ADULT FICTION
“A Rogue’s Company” by Allison Montclair — “A saucy and witty romp…with an ear for characters’ unique lingo and language and an eye for period detail, Montclair’s Rogue is spot on.” —Historical Novel Society
“Early Morning Riser” by Katherine Heiny — “This touching and fizzy comic novel… makes the ordinary extraordinary. A deep awareness of the ways the potential for tragedy lies just beneath the surface of small-town life gives the proceedings a sense of gravity and holds the humor in perfect balance. This is a winner.”—Publishers Weekly, starred
“The Disappearing Act” by Catherine Steadman — “From the New York Times bestselling author of Something in the Water and Mr. Nobody comes “an unputdownable mystery about the nightmares that abound in the pursuit of Hollywood dreams” — (Caroline Kepnes, author of the You series). — Random House, Inc.
“The Indigo Girl” by Natasha Boyd — “Set on South Carolina’s plantations beginning in 1739, this excellent historical novel by Boyd (Eversea) is based on the true story of Eliza Lucas Pinckney (1722-1793). Sixteen-year-old Eliza Lucas is charged with running her father’s three heavily-mortgaged plantations while he pursues a military career in the Caribbean. …Kindhearted Eliza is independent and forward-thinking. She defies the Negro Act of 1740 and teaches her slaves to read, seeks their advice, and banishes the lash. …Add threats of war with Spain and the strict social and cultural codes for Southern women, and Boyd has crafted a captivating novel of Southern colonial history.” — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, c2017.
“The Midnight Bargain” by C. L. Polk — “The author’s penetrating social critique and deeply felt depiction of one woman’s struggle for self-determination are balanced by her charming take on classic Regency romance…. An expertly concocted mélange of sweet romance and sharp social commentary.” —Kirkus (starred review)
“The School for Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan –“Jessamine Chan’s infuriatingly timely debut novel, The School for Good Mothers, takes this widely accepted armchair quarterbacking of motherhood and ratchets it up to the level of a surveillance state — one that may read more like a preview than a dystopia, depending on your faith in the future of Roe v. Wade…chilling…clever.” —THE NEW YORK TIMES REVIEW
“West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge — “[A] larger-than-life story about the power of both animal magnetism and human connection…witty, charming, and heartwarming.” ―Booklist
“While Justice Sleeps” by Stacey Adams –“A political-legal thriller that should hold the reader rapt from its opening line . . . to the extraordinary climactic courtroom scene that turns the plot upside down with ironic flair and utter conviction.”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
ADULT MYSTERY
“A Line to Kill” by Anthony Horowitz — “An effortless blend of humor and fair play…the often prickly relationship between the Watson-like Horowitz and the Holmes-like Hawthorne complements the intricate detective work worthy of a classic golden age whodunit.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Gallows Court” by Martin Edwards — “Superb—a pitch-perfect blend of Golden Age charm and sinister modern suspense, with a main character to die for. This is the book Edwards was born to write.”—Lee Child, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Game On: Tempting Twenty-Eight” by Janet Evanovich — “Plum remains sassy, outspoken, brave, and definitely one-of-a-kind… a hilariously madcap, action-packed caper filled with crazy twists and some nail-biting suspense. [Game On] finds the irrepressible Stephanie and cohorts in absolutely top form.” —Booklist (starred review)
“Plymouth Undercover” by Pamela Kelley — “Meet Emma McCarthy, ….and her mother, Cindy… They’ve just inherited Court Street Investigations, a private detective agency—and its one part-time employee, eighty-year-old Mickey, a retired police detective. They expect typical cases like cheating spouses or workman’s comp, but when they are hired to find a local missing woman, they quickly learn that the agency also has a reputation for solving murders.” — Ingram Publishing Services
“The Book Supremacy” by Kate Carlisle — “[An] immensely satisfying page-turner of mystery.”–Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author
“The Man Who Died Twice” by Richard Osman — “Riveting. . . The twisty plot, knotty issues of relationships with life partners, and steadfast loyalty among the sleuths provide depth and poignancy. Those who prefer their mysteries with touches of spycraft, humor, and eccentricity will be well pleased.” —Publishers Weekly
“The Others” by Sarah Blau — “Singularly creepy . . . Blau, an award-winning playwright in Israel, wades bravely . . . into issues of sex, religion and aging. The mystery is absorbing, but so is the passionate debate over how the world views women who decide not to have children — and how they view themselves.” — Sarah Lyall, New York Times Book Review
ADULT NON-FICTION
“Recovering from Narcissistic Abuse: How to Heal from Toxic Relationships and Emotional Abuse” by Priscilla Posey — “Recovering from narcissistic abuse and healing from a toxic relationship doesn’t have to be difficult. Even if you’ve tried other solutions which didn’t work before. This book is the solution.” — Amazon.com
