Staff Picks Youth
June 2024
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
Colours of Islam
by DAWUD WHARNSBY
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Harriet Spies
by Elana K. Arnold
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Butt or Face: can you tell which end you’re looking at?
by Kari Lavelle
Butt or Face by Kari Lavelle is a fun book that has the reader guessing “is this a butt, or is it a face?” Each page has a photo of a part of an animal and the reader must guess if it’s a butt…or is it a face? This is a fun book to read along with your child. The question is then answered when you turn the page and see a full photo of the animal and also learn facts about the (usually) obscure animal. There is a map at the end of the book and it showcases where each animal lives and this also becomes a great geography lesson. This book works best for ages 4-8. You and your child will have a fun time and a few laughs going through this book together!
Recommended by: Stacie Pendleton, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
May 2024
The importance of being Ernie (and Bert): a best friends’ guide to life
Bert and Ernie have been entertaining kids for over 50 years with their pals on Sesame Street, but how do two with so much different between them make their friendship work? This silly “self-help” book authored by both of our Sesame Street friends switches between both of their perspectives as they describe the important things that go into a friendship. Bert and Ernie certainly have their differences, but they are also able to find common ground on important things such as how to spend time together and what makes each other unique. Whether you rely on a rubber ducky or have a penchant for pigeons, this book will have you smiling from ear to ear and thinking about your relationships with your own friends.
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
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
April 2024
Let’s Read Animal Words
by Ji Lee
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Who Was Harry Houdini
by Tui T. Sutherland
The “Who Was” series is a wonderful series which is perfect for 3rd graders. The story of Harry Houdini is very captivating and will keep readers interested from beginning to end. I love all he did to support American soldiers and their families during and after WWI. Kids will love to read about the most famous magician who ever lived!
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Lenore Garoufalis, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Youth Biographies
Olivetti
by Allie Millington
Olivetti is a typewriter who has saved the words that make up the memories of the family. Ernest is a seventh grade boy who hides behind words from the dictionary so he won’t become close to anyone. Ever since the Everything that Happened happened, the family has coped, but not well. When the mom disappears and Ernest feels it is his fault, Olivetti must break the typewriter code and let him know that together they can find his mom and bring the family together again.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian I
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Playbook: 52 Rules To Aim, Shoot, And Score In This Game Called Life
by Kwame Alexander
The Playbook: 52 Rules To Aim, Shoot, And Score In This Game Called Life by Kwame Alexander – Kwame Alexander, author of The Crossover and other prolific poetry and sports books, brings an approachable self-help book excellent for reluctant readers. Featuring lovely illustrations and using the game of basketball as a model for real life, Alexander gives kids guidance on several of the tough questions they will face or have already. Alexander’s short, rhythmic poetry and rhymes flow with such ease that the book will fly by and the lessons he brings truly shine. With motivational quotes from prolific athletes such as LeBron James and public figures such as Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, this quick read will give your readers that little push they need to step up to the free throw line and keep pushing whether their shot is a swish or short.
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction