Casey
My Shelf
I love you, baby burrito
by Angela Dominguez
jE Domingue
Picture Books, Read Woke
"From Pura Belpre honoree Angela Dominguez, Love You Baby Burrito is a modern classic picture book celebrating the act of swaddling a newborn into a baby burrito." -- Provided by publisher.
Our little kitchen
by Jillian Tamaki
jE Tamaki
Picture Books, Diverse Characters, Poetry
"A crew of resourceful neighbors comes together to prepare a meal for their community. Includes a recipe and an author's note about the volunteering experience that inspired the book"--

Picture book perfection, made to be shared! -Casey
The only good Indians : a novel
by Stephen Graham Jones
"Peter Straub's Ghost Story meets Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies in this American Indian horror story of revenge on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Four American Indian men from the Blackfeet Nation, who were childhood friends, find themselves in a desperate struggle for their lives, against an entity that wants to exact revenge upon them for what they did during an elk hunt ten years earlier by killing them, their families, and friends"--

The Only Good Indians is a masterpiece, and not for the faint of heart. If you're up for it, I recommend going into this title cold, cover material only, and no spoilers here! However, I will say that Shaun Taylor-Corbett's narration lends the perfect tone to Stephen Graham Jones's hauntingly beautiful prose. I'm adding it to my 2021 rereads list for the Fall, as I'm still thinking about it and have yet to pick up another novel after finishing weeks ago. -Casey
The dragon thief
by Zetta Elliott
eBOOK
Read Woke, Fantasy, Adventure
Told in two voices, Jax and Kavita, Kavita's brother Vik, and new friend Kenny try to return the baby dragon to the realm of magic before anything else goes wrong.

I'm currently reading this one aloud at bedtime for the second time! No surprises that the sequel to Dragons in a Bag is just as fun. -Casey
Like the moon loves the sky
by Hena Khan
jE Khan
Read Woke, Diverse Characters, Picture Books
Illustrations and prose inspired by the Quran celebrate a mother's love and hopes for her child.

This incredible picture book was inspired by the Quran, and celebrates the love between mothers and daughters. -Casey
Lift
by Minh Lê
jE Le
Read Woke, Diverse Characters, Picture Books, Graphic Novels
From the award-winning and bestselling creators of Drawn Together comes the fantastic tale of a magical elevator that will lift your spirits--and press all the right buttons! Iris loves to push the elevator buttons in her apartment building, but when it's time to share the fun with a new member of the family, she's pretty put out. That is, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious new button opens up entire realms of possibility, places where she can escape and explore on her own. But when she's forced to choose between going at it alone or letting her little brother tag along, Iris finds that sharing a discovery with the people you love can be the most wonderful experience of all. Using their dynamic comics-inspired storytelling, acclaimed author Minh Lê and Caldecott Medal-winning artist Dan Santat carry readers on a journey of ups, downs, and twists and turns that will send hearts--and imaginations--soaring.

DING! ---Looking for a lift?--- -Casey
Mexican Gothic
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
eAUDIO
Read Woke, Historical Fiction, Horror, Suspense
"The acclaimed author of Gods of Jade and Shadow returns with a darkly enchanting reimagining of Gothic fantasy, in which a spirited young woman discovers the haunting secrets of a beautiful old mansion in 1950s Mexico"--

Lovecraft, Machado, Hitchcock, Burroughs, Shelley, and Poe fans will delight in this slow-burn horror. Leave the lights on afterward, they may help with the lingering ghosts. -Casey
Fry bread : A Native American Family Story
by Kevin Noble Maillard
eBOOK
Read Woke, Picture Books

This one has it all! Fabulous rhyming text, wonderful illustrations, and a wealth of backmatter make this a perfect book for sharing in groups or one on one. -Casey
Preaching to the chickens : the story of young John Lewis
by Jabari Asim
jE Asim
Black Lives Matter, Black History, Read Woke, Picture Books, Biographies