“Trooper: The Heartwarming Story of the Bobcat Who Became Part of My Family” by Forrest Bryant Johnson –“Whenever middle-aged desert tour guide Forrest Bryant Johnson went out on his daily walks into the Mojave, all was usually peaceful and serene. But one beautiful summer day in 1987, Forrest heard a cry of distress. Following the cries, he came upon a small bobcat kitten, injured, orphaned, and desperately in need of help. So Forrest took his new feline friend home for a night. But when the little “trooper” clearly needed some more time to recoup, that night turned into two nights, a week, and eventually nineteen years. And so Trooper became a part of the Johnson family.” — Baker & Taylor
“When Harry met Minnie: A True Story of Love and Friendship” by Martha Teichner — “Teichner’s main themes are sure to warm readers in this cold coronavirus winter: the steadfast devotion between dogs and their owners, and the essential role friendship plays in sustaining both humans and their beloved pets … Teichner has learned that we all have the capacity to create and build new friendships and attachments at whatever age or stage of life. That such rewards are possible is the inspirational lesson for all the characters in ― and readers of ― this touching saga.” —The Washington Post
PARENTING
“Baby Sign Language Made Easy: 101 Signs to Start Communicating with Your Child Now” by Lane Rebelo — “Baby Sign Language Made Easy is a beautiful, easy-to-understand resource about how to learn and teach baby sign language to young children. Drawing on the benefits of baby sign language for both parent and child, Ms. Rebelo not only provides a thorough collection of useful signs, but shows you exactly how to introduce them to your child. This is a must-read for any parent eager to use baby sign language.” —Nina Garcia, author and parenting blogger at Sleeping Should Be Easy
BLUE/DVD MOVIES
“Jockey”
“Parallel Mothers”
JUVENILE FICTION
“The Christmas Pig” by J. K. Rowling — “Losing his favorite childhood toy on Christmas Eve, Jack and his new toy, the Christmas Pig, concoct a daring plan and embark on a magical journey to seek something lost—and to save the best friend Jack has ever known. By the internationally celebrated author of the Harry Potter series.” — Atlas Publishing
JUVENILE GRAPHIC NOVELS
“Agent 9: Flood-a-geddon!” by James Burke — “A delightful graphic romp. With a blend of thrilling chase scenes and a generous helping of humor, this crowd pleaser should be catnip to fans of series like Aaron Blabey’s The Bad Guys. Spy aficionados will find this purr-fect.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Allergic” by Megan Wagner Lloyd — “Warm and well-paced… an encouraging tale for young readers engaging with the world of pets, family, and friendships.” — Publishers Weekly
“Amulet #1: The Stonekeeper” by Kazu Kibuishi — “When Emily and Navin’s mother is kidnapped by a tentacle creature on the first night inside their new home, Emily and Navin must figure out how to set things right and save their mother’s life. ” — Baker & Taylor
“Amulet #2: The Stonekeeper’s Curse” by Kazu Kibuishi — “Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi returns with his mysterious world full of new allies . . . and old enemies!Emily and Navin’s mother is still in a coma from the arachnopod’s poison, and there’s only one place to find help: Kanalis, the bustling, beautiful city of waterfalls. But when Em, her brother, and Miskit and the rest of the robotic crew aboard the walking house reach the city, they quickly realize that seeking help is looking for trouble, dangerous trouble.” — Scholastic
“Amulet #3: The Cloud Searchers” by Kazu Kibuishi — “This third book….. has the gaggle of heroes led by young Emily, the requisite prophecy fulfiller with unharnessed powers, searching for a fabled city in the clouds while dodging capture by evil elf overlords. Star Wars and Tolkien continue to loom large as influences, and the cinematically grand visuals of otherworldly scenery continue to be one of the series’ deftest draws. But plenty of action and complex characters (including a few who were bad guys not too long ago) will also satisfy.” — Ian Chipman. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2010.
“Amulet #4: The Last Council” by Kazu Kibuishi — “Stellar artwork, imaginative character design, moody color and consistent pacing.” — Publishers Weekly
“Amulet #5: Prince of the Elves” by Kazu Kibuishi — “A must for all fantasy fans.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Amulet # 6: Escape from Lucien” by Kazu Kibuishi — “Navin and his classmates journey to Lucien, a city ravaged by war and plagued by mysterious creatures, where they search for a beacon essential to their fight against the Elf King. Meanwhile, Emily heads back into the Void with Max, one of the Elf King’s loyal followers, where she learns his darkest secrets. The stakes, for both Emily and Navin, are higher than ever.” — Amazon.com
“Amulet #7: Firelight” by Kazu Kibuishi — “Emily, Trellis, and Vigo visit Algos Island, where they can access and enter lost memories. They’re hoping to uncover the events of Trellis’s mysterious childhood — knowledge they can use against the Elf King. What they discover is a dark secret that changes everything. Meanwhile, the Voice of Emily’s Amulet is getting stronger, and threatens to overtake her completely.” — Amazon.com
“Amulet #8: Supernova” by Kazu Kibuishi — “Emily has lost control of her Amulet and is imprisoned in the Void, where she must find a way to escape the influence of the Voice. Meanwhile, Emily’s brother, Navin, travels to Lighthouse One, a space station where the Resistance is preparing to battle the approaching Shadow forces that would drain planet Alledia of all its resources. Emily and Navin must be smarter and stronger than ever to ensure Alledia’s survival.” — Amazon.com
“Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel” by Mariah Marsden — “L. M. Montgomery’s classic tale is delicately and lovingly transformed into a graphic novel…Though the original tale is abridged and adapted, Marsden is careful not to rush the plot…[Thummler’s] soft, pastel palette is a perfect complement to the historical setting, and her softly glowing art is the heart of this fitting tribute to a beloved work.” (Snow Wildsmith, Booklist)
“Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen’s Kittycat Club” by Katy Farina — “The full-color illustrations are bright and detailed, and the story is fast paced and relatable.” — School Library Journal
“Best Friends” by Shannon Hale — “A heart-stabbing tale of the everyday social agonies of girlhood.” ―Wall Street Journal
“Cat Kid Comic Club: Perspectives” by Dav Pilkey — “Irreverent, laugh-out-loud funny and… downright moving, it’s a heartfelt celebration of coming into one’s own as an artist, with all its frustrations and joys.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Cici’s Journal: Lost and Found” by Joris Chamblain — “Movingly shows how human life contains more mysteries than any hidden room or secret code.”―Kirkus
“Cici’s Journal: The Adventures of a Writer-in-Training” by Joris Chamblain —
“The lessons are breezy, but the art is sumptuous: Neyret’s naturalistic illustrations have marvelous depth, with dense color, dynamic movement, and a fantastic use of light and shadow.”―Booklist
“Dinosaurs Before Dark” by Jenny Laird — “The #1 bestselling chapter book is now a graphic novel! Magic. Mystery. Time-travel. Get whisked back in time in the magic tree house with Jack and Annie!” — Amazon.com
“Dog Man and Cat Kid” by Dav Pilkey — “Action and mystery abound on the movie set in the fourth Dog Man book from worldwide bestselling author and artist Dav Pilkey.” — Amazon.com
“Dog Man Unleashed” by Dav Pilkey — “Dog Man is still learning a few tricks of the trade. Petey the Cat is out of the bag, and his criminal curiosity is taking the city by storm. Something fishy is going on! Can Dog Man unleash justice on this ruffian in time to save the city, or will Petey get away with the purr-fect crime?” — Amazon.com
“Donut Feed the Squirrel” by Mika Song — “Two problem-solving squirrels stage a successful doughnut heist in this amusing start to a graphic novel series for emerging readers.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review
“Friends Forever” by Shannon Hale — “With the combination of Hale’s lucid writing and Pham’s masterful portrayal of body and language and facial expression, this books homes in squarely and affirmingly on teen angst and worries.” ―Booklist, starred review
“Garlic & the Vampire” by Bree Paulsen — “Gorgeous artwork featuring anthropomorphized plants and colors reminiscent of those used in Kate Greenaway stories make this a joy to read… Perfect for chapter-book readers and up, this will delight anyone wanting a light adventure heavy on friendship and self-actualization.” — Booklist
“HiLo: Book 1, The Boy Who Crashed to Earth” by Judd Winick — “A perfect book for any kid who ever needed a friend and then had one with superpowers fall from space.” —Seth Meyers, actor, comedian and writer
“HiLo: Book 2, Saving the Whole Wide World” by Judd Winick — “[A] lively and entertaining ADVENTURE with enough risk to give it heft and plenty of solid friendship to keep readers buoyed… Lush, bright colors and a freewheeling approach to panels create an immersive environment.”—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review
“HiLo: Book 3, The Great Big Boom” by Judd Winick — “Hilo the robot boy and his best friend DJ must team up to track down DJ’s pal Gina, who was swallowed by a mysterious portal. In the process, Hilo and DJ are reunited with old friends, make new friends, and unearth more secrets from Hilo’s past. This third installment in the series delivers humor and cartoony, over-the-top adventures that fans and new readers will delight in …” — Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AK
“HiLo: Book 4, Waking the Monsters” by Judd Winick –“Take off on an action packed adventure with HILO Book 4! Dog Manmeets Big Nate in this hilarious New York Times bestselling graphic novel series that kids love! Chock full of MORE MONSTERS! MORE ACTION! MORE LAUGHS! MORE FUN!” — Amazon.com
“HiLo: Book 5, Then Everything Went Wrong” by Judd Winick — “Alien-robot boy Hilo and his human friend D.J. travel to Hilo’s home planet in this fifth graphic novel. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Hilo’s sister Izzy and pal Gina try to keep the boys’ absence on the down-low. Tantalizing revelations about Hilo’s past; expressive, action-packed panels; and wacky, slapstick humor (a robot version of D.J. shoots nickels from his bellybutton) make for another satisfying series addition.” — THE HORN BOOK, c2019.
“HiLo: Book 6, All the Pieces Fit” by Judd Winick — “Being a hero isn’t easy. But Hilo had no idea it would be this hard. Hilo came to earth because he was running from Razorwark. But he’s done running. Razorwark has come to earth. And the time has come for one final face to face showdown. What happens will decide the fate of the robot world . . . and Hilo’s future. The sacrifice will be great. But with Izzy’s help, Hilo finally knows what he has to do. Because THIS is how all the pieces fit.” — Publisher Annotation
“Hilo: Book 7, Gina the Girl who Broke the World” by Judd Winick — “Hundreds of years ago, MAGIC disappeared from Earth. At least…UNTIL NOW. Because suddenly, giant magical beings are appearing and only GINA can see them. Not to mention, Gina can somehow do magic herself. Magic is powerful. But it can also be DANGEROUS. With DJ and HILO’s help, can Gina figure out how to protect the magical beings from the creatures who are after them? AND how to use her magic to become who she was always meant to be? And can she do it WITHOUT putting the entire PLANET in JEAPARDY?! Find out in Hilo 7–a laugh-out-loud, action packed adventure filled with epic battles! friendship! annoying older brothers! annoying older sisters! good guys! bad guys! inappriate jokes! mangoes! magic! and much, much more!” — Publisher Annotation:
“Hilo: Book 8, Gina and the Big Secret” by Judd Winick — “There’s a NEW Earth! The world’s timeline has been turned upside down, and now magical creatures are EVERYWHERE. Gina has to fix things–FAST! With DJ and HILO’s help, can Gina find the key to turn the world back to what it was? Find out in Hilo 8–a laugh-out-loud, action-packed adventure filled with epic battles! True friendship! Good jokes! Bad jokes! Giant (hilarious) monsters! Spoiled royals! Prophecies! Good! Evil! And much, much more!” — Onix Annotations
“Little Monarchs” by Jonathan Case — “[A] prescient, thrilling, unusual and occasionally hilarious graphic novel. . . . Just about everything one might need to survive post-apocalyptic life on Earth is packed into these colorful pages. . . . Save the planet—read this book!”—Shelf Awareness, Starred Review
“Lord of the Fleas” by Dav Pilkey — ‘When a fresh bunch of baddies bust up the town, Dog Man is called into action — and this time he isn’t alone. With a cute kitten and a remarkable robot by his side, our heroes must save the day by joining forces with an unlikely ally: Petey, the World’s Most Evil Cat. But can the villainous Petey avoid vengeance and venture into virtue?” — Amazon.com
“Max Meow: Donuts and Danger” by John Gallagher — “Meowza! Max was just getting used to being a SECRET SUPER HERO when his and his best friend Mindy’s evil look-alikes show up in Kittyopolis! And what’s worse, they’re determined to take over the world’s donut supply–and Max and Mindy are getting blamed! Can Max and Mindy work together to save the day–and the donuts?! Find out in Max Meow Book 2: Donuts and Danger! A deliciously funny, action-packed new series that’s so good you’ll want seconds!” — Publisher Annotation:
“Max Meow: Pugs from Planet X” by John Gallagher — “Meowza! Space pugs have landed in Kittyopolis and they’re after the SPACE MEATBALL that gave Max his powers! Can Max and Mindy save Kittyopolis?!” — Amazon.com
“Mighty Jack” by Ben Hatke — “Jack foolishly trades the family car for a packet of seeds. He’s thrilled when his younger sister (who doesn’t speak) cares for the garden, but these seeds yield a sinister menagerie of sentient plant creatures. Graphic novelist Hatke employs a vibrant color palette dominated by verdant greens and with a panel layout that segues seamlessly between dialogue and action–all to terrific effect.” — THE HORN BOOK, c2017.
“Mighty Jack and the Goblin King” by Ben Hatke — “Full-bleedpages with hordes of fantastic monsters rendered in wild, organic shapes, and he further enlivens the story with snappy, comical dialogue.” ―Booklist
“Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl” by Ben Hatke — “Hatke’s latest adventure is a wonderful and exciting page-turner, seamlessly blending dragons, giants, robots, and portals to other worlds, creating instant appeal for almost any young fan of graphic novels, fantasy, fairy tales, or science fiction…Perfection.” ―Kirkus,starred review
“Pilu of the Woods” by Mai K. Nguyen — “In Pilu of the Woods, Nguyen has crafted a sweet, gentle, beautifully-illustrated fable about childhood loss, and the friends who help us find ways to grow, even through the hardest times.” — Melanie Gillman (Steven Universe, As the Crow Flies)
“Real Friends” by Shannon Hale — “A wonderfully observed portrait of finding one’s place in your world.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Salt Magic” by Hope Larson — “An absorbing and fast-paced historical fantasy adventure. Mock’s illustrations make every enchanting, dangerous moment pop. Salt Magicis a feast of a tale that treats readers to an epic battle between evil forces and a courageous, persistent young hero.”—BookPage
“Sort of Super” by Eric Gapstur — “When his dad makes him hide his super powers, 11-year-old Wyatt Flynn, going behind his back, decides to make a difference in the community and teams up with his little sister to fight crime.” — Atlas Publishing
“Spider-Ham: Great Power, No Responsibility” by Steve Foxe — “… After long being derided by the citizens of New York, Spider-Ham has finally been recognized for his outsized contribution to the city’s safety, and receives the key to the city from none other than the mayor (and, being a cartoon universe, the key actually unlocks New York City’s political and financial institutions). Sure, it’s just a publicity stunt for the beleaguered mayor-and yeah, maybe every single other super hero was busy that day — but an award is an award! Of course, Spider-Ham isn’t paying attention to the fine print telling him he didn’t actually get to keep the key, and he swings off without returning the highly coveted oversized object.” — Publisher Annotation:
