Staff Picks Youth Nonfiction
February 2020
Saving the countryside: the story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit
by Linda Elovitz Marshall
Beautifully illustrated, this biography about Beatrix Potter not only covers her early life and inspirations for Benjamin Bouncer and Peter Rabbit, but also her love of the English countryside. Using her success as an author and illustrator, she used her money and fame to be an advocate for women’s rights and a conservationist.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
The only woman in the photo: Frances Perkins and her New Deal for America
by Kathleen Krull
Krull has once again written a factual, yet highly readable biography about a woman breaking barriers. Using facts and quotes by Frances Perkins, the reader learns about the first woman in FDR’s cabinet, her strategies to be successful in a man’s world, and the programs she was instrumental in designing that still impact today’s world.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
January 2020
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
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
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
July 2019
What is the Story of Scooby-Doo?
by M.D. Payne
Scooby-Doo’s first episode was on CBS network on September 13, 1969 and it’s still going strong to this day. This book tells the story of Scooby-Doo and the gang from the beginning to their current iteration, how the show won the hearts of fans, and the many changes and avenues the show has taken.
Recommended by: Holly Balasa, Youth Services Shelver
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
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