ADULT FICTION
“It Starts with Us” by Colleen Hoover — “Lily and her ex-husband, Ryle, have just settled into a civil coparenting rhythm when she suddenly bumps into her first love, Atlas, again. After nearly two years separated, she is elated that for once, time is on their side, and she immediately says yes when Atlas asks her on a date. But her excitement is quickly hampered by the knowledge that, though they are no longer married, Ryle is still very much a part of her life–and Atlas Corrigan is the one man he will hate being in his ex-wife and daughter’s life.” — Publisher’s Annotation
“Lady Tan’s Circles of Women” by Lisa See — “Based on the writings of an historical Ming dynasty female physician, See’s accomplished novel immerses readers in a fascinating life lived within a fascinating culture.” ― Starred Booklist
“The Glass Chateau” by Stephen Kiernan — “A bittersweet story of beauty…Kiernan has written a lovely, moving elegy for those who were lost, and resilient survivors who long for redemption.” — Minneapolis Star Tribune
“The Making of Another Major Masterpiece” by Tom Hanks — “A thoroughly engaging tale….This is a story about what happens behind the cameras. Hanks is at pains to impress upon us that moviemaking is a circuitous process involving a vast network of people — some famous, most not — showing up and doing their best. This is most definitely not a novel about the magic of filmmaking; it’s a novel about the hard work of filmmaking…. a love letter to the industry….The longer you watch Hanks create that glittery surface, the harder it is to look away.” —Ron Charles, The Washington Post
“The Next Best Day” by Sharon Salsa — “After two back-to-back life-changing events, first grade teacher Katie McGrath leaves Albuquerque for a fresh start in Borden’s Gap, Tennessee. She is finally back in the classroom where she belongs, but it will take a little while for her to heal and truly feel like herself.” — Amazon.com
“The Paris Daughter” by Kristin Hamel — “The Paris Daughter is an all consuming tale of war, love and family, and at its core is a heart touching look at a mother’s love and the sacrifices we make for our children….Historical fiction at its best!” — Sadeqa Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of The House of Eve
“The Secret Life of Sunflowers” by Marta Molnar — “This book was so much more than I had expected, and I had high expectations… one of the most beautiful stories I’ve read in years.” — Kaela Stokes”“The Secret Life of Sunflowers” by Marta Molnar — “This book was so much more than I had expected, and I had high expectations… one of the most beautiful stories I’ve read in years.” — Kaela Stokes
“The Summer of Lost and Found” by Mary Alice Monroe — “Readers come for the characters but stay for the animals.” –New York Times
“The Wind Knows My Name” by Isabel Allende — “Allende’s [dialogue is] current, relevant and real. Our civic discourse is centered by a multitude of voices talking about two things—immigration and identity—who belongs and who doesn’t, and how to care for the dispossessed. In Allende’s version healing is possible, because empathy is a hopeful, albeit inconsistent, follower of migration.” —NPR
“Then You Came Along” by Debbie Macomber — “Robin Masterson’s ten-year-old son, Jeff, befriends Cole Camden’s dog, bringing together the aloof and unfriendly Cole, who is still mourning the deaths of his wife and son, and Robin, who is also dealing with a tragic loss; after an unforgettable night with Summer Lawton in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve, James Wilkens vows to meet her at the same time and place the following year.” — Baker & Taylor
ADULT MYSTERY
“All That is Mine I Carry With Me” by William Landay — “This gripping, slow-burning, yet tension-packed family drama . . . is a haunting story of family trauma, family secrets and fraying sibling bonds. It highlights the question of whether family loyalty has its limits.” —The Patriot Ledger
“Before She Disappeared” by Lisa Gardner — “As Frankie’s investigation progresses, it offers an up-close look into some of the issues that plague American society today—racism, antipathy toward immigrants and the trafficking of young women—while providing a blistering narrative and sympathetic characters…Before She Disappeared is billed as a standalone, but I’m thinking it would be the perfect setup for a terrific series.” —Bookpage
“Central Park West” by James Comey — “A kaleidoscopic crime novel … solid and convincing, and its secret sauce is the lived-in details that can only come from someone familiar with those five steps leading up from Centre Street.” ― Publishers Weekly
“Cross Down” by James Patterson — “For the first time, John Sampson is on his own. The brilliant crime-solving duo of Washington, DC’s, Metro PD and the FBI has a proven MO: Detective Alex Cross makes his own rules. Detective John Sampson enforces them. When military-style attacks erupt,brutally sidelining Cross, Sampson is sent reeling. The patterns are too random–Sampson’s friend, his partner, his brother–have told him. Don’t trust anyone. As a shadow force advances on the nation’s capital, Sampson alone must protect the Cross family, his own young daughter, and every American, including the president”– Baker & Taylor
“Dark Angel” by John Sandford — “A female-forward thriller that makes a strong case that smart, unflinching women should run the world.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Don’t Back Down” by Sharon Salsa — “When a rescue mission reveals the threat of human traffickers in Jubilee, Kentucky, Army veteran Cameron Pope teams up with Rusty Caldwell, a woman with whom he had a one-night stand six years ago, to restore peace to their beloved community—and get a shot at happiness.” — Atlas Publishing
“Double or Nothing” by Kim Sherwood — “A boldly innovative James Bond novel . . . [Sherwood] rises impressively to all the challenges of the formula ― the cliffhangers, the exotic locations, the wry specificity about lifestyle and weaponry brands, the blend of “kiss kiss” and “bang bang” ― while adding ideas such as making Q a quantum computer and putting the climate crisis at her remarkable thriller’s center.” — Sunday Times (UK)
“Near Miss” by Stuart Woods & Brett Battles — “Following a string of adventures, Stone Barrington is enjoying some downtime in New York City when a chance encounter introduces him to a charming new companion. Too bad she also comes with the baggage of a persistent ex-boyfriend intent on retribution. As Stone skillfully dodges each disturbance, it soon becomes clear that there is potentially an even more treacherous game being played behind the scenes. And when long-standing grudges resurface, Stone is brought back into the orbit of some familiar enemies. He must use all of his tricks—as well as those of a few old friends—to evade trouble before it’s too late. But this time, danger just might catch him.” — Annotation
“One by One” by Ruth Ware — “Tempestuous . . . [a] claustrophobic, adrenaline-fueled cat-and-mouse game.” — Publishers Weekly
“One Step Too Far” by Lisa Gardner — “It’s not often that a thriller so deeply casts us into the darkness of both nature and the human heart. . . . Terrifying, primal, and very, very tense. Read it with your heart in your throat—but read it.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Suspects” by Danielle Steel — “Rebuilding her life, fashion royalty Theodora Morgan, during an event in NYC, forms an instant connection with a man who, unbeknownst to her, is a CIA agent sent to protect her from the very same people involved in the kidnapping of her husband and son, which ended in tragedy.” — Atlas Publishing
“The Cold Way Home” by Julia Keller — “A gritty tale of despair, family pride, hope, and second chances.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“The Sacred Bridge” by Anne Hillerman — “The Sacred Bridge is further proof that Anne Hillerman continues to produce top-notch mysteries that entertain, amuse, and move us.” — New York Journal of Books
“The Summer House” by James Patterson — “Investigating four Army Rangers who have been implicated in the destruction of a luxurious summer lake resort, Army Major and former NYPD cop Jeremiah Cook is stonewalled by local law enforcement and dangerous secrets.” — Baker & Taylor
“The Third to Die” by Allison Brennan — “A lean thriller with a strong and damaged protagonist as compelling as Lisbeth Salander.” –Kirkus Reviews
“You Can Hide” by Rebecca Zanetti — “When her newly discovered half-sister is linked to a series of dead bodies discovered in the Sauk River, FBI Special Agent Laurel Snow forms a risky alliance to catch a clever killer in an attempt to save her troubled sister’s life, which might cost her own.” — Baker & Taylor
“You Can Run” by Rebecca Zanetti — “With a serial killer on the loose in Genesis Valley, WA, FBI profiler Laurel Snow must negotiate her conflicting feelings for the fish and wildlife officer she is working with, while dealing with a growing list of suspects and a danger that’s far too close to home” — Baker & Taylor
ADULT BIOGRAPHY
“It Goes. So. Fast: The Year of No Do-overs” by Mary Louise Kelly — ‘Mary Louise Kelly has written an achingly honest memoir that reflects the joys, regrets, pitfalls and triumphs of the modern working mother. Humor, heart, and humanity bounce off every. single. page. I felt like I was having a bottle (or two) of wine with a close friend whose balancing act very much resonated with mine―and probably yours too.” ―Katie Couric
ADULT NON-FICTION
“Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World” by Lauren Fleshman — “A close-up look at the uncertain and often unhealthy climb toward stardom for women in organized sports . . . The rawness of Good for a Girl serves as a push to demand that the next crop of female athletes has it better.” —The Washington Post
“In Sardinia: An Unexpected Journey in Italy” by Jeff Biggers” — “[A] rich, detailed chronicle…compelling guide and a new appreciation of an overlooked island…Neither holiday postcard nor dry ancient history, this is a fascinating journey around Sardinia.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Motherboard: Poems” by Renee Rossi — “Renee Rossi’s exceptional collection of poetry is a gift in defining how courage opens the arc of survival. Motherboard explores compelling internal and external connections about familial bloodlines primarily related to generations of mother/womanhood. Deeply stirring narrative-threads consider observations through the nature of the “farm & the forest,” clinical and holistic medicine, and reconstructing myths. Rossi’s brilliant lyricism and cinematic lens share personal truths and grit about how one might heal the past and future — or shape a pathway for sustainable resilience.” — Amazon.com
“Never Trust a Sneaky Pony: And Other Things They Didn’t Teach Me in Vet School” by Madison Seamans, MS DVM — “Have you always wanted to know what your vet is actually thinking? This book will let you know! A great read from nose to tail.” —Jamie Massie Jennings, Host of Horses in the Morning Radio Show
“On the Origin of Time: Stephen Hawking’s Final Theory” by Thomas Herton
“Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity” by Peter Attia, M. D. — “A beautifully written, thought-provoking account of both the physics and the personalities involved in Hawking’s visionary struggle to comprehend the cosmos. Thomas Hertog has provided a fascinating insider’s view.”—Neil Turok, co-author of Endless Universe
“Poverty. by America” by Matthew Desmon — “Poverty, by America is a searing moral indictment of how and why the United States tolerates such high levels of poverty and of inequality . . . [and] a hands-on call to action.” —The Nation
“The Best of Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: Favorite Recipes from Bread in Five Minutes a Day” by Jeff Hertzberg, M.D. & Zoe Francois — “[In] this definitive guide to bread making…[both] veteran and novice bread bakers will find empowerment and inspiration.” ―Publishers Weekly
“The Ecological Farm: A Minimalist No-Till, No-Spray, Selective Weeding, Grow-Your-Own Fertilizer System for Organic Agriculture” by Helen Atthowe — “Helen Atthowe employs her high skill set and shares the full depth and length of her experience in The Ecological Farm. The ecology she describes is beautiful to look at and a powerful tool for maintaining balance on the farm or in a garden. Helen guides readers through many methods, backed up by decades of results.” — Charles Dowding, author of Charles Dowding’s No Dig Gardening
“The Hazen Road Dispatch: Volume 47, Summer 2023″
“The Race of the Century: The Battle to Break the Four-Minute Mile” by Neal Bascomb — “Bascomb excels at launching the reader along famous racecourses, such as the Circuit de Monaco and the Nürburgring, palpably describing the pressures felt by the drivers both literally and emotionally Though geared toward car and racing enthusiasts, this book will enthrall any with a passing curiosity in those subjects or history lovers who enjoy an underdog tale. ….” — Booklist, starred review
PARENTING
“Messy Maths: A Playful, Outdoor Approach for Early Years” by Juliet Robertson
BLUE/DVD MOVIES
“A Man Called Otto”
“Avatar: The Way of Water”
“Everything, Everywhere All at Once”
“Jesus Revolution”
“The Covenant”
EASY READER
“Madie and Mabel” by Kari Allen
PICTURE BOOK
“100 Mighty Dragons All Named Broccoli” by David Larochelle
“A Garden in My Hands” by Meera Sriram
“A Year in our New Garden” by Gerda Muller
“Abdul’s Story” by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
“All from a Walnut” by Ammi-Joan Paquette
“Almost Always Best, Best Friends” by Apryl Scott
“Beneath” by Cori Doerrfeld
“Bikes for Sale” by Carter Higgins
“Bobcat Prowling” by Maria Gianfeffari
“Ear Worm!” by Jo Knowles
“Little Excavator” by Anna Dewdney
“Luli and the Language of Tea” by Andrea Wang
“Magnolia Flower” by Zora Neale Hurston
“Maybe You Might” by Imogen Foxell
“Me and the Boss: A Story about Mending and Love” by Michelle Edwards & April Harrison
“Noticing” by Kobi Yamada
“Once Upon a Book” by Grace Lin
“Polar Bear” by Candace Fleming
“Salamandar Sky” by Katy Farber
“Still This Love Goes On” by Buffy Sainte-Marie & Julie Flett
“This Coquies Still Sing” by Karina Nicole Gonzalez
“The Ice Cream Vanishes” by Julia Sarcone-Roach
“Too Early” by Nora Ericson
“Watch out for the Lion!” by Brooke Hartman
“We are Going to be Pals!” by Mark Teague
“Weather Together” by Jessie Sima
JUVENILE FICTION
“Big Tree” by Brian Selznick — “Silvery, deeply textural drawings move elegantly between planet-scale drama, microscopic life, and Louise and Merwin’s shifting surroundings as the pace bounds inexorably onward, ending in a contemporary city. . . . In evocative prose and peppery dialogue . . . the cinematic story journeys across time and space, contemplating the power of life to heal and the importance of developing ‘roots and wings.” ― Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Calling the Moon: 16 Period Stories from BIPOC Authors” by various authors — “The stories have broad appeal and are unified by a common thread of growing up. Issues related to race and gender, immigration status, and language diversity are set alongside culturally rich narratives about a singular and pivotal life event, giving young people an opportunity to feel seen, and less alone.”—The Horn Book
“Dear Mothman” by Robin Gow — “Gow captures the complexity of emotions that arise amid grief and self-discovery. . .Poignant and sincere.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Legends of Lotus Land: The Guardian Test” by Christina Soontornvat — “From two-time Newbery honor recipient Christina Soontornvat comes a compelling new young middle grade fantasy series for readers who love stories about animals, magic, and kids like them embracing their power to change the world.” — Annotation
“Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy” by Angie Thomas — “Thomas brings her considerable talents to this first volume of an anticipated trilogy—her characters are well-developed, the world’s framework is creative and satisfying, and powerful undercurrents of struggles against injustice add a memorable additional layer lacking in other similar series.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“The Eyes & The Impossible” by David Eggers — “Johannes is a highly engaging narrator whose exuberance and good nature run like a bright thread through the novel’s pages…. There is a deeper story here, too, about being yourself and finding freedom.” —New York Times
JUVENILE GRAPHIC NOVELS
“Call the Name of the Night” by Tama Mitsuboshi — “Deep within the forest resides a curious pair―Mira, a girl with an affliction that calls forth the night, and Rei, a kindly doctor searching for the cure. Their days pass peacefully, until an old acquaintance of Rei’s appears…” — Amazon.com
“Global” by Eoin Colfer — “The text is pointed and poignant, beautifully complemented by dynamic illustrations that bring the scenes to dramatic life. Backmatter does an excellent job summarizing global warming…Timely and boldly told.” ― Kirkus Reviews
“School Trip” by Jerry Craft — “Readers will love this European escapade with characters who reflect the richness and multiculturalism of modern America. Another triumph of storytelling filled with heart and wonder.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Squire & Knight” by Scott Chandler — “A witty, adventurous tale with excellent character building, this graphic novel gives readers of fantasy and medieval stories plenty to enjoy.”―School Library Journal
“The Bad Guys in Let the Games Begin!” by Aaron Blabey — “OK. It’s time to stop messin’ around . . . In this book, the One IS going to be reunited with the Others. You ARE going to actually meet the REAL DREAD OVERLORD SPLAARGHÖN. And ONE CHARACTER is going to change EVERYTHING you thought you knew. This is the one you’ve been waiting for!” — Scholastic
JUVENILE NON-FICTION
“Animal Tracks and Traces” by Mary Holland — “Animals are all around us. While we may not often see them, we can see signs that they’ve been there. Some signs might be simple footprints in snow or mud (tracks) and other signs include chewed or scratched bark, homes or even poop and pee (traces). Children will become animal detectives after learning how to “read” the animal signs left all around. Smart detectives can even figure out what the animals were doing!” — Abordale Pub.
“Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere” by Kira Willey — “Breathe Like a Bear teaches kids how to flex their mindfulness muscles and be calm, focused, imaginative,energized and relaxed. Kira Willey offers up fun activities that are sure to captivate young audiences and start them developing positive energy-producing habits for their physical and mental well-being. … Accentuating the engaging exercises are delightful illustrations of animals and nature portrayed in strikingly bold colors. This enjoyable, interactive book is a sneaky way to promote a healthy approach to life with the small people you value most.” –Shelf Awareness
“Indigenous Ingenuity: A Celebration of Traditional North American Knowledge” by Deidre & Edward Kay — “Via authoritative, meticulously researched prose, the creators detail Native peoples’ significant strides in scientific pursuits . . . [and] showcase Native tribes’ continual and enduring impact. Photographs, as well as interactive activities detailing recipes and science experiments, feature throughout, lending a hands-on approach to this clear and concise work.”―Publishers Weekly
“Listen to the Language of the Trees: A Story of How Forests Communicate Underground” by Tera Kelley — “A gold mine of information… detailed illustrations… [an] informative and engaging book.” ― Booklist (STARRED review)
“Marshmallow Clouds: Two Poets at Play Among Figures of Speech” by Ted Kooser & Connie Wanek — “Evocative and playful. . . Jones’s full-bleed illustrations, rendered in paint and edited digitally, are striking even in their muted colors. In an afterword, Kooser and Wanek encourage readers to pay attention to their imaginations—all making for a perfect mentor text for students writing their own poems.” — The Horn Book (starred review)
“The Book of Cultures: 30 Stories to Discover the World” by Evi Triantafyllides — “The book is filled with interesting information about cultures around the world. It is like a little trip and it is inspiring to the reader. I like the stories, the favorite things of the lead character that show us more about each culture and the games/recipes/activities to demonstrate more about the culture.” – Nappa Awards Review
“The Outdoor Scientist: The Wonder of Observing the Natural World” by Temple Gardin — “The book is chock-full of information . . . the kind a nature-loving child will be thrilled to discover. An invitation to young readers to observe, enjoy, and learn about the world around us all.” —Kirkus Reviews
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
“Blood Scion” by Deborah Falaye — “An epic tale of ancient magic based in Nigerian mythology… Falaye’s harrowing duology opener of survival, sacrifice, and vengeance illustrates the effects of trauma and the strength of love in driving acts potentially heinous and heroic.” — Publishers Weekly
“Nightbirds” by Kate J. Armstrong — “In this dazzling, fiercely feminist novel . . . debut author Armstrong uses lush, seamlessly incorporated worldbuilding, kaleidoscopic third-person-present narration told via realistically rendered characters, and fraught queer and straight romantic subplots to explore issues of classism and misogyny. With a pace that never flags and a harrowing, high-stakes plot, this distinguished read boasts texture, heft, and heart.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Skin of the Sea” by Natasha Bowen — “Reinvigorating the image of West Africa as not merely a site of human suffering but a historical place of great invention, fellowship, and hope, Bowen relays a story as lushly described as it is cinematic, centering a brave, headstrong protagonist coming into her own power in an age of change.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Warrior Girl Unearthed” by Angeline Boulley — “This novel is many things at once: a coming-of-age story of twins who are each struggling to find their places, a murder mystery, a culturally driven exploration of home and belonging, and the same thoughtful, expansive, and careful examination of what it means to be Anishinaabe as Boulley offered in the previous novel.” –BCCB, starred review
YOUNG ADULT NON-FICTION
“You: The Story: A Writer’s Guide to Craft Through Memory” by Ruta Sepetys –“Part writing guide, part memoir, Sepetys’ fresh, fun handbook is all inspiration.” —Booklist, starred review