Victoria

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

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

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 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

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 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

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

This is a fantastic collection of short stories that humanizes mental illness and the negative stigma that is often attached. The scope of fiction alone is impressive, but the stories are heart-felt, authentic and beautiful. I would highly recommend this collection to youth everywhere, as well and those who support them. A must-read! -Victoria

This was a delightful little read about a few different cultural mores surrounding the tooth mouse/ant/fairy. The illustrations are dreamy and humorous and the text is wry and witty in parts. The author delicately handles the work of the tooth mouse and wonderfully introduces a rather distinguished shining star at the top of his tooth collecting game- Tooth Mouse Pérez. Losing a tooth is a rite of passage and Tooth Mouse Pérez is a story that sanctifies the myth of who collects, barters and bestows gifts for our tiny tools of mastication. -Victoria

This was a wonderful read; especially for young adults who get lost sometimes or feel a sense of hopelessness. I loved the winding, genuine stories around the craft of bread making.The recipes are beautiful, some are very simple to make but the wonderful community that stepped up to help Kitty when she needed it most is perhaps my favorite part of the book. Final verdict: baking enthusiasts- you knead to read this! -Victoria

This is an incredibly insightful and powerful book. It tells a story of the caste system, and the how the peoples (namely women,) from the Nat tribes have endured the worst the system affords. This story is about fate, family but mostly destiny carved out by looking beyond what has been pre-ordained for you. Parts of this book are obviously difficult to read, but it is a necessary and wonderful debut. Author Ruchira Gupta is the founder-president of Apne Aap Women Worldwide and Apne Aap International, an organization committed to ending sex trafficking in India. -Victoria

This is a wonderful read. The relationship between Jay and Max is uniquely explored and I think not often captured enough in YA. The back and forth chapters work really effectively to hold even a reluctant reader's attention and the writer contrasts both brother's psyche in an equal but opposite way that works. Past trauma and nature vs. nurture is a common theme throughout. Characters are well developed and I was fascinated to be introduced to and learn more about the Bribri (indigenous people of Costa Rica and Northern Panama). -Victoria

I always appreciate Greta's no-nonsense, pragmatic approach to climate change. In this comprehensive manifesto, she's gathered a myriad of inter-disciplinary experts to drop their sage wisdom on a solution-oriented approach to dealing with a rapidly changing climate. I think young adults and fully-fledged adults interested in climate adaptation would enjoy this read. -Victoria

Jessica Love (author of Julián is a mermaid and Julián at the Wedding,) has created another wonderful picture book. A Bed of Stars follows a child's first camping adventure into the desert with his father. I especially love the way Love creates warm and familiar inter-generational relationships that are so authentic and addresses core fears children have, while also presenting real ways to address them (via loving and patient family members). As an added bonus, you can learn about desert flora and fauna; "we say hello: ocotillo, globemallow, agave". -Victoria

I happened to stumble across this book by accident and was thrilled! What an epic adventure told in intricately detailed panels documenting a small paper boat's trials and tribulations. The illustrations are imaginative, impeccably descriptive and would be enjoyed by many different age groups. -Victoria

This work is an incredible distillation of official legal jargon into pared-down poetry combined with profound art to explore the history and injustice of mass incarceration. It is visceral, overt and absolutely compelling! -Victoria

Although this book is a little simplistic for the avid gardener, it is a great primer for young people and new gardeners. The advice whilst sage, sometimes comes off as a little preachy but overall, this book has a great hopeful message about the positive impact home gardeners, ecologists and those interested in conservation can have on protecting our planet. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and it's worth picking up the book for these alone. -Victoria

I love pretty cookbooks, but I especially love cookbook authors who connect us to their rich family heritage, provide gorgeous recipes that are easy to make and share their passion for gathering around the table on every page. -Victoria

This is a gorgeous and thoroughly entertaining read! Derby creates sumptuously beautiful and unbridled illustations that children are sure to delight in. An absolute feast for the eyes, with a few life lessons on manners tossed in! -Victoria

Beaton (Hark! A Vagrant and the hilarious The Princess and the Pony,) brings a completely different topic to light in this graphic narrative. I really enjoyed this part of her life being told graphically. She captures the interpersonal relationships of the workers in a very authentic way and what people must sacrifice in their lives to gain employment. She also is adept at sharing the duality of the Canadian wilderness and its preservation and how the oil sands are inextricably tied to the degradation of the environment and the implications of short-term profit at the expense of the landscape. -Victoria

This is Viola's story in her own words. What resonated most about this book for me was that despite all of the success she has had, along with all of the talent she possesses, Viola reminds us that sometimes the greatest struggle is the one we have with ourselves. As you might imagine, this book is raw, unfiltered and brutally honest. I love her self-reflection and the way she navigates and comes to terms with the complicated relationships we have with our families; how we love but how we also truthfully reconcile pain. This book is steeped in stories, which Davis admits to herself, she loves. I do, too. I felt as though I was sitting right with her as she is making her peace with her past and promises for her future. -Victoria

This book is a hoot! From the hilariously drawn dogs entertaining each other, to the stealth cat adorned in headband and suspicion, kids will love all of the questions and conversations you can solicit with them on each page. I loved that it was a counting book but also that children have the opportunity to count back from ten to one. The humor is subtle so adults will also enjoy this one and the pages are action-packed to keep even the youngest reader engaged. 10 out of 10! -Victoria

Processing the last two years in America is a feat, let alone the past two hundred. In this photographic journey, one of America's most treasured documentary filmmakers has selected moments in history that resonate with telling the story of this country. I love how not all images are pivotal defining moments; some are simply recollecting everyday life. What's evident is that while the country is relatively new compared with others, it has shared some defining times that are quintessentially American. Seeing this journey in photographs highlights the complexity and struggles, the harrowing moments in history as well as the joyous occasions. Burns last picture is one of hope; that through all of the struggle there is still that propensity towards hope. -Victoria

If you've followed the rise of Tabitha Brown on social media, you know what an unending source of joy and positivity she is. Her love of vegan food (and humanity) shines through in the introductions to her recipes and in her "Tabisms" throughout her book. I especially liked the soup section (perfect for right now) as several of her recipes are very unique. One word of caution: if you are a cook who loves to follow a recipe with precision, this is not the book for you. There are no measurements in this book because, as the title suggests, we are cooking with our spirit (which is exactly how I like to throw down in the kitchen!) -Victoria

The intergenerational joy and relationships cultivated with community and nature are just beautiful in this story. Illustrator of one of my favorite picture books, "The Journey," Sanna's use of color and comic style vignettes on some pages add to the richness of the story. Love, loss, warmth, family, community connectedness and using your past to create a better future are bursting out of the pages of this book. -Victoria

This was an intricately-woven page turner brimming with rich details and beautifully realistic and broken characters. Themes of generational trauma, familial histories and mystical intrigue envelop the plot which is extremely well developed. -Victoria

This books brings home the Greek quote, "A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” MacAskill argues for us to think about others, all over the world and imagine what a world looks like where we invest in the future of humanity. While some of the work he covers is not new material, this is a great ethically focused overall argument to add to the canon. -Victoria

This is a great short memoir about two incredibly talented humans who took a risk, poured their hearts into their art and never stopped grinding. The sparse language, authentic storytelling and illustrations will resonate with young people adamant on carving out their own individual paths in life; and those navigating the larger world while always striving to stay true to themselves. -Victoria

I love the way Sedaris can bring so much humor and levity to the commonplace. His essay on gun control was heartfelt, but not preachy. He unpacked the pandemic with tact, keen observation and truth. While his essays ebbed and flowed and I didn't enjoy every one as much as another, I gleaned something from each one and it was a great read. -Victoria

I'm a big fan of Ed Yong's work and this one is no exception. It's vast in animal knowledge (there is so much information, you may have to re-read pages). It's also so accessible and he always does the leg work for us so everything is distilled into pure gold. What I loved most about this book is how he measures all of the creatures he describes by their own incredible feats and not simply how they measure up to the way humans define them. Many are sentient in ways we can barely begin to understand and Yong points out many times that the ways some of these animals function is unclear- a true scientist! -Victoria

Former Executive Editor of Essence magazine and a 1619 Project contributor, Villarosa pens a compelling argument against what she had believed for decades: that the problem of adverse Black health outcomes in healthcare were because of a lack of education and poverty. After reading a study by Dr. Harold Freeman, she changed her mind concluding that education, wealth and access to good healthcare still did not equate to equitable treatment within the healthcare system. This is an illuminating and meticulously well-researched book that explores racism and bias in the healthcare system like no other I know of. -Victoria

Never having read any of Backman's other books besides A Man Called Ove, I wasn't really sure what to expect with this one. As someone who enjoys looking through other people's windows at night on a dog walk (not in a creepy way, but rather just to watch from afar how their silhouettes eat dinner and mill around,) I like to speculate what their lives are like, so I was really drawn to this story. Backman meanders at times but creates strong, life-like characters with flaws and strengths we might find resonate in all of us. it is brutally honest at times and funny in other parts. I really enjoyed this read and it was a good reminder to always offer grace as we never know what life challenges other people have been through or are currently facing. -Victoria

This is a very heartfelt memoir documenting ten orphaned Irish siblings and the seemingly impossible feat of their widowed father navigating raising said posse. It's hilarious at times and littered with the Irish politics that defined that era; including a story of the family's windows getting blown out by the IRA. There were definitely elements of my childhood in this memoir that resonated. It's a little Father Ted mixed with Derry Girls with a hint of Angela's Ashes. -Victoria

I had no idea who Conan O'Brien's assistant was before I read this book and I must admit I was drawn to the title and the cover picture. I have loved Conan's writing from The Simpsons, to SNL, to his late-night show, so I was intrigued to see who he would hire in an assistant. Turns out she's a sassy-mouthed, VW-lovin, Armenian-American who revels in mediocrity at the best of times and getting the job done only when it's absolutely necessary. The World's Worst Assistant turns the notion of a work ethic on its head and repriotizes a balance of social and professional life-balance. The book, while documenting a somewhat unorthodox boss and assistant relationship, is hilarious and offers insight into O'brien's career which was a solid bonus. -Victoria

A gripping story about the strategies used to take on one of the world's corporate behemoths. The risk small landowners, activists and lawyers took to fight is evident throughout and this is an incredibly well-written page-turner. -Victoria

This book packs a punch of vegan knowlege, realistic recipes and bold flavors that will appeal to vegans and meat-eaters. I've tried several recipes in the book so far and have been really impressed with the final meals! -Victoria