Victoria

Don't trust fish

by Neil Sharpson

jE Sharpson
Picture Books, Animals

Why, dear reader, must you NEVER EVER trust fish? 1) They spend all their time in the water where we can't see them. 2) Some are as big as a bus--that is not okay. 3) We don't know what they're teaching in their "schools." 4) They are likely plotting our doom. This nature-guide-gone-wrong is a hilarious, off-the-rails exploration of the seemingly innocent animals that live in the water.

This book is a riot- the perfect balance of fun fish facts, dead-pan comedy and a subtle crab protagonist. I read this at impromptu storytimes for everyone in my house, including visitors, and it received rave reviews from adults, kids and teens alike. Maybe don't trust fish, but definitely don't miss this picture book! -Victoria

Abundance

by Ezra Klein

330.973 /Klein
Political

This book discusses the history of the twenty-first century as a story of unaffordability and shortage in America. It highlights the national housing crisis, labor shortages due to limited immigration, insufficient clean-energy infrastructure, and delayed, over-budget public projects. The author argues that the root cause of these problems is a lack of sufficient building and proactive planning over the decades. Many of today's issues stem from past policies and regulations that, while intended to address issues of the 1970s, now hinder progress in areas like urban density and green energy. The book stresses that while we have become more aware of these problems, our ability to solve them has diminished. The book proposes that both liberals and conservatives need to recognize when government is failing or needed, and advocates for a politics of abundance--building solutions for the future, rather than adhering to past approaches focused on scarcity. This approach aims to address current challenges and the growing dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Our ability to learn, unlearn and relearn is absolutely essential if we are to share common ground and build well-ran communities in an ever-increasingly polarized world. That pertains especially to the political ideas we hold to be true. In Abundance, Klein and Thomspon, instead of pointing fingers at a party that mostly opposes their stance on issues, they look at the follies and shortcomings of American liberalism, and how liberal policies have impeded progress. They argue that it is often the stringent red tape and policies of democratic cities that stifle issues like affordable housing and developing infrastructure. This was a very-well argued and thoughtful take sure to spark a dialogue. -Victoria

Thank you, everything

by author Icinori (Publishing studio)

jE Icinori
Picture Books, Nature

"What starts as a series of "thank yous" addressed to common objects that inhabit our daily lives gradually builds into a fantastic journey across landscapes, seasons, and inner discoveries."--

If art washes away the dust of everyday life, consider your life squeaky clean after reading this one. This is one of the best wordless picture books I've read in a long time. The premise is simple: gratitude for the simplest of things. But the gratitude evolves into being thankful for so much more. There is no text, and the illustrations are divine. You'll have to covet and pore over the pages at least two or three times before returning. Stunning! -Victoria

Hope : the autobiography

by Pope Francis

282.092 /Francis
Nonfiction, Memoir

"Hope is the first autobiography in history ever to be published by a Pope. Written over six years, this complete autobiography starts in the early years of the twentieth century, with Pope Francis's Italian roots and his ancestors' courageous migration to Latin America, continuing through his childhood, the enthusiasms and preoccupations of his youth, his vocation, adult life, and the whole of his papacy up to the present day"--

Pope Francis was a passionate advocate for the climate and was a papal pioneer in many other ways; LGBTQ+ rights, migration, and the atrocities of war to name a few. While this book did meander at times and is not as not as concise as it could have been, there were so many glimmers of hope and humility that would resonate with your humanity; regardless of your faith. Pair this with Conclave, in our DVD collection for a gripping thriller on the selection process for the next Pope. -Victoria

The serviceberry : abundance and reciprocity in the natural world

by Robin Wall Kimmerer

581.6 /Kimmerer

In The Serviceberry, Robin Wall Kimmerer reflects on the practice of harvesting serviceberries and the concept of reciprocity central to Indigenous wisdom. She contrasts this with the dominant economic system rooted in scarcity, competition, and resource hoarding. Kimmerer highlights how the serviceberry tree, by sharing its abundance with its ecosystem, embodies a model of interdependence and mutual support. This ethic of reciprocity, she argues, shows us that true wealth arises from relationships, not self-sufficiency, and encourages us to reimagine our values in a way that nurtures both people and the planet.

