Staff Picks

Recent Picks

Loud : accept nothing less than the life you deserve book cover
Loud : accept nothing less than the life you deserve book cover

Loud : accept nothing less than the life you deserve

Drew Afualo

158.1 /Afualo
Nonfiction, Self Help

Drew Afualo is best known as the internet's 'Crusader for Women' and is at the head of a new generation of entertainment's rising stars, with more than nine million followers across her social platforms. She soon realized that men on social media were creating sexist content aimed at disparaging women, and also containing rampant fatphobia, racism, and other forms of bigotry with very real-life consequences. It didn't take long for her to step into the role of unofficial watchdog for misogyny, and her signature laugh is now recognized as a feminist call to arms.Loud is part manual, part manifesto, and part memoir. It is a summoning cry to rid the internet (and our hearts, minds, and lives) of 'terrible men' and create a space to fight outdated patriarchal ideals. Above all, it makes it clear that behind Drew's fearsome laugh is a mission and a life philosophy, a strategy for self-confidence from the inside out, and a pathway to once and for all remove men from the centre of how women and fems think about themselves.

Violette's picture

Stemming from her incredibly hilarious and inspiring TikTok account, Drew Afualo's Loud teaches us how to fight back against misogyny & the many injustices faced by women and femmes while being unapologetically ourselves. This book made me feel so empowered and I hope that it brings the same love and light to your life! "You are worth all of the love and respect you put out into the world, and you are destined to receive it." -Violette

Wildful book cover
Wildful book cover

Wildful

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."--

Victoria's picture

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

Work : interviews with people doing jobs they love book cover
Work : interviews with people doing jobs they love book cover

Work : interviews with people doing jobs they love

Shaina Feinberg

j331.702 Feinberg
Nonfiction, Business

"New York Times columnists Shaina Feinberg and Julia Rothman take readers all over the world to explore the furthest reaches of passion and dedication in this collection of interviews. Meet a wildland firefighter, a surfer, a ferry captain, a designer of headscarves, an accessibility specialist, and many other real people doing the creative, fascinating, and often difficult jobs that make the world work. This ode to the wild and limitless range of job possibilities also includes thought-provoking questions designed to open conversations with young readers, as well as tips on how they might conduct an interview themselves"--Publisher.

Anne W's picture

I love hearing about people's cool or unexpected jobs, and this book is packed with 28 short, punchy interviews with diverse people doing an array of fascinating jobs. The illustrations are what really make this book; instead of real photographs, the interviews and quotes (just one spread per job, and a few short paragraphs of text) are accompanied by sweet and beautiful paintings of the subject at work. Ferry captain! Toy shop owner! Prosthetics maker! Street food vendor! -Anne W

Crows : an egg-to-sky story book cover
Crows : an egg-to-sky story book cover

Crows : an egg-to-sky story

Margaret Peot

j598.864 Peot
Kids, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals, Nature

"This book is an introduction to the natural history of crows for children and includes a brief discussion of the difference between crows and ravens, as well as other members of the crow family such as magpies and jays"--

Casey's picture

Here is yet another gorgeous addition to the picture book nonfiction genre! Informative and digestible, Margaret Peot's "Crows: an Egg-to-Sky Story" is just right for sharing with young birders. -Casey

The hate u give book cover
The hate u give book cover

The hate u give

Angie Thomas

YOUNG ADULT FICTION Thomas Angie
Black Lives Matter, Fiction, Young Adult

After witnessing her friend's death at the hands of a police officer, Starr Carter's life is complicated when the police and a local drug lord try to intimidate her in an effort to learn what happened the night Kahlil died.

Violette's picture

The Hate U Give is an incredibly powerful book that got me back into reading after finishing my graduate degree. It was during the Black Lives Matter movement and I found that this book really connected my love of reading with my passion for social justice. I believe that everyone should read The Hate U Give -- it's one of numerous titles in the ICPL's collection that has the power to change you. -Violette

Tidelands book cover
Tidelands book cover

Tidelands

Philippa Gregory

FICTION Gregory Philippa
Historical Fiction

Midsummer's Eve, 1648, England is in the grip of civil war between renegade King and rebellious Parliament. The struggle reaches to every corner of the kingdom, even the remote Tidelands - the marshy landscape of the south coast. Alinor a descendant of wise women, crushed by poverty and superstition, waits in the graveyard under the full moon for a ghost who will declare her free from her abusive husband. Instead, she meets James, a young man on the run and shows him the secret ways across the treacherous marsh, not knowing that she is leading disaster into the heart of her life. Suspected of posessing dark secrets in a suspicious country, Alinor's ambition and determination marks her out from her neighbours. But this is the time of witch-mania, when it is dangerous for a woman to be different....

