Staff Picks
I have been searching my whole adult life for this exact book, and now that I've found it I'm going to be yelling about it forever. With a gripping plot and a lush world, this book is deeply compassionate, vivid, and lets each character exist as a whole and complete person. Fans of Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic books and Katherine Addison's Witness for the Dead will love The Bruising of Qilwa. Personally, I would like a dozen more books set in this universe.
This is a really beautifully illustrated counting book, and interestingly not all the counting is in numerical order, which is good for growing brains! It's also a lovely ode to the art of noticing, and really captures the feeling of being shipped to school from the sticks early every morning.
Oh man oh man. It's been a month and I keep thinking about this book. Gorgeous, devastating, revolting, lovely. The protagonist tells us early on that her project is to make the reader fall in love with her wife, and she succeeds. And now I just have to live with that!! Pairs well with Florence + The Machine, "Never Let Me Go" + the Mountain Goats, "In Corolla"
An unexpectedly thrilling and eerie collection of stories from a cast of well-known and well-loved YA authors! This is a perfect introduction for anyone looking to dip their toes into the horror genre. Each story is self-contained, so you really could spend several, separate nights snuggling under the covers and reading to the tune of rain and thunder outside your window without the stress and worry of finishing a massive, nightmare-inducing volume prior to bed. (Also, Chloe Gong is in it!)
Perfectly balancing the humorous and heart-wrenching in the same breath, Kosoko Jackson's debut is an impressive one! Set against the backdrop of Georgia's "wedding of the year," two exes find themselves entangled in fake dating scheme. I loved the two protagonists with my whole being and found myself touched by the important discussions of class, queerness, and family identity that were brought up and dealt with so sincerely in this book. This is a rom-com about two exes that fake a relationship for a family wedding, yes, but it's also so much more. This will be perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston!
21-year-old Isa and her friend Gala embark on a season of hedonism and adventure in New York City, determined to reap the fruits of their youth, beauty, and charisma during one sweltering summer in the 2010’s. With little money, plentiful charm, and a biting wit, Isa’s bold and compelling voice cuts through with poignant observations on the glamorous coterie in which she precariously thrives. Happy Hour may be my Book of the Summer forever. Read it in August, on a hot, languid day with a cool and refreshing drink in hand, and fill yourself with the ebullient joy and youthful wisdom of its narrator.
Catherine
NYT called this book "a wonder of storytelling" and I couldn't come up with a better description. The narrative is touching, hilarious, and poignant, yet manages to raise deep and provocative questions about loneliness, parenting, and companionship. The story takes a turn in the middle that is so astounding, and so deftly handled, that you may feel compelled to go right back to the beginning - and the rest of the book floats on the brilliance of that device.
David
This is a book that balances perfectly on the precipice between joy and heartache. It's a story about two siblings transferring to a new school, but it is also so much more than that. You will find discussion of depression/suicidality, sexuality, racism, transracial adoption, and religion all handled with sensitivity and care. But honestly, the sibling dynamics in this book are everything. Read it, then call your siblings.
Kendall
Yerba Buena, Nina LaCour's adult debut, takes her trademark emotional resonance and brings it to an adult audience. A breathtaking modern queer love story with stunning prose and realistic romance, about love, family, and dealing with our pasts. Will tug on your heartstrings.
April
No special equipment? No rock salt? no pre-chilling? Yes, it IS just that simple!
John
The narrative voice is pitch-perfect and these characters felt so real. Heartbreaking and moving while remaining consistently hilarious.
Katie
After reading this book, I walked around the store holding it to my chest for a good 20 minutes. These little creatures highlight the complexity of human emotions in such an original and personal way, making you feel valid in every little feeling you experience. Bonus - if you were also personally affected by Disney's Inside Out in a way that you didn't expect... this is the perfect book for you.
Jane
What does one do with a herd of cats? Stack them of course! A bright, cute counting book with a little bit of math thrown in.
Katie
A queer middle school historical reenactor brings Civil War history into the present.
Sarah
A lovely story about the importance of knowing and setting boundaries. I love my curly hair, but it’s not an open invitation to touch!
Kayala