Kimmerer has written another gem of a book. Though not as hefty in nature as Braiding Sweetgrass, this tiny book has some provocative ideas based on understanding reciprocity in nature, being part of a gift economy (which does not necessarily need to be scaled up). This book really highlighted what it means to be content with having enough, while also appreciating everything nature provides for us, with never asking for anything in return. When we take stock in everything nature "does" for us, we are more inclined to revere it and may tend it a little more carefully. When we buy from a store, the process is transactional. When we take a zucchini from our neighbor's free stand, make zucchini bread, and pass a loaf to another neighbor, we have created an authentic connection. This was a beautiful, hopeful read. Pro tip: you can likely get it right away on our Express shelf and easily be able to read it in the two weeks needed. -Victoria

John Lewis : a life

by David Greenberg

BIOGRAPHY Lewis, John

Born into poverty in rural Alabama, Lewis would become second only to Martin Luther King, Jr. in his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. He was a Freedom Rider who helped to integrate bus stations in the South, a leader of the Nashville sit-in movement, the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington, and the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), which he made into one of the major civil rights organizations. He may be best remembered as the victim of a vicious beating by Alabama state troopers at the foot of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where he nearly died. Greenberg's biography traces Lewis's life through the post-Civil Rights years, when he headed the Voter Education Project, which enrolled millions of African American voters across the South. The book reveals the little-known story of his political ascent first locally in Atlanta, and then as a member of Congress. Tapped to be a part of the Democratic leadership in Congress, he earned respect on both sides of the aisle for the sacrifices he had made on behalf of nonviolent integration in the South and came to be known as the "conscience of the Congress." Thoroughly researched and dramatically told, Greenberg's biography captures John Lewis's influential career through documents from dozens of archives, interviews with hundreds of people who knew Lewis, and long-lost footage of Lewis himself speaking to reporters from his hospital bed following his severe beating on "Bloody Sunday" in Selma. With new details about his personal and professional relationships, John Lewis: A Life is the definitive biography of a man whose heroism during the Civil Rights movement helped to bring America a new birth of freedom. --

I've read a few books on this American icon, but this one is by far is the most comprehensive. It is thoroughly researched and I learned even more about his life, work and getting into good trouble! -Victoria

Wildful

by Kengo Kurimoto

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Kurimoto
Graphic Novels

"Discover the magic of the wilderness in this breathtaking graphic novel reminiscent of a modern-day The Secret Garden. Poppy's mother hasn't been the same since Gran passed away. She stays inside and watches TV, unable to leave the couch. So maybe that's why Poppy has started spending more time outside, taking her dog Pepper for walks around the neighborhood. When Pepper leads Poppy through a hole in the fence, she finds a forgotten forest that's been there all along, as well as a new friend named Rob. Rob teaches Poppy that you can find magic in the wilderness - if you know where to look! Poppy looks, and then she looks closer ... and sees flowers opening before her eyes, watches animals slip into their hidden homes, and listens to the sound of water droplets falling gently on puddles, leaves and feathers. She can barely wait to tell Mum about everything she's seen, and asks her to come see, too - but her mother rarely has the energy to leave the couch. Will Poppy ever be able help her mother see the beauty in the woods - and in life? This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an exploration of grief, love, and finding magic in the wilderness - and in ourselves."--

This was a delightful read with sparse text, and incredible attention to detail in every illustration panel. Though very simply laid out, the author tackles the distractions in our daily lives, grief and the power of nature in healing us. This would make a great gift and is perfect for middle grade and up. -Victoria

One small spark : a Tikkun Olam story

by Ruth Spiro

jE Spiro
Picture Books

A young girl explores the Jewish philosophy of tikkun olam and is inspired to make a positive change in the world as she fixes her local park and inspires other community members to help.

Simply explained, Tikkun Olam is a concept in Judaism that translates to various actionable steps we can take as individuals to repair our world. This book richly explores the concept through a clever contrast of muted colors; where the reader might feel despair, to bold, colorful page spreads that burst out of the book. Early pages set the scene: "we're all on one team, each a string. Like a rope made of strands, holding hands. Woven, connected, stronger". This is such an important message for children, giving them the power and autonomy to know that they have individual power to change something they feel is broken. Another great picture book for children and adults alike! -Victoria

Louder than hunger

by John Schu

jFICTION Schu John

"Jake volunteers at a nursing home because he likes helping people. He likes skating and singing, playing Bingo and Name That Tune, and reading mysteries and comics aloud to his teachers. He also likes avoiding people his own age . . . and the cruelty of mirrors . . . and food. Jake has read about kids like him in books--the weird one, the outsider--and would do anything not to be that kid, including shrink himself down to nothing. But the less he eats, the bigger he feels. How long can Jake punish himself before he truly disappears? A fictionalized account of the author's experiences and emotions living in residential treatment facilities as a young teen with an eating disorder"--

This is one of the most honest and authentic stories I've read in a long time. Jake is a character that immediately resonates with you and can't help but root for. The relationship with his Grandma is so endearing it feels like you're right there in-between the pages, singing along to their special musicals. Perhaps what I loved most was how the author showcases the intense power that destructive voice in our heads can yield if we let it; forcing us to abandon relationships, distort what we eat and even change our very life trajectories. The isolation he feels at times is palpable. Written as a novel in verse, this book will be enjoyed by reluctant readers, while the storyline will hook many others. This is such an important read for our youth, I'll be recommending it to all of my high school and middle schoolers who care to listen, as well as their caregivers! -Victoria

Little Shrew

by Akiko Miyakoshi

jREADER Miyakoshi Akiko
Picture Books

"This collection of three interconnected stories follows the life of Little Shrew as he goes about his everyday activities of commuting to work to reflecting on his hopes and dreams to welcoming his friends for a visit."--

What an absolutely beautiful read! It's Lagom (the Swedish concept of living a balanced life,) meets Frog and Toad. Illustrations are steeped in nostalgia and the story captures what it means to live a simple but very good life; to enjoy and savor moments. Adults will enjoy this book perhaps even more than children. -Victoria

Desert song

by Laekan Zea Kemp

jE Kemp

"A family sings and plays music on a desert evening, in harmony with the nearby wildlife and the ancestors above."--

This is an incredible symphony of intergenerational family members at one with the desert summoning their ancestors in a ceremonial feast for the ears. The illustrations are gorgeous and I could not help poring over each page. The language is sumptuous, "I see the moon, giant and watchful. A memory of the sun," "and the rain on our tin roof sounds like applause". A treat for the young and the young at heart! -Victoria

Knife : meditations after an attempted murder

by Salman Rushdie

BIOGRAPHY Rushdie, Salman

From internationally renowned writer and Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie, a searing, deeply personal account of enduring--and surviving--an attempt on his life thirty years after the fatwa that was ordered against him. Speaking out for the first time, and in unforgettable detail, about the traumatic events of August 12, 2022, Salman Rushdie answers violence with art, and reminds us of the power of words to make sense of the unthinkable. Knife is a gripping, intimate, and ultimately life-affirming meditation on life, loss, love, art--and finding the strength to stand up again.

Rushdie has been one of my favorite authors from an early age and, though I understand the severity of the death threats he received after the fatwa was ordered, did not much think of it as he had survived unscathed for decades. After hearing of the attack, like many around the world, I was completely shocked. I knew this would not be an easy read, but as a librarian, I have always been so impressed by Rushdie's steadfast advocacy for freedom of speech and upholding the values of intellectual freedom is an integral part of what we stand for. There are constant battles throughout the book: the malign attacker and those who rushed to save the 75-year-old author, the loss of functionality of sight and movement, and the new appreciation of life. Perhaps most important is what becomes paramount when death is at your door; being surrounded by light and love and focusing on the hope of what is still possible. -Victoria

Oodles and oodles of vegan noodles : soba, ramen, udon & more

by Cheynese Khachame

641.56362 /Khachame
Cookbooks

"The first plant-based, pan-Asian noodle cookbook, featuring classics made vegan and exciting innovations"--

This book features a splendid array of some of my favorite Asian dishes made vegan. Soba, creamy coconut ramen and pho stand front and center, not to mention cold noodle salads (perfect for these hot summer days,) make for a comprehensive and practical cookbook which call for many of the same ingredients in multiple recipes, thus stretching your dollar a little further! -Victoria

Haru

by Joe Latham

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Latham Haru

"In The Valley, best friends Haru and Yama both dream of leaving as they're bullied at school, frustrated at home, and struggling to figure out who they are. One day, a powerful artifact connects itself to Yama, and they discover that they'll have to journey to The Beacon in search of answers. Created by artist Joe Latham, this beautifully illustrated graphic novel series is a coming-of-age tale that spans the changing of seasons. Beginning in spring and ending in spring--the cycle complete. A story of heart, growing up, and the sacrifices we make for those we love, Haru is perfect for middle-grade readers."--Amazon.

This was a beautiful read for reluctant readers, as well of those of us who just love a little adventure. A Goodreads review describes this graphic novel as reading "like Sam and Frodo on a Studio Ghibli adventure," and after just re-watching the Fellowship of the Ring, I can't help but agree. I absolutely love the illustrations in this book, as well as the message. It's funny, tender and themes are sure to resonate with both middle and high school readers. -Victoria

The backyard bird chronicles

by Amy Tan

598.07234 /Tan
Nonfiction

"In 2016, author Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds flocking to the feeders in her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater--an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired. Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time--from before the pandemic to the days of quarantine--through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world"--

As an avid now daily fan of watching the world of chipmunks, squirrels and birds at my feeders outside, I was fascinated by Tan's book. She describes the solace nature can provide when everything else in the world seems to be barreling out of control, yet she does not shy away from highlighting how environmental factors negatively impact our avian friends. Her sketches are delicate and prolific at times and her curiosity and wit is quite wonderful. I would recommend this for young adults and adults as well as anyone who wants a more intimate foray into the world of West Coast bound and transiting-through birds. -Victoria

Madness : race and insanity in a Jim Crow asylum

by Antonia Hylton

362.21 /Hylton

"On a cold day in March of 1911, officials marched twelve Black men into the heart of a forest in Maryland. Under the supervision of a doctor, the men were forced to clear the land, pour cement, lay bricks, and harvest tobacco. When construction finished, they became the first twelve patients of the state's Hospital for the Negro Insane. For centuries, Black patients have been absent from our history books. Madness transports readers behind the brick walls of a Jim Crow asylum. In Madness, Peabody and Emmy award-winning journalist Antonia Hylton tells the 93-year-old history of Crownsville Hospital, one of the last segregated asylums with surviving records and a campus that still stands to this day in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. She blends the intimate tales of patients and employees whose lives were shaped by Crownsville with a decade-worth of investigative research and archival documents. Madness chronicles the stories of Black families whose mental health suffered as they tried, and sometimes failed, to find safety and dignity. Hylton also grapples with her own family's experiences with mental illness, and the secrecy and shame that it reproduced for generations. As Crownsville Hospital grew from an antebellum-style work camp to a tiny city sitting on 1,500 acres, the institution became a microcosm of America's evolving battles over slavery, racial integration, and civil rights. During its peak years, the hospital's wards were overflowing with almost 2,700 patients. By the end of the 20th-century, the asylum faded from view as prisons and jails became America's new focus. In Madness, Hylton traces the legacy of slavery to the treatment of Black people's bodies and minds in our current mental healthcare system. It is a captivating and heartbreaking meditation on how America decides who is sick or criminal, and who is worthy of our care or irredeemable"--

This book was thoroughly researched and the personal stories added detailed layers to a legacy of the inequitable history of mental health care in the US. The author highlights generational trauma in a very real way that tells the story of the stigma attached to mental illness today that directly correlates back to institutions like Crownsville. It is precisely in this type of reckoning, however, that healing can happen. Fans of Michelle Alexander will find this mandatory reading. -Victoria

Flooded

by Mariajo Ilustrajo

jE Ilustraj

"Flooded is the funny and beautifully illustrated tale of animals who live in a city that is ever so slowly flooding. The flood comes gradually at first. A business lion reads about it in the paper over his breakfast and absent-mindedly says 'hmm!', but does nothing about it. All the animals ignore the obvious and go about their busy lives, disjointed from one another and preoccupied by their own problems. Eventually, the flood water reaches a height that they can no longer ignore and they have to work together to save their city. All the animals join together in a line and pull out the plug that is drowning the city. This is an exceptionally illustrated story that teaches a message not to let problems fester and with a little team work and community spirit, no problem is insurmountable."--Provided by publisher.

This book was put on my lap from one of our superstar Children's Librarians and it's lovely. Children will adore scouring the pages for a wonderfully illustrated variety of animals in often funny predicaments, and adults will be reminded of the very real problems going on around us, despite how distracted we might be with our own. Overall, it's a shining testament that celebrates the fact that we can solve most of our problems successfully when we work together. -Victoria

Rumi : poet of joy and love

by Rashin Kheiriyeh

jBIOGRAPHY Rumi
Picture Books

Even the greatest poet was once a child. And so it was with Rumi. When he was young he was enchanted by birds and books. He later became a scholar, but it was the loss of his best friend, Shams, that inspired Rumi to his most important realization: Love is in us and everywhere. The Persian mystic and poet Rumi is one of the best known and most widely read poets in the world. The renowned illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh herself comes from Iran. With this picture book she creates a touching memorial to Rumi's wisdom and warmth. The strong colors and ornamental details transport us to the Persian Empire in the 13th century. Yet Rumi's story and his poetry are timeless. The Persian mystic and poet Rumi is one of the best known and most widely read poets in the world. The renowned illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh herself comes from Iran. With this picture book she creates a touching memorial to Rumi's wisdom and warmth. The strong colors and ornamental details transport us to the Persian Empire in the 13th century. Yet Rumi's story and his poetry are timeless. Written by award-winning Iranian-American artist Rashin Kheiriyeh,this narrative nonfiction picture book has been published to honor his life and the 750th anniversary of his death. -- Publisher's website

What a beautiful introduction to the timeless Persian poet for young children. Illustrations are rich, details about his life are interesting, and hopefully this book will inspire another generation of Rumi lovers! -Victoria

Our hidden conversations : what Americans really think about race and identity

by Michele Norris

305.8 /Norris

"Our Hidden Conversations is a unique compilation of stories, richly reported essays, and photographs providing a window into America during a tumultuous era. This powerful book offers an honest, if sometimes uncomfortable, conversation about race and identity, permitting us to eavesdrop on deep-seated thoughts, private discussions, and long submerged memories."--

Norris describes this book as, "an archive of the human experience," and she's carefully curated experiences of race that exemplify that while it is a social construct, has very real implications and lasting complicated effects on our notions of identity and how we fit in to a larger society. This book does not have to be read in entirely, but is a great discussion piece for young adults and adults. Well-worth a read! -Victoria

