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06.22.2022

Summer 2022 Reading Challenge

Crank up the heat this June with this Summer 2022 Reading Challenge.

Comic Books/Graphic Novels

Trojan Women by Anne Carson
(Children Picture Book Lg BRUNO)
This is a new comic version of Euripides’s The Trojan Women, which follows the fates of Hekabe, Andromache, and Kassandra after Troy has been sacked and all its men killed.

Otto: A Palindrama by Jon Agee
(PZ7.A2678 Ot 2021)
This graphic novel is told entirely in palindromes! Otto’s dog Pip goes missing, and his search leads him into a strange world of talking owls, stacks of cats, storms and mazes, boats and trains and automobiles. Everything seems to be the same forward and backward, and Otto is unsure if he’ll be able to make it home to Mom and Pop.

Marshmallow and Jordan by Alina Chau
(PZ7.C405 Ma 2021)
Jordan’s days as a star on her basketball team were over when an accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. She is still the team captain but her competition days are behind her. When she meets a mysterious elephant named Marshmallow, she discovers a new sport- water polo. Will water polo be the way for her to continue her athletic dreams, or will it come between Jordan and her friends on the basketball team?

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol
(PZ7.B7999 Be 2018)
All Vera wants to do is fit in, but that’s not easy for a Russian girl in the suburbs. Her friends live in fancy houses and attend the best summer camps, but Vera’s single mother can only afford to send her to Russian summer camp. Vera thinks this may be the one place she can fit in, but camp is very different than she imagined. Nothing had prepared her for the “cool girl” drama, endless Russian history lessons, or outhouses straight out of nightmares!

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova
(PZ7.C5444 Aw 2015)
On her first day at her new school, Penelope, or Peppi, reminds herself of her two rules for surviving school: don’t get noticed by the mean kids, and seek out groups with similar interests and join them. But when she trips into a quiet kid named Jaime in the hallway, she’s already broken the first rule, and the mean kids start calling her “nerder girlfriend.” How does she handle this? By shoving Jaime and running away. Falling back on rule number two and surrounding herself with new friends in the art club, Peppi can’t help but feel bad about the way she treated Jaime. To make matters worse, he is a member of her clubs archrivals, the science club. When the clubs go to war, Peppi realizes sometimes you have to break the rules to survive middle school.

Books with a blue cover

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
(Children Picture Book + MUHAM)
With her new backpack and light up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It’s the start of a brand new year and her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab. Her hijab is made of a beautiful blue fabric, but not everyone sees it that way. In the face of hurtful and confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong.

Daniel’s Good Day by Micha Archer
(Children Picture Book ARCHE)
The people in Daniel’s neighborhood always say, “Have a good day!” But what exactly is a good day? Daniel is determined to find out, and as he strolls through his neighborhood, he finds a wonderful world of answers as varied as his neighbors.

Smile by Raina Telgemeier
(PZ7.T245 Sm 2010)
Raina wants to be a normal sixth grader, but one night after Girl Scouts Raina trips and falls, which leaves her with two severely injured front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and a retainer with fake teeth. On top of all that, she is dealing with a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friend issues.

The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell
(PZ7.S45696 Ca 2018)
Welcome to a neighborhood of kids who transform ordinary boxes into colorful costumes, and their ordinary block into a cardboard kingdom! This summer, the sixteen kids will encounter knights and rogues, robots and monsters, as well as their own inner demons, on one final quest before school begins.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
(PZ7.R9553 Es 2000)
Esperanza thought she would always live with her family on their ranch in Mexico, with her fancy dresses, nice home, and servants. But a tragedy forces Esperanza and her mother to flee to California during the Great Depression and to settle into a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn’t ready for the hard labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she is now facing. When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances.

Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai
(PZ7 .L182 Pi 2019)
When eleven year old Jingwen and his family move to a new country, he feels like he’s landed on Mars. School is tough, making friends is impossible since he doesn’t speak English, and he’s often stuck looking after his little brother, Yanghao. To distract himself from the loneliness, Jingwen daydreams about making all the cakes on the menu of Pie in the Sky, the bakery his father had planned on opening before he passed away. The only problem is he and his brother are not allowed to use the oven while their mom is at work. As Jingwen and Yanghao bake elaborate cakes, they’ll also have to cook up elaborate excuses to keep the cake making a secret from their mom.

Books about friendship

Words to Make a Friend by Donna Jo Napoli
(Children picture Book + NAPOL)
When a young Japanese girl moves into her new house, she is happy to see a girl her age playing in the snow next door. The only problem is the Japanese girl doesn’t speak English and the American girl doesn’t speak Japanese. Each girl’s love of play, snow, and making a new friend transcends the need to speak the same language, and by using simple words in both languages and charades, the girls find they have all they need to build a snow creature.

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
(PZ7.J156 Ro 2015)
Twelve year old Astrid has always done everything with her best friend Nicole. When Astrid signs up for roller derby camp, she assumes Nicole will too, but instead she chooses to do dance camp with a new friend instead. Astrid faces a tough summer of bumps and bruises as she learns who she is without Nicole and what it takes to be a strong, tough roller girl.

Real Friends by Shannon Hale
(PZ7.H1385 Re 2017)
Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends since they were little, but one day Adrienne starts hanging out with the most popular girl, Jen, and her circle of friends called The Group. Everyone wants to be Jen’s best friend, and many will do anything to stay on top, including bullying others. Now everyday Shannon finds herself asking if she and Adrienne will stay friends, if she will stand up for herself, and if she is in The Group or is out.

Frog and Toad All Year by Arnold Lobel
(PZ7.L7795 Fr)
In winter, spring, summer, and fall, Frog and Toad are always together. We get a wonderful story about their friendship throughout the seasons of the year.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
(PZ7.P273 Br)
Jess Aarons has been practicing all summer to be the fastest kid in fifth grade. He almost is, until a new girl named Leslie Burke beats him. The two become friends and spend their time in the woods behind Leslie’s house, where they invent an enchanted land called Terabithia. One morning, Leslie goes to Terabithia without Jess and a tragedy occurs. It will take the love of his family and the strength from his friendship with Leslie to be able to deal with his grief.

Books about animals

Acoustic Rooster and his Barnyard Band by Kwame Alexander
(Children Picture Book + ALEXE)
Acoustic Rooster forms a jazz band with Duck Ellington, Bee Holliday, and Pepe Ernesto Cruz to compete in the annual Barnyard talent show.

Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
(Children Picture Book Lg ANDRE)
Gerald the Giraffe is too clumsy to dance with all the other animals at the Jungle Dance until he finds the right music.

Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake
(PZ7.T479 Sk 2020)
The last thing Badger wants is a roommate, and certainly not a skunk for a roommate, but since the house does not belong to him he doesn’t have a choice. Soon everything in Badger’s quiet and ordered life is turned upside down. But after he drives Skunk away, he misses him and sets out to find him and make amends.

Skunk and Badger: Egg Marks the Spot by Amy Timberlake
(PZ7.T479 Eg 2021)
Buried in the heart of every animal is a secret treasure. For rock scientist Badger, it’s an agate he found as a cub that was stolen by his cousin, Fisher. For Skunk, the treasure is Sundays with the New Yak Times Book Review. When an old acquaintance, Mr. G. Hedgehog, announces his plan to come for the book review as soon as it lands on his doorstep, Skunk decides an adventure will solve both of their problems. Together they set off on an adventure.

Animal Rescue Agency #1: Case file: Little claws by Eliot Schrefer
(PZ7.S37845 An 2021)
When a polar bear cub ends up trapped on a piece of ice heading out to sea, his mother knows there is only one place to turn, the Animal Rescue Agency. Esquire Fox used to organize elaborate chicken raids, but after she met Mr. Pepper, she turned from a life of crime to form the Animal Rescue Agency. Esquire and Mr. Pepper coordinate with their agents to get them to the Arctic, where they learn that what happened to the polar bear cub was no accident. Saving him will pit them against the scariest predator in the world- a human.

Animal Rescue Agency. #2: Case file: Pangolin pop star by Eliot Schrefer
(PZ7.S37845 Cfp 2022)
After their frigid Arctic rescue, Esquire and Mr. Pepper get an invitation to Beatle the Pangolin’s private island concert. But when they arrive, the island is in chaos. Their field agent tells them that after an incident during dress rehearsal, Beatle is trapped underground. Foul play is suspected, and there are multiple suspects. This might be the Animal Agency’s most challenging case yet!

Nonfiction

The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa by Julia Finley Mosca
(Children Picture Book + MOSCA)
Growing up in a family of immigrants, Ellen dreamed of becoming a professional flutist, but that changed when she discovered engineering in college. Though she was told that field of study wasn’t for girls, she refused to give up, and became a NASA astronaut!

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell
(Children Picture Book + SOREL)
Mary Golda Ross designed classified airplanes and spacecrafts as Lockheed Aircraft Corporation’s first female engineer. This book shares how her passion for math and the Cherokee values she was raised with shaped her life and work.

Rad Women Worldwide by Kate Schatz
(CT3202 .S26 2016)
This is a collection of forty biographical profiles, each with a striking illustrated portrait, highlighting extraordinary women from around the world. They are fresh, engaging, and inspiring stories of perseverance and success, and feature an array of diverse figures.

I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters by Lauren Tarshis
(GB5019 .T37 2014)
From the author of the “I Survived” series comes five true stories of survival, featuring real kids in the midst of disasters.