“Spy School: The Graphic Novel” by Stuart Gibbs — “Ben Ripley is recruited for a magnet school with a focus on science-but he’s entirely shocked to discover that the school is actually a front for a junior C.I.A. academy. Ben becomes an undercover agent and goes on his first assignment in this graphic novel adaptation of SPY SCHOOL”– Baker & Taylor
“The Amber Anthem” by Mark Siegel — “While Oona Lee and her friends search for the Amber Anthem on Salassandra to protect the Five Worlds from the evil Mimic, Stan Moon dispatches an evil Jax robot to assassinate the team while he tracks down a Vanishing Illness-infected An Tzu.” — Atlas Publishing
“The Aquanaut” by Dan Santat — “The art in this graphic tale is something special… Santat’s vividly expressive visuals are, even more than usual, riveting.” — Kirkus Reviews
“The Baby-Sitters Club: Good-Bye Stacey, Good-Bye” by Gabriela Epstein — “Members of the Baby-sitter’s Club are devastated to learn that Stacey is moving back to New York, especially her best friend Claudia, and wonder how they’ll survive without her.” — Atlas Publishing
“The Bad Guys” by Aaron Blabey — “The Bad Guys, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Shark, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Piranha, want to be heroes, and they decide that the way to do it is free the 200 dogs in the city dog pound–but their plan soon goes awry.” — Baker & Taylor
“The Bad Guys in Alien vs Bad Guys” by Aaron Blabey — “They may look like Bad Guys, but these wannabe heroes are doing good deeds…whether you like it or not! This New York Times bestselling illustrated series is perfect for fans of Dog Man and Captain Underpants.The Bad Guys are vanishing! A creature with TONS of teeth and WAY too many butts is stealing them, one by one. Is this the end for the Bad Guys? Maybe. Will it be funny? You bet your butts it will!” — Publisher’s Annotation
“The Bad Guys in Attack of the Zittens” — “[T]his book instantly joins the classic ranks of Captain Underpants and The Stinky Cheese Man. We challenge anyone to read this and keep a straight face.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review*
“The Bad Guys in Cut to the Chase” by Aaron Blabey — “I wish I’d had these books as a kid. Hilarious!” — Dav Pilkey, creator of Captain Underpants and Dog Man
“The Bad Guys in do-you-think-he-saurus?!” by Aaron Blabey — “The Bad Guys have flown through outer space, made it back to Earth, and managed to land in exactly the right place… but exactly the wrong TIME. Who knew alien escape pods were capable of time travel?!? And now that they’re 65 million years in the past, they must avoid being eaten by dinosaurs and fix their broken time machine if they ever want to get back home before an evil alien destroys the whole world!” — Back Cover
“The Bad Guys in Intergalactic Gas” by Aaron Blabey — “The bad news? The world is ending. The good news? The Bad Guys are back to save it! Sure, they might have to “borrow” a rocket. And there might be something nasty in one of the spacesuits. And Mr. Piranha miiiiight have eaten too many bean burritos. Surviving this mission may only be one small step for man, but it’s one giant leap for the Bad Guys.” — Back Cover
“The Bad Guys in Mission Unpluckable” by Aaron Blabey — “The Bad Guys’ Next Mission? Rescue 10,000 chickens from a high-tech cage farm. But they are up against sizzling lasers, one feisty tarantula, and their very own Mr. Snake…who’s also known as “The Chicken Swallower.” What could possibly go wrong? Get ready to laugh up your lunch with the baddest bunch of do-gooders in town!” — Back Cover
“The Bad Guys in Superbad” by Aaron Blabey — “The Bad Guys have strangely acquired SUPERPOWERS! But their powers might be, well, defective. They can only do things like blow their own pants off in public. Not exactly what you’d call hero-caliber skills.Defective or not, the Bad Guys have a job to do. With Dr. Marmalade ready to destroy the world, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, and Mr. Shark finally have their chance to be (super)heroes! And this time, they may just get some help…” — Amazon.com
“The Bad Guys in the Baddest Day Ever” by Aaron Blabey — “All hail Crown Prince Marmalade! Surrender to his evil magnificence! Kneel before his butt-handed glory! Or…like…DON’T! The Bad Guys and even Badder Girls might have been knocked down, but does that mean they’ll stay down? No way, chicos! Pull on your party pants-it’s the ultimate battle between Bad and BAAAAAAD!” — Amazon.com
“The Bad Guys in the Big Bad Wolf” by Aaron Blabey — “When Mr. Wolf is blown up to Godzilla proportions, the Bad Guys find themselves in monster-sized trouble. They must figure out how to stop an alien invasion and get Wolfie back to his old self before the world is totally destroyed. Good thing they have the International League of Heroes on their side, and some newly honed superpowers ready to put to the test…Everyone’s favorite hero has become a menace to society! Can the Bad Guys save the day? You know it!” — Amazon.com
“The Bad Guys in the Dawn of the Underlord” by Aaron Blabey — “The Bad Guys – sorry, Shadow Squad-G – have finally saved the world from butt-handed evil. And now it’s time to celebrate! But when one member of the team makes a shocking discovery, the party might be over sooner than everyone thinks…” — Amazon.com
“The Bad Guys in the Furball Strikes Back” by Aaron Blabey — “The Bad Guys are about to have a very BAD day!Mr. Wolf and his bad buddies have messed with the wrong guinea pig — one who is secretly an evil mad scientist. And the nasty little furball wants revenge! Will they survive? Will they be heroes? And will they ever stop trying to eat each other?!?It’s time for the Bad Guys to spring into action!” — Amazon.com
“The Bad Guys in the One?!” by Aaron Blabey — “Seriously, WHAT is going on with Snake?! Terrible powers have been revealed! Evil allies have materialized! Inter-dimensional doors have opened! Shady-looking cloaks have been purchased! What is his deal?!And that’s not all! Why does Agent Fox suddenly have a whole lot more backstory than we’d counted on?! Dang it! We need answers! WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!Wolf and the gang are back. And things are worse than ever. Or badder than ever… if you think that sounds cooler and don’t have a problem with bad grammar…” — Amazon.com
“The Bad Guys in They’re Bee-hind You!” by Aaron Blabey — “POP QUIZ! You are on the roof of a skyscraper. Every floor of that building has nasty things that just don’t like you. And you REALLY need to get to the basement. Whaddaya do?! (And no, you can’t just join the B-Team and fly away in their glamorous new spaceship.) Think quick, chico, because the multiverse is getting worse!” — Amazon.com
“The Cobalt Prince” by Mark Siegel — “A dazzling interplanetary fantasy . . . that will easily appeal to fans of Naruto or Avatar: The Last Airbender.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“The Creepy Case File of Margo Maloo” by Drew Weing — “With a saturated color palette, noirish dialogue, and a thought-provoking message about gentrification, this first in a series (originally published as a webcomic) is packed with warm laughs and smart, spooky mystery.”―Booklist
“The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo: 2, The Monster Mall” by Drew Weing —
“Weing’s artwork further adds to the lighthearted fun: his detailed backgrounds, jewel-toned color palette, only slightly spooky monsters, and stylish character designs give this lots of visual appeal. Fans of the first installment won’t want to miss this sequel.” ―Booklist
“The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo: 3, The Tangled Web” by Drew Weing — “In the third volume of this beloved graphic novel series The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo: The Tangled Web, Drew Weing delivers a fresh and funny take on the age-old battle between kids and closet-dwelling monsters.” — Amazon.com
“The Emerald Gate” by Mark Siegel — “In this electrifying conclusion to the graphic sci-fi fantasy series, Oona, Jax and An Tzu must find the green beacon on a dangerous planet as the final battle looms while fighting off the evil Stan Moon in order to save the 5 Worlds.” — Atlas Publishing
“The Fifth Quarter” by Mike Dawson — “Sixth grade is here! Just when Lori starts to get comfortable, things change again. Lori’s friends have found new interests. Her dad goes back to work for the first time since she was born. And when her mom decides to start coaching in the new after-school basketball league, Lori’s home life collides with her passion. To make matters worse, all her friends are playing for the opposing team. Lori feels frustrated and alone, like she might be falling behind in her game.” — Amazon.com
“The Flower Garden” by Renee Kurilla — “A cheery, colorful jaunt through a garden gnome’s world, arranged lovingly and thoughtfully in graphic novel form. . .promises to be an enjoyable read for both eager and hesitant beginning readers.” ―School Library Journal
“The Golden Hour” by Niki Smith — “With a soft start and a gentle build, Smith’s graphic novel details the realities of Manuel’s trauma response while reveling in subdued, generous scenes that showcase the three friends’ everyday joys.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review
“The Knight at Dawn” by Jenny Laird — “A castle. A knight. A quest! When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie back to the Middle Ages, they’re looking for a knight. Instead, they find the Great Hall of a castle where a feast is under way. But Jack and Annie aren’t exactly welcome guests!” — Amazon.com
“The Legend of Brightblade” by Ethan M. Aldridge — “Aldridge paints a beautiful medieval fantasy. Bright watercolors bring energy to the elegant designs—detailed enough for rich world building, simple enough for young readers—and the magic system based on making music, no small feat for a graphic novel, really shines. An excellent option for budding fans of fantasy.” — Booklist
“The Red Maze” by Mark Siegel –“A dazzling interplanetary fantasy . . . that will easily appeal to fans of Naruto or Avatar: The Last Airbender.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“The Rema Chronicles: Realm of the Blue Mist” by Kazu Kibuishi — “The full-color, Japanese manga-flavored art style is fluid and natural, highlighting expressiveness, action, and alien-world details with ease. A fast-paced journey through an engrossing new world.” — Kirkus Reviews
“The Sand Warrior” by Mark Siegel — “This sweeping graphic-novel saga features inventive world-building, with history, mythology, and traditions naturally integrated into the narrative. The installment ends triumphantly and tantalizingly; readers will eagerly await book two.” —The Horn Book Magazine
“The Secret Garden on 81st Street” by Ivy Noelle Weir –“The Secret Garden with a twist: in this follow-up to Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, this full-color graphic novel moves Mary Lennox to a New York City brownstone, where she and her very first group of friends restore an abandoned rooftop garden…and her uncle’s heart.” — Annotation
“The Tea Dragon Festival” by Katie O’Neill — “Aedhan is a young dragon who was appointed to protect the village, but fell asleep in the forest eighty years ago. With the aid of Rinn’s adventuring uncle Erik and his partner Hesekiel, they investigate the mystery of his enchanted sleep… but Rinn’s real challenge is to help Aedhan come to terms with feeling that he cannot get back the time he has lost.” — Baker & Taylor
“The Tea Dragon Society” by Katie O’Neill — “After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon caretaking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives—and eventually her own.” — Amazon.com
“The Tea Dragon Tapestry” by Katie O’Neill — “As Greta struggles to impress a master blacksmith in search of an apprentice, she questions the true meaning of crafting, while Minette receives a surprise package from the monastery where she was once training to become a prophetess.” — Baker & Taylor
