Reading this book as a kid changed my life. Alanna kicks off an entire universe of strong, funny, brave, and complex female protagonists, along with a supporting cast that feel like old friends at this point. In her first adventure, Alanna dresses herself up as her twin brother and embarks on her journey to become a knight. Tamora Pierce writes the kind of books that you come back to over and over again. If you’ve never ventured into Tortall, enjoy your journey. If you have, maybe it’s time to return.
As someone who experienced a tumultuous adolescence filled with anxiety about her next step, about what the future would hold, about what she would do in college and beyond, I can say with full confidence that this book irrevocably changed the course of my life. I've read Radio Silence a total of four times, once for every moment I felt inexplicably lost in this world, and every reread has moved me even more than the last. This is the kind of book that you want to wrap around your shoulders like a safety blanket.
- Cindy
These days, with social media, it is easier to compare ourselves to others and feel “Nat Enough” now than ever before. This adorably relatable middle grade graphic novel seeks to remind us that being our silly selves, even if it leads to feeling embarrassed, is always the best option! And maybe it will even get the cute boy in class to notice us….
- Emma
Stella is a bomb-sniffing beagle who has gone through an accident where she lost her human partner. Written from Stella's perspective, follow her journey as she recovers from her ordeal and finds her new calling as a seizure alert dog for 11-year old Cloe.
- Halle
My heart absolutely swooned with every panel of this amazingly sweet graphic novel for teens-though I believe it's worth a read no matter your age. You'll love these characters (well, most of them...) and be rooting for them throughout.
- Jen
Magic mixes with East Asian culture meets Iron Chef in a web of palace intrigue. Tea master in-training Ning competes to be the imperial master of tea and save her sister's life.
- Mia
Following Liddy's dreamlike state through Fang's brilliant storytelling is just as (dare I say maybe even more?) delicious as having actual dim sum.
- Kai
I have been waiting for a book that rivals my favorite garden book from my childhood, and HERE IT IS. The audible gasp of delight when I discovered this book! I then handed it to everyone I could. I love Grandma, I love her garden, I lover her cat, and the rich, deep colors and line style make the veggies feel almost within grasp.
- Stacey
A refreshingly depressing children's book, inspired by the legend of the man who sells his soul to the devil. Adult readers can pair with Goethe's Faust I&II (also a staff pick this month), Mann's Doctor Faustus, and Bulgakov's Master & Margarita.
- James
Can you guess?
- Robin
Fannie Lou Hamer, was “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Refusing to be intimidated by violence, Hamer worked ceaselessly for civil rights and cofounded the National Women’s Political Caucus. This beautiful testament to her story features stunning collage by local artist Ekua Holmes and potent verse from Carole Boston Weatherford.
- Rachael
How I wish I could sit with Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, drinking tea and sharing English muffins (with cream cheese, of course!). I've loved these books since I was four years old.
- Sophie
This unique story of a girl and her scab is the epitome of the weirdly beautiful, and slightly gross book, that all kids gravitate to! Through beautiful illustrations, we learn that we can befriend any bruise, scrap, or insecurity… and maybe we will even miss them when they are gone.
- Emma