Angie

What if George Washington had accepted a crown instead of the Presidency? And then, what would that monarchy look like in the modern day? The book covers the adventures of four women: Beatrice, the first to-be-queen to reign America on her own; Samantha, her spunky younger sister; Nina, Sam’s loyal best friend; and Daphne, ambitious ex-girlfriend of Sam’s twin brother, Jeff. It does bop between their differing POVs, but it isn’t confusing or jarring. This was a fun YA read with many things that I love - royalty, romance, really well-written female characters. My expectations were high, and they were definitely met! -Angie

Try not to wet your pants as you make your way through this hilarious take on a common childhood mishap. Reuben the bear has a problem. His pants are wet. In, you know, the front and center zone. Reuben is seemingly dumbfounded. Who wet his pants? Let the wild accusations begin. Reuben throws everyone under the bus before coming to terms with the true identity of the culprit. Who Wet My Pants? is a book for us all. It’s sure to be one of the funniest of 2019. -Angie

Fans of the acclaimed first Dactyl Hill chapter book will rejoice for the thrilling second book in the series! Background notes elaborate on the story’s elements. Intelligent, rousing, and abundantly diverse, this is every bit as satisfying as the first installment. Ages 8–12. -Angie

As the sequel to The Witch Boy continue so does Aster’s difficulty in breaking out of his gender role so he can train to be a witch, previously a girl’s only role. His willingness to work hard pays off in his ability to help others, making him likable and ambitious. It is a perfect time to read the sequel as the third book in this series comes out in Nov. 2019. -Angie

Lois Lowry's classic novel smoothly makes its transition to comics, and fans of and newcomers to the book will be captivated by the visual storytelling. -Angie

This meta–early reader begins (between the end pages and the title page) with the famous duo Elephant and Piggie expressing excitement about reading a book about a pig and an elephant who happen to be best friends, just like them. Piggie holds a copy of Harold & Hog Pretend for Real!—which is identical to the book readers are holding, leading them to believe that the characters are reading the same book. Piggie and elephant Gerald then open the cover of the book just as elephant Harold and Hog push it open from the inside, and the story seamlessly shifts to the latter pair’s perspective. Harold and Hog—illustrated with depth and fairly realistically, compared to the cartoonlike Piggie and Gerald—are excited to see the famous duo, and Harold suggests they pretend to be them. Harold then produces round, wire-rimmed glasses for himself and a cartoon pig’s snout for Hog so that they can pretend “for real.” Unfortunately, Hog is “too CAREFUL to be Piggie,” and Harold is “too CAREFREE to be Gerald!” The question then arises: Can Harold and Hog’s friendship survive this game? Building on the popular Elephant and Piggie books and with the frame story contributed by Mo Willems, Santat creates yet another early reader that is at once playful, self-aware, and perceptive in its exploration of the differences of personalities and the complications (or simplicities) of friendship. A hoot for readers who already know Elephant and Piggie. -Kirkus Reviews -Angie

Grandmothers go by many different names, but they are all glamorous and special in their own way, so they are all Glam-mas--especially to the children that they love, and who love them. I love to see all the different and unique names grandma's choose! -Angie

This is a favorite memory of mine! My grandma always had interesting items in her purse and Grandma Mimi in this story is no different! -Angie

Yeti is a very big guy, as yetis usually are. But he’s also a big softie at heart, and more than a little scared of the dark. When he needs to find his favorite toy, Yeti manages to face his fear and bring his toy home again. -Angie

Georgie is afraid of the night, and Dragon is afraid of the knight. Get it? Clever wordplay aside, this darling story of two friends helping each other overcome their fears is sure to be a new favorite in your house, especially if you have a little one trying to conquer their own fears. -Angie

This book is getting rave reviews and was easy to see why. Hey, Kiddo is the graphic memoir of author-illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka. Raised by his colorful grandparents, who adopted him because his mother was an incarcerated heroin addict, Krosoczka didn't know his father's name until he saw his birth certificate when registering for a school ski trip. Hey, Kiddo traces Krosoczka's search for his father, his difficult interactions with his mother, his day-to-day life with his grandparents, and his path to becoming an artist. The artwork does, as intended, look like a memory or dream sequence and adds to the intensity of the book. It is a very honest description of his life growing up and at times can be very dark. Knowing the books he now writes and illustrates for children, it is amazing to see him overcome his upbringing to be the success he is today, it proves to be a very powerful message for everyone to take away. -Angie

