Staff Picks Youth

Eb & Flow

by Kelly J. Baptist

Black seventh graders Ebony “Eb” Wilson and De’Kari “Flow” Flood have both been suspended for a fight between them. In this novel in verse, Eb and Flow alternate comments on what happened. Hearing the two different points of view lets the reader inside Eb and Flow’s lives and gives perspective to both their thought processes. 

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Small Steps, Big Change

by Annemarie Cool

Fourteen cartoon character shapes, such as Nature Hero who is a leaf or Eat Well Hero who is an apple, each get a two-page spread to outline why it is important and how to achieve positive, sustainable change. The book is Inspired by the Sustainable Development Goals, formulated by the United Nations. It is written and illustrated in such way for young children to understand how they can take practical steps to be a part of making the world a better place. Even older people should read this book for learning how to do their part in making a difference in the world and with other people.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

What If I’m Not a Cat?

by Kari-Lynn Winters

Looking for a funny book to read for your little kids, or your grandchildren and have a laughter time. What if I’m not a Cat?  Will make everyone giggle by just looking at the cats’ faces expression. Very cute picture book about a donkey who lives with lots of cats in a barn trying to act like them. Was he able to? Read this book and find out.

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

Recommended by: Ghada Rafati, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Garlic and the Vampire

by Bree Paulsen

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Oh My Dog!

by Iva-Marie Palmer

Caroline has had bad things happen in her life such as her mom dying when she was 7 years old and her house destroyed by a hurricane when she was 8 years old. Now she is 12 years and has trouble fitting in and making friends. She gets a job dog walking, Denver, to help out by earning money, but she gets more than money. Denver can talk to her. He wants her get people see how they are all connected and that belief in goodness of others will connect everyone. She is not sure she is up to the task or even wants to try. A heartwarming story about miracles and hope.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Night Librarian

by Christopher Lincoln

An action-packed graphic novel featuring a brother and sister, Page and Turner, whose favorite place is the New York Public Library. Since they are often left alone as their parents travel for work, they rely on each other. When their father’s first edition of Dracula gets lost, the adventure begins. They meet the Night Librarian and learn of a secret underground area of the library. They also learn that the characters in the stories, good and bad, are trying to escape the confines of their book covers. A battle between the characters ensues and the twins must help to try and save the library from destruction. Many classic book titles and characters are part of this story as they literally come alive on the pages. Realistic dialogue and amazing illustrations make this a page turner.

Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Orris & Timble The Beginning

by Kate DiCamillo

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Golden Hour

by Niki Smith

This is a wonderfully illustrated, realistic fiction graphic novel about a group of friends working together in times of hardship. It shares the life of Manuel Soto, who just experienced an instance of gun violence in school. He finds comfort in photography and helping his friends prepare for the local county fair. This book shares the power of friendship and finding yourself even in the hardest of situations. This is an enjoyable novel if you want a realistic book about friendship and self-discovery.

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

Recommended by: Abigail Hooks, Youth Services Assistant

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Frizzy

by Claribel Ortega

Straight hair, curly hair, good hair, bad hair. Frizzy by Claribel Ortega is all about the hair! In a family that values physical appearance,  Marlene struggles to tell her mom how much she hates her weekly salon visit to straighten her hair. After a bad experience in school, she gets an opportunity to learn how she can be herself and embrace her natural curls.

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

Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Reference Librarian

Posted in: Youth Fiction

The Labors of Hercules Beal

by Gary D. Schmidt

Hercules Beal knows he has an unusual name. When his teacher assigns him a project to perform the twelve labors of Hercules he wonders if it’s even possible. He has no idea where to find Nemean lions or a Hydra! But he gets creative and gets quite a bit of help from people in his community. This story is filled with adventure, friendships and unusual relationships.

This book is available in the library and on Hoopla as e audiobook.

Submitted by: Becky McCormack, Youth Service Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction