ADULT FICTION
“A Long Way from Home” by Peter Carey — “A Long Way from Home is a novel full of riches. The road race propels the plot along, but it’s really a book about cultural identity, about family, about the ability to empathise with others. As such, it’s hugely relevant for our times.”
—Arminta Wallace, Irish Times
“All Adults Here” by Emma Straub — “Deliciously funny and infectiously warm … It’s an ideal read for anyone trapped at home with their family while self-isolating. Read it while hiding in your bedroom from the people who are driving you crazy, but who you’d go crazy without.” — The Philadelphia Inquirer
“American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins –“This extraordinary novel about unbreakable determination will move the reader to the core.”―Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Big Summer: A Novel” by Jennifer Weiner — “Weiner’s story of female friendships (after Mrs. Everything) mixes a splash of romance, a dash of humor, and a pinch of mystery to create a deliciously bloody poolside cocktail. Weiner’s surprising tale is hard to put down.” —Publishers Weekly
“The Book of Lost Friends: A Novel” by Lisa Wingate –“Emphasizing throughout that stories matter and should never go untold, [Lisa] Wingate has written an absorbing historical for many readers. . . . Enthralling and ultimately heartening.”—Library Journal
“Book of Longings” by Sue Monk Kidd — “Richly imagined . . . Ana’s ambition and strong sense of justice make her a sympathetic character for modern readers . . . In addition to providing a woman-centered version of New Testament events, Kidd’s novel is also a vibrant portrait of a woman striving to preserve and celebrate women’s stories—her own and countless others.” —Publishers Weekly (starred)
“Bubblegum: A Novel” by Adam Levin — “Monumentally imaginative. . .Levin’s vibrant voice is unlike anyone else in contemporary fiction. . .Breathtakingly bizarre, this relentlessly inventive novel teems with humanity, humor, and pathos like few other recent works and is a book many will obsess over and delight in.” —Booklist, starred review
“Camino Winds” by John Grisham — “#1 New York Times bestselling author John Grisham returns to Camino Island in this irresistible page-turner that’s as refreshing as an island breeze. In Camino Winds, mystery and intrigue once again catch up with novelist Mercer Mann, proving that the suspense never rests—even in paradise.” — Publisher Annotation
“Chosen Ones: A Novel” by Veronica Roth — “Roth’s first novel for adults (after the wildly popular Divergent series for teens) is driven by Sloane, a stubbornly unlikable heroine who wears her troubles on her sleeve but doesn’t truly understand her full power until the shocking ending. Those who like twisty power plays and very detailed worldbuilding will appreciate this…The many fans of Roth’s YA series will be clamoring for her adult debut, which features magic, lots of sarcasm, and a hint of romance.”—Booklist
“The City We Became” by N. K. Jemisin — “A love/hate song to and rallying cry for the author’s home of New York… Fierce, poetic, uncompromising.”―Kirkus (starred review)
“Code Name Hélène” by Ariel Lawhon — “Magnificent. . . Lawhon carries us into the heart of the French resistance [and] into the mind of a badass heroine with uncanny instincts who takes on the Nazis and men’s arrogant sexism with uncommon bravado. . . Even long after the last page is turned, this astonishing story of Wake’s accomplishments will hold readers in its grip.”—BOOKLIST, *STARRED*
“The Happy Ever After Playlist” by Abby Jimenez — “A powerfully life-affirming love story that walks the line between romantic heartbreak and hope with great finesse, while also delivering exceptional character development…and a dangerously addictive sense of humor.”―Booklist, starred review
“The House in the Cerulean Sea” by T. J. Klune — “This is a sweet narrative about the value of asking questions and the benefits of giving people (especially children) a chance to be safe, protected, and themselves, regardless of what assumptions one might glean from, say, reading their case file.” ―Booklist
“How Much of These Hills is Gold” by C. Pam Zhang — “An aching book, full of myths of Zhang’s making (including tigers that roam the Western hills) as well as joys, as well as sorrows. It’s violent and surprising and musical. Like Lucy and Sam, the novel wanders down byways and takes detours and chances. By journey’s end, you’re enriched and enlightened by the lives you have witnessed.” –The New York Times
“How to Pronounce Knife” by Souvan Thammavongsa — “Fourteen piercing sketches illuminate the workaday routines and the interior lives of Laotian refugees. Characters who undertake ‘the grunt work of the world’, laboring in poultry plants, hog farms, and nail salons, also harbor vivid fantasies… brief glimpses of freedom in otherwise impenetrable places.”―NEW YORKER
“If It Bleeds” by Stephen King — “Suspenseful and chilling…This set of novellas is thought-provoking, terrifying, and, at times, outright charming, showcasing King’s breadth as a master storyteller…a powerful addition to his megapopular oeuvre.”—Booklist, STARRED review
“Jane Austen Society” by Natalie Jenner — “Delightful… Jenner’s immersive character development is juxtaposed against her study of Austen’s characters, providing clever insight into how the trials of Austen’s life were revealed through her books.” ―Publishers Weekly
“The Love Story of Missy Carmichael” by Beth Morrey — “Morrey has deftly created a series of love stories, interwoven together and told in snippets through time. . . . Pain, grief, and hurt are all part of life in this moving portrayal of the many forms love can take.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“The Mirror and the Light” by Hilary Mantel — “Brilliant… From that opening sentence―‘Once the queen’s head is severed, he walks away’―axes and the shadow of death are everywhere…Mantel takes what is known of Cromwell―his meteoric rise, his autodidactic scholarship, his reformist tendencies―and weaves them into a masterful portrait of a man at mid-life, facing up to his past.” ―The Boston Globe
“The Night Watchman: A Novel” by Louise Erdrich — “Erdrich’s inspired portrait of her own tribe’s resilient heritage masterfully encompasses an array of characters and historical events. Erdrich remains an essential voice.” (Publishers Weekly)
“The Resisters: A Novel” by Gish Jen — “Subtle dystopian fiction . . . beautifully crafted and slyly unsettling . . . The juxtaposition of America’s pastime and the AI-enabled surveillance state Jen presents here is brilliant.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Simon the Fiddler” by Paulette Jiles — “Imbued with the dust, grit, and grime of Galveston at the close of the Civil War, Simon the Fiddler immerses readers in the challenges of Reconstruction. Jiles brings her singular voice to the young couple’s travails, her written word as lyrical and musical as Simon’s bow raking over his strings. Loyal Jiles readers…will adore the author’s latest masterpiece.” — (Booklist (starred review))
“Under Occupation: A Novel” by Alan Furst — “Suspenseful and sophisticated . . . No espionage author, it seems, is better at summoning the shifting moods and emotional atmosphere of Europe before the start of World War II than Alan Furst.”—The Wall Street Journal
“What Happens in Paradise: A Novel” by Elin Hillenbrand — “Once again, Hilderbrand demonstrates her mastery of immersive escapism with a carefully deployed pineapple-banana smoothie or the blue tile of an outdoor shower. . . .The absolute pleasure of the reading experience combined with a cliff-hanger ending will have readers anxiously awaiting the conclusion to the trilogy.”―Booklist (starred review)
ADULT MYSTERY
“Dead Land” by Sara Paretsky — “As usual, Paretsky is less interested in identifying whodunit than in uncovering a monstrous web of evil, and this web is one of her densest and most finely woven ever. So fierce, ambitious, and far-reaching that it makes most other mysteries seem like so many petit fours.” — (Kirkus Reviews on Dead Land)
“A Divided Loyalty: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery” by Charles Todd — “Todd’s astute character studies… offer a fascinating cross section of postwar life…. While delivering a satisfying puzzle-mystery, the story also tasks us to think about the women who lost their lives during the war, too.” (The New York Times Book Review on A Divided Loyalty)
“The Girl Who Lived Twice” by David Lagercrantz — “A quest for revenge and atonement that plumbs the depths of Russian troll factories and scales the heights of Mount Everest.” –TIME
“The Last Passenger” by Charles Finch — “This tightly plotted mystery…is rich in historical detail…[Lenox] coming into his own as a detective is a delight.” ―Booklist
“Masked Prey” by John Sandford — “Addictive…Sandford always delivers rousing action scenes, but this time he’s especially good on character, too….There’s enough violence to satisfy bloodthirsty tastes, enough information on neofascism to give us a chill, and enough sly humor to make American teenagers and their would-be killers sound as if English were their second language.”—Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review
“Walk the Wire” by David Baldacci — “With twists and turns and mysteries right up until the end, you will not want to put this book down.”―Red Carpet Crash
ADULT BIOGRAPHY
“Good Boy: My Life in Seven Dogs” by Jennifer Boylan — “Everything I know about love I learned from dogs,” writes New York Times columnist Boylan in this eloquent memoir. Expanding on her 2003 account of life as a transgender woman, She’s Not There, Boylan examines her transition through seven dogs who were there for her at pivotal points. The “magic of dogs,” Boylan writes, is not that they love their owners unconditionally, but that their owners have an unconditional love for them, an ideal that can be harder to realize with fellow human beings. ….Filled with insight and remarkable candor, this is a sterling tribute to the love of dogs.” — Agent: Kris Dahl, ICM. PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, c2019.
“Home Baked: My Mom, Marijuana, and the Stoning of San Francisco” by Alia Volz — “Volz had been a part of her mother’s special marijuana-brownie business for as long as she could remember…From the turbulent ’70s through the ravages of the AIDS crisis (during which Mer and Alia distributed marijuana to AIDS patients), Volz recounts her mother’s exploits with admiration, along the way tracing how attitudes about cannabis have shifted toward more acceptance.” —Booklist
“Inge’s War: A German Woman’s Story of Family, Secrets, and Survival Under Hitler” by Svenja O’Donnell — “Vivid and meticulously researched . . . An incisive and multilayered account of family trauma, the dangers of nationalism and anti-Semitism, and the plight of refugees. This exceptional account transforms a private tragedy into a universal story of war and survival.” —Publishers Weekly (starred)
ADULT NON-FICTION
“Biography of Resistance: The Epic Battle Between People and Pathogens” by Muhammad H. Zaman — “A vivid portrayal of our fight against an opponent that has been around for more than 3 billion years. Zaman, a professor of biomedical engineering and international health, portrays a conflict—between humans and harmful strains of bacteria—that has played out in plagues and epidemics over millennia.” — (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))
“The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100” by Dan Buettner — “The Blue Zones Kitchen is so much more than a cookbook! I like that the recipes have a backstory thanks to Dan Buettner’s research. I really enjoyed all aspects of the book.” –Living My Best Book Life
“Bowls: Vibrant Recipes with Endless Possibilities” by America’s Test Kitchen — “… the most wonderful book for foodies who love that umami feeling on their tastebuds. Packed with nutrient-dense, flavorful bowls with vibrant colors, there is a bowl in this book for everyone… Although the recipes may look complicated at first because of the number of ingredients, they are actually pretty simple and can be altered to the taste of the chef or to the individual person…” — Manhattan Book Review
“The Buy Nothing, Get Everything Plan: Discover the Joy of Spending Less, Sharing More, and Living Generously” by Liesl Clark and Rebecca Rockefeller — “In the spirit of The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning and The Joy of Less, experience the benefits of buying less and sharing more with this accessible 7-step guide to decluttering, saving money, and creating community from the creators of the Buy Nothing Project.” — Amazon.com
“The Complete Summer Cookbook: Beat the Heat with 500 Recipes that Make the Most of Summer’s Bounty” by America’s Test Kitchen — “Ready to take the party outside? You’ll find all you need for casual patio meals prepared entirely on the grill (from meat to veggies, even pizza). Throw a fantastic cookout with easy starters, frosty drinks, and picnic must-haves like Picnic Fried Chicken, Classic Potato Salad, and Buttermilk Coleslaw. Visited the farmers’ market? Find ideas for main dishes as well as sides inspired by the seasonal bounty, plus the best fruit desserts worth turning on the oven for. To end your meal on a cooler note, turn to a chapter of icebox desserts and no-bake sweets.” — Amazon.com
“Delish Insane Sweets: Bake Yourself a Little Crazy: 100+ Cookies, Bars, Bites” by Joanna Saltz — “… The editors of Delish.com know one thing for sure: ANYONE can bake an amazing dessert. Crammed with surprising ideas for treats that are both fun and easy, the …cookbook features 100 recipes: new classics and reader favorites that have been shared hundreds of thousands of times. …This indulgent book will appeal to food lovers who bake the way most of us do-sometimes with a boxed mix, sometimes from scratch; as therapy for a bad day; or to impress friends on Girls’ Night.” — ONIX annotations
“Every Penguin in the World: A Quest to See Them All” by Charles Bergman —“Part travelog, part conservation, part philosophical musing, the book supplies ample, frequently adorable photos of every species, along with tales of wet, often cold, and occasionally uncomfortable adventures.” —Library Journal
“The Fall of Richard Nixon: A Reporter Remembers Watergate” by Tom Brokaw — “Tom Brokaw arrived in Washington as the rising young star of broadcast news just as the presidency of Richard Nixon was collapsing. Brokaw has intertwined his own story with Nixon’s in a way that is readable, revealing, and always fascinating.”—Evan Thomas, author of Being Nixon
“The Fleet at Flood Tide: America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944-1945″ by James D. Hornfischer — “An impressively lucid account . . . Mr. Hornfischer crisply and satisfyingly sketches all these figures, and his big Iliad contains a hundred smaller ones, as he propels his complex story forward with supple transitions that never leave the reader behind in the details. . . . At the end of his admirable, fascinating book, Mr. Hornfischer makes a strong case that America’s failing to use the most terrible weapon yet born would have meant many hundreds of thousands more deaths, theirs and ours alike.”—The Wall Street Journal
“The Healthy Brain Book: An All-Ages Guide to a Calmer, Happier, Sharper You: A Proven Plan for Managing Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD, and Preventing and Reversing Dementia and Alzheimer’s” by William Sears M.D. — “Internationally renowned family doctor William Sears and noted neurologist Vincent M. Fortanasce present an accessible, all-ages guide to optimum brain health, from treating depression, anxiety, and ADHD to preventing Alzheimer&;s and dementia, with or without medication.” — Annotation
“How Things Work: The Inner Life of Everyday Machines” by Theodore W. Gray — In How Things Work he (Theodore W Gray) explores the mechanical underpinnings of dozens of types of machines and mechanisms, from the cotton gin to the wristwatch to an industrial loom.” — Amazon.com
“Hymns of the Republic: The Story of the Final Year of the American Civil War” by S. C. Gwynne — “Engrossing….A riveting Civil War history giving politics and combat equal attention.” —Kirkus, starred review
“Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life” by Marie Kondo and Scott Sonenshein — “A tidy guide to finding joy at work. Full of psychological wisdom and practical tips — I loved it!”―Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author of Grit
“The Language of Butterflies: How Thieves, Hoarders, Scientists, and Other Obsessives Unlocked the Secrets of the World’s Favorite Insect” by Wendy Williams — “This entertaining look at ‘the world’s favorite insect’ tells about butterflies’ captivating beauty, and the ways these bugs have fascinated people throughout history…[Williams’] enthusiasm is convincing and contagious.” —Booklist, starred review
“Ledger: Poems” by Jane Hirschfield — “Masterful . . . Hirshfield urges a reckoning of human influence on—and interference with—the planet . . . [Her] world is one filled with beauty, from the ‘generosity’ of grass to humanity’s connection to the muskrat. This is both a paean and a heartbreaking plea.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Lonely Planet’s Global Chocolate Tour” by Matthew Ankeny — Packed with 150 of the world’s tastiest chocolate experiences, from South America to Europe to Australia, this globetrotting guide features master chocolatiers and artisan producers, exotic cocoa plantations and must-visit shops, plus illustrated spreads on the history, production and science of chocolate making.” — Amazon.com
“Love Poems for Anxious People” by John Kenney — “Thurber Prize-winner John Kenney presents a hilarious new collection of poetry for anxious people. With the same brilliant wit and hilarious realism that made Love Poems for Married People and Love Poems for People with Children such hits, John Kenney is back with a brand new collection of poems, this time taking on one of the most common feelings in our day-and-age: anxiety. Kenney covers it all, from awkward social interactions and insomnia to nervous ticks and writing and rewriting that email.” — Onix annotations
“No-till Intensive Vegetable Culture : Pesticide-free Methods for Restoring Soil and Growing Nutrient-rich, High-yielding Crops” by Bryan O’Hara — “Bryan O’Hara has huge experience: His book has grown out of healthy soil and reveals an impressive amount about how to grow great food, practically and economically.”―Charles Dowding, no dig gardening expert; creator of the Charles Dowding No Dig website
“Nobody Will Tell You This but Me: A True (As Told to Me) Story” by Bess Kalb — “Funny, tender and incredibly moving . . . Both a family history and a celebration of the bond between grandmother and granddaughter—a book that gives you a solid cathartic weep and a renewed sense of joy in family ties.” —Mackenzie Dawson, New York Post
“Origami Made Simple: 40 Easy Models with Step-by-Step Instructions” by Russell Wood — “This is a nicely laid out book, with clear instructions that are easy to follow. I’d be happy to give this to any beginner. It has a great choice of simple models with some playful original folds!” ―Larry Hart, origami creator (origamiworkshop.co.uk)
“Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Victory that Changed American History” by Brian Kilmeade — “A fast-paced romp through the Texas Revolution that feels more like a novel than nonfiction. Kilmeade presents the leaders of the Lone Star State as the flawed and fearless heroes they truly were, and their David and Goliath story that changed American history is riveting reading.” —Stephen L. Moore, author of Eighteen Minutes and Texas Rising
“The Sprout Book: Tap into the Power of the Planet’s Most Nutritious Food” by Doug Evans — “Sprouting increases nutrient levels without increasing calories. And growing sprouts at home is inexpensive, safe, easy, and fun. The Sprout Book is the source for adding this superfood to your diet!”―Dr. Mehmet Oz
“The Undocumented Americans” by Karla Villavicencio Corneo — “Memorable . . . compelling . . . heartwrenching . . . a welcome addition to the literature on immigration told by an author who understands the issue like few others.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Watercolor Botanicals: Learn to Paint Your Favorite Plants and Florals” by Eunice Sun — “Learn to paint gorgeous watercolor flowers, houseplants, and arrangements with this inspiring guide that includes 30 step-by-step tutorials.” — Amazon.com
“What It’s Like to Be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing – What Birds Are Doing, and Why” by David Allen Sibley — “A fascinating work that fulfills its goal to ‘give readers some sense of what it’s like to be a bird’ . . . [Readers] will emerge with a deeper appreciation of birds, and of what observable behaviors can reveal about animals’ lives.” —Publishers Weekly
“Why We Swim” by Bonnie Tsui — “Tsui opens her eclectic, well-crafted survey with a fascinating story about an Icelandic fisherman who swam six kilometers in 41 degree water after his boat capsized . . . Readers will enjoy getting to know the people and the facts presented in this fascinating book.” —Publishers Weekly
“Why We’re Polarized” by Ezra Klein — “Superbly researched and written . . . Why We’re Polarized provides a highly useful guide to this most central of political puzzles, digesting mountains of social science research and presenting it in an engaging form. . . . An overall outstanding volume.” —Francis Fukuyama, The Washington Post
“The Animal One Thousand Miles Long: Seven Lengths of Vermont and Other Adventures” by Leath Tonino — “In The Animal One Thousand Miles Long, Leath Tonino draws a lyrical map for Vermont with a voice that is part scientist, part poet, part historian, and part adventurer. Tonino’s map shows us not the major cities and highest peaks but the lesser known places and ideas at the heart of Vermont―the abandoned towns, uncommon sports, and forgotten people.” ― Sean Prentiss, author of Finding Abbey
ADULT AUDIO BOOK
“The Secret Life of Bees [sound recording]” by Sue Monk Kid — “This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love – a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.” — Amazon.com
BOARD BOOK
“Counting Cows” by Woody Jackson
“The Goodnight Train Rolls On!” by June Sobel
PICTURE BOOK
“All in a Day” by Cynthia Rylant
“A New Kind of Wild” by Zara Gonzalez Hoang
“Backyard Fairies” by Phoebe Wahl
“Boxitects” by Kim Smith
“Camilla, Cartographer” by Julie Dillemuth
“Edison: The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure (Mouse Adventures)” by Torben Kuhlmann
“Goodnight, Veggies” by Diana Murray
“Gwen the Rescue Hen” by Leslie Crawford
“The Heart of a Whale” by Anna Pignataro
“Hike” by Pete Oswald
“Hummingbird” by Nicole Davies
“The Imaginaries: Little Scraps of Larger Stories”
“I Wonder” by K. A. Holt
“In a Garden” by Tim McCanna
“In My Garden” by Charlotte Zolotow
“The Lighthouse Family: The Octopus” by Cynthia Rylant
“The Lighthouse Family: The Turtle ” by Cynthia Rylant
“Nesting” by Henry Cole
“The Heart of a Whale” by Anna Pignataro
“The Otter” by Cynthia Rylant
“Roar Like a Dandelion” by Ruth Krauss
“A Ruckus in the Garden” by Sven Noreqvist
“Sea Bear: A Journey for Survival” by Lindsay Moore
“Sofia Valdez: Future Prez (The Questioneers)” by Andrea Beatty
“Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind” by Jessica Hische
“The Violin Family” by Melissa Perley
JUVENILE AUDIO BOOK
“Other Words for Home” by Jasmine Warga — “Warga portrays with extraordinary talent the transformation of a family’s life before and after the war began in Syria.… Her free-verse narration cuts straight to the bone… [and] confront[s] the difficult realities of being Muslim and Arab in the U.S. Poetic, immersive, hopeful.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))
JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY
“The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia” by Esther Rudo Hautzig — “This is the remarkable true story of a family during one of the bleakest periods in history, a story that “radiates optimism and the resilience of the human spirit” — (Washington Post).
“The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read” by Rita Lorraine Hubbard — “A lovely, inspirational picture-book biography about beating the odds and achieving your dreams.” —Booklist, starred review
“Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré” by Anika Aldamy Denise — “Belpré’s story is told in rhythmic language with a good dose of Spanish sprinkled throughout. Escobar’s vibrant illustrations are filled with details that help bring to life the story of this remarkable librarian.” — (Kirkus Reviews)
“When Stars Are Scattered” by Victoria Jamieson — “”Tragedy is certainly present throughout the story, yet Mohamed and Jamieson’s focus on deep familial love and education works to subvert many refugee stereotypes.” —Horn Book, starred review
JUVENILE FICTION
“Ahimsa” by Supriya Kelkar — “Anjali’s family joins India’s freedom movement in 1942, opposing both Britain’s control and India’s caste system. The complexities of nonviolent protest (ahimsa) are insightfully depicted as Anjali confronts ingrained prejudices and discovers that unchecked privilege can cause well-meaning advocates to hurt rather than help oppressed groups. An authentic, candid look at a fight for social change, inspired by Kelkar’s great-grandmother’s experience.” — THE HORN BOOK, c2018.
“All the Colors of Magic” by Valija Zinck — “This imaginative middle grade fantasy, a German import, introduces 10-year-old Penelope who lives with her mom and grandma in “a little village, right next to a swamp forest.” She discovers that her unusual abilities are rooted in her hair …. It turns out her magic is inherited from her long-absent father. Angry when she learns the truth of his abandonment, she resolves to find and confront him, leading her on an adventure in which she must rescue him from villainous captors instead. She does this with the help of her cat, an invisibility device, and her own ingenuity. The tidy ending satisfies.” Laurie Slagenwhite Walters, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, c2019.
“The Bear “ by Cynthia Rylant — “Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the eighth book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which the family meets a bear who has just woken up from hibernation!” — Amazon.com
“Before the Sword” by Grace Lin — In this original fantasy … Hua Mulan accompanies the Jade Rabbit of Chinese lore on a quest to save Mulan’s younger sister, Xiu. A formidable, shape-shifting foe named Daji, the White Fox; Daji’s pitiable servant, Xianniang, the Red Fox; and a few Chinese Immortals round out the cast. When a nine-legged spider bites the perfect, demure Xiu, she falls ill. Mulan, along with her beloved horse, Black Wind, is sent to fetch a healer visiting the next village. Revealed to be the Jade Rabbit, the Healer discloses that Xiu has been poisoned by Daji and will die if not given the antidote “before the night of the new moon.” Because a Hua daughter is prophesied to save the Emperor, Daji is intent on Xiu’s death. With the Jade Rabbit also poisoned by Daji, and waylaid at every step by Daji and her minions, Mulan has her work cut out for her. In the midst of this fast-paced quest, Lin’s distinctive peppering of folkloric tales throughout the narrative adds engaging layers, providing backstory and fleshing out characters’ relationships and motives.” — Agent: Rebecca Sherman, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, c2020.
“The Bird and the Blade” by Megan Bannen — “A rich, imaginative tale that delivers thrilling characters, heartstopping action, and exciting intrigue with every turn of the page.” — (Booklist)
“The Blackbird Girls” by Anne Blankman — * “A deeply affecting testament to the power of unlikely friendship in the face of bias, tragedy, and distance.” – School and Library Journal, starred review
” Bloom” by Kenneth Oppel — ““Wilderness survival and alien invasion combine for an exciting page-turner.” —Booklist
“The Bookwanderers” by Anna James — “Steeped in magical world building, James’ debut pays loving testament to the power of books.” —Booklist
“Bridge Home” by Padma Venkatraman — “Exquisitely narrated novel set in Chennai, India. . . . Venkatraman vividly sketches the group’s precarious economic situation. . . . This is a poignant portrait of love, sacrifice, and chosen family in the midst of poverty.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Chirp” by Kate Messner — “Layering mystery elements, strong and myriad female characters, and a poignant analogy involving chirp-less female crickets, Messner gently guides Mia on a journey of resilience that both comforts and inspires.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
“The Deceivers” by Margaret Pet Haddix — “This mystery and science fiction adventure features sleuthing reminiscent of Lemony Snicket’s ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events.’ Haddix weaves a dystopian tale about government control, prison reform, fair trials, scapegoats, and the importance of believing people are innocent before proven guilty. ” — (School Library Journal)
“Echo Mountain” by Lauren Wolk — “Complex and fiercely loving, Ellie is a girl any reader would be proud to have as a friend…. Woven with music, puppies, and healing, Wolk’s beautiful storytelling turns this historical tale of family and survival into a captivating saga.” –Booklist, starred review
“From the Desk of Zoe Washington” by Janae Marks — “This powerful debut packs both depth and sweetness, tackling a tough topic in a sensitive, compelling way. An extraordinary, timely, must-read debut about love, family, friendship, and justice.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))
“Girl Who Speaks Bear” by Sophie Anderson — “A gem of a fairy tale, Anderson’s sophomore effort offers a dynamic, memorable cast with rich personalities amid lasting messages about belonging, graceful acceptance of aid, and the power of stories.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“I Can Make This Promise” by Christine Day — “The novel is enlightening and a must-read for anyone interested in issues surrounding identity and adoption. Debut author Day (Upper Skagit) handles family separation in Native America with insight and grace.” — (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))
“In Darkling Wood” by Emma Carroll — “A haunting and poignant exploration of family, loss, and redemption.“—Booklist, Starred Review
“Indian No More” by Charlene Willing McManis — “What begins as a story of displacement quickly turns into a story of childhood fun and antics colored by Umpqua culture and the racial tensions of the civil rights movement set in the lively and culturally diverse city of L.A. ––Starred review, Booklist
“Journey of the Pale Bear” by Susan Fletcher — “A stupendous coming-of-age tale stuffed with adventure and laced with deeper questions.” — Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“Just Dance” by Patricia MacLachlan — “MacLachlan’s economic writing is sure and knowing, and her characters are likable and fully realized….A quiet tale about finding your own voice.” — Kirkus Reviews
“The Line Tender” by Kate Allen — “Kate Allen writes with lyric grace, and her beautifully textured narrative, of a girl struggling to understand and move beyond tragedy, is a triumph.”—The Buffalo News
“Lighthouse Family: The Eagle” by Cynthia Rylant — “Two of the lighthouse children, Whistler and Lila, go for a walk in the woods to see what adventure is there. When they get lost and try to search for the way home, an Eagle teaches them how to use their instincts to find their way home.” — BRODART CO.
“Lighthouse Family: The Octopus” by Cynthia Rylant — “Every once in a while, a full moon shines over the lighthouse and causes the tide to recede. For Cloe the octopus, this turns out to be a wonderful opportunity to explore the world that exists outside of his ocean home. As he embarks on his expedition, he encounters the lighthouse family by the beach and they explore the treasures of the uncovered ocean floor together.” — Amazon.com
“Lighthouse Famly: The Turtle” by Cynthia Right — Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the fourth book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which the family rescues a trapped turtle.” — Amazon.com
“The Line Tender” by Kate Allen — “Allen tackles the complexities of grief with subtly wry humor and insight in this richly layered middle grade debut about the power of science and love.”—Publishers Weekly, starred
“Makoons” by Louise Erdrich — “Warm intergenerational moments abound. Erdrich provides fascinating information about Ojibwe daily life. Readers will be enriched by Erdrich’s finely crafted corrective to the Eurocentric dominant narrative of America’s past.” — (Horn Book (starred review))
“Mañanaland” by Pam Munoz Ryan — “Ryan skillfully balances Max’s day-to-day concerns with his longing for his mother and his growing awareness of a moral responsibility to help others… rich and relevant.” — The Horn Book
“Maybe He Just Likes You” by Barbara Dee — “Important for its relevance and examination of the otherwise little-discussed topic of sexual harassment among younger teens, Maybe He Just Likes You will appeal to middle-grade readers as well as parents and educators seeking to bolster a child’s awareness of this rampant problem.” —Booklist
“More to the Story” by Hena Khan — “Khan tells the story of a modern-day Pakistani American family while retaining the charm, familial warmth, and appeal of Alcott’s classic.” — The Horn Book Magazine
“The Mystwick School of Musicraft” by Jessica Khoury — “A toe-tapping fantasy novel mixes music and mystery.”—Kirkus
“Narwhal on a Sunny Night” by Mary Pope Osborne — “When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie to Greenland, they’re not sure what time they’ve landed in, but they immediately know what their mission is: save a narwhal! Then they meet a young hunter named Leif Erikson and they ask for his help. But Leif has other ideas…” — Magic tree house series series
“The Oddmire, Book 1: The Changeling” by William Ritter — “Ritter crafts a well-paced adventure filled with whimsy and peril, in which the bonds of family and love prove stronger than any spell or curse. With memorable characters—especially the irrepressible protagonists, who make a delightful team—and an atmospheric setting, this is a strong series opener.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Other Words for Home” by Jasmine Warga — “[In] this timely book… rhythmic lines distill Jude’s deepest emotions…. Warga effectively shows, as she writes in an author’s note, that “children who are fleeing from a war zone… want the same things all of us do—love, understanding, safety, a chance at happiness.” — (Publishers Weekly (starred review))
“Prairie Lotus” by Linda Sue Clark — “”Fans of the Little House books will find many of the small satisfactions of Laura’s stories…here in abundance. Park brings new depth to these well-trodden tales, though, as she renders visible both the xenophobia of the town’s white residents, which ranges in expression from microaggressions to full-out assault, and Hanna’s fight to overcome it with empathy and dignity…. Remarkable.”—Kirkus, STARRED review
“Redeemed: Redeemed (8) (The Missing)” by Margaret Peterson Haddix –-“A satisfying end to a long-running series.”, Kirkus Reviews
“Show Me a Sign” by Ann Clare Lezotte — “LeZotte’s engrossing historical novel explores prejudice and racism through the eyes of 11-year-old Mary Lambert, who is deaf. … LeZotte, who is deaf, deftly connects the islanders’ prejudice against the Wampanoag to the mainlanders’ view of deaf individuals as lesser; Mary’s progressive attitudes feel modern while aligning with her character’s sensibilities.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Song for a Whale” by Lynne Kelly — “The strength of the book is its strong portrayal of Iris as a deaf girl in a hearing world and an intelligent 12-year-old in headlong, single-minded pursuit of her goal.” —Booklist
“The Story That Cannot Be Told” by J. Kasper Kramer — “Kramer captures the tense, frightening atmosphere in the months preceding the Romanian Revolution, as well as the different forms of bravery that went into toppling an oppressive government. . . . An affecting account of a historic event characterized by monsters, hope, and the power of words.” — Booklist
“Tigers, Not Daughters” by Samantha Mabry — “Borrowing elements of magical realism and Latinx folklore, this is a story that is often uncomfortable; in its quest to explore grief, family, and the traumas inflicted by each, it lays its characters utterly and unforgettably bare.”
—Booklist, starred review
“The Turnaway Girls” by Hayley Chewins — “Writing in Delphernia’s wry voice, Chewin, a poet, weaves an unusual, beautiful debut that sings with all the grace of the cloisterwings that Delphernia brings to life with her soaring voice. Entwining themes of rebellion, freedom, identity, and finding one’s destiny are at the center of this lovely tale.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“When You Trap a Tiger” by Tae Keller — “A heartfelt reminder of the wonder and beauty in our everyday lives.” —Booklist, starred review
” A Wolf Called Wander” by Rosanne Parry –“Parry offers a wolf’s-eye view of the Pacific Northwest’s forests, mountains, and prairies in this harrowing survival tale based on the story of OR-7, a wolf electronically tracked by scientists. . . .An action-packed novel perfect for reluctant readers as well as animal lovers.” — (Publishers Weekly)
“The Wolf Wilder” by Katherine Rundell — “Rugged cross-country adventure with a diverse cast of two- and four-legged fellow travelers and a sturdy main character who is more than a little “wilded” herself.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Zenobia July” by Lisa Bunker — “Zenobia July is starting a new life. She used to live in Arizona with her father; now she’s in Maine with her aunts. She used to spend most of her time behind a computer screen, improving her impressive coding and hacking skills; now she’s coming out of her shell and discovering a community of friends at Monarch Middle School. People used to tell her she was a boy; now she’s able to live openly as the girl she always knew she was. When someone anonymously posts hateful memes on her school’s website, Zenobia knows she’s the one with the abilities to solve the mystery, all while wrestling with the challenges of a new school, a new family, and coming to grips with presenting her true gender for the first time. Timely and touching, Zenobia July is, at its heart, a story about finding home.” — Publisher Annotation
JUVENILE NON-FICTION
“Bluffton: My Summers with Buster Keaton” by Matt Phelan — “This graphic novel illustrates this simple story of a boy finding his true self with soft watercolor illustrations, using words only when necessary. The work has an overall charm and simplicity that goes with its time period.” — Library Media Connection“
A Butterfly Is Patient (Nature Books)” by Dianna Hutts Aston — “”This lovely combination of elegant watercolors and lyrical text is both eye-catching and informative” – School Library Journal Starred Review
“Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of YOU” by Rachel Brian — “With clear explanations, fun illustrations, and expertly-presented information, Consent (for Kids!) is an empowering introduction to consent, bodily autonomy, and how to respect yourself and others.” — Amazon.com
“Crows: Genius Birds” by Kyla Vanderklugt — “That’s something to crow about! Learn all about these genius birds in Kyla Vanderklugt’s Science Comics: Crows, the latest volume in First Second’s action-packed nonfiction graphic novel series for middle-grade readers!” — Amazon.com
“The Deep and Dark Blue” by Niki Smith — “Smith’s artwork, recalling classic manga, delivers clearly choreographed action and intense facial expressions, which capably communicate poignant emotion during the many bittersweet scenes. […] A rich tapestry of a story, with action and character development in equal measure.”―Booklist
“Follow the Moon Home: A Tale of One Idea, Twenty Kids, and a Hundred Sea Turtles” by Philippe Cousteau — “Delivers an eloquent environmental message while demonstrating how kids can change the world through teamwork and perseverance.”-School Library Journal
“Oil” by Jonah Winter — “Lyrical prose and textured illustrations in layered colors distinguish this picture book treatment of the environmental disaster….With this latest, the mother-son team behind The Secret Project again demonstrates an aptitude for clear and concise storytelling, here around detrimental alterations to the natural landscape. — Publishers Weekly
“Olympians: 10 Hermes Tales of the Trickster” by George O’Connor — “Vibrant, energetic illustrations portray athletic gods and goddesses, grotesque beasts, and frenzied battles, veering between cartoonish humor and intense drama. As always, O’Connor’s copious research is evident and his love of all things Greek is contagious.” ―School Library Journal, starred review
“The Only Living Girl: Volume #1, The Island at the Edge of Infinity” by David Gallagher — The Only Living Girl hooks you right from the high-stakes start. Zee Parfitt has a second chance at life on a patchwork planet, but she’s haunted by her own troubled legacy, danger is looming, and epic adventure awaits. It is impossible not to turn these pages!” — Michael Northrop, author, DEAR JUSTICE LEAGUE
“Plastic Sea: A Bird’s Eye View” by Kirsti Blom — “”A clear explanation of a pressing problem and an invitation to take action.” ― KIRKUS REVIEWS
“The Seed of Compassion: Lessons from the Life and Teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama” by Bstan-odzin-rgya-mtsho — “…With simple, powerful text, the Dalai Lama shares the universalist teachings of treating one another with compassion, which Bao Luu illustrates beautifully in vibrant color. In an increasingly confusing world, The Seed of Compassion offers guidance and encouragement on how we all might bring more kindness to it.” — Amazon.com
“This Was Our Pact” by Ryan Andrews — “Andrews’ marvelously melancholic, earnest graphic novel, [is] at its core an exercise in whimsical self-reflection. This story’s a quiet one in which danger flickers and hope flares at odd but fruitful moments…the primarily blue and red mixed-media pictures underscore how nighttime sometimes promises transformation. Brilliantly enchanting.” ―Kirkus, starred review
“Trees, Leaves, Flowers and Seeds: A Visual Encyclopedia of the Plant Kingdom” by Sara Jose — Packed with more than 1,000 incredible images and full of fascinating facts, this beautiful children’s book takes you on an exciting adventure through the wonders of the plant kingdom” — Annotation
“What Will These Hands Make?” by Nikki McClure — “Careful viewers will be delighted to find scenes revisited in closer detail and from different vantage points. . . The clever bookmaking technique, which moves between the busy scene and its individual sections, produces the joy of a shared experience in which all hands combine.” — Booklist
YOUNG ADULT
“The Bird and the Blade” by Megan Bannen — “A rich, imaginative tale that delivers thrilling characters, heartstopping action, and exciting intrigue with every turn of the page.” — (Booklist)
“Children of Blood and Bone” by Tomi Adeyemi — “Poses thought-provoking questions about race, class and authority that hold up a warning mirror to our sharply divided society.” –The New York Times
“Dig” by A. S. King — “This visceral examination of humanity’s flaws and complexity […] cultivates hope in a younger generation that’s wiser and stronger than its predecessors.”—Booklist, starred review
“Internment” by Samira Ahmed — “Taking on Islamophobia and racism in a Trump-like America, Ahmed’s magnetic, gripping narrative written in a deeply humane and authentic tone, is attentive to the richness and complexity of the social ills at the heart of the book.” ―Kirkus, starred review
YOUNG ADULT NON-FICTION
“Hotel Dare” by Terry Blas — It’s not your typical family vacation when Olive, and her adopted siblings Darwin and Charlotte find themselves falling into other worlds as they explore Grandma Lupé’s strange hotel” — Amazon.com
“Witchlight” by Jessi Zabarsky — Gently atmospheric and suffused with intriguing magic, this graphic novel traces the unlikely but heartening friendship between Sanja, the put-upon daughter of a merchant, and Lelek, a witch with a hard secret in her past. …” — Sarah Hunter. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2020.