A thoroughly astonishing and enlightening life story, that will make you see the world with more open-mindedness and humor. The best non-fiction book I've ever purchased for my kids, thrilling stories and perspective. Best for ages 11 and up.
Molly
If you're driven to find good books for the little ones in your life, this one counts.
Shana
A stunning magical journey and a certain contender for best illustrated book of the year.
Sheer magical wonder.
Marika
Wall-E meets The Wild Robot in this adventure about five robots on a mission to rescue their inventor from the corporation that controls them all. This book is smart, funny, and will warm the cockles of your human heart.
Rebecca
Neverworld Wake is the perfect book for those of you who aren't quite ready to give up on those creepy October vibes. It's like Inception with a murder mystery and also GHOSTS (?). Much like the characters, you'll find yourself unable to escape this constantly-twisting tale until it's finally untangled. I couldn't put it down!
Caleb
Written with a traditional rhyming scheme that gives the story a bouncy, vibrant feel. Adorable illustrations and a good moral message to boot!
Stacey
In the mood for feelings? This book has got you covered, with family drama, a reasonable amount of angst, and an unlikely love between the only two Taiwanese kids in town.
Sarah
This is the most fun I've had with a book in a while. There's a charming bookstore, bookstore owner, and the Illuminati (not really). And a little bit of booky/techy/nerdy romance. What more could you ask for?
Sinny
This should be titled Little Wonderfuls instead of Little Weirds! But weird and wonderful it is. Jenny Slate does more than bare her soul - she removes her brain from her skull and allows the reader to poke around in there and find the interesting details that make her human and inspire her creativity. I recommend the audio book too, from Libro.fm!
Heather
Could you work a job that was utterly, completely pointless? Even if it paid well? Even if it didn't?
John
Dubbed the Queen of Rock and Roll, Janis Joplin, born and raised in conservative Port Arthur, Texas, somehow found the BLUES in her troubled soul. She became an instant star at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and never looked back; until, three years later her use of SMACK - aka SNOW - aka WHITE DEATH - did her in. This book tells her story with unrose-colored glasses - well-written and researched - it's a must for all music lovers.
Nathan
A lovely true story of a son getting to know his father intermixed with a college course on The Odyssey. The ending hits the mark. A perfect gift for the academic in your life. Excellent for book groups.
Molly
This has all the space pirates and all-powerful tyrannical empires you could want, with added nuance and social commentary. This book shifts from corporate thriller to space opera with exceptional grace, and gives us the brilliant, analytical, difficult to impress Vivian Liao as our guide. Plus, it's just a ton of fun.
Shana
Few books capture the spirit of the desert southwest--my homeland!--quite like this collection of essays from Craig Childs. His prose finds both the stillness & the shimmer of heat rising over stone. If you're cold, restless, or longing for summer days under the sun & stars, pick this one up. It'll stick in your soul long after you read it, like the red dust of the canyonlands.
Kate
This quirky treasure hunt through Boston, filled with lovable and eccentric characters, is so much fun. (Also check out Kate Racculia's earlier book Bellweather Rhapsody for Rabbit's teenage years.)
Katie