Staff Picks
July 2024
The Inheritance Games
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman
by Gennifer Choldenko
When eleven-year-old Hank’s mother disappears once again and leaves him in charge of his sister, 3 year-old Boo, he must reach out to an old friend of his deceased grandmother for help. They are out of food, out of money and out of their apartment. Though he doesn’t know who to trust, including the old friend and the next door neighbor, and kids at his new school, Hank begins to create a new life for himself even knowing that at any time it could fall apart. Such as when his Mom returns. A realistic story that is relatable, heartbreaking, and based on some of the childhood experiences of the author.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
The Ghostly Photos
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Once again, Haddix has written a page-turning thriller. This is the second title in the Mysteries of Trash and Treasure series. Colin and Nevaeh, founding members of the Mystery Solvers, Inc, are asked by a new girl in town to help solve a mystery about old pictures found in the attic of her home, a funeral home. There are many subplots in the book revolving around family and friendships. There is a ghost story, missing persons, death, and dementia spanning decades to resolve the mysteries. Author’s Notes give further information about the Great Depression, funerals, and dementia.
This book is available in the library and on Hoopla as an e audiobook.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Youth Fiction
Hike it : a complete guide to camping, hiking, and backpacking in the U.S.A.
by Iron Tazz
Posted in: Youth Nonfiction
Down The Well
by Veronica Kinng
Life is hard for Lore, her parents seem to hate her, and she’s just found out she’s moving to a new town to care for the only person that loves her unconditionally, her grandma who has fallen gravely ill. To make matters worse, once they finally get to the new town a weird dark shadow steals her necklace. As she reaches over a well to retrieve it she falls in. What will await her on the other side of the well?
Recommended by: Ayla Franco, Youth Services Assistant
Posted in: Young Adult 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
The Getaway
by Lamar Giles
Jay and his family live and work at Karloff Country, one of the world’s most famous resorts. (Picture Karloff Country as sort of like Disney World.) Life at Karloff is pretty good, especially compared to the rest of the world. Those who can afford to escape the bad in the world, go to Karloff Country to vacation. Trouble starts to seep into Karloff, beginning with the disappearance of Jay’s friend Connie. As more and more workers disappear, and more and more rich people start to arrive, Jay and his remaining friends know something is up. They soon find out that Karloff has been selling shares to an end of the world safe zone, and they’re the ones who will be serving everyone, whether they like it or not. As things get worse inside of Karloff Country it’s up to Jay and his friends to try and stop the madness. If they succeed are they ready to face the horrors going on outside of their walls though?
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Rez Ball
by Byron Graves
Tre loves playing basketball, even though it can be a sore spot. His brother Jaxson was a star player on the Red Lake Reservation High School team, before he died in an accident. Tre works hard and is ready to move up to varsity and take his brother’s old spot. His goal is to help the reservation win their very first state title, and then eventually make it to the NBA. Being in his big brother’s shadow though is tough. There’s no room for mistakes. Not on the court or off. Will Tre find a way to fill his brother’s shoes? Will he be able to find his own path? Pick up this awesome sports story and find out.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook and on Hoopla as an e audiobook.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult 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
A First Time for Everything
by Dan Santant
Middle school can be tough, but it can also be a time to learn about yourself and this is true of Dan Santat’s graphic novel A First Time for Everything. The story chronicles his travels to Europe as a 13-year-old. Although he was hesitant to go, given the difficulties he’d been having in school , this trip proves to be a life-changing experience. He meets lifelong friends and his perspective on his personality and strengths change as the story progresses. The graphic novel format is engaging and beautifully illustrated. A wonderful story for kids who are growing to learn what they have to bring to the world.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Darnetta Bolton, Youth Services Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Nonfiction