activism, faith and of course music.
To get a fuller experience of Bono’s memoir, listen to the audiobook on LibroFM - It's a wonderful mix of Bono’s narration blended with sound effects and song bits.
Enjoyable and delightful not only for U2 and music fans but for anyone who appreciates a great memoir. —Holly
A mission into deep space begins with a lethal explosion that leaves the survivors questioning the loyalty of the crew. Following the point of view of “alternate” crew member Asuka, The Deep Sky was thrilling from start to finish. Looking at what it takes to survive in space as humanity’s last hope, this book was thought provoking but also fun. I thought that the use of flashbacks were well utilized and the relationships felt real. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. —Ursula
Every now and then I’ll read something that makes me think, “Wow. Why can’t every book be like this?” In the case of Moses Ose Utomi’s debut novella, I’ve been saying it out loud to anyone who will listen, because this is a story that knows exactly where it’s going and wastes no time in getting there. Fans of the classic hero’s journey will love this timely, albeit brutal, tale which explores cycles of oppression and the power of truth. I can already tell Utomi will be an author I will return to, and look forward to reading his young adult debut, Daughters of Oduma, next! —Claire
A delightful romance with some serious Ted Lasso vibes (and I couldn't be happier!) Great characters, amazing setting, and kids playing soccer—what more could you want? And, probably the most epic slow burn I have ever read! So good! -Jaya
When eccentric children's author Jack Masterson sent out four letters to childhood fans of his Clock Island series inviting them to visit his home in Maine, none of the guests imagined that they could win the manuscript of his final work. If sold, the money made from it could be life changing, and every guest has reason enough to want to play. What seems like a sinister plot is actually an incredibly heartwarming story about facing deep rooted fears and celebrating unconventional families. The audiobook was especially lovely! —Gigi
An exciting and absorbing account of the race to find a vaccine against the dreaded polio virus that was particularly virulent in the United States during WWII and into the 1950s. This historic novel centers on doctor and epidemiologist Dorothy Horstmann whose discoveries led to both the Jonas Salk and the Albert Sabin vaccines. Horstmann came from a very humble background and dreamed of being a doctor, but when she became one, had to fight for her place to be heard and recognized in a world dominated by men. Through her focused dedication to eradicating this deadly disease she was able to gain the respect of her colleagues. We also see what is involved with creating a vaccine, from the beginning lack of knowledge to theories, to experiments, to competition all on to eventual success. Great read in the wake of the COVID pandemic. —Susan
Kundnani’s international, historical approach traces the emergence of racism as capitalism developed, building a compelling case that these discrete entities are also inseparably entwined. He begins with the origins of the word “racism,” then moves through how it has been deployed by imperialism, to our current culture, which enforces racism through police violence, incarceration, anti-immigration, and anti-terrorism. He considers thinkers such as C.L.R. James, Claudia Jones, Frantz Fanon, and Aimé Césaire in this highly readable, well-organized, and thought-provoking book. -Joan
If you enjoy tense stories about bad-people-doing-bad-things, then look no further! Yellowface follows June Hayward, a familiar monster who plagiarizes/colonizes her newly-deceased contemporary’s masterpiece. It’s as much a satirical look at the publishing industry as it is a thrilling piece about #ownvoices and AAPI erasure (the stolen manuscript discusses Chinese laborers’ unsung role in WWI war efforts). I normally have a hard time reading from the point of view of such loathsome narrators, but I had to know if June would get her comeuppance! This is a book that’s sure to be much-discussed.—Claire