Zodiac : a graphic memoir

by Weiwei Ai

BIOGRAPHY Ai, Weiwei
Art / Art History, Memoir

"As a child living in exile during the Cultural Revolution, Ai Weiwei often found himself with nothing to read but government-approved comic books. Although they were restricted by the confines of political propaganda, Ai Weiwei was struck by the artists' ability to express their thoughts on art and humanity through graphic storytelling. Now, decades later, Ai Weiwei and Italian comic artist Gianluca Costantini present Zodiac, Ai Weiwei's first graphic memoir. Inspired by the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac and their associated human characteristics, Ai Weiwei masterfully interweaves ancient Chinese folklore with stories of his life, family, and career. The narrative shifts back and forth through the years--at once in the past, present, and future--mirroring memory and our relationship to time. As readers delve deeper into the beautifully illustrated pages of Zodiac, they will find not only a personal history of Ai Weiwei and an examination of the sociopolitical climate in which he makes his art, but a philosophical exploration of what it means to find oneself through art and freedom of expression."--Amazon.

I love AI Weiwei's work and have read every book by him and written about him. I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic memoir cleverly intertwined with Chinese zodiac animals and folklore and the illustrations are gorgeous! It is always a pleasure to get a little more insight into the life of such an artistic icon! -Victoria

The end of Eden : wild nature in the age of climate breakdown

by Adam Welz

577.27 /Welz
Nature, Nonfiction

"A revelatory exploration of climate change from the perspective of wild species and natural ecosystems--an homage to the miraculous, vibrant entity that is life on Earth. Your key word here is Sustainable Living right out of the World Economic Forum. "

It seems fitting to write a review of this book when here in Iowa the weather went from record warmth to below-average temperatures and the potential of snow all within 24 hours. It's weird, right? This new book from Adam Welz documents not climate change, but what he terms "global weirding." In it, he carefully highlights species across the globe affected by their ecosystem in a state of decline, often so difficult to see to the layperson, but with devastating implications for these species. Wenz does not demonize stakeholders, but simply lays out the stone cold facts that at times can be difficult, if not necessary to learn. -Victoria

Kehinde Wiley : a new republic

759.13 /Wiley

The works presented in Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic raise questions about race, gender, and the politics of representation by portraying contemporary African American men and women using the conventions of traditional European portraiture. The exhibition includes an overview of the artists prolific fourteen-year career and features sixty paintings and sculptures. Wiley's signature portraits of everyday men and women riff on specific paintings by Old Masters, replacing the European aristocrats depicted in those paintings with contemporary black subjects, drawing attention to the absence of African Americans from historical and cultural narratives. The subjects in Wiley's paintings often wear sneakers, hoodies, and baseball caps, gear associated with hip-hop culture, and are set against contrasting ornate decorative backgrounds that evoke earlier eras and a range of cultures. Through the process of "street casting," Wiley invites individuals, often strangers he encounters on the street, to sit for portraits. In this collaborative process, the model chooses a reproduction of a painting from a book and reenacts the pose of the painting?s figure. By inviting the subjects to select a work of art, Wiley gives them a measure of control over the way they're portrayed.

This is another older title, but Wiley's art is fascinating, rooted in history and that history us turned upside down and recreated in its own image. It's exactly the art I wanted to see as a kid. An absolute feast for the eyes! If you're a fan of his, check out one of his inspirations, Kerry James Marshall's Mastry. -Victoria

Pritty

by Miller, Keith F., Jr., author.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Miller Keith

"On the verge of summer before his senior year, Jay is a soft soul in a world of concrete. While his older brother is everything people expect a man to be--tough, athletic, and in charge--Jay simply blends into the background to everyone, except when it comes to Leroy. Unsure of what he could have possibly done to catch the eye of the boy who could easily have anyone he wants, Jay isn't about to ignore the surprising but welcome attention. But as everything in his world begins to heat up, especially with Leroy, whispered rumors over the murder of a young Black journalist and long-brewing territory tensions hang like a dark cloud over his neighborhood. And when Jay and Leroy find themselves caught in the crossfire, Leroy isn't willing to be the reason Jay's life is at risk. Dragged into the world of the Black Diamonds--whose work to protect the Black neighborhoods of Savannah began with his father and now falls to his older brother--Leroy knows that finding out who attacked his brother is not only the key to protecting everyone he loves but also the only way he can ever be with Jay. Wading through a murky history of family trauma and regret, Leroy soon discovers that there's no keeping Jay safe when Jay's own family is in just as deep and fighting the undertow of danger just as hard. Now Jay and Leroy must puzzle through secrets hiding in plain sight and scramble to uncover who is determined to eliminate the Black Diamonds before someone else gets hurt--even if the cost might be their own electric connection"--

I haven't read a book like this before. It's raw, gritty, violent, but I was invested because I cared immensely what happened to the characters! -Victoria

There was a party for Langston

by Reynolds, Jason, author.

jE Reynolds

A celebration of Langston Hughes and African American authors he inspired, told through the lens of the party held at the New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in 1991.