If you like British TV you will like this series! Exceptionally well-written, directed, and acted. -Angie

This was a beautifully written story of the love that Lorena Hickok had for Eleanor Roosevelt. -Angie

This is for fans of Hamilton-the-Musical or a solid historical narrative focusing on female characters or historical romance. -Angie

Full of adventure and creepy creatures! A great tween read for fans of Sherlock and Scooby Doo. Scarlett Hart is a brave, adventure seeking, and driven tween girl. Together with her butler Napoleon, they hunt down the monsters that threaten a British-like country reminiscent of the early 20th century. Together they must out-smart and out-hunt her nemesis. -Angie

'Before We Were Yours' is a highly emotional and moving fictional story, inspired by true events. Through the telling of this story, Lisa Wingate sheds light on the despicable real life actions of Georgia Tann, a woman that ran a black market child trafficking ring masked as a legitimate adoption agency for decades in Tennessee. -Angie

A story told through a collection of letters that 10 year old Mamie Anderson sends to Michael Collins in 1969 as he prepares to go to the moon with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. I am not sure what made me pick this book up off the shelf, but I am glad I did. Since I was a child, I have found that I really like reading books in this format, so I was pleasantly surprised when I flipped through to see it was an epistolary story. -Angie

You get all the feels with this TV Drama- have the tissues handy! -Angie

Laurie Berkner's music is always a hit with kids at Storytimes! -Angie

Jim Gill is by far my favorite Children's Singer, we have all of his CD's at the library, and use his music at our Storytimes. Plus, he has done many live concerts for the library over the years! -Angie

I really enjoy this series! The acting, costumes, sets are all very well depicted. You feel as if you are transported to England during some of its' most volatile years as a young Princess Elizabeth becomes the Queen. -Angie

Stella By Starlight was phenomenal, poignant and inspirational. Told through the eyes of twelve year old Stella in 1932, after witnessing the Ku Klux Klan burning a sacrificial crucifix in the middle of the night. Stella lives in a world of segregation, where one day she dreams of a world where everyone is equal, regardless of colour. Slavery may have ended, but the community of Bumblebee will never be free. -Angie

Last week Publisher’s Weekly announced their best books of 2017 list. While looking over the children’s list I came across a couple titles that I had somehow missed, so I have set out to read them before the end of the year. The first one I grabbed was Real Friends by Newbery Honor author Shannon Hale, with artwork by LeUyen Pham. This graphic novel is a semi autobiographical account of Shannon growing up from Kindergarten to fifth grade and finding her real friends. If I told you this book did not bring up memories of my own childhood and finding friends or that I am now going through this with my own 10 year old daughter, I would be lying. I can vividly remember my mother soothing my tears and giving me her best advice on how to deal with the cruel words or actions of the girls. I now have her advice and this book to talk to my daughter with when situations, like being a part of the club arise’s. Like Shannon in the book, there were days when I was part of the club and other days when I suddenly found myself on the outs. That said, I still really enjoyed this book and Shannon’s story. LeUyen did a wonderful job with her artwork to bring out the emotions from Hale’s characters with facial expressions. You will truly feel Shannon’s insecurities, her happiness, her sadness, and her confusion. More importantly, though, you will feel. You’ll be feeling the entire time, but you’ll root for Shannon, and a lot of that comes from Phan’s artwork. This story was perfect for my 10-year-old and really for any child. Real Friends looks at the complex relationships among elementary school girls and by reading it together we were able to discuss important feelings and our reactions. The book echoes to readers that good friends don’t treat you badly and that in the end, all the hard work and the journey that comes with it are worth it. -Angie

Victoria is a very engaging second season on PBS's "Masterpiece" and now released on DVD for all to enjoy. The second season picks up with the story of England's Queen Victoria, beginning with her ascent to the throne in 1837 at age 18. The costumes and sets continue to be gorgeous, the music is striking and the acting is good. -Angie