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin
(+ F788 .C485 2017)
Home to an astonishing variety of plants and animals that have lived and evolved there for millenia, the Grand Canyon is more than just a hole in the ground. Follow a father and daughter as they make their way through the cavernous wonder, discovering life both past and present.

Tutankhamun: The Mystery of the Boy King by Zahi Hawass
(+ DT87.5 .H39 2005)
Learn about the life of King Tut, his burial, and the discovery of his tomb.

Books with “summer” in the title

Summer by Cao Wenxuan
(Children Picture Book CAO)
During a hot summer day in the grasslands, a group of animals race to claim the single spot of shade under one tiny leaf clinging to a branch. The animals fight until they are inspired by an act of love to offer shade to one another.

Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker
(PZ7.P3856 Su 2012)
Stella loves living with her Great-aunt Louise in her house near the water on Cape Cod. This summer, Louise has taken in a foster child named Angel. Angel couldn’t be less like her name, and the two hardly speak to each other. But when tragedy unexpectedly strikes, Stella and Angel are forced to rely on each other to survive and they learn they are stronger together than they could have imagined.

Summer Party by Cynthia Rylant
(PZ7.R982 Su 2002)
Nine year old cousins Lily, Rosie, and Tess are sad when it is time to leave Aunt Lucy. The cousins arrange a party and get a special surprise to look forward to in the near future.

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki
(PZ7.T14 Th 2014)
Every summer, Rose goes to a lake house in Awago Beach with her mom and dad. Rosie’s friend Windy is always there too. But this summer is different from the ones before. Rose’s mom and dad won’t stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction, they find themselves in a whole new set of problems.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
(PZ7.B51197 Pe 2005)
While vacationing with their widowed father, four sisters discover the summertime magic of the Arundel estate’s sprawling garden, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and a cook who makes the best gingerbread. Best of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner. Mrs. Tifton is less pleased with the Penderwicks than Jeffrey, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble.

Books that take place near the water

We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
(Children Picture Book + LINDS)
Inspired by the Indigenous led movements across North America, this book issues an urgent rallying cry to protect the Earth’s water from harm. When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people’s water, a young water protector takes a stand.

Captain Jack and the Pirates by Peter Bently
(Children Picture Book + BENTL)
When brave mariners Jack, Zach, and Caspar build a ship and set off on an imaginary adventure at sea, they face pirates, a storm, and a shipwreck.

Aquamarine by Alice Hoffman
(PZ7.H6533 Aq 2001)
Hailey and Clare are spending their last summer together when they discover something at the bottom of the murky pool at Capri Beach Club. There in the depths is a mysterious and beautiful creature, a mermaid named Aquamarine, who has left her sisters to search for love on land. Now, as this mythological yet very real being starts to fade in the burning August sun, a rescue is begun.

Gone Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright
(PZ7.E724 Go 2000)
When Portia sets out to visit her cousin Julian, she expects their adventures will include exploring the woods, collecting stones and bugs, and playing games. But after their first day of exploring, they discover a boulder with a mysterious message, a swamp full of reeds and quicksand, and a ghost town on the far side of the swamp. At one time the swamp was a lake, and the fallen houses along its shore an elegant resort community. Though both are long gone, the houses still hold a secret- two people who never left and can tell the story of what happened there.

Lily’s Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff
(PZ7.G3626 Li 1997)
Every summer Lily and her dad go to the family’s house in Rockaway, near the Atlantic Ocean. But this summer, World War 2 has called Lily’s dad overseas and Lily is forced to live with her grandmother. But then a boy named Albert, a refugee from Hungary, comes to live in Rockaway. He lost most of his family to the war. Soon he and Lily develop a special friendship and share secrets. But they have both told lies, and Lily’s lie may cost Albert his life.

Lulu and the Dog From the Sea by Hilary McKay
(PZ7.M191 Lud 2013)
Lulu loves animals. When she goes on vacation, she finds a stray dog living on the beach. Everyone in town thinks the dog is trouble, but Lulu is sure he just needs a friend.

Main character is a person of color

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
(Children Picture Book + HO)
A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers, who have big round eyes and long lashes. She realizes hers are like her mother’s, her grandmother’s, and her little sister’s. They have eyes that kiss in the corners ang glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future.

Magic Like That by Samara Cole Doyon
(Children Picture Book + DOYON)
While her mother works magic styling her hair, a young Black girl recalls how her hairstyles can reflect the natural world and how her hair can be elegant, mischievous, or whimsical.

Dragons In A Bag by Zetta Elliott
(PZ7 .E46959 Dr 2018)
When Jax is sent to spend the day with a mean old lady his mother calls Ma, he finds out she is not his grandmother, but that she is a witch! She needs his help delivering baby dragons to a magical world where they’ll be safe. There are two rules when it comes to the dragons: don’t let them out of the bag, and don’t feed them anything sweet. Before he knows it, Jax and his friends break both rules. Will Jax get the dragons delivered safe and sound, or will they be lost forever?

Fast Pitch by Nic Stone
(PZ7.S8825 Fas 2021)
Shenice Lockwood has her eyes set on the Fastpitch World Series. As team captain, she’d like nothing more than to help her team win the trophy and take the prize money home. And as one of the few brown faces on the field, it’d be a personal triumph to show up her rich, white opponents. But Shenice’s focus is shaken when her uncle reveals that a family crime may have been a set-up. Shenice will stop at nothing to uncover the past. But the closer she gets to the truth, the further she gets from her goals.

Stef Soto Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres
(PZ7.T626 St 2017)
Estefania “Stef” Soto is itching to shake off the embrace of her family’s taco truck, Tia Perla. It’s no fun being known as the “taco queen” at school. But when it looks like Stef is going to get exactly what she wants and her family’s livelihood is threatened, she will have to become the truck’s unlikely champion.

The Many Meanings of Meilan by Andrea Wang
(PZ7.W1785 Man 2021)
Meilan Hua’s world is made up of a few key things: her family’s beloved matriarch, Nai Nai, the bakery her family owns and runs in Boston’s Chinatown, and her favorite chinese fairy tales. When Nai Nai passes, her family has a falling out that sends Meilan, her parents, and her grandfather on the road in search of a new home. They land in Redbud, Ohio, which is the opposite of Chinatown. Meilan’s not quite sure who she is, and being renamed at school only makes it worse. She decides she is many Meilan’s, each inspired by a different Chinese character with the same pronunciation as her name. Meilan keeps her facets separate until an injustice at school shows her the power of bringing her many selves together.

BOOKLISTS

04.02.2022

Dragons and Unicorns

Add a little magic to your April with these dragon and unicorn books.

Picture Books

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin
(Picture Book Basket RUBIN)
This zany book tells you all you need to know to throw a taco party for dragons. Just don’t give them hot sauce, or else… well you’ll see.

The Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku Rhee illustrated by Pascal Campion.
(Picture Book Basket RHEE)
Daniel needs to go to work with his parents as they work overnight as office cleaners. To keep Daniel entertained, his mom and dad begin to tell him of the magnificent kingdom of paper they work in. Soon the office turns into a kingdom full of dragons and kings. Magical illustrations bring the tale to life.

Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great by Bob Shea
(Picture Book Basket SHEA)
Goat thought he was pretty cool until Unicorn came to town. Unicorn can fly and make it rain cupcakes! How could Goat ever compare to that? Turns out he doesn’t have to because they are both pretty cool in their own ways. Envy turns to admiration and finally to friendship for Goat and Unicorn.

Graphic Novels

The Yin-Yang Sisters and the Dragon Frightful by Nancy Tupper Ling ; illustrated by Andrea Offerman.
(+ PZ7.L66135 Yin 2018)
This empowering story of two sisters demonstrates that we should value our differences. When a fearsome dragon takes over their village bridge, twin sisters Mei and Wei have opposing views of how to fix the problem. Wei wants nothing more than to confront that stinky old dragon head on, but Mei favors a more thoughtful approach. With Wei’s confidence and gumption plus Mei’s creativity and diligence, it’s only a matter of time before everyone can be happy again.

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill.
(Lg PZ7 .O5527 Te 2017)
Adorable illustrations bring this graphic novel of magical dragons to life. Meet a delightfully diverse cast of characters while you pour over O’Neill’s illustrations and learn about the mystical tea dragons.

Youth Fiction

Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott ; illustrations by Geneva B.
(PZ7 .E46959 Dr 2018)
In Brooklyn, nine-year-old Jax joins Ma, a curmudgeonly witch who lives in his building, on a quest to deliver three baby dragons to a magical world. Along the way Jax learns more about dragons and himself.

How to Train your Dragon by Cressida Cowell.
(PZ7 .C8356 Ho 2010)
You may know Hiccup from the movies based upon this series. This series follows the adventures and misadventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third as he tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan, the Tribe of the Hairy Hooligans, by catching and training a dragon.

The Basque Dragon by Adam Gidwitz & Jesse Casey ; illustrated by Hatem Aly
(PZ7 .G345 Ba 2018)
Part of the series Unicorn Rescue Society, this book follows the group on a trip to the Basque country where they have to save a dragon from the billionaire Schmoke Brothers. Will they be able to rescue the magical creature from greed?

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
(PZ7.L65775 Wh 2009)
Minli’s father always tells her tales of mythical creatures and magic. Minli decides to chase after one of these tales to bring her family better fortune then their poor village has to offer. She buys a magical goldfish, and then joins a dragon who cannot fly on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon in hopes of bringing life to Fruitless Mountain and freshness to Jade River.

The Dragonet Prophecy by Tui T. Sutherland.
(PZ7.S9669 Dr 2012)
Looking for your next favorite series? Look no further than the Wings of Fire books! Packed with action and adventure, you’ll find yourself lost in the rich fantasy world Sutherland has created. Look for the graphic novelization as well!

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.
(PZ7.B26 Gi 2016)
This epic tale will be hard for any middle grade fantasy reader to put down. Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope this sacrifice will keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch in the forest, Xan, is kind and gentle. She shares her home with a wise Swamp Monster and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon. Xan rescues the abandoned children and delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest. One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic. Xan decides she must raise this enmagicked girl, whom she calls Luna, as her own. When Luna approaches her thirteenth birthday, her magic begins to emerge on schedule–but Xan is far away. Will Luna be able to harness her newfound powers on her own? And what will happen when danger comes to the forest?

Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro with pictures by Marion Lindsay.
(PZ7.C5452 Dr 2017)
This early chapter book series is sure to delight! A girl, Zoey, and her cat, Sassafras, use science experiments to help a dragon with a problem. Keep reading the series to see how Zoey helps other magical creatures.

Young Adult Books

A Creature of Moonlight by Rebecca Hahn.
(PZ7.H12563 Cre 2014)
Marni, a young flower seller who has been living in exile, must choose between claiming her birthright as princess of a realm whose king wants her dead, and a life with the father she has never known–a wild dragon. This coming of age story about defining your own identity is sure to be a page turner.

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman.
(PZ7.H2645 Se 2012)
Seraphina is a talented musician for the court of Goredd, a kingdom where dragons and humans coexist. On the surface, the kingdom is peaceful, but secrets and scandals lurk under the surface. When Crown Prince Rufus is found dead, everyone suspects dragons. Seraphina is caught up in the investigation with a very important secret of her own to protect.

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
PZ7.R79613 Car 2015
If you are a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, you should give this fantasy a try. Born out of a fictional story in Rowell’s Fangirl, this book follows Simon Snow, the worst “Chosen One” ever to be chosen. He is constantly miss-casting spells and wreaking havoc on the Watford School of Magicks. His roommate Baz, an evil, sardonic vampire, would love to see the disaster that Simon’s last year at school is turning out to be, but he hasn’t shown up yet.

02.23.2022

March Madness

Check out these sporty books, perfect for spring.

Picture Books

The Field by Baptiste Paul and illustrated by Jacqueline Alcantara
(New Picture Book Basket)
A community comes together for a game of futbol (soccer). They clear a local field of cows and work together to get all they need for a fun game.

Ready for the Spotlight! by Jaime Kim
(New Picture Book Basket)
Tessie loves ballet and feels like she is very good at it. That is, until her big sister Maya lands the solo and outshines the rest of class. Even Tessie’s freestyle dancing can’t raise her spirits. Perhaps the spotlight will be big enough for two and the sisters can each help each other dance even better.

Zuri Ray Tries Ballet by Tami Charles and illustrated by Sharon Sordo
(New Picture Book Basket)
Zuri loves trying new things with her best friend Jessie. The two do everything together and always like the same things, until ballet camp. Jessie is happy as can be doing pirouettes in a pink tutu, but Zuri can’t find her balance and feels uncomfortable in the ballet clothes. Will Zuri be able to find a way where she and her best friend can have fun at ballet camp? Perhaps her family will help inspire her.

Beginning Reader

Don’t Throw it to Mo ! by David A. Adler
(Beginning Reader Children Picture Book ADLER)
This wonderful beginning reader series follows Mo as he explores different sports. Mo is the smallest on the football team. His teammates avoid throwing the ball to him because he is clumsy. Coach soon comes up with a plan to make Mo the team’s secret weapon.

Youth Fiction

Lola Levine is Not Mean! by Monica Brown and illustrated by Angela Dominguez
(PZ7.B81633 Is 2015)
Lola loves writing in her diary and playing soccer. When a soccer game gets too competitive at recess, Lola accidentally hurts a classmate. Suddenly everyone is calling her “Mean Lola Levine.” With the help of her family and her best friend, Lola will need to learn how to navigate school and show others she isn’t mean.

Fast Pitch by Nic Stone
(PZ7.S8825 Fas 2021)
Shenice Lockwood is determined to lead her team, the Fulton Firebirds, to win the regional softball championship. As the only all Black team in the league, the Firebirds work twice as hard to prove that Black girls belong at bat. When her great-uncle Jack reveals that a career-ending—and family-name-ruining—crime may have been a setup, Shenice’s focus is tested. Will she be able to lead her team to victory and uncover the truth about her family’s past?

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
(PZ7.A3771 Cr 2014)
This engaging, fast-paced novel in verse follows Josh Bell and his family. Josh and his brother, Jordan, are kings on the basketball court. As the brothers work to come to terms with growing up, a life changing event happens that will change their family’s lives forever.

Ghost by Jason Reynolds
(PZ7.R333 Gh 2016)
Ghost loves running. But not on a track team, he has always run on the basketball court. When he challenges a sprinter to a race, the track coach notices him and his talent. But Ghost isn’t just running for fun, he is also trying to outrun his past. Will he be able to embrace his talent on the track team or will his past finally catch up?

Out of Left Field by Liza Ketchum
(PZ7.K488 Ou 2014)
A perfect book for any Sox fan excited for the season to start at the end of the month. Brandon McGinnis is excited for the summer of 2004. He’s on the varsity swim team, has a job, will get to spend time with his friends, and see games with his dad. He is most excited to see if this will be the year the Sox end their 86 year curse. When tragedy strikes, Brandon’s plans for the summer fall apart. Instead, he begins to unravel his father’s past, discovering a 30 year old secret tied to the Vietnam War.

Nonfiction

Women in Sports : 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win by Rachel Ignotofsky
(GV697 .A1 I33 2017)
A beautifully illustrated look at women athletes from the 1800s to now. Learn more about famous athletes and discover new lesser-known trailblazers from the past.

Undefeated : Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team by Steve Sheinkin
(GV958.U33 S54 2017)
This book is much more than an astounding underdog sports story. While Sheinkin tells the tale of the Carlisle Indian School’s incredible football team, he also tells the story of the atrocities the American government committed against Native Americans. Diving into the history of the boarding schools meant to eradicate Native cultures.

Growing Up Pedro by Matt Tavares
(Lg GV865.M355 T39 2015)
This picture book biography is perfect for young baseball fans. Follow Pedro Martinez as he grows up in Manoguayabo, Dominican Republic. He and his brother, Ramon, would play baseball together dreaming of one day playing in the major leagues together. Tavares tells the tale of how that dream came true.

Young Adult Books

Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
(PZ7.K4955 Da 2018)
Darius feels lost in between his identities. As an Iranian American, he doesn’t feel as American as his classmates or as Iranian as his extended family. He is thus very anxious for his first trip to Iran. The trip is further complicated by Darius’s clinical depression which is less accepted there. While getting to know his mother’s family, Darius also meets Sohrab, his grandparent’s neighbor. The two become fast friends bonding over soccer. Sohrab becomes Darius’s first true friend.

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
(PZ7.O39 Awi 2017)
This urban fantasy follows Sunny who was born in New York but now lives in Aba, Nigeria. Contrary to her name, sunny is albino and therefore sensitive to the sun. All she wants is to be able to play football and fit in at school. When she befriends Orlu an Chichi, those dreams of being a normal girl are abandoned. The escape to the world of the Leopard People, a place where your worst flaw becomes your greatest asset. There, they form a Oha Coven and work to track down a man responsible for kidnapping and harming children. Will Sunny and her friends be able to find him and defeat him?

Spinning by Tillie Walden
(CT275.W1788 A3 2017)
In this graphic memoir, Walden explores what it was like to come of age and come out in the world of figure skating. Having been a figure skater for ten years, skating was a large part of her identity as a teen. When she changed schools, discovered a passion for art, and started seeing her first girlfriend, Walden began to question if she still wanted to skate. A beautifully illustrated look at changing identity and continually finding oneself, this graphic novel is a must read for anyone sorting out who they are and who they want to be.

01.28.2022

Black Joy

Celebrate Black History Month with these books all about Black Joy.

Picture Books

I Did Not Ask to be Born Black I Just Got Lucky written and illustrated by Shirley Jackson Whitaker MD MPH
(New Picture Book Basket)
The first children’s book from a local artist and medical doctor, this poetic and beautifully illustrated book is a celebration of African girls’ beauty and spirit. The perfect book for all families to read and start a discussion about what true beauty is.

Zuri Ray Tries Ballet by Tami Charles illustrated by Sharon Sordo
(New Picture Book Basket)
Zuri loves trying new things with her best friend Jessie. The two do everything together and always like the same things, until ballet camp. Jessie is happy as can be doing pirouettes in a pink tutu, but Zuri can’t find her balance and feels uncomfortable in the ballet clothes. Will Zuri be able to find a way where she and her best friend can have fun at ballet camp? Perhaps her family will help inspire her.

Magic Like That by Samara Cole Doyon illustrated by Geneva Bowers
(New Picture Book Basket)
While her mother gives her a new hairstyle, a young girl reflects on what her hair means to her. Each hairstyle her mother has given her has reflected different things in nature and made her feel empowered in a different way. Her mother works magic with her hair!

Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
(New Picture Book Basket)
A young Black girl meets her mother after the first day of school and is distraught after so many teachers and students mispronounced her name. On their walk home, the mother explains the musicality of the child’s name and other names from various cultures. The next day the girl feels empowered to share this knowledge with her class and teach them all to sing her name. This vividly illustrated book is great for starting a conversation about respecting different names and cultures. It is also a great book for learning to read as it teaches children to break a word down into syllables.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o illustrated by Vashti Harrison
(New Picture Book Basket)
Lupita Nyong’o crafts a beautiful story about the harm of colorism and the the power of seeing your own beauty. Sulwe’s skin doesn’t match that of her family members, or the kids at school. She feel alienated and like she isn’t as beautiful as her lighter skinned sister. Through her mother’s wisdom and a magical journey through the night sky, Sulwe learns to see the beauty in herself and how to show it to others. With illustrations as beautiful as the night sky, this story is equal parts heart wrenching and heartwarming.

Beginning Reader

Ty’s Travels by Kelly Starling Lyons
(Beginning Reader Children Picture Book LYONS
This new early reader series follows Ty on joyful adventures with his family. With bold illustrations and rhythmic, rhyming text, this book is perfect for those beginning to read.

King and Kayla by by Dori Hillestad Butler illustrated by Nancy Meyers
(Beginning Reader Children Picture Book BUTLE)
Solve mysteries with Kayla and her trusty dog, King in this engaging easy to read series.

Youth Fiction

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street Series by by Karina Yan Glaser
(PZ7 .G48 Van 2017)
The Vanderbeekers have lived in their home on 141st street for so long it’s practically a member of the family. When their grouchy landlord decided to not renew their lease, the five siblings must find a way to convince him to let them stay. But they only have 11 days!

Fast Pitch by Nic Stone
(PZ7.S8825 Fas 2021)
Shenice Lockwood is determined to lead her team, the Fulton Firebirds, to win the regional softball championship. As the only all Black team in the league, the Firebirds work twice as hard to prove that Black girls belong at bat. When her great-uncle Jack reveals that a career-ending—and family-name-ruining—crime may have been a setup, Shenice’s focus is tested. Will she be able to lead her team to victory and uncover the truth about her family’s past?

The Season of Styx Malone by Kekla Magoon
(PZ7.M2722 Se 2018)
Caleb Franklin and his brother Bobby Gene are looking forward to a summer of adventures in the woods near their house. But Caleb wishes this summer could bring something different and they could venture away from their small town. Their dad won’t allow it. Then Styx Malone moves to town. Styx is older and cooler than the brothers. He’s been to lots of different places and claims to know a way that Caleb can get what he wants: The Great Escalator Trade. The boys begin to trade a small thing for something better, hoping to exchange their way to their wildest dreams. As the trades get larger, the brothers find themselves over their heads and lost in Styx’s secrets. This friendship adventure is a perfect glimpse into summer for a winter read.

EllRay Jakes is a Rock Star! by Sally Warner illustrated by Jamie Harper
(PZ7.W2444 Elr 2012)
All the boys at school in EllRay’s class have something to brag about. But Ellray feels plain. His family doesn’t provide anything good to show off either. His dad is a geologist. And rocks are so boring. Then EllRay sees some crystals in his dad’s office. Excited about how cool looking they are and how much his classmates will like them, EllRay “borrows” the crystals. His dad will never know and he’ll have the crystals back in no time. That is, until things go awry. Will EllRay be able to get the crystals back before his dad knows they are gone? Join EllRay on this adventure and many others in the series.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks.
(PZ7.M333 Fr 2020)
On Zoe’s twelfth birthday, she receives a letter from her father whom she has never met. He has been in prison her whole life for a crime he says he never committed. Zoe is now determined to uncover the truth and hopefully prove his innocence. She has a good cover for her stress about the investigation: her family thinks she is worrying about doing a good job at her bakery internship to prove she can audition for a television cooking competition. Will the stress from the internship and her father’s conviction be too much for Zoe to balance? Or will she find the right recipe for success?

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia illustrations by Frank Morrison
(PZ7.W6714 Cl 2017)
Clayton loves being with his grandfather, Cool Papa Byrd, and the band of Bluesmen. He is excited to one day join them in playing the blues. But then his grandfather dies. In her grief, Clayton’s mother forbids him from playing the blues. But the blues are what tie Clayton to his grandfather and make him feel whole. With his grandfather’s hate and harmonica, he runs away from home to find the Bluesmen. As he travels through New York City, Clayton discovers some things that surprise him.

Young Adult Books

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
(PZ7 .A1822 Wi 2019)
From the acclaimed author of The Poet X, comes a tale of a young chef who chases her dreams despite the things in life that set her back. High school senior Emoni has a lot on her plate with her daughter and abuela to care for. The one place she can let go of her responsibilities is the kitchen. When her school starts a culinary arts class, she knows she doesn’t have time for the course’s trip to Spain. She feels it would be best to give up on her dreams of being a chef, but once Emmoni starts cooking, she must let her talent break free.

Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson.
(PZ7.W3235 Pi 2017)
Jade dreams of success despite the obstacles society has placed around her. Jade has been a scholarship student at a predominantly white private school for two years. Despite her mother struggling to make ends meet at home, the school has afforded her many opportunities that may help her achieve her dreams outside of her neighborhood. As her time at the school goes on, these opportunities start to like judgement and pity. Especially when her white guidance counselor suggests she join the Woman to Woman mentorship program. She is paired with a black mentor who tries too hard to relate to Jade despite their great financial (and therefore life) differences. She can’t help but feel her mentor sees her as a charity case in need of saving. Through her passion for collage and photography, Jade finds her voice and begins to advocate not only for herself, but for her community. This Coretta Scott King Book Award Winner and Newbery Honor Book is an uplifting tale of the power of art, community, and friendship.

Pride by Ibi Zoboi.
(PZ7.Z76 Pr 2018)
In this modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice, Zoboi balances the original love story with a discussion of cultural identity, class, and gentrification. Zuri Benitez is proud of her neighborhood, family, and community. But her pride may not be enough to save her neighborhood from gentrification. When the wealthy Darcy family moves in, Zuri does her best to avoid their two teenage sons. As her sister falls for Ainsley Darcy, that avoidance becomes impossible. Zuri cannot stand Darius and his judgmental and arrogant demeanor. However, as Zuri and Darius are forced to spend more time together, their initial disdain turns into understanding, and perhaps something more.

12.15.2021

Cozy Reads

Make some hot cocoa, grab a blanket and curl up with family, friends, and a good book this winter

Board Books

Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton
(Board Book Baskets)
With a mix of bold illustration, rhyme, and song this is a great early literacy book. A mother dog sings to her puppy about how much she loves them. This book is an adorable choice for your next read aloud.

Mommy, Mama, and Me by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Carol Thompson
(Board Book Baskets)
In this board book, a baby enjoys a day of adventures with her two moms. Perfect for the little one who cannot get enough of illustrations of other babies.

My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith and illustrations by Julie Flett
(Board Book Baskets)
Perfect for family read alouds, this board book encourages all of us, babies and adults, to take a moment and appreciate the little things in life that make us happy.

I love you as much.. . by Laura Krauss Melmed
(Board Book Baskets)
Many different mothers tell their babies how much they love them. Another great pick for the baby who likes to see other babies. Be sure to tell your little one how much you love them after reading.

Picture Books

A Tree is a Home by Pamela Hickman and Zafouko Yamamoto
(New Picture Book Basket)
Take a look inside the world of all the animals that live in a tree. Follow six different animals as they go through the seasons of a year and build their families in the tree.

Saturdays at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill and illustrated by Brizida Magro.
(New Picture Book Basket)
Everyone needs a little help from time to time. Molly and her mother sometimes need to go to the food pantry rather than the store to get groceries. There Molly sees a school friend, Caitlin, who is embarrassed to need help. Through art, Molly and Citlin and others in line learn that it is okay to need help and that a simple act of kindness can make all the difference.

Mi Casa Is my Home by Laurenne Sala with pictures by Zara Gonzalez Hoang
(New Picture Book Basket)
Join Lucia on a bilingual tour of her lively home and loving family.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
(Classic Picture Book Basket)
This cozy classic follows a young boy exploring his neighborhood after the season’s first snow.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
(Classic Picture Book Basket)
If you are looking for a cozy Christmas tale, the Polar Express is a great choice. Curl up under the tree and follow the story of a boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa.

Youth Fiction

Tale of Despereaux by Kate Dicamillo
(PZ7.D5455 Ta 2003)
A perfect family read aloud to make predictions together along the way. Follow Despereaux the mouse who loves music, stories, and the princess of the castle he lives in. As his adventure goes on, stories of other characters begin to interconnect.

Anna Hibiscus Series by Atinuke
(PZ7.A858 Ann 2010)
Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, amazing Africa! Join her and her family on many adventures. In the first book, join her as she splashes in the sea, prepares for a party, sells oranges, and hopes to one day see snow.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street Series by by Karina Yan Glaser
(PZ7 .G48 Van 2017)
The Vanderbeekers have lived in their home on 141st street for so long it’s practically a member of the family. When their grouchy landlord decided to not renew their lease, the five siblings must find a way to convince him to let them stay. But they only have 11 days!

Telephone Tales by Gianni Rodari, illustrated by Valerio Vidali, translated from the Italian by Antony Shugaar
(New Cart: PZ7.R5987 Te 2020)
Though he travels for work, Mr. Bianchi never misses a bedtime story for his daughter. He calls her every night from payphones around the world to tell her a story. Each story must fit in the time a coin can buy. Mr. Bianchi’s travels frame this wonderful collection of short stories.

The Animal Rescue Agency : Case file: Little claws by Eliot Schrefer and illustrated by Daniel Duncan
(New Cart: PZ7.S37845 An 2021)
Former notorious chicken snatcher, Esquire Fox has given up her life of crime to run the Animal Rescue Agency. In this first instalment of the upcoming series, Esquire and company head to the Arctic to rescue a polar bear cub from one of the biggest threats to nature: humans.

Greenglass House by Kate Milford with illustrations by Jaime Zollars.
(PZ7.M59948 Gr 2014)
The creaky smuggler’s inn is always quiet in the winter. Mio, the innkeepers’ son, is excited to have a nice relaxing winter break. But the first night of vacation brings a guest ringing the bell. Then another, and another. Soon the inn is full of odd, suspicious guests with twisting stories that all relate back to the building. As things go missing and tensions rise, Milo and his friend Meddy, the cook’s daughter, must follow clues and investigate to find out exactly what is going on.

Young Adult Books

Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
(PZ7.S855625 Sc 2011)
Every November, riders try to cling to their water horses to make it to the finish line in the Scorpio Races. Sean Kendrick is the stoic returning champion. Puck Connolly never planned on being in the Scorpio Races. But this year, she must compete (as the first girl ever to do so). She is in no way prepared for what is to come.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
(PZ7 .H185 To 2018)
Laura Jean has never admitted her crushes. Instead she writes them each a letter about how she felt, seals it, and puts it in a box under her bed along with her feelings. One day she discovers the box is gone, and her letters have been mailed! All of her past crushes come to confront her about the letters. To cover up the embarrassment of Peter knowing about her crush and help him make an ex jealous, Laura Jean and Peter begin fake dating. Maybe Laura Jean will get to see the good side of making your feelings known. With lots of troupe filled goodness, this romcom is sure to make your heart warm as a fireplace.

Spinning by Tillie Walden
(CT275.W1788 A3 2017)
In this graphic memoir, Walden explores what it was like to come of age and come out in the world of figure skating. Having been a figure skater for ten years, skating was a large part of her identity as a teen. When she changed schools, discovered a passion for art, and started seeing her first girlfriend, Walden began to question if she still wanted to skate. A beautifully illustrated look at changing identity and continually finding oneself, this graphic novel is a must read for anyone sorting out who they are and who they want to be.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
(PZ7.R79613 Fan 2013)
Cath is hoping college won’t change a thing between her and her twin sister, Wren. They are enrolled at the same school after all. Wren has other plans. Hoping to flourish on her own, she has requested that they not be roommates. Cath is left overwhelmed on her own. Her surly roommate with an ever present, overly friendly boyfriend doesn’t help her feel any more at home. She finds solace in writing fanfiction about her favorite fantasy world. But will she be able to find that same confidence in real life?

11.20.2021

Indigenous Peoples Month

November is Indigonous Peoples month. Here are some books in our collection that cellebrate both modern and traditoinal Native culture.

Picture Books

Fry Bread : a Native American Family Story written by Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal.
(New Books Basket Children Picture Book + MAILL)
A vibrantly illustrated look at a modern Native American family and the roll fry bread plays: connecting the family, the community, and the nation.

We are Water Protectors written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade.
(New Books Basket Children Picture Book + LINDS)
Urging readers to do what they can, this book explores the many Native protests against oil pipelines in a poetic and accessible way. Showing that water is not only essential for life, it is also sacred to many Indigonous people.

Rabbit’s Snow Dance : a traditional Iroquois story as told by James & Joseph Bruchac ; illustrated by Jeff Newman.
(Classics Bin Children Picture Book + BRUCH)
A traditional Iroquois story about a rabbit who wants to eat the tallest leaves. To help him reach, he uses his snow song in the summer! The other animals are not pleased.

Classified : the secret career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee aerospace engineer by Traci Sorell ; illustrated by Natasha Donovan
(New Books Basket Children Picture Book + SOREL)
Mary Golda Ross worked as an engineer in the classified department of Lockheed Air Corporation. This inspirational biography follows her journey as a female Cherokee engineer and mentor.

Youth Fiction and Graphic Novels

Trickster : Native American Tales : a graphic collection edited by Matt Dembicki
(PZ7.D396 Tr 2010)
Twenty-one Native Authors have worked to create this collection of trickster tales from a large variety of Native American Nations. Each tale features the work of a different illustrator creating a dynamic and engaging reading experience.

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph Marshall III ; illustrations by Jim Yellowhawk.
(PZ7.M356723 In 2015)
Fiction and nonfiction are eloquently intertwined in this story of a Lokota boy learning about his heritage, identity, and family through the stories of Crazy Horse his grandfather shares with him. A thoughtful tale of tradition, family history, and identity.

Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell.
(Children’s New PZ7.M2312 In 2019)
Semi-autobiographical historical novel follows Regina Petit, a ten year old Umpqua girl. She has lived all her life surrounded by her tribe on the Grand Ronde reservation, but in 1957 the federal government signed a bill that states Regina’s tribe no longer exists. Regina is “Indian no more” in the eyes of the government. Her family then moves to Los Angeles in search of better jobs for her father. There, she makes friends with children of other races who have never met a Native American. It is also in this new neighborhood that Regina faces the vicious racism of the era for the first time.

Young Adult Books

Hearts Unbroken by Cynthia Leitich Smith
PZ7 .S64465 He 2018
Native Louise loves working on the school paper. During her senior year the paper has a big story to cover: the school’s music director has taken an inclusive approach to casting the production of Wizard of Oz, and the primarily white Kansas town is outraged. The group Parents Against Revisionist Theater has formed and anonymous threats are made. As they continue to uncover the story, Louise begins to fall for the white photographer she is working with. But she has learned that “dating while native” is difficult. Will protecting her heart break his?

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
(Young Adult PZ7 .D59 Ma 2017)
In this chilling near future dystopia, the world has nearly been destroyed by global warming. In the wake of that disaster an even darker situation is revealed. No one but the Indigenous people of North America are able to dream. The Indigenous people are in turn being hunted and harvested for their bone marrow, which carries the key to dreaming. Frenchie and his friend must stay hidden to survive, but one of them unknowingly holds the secret to defeating the Marrow Thieves.

Borders by Thomas King ; illustrations by Natasha Donovan.
(New Young Adult PZ7.K587 Bo 2021)
This graphic novel of King’s short story vividly tells the story of a Blackfoot teen and his mother as they try to cross the American/Canadian border. When asked her nationality, his mother says Blackfoot, refusing to compromise her identity to please the border officers. The two are then stuck between the USA and Canada and must stay in their car until the matter is resolved. Highlighting the many microaggressions that still exist against Indigonous people, this boldly illustrated graphic novel brings the already moving short story of identity to life.

Nonfiction

A Queer History of the United States for Young People by Michael Bronski ; adapted by Richie Chevat
(Young Adult HQ76.3.U5 B69 2019)
While this book goes though many different cultures and eras with in American queer history, the first chapter focuses on different Native American Nations views on gender and sexuality. Many nationtions do not view gender as a binary as European societies long have.

The Sea-Ringed World : Sacred Stories of the Americas edited by María García Esperón ; illustrated by Amanda Mijangos ; translated by David Bowles.
(New Young Adult + PZ7.G161 Se 2021)
This anthology brings together stories from Indigonous peoples across the Americas, highlighting the diversity and similarities within their cultures.

09.04.2021

Back to School: September 2021

It’s that time of year again! Here are books to enjoy all about school, even some for those who don’t go to school just yet.

Picture Books

Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
(Children Picture Book + THOMP)
A young girl meets her mother after the first day of school and is distraught after so many teachers and students mispronounced her name. On their walk home, the mother explains the musicality of the child’s name and other names from various cultures. The next day the girl feels empowered to share this knowledge with her class and teach them all to sing her name.

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
(Children Picture Book + PENFO)
In this book you will meet a class of children from all different backgrounds. Every child and adult are welcomed and appreciated for their differences.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
(Children Picture Book WILLE)
This hilarious classic focuses on a pigeon as he pleads with the reader to let him drive the bus when the usual driver steps away.

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
(Children’s Picture Book HENKE)
Lilly loves school! She is especially excited for today because she gets to share her purple purse at show-and-tell time. Her excitement leads to impatience, however, and her teacher has to take her purse away because she can’t wait her turn. In anger, Lilly does something she will later regret. Will she be able to apologize?

Board Books

Gaspard and Lisa’s Ready for School Words by Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben
(Children Picture Book GUTMA)
Two puppies go off to nursery school and learn school vocabulary along the way. The perfect book to help little ones adjust to daycare or preschool.

Olivia Counts by Ian Falconer
(Children Picture Book FALCO)
Piglet Olivia takes to the chalkboard to help the reader learn to count.

Chapter Books

George by Alex Gino
(PZ7.G379 Ge 2015)
Everyone thinks George is a boy. It is what she looks like from the outside. But she knows she is truly a girl. When her teacher announces they will be performing a play of Charlotte’s Web, George really wants to play Charlotte. The teacher won’t allow her because she is biologically a boy. With the help of her best friend, George comes up with a plan not only to get the part but also to live as her true self. This humorous and heartwarming tale of a young trans girl won the Stonewall Children’s award in 2016.

Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan
(PZ7.K496 Am 2017)
The start of middle school has shaken up Amina’s life. Her best friend Soojin has started hanging out with the “cool” girls at school and is thinking of changing her name to something more American sounding. Does Amina need to change too? She loves her Pakistani culture, but also wants to fit in. This stress about her identity is magnified when her local mosque is vandalized. Amina will need to raise her voice and bring the community together.

Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
(PZ7.M5128 Me 2018)
As a scholarship student, Merci has never felt at home at her private school among all her wealthy peers. The start of sixth grade brings drama at school when mean girl Edna focuses her jealousy on Merci. At home, her grandfather has begun acting strangely. He is forgetting things, falling off his bike, and has a short temper. No one in her family will tell her what is wrong. Join Merci as she navigates all of these changes with humor and heart.

The School Story by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Brian Selznick
(PZ7.C59118 Sc 2001)
Twelve year old Natalie has written a book. She and her best friend, Zoe, believe it will be the next best seller. But how can a middle schooler get a book published? Good thing Zoe has a plan! Natalie can submit the book under a pen name and Zoe can pretend to be her agent. Will the girls be able to fool the publishers into thinking that they are grown ups?

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chinani, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno
(PZ7.C34874 Sc 2013)
Sophia knows she will fit in with the other princesses at the School for Good. She has the glass slippers and everything. Agatha, dressed in all black with her black cat always close by, seems like she is destined to join the villains at the School For Evil. Despite how the two girls appear, they are placed in the opposite schools: Sophia with the villains and Agatha with the fair maidens. Was it a mistake or the first step to the girls finding out who they really are?

Graphic Novels

Smile by Raina Telgemeier
(PZ7.T245 Sm 2010)
Raina is looking forward to a nice normal year in sixth grade. That is, until she falls after girl scouts and injures her two front teeth! She then has to deal with braces, headgear, and retainers on top of all the typical drama at school. This graphic novel hilariously follows her failures and triumphs of sixth grade.

New Kid by Jerry Craft, with color by Jim Callahan
(PZ7.C8844 Ne 2019)
Jordan loves to draw cartoons and was hoping his parents would send him to the art school of his dreams. Instead, they enroll him at a prestigious private school where he is one of the only kids of color. He finds he doesn’t fit in at this new school and starts to feel like he doesn’t fit in in his neighborhood either. Will he be able to navigate this new school culture and stay true to himself?

Young Adult Books

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Ellen Forney.
(PZ7.A382 Ab 2007)
Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane reservation for an all white farm town high school. When he arrives, he finds the only other Native American there is the mascot. He will have to learn to navigate this new school and very different culture. This laugh out loud funny story is partly based on the author’s own experience growing up on a reservation, but attending a predominantly white school.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
(PZ7 .B738 Hi 2020)

Blue Sargent has been warned her entire life that if she kisses her true love, he’ll die. Being the only non-psychic in a family of mediums, Blue is used to this sort of warning. Regardless, she lives by two rules: never kiss anyone, and stay away from the Raven Boys, aka the students of prestigious Aglionby Academy. While joining her aunt for a reading, Blue is forced to confront both of her rules. She sees the ghost of a boy wearing an Aglionby sweater, which can only mean one thing: He’s her true love, and she killed him. This richly written book will keep you enthralled. Luckily, the rest of the series is available.

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger
(PZ7.C23455 Eti 2013)
Sophronia’s family is desperate for her to learn manners and start acting like a lady, so they enroll her in Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality. When she arrives, Sophronia discovers that the school is not quite what her mother thought it would be. In addition to learning the arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, the young women also learn how to hide behind politeness to become master spies.

This Promise of Change : one girl’s story in the fight for school equality by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy
(F444.C68 B69 2019)
This autobiography tells the story of Jo Ann Allen, one of the “Clinton 12,” the first group of Black students to integrate into an all white public high school in the American South. The eastern Tennessee town’s bigotry was masked with false southern courtesies. That is, until the school integrated and a much darker side of the town’s white population came to the surface. The Clinton 12 faced extreme bigotry and violence as they tried to attend the high school. This heartbreaking personal account brings a new light to this historic moment, highlighting that among this national attention and historic pressure, Jo Ann also wanted to live life as a normal teenager. She wanted to play music, hang out with friends, and learn as white students were able to do without combating bigotry.

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi
(PZ7.C44623 Em 2018)
Penny is happy to leave her self proclaimed mediocre life behind when she heads to college. Sam is stuck at a job in a coffee shop with just seventeen dollars in his bank account. When the two meet, it is far from a “meet cute.” Despite the awkward introduction, the two share numbers and quickly begin sharing everything with each other over text. Where will this digital relationship take them?

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
(PZ7.R79613 Fan 2013)
Cath is hoping college won’t change a thing between her and her twin sister, Wren. They are enrolled at the same school after all. Wren has other plans. Hoping to flourish on her own, she has requested that they not be roommates. Cath is left overwhelmed on her own. Her surly roommate with an ever present, overly friendly boyfriend doesn’t help her feel any more at home. She finds solace in writing fanfiction about her favorite fantasy world. But will she be able to find that same confidence in real life?

07.31.2020

New Books: August 2021

Picture Books

Harlem Grown by Tony Hillery, Illustrated by Jessie Hartland (Children Picture Book + HILLE)

With wonderfully detailed illustrations, Harlem Grown tells the story of Tony Hillery and the students he worked with to create an operational farm in their NYC neighborhood. Through their hard work, the community gained beauty, conection, and healthy food.

The Oldest Student : how Mary Walker learned to read by Rita Lorraine Hubbar, illustrated by Oge Mora.
(Children Picture Book + HUBBA)

You are never too old to learn something new, and Mary Walker is proof of that. Mary Walker was born into slavery in 1848. At age 116, she learned to read. This biographical picture book brings her amazing story of perseverance to life.

Zonia’s Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal
(Children Picture Book + MARTI)

Peruvian-American Author Juana Martinez-Neal tells the story of Zonia, a young girl who lives in the Amazon rainforest. Through following Zonia as she meets with her animal friends, readers can begin to learn about how and why we should care for the rainforest.

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, iIllustrated by Dung Ho.
(Children Picture Book + HO)

In this tale of self-acceptance and the beauty of diversity, a young girl learns that while her eyes are different from those of her peers, they reflect her family’s history and strength.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
(Children Picture Book + NYONG)

Lupita Nyong’o crafts a beautiful story about the harm of colorism and how one little girl goes on a magical journey to learn to see her own beauty. With illustrations as beautiful as the night sky, this story is equal parts heart wrenching and heartwarming.

You Matter by Christian Robinson
(Children Picture Book + ROBIN)This bright and colorful picture book shows readers that everything and everyone in the world is connected and important.

Who wet my pants? by Bob Shea, illustrated by Zachariah OHora.
(Children Picture Book + SHEA)

This silly book follows Reuben the bear who tries to figure out who put a wet spot on his pants in a rather embarrassing area. As he investigates and starts to realize it was his own accident, he learns about how to handle embarrassment with empathy.

The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish by Lil Miss Hot Mess, illustrated by Olga de Dios
(Children Picture Book LIL)

From founding member of Drag Queen Story Hour, Lil Miss Hot Mess, comes this fun and fierce take on “the wheels on the bus” that demonstrates the power and joy of being yourself.

Classified : the secret career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee aerospace engineer by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Natasha Donovan
(Children Picture Book + SOREL)

Mary Golda Ross worked as an engineer in the classified department of Lockheed Air Corporation. This inspirational biography follows her journey as a female Cherokee engineer and mentor.

Fry Bread : a Native American family story by Kevin Noble Maillard, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
(Children Picture Book + MAILL)

Food and family are always close together. This beautiful picture book explores the importance of Fry Bread to a modern Native American family and the culture they share.

Beginning Reader

I’m on it! by by Andrea Tsurumi and Mo Willems(Children Picture Book TSURU)

Have some fun with prepositions in this animal filled book.

Yasmin the Librarian by Saadia Faruqi, illustrated by Hatem Aly
(PZ7.F2466 Yal 2021)

Yasmin loves books and helping out at the library. When she brings her favorite book from home to show the librarian, she loses it! Will she be able to find it among all the library books?

I Will Race You through this Book! by Jonathan Fenske
(Children Picture Book FENSK)

Book-It Bunny breaks the fourth wall in this adventure story. Can you beat him to the end of the book?

Chapter Books

The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm

(PZ7.H732226 Li 2021)

Bell is just a regular kid, aside from living in a colony on Mars. When a virus reaches the colony and all the adults get sick, it is up to Bell and the other children to save their families, the colony, and perhaps the whole planet.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
(PZ7.M333 Fr 2020)

On Zoe’s twelfth birthday, she receives a letter from the father she has never met. In the letter, he claims he is innocent of the crime that placed him in jail for her whole life. Zoe then investigates, determined to find out the truth. Can she balance school, her baking internship, and her budding career in investigation?

The Animal Rescue Agency : Case file: Little claws by Eliot Schrefer, illustrated by Daniel Duncan
(PZ7.S37845 An 2021)

Former notorious chicken snatcher, Esquire Fox has given up her life of crime to run the Animal Rescue Agency. In this first instalment of the upcoming series, Esquire and company head to the Arctic to rescue a polar bear cub from one of the biggest threats to nature: humans.