“Tidesong” by Wendy Xu — “Xu gives her solo debut fresh allure with richly evoked Chinese mythology–inspired dragons and a supporting cast of idiosyncratic, endearing characters.” — Publishers Weekly
“Twins” by Varian Johnson — “The sibling bond is palpable and precious as each conflict and triumph pushes them apart or pulls them together…. A touching, relatable story of identity, sisterhood, and friendship.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Volcanoes: Fire and Life” by Jon Chad — “Chad’s well-drawn and clearly labeled diagrams in rich, saturated colors concisely explain key concepts, and vocabulary words are defined both in the text and a glossary. While the stylized cartoon figures and adventure narrative are an entertaining framework, the science fittingly occupies the center stage.” ―Booklist
“Wingbearer” by Marjorie M. Liu — “Wondrously constructed. Nail-biting stakes, staggeringly good action sequences, and characterization and world-building as rich as in any prose novel make this series opener an effortless recommendation.” — New York Times Book Review
“Wings of Fire: The Dark Secret” by Barry Deutsch based on Tui Sutherland’s book — “When Starflight is kidnapped by the NightWings he finds that the kingdom of his birth is a miserable place, full of terrible secrets–and that, with his fellow dragonets too far away to help, the fate of two kingdoms rests in his talons.” — Baker & Taylor
JUVENILE MUSIC
“Captain and Sea Monsters” by Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate
JUVENILE NON-FICTION
“Dancing with Granddad: An Alzheimer’s Story for Children and Their Families” by Linda Bozzo — “Dancing with Granddad takes young readers on an age-appropriate learning journey with Nia, a 7-year-old girl, whose grandfather has Alzheimer’s and will need to move to a new home where he will be safer. Readers also learn that while he is changing, the love that Nia and her grandfather have never will.” — Alzheimer’s Association of America
YOUNG ADULT BIOGRAPHY
“All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson — “The conversational tone will leave readers feeling like they are sitting with an insightful friend . . . This young adult memoir is a contemporary hallmark of the blossoming genre. Johnson anchors the text with encouragement and realistic guidance for queer Black youth.” ―School Library Journal
YOUNG ADULT GRAPHIC NOVEL
“A Spark Within the Forge” by Nicole Andelfinger — “An all-new official standalone graphic novel prequel to the New York Times best-selling YA series An Ember in the Ashes novels from creator Sabaa Tahir!” — Publisher’s Annotation
“A Thief Among the Trees” by Nicole Andelfinger — “Taking place years before the bestselling An Ember in the Ashes novel series, this standalone original graphic novel follows three young military recruits: Elias, Helene, and Tavi, during their brutal training as soldiers for the Martial Empire. ” — Amazon.com
“Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir” by Robin Ha — “Touching and subtly humorous, this emotive memoir is as much about the steadfast bond between a mother and daughter as it is about the challenges of being an immigrant in America.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Anne of West Philly” by Ivy Noelle Weir — “Anne of Green Gables with a twist: in this follow-up to Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy and The Secret Garden on 81st Street, this full-color graphic novel moves Anne Shirley to modern-day West Philadelphia, where where she finds new friends, new rivals, and a new family.” — Amazon.com
“Avatar the Last Airbender: Toph Beifong’s Metalbending Academy” by Faith Erin Hicks — “Things are looking bright at the Beifong Metalbending Academy! But after all the adventures Toph’s had with Aang, Sokka, Zuko, and Katara, the whole thing feels a bit dull. Luckily, Sokka and Suki come to visit and reintroduce some familiar faces from their wandering days. And while out and about to celebrate, Toph discovers something that just might put the sparkle back in her eye…” — Amazon.com
“Between Shades of Gray” by Ruta Sepetys — “At once a suspenseful, drama-packed survival story, a romance, and an intricately researched work of historial fiction.” —The Wall Street Journal
“Crushing” by Sophie Burrows — “A charming graphic novel debut . . . that recommends optimism and a wry sense of humor while acknowledging the ubiquity of loneliness.” —Publishers Weekly
“Displacement” by Kiku Hughes — “Art features straightforward linework with full-color, often spare backgrounds that focus on characters. …Hughes centers [Kiku’s] powerlessness to create a compelling story about an oft-overlooked period of U.S. aggression against its own citizens.”―Publisher’s Weekly
“Eighty Days” by A. C. Esquerra — “A pilot wants nothing more than to fly. Or so he thought, until he crosses paths with a mysterious thief whose tricks draw him into unchartered territory and new adventure. In a life where the truth changes as quickly as clouds in the sky, the pilot must decide for himself what freedom really means.” — Amazon.com
“Fine: A Comic about Gender” by Rhea Ewing — “[A] wondrous tapestry of personal reflections and meditations on how people view subjects like gender, masculinity, femininity, and community . . . Ewing’s art beautifully reflects the individuality and wishes of their subjects . . . Recommended for everyone who cares about better understanding the complicated, varied, gorgeous mess that is gender.” ― Sarah Rice, Booklist, starred review
“Frank Herbert’s Dune:The Graphic Novel: Book 1” by Brian Herbert — “Intricate . . . well defined . . . easy to follow . . . blending the aristocratic costumery, sci-fi technology, and desert landscape into a world that is unmistakably Dune.”―Booklist
“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Vol 1” by Kanehito Yamada — “Elf mage Frieren and her courageous fellow adventurers have defeated the Demon King and brought peace to the land. But Frieren will long outlive the rest of her former party. How will she come to understand what life means to the people around her? Decades after their victory, the funeral of one her friends confronts Frieren with her own near immortality. Frieren sets out to fulfill the last wishes of her comrades and finds herself beginning a new adventure…” — Baker & Taylor
“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Vol. 2” by Kanehito Yamada — “At Eisen’s urging, Frieren and her apprentice Fern head north seeking the land where heroes’ souls are said to rest, which also happens to be the location of the Demon King’s castle. Along the way, they meet Eisen’s apprentice, whose fighting skills may come in handy—though the Demon King is long gone, his surviving minions have unfinished business with Frieren!” — Amazon.com
“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Vol. 3” by Kanehito Yamada — “An old enemy returns as Frieren continues her journey north. Decades ago, Frieren and her party defeated a servant of the Demon King called Aura the Guillotine, one of the powerful demons known as the Seven Sages of Destruction. Now Aura is back with a score to settle. But what price did Frieren pay for victory in the past, and how will the choices she made then affect the present?” — Amazon.com
“Go With the Flow” by Lily Williams — “…the story is firmly grounded in the realities faced by girls and women, and the timely messages of empowerment and political dialogue will resonate with socially minded youth.” ―Booklist
“Graceling” by Gareth Hinds — “This is at its heart much more than just an adventure story: It is a story that looks at consent and power over others and a romance between two people dealing with the ways control over themselves affects the larger world—and their hearts as well…. An adaptation of a YA classic that is sure to draw in new fans.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Heartstopper: Volume 1” by Alice Osman — “Realistic yet uplifting, this tale of self-discovery will make readers’ hearts skip a beat.” — School Library Journal
“Heartstopper: Volume 2” by Alice Osman — “Nick and Charlie are best friends, but one kiss has changed everything. In the aftermath, Charlie is sure that Nick isn’t interested, but Nick is more confused than ever.Love works in surprising ways, and Nick comes to see the world from a new perspective. He discovers all sorts of things about his friends, his family… and himself.” — Amazon.com
“Heartstopper: Volume 3” by Alice Osman –“Charlie didn’t think Nick could ever like him back, but now they’re officially boyfriends. Nick has even found the courage to come out to his mom.But coming out isn’t something that happens just once, and Nick and Charlie try to figure out when to tell their friends that they’re dating. Not being out to their classmates gets even harder during a school trip to Paris. As Nick and Charlie’s feelings get more serious, they’ll need each other more than ever.” — Amazon.com
“Heartstopper: Volume 4” by Alice Osman — “Charlie and Nick’s relationship has been going really well, and Charlie thinks he’s ready to say those three little words: I love you.
Nick feels the same way, but he’s got a lot on his mind — especially the thought of coming out to his dad and the fact that Charlie might have an eating disorder.
As a new school year begins, Charlie and Nick will have to learn what love really means.” — Amazon.com
“Himawari House” by Harmony Becker — “Becker’s art is intricate and rich at times, quick and playful at others. The story will tug at your heartstrings and make you laugh. All told, “Himawari House” will comfort young readers who are imagining their lives ahead and trigger nostalgic joy in older readers looking back.” ―New York Times
“In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers: The Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Days, Weeks, Months, and Years After the 9/11 Attacks” by Don Brown — “Notable is Brown’s ability to depict, in this economical format, the event’s wide-ranging aftereffects, including Islamophobia, the physical and mental health toll on workers dismantling “the Pile,” and U.S. soldiers ending up on horseback in Afghanistan.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Invincible Iron Man: Ironheart” by Brian Michael Bendis — “A new Iron Age begins! From the violent streets of Chicago, a new armored hero rises! Clad in her very own Iron Man armor, Riri Williams is ready to show the world what she can do as the self-made hero of tomorrow. Her technology just might change the face of the Marvel Universe forever…if she survives the experience. But is she ready for all the problems that come with stepping into Iron Man’s jet boots? Where’s a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist when you need one?” — Amazon.com
“Invincible Iron Man: Ironheart Choices” by Brian Michael Bendis — “The whole world loves Riri Williams, A.K.A. Ironheart! Well, except for those who have a bone to pick with how she’s doing the job. And the deadly villain who’d like to take a piece out of her. Come to think of it, that’s a whole lot of people who aren’t that fond of her! What’s a girl to do? Striking out on her own, Riri has her idealism put to the test by a world she doesn’t yet understand. How far will she go to do what she knows is right? And how can she handle the biggest threat she’ll ever encounter: a headstrong Tony Stark A.I. that’s decided it knows what’s best for the world? Plus: An international incident sets the stage for one of the biggest Iron Man stories ever!” — Publisher’s Annotation
“Let’s Talk About It :The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human” by Erika Moen — “A refreshingly inclusive read…. offering comprehensive, no-nonsense information on sex and sexuality.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Lore Olympus: Volume 1” by Rachel Smythe — “Sensitive and elegant . . . Beautiful artwork and compelling characters [take] the forefront of this romantic, tech-savvy retelling of Greek mythology.” —Booklist
“Magical Boy” by The Kao — “Descended from a long line of Magical Girls tasked with defending humanity from a dark, ancient evil, Max, an average high school trans boy, wