Children & YA Staff Picks
Riley is a nonbinary 4th grader with some serious Monday feels when Mx. Aude announces that Friday is dress-up day for Book Week. Now this is an area in which Riley can excel. Will Riley help their classmates find perfect costumes based on their favorite books? An homage to the world of children’s lit as well as an example of a nonbinary kid just living their best life, this book is full of infectious enthusiasm.
- Rachael
SUCH A GOOD BOOK. The characters are just so brilliantly developed, and there's just such a sense of childhood joy and antics that I found myself laughing out loud. An infectious read that celebrates that intelligence, creativity, and learning don't look the same on everyone. Don't pass this one up!
- Stacey
A sweet story of a little kindergartener gearing up for picture day, with an eye for authenticity and self-expression. While her mother buys a pretty dress for her to "look her best," Molly has a better idea of what will make her FEEL her best too :)
- Manasa
A funny and engaging read for any young reader, Nell and the Netherbeast is the perfect book for any animal lover looking for adventure! After a day at the animal shelter, Nell isn't surprised to find a cat waiting for her out back, but after she does her life becomes full of crazy mysteries to be solved, the biggest one being is this cat really a cat?!? Is this creature here to cause chaos or to help Nell solve the mysteries of her aunts B&B!?!
- Emma
Fellow Jane Austen stans, listen up! Immerse yourself in a *swoonworthy* story of two teenage girls finding themselves and each other through the magic of time travel. Each struggling with their own responsibilities, Lucy and Audrey have to decide between duty and love.
- Halle
Finch House is the perfect book for the middle school thrill seeker! While grappling with an upcoming move from the only place she's ever called home, Micah stumbles across a haunted house with a weird connection to her family. A book filled with shadows and creepy ghost children as well as love and forgiveness.
Rom-coms might be having their moment now, but this protagonist has always loved the idea of a Hallmark happy-ever-after! Unfortunately for Liz Buxbaum, her crush's best friend is her annoying, prank-inclined neighbor whom she absolutely CANNOT STAND. When the path of least resistance reluctantly proves itself to include getting closer to her neighbor for a shot at a one-in-a-lifetime romance, Liz knows she can't pass it up...like, there's no chance she'll mess this up so badly that she'll fall for her icky neighbor instead, right?
- Cindy
When I was small, putting into words the big feelings I was experiencing seemed impossible. Struggling with depression at any age is a feat, but when you are young and emotions are already so new, it can feel as though you are drowning. This debut picture book is such a gift for those who are tumbling in the waves, reminding them that there is always hope on shore. It also provides great resources for families to help continue the conversation once the book has finished.
- Jane
A retelling of one of the central works of Hindu literature, this lovely little story shows how something broken can be turned into something beautiful.
- James
If you have ever nurtured dreams of sprouting wings and going to live in the garden you should buy this book and enjoy it in the shade of your favorite tree or nestled near a garden you love. As kids my sister and I used to flip through our books of flower fairies and pick out what flower petals we would like to wear most. Sure to be a treasured heirloom.
- Kendall
Quintessential merpeople fantasy! ( -- Stacey)
- Emma
My dad once forgot Shrek's name and refered to him as "the green guy with the mushrooms on his neck." Anyway, he loved Shrek and so will you. ( -- Stacey)
The mystery of a lifetime. Alibis unraveling, timelines double-crossing, lies, so many lies, everything all twisted in a web of dark secrets... A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is a toe-curling page-turner that will have you staying up way past midnight, chasing the threads of mystery to find where they're all tangled up.
- Cindy
If you love tales spun from mythology, you can't go wrong with this award winner. (- Stacey)
- Murphy
Kids learn history and empathy as they follow the harrowing (but ultimately hopeful) journeys of three refugee children from different time periods that are woven together in a way that is both believable and unpredictable. Mature 9 and up.
- Wendy