Anne M's picture

I was in need of a good story and Tidelands fit the bill. Gregory always writes good characters and dialogue and knows her historical settings. You feel thrown in the moments on the page. -Anne M

The bright sword : a novel of King Arthur book cover
The bright sword : a novel of King Arthur book cover

The bright sword : a novel of King Arthur

Lev Grossman

SCIENCE FICTION Grossman Lev
Fantasy, Historical Fiction

"Collum, a brilliantly gifted young knight from the provinces, arrives at Camelot two weeks after the Battle of Camlann, hoping to compete for a spot on the Round Table. But he finds the city empty, King Arthur dead, and the Table destroyed. The remaining six knights aren't the mighty heroes, the legends, like Lancelot and Gawain and Tristram and Galahad. These are the survivors, a grab-bag of minor oddball knights from the margins--Sir Palomides, the Saracen Knight; Sir Bedivere, Arthur's one-handed longtime companion; Sir Dagonet, Arthur's fool, knighted as a joke; Sir Dinadan, a cutting wit who's hiding a deep secret. Arthur's death has exposed the splinters of his kingdom, and a void has opened in the heart of Britain. As power-hungry lords from the north descend on Camelot to seize control of the land, Collum is thrust into the front lines. Here lies the battlefield between pagans and Christians, fantasy and empire, power and destiny. Monsters and fairies are reawakening, the moral center is gone, and the fragile alliances that held Britain together are breaking. It is up to the surviving knights, the rebellious sorceress Nimue, and young Collum to avenge Arthur's murder and save Camelot. Can they re-build the Table and bring back the glory that was Camelot? Should they even try? The first major Arthurian epic of the new millennium, full of duels and quests, battles and tournaments, magic swords and Fisher Kings, The Bright Sword is a story about power and hope, and the struggle for the soul of England between the new Christian God and the old gods of fairy. But most of all it's a story about flawed men and women full of strength and pain who are looking for a way to reforge a broken land, in spite of being broken themselves"--

Brian's picture

I'm a huge fan of Grossman's "Magicians" trilogy, so I was very excited to dive into his new novel. It did not disappoint at all, and it's easily my favorite book of the year. It reimagines Arthurian legend and gives it great emotional heft. It follows the "leftover" knights after Arthur has fallen and fills in their backstories, while bringing a new knight, Collum, into the fold. I highly recommend to readers who enjoy Arthurian legend and those who know nothing about it all. -Brian

Godzilla minus one book cover
Godzilla minus one book cover

Godzilla minus one

DVD MOVIE SF/HORROR Godzillz
Science Fiction

A disgraced kamikaze pilot returns to his obliterated house after witnessing an unbelievable attack on Odo Island. Rebuilding his home and life out of the detritus of the city, he takes in a displaced baby and the woman who found her, creating a family that gives him the courage to bring his neighbors together to fight when the monster returns to Japan while the citizens are already at their lowest point.

Brian's picture

What works so well about Gozilla Minus One is that the creators understand that you have to care about the human characters in monster movies. They pull it off in spades too with an incredibly affecting story about grief, guilt, and found family. Also, the special effects are amazing, and they're even more impressive when you learn that the team that made it was tiny. -Brian

Hokuloa Road book cover
Hokuloa Road book cover

Hokuloa Road

Elizabeth Hand

MYSTERY Hand Elizabet
Fiction, Mystery

"On a whim, Grady Kendall applies to work as a live-in caretaker for a luxury property in Hawai'i, as far from his small-town Maine life as he can imagine. Within days he's flying out to an estate on remote Hokuloa Road, where he quickly uncovers a dark side to the island's idyllic reputation: It has long been a place where people vanish without a trace. When a young woman named Jessie from his flight becomes the next to disappear, Grady is determined - and soon desperate - to figure out what happened to her, and to all those staring out of the island's 'missing' posters. But working with Raina, Jessie's fiercely protective best friend, to uncover the truth is anything but easy, and with an inexplicable and sinister presence stalking his every step, Grady can only hope he'll find the answer before it's too late." -- From jacket flap.

Candice's picture

Elizabeth Hand consistently writes interesting mysteries that have an uncanny weirdness to them, and in Hokuloa Road you get that plus the beautiful setting of Hawaii, with flora, fauna, customs, and lore. Our protagonist, Grady, is a laid-back good guy who gets the job of a lifetime, but soon finds himself enmeshed in a situation that seems to defy explanation, but requires him to keep sleuthing. There are many likable characters here, as well as a satisfying ending. -Candice

The Tea Dragon Society book cover
The Tea Dragon Society book cover

The Tea Dragon Society

Katie (Cartoonist) O'Neill

jGRAPHIC NOVEL O'Neill
Diverse Characters, Adventure, LGBTQ+, Graphic Novels, Kids

After discovering a lost Tea Dragon in the marketplace, apprentice blacksmith Greta learns about the dying art form of Tea Dragon caretaking from the kind tea shop owners.

Violette's picture

The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O'Neill introduces us to an incredible world filled with miniature dragons that, when loved and cared for properly, produce magical tea leaves. When these tea leaves are brewed and consumed, they have the power to share memories. Check out this trilogy for an incredibly heartwarming universe -- complete with a miniature tea dragon guide that I just adored! -Violette

Umami book cover
Umami book cover

Umami

Jacob Grant

jE Grant
Humor, Kids, Picture Books

"Umami is tired of eating cold fish. But fish is what the penguins eat. Fish for every meal and birthdays too. To find new exciting foods, Umami adventures across the sea and discovers flavors and spices that are inspiring! She has to share them. But will the other penguins share her love for these different foods?"--

Casey's picture

Spicy is an adventure! -Casey

The Mesmerist : a novel book cover
The Mesmerist : a novel book cover

The Mesmerist : a novel

Caroline (Caroline Courtney) Woods

FICTION Woods Caroline
Historical Fiction, Suspense

"A tightly plotted page-turner ripped from the headlines of history, as three very different women must work together to stop a killer and save the truest home they've ever known"--

Anne M's picture

Set in 1894 Minneapolis, the backdrop is a new city, teeming with possibilities--and every vice that comes with that. Abby, a progressive crusader and treasurer of the Bethany House for Unwed Mothers is desperately trying to solicit donations and lobby city leaders to support the work of the respite home. She needs to shore up their reputation as their work might not have the support of the incoming mayoral administration. And then Faith shows up. Newly pregnant, unable to speak, wearing an expensive gown, and looking as if she survived a serious act of violence, Faith is welcomed into the house’s community. But she comes with rumors—rumors of the occult, of magic powers, of mesmerism and she is quickly blamed by the other girls in the house for any small misfortune. Abby wants to help the girl—that is her prerogative and the purpose of the Bethany Home. But she also doesn’t want Faith’s reputation to be a blight on their tenuous stance in Minneapolis. She tasks May, Faith’s roommate to figure out how Faith got to Bethany. The answer is far more human than supernatural. -Anne M

Mr. Lepron's mystery soup book cover
Mr. Lepron's mystery soup book cover

Mr. Lepron's mystery soup

Giovanna Zoboli

jE Zoboli
Kids, Picture Books, Nature

Stunning artwork from the acclaimed illustrator of The Midnight Fair illuminates a sweet cautionary tale about a rabbit whose fabled soup-making gets away from him.

Casey's picture

Incredible artwork combines with a delicious story just right for the season. This is a picture book not to miss! -Casey

A little like magic book cover
A little like magic book cover

A little like magic

Sarah Kurpiel

jE Kurpiel
Picture Books

"Our young narrator doesn't like itchy hats or cold wind, and she especially doesn't like going places she's never been before. But she reluctantly agrees to join her mom at an ice festival, where they watch sculptors chisel and drill until it's too cold to watch anymore. That night the girl discovers that she has lost the horse figurine she'd brought with her, and she wishes she'd never gone . . . until the next night, when they return to the festival and see what the artists have created: sparkling, glorious sculptures that feel a little like magic. One surprise in particular seems even more magical to the girl. The ice art will stay with her long, long after it has melted away."--

Anne W's picture

A beautiful new picture book about a little girl and her mom enjoying the magic of an ice sculpture festival! This book will simultaneously make you want to go out and enjoy festive winter community events and burrow in a blanket nest to read. The illustrations perfectly complement the gentle, straightforward story in a palette of blue, purple, and white. Also, the author is a power wheelchair user, and the story's protagonist is a power wheelchair user, too - great disability representation in children's literature of just a kid being a kid, without ever explicitly mentioning disability, much less having the whole book focus on it. -Anne W

Kid gloves : nine months of careful chaos book cover
Kid gloves : nine months of careful chaos book cover

Kid gloves : nine months of careful chaos

Lucy Knisley

618.24 /Knisley
Graphic Novels, Health, Memoir

"If you work hard enough, if you want it enough, if you're smart and talented and "good enough," you can do anything. Except get pregnant. Her whole life, Lucy Knisley wanted to be a mother. But when it was finally the perfect time, conceiving turned out to be harder than anything she'd ever attempted. Fertility problems were followed by miscarriages, and her eventual successful pregnancy plagued by health issues, up to a dramatic, near-death experience during labor and delivery. This moving, hilarious, and surprisingly informative memoir not only follows Lucy's personal transition into motherhood but also illustrates the history and science of reproductive health from all angles, including curious facts and inspiring (and notorious) figures in medicine and midwifery. Whether you've got kids, want them, or want nothing to do with them, there's something in this graphic memoir to open your mind and heart."--Amazon.

Mari's picture

Anyone who has been, was, is or is considering being pregnant will learn from and enjoy reading this graphic novel memoir. There are many, many books out there one can read to learn more about the do’s and don’ts when expecting, but I found this graphic novel to have a little bit of everything. It has a graphic history of female reproductive health and obstetrics, an honest and deeply moving portrayal of the 40-week journey into motherhood, in additional to a brilliant narrative with excellent illustrations. Knisley’s experiences through fertility/pregnancy/childbirth were not without issues, so I found this exploration of the most harrowing, primeval experience a human can go through to be a powerful read. Lucy Knisley is one of my favorite comic artists, and this is my favorite one by her so far. I am considering buying this one so my husband can read it when he has time! -Mari

The empath's survival guide : life strategies for sensitive people book cover
The empath's survival guide : life strategies for sensitive people book cover

The empath's survival guide : life strategies for sensitive people

Judith Orloff

155.232 /Orloff
Nonfiction, Self Help

"What is the difference between having empathy and being an empath? "Having empathy means our heart goes out to another person in joy or pain," says Dr. Judith Orloff. "But for empaths it goes much further. We actually feel others' emotions, energy, and physical symptoms in our own bodies, without the usual defenses that most people have." The Empath's Survival Guide is an invaluable resource for empaths and anyone who wants to nurture their empathy and develop coping skills in our high-stimulus world--while fully embracing their gifts of intuition, compassion, creativity, and spiritual connection. This practical, empowering, and loving book was created to support empaths through their unique challenges and help loved ones better understand the empath's needs and gifts, "--Amazon.com.

Violette's picture

In The Empath's Survival Guide, Judith Orloff discusses what it means to be an empath, and how we can protect our energy while existing in an often overwhelming and draining world. This book was life changing for me, and I hope that it helps others discover that it's okay to feel things deeply! Judith Orloff shows us that our empathic abilities can be used as a powerful tool to build a more compassionate and loving world. -Violette

Kitty and the great lantern race book cover
Kitty and the great lantern race book cover

Kitty and the great lantern race

Paula Harrison

jFICTION Harrison Paula
Early Chapter Books

"Kitty is proud of the lantern she has crafted for Hallam City's Festival of Light. But just as the parade starts, a series of mysterious burglaries occur in the crowd. Kitty spots a shadowy figure and knows that she must use her catlike superpowers to investigate. Chasing the culprit without the help of her cat crew tests her bravery and superhero skills, but Kitty is determined to track down the thief before the city's festival is ruined"--

Anne W's picture

This series is a great choice for readers moving on from very short, very early chapter books but not quite ready for longer, denser chapter books. Short sentences and simpler vocabulary without seeming babyish! Absolutely adorable illustrations in a palette of orange, black, and white add to the whimsy and fun of this series, which blends magic and mystery as Kitty, a shape-shifting superhero, saves the day in one exciting, page-turning volume after another. -Anne W

Black Sun book cover
Black Sun book cover

Black Sun

Rebecca Roanhorse

SCIENCE FICTION Roanhorse, Rebecca
Diverse Characters, Fiction, Fantasy, LGBTQ+

"A god will return when the earth and sky converge under the black sun in the holy city of Tova... The winter solstice is usually a time for celebration and renewal, but this year it coincides with a solar eclipse, a rare celestial event proscribed by the Sun Priest as an unbalancing of the world. Meanwhile, a ship launches from a distant city bound for Tova and set to arrive on the solstice. The captain of the ship, Xiala, is a disgraced Teek whose song can calm the waters around her as easily as it can warp a man's mind. Her ship carries one passenger. Described as harmless, the passenger, Serapio, is a young man, blind, scarred, and cloaked in destiny. As Xiala well knows, when a man is described as harmless, he usually ends up being a villain. Crafted with unforgettable characters, Rebecca Roanhorse has created an epic adventure exploring the decadence of power amidst the weight of history and the struggle of individuals swimming against the confines of society and their broken pasts in the most original series debut of the decade"--Provided by publisher.

Chelsea's picture

"Between Earth and Sky" is an excellent series, and it just concluded with "Mirrored Heavens" this year. Roanhorse creates a detailed and intriguing wold inspired by Native American cultures. I love how messy the politics get in this series. The main characters are frequently at odds with one another and the tensions that creates are fascinating to explore. -Chelsea

Welcome to scare school book cover
Welcome to scare school book cover

Welcome to scare school

Jarrett Lerner

jFICTION Lerner Jarrett
Early Chapter Books

Bash is a young ghost who has never been good at scaring people is nervous about his first day at scare school, where he will learn to master the necessary skills to become a successful ghost.

Anne W's picture

A great transitional chapter book - for kids just beginning to read chapter books on their own! Absolutely adorable illustrations, funny stories, with large text, plenty of white space, and picture support. -Anne W

The republic of thieves book cover
The republic of thieves book cover

The republic of thieves

Scott Lynch

SCIENCE FICTION Lynch Scott
Fantasy

With the greatest heist of their career gone spectacularly sour, con artist extraordinaire Locke Lamora and his trusted partner, Jean, have barely escaped with their lives. Or at least Jean has. Locke is slowly succumbing to a lethal poison that no alchemist can cure. With the end nearing, Locke’s only hope is to accept a mysterious Bondsmage’s offer: act as a political pawn in the Magi elections, and in exchange be healed. But the lifesaving sorcery promises to rival even the most excruciating death, and Locke refuses. Until the Bondsmage invokes the name of Sabetha, the love of Locke’s life, his equal in skill and wit . . . and now his greatest rival. From his first glimpse of Sabetha as a fellow orphan and thief-in-training, Locke was smitten. But after a tumultuous courtship, she broke away. Now they will reunite in another clash of wills. Faced with his only equal in both love and trickery, Locke must choose whether to fight Sabetha—or woo her. It is a decision on which both of their lives may depend.

Brian's picture

Sabetha--the character teased in the first and second book--finally appears. I repeat--SABETHA!!! And she was more than worth the wait. Now I'm caught up with the series and have to wait like a chump for the next installment (if it ever comes out.) -Brian

The saint of bright doors book cover
The saint of bright doors book cover

The saint of bright doors

Vajra Chandrasekera

SCIENCE FICTION Chandras Vajra
Fantasy

"The Saint of Bright Doors sets the high drama of divine revolutionaries and transcendent cults against the mundane struggles of modern life, resulting in a novel that is revelatory and resonant. Fetter was raised to kill, honed as a knife to cut down his sainted father. This gave him plenty to talk about in therapy. He walked among invisible powers: devils and anti-gods that mock the mortal form. He learned a lethal catechism, lost his shadow, and gained a habit for secrecy. After a blood-soaked childhood, Fetter escaped his rural hometown for the big city, and fell into a broader world where divine destinies are a dime a dozen. Everything in Luriat is more than it seems. Group therapy is recruitment for a revolutionary cadre. Junk email hints at the arrival of a god. Every door is laden with potential, and once closed may never open again. The city is scattered with Bright Doors, looming portals through which a cold wind blows. In this unknowable metropolis, Fetter will discover what kind of man he is, and his discovery will rewrite the world"--

Brian's picture

This book is incredibly hard to describe--it's fantasy, but grounded, also, paradoxical, wildly dreamlike? It's hard to know what's "true" in the book. At first, characters seem dishonest and manipulative, but maybe there's reality in what they're telling us. It's an amazing book, and I do it disservice in trying to tell you about it. I highly recommend it. -Brian

Someone You Can Build a Nest in book cover
Someone You Can Build a Nest in book cover

Someone You Can Build a Nest in

John Wiswell

SCIENCE FICTION Wiswell John
Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, LGBTQ+

"Shesheshen has made a mistake fatal to all monsters: she's fallen in love. Shesheshen is a shapeshifter, who happily resides as an amorphous lump at the bottom of a ruined manor. When her rest is interrupted by hunters intent on murdering her, she constructs a body from the remains of past meals: a metal chain for a backbone, borrowed bones for limbs, and a bear trap as an extra mouth. However, the hunters chase Shesheshen out of her home and off a cliff. Badly hurt, she's found and nursed back to health by Homily, a warm-hearted human, who has mistaken Shesheshen as a fellow human. Homily is kind and nurturing and would make an excellent co-parent: an ideal place to lay Shesheshen’s eggs so their young could devour Homily from the inside out. But as they grow close, she realizes humans don’t think about love that way. Shesheshen hates keeping her identity secret from Homily, but just as she’s about to confess, Homily reveals why she’s in the area: she’s hunting a shapeshifting monster that supposedly cursed her family. Has Shesheshen seen it anywhere? Eating her girlfriend isn’t an option. Shesheshen didn’t curse anyone, but to give herself and Homily a chance at happiness, she has to figure out why Homily’s twisted family thinks she did. As the hunt for the monster becomes increasingly deadly, Shesheshen must unearth the truth quickly, or soon both of their lives will be at risk. And the bigger challenge remains: surviving her toxic in-laws long enough to learn to build a life with, rather than in, the love of her life."--

Chelsea's picture

A cozy queer romance seasoned with cosmic horror. "Someone You Can Build a Nest in" asks what it really means to be monstrous, and challenges us to break away from cycles of familial abuse. -Chelsea

Bury Your Gays book cover
Bury Your Gays book cover

Bury Your Gays

Chuck Tingle

FICTION Tingle Chuck
Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ+

"Bury Your Gays is a heart-pounding new novel from USA Today bestselling author Chuck Tingle about what it takes to succeed in a world that wants you dead. Misha knows that chasing success in Hollywood can be hell. But finally, after years of trying to make it, his big moment is here: an Oscar nomination. And the executives at the studio for his long-running streaming series know just the thing to kick his career to the next level: kill off the gay characters, "for the algorithm," in the upcoming season finale. Misha refuses, but he soon realizes that he's just put a target on his back. And what's worse, monsters from his horror movie days are stalking him and his friends through the hills above Los Angeles. Haunted by his past, Misha must risk his entire future--before the horrors from the silver screen find a way to bury him for good"--