John Lewis's early life is chronicled here and it is beautifully done. If you haven't read about how he used to preach to his flock, I can't imagine a more poignant time. -Casey
Clean getaway
by Nic Stone
eBOOK
Black Lives Matter, Read Woke, Adventure, Black History, Travel
"For the life of him, William "Scoob" Lamar can't seem to stay out of trouble--and now the run-ins at school have led to lockdown at home. So when G'ma, Scoob's favorite person on Earth, asks him to go on an impromptu road trip, he's in the RV faster than he can say FREEDOM. With G'ma's old maps and a strange pamphlet called the 'Travelers' Green Book' at their side, the pair takes off on a journey down G'ma's memory lane. But adventure quickly turns to uncertainty: G'ma keeps changing the license plate, dodging Scoob's questions, and refusing to check Dad's voice mails. And the farther they go, the more Scoob realizes that the world hasn't always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren't always what they seem--G'ma included."--Jacket flap.

A clandestine road trip, The Green Book, and a rad G'Ma--Nic Stone's first middle grade novel is perfection! -Casey
Laura dean keeps breaking up with me
by Mariko Tamaki
eBOOK
Read Woke, LGBTQ+, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Diverse Characters

Touching and beautifully rendered in grayscale with occasional splashes of pink, this is a love story for everyone. If you have yet to be kicked to the curb by Laura Dean, it might be time to get dumped. -Casey
Toil & trouble : 15 tales of women & witchcraft
by
YOUNG ADULT FICTION Toil
Young Adult, Read Woke, Short Story, LGBTQ+, Fantasy
"History is filled with stories of women accused of witchcraft, of fearsome girls with arcane knowledge. Toil & Trouble features fifteen stories of girls embracing their power, reclaiming their destinies and using their magic to create, to curse, to cure--and to kill...This collection reveals a universal truth: there's nothing more powerful than a teenage girl who believes in herself"--Publisher.

This collection of short stories , some by YA superstars, casts a charm firm and good. Look for culturally, and LGBTQIA+ diverse characters, strong women, and some worlds you won't want to leave. -Casey
Bedtime bonnet
by Nancy Amanda Redd
jE/Redd
Picture Books, Black Lives Matter, Diverse Characters
As family members braid, brush, twirl, roll, and tighten their hair before bedtime, putting on kerchiefs, wave caps, and other protective items, the little sister cannot find her bonnet.

I can't wait to see this one when it gets in! -Casey
The old truck
by Jarrett Pumphrey
eBOOK
Kids, Picture Books
"On a small family farm, an old truck falls into disrepair and lies nearly forgotten, except by the family's daughter. The truck is been part of her daydreams as she grows up and develops strength and independence. As an industrious young woman, she pulls the rusted and overgrown vehicle from its almost-grave and restores it"--

I love this title about making something old new again, and again, and again. Simultaneously about loving family and respecting items through time, this is one for all the menders and antiquers out there! -Casey
My best friend
by Julie Fogliano
eBOOK
Kids, Picture Books
Two girls quickly become best friends, even before they learn one another's names.

Soaring illustrations accompany lyrical text about what it means to have and be a best friend. This one is a gem! -Casey
Circe : a novel
by Madeline Miller
eAUDIO
Fiction, Literary Fiction, Fantasy
Follows Circe, the banished witch daughter of Helios, as she hones her powers and interacts with famous mythological beings before a conflict with one of the most vengeful Olympians forces her to choose between the worlds of the gods and mortals.

I'm so glad I took the time to listen to Circe. Madeline Miller's writing is lofty yet accessible and her characters highly realized, I loved everything about this title. Look for Circe one on my rereads shelf soon! -Casey
The goose girl
by Shannon Hale
eAUDIO
Kids
On her way to marry a prince she's never met, Princess Anidori is betrayed by her guards and her lady-in-waiting and must become a goose girl to survive until she can reveal her true identity and reclaim the crown that is rightfully hers.

Readers will love cheering for Ani as she learns to take charge of her destiny in this nuanced and clever retelling of a classic fairytale. Though the first installment in the Books of Bayern Trilogy, Goose Girl is a fabulous standalone. I’m loving listening to the full cast audio recording for my reread! -Casey
Where the mountain meets the moon
by Grace Lin
eBOOK
Kids
Minli, an adventurous girl from a poor village, buys a magical goldfish, and then joins a dragon who cannot fly on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon in hopes of bringing life to Fruitless Mountain and freshness to Jade River.

Believing the fantastic tales her father weaves every night, Minli sets out on a quest to change their family’s fortune. If you have yet to read Grace Lin’s Newbery Honor winning modern classic, now might be the perfect time to escape to Fruitless Mountain. -Casey
Over and under the pond
by Kate Messner
eBOOK
Kids

This is a great early nonfiction picture book that can spark all sorts of conversations about “the hidden world, beneath the pond” and the animals that make its waters their home. -Casey
Pride
by Ibi Aanu Zoboi
eBOOK
Young Adult
After the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri is forced to find common ground with Darius, while struggling with her four wild sisters, a handsome boy vying for her attention, and college applications.

A poignant and funny retelling of Pride and Prejudice featuring all characters of color. Definitely one to pick up whether or not you enjoyed or have read the Austen classic. -Casey
Stardust
by Neil Gaiman
SCIENCE FICTION Gaiman, Neil
Fiction, Classics, Fantasy, Romance

Hard to believe that Stardust has been around for just over 20 years! One of, if not the, first book by modern magician, Neil Gaiman, that I read many years ago. Although written with simplistic prose reminiscent of Grimm, and Andersen fairytales, this is a work that is definitely NOT for children. I can hardly wait to cross the wall and seek a fallen star in Faerie again. -Casey
The shortest day
by Susan Cooper
jE Cooper
Picture Books, Nature, Literary Fiction
A celebration of the winter solstice and the Yuletide season. As the sun set on the shortest day of the year, early people would gather to prepare for the long night ahead. They built fires and lit candles. They played music, bringing their own light to the darkness, while wondering if the sun would ever rise again. Written for a theatrical production that has become a ritual in itself, Susan Cooper's poem "The Shortest Day" captures the magic behind the returning of the light, the yearning for traditions that connect us with generations that have gone before-- and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. Richly illustrated by Carson Ellis with a universality that spans the centuries, this beautiful book evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life when we celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth. Welcome Yule!

Lofty, elegant, and achingly beautiful, Carson Ellis's illustrations are the perfect pairing for Susan Cooper's poem. Don't miss this true winter solstice celebration from and for the ages! -Casey
Dragons in a bag
by Zetta Elliott
jFICTION Elliott Zetta
Fantasy, Adventure
In Brooklyn, nine-year-old Jax joins Ma, a curmudgeonly witch who lives in his building, on a quest to deliver three baby dragons to a magical world, and along the way discovers his true calling.--

Count down to the sequel! Super excited to see what happens in Jax's story next. -Casey
The girl and the wolf
by Katherena Vermette
jE Vermette
Read Woke, Picture Books, Nature
"A young girl becomes lost in the woods after wandering too far away from her mother. Scared because she is lost, she encounters a large wolf who reminds her of her own ability to survive and find her mother again."--

A stunning take on the classic "girl meets wolf" tale, just right for sharing. -Casey
Stargazing.
by Jen Wang
jGRAPHIC NOVEL/Wang
Graphic Novels
Growing up in the same Chinese-American suburb, perfectionist Christine and artistic, confident, impulsive Moon become unlikely best friends, whose friendship is tested by jealousy, social expectations, and illness.

I'm so happy it's September! Can hardly wait to get my hands on Jen Wang's latest graphic novel. -Casey
Goodbye, friend! Hello, friend!
by Cori Doerrfeld
jE Doerrfel
Picture Books
Two best friends understand that saying goodbye to one experience means saying hello to the next, but that does not make it easier when one friend has to move away.

Lovely, sweet, and perfect for sharing during times of transition! -Casey
Queen of the sea
by Dylan Meconis
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Meconis
Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, Kids
"When her sister seizes the throne, Queen Eleanor of Albion is banished to a tiny island off the coast of her kingdom, where the nuns of the convent spend their days peacefully praying, sewing, and gardening. But the island is also home to Margaret, a mysterious young orphan girl whose life is upturned when the cold, regal stranger arrives. As Margaret grows closer to Eleanor, she grapples with the revelation of the island's sinister true purpose as well as the truth of her own past. When Eleanor's life is threatened, Margaret is faced with a perilous choice between helping Eleanor and protecting herself."--Provided by publisher.

