Staff Picks

Created on February 17, 2022, 4:05 pm

Last Updated January 4, 2023, 3:34 pm

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An ode to books and their stories, this novel is a great palate cleanser after a heavy read or a demanding series. You will fall in love with Carl and 9 year old Sascha as the unlikely duo deliver books to a set of unique (and variously troubled) locals in their small town. - Emily G
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9 Kilometers – imagine having to walk 6 miles a day to attend school (that’s one way)! Do you hear complaining about homework or waiting for the bus in the rain? Here is a whole different perspective of what someone would do to attend school! - Todd P
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Why do all stories about cancer have a sad ending? That was the motivation for India Desjardin to write a story that had a different outcome. It is still a terrifying description of what cancer is like for a small child and the impact on the family/caregivers. - Todd P
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An unbelievably rich cycle of remembrances as told by the third generation heir of a Swiss cigar empire in its dying days. Burger touches the high point of 20th century, European modernism giving readers an embarrassment of linguistic riches and aesthetic illuminations. - Theodore R
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Abby has just moved into her new widowed husband's lake house and is haunted by his deceased wife and her own repressed desires in this stunningly illustrated horror graphic novel. - Elizabeth H
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Miles hoped coming out as trans to his family would be the hardest thing he did this summer, but after he does some digging into the feud between his family and the local sheriff, the sheriff's son delivers a brutal beating. A gruesome, violent, and ultimately hopeful story. - Michelle M
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This is a book everyone should read! This adult graphic novel memoir is about a whole life but the aspects dealing with the author's aging parents is difficult to read but valuable to anyone who still has a living parent. An important subject handled with honesty and humor.
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A fun graphic novel for fans of mysteries and the Great British Baking Show. This whodunit parodies the characters and format of the show, leaving readers both satisfied with the tasty treat they've enjoyed and hungry for the next crime. - Marna L
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While looking for two missing kids, Shane's mother also disappears into a rogue fae circle. Now Shane and her ghost dog must find them using the the tracking skills her mother taught her to go to the Below. A wonderful adventure and coming-of-age story. - Michelle M
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This delightful book is composed of five short stories that are slightly interconnected and all have a quirky librarian. They makes interesting suggestions to patrons who find what they did not know that they were looking for. A fun read that will bring a smile to your face. - Mike N
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We Are Allies is a perfect picture book for these times. The words are beautifully written, illustrations are full of color and the content is valuable for kids and adults alike. The message of being an ally to all is very well done while also giving the reader hope. - Mike N
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12) Flamer
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Growing up is already hard enough but when you feel like you don't fit in, it feels even worse. Aiden is away at summer camp and amidst campfires and surviving in the woods, he also faces challenges of acceptance and finding his own identity. A sincere and emotional read. - Deborah K
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This entertaining historical fiction book about John Brown told from fictionalized Little Onion. It is a page turner with lots of insight into how John Brown thought and the actions he took. The HBO mini-series with Ethan Hawke is spot on. Will make you visit Harpers Ferry. - Mike N
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This is a delightful picture book about family, obligations, choosing what you love and having it work out perfectly. Lovely illustrations, strong characters, some Spanish mixed in, conflict, determination and best of all DRAGONS! - Mike N
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Three spirits are doomed to repeat their story of love and betrayal through the centuries. Chapters alternate between Han dynasty court intrigue, a Qing dynasty innkeeper, and modern day circuit parties as Huang mixes mythology, history, and tragic love in this sweeping tale - Jennie R
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A look back at 50 years of hip-hop from a member of The Roots and the director of Summer of Soul. Questlove grew up alongside hip-hop and this history is personal, informative, and fun to read. - Michelle M
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A non-binary Anishinaabe middle schooler wanders off on a field trip and has an Alice in Wonderland adventure. She spends time with spirits trying to stop development of their land while also dealing with being bullied for being non-binary. Wonderful illustrations. - Mike N
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This is the palace-intrigue, Maya-Aztec revenge fantasy that I didn't know I needed. Beautifully human characters, and transporting descriptions of Tenochtitlan. If you enjoy Spanish literature, check it out for the allusions to Borges and Calderón de la Barca. - Charlotte M
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Boy meets boy volume 3
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When Nolan receives magical crystals, he wakes up seven years into the future, where he's a successful 30-year-old comedian filming a Netflix special. Except...he's alone. This whimsical rom-com is a joyful ride for anyone who enjoys time travel books and movies. - Andrea W
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Stepsisters Lily Roberts and Wendy Darling travel to Neverland in this retelling of Peter Pan that centers Native American voices. While often critical of the original book, Smith creates a story that celebrates finding yourself...and your family. - Andrea W
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