Chelsea's picture

This book is top-notch queer horror, with fun characters, a good sense of atmosphere, and a chilling plot that pulls you forward. -Chelsea

¡Vamos! let's celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos book cover
¡Vamos! let's celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos book cover

¡Vamos! let's celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos

1976- author Raúl the Third

j394.2646 Raul
Diverse Characters, Picture Books

"Little Lobo is celebrating two big holidays this fall! On Halloween, he and his friends dress up in costumes, trick-or-treat for candy, and share spooky stories. Then, everyone in the town prepares food, drinks, and other gifts and decorates the cemetery with ofrendas so they can enjoy Día de los Muertos with the spirits of the people they love. Join Little Lobo and his friends as they celebrate, and learn some Spanish and traditions along the way!"--Back cover.

Mari's picture

I love, love, love Raul's illustrations, and this is a great way to combine and explain the two holidays in both English and Spanish! -Mari

The cliffs : a novel book cover
The cliffs : a novel book cover

The cliffs : a novel

J. Courtney Sullivan

FICTION Sullivan, J. Courtney
Fiction, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Paranormal

A Harvard archivist, returning to Maine after a terrible mistake, Jane is hired to research the history of a Victorian house and the women who lived there, uncovering a story of lost lovers, romantic longing, shattering loss and the long shadow of colonialism that is even older than Maine itself.

Mari's picture

This book was actually a very appropriate read for Spooky Season, with the plot revolving around a house on the cliffs that is haunted by it's past. I quite enjoyed this book for the variety of story lines intertwining a house and its occupants over the years, from the past and the present and across cultures including the Shakers, Indigenous People who lived in the northern portion of Maine, and a women healing from family trauma and struggling with alcoholism. The research done by the author for this book was very satisfying for me, and the story is driven by a mystery rooted in the history which is solved through mysticism, spiritualism, and research and an acknowledgement that the future is affected by the heritage of its people and the land they occupy. -Mari

Santa's first Christmas book cover
Santa's first Christmas book cover

Santa's first Christmas

Mac Barnett

j394.2663 Barnett
Kids, Picture Books

Santa returns home to the North Pole Christmas morning and, thanks to his loyal elves, gets to experience the magic of Christmas for the first time with a perfect tree, treats and presents.

Anne W's picture

A beautiful story accompanied by beautiful illustrations - sweet and simple with a few laugh-out-loud moments - a new Christmas classic. As a librarian, I rarely recommend purchasing books, but this one should be part of your family's Christmas traditions for years to come. -Anne W

The café at the edge of the woods book cover
The café at the edge of the woods book cover

The café at the edge of the woods

Mikey Please

jE Please
Fantasy, Humor, Kids, Picture Books

"Rene and Glumfoot are ready to serve very fine cuisine at the café at the edge of the woods. But when their first customer, an ogre, demands pickled bats and battered mice, Rene is ready to give up! She can't possibly serve such rubbish. Or can she? With a little bit of compromise, perhaps she can satisfy her customer and still serve the most delicious grub"--Provided by publisher.

Casey's picture

What a debut! This one had me in stitches. With perfectly paced rhythm and rhyme, and hilarious illustrations, Mikey Please's first solo book will be a read-aloud favorite, especially for littles who enjoy icky humor. -Casey

The unwedding book cover
The unwedding book cover

The unwedding

Allyson Braithwaite Condie

FICTION Condie Allyson
Mystery

"Ellery Wainwright is alone at the edge of the world. She and her husband, Luke, were supposed to spend their twentieth wedding anniversary together at the luxurious Resort at Broken Point in Big Sur, California. Where better to celebrate a marriage, a family, and a life together than at one of the most stunning places on earth? But now she's traveling solo. To add insult to injury, there's a wedding at Broken Point scheduled during her stay. Ellery remembers how it felt to be on the cusp of everything new and wonderful, with a loved and certain future glimmering just ahead. Now, she isn't certain of anything except for her love for her kids and her growing realization that this place, though beautiful, is unsettling. When Ellery discovers the body of the groom floating in the pool in the rain, she realizes that she is not the only one whose future is no longer guaranteed. Before the police can reach Broken Point, a mudslide takes out the road to the resort, leaving the guests trapped. When another guest dies, it's clear something horrible is brewing. Everyone at Broken Point has a secret. And everyone has a shadow. Including Ellery"--

Anne M's picture

Ellery Wainwright is trying to get away from her mess of her life by taking the vacation to a resort in Big Sur she originally planned to take with her now ex-husband to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary they never made it to. She knows that this isn't going to be a great vacation--but better her on her own than her ex with his new girlfriend. Unfortunately, there is a wedding also scheduled for this same weekend. But Ellery doesn't get too much time to fester in her self-loathing and unhappiness--the groom is murdered. And there is a storm cutting off access to a resort. Anyone could be the murderer and anyone could be their next victim. Super fun read! -Anne M

Lone Wolf gets a pet book cover
Lone Wolf gets a pet book cover

Lone Wolf gets a pet

Kiah Thomas

jREADER Thomas Kiah
Early Readers

Grumpy Wolf wants jellybeans, and it seems that the only way he can get some is to win the local Best Pet Competition, but first he has to find a pet who will cooperate.

Anne W's picture

The store is out of jellybeans, so Wolf embarks on an elaborate scheme to win jellybeans in a local contest. Find out what happens in this hilarious and entertaining book! (The only thing I didn't like about it was having to read the word "wolf" over and over, a word that doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, especially because I tend to incorrectly pronounce it as "woof." Yes, I also say "pellow" instead of "pillow" - it's the way I was raised, sorrrryyyyyy!) -Anne W

Heartstopper book cover
Heartstopper book cover

Heartstopper

Alice Oseman

GRAPHIC NOVEL Oseman Heartstopper
Diverse Characters, LGBTQ+, Romance, Graphic Novels, Young Adult

Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. A sweet and charming coming-of-age story that explores friendship, love, and coming out. This edition features beautiful two-color artwork. Absolutely delightful. Sweet, romantic, kind. Beautifully paced. I loved this book. -- Rainbow Rowell, author of Carry On Shy and softhearted Charlie Spring sits next to rugby player Nick Nelson in class one morning. A warm and intimate friendship follows, and that soon develops into something more for Charlie, who doesn't think he has a chance. But Nick is struggling with feelings of his own, and as the two grow closer and take on the ups and downs of high school, they come to understand the surprising and delightful ways in which love works.

Violette's picture

Alice Oseman writes my favorite graphic novel series -- Heartstopper! Nick and Charlie's love story is guaranteed to melt hearts. If you, too, can't get enough of this series, be sure to check out the TV show, which Alice Oseman also helped produce. -Violette

Pet sematary book cover
Pet sematary book cover

Pet sematary

King, Stephen, 1947-

FICTION King, Stephen

Mykle's picture

One of my favorite scary stories from Stephen King. This one showed me that even the written word could scare me. -Mykle

Ultimate Spider-Man book cover
Ultimate Spider-Man book cover

Ultimate Spider-Man

Jonathan Hickman

COMIC Spider-Man Ultimate 2024
Graphic Novels

"After the events of ULTIMATE INVASION, the world needs a hero. Step forward, Peter Parker! But this is an older, wiser web-slinger -- one who balances his costumed duties with his responsibilities as a husband and a father. That's right, Peter and Mary Jane are married with kids! The stakes have never been higher -- and as Spider-Man faces his first super villain, J. Jonah Jameson's quest to uncover who's really pulling the strings of this new Ultimate Universe leads to a shocking revelation! Plus, New York City welcomes its newest hero...the Green Goblin! But who's behind the mask? And what does the Goblin know of the true status of the world in which he lives?" -- Back cover of Volume 1.

Brian's picture

I'm really enjoying this new iteration of Ultimate Spider-man. Peter as an adult, married with kids, figuring out how to be a superhero? Great stuff! Also, the Green Goblin being his pal is a fantastic twist on their dynamic. Make sure you read "Ultimate Invasion" first for all the set-up. -Brian

Star trek. Lower decks. Season 1 book cover
Star trek. Lower decks. Season 1 book cover

Star trek. Lower decks. Season 1

DVD TV Star Trek, Lower s. 1

Follows the exploits of the low-ranking support crew on one of Starfleet's least important ships in the year 2380.

Mykle's picture

This is a really funny show that shows the real work done on a starship which hilariously contrasts with the glorified bridge crews of previous shows. -Mykle

Mexican Gothic book cover
Mexican Gothic book cover

Mexican Gothic

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

FICTION Moreno-Garcia, Silvia
Fiction, Horror

After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemi Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She's not sure what she will find--her cousin's husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemi knows little about the region. Noemi is also an unlikely rescuer: She's a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she's also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin's new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemi; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi's dreams with visions of blood and doom. Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family's youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemi, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family's past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family's once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemi digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness.

Chelsea's picture

This book absolutely nails the gothic vibe. It's a great read for the start of spooky season! -Chelsea

Birthday soup book cover
Birthday soup book cover

Birthday soup

Grace Seo Chang

jE Chang
Picture Books

Korean American Maia learns the importance of a mother's love while making a traditional birthday soup.