Inspired by Queen Elizabeth I's time in exile, Queen of the Sea is beautiful and fun! Don't miss out on this fantastic piece of historical fiction. -Casey
Nine months : before a baby is born
by Miranda Paul
jE Paul
Kids, Health, Nonfiction
"As a baby grows in her mother's tummy, a soon-to-be big sister and her family spend nine months preparing for the newest member of the family to arrive."--

A beautifully written story following a family of three as they prepare for another child, featuring life-size illustrations that highlight fetal development through each month of pregnancy. Backmatter includes tons of information for older readers to peruse, making this a perfect book for sharing with siblings awaiting a familial addition or children curious about where babies come from. -Casey
Hakumei & Mikochi : tiny little life in the woods
by Takuto Kashiki
MANGA Kashiki Hakumei
Graphic Novels, Nature, Fantasy, Humor, Short Story
"Deep within a lush, green forest live Hakumei and Mikochi. Making their home in trees, using leaves for umbrellas, and riding bugs for transportation is just part of everyday life for these tiny pals!"--

Nonstop cuteness from start to finish--a sweet slice of teeny tiny life! -Casey
The undefeated
by Kwame Alexander
jE Alexander
Picture Books, Poetry
"The Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree"--

"We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated." --Maya Angelou -Casey
Sweet dreamers
by Isabelle Simler
jE Simler
Picture Books, Nature, Animals
Several different animals settle in for the night, each with their own unique way of sleeping.

Soft and cozy, Simler's latest is a beautiful and informative look at animal sleep habits. Also, it glows under black light! -Casey
Love, Z
by Jessie Sima
jE Sima
Picture Books, Fantasy, Travel, Adventure, Philosophy, LGBTQ+
A little robot named Z finds a message in a bottle signed, "Love, Beatrice" and, unable to learn what love is from other robots, sets out on a quest to find the answer.

Z sets out on a quest to find out what "love" is. On the journey Z might just find a place in your heart. -Casey
Imagine!
by Raúl Colón
jE Colon
Picture Books, Art / Art History, Fantasy
"When a boy visits an art museum and one of the paintings comes to life, he has an afternoon of adventure and discovery [that] changes how he sees the world ever after"--

Colón’s wordless narrative highlights imaginative play utilizing and in response to art, showcasing the way art can affect our creative processes. -Casey
Dreamers
by Yuyi Morales
jE Morales
Picture Books
"An illustrated picture book autobiography in which award-winning author Yuyi Morales tells her own immigration story"--

In telling us her own immigration story, Morales reveals the power that stories, libraries as institutions, and librarians as people have to impact our communities and the world in meaningful ways. And she does so resplendently. -Casey
The stuff of stars
by Marion Dane Bauer
jE Bauer
Picture Books, Science, Nature
Explores the formation of the universe.

An intersection of art and science, breathtaking, highly abstract, and yet tangible--don't miss this one! -Casey
A big mooncake for little star
by Grace Lin
jE Lin
Picture Books, Fantasy, Nature
Reimagines the cycles of the moon as a mother bakes a Big Moon Cookie and, despite Mama's request to wait, Little Star begins nibbling at it every night.

Grace Lin has created a truly distinguished, female-centric, and empowering original folktale. -Casey
My Lists

About Me
Hi, my name is Casey. I am a Librarian in the Children's Department. You can generally find me downtown at the Children's Desk, helping with programming, or doing a storytime at one of our community preschools. When I'm not out and about, I'm behind the scenes ordering books for our youngest readers.
I enjoy reading books of all shapes and sizes but have a particular interest in picture books, board books, early chapter books, graphic novels, manga, and young adult literature--basically if it's written for young people, I'm there! Other reads I enjoy include gardening, cooking, crafting/DIY, nature, art, humorous memoirs, and fairytale retellings. #readwoke
Angela Dominguez's latest book is beyond adorable. Karen G. and I were "oohing" over it when it first came in. I can't wait to share it in Book Babies soon! Anyone who's ever burritoed a baby owes this one a read. -Casey