Telephone Tales by Gianni Rodari, illustrated by Valerio Vidali, translated from the Italian by Antony Shugaar
(PZ7.R5987 Te 2020)

Though he travels for work, Mr. Bianchi never misses a bedtime story for his daughter. He calls her every night from payphones around the world to tell her a story. Each story must fit in the time a coin can buy. Mr. Bianchi’s travels frame this wonderful collection of short stories.

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
(PZ7.W65585 Ge 2019)

This powerful and ultimately uplifting exploration of internalized racism and colorism follows thirteen-year-old Genesis as she learns to love herself despite the verbal abuse she has faced from her peers and her own family.

Graphic Novels

Twins / written by Varian Johnson ; illustrated by Shannon Wright(PZ7.J6355 Tw 2020)

There are times when friends begin to drift apart. For Maureen and Francine Carter, that time was at the start of sixth grade when one of the twins became interested in popularity. This boldly colored graphic novel explores what it means to be a friend and a sister when interests and personalities are always evolving.

Stargazing by Jen Wang, color by Lark Pien
(PZ7.W18 St 2019)

Although Moon and Christine grew up in the same Asian-American neighborhood, they are nothing alike. Sometimes being different is what makes a friendship strong. As the girls grow closer together, Moon shares her deepest secret: she can communicate with the stars, which tell her she does not truly belong on earth. Moon has always been there for Christine, will Christine be able to support Moon when an emergency arises?

Beetle & the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne, coloring by Natalie Riess and Kristen Acampora
(PZ7.L442 Be 2020)

Twelve-year-old goblin-witch Beetle, would rather not study witchcraft. She would much prefer to spend her days with her best friend, Blob Ghost. When Beetle’s former best friend, Kat returns to town her days of hanging out with Blob Ghost are threatened. Kat has returned for an apprenticeship with her sorceress aunt. Beetle’s jealousy of Kat quickly changes to worry when she learns of the sorceress’s evil plan that could destroy Blob Ghost and his fellow spirits. Can Beetle harness the magic she so wished to ignore in order to save the day?

Memior

This Promise of Change : one girl’s story in the fight for school equality by Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy
(F444.C68 B69 2019)

This autobiography tells the story of Jo Ann Allen, one of the “Clinton 12,” the first group of Black students to integrate into an all white public high school in the American South. The eastern Tennessee town’s bigotry was masked with false southern courtesies. That is, until the school integrated and a much darker side of the town’s white population came to the surface. The Clinton 12 faced extreme bigotry and violence as they tried to attend the school. This heartbreaking personal account brings a new light to this historic moment, highlighting that among this national attention and historic pressure, Jo Ann also wanted to live life as a normal teenager. She wanted to play music, hang out with friends, and learn as white students were able to do without combating bigotry.

Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell
(PZ4.M2312 In 2019)

Semi-autobiographical historical novel follows Regina Petit, a ten year old Umpqua girl. She has lived all her life surrounded by her tribe on the Grand Ronde reservation, but in 1957 the federal government signed a bill that states Regina’s tribe no longer exists. Regina is “Indian no more” in the eyes of the government. Her family then moves to Los Angeles in search of better jobs for her father. There, she makes friends with children of other races who have never met a Native American. It is also in this new neighborhood that Regina faces the vicious racism of the era for the first time. Umpqua author Charlene Willing fills this novel with her own tribal history and experiences as she tells the story of Regina discovering her identity during the Civils Rights Era.

Young Adult Books

The Sea-Ringed World : sacred stories of the Americas by María García Esperón, illustrated by Amanda Mijangos, translated by David Bowles
(+ PZ7.G161 Se 2021)

The phrase “Sea-Ringed World” comes from the Aztec term for the area of North and South America. In this collection of sacred stories, you will find tales of creation, nature, the universe, and more from Native communities all across the Americas.

Historically Inaccurate by Shay Bravo
(PZ7 .B738 Hi 2020)

Soledad “Sol” Gutierrez’s life was thrown into upheaval when her mother was deported last year. She lives in a new home and has started at a new community college. In an effort to fit in, she joins her school’s history club and participates in their odd initiation: she must steal a fork from the oldest house in town. When she sneaks in, she is caught by the homeowners’ grandson, Ethan. After this moment, Sol’s life is once again dramatically altered. She will soon learn that fitting in matters less than being your authentic self.

01.25.2020

New Beginnings

Picture Books

Two White Rabbits by Jairo Buitrago ; pictures by Rafael Yockteng ; translated by Elisa Amado

(Children Picture Book BUITR)

“In this moving and timely story, a young child describes what it is like to be a migrant as she and her father travel north toward the US border. They travel mostly on the roof of a train known as The Beast, but the little girl doesn’t know where they are going. She counts the animals by the road, the clouds in the sky, the stars. Sometimes she sees soldiers. She sleeps, dreaming that she is always on the move, although sometimes they are forced to stop and her father has to earn more money before they can continue their journey. As many thousands of people, especially children, in Mexico and Central America continue to make the arduous journey to the US border in search of a better life, this is an important book that shows a young migrant’s perspective” — Provided by publisher.

Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper

(Children Picture Book COOPE)

“A moving tale about friendship, new beginnings, and cats” — Provided by publisher.

Going North by Janice N. Harrington ; pictures by Jerome Lagarrigue

(Children Picture Book HARRI)

A young African American girl and her family leave their home in Alabama and head for Lincoln, Nebraska, where they hope to escape segregation and find a better life.

Neville by Norton Juster ; illustrated by G. Brian Karas

(Children Picture Book JUSTE)

When a boy and his family move to a new house, he devises an ingenious way to meet people in the neighborhood.

Nine Months: Before a Baby is Born by Miranda Paul ; illustrations by Jason Chin

(Children Picture Book + PAULM)

As a baby grows in her mother’s womb, a soon-to-be big sister and her family spend nine months preparing for the newest member of the family to arrive.

A Piece of Home by Jeri Watts ; illustrated by Hyewon Yum

(Children Picture Book + WATTS)

When Hee Jun’s family moves from Korea to West Virginia he struggles to adjust to his new home. He can’t understand anything the teacher says, and even the sky seems smaller and darker. Hee Jun begins to learn English words and make friends on the playground. One day at a classmate’s house he sees a flower he knows from his garden in Korea: mugunghwa, or rose of Sharon. Hee Jun is happy to bring a shoot to his grandmother to plant a “piece of home” in their new garden.

Beginning Reader

Yasmin the Fashionista by Saadia Faruqi ; illustrated by Hatem Aly

(PZ7.F2466 Yaf 2019)

While her parents are out to dinner, a bored Yasmin decides to try on some of her mother’s clothes, including her new shalwar kameez, which gets ripped–but with the help of Nana, Nani, and a glue-gun, the garment gets fixed, and Yasmin puts on an impromptu fashion show when her parents get home.

We Are Growing! by Laurie Keller

(Children Picture Book KELLE)

“Walt is not the tallest or the curliest or the pointiest or even the crunchiest. A confounded blade of grass searches for his ‘est’ in this hilarious story about growing up”–Provided by publisher.

Zelda and Ivy and the Boy Next Door by Laura McGee Kvasnosky

(Children Picture Book KVASN)

In three brief stories, two fox sisters meet the boy next door, play pirates, and camp out in the yard in sleeping bags.

Chapter Books

Zenobia July by Lisa Bunker

(PZ7.B9151 Ze 2019)

Zenobia July, an excellent coder and hacker, investigates a mystery while wrestling with the challenges of a new school, a new family, and presenting her true gender for the first time.

The Book of Story Beginnings by Kristin Kladstrup

(PZ7.K655 Bo 2006)

After moving with her parents to Iowa, twelve-year-old Lucy discovers a mysterious notebook that can bring stories to life and which has a link to the 1914 disappearance of her great uncle.

Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

(PZ7.L65775 Yea 2006)

Frustrated at her seeming lack of talent for anything, a young Taiwanese American girl sets out to apply the lessons of the Chinese Year of the Dog, those of making best friends and finding oneself, to her own life.

Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas by Juana Medina

(PZ7 .M51278 Bi 2019)

“Juana’s life is just about perfect. She lives in the beautiful city of Bogotá with her two most favorite people in the world: her mami and her dog, Lucas. Lately, though, things have become a little less perfect. Mami has a new hairdo and a new amigo named Luis with whom she has been spending a LOT of time. He is kind and teaches Juana about things like photography and jazz music, but sometimes Juana can’t help wishing things would go back to the way they were before. When Mami announces that she and Luis are getting married and that they will all be moving to a new casa, Juana is quite distraught. Lucky for her, though, some things will never change — like how much Mami loves her.”–Amazon.com.

Young Adult Books

Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert

(PZ7 .C672 Li 2018)

“When Suzette comes home to Los Angeles from her boarding school in New England, she isn’t sure if she’ll ever want to go back. L.A. is where her friends and family are (as well as her crush, Emil). And her stepbrother, Lionel, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, needs her emotional support. But as she settles into her old life, Suzette finds herself falling for someone new…the same girl her brother is in love with. When Lionel’s disorder spirals out of control, Suzette is forced to confront her past mistakes and find a way to help her brother before he hurts himself–or worse.” — From publisher’s website.

New Boy by Julian Houston

(PZ7.H823 Ne 2005)

As a new sophomore at an exclusive boarding school, a young black man is witness to the persecution of another student with bad acne.