Fang's picture

I learned this tradition from my mom. She always did and/or said something special to honor her mom on her own birthday, from when she was still young to the age of being a grandma. Not sure from which year during my childhood I started to repeat the same thing to her. And magically as the years go by, my own children started to understand how struggling moms can be when they give birth to a baby. Yes baby’s birthday is also mom’s suffering day. It’s the time to celebrate, and to appreciate as well. I’m very delighted to read about the similar Korean tradition of “miyeok guk” (birthday soup) in this heartwarming story book. Don’t forget to try that soup recipe after reading! It’s yummy! -Fang

My grammie's house book cover
My grammie's house book cover

My grammie's house

Lana Button

jE Button
Picture Books

"A boy shows potential homebuyers all the things that make his grandmother's house special, like the cupboard that doubles as a clubhouse, the tree that is perfect for climbing, the "swings that are older than the hills" and the best spot to eat scotch cake cookies."--

Fang's picture

Look at this little helper who did super job touring and advertising Grammie’s house for sale! He even added himself as the last, but the most important selling point: a new friend! I already fell in love with the house, and of course, the book, too! -Fang

Lists

Staff Profiles

Alexander's picture

Alexander

Interests: Fiction, LGBTQ+, Romance, Literary Fiction, Classics, Kids, Diverse Characters, Young Adult
Amanda's picture

Amanda

Interests: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance, Biographies, Dystopian, History, Memoir, Music, Religion, Self Help
Angie's picture

Angie

Interests: Kids, Fiction, Early Readers, Picture Books, Board Books, Early Chapter Books, Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Chick Lit, True Crime, Cookbooks
Anne M's picture

Anne M

Interests: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classics, Mystery, Literary Fiction, Nonfiction, History, Cookbooks
Anne W's picture

Anne W

Interests: Fiction, Kids, Adventure, Dystopian, Historical Fiction, Early Chapter Books, Picture Books, Memoir, Self Help
Annie's picture

Annie

Interests: Poetry, Diverse Characters, Graphic Novels, Crafts, Science Fiction, Mystery, Self Help, Cookbooks
Becky's picture

Becky

Interests: Fiction, Fantasy, Nature, Historical Fiction
Beth's picture

Beth

Interests: Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Suspense, Crafts, Gardening, Young Adult
Bond's picture

Bond

Interests: Suspense, Thriller, Humor, True Crime, Picture Books
Brian's picture

Brian

Interests: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Mystery, LGBTQ+, Graphic Novels, Humor, Young Adult, Science, Short Story
Candice's picture

Candice

Interests: History, Travel, Science, Nature, Cookbooks, Thriller, Suspense
Casey's picture

Casey

Interests: Picture Books, Board Books, Early Readers, Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Classics, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Nature, LGBTQ+, Music, Gardening, Crafts, Memoir, Humor, Poetry, Horror, Cookbooks
Chelsea's picture

Chelsea

Interests: Fantasy, LGBTQ+, Diverse Characters, Science Fiction, Horror, History, Political
Fang's picture

Fang

Interests: Diverse Characters, Travel, Picture Books, Graphic Novels, Memoir
Hanna's picture

Hanna

Interests: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopian, Classics, Self Help, LGBTQ+, Literary Fiction, Crafts, Music, Memoir, Poetry, Short Story
Heidi K's picture

Heidi K

Interests: Fiction, Memoir, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classics, Fantasy, Short Story, History, Biographies, Philosophy, Poetry, Gardening, Graphic Novels
Jason's picture

Jason

Interests: Fiction, Classics, Fantasy, Humor, Mystery, Nonfiction, Science, Short Story
Katie's picture

Katie

Interests: Science Fiction, LGBTQ+, Diverse Characters, Art / Art History, Music, Philosophy, Poetry
Mari's picture

Mari

Interests: Graphic Novels, Picture Books, Crafts, Health, True Crime, Dystopian, Memoir, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Science, Literary Fiction
Melody's picture

Melody

Interests: Fiction, Fantasy, Nonfiction, Cookbooks, Health, Poetry, Romance, Diverse Characters, Humor, Literary Nonfiction
Mykle's picture

Mykle

Interests: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Religion, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Adventure, Cookbooks, History
Paul's picture

Paul

Interests: Science Fiction, Classics, Picture Books, History, Technology, Gardening, Graphic Novels, Short Story
Sam H's picture

Sam H

Interests: Nonfiction, Political, Self Help, Classics, Graphic Novels, LGBTQ+, Poetry, Christian
Shawna's picture

Shawna

Interests: Horror, Suspense, Thriller, True Crime, Crafts, Cookbooks, Gardening, History, Biographies
Tom's picture

Tom

Interests: Health, History, Humor
Victoria's picture

Victoria

Interests: Political, Black History, Humor, LGBTQ+, Picture Books, Cookbooks, Crafts, Gardening, Science, Travel, Young Adult
Violette's picture

Violette

Interests: Diverse Characters, Dystopian, Graphic Novels, Horror, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction, True Crime, Young Adult