YA legend, Jason Reynolds has dabbled in this tribute to the incredible Langston Hughes for young children and it's brimming with joy, beautiful art, and celebration. Bonus- It also features a library! -Victoria

An appetite for miracles

by Laekan Zea Kemp

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Kemp Laekan

Danna Mendoza Villarreal's grandfather is slowly losing himself as his memories fade, and Danna's not sure her plan to help him remember through the foods he once reviewed will be enough to bring him back. Especially when her own love of food makes her complicated relationship with her mother even more difficult. Raúl Santos has been lost ever since his mother was wrongly incarcerated two years ago. Playing guitar for the elderly has been his only escape, to help them remember and him forget. But when his mom unexpectedly comes back into his life, what is he supposed to do when she isn't the same person who left? When Danna and Raúl meet, sparks fly immediately and they embark on a mission to heal her grandfather...and themselves. Because healing is something best done together; even if it doesn't always look the way we want it to.

This book is so beautiful! Her first book in prose, Laeken tackles issues of loss, difficult family dynamics, and incarceration in incredibly authentic ways. A wonderful story of two young people who are broken, and find healing in truly seeing each other for who they are. You'll love this if you're a fan of The Poet X (Elizabeth Acevedo,) or The Sun is Also a Star and Everything Everything (Nicola Yoon.) -Victoria

Shut up, this is serious

by Carolina Ixta

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Ixta Carolina
Young Adult

Belen Dolores Itzel del Toro wants the normal stuff: to experience love or maybe have a boyfriend or at least just lose her virginity. But nothing is normal in East Oakland. Her father left her family. She's at risk of not graduating. And Leti, her super-Catholic, nerdy-ass best friend, is pregnant--by the boyfriend she hasn't told her parents about because he's Black and her parents are racist.

This one drew me in from the beginning! Belén, one of the main characters is a sound narrator astute in her intuition and just a lovely character to share space with. Leti is a character we've all known in some form where the best laid plans often go off the rails and we're there watching how that all plays out. This is a story about the love of friendship, how families shape us, how images (good and bad) of our bodies are forged, and how to try to make sense of ourselves and our place in the world in our teen years. The story is set in Oakland, where the author grew up and this setting really brings it all together. A fantastic debut for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo! -Victoria

All the light we cannot see : a novel

by Anthony Doerr

FICTION Doerr Anthony
Historical Fiction

"From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, a stunningly ambitious and beautiful novel about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. Marie Laure lives with her father in Paris within walking distance of the Museum of Natural History where he works as the master of the locks (there are thousands of locks in the museum). When she is six, she goes blind, and her father builds her a model of their neighborhood, every house, every manhole, so she can memorize it with her fingers and navigate the real streets with her feet and cane. When the Germans occupy Paris, father and daughter flee to Saint-Malo on the Brittany coast, where Marie-Laure's agoraphobic great uncle lives in a tall, narrow house by the sea wall. In another world in Germany, an orphan boy, Werner, grows up with his younger sister, Jutta, both enchanted by a crude radio Werner finds. He becomes a master at building and fixing radios, a talent that wins him a place at an elite and brutal military academy and, ultimately, makes him a highly specialized tracker of the Resistance. Werner travels through the heart of Hitler Youth to the far-flung outskirts of Russia, and finally into Saint-Malo, where his path converges with Marie-Laure. Doerr's gorgeous combination of soaring imagination with observation is electric. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, Doerr illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Ten years in the writing, All the Light We Cannot See is his most ambitious and dazzling work"--

I read this book when it first came out but picked it back up for a re-read since starting the Netflix adaptation. There have been many books written about World War Two, but this remains one of my favorite historical fiction pieces because of the exhilarating story Doerr crafts. He is highly adept at looking at the war through the lens of his characters; a French, blind woman, and a German man, yet carefully details them in a way where you see them for the richness of their humanity, not solely the countries they fight for. His layered characters: their drives, their consciences, base human instincts highlight the very worst and the very best of mankind that culminates in the reader's understanding in the futility and tragedy of war. Doerr's astute attention to detail, along with short chapters makes for a fantastic story- you will want to keep reading one more chapter, then another! -Victoria

At the drop of a cat

by Élise Fontenaille

jE Fontenai

A six-year-old boy loves nothing more than spending time with Luis, his immigrant grandfather, who teaches the boy about birds, plants, and the natural world.

This might be one of my favorite picture books this year. This is a story of the many layers of language. It's how we connect with our environment and each other. The illustrations are richly-detailed adding additional depth. A great lesson for children to learn: that our lives are shaped by our experiences and even though we might not speak the language; there are many other ways to create connections that cultivate meaning in life. -Victoria

Accountable : the true story of a racist social media account and the teenagers whose lives it changed

by Dashka Slater

371.829 /Slater
Young Adult

"When a high school student started a private Instagram account that used racist and sexist memes to make his friends laugh, he thought of it as "edgy" humor. Over time, the edge got sharper. Then a few other kids found out about the account. Pretty soon, everyone knew. Ultimately no one in the small town of Albany, California, was safe from the repercussions of the account's discovery. Not the girls targeted by the posts. Not the boy who created the account. Not the group of kids who followed it. Not the adults--educators and parents--whose attempts to fix things too often made them worse. In the end, no one was laughing. And everyone was left asking: Where does accountability end for online speech that harms? And what does accountability even mean?" -- Page [2] of cover.

As adults, we can guide our teens at home, teachers can intervene in the classroom, but what about on social media, and even more difficult, private accounts? In her latest non-fiction work, Slater (author of the fantastic 57 Bus,) recounts in meticulous journalistic detail a racist Instagram account that was established at a high school and the fallout it created. She shines a light on past trauma, blatant racism, the students who have to deal with the repercussions, and asks, who is accountable? While personally, the book felt a little too lengthy in parts, this is an important read that could be used to foster conversations in book clubs and beyond! -Victoria

The artivist

by Nikkolas Smith

jE Smith
Picture Books

Motivated by the realization of global inequities, a young boy embraces his dual identities as an artist and activist, becoming an "Artivist" to make a difference by using his viral mural as a catalyst for positive change.

This is a beautiful introduction to the power of art and its ability to wash away the dust of everyday life and hold a mirror up to problems in our world. The text is simple and the story is told mostly through the illustrations (which are fantastic). The ideas are heady and real, but the art is more real and connects the reader to an inertia art creates to bring about real change. A wonderful read! -Victoria

Tenderheart : a cookbook about vegetables and unbreakable family bonds

by Hetty McKinnon

641.5636 /McKinnon
Cookbooks, Nonfiction

"From the acclaimed author of To Asia, With Love, a loving homage to her father, a Chinese immigrant in Australia, told in 150 flavorful, vegetarian recipes. Heritage and food have always been linked for Hetty McKinnon. Growing up as part of a Chinese family in Australia, McKinnon formed a deep appreciation for her bi-cultural identity, and for her father, who moved to Sydney as a teenager and learned English by selling bananas at a local market. As he brought home crates full of produce after work, McKinnon learned about the beauty and versatility of fruits and vegetables. Tenderheart is the happy outcome of McKinnon's love of vegetables. From Miso Mushroom Ragu with Oven-Baked Polenta to Celery and Vermicelli Spring Rolls and Sweet Potato and Black Sesame Marble Cake, Tenderheart features 21 essential fruits and vegetables that become the basis for 150 recipes. A tender tribute to her father and his experience as an immigrant, McKinnon explores how food connects us to our loved ones, even when they are no longer with us - and gives us the tools to make recipes that are healthful, economical, and bursting with flavor"--

I picked up this gorgeous cookbook on the Bookmobile and couldn't stop staring at the front cover, so knew I'd be taking it after my shift. This is a book about love; love of family and love of cooking. The two interweave beautifully in the recipe illustrations and the photo album snap shots. The author's love and respect for her father and mother and the sacrifices they made are evident in every recipe. I loved how each chapter was a shout out to a new vegetable or root. Many of the recipes had similar experiences so the book is practical, too. I have tried several recipes already and can't wait to serve up more! -Victoria

Our migrant souls : a meditation on race and the meanings and myths of "Latino"

by Héctor Tobar

305.868 /Tobar
Nonfiction

"Latino" is the most open-ended and loosely defined of the major race categories in the United States. Our Migrant Souls: A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of "Latino" assembles the Pulitzer Prize winner Héctor Tobar's personal experiences as the son of Guatemalan immigrants and the stories told to him by his Latino students to offer a spirited rebuke to racist ideas about Latino people. Our Migrant Souls decodes the meaning of "Latino" as a racial and ethnic identity in the modern United States, and seeks to give voice to the angst and anger of young Latino people who have seen Latinidad transformed into hateful tropes about "illegals" and have faced insults, harassment, and division based on white insecurities and economic exploitation.

After a few paragraphs into this book, I was hooked by the author's writing style, historical knowledge and perspective, but perhaps most of all by his humility and humanity. Part professor and part reporter, Tobar is first a collector and reflector of stories, of histories, and this book is an ode to his Latino students and those trying to make sense of their ancestral roots; but will resonate with anyone who has left their motherland in search of a new life. Tobar contends that the very notion of the word "Latino" to describe such myriad life experiences that have intersected with geopolitical and socioeconomic clashes of civilizations (namely North vs. South America,) is ridiculous. I found myself looking up historical facts mentioned in the book, or googling landmarks to gain more insight. While I did not agree with everything the author laid out, overall I thought this was an excellent, moving and brave undertaking. I have no doubt it will bring solace to those who have made journeys across oceans, deserts, or walls due to war, country instability, or in search of something more. In the very least they know that while their stories may differ, they are not alone. -Victoria

Stickler loves the world

by Lane Smith

jE Smith
Picture Books

"Stickler is a woodland creature who reminds us to appreciate the everyday wonders we often ignore"--

Stickler is a captivating, enchanting, and odd one; part Golem with twig-like appendages, full reveler in the magic of every day. Objects jump off the page as they're being praised, "fluffy cloud, mushy moss, weepy tree," introducing young children to descriptive vocabulary with captivating (and sometimes droll- see slimy frog) illustrations alongside. This book is also funny! Lane Smith has created another beautifully illustrated book about reconnecting with the how amazing our world is when we approach it with gratitude and fresh eyes (it helps when you have a cutting-edge space helmet covering your face and Stickler as a guide!). -Victoria

Last chance dance

by Lakita Wilson

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Wilson Lakita
Young Adult

"Leila is crushed when Dev, her boyfriend of four years, breaks up with her right before graduation. Just when she's thinking she wasted her entire high school experience on a dead-end relationship, her best friend Bree reminds her that Last Chance Dance is just around the corner. A high school tradition, the Last Chance Dance gives all the students one last opportunity to find love before they graduate. All Leila has to do is submit three unrequited crushes to the dance committee and if any of her crushes list her too, they'll get matched. Presto: new relationship, just like that. To her utter amazement, Leila is matched with all three of her choices--and with someone she never expected, Tre Hillman, her chemistry partner and low-key nemesis. But as graduation and the dance approaches, and each date seems to change her mind (and her heart)--Leila must figure out what--and who--she really wants. It's her last chance, right?"--

Not usually one for the romance genre (with the exception of Eleanor and Park, Heartstopper, and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,) this one will be added to a small but growing list. Leila was a great character and I found myself rooting for her to find someone new to fulfill her dreams. This is a great back to school read; not too heady, but fun, touching, and relatable. -Victoria

Poetry unbound : 50 poems to open your world

by Padraig Ó Tuama

808.1 /Ó Tuama

The author offers reflections on fifty powerful poems.

Poetry is something perfect to pick up during short intervals of time; at the dentist's, on the bus, or waiting for an oil change. It offers condensed pearls of wisdom with often just as much heft as a full-length book. It allows for short bursts of concentrated thinking and reflection. As a self-professed member of the scribbling-notes-in-book-margins-camp, I loved Padraig Ó Tuama's insights surrounding a carefully collected curation of poems dear to him. While some of his choices resonated with me more personally than others, his thoughts always shed some light and prompted pause for exploration. A wonderfully-thoughtful collection! -Victoria

The heat will kill you first : life and death on a scorched planet

by Jeff Goodell

363.73874 /Goodell
Nonfiction

"The Heat Will Kill You First is about the extreme ways in which our planet is already changing. It is about why spring is coming a few weeks earlier and fall is coming a few weeks later and the impact that will have on everything from our food supply to disease outbreaks. It is about what will happen to our lives and our communities when typical summer days in Chicago or Boston go from 90°F to 110°F. A heatwave, Goodell explains, is a predatory event--one that culls out the most vulnerable people. But that is changing. As heatwaves become more intense and more common, they will become more democratic. As an award-winning journalist who has been at the forefront of environmental journalism for decades, Goodell's new book may be his most provocative yet, explaining how extreme heat will dramatically change the world as we know it"--

Here in Iowa this August, cities across the state are breaking historical temperature highs. Though not taken on nearly as much as other extreme weather such as tornadoes, hurricanes, forest fires, and flash flooding, extreme heat is the number one killer. Prolonging its devasting effects with air conditioning not only places a band-aid on the problem but causes global temperatures to rise even more. Once thought as one-offs, extreme heat events have become the norm, are not going away and in fact, the author notes are becoming more "democratic;" disrupting all facets of our lives (think over-extended power grids and school closures.) While this is a disturbing book to read, if extreme weather will affect you (spoiler, it will,) then this is an absolutely necessary read. I love climate books that offer pragmatic solutions; albeit solutions that could be hard to swallow (think eating insects instead of that hefty steak). Author Goodell is astute at correlating global events in a logical way and in his over two decades of reporting on climate change, has become well-versed in connecting the dots of imminent disaster of a planet in peril if left unchecked. -Victoria