If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

(PZ7.R91 If 2016)

“Amanda Hardy is the new girl in school. Like anyone else, all she wants is to make friends and fit in. But Amanda is keeping a secret, and she’s determined not to get too close to anyone. But when she meets sweet, easygoing Grant, Amanda can’t help but start to let him into her life. As they spend more time together, she realizes just how much she is losing by guarding her heart. She finds herself yearning to share with Grant everything about herself, including her past. But Amanda’s terrified that once she tells him the truth, he won’t be able to see past it” — Provided by publisher.

12.05.2019

Families

Picture Books

B is for Baby by Atinuke; illustrated by Angela Brooksbank

(Children Picture Book ATINU)

“B is for Baby. B is for Brother. B is for going to see Baba! One morning after breakfast, Baby’s big brother is getting ready to take the basket of bananas all the way to Baba’s bungalow in the next village. He’ll have to go along the bumpy road, past the baobab trees, birds, and butterflies, and all the way over the bridge. But what he doesn’t realize is that his very cute, very curious baby sibling has stowed away on his bicycle.” —Provided by publisher

All Around Us by Xelena Gonzalez; illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia

(Children Picture Book GONZA)

Finding circles everywhere, a grandfather and his granddaughter meditate on the cycles of life and nature.

When Aidan Became a Big Brother by Kyle Lukoff; illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

(Children Picture Book LUKOF)

Aidan, a transgender boy, experiences complicated emotions as he and his parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby.

A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O’Leary; illustrated by Qin Leng

(Children Picture Book + OLEAR)

“When a teacher asks the children in her class to think about what makes their families special, the answers are all different in many ways —but the same in the one way that matters most of all. One child is worried that her family is just too different to explain, but listens as her classmates talk about what makes their families special. One is raised by a grandmother, and another has two dads. One is full of stepsiblings, and another has a new baby.” —Provided by publisher

Benji, The Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla; illustrated by Ken Min

(Children Picture Book PLASA)

Sammy is having a very bad day at school and at home until his autistic brother, Benji, finds a way to make him feel better.

Kevin and His Dad by Irene Smalls; illustrated by Michael Hays

(Children Picture Book + SMALL)

Kevin feels excitement, pride, pleasure, and love as he spends an entire day working and playing with his father.

Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow; illustrated by Ebony Glenn

(Children Picture Book THOMP)

A young Muslim girl puts on a head scarf and not only feels closer to her mother, she also imagines herself as a queen, the sun, a superhero, and more.

More, More, More Said the Baby: 3 Love Stories by Vera B. Williams

(Children Picture Book + WILLI)

Three babies are caught up in the air and given loving attention by a father, grandmother, and mother.

Pecan Pie Baby by Jacqueline Woodson ; illustrated by Sophie Blackall

(Children Picture Book WOODS)

When Mama’s pregnancy draws attention away from Gia, she worries that the special bond they share will disappear forever once the baby is born.

Beginning Readers

Rotten Ralph’s Rotten Family by Jack Gantos; illustrated by Nicole Rubel

(Children Picture Book GANTO)

“Ralph takes a swing through his family tree to find out why he’s so rotten.” —Provided by publisher

Charlie & Mouse: Even Better by Laurel Snyder ; illustrated by Emily Hughes.

(Children Picture Book SYNDE)

Charlie and Mouse are getting ready for Mom’s birthday and things are not going exactly as planned… but with plenty of humor and imagination, they’ll prove that sometimes

Chapter Books

Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke; illustrated by Lauren Tobia

(Children PZ7.A858 Ann 2010)

Anna Hibiscus, who lives in Africa with her whole family, loves to splash in the sea and have parties for her aunties, but Anna would love to see snow.

Younguncle Comes to Town by Vandana Singh; illustrated by B.M. Kamath

(Children PZ7.S61754 You 2006)

In a small town in northern India, three siblings await their father’s youngest brother, Younguncle, who is said to be somewhat eccentric.

Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan; illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

(Children PZ7.T161235 Cif 2017)

“A half-Chinese, half-Caucasian girl’s ‘memoir’ about a new sibling, being biracial, and her path to literary greatness.” —Provided by publisher

Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres

(Children PZ7.T626 St 2017)

“Seventh grader Estefania ‘Stef’ Soto is itching to shake off the onion-and-cilantro embrace of Tia Perla, her family’s taco truck. She wants nothing more than for her dad to get a normal job and for Tia Perla to be put out to pasture. It’s no fun being known as the ‘Taco Queen’ at school. But just when it looks like Stef is going to get exactly what she wants, and her family’s livelihood is threatened, she will have to become the truck’s unlikely champion. In this fun and multicultural middle grade novel, Stef will discover what matters the most, and ultimately embrace an identity that even includes old Tia Perla.” —Provided by publisher

Graphic Novels

Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani

(Children PZ7 .C356 Pa 2017)

“Priyanka Das has so many unanswered questions: Why did her mother abandon her home in India years ago? What was it like there? And most importantly, who is her father, and why did her mom leave him behind? But Pri’s mom avoids these questions—the topic of India is permanently closed. For Pri, her mother’s homeland can only exist in her imagination. That is, until she find a mysterious pashmina tucked away in a forgotten suitcase. When she wraps herself in it, she is transported to a place more vivid and colorful than any guidebook or Bollywood film. But is this the real India? And what is that shadow lurking in the background? To learn the truth, Pri must travel farther than she’s ever dared and find the family she never knew.” —Provided by publisher

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier; with color by Braden Lamb

(Children PZ7.T245 Si 2014)

“Three weeks. Two sisters. One car. A true story. Raina can’t wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren’t quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she’s also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn’t improve much over the years. But when a baby brother enters the picture, and later, when something doesn’t seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all.” —Provided by publisher

Young Adult

Solo by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

(Young Adult PZ7.A3771 So 2017)

Seventeen-year-old Blade endeavors to resolve painful issues from his past and navigate the challenges of his former rockstar father’s addictions, scathing tabloid rumors, and a protected secret that threatens his own identity.

Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez

(Young Adult PZ7.A48 Be 2002)

In the early 1960s in the Dominican Republic, twelve-year-old Anita learns that her family is involved in the underground movement to end the bloody rule of the dictator, General Trujillo.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez

(Young Adult PZ7 .S1975 Iam 2017)

“Perfect Mexican daughters do not go away to college. And they do not move out of their parents’ house after high school graduation. Perfect Mexican daughters never abandon their family. But Julia is not your perfect Mexican daughter. That was Olga’s role. Then a tragic accident on the busiest street in Chicago leaves Olga dead and Julia left behind to reassemble the shattered pieces of her family. And no one seems to acknowledge that Julia is broken, too. Instead, her mother seems to channel her grief into pointing out every possible way Julia has failed. But it’s not long before Julia discovers that Olga might not have been as perfect as everyone thought.” —Provided by publisher

Pride by Ibi Zoboi

(Young Adult PZ7.Z76 Pr 2018)

“Zuri Benitez has pride. Brooklyn pride, family pride, and pride in her Afro-Latino roots. But pride might not be enough to save her rapidly gentrifying neighborhood from becoming unrecognizable. When the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri wants nothing to do with their two teenage sons, even as her older sister, Janae, starts to fall for the charming Ainsley. She especially can’t stand the judgmental and arrogant Darius. Yet as Zuri and Darius are forced to find common ground, their initial dislike shifts into an unexpected understanding. But with four wild sisters pulling her in different directions, cute boy Warren vying for her attention, and college applications hovering on the horizon, Zuri fights to find her place in Bushwick’s changing landscape, or lose it all. In a timely update of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, critically acclaimed author Ibi Zoboi skillfully balances cultural identity, class, and gentrification against the heady magic of first love in her vibrant reimagining of this beloved classic.” —Provided by publisher

Informational

The House Baba Built: An Artist’s Childhood in China by Ed Young, text as told to Libby Koponen

(Children Lg CT275.Y6475 A3 2011)

“In Ed Young’s childhood home in Shanghai, all was not as it seemed: a rocking chair became a horse; a roof became a roller rink; an empty swimming pool became a place for riding scooters and bikes. The house his father built transformed as needed into a place to play hide-and-seek, to eat bamboo shoots, and to be safe. For outside the home’s walls, China was at war. Soon the house held not only Ed and his four siblings but also friends, relatives, and even strangers who became family. The war grew closer, and Ed watched as planes flew overhead and friends joined the Chinese air force. But through it all, Ed’s childhood remained full of joy and imagination.” —Provided by publisher.

The African American Family Album by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler

(Children + E185.86 .H72 1994)

“Vintage photographs and first-person accounts illustrate a comprehensive summary of the black experience, from roots reaching back hundreds of thousands of years, to the more recent history of African Americans.” —Provided by publisher

How Artists See Families: Mother, Father, Sister, Brother by Colleen Carroll

(Children N8217.F27 C37 1997)

“Children can see how Carmen Lomas Garza captured the simple pleasure of a family eating watermelon on the front porch; how Kikugawa Eizan used curved lines to show the gracefulness with which a mother carries her young son; how John Singer Sargent depicted the flowerlike delicacy of two sisters as they light lanterns in a twilit summer garden; and how Winslow Homer showed a boy’s protectiveness of his younger brother in a dangerous situation. “How Artists See” is a series of interactive, inquiry-based books designed to teach children about the world by looking at art and about art by looking at the world.” —Provided by publisher