Staff Picks Youth Fiction

The Tryout

by Christina Soontornvat

Christina and her best friend, Megan, are trying to survive middle school. As if that isn’t hard enough, they are both daughters of immigrants who stick out and want nothing more than to fit in. They see cheerleader tryouts as their ticket to popularity and acceptance, but they soon find out it’s a lot more work than they originally anticipated. Not to mention, if they make it to the second round of tryouts, they have to perform in front of the entire seventh grade! Will these best friends make the squad? Will their friendship survive the competition? Fans of Raina Telgemeier and Maria Scrivan will be sure to enjoy The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat.

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

Recommended by: Erin Cady, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Hooky

by Míriam Bonastre Tur

Dani and Dorian are witches learning to navigate the world of magic around them, but missing the first day of school leads to a series of mishaps which complicates their lives even further! The journey the sister and brother take will have them cross paths with royalty, dragons and more in this fantasy-inspired adventure. Bonastre Tur’s webcomic/manga-inspired artwork invites us in to a captivating world full of humor, heart and tween-appropriate romance. All 3 graphic novels in the Hooky trilogy are available at the Orland Park Public Library.

Recommended by: Alex Papas, Youth Services Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Ava Lin Best Friend!

by Vicky Fang

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Medusa

by Katherine Marsh

Ava has some trouble controlling her temper in school. When she explodes in class, her parents decide to send her and her brother to a boarding school. Almost immediately not everything is as it seems. Ava soon discovers that she is a descendant of a mythical monster. Things start spiraling out of control once Ava begins to understand her powers. When Ava uncovers that the school is hiding a dangerous secret the story really takes off. 

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

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Willow the White House Cat

by Jill Biden

Fun book authored by first lady Jill Biden and filled with wonderful illustrations.  It shares with us the life of Willow, a shorthaired cat adopted from a farm in Pennsylvania by President Joe Biden, and First Lady, Jill Biden and named after Jill Biden’s hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.  Now living in the White House, Willow meets many of the special people who work there and spends her days exploring the many rooms that make up the White House.  Not just for children, this book should be enjoyed by all ages.

Recommend by: Denise Mitchel, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Youth Fiction

City Spies, Book 1

by James Ponti

Posted in: Youth 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

Harriet Spies

by Elana K. Arnold

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Only: The Bird Who Liked Being Alone

by Airlie Anderson

Only is a sweet little bird who enjoys spending time by herself. The other birds see her doing quiet activities all alone and wonder why she doesn’t always want to participate. Is she lonely, or is she happy doing things on her own? The other birds eventually realize that Only likes being by herself and that is ok! The bird teaches the other birds that it is nice to be quiet sometimes, and sometimes they can be loud and have fun with others as well. This picture book does a great job of showing how there are introverts and extroverts and each individual can decide what makes them happy! It is beautifully illustrated with vivid colors and is perfect for kids ages 4-8.

Recommended by: Stacie Pendleton, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Let’s Read Animal Words

by Ji Lee

Posted in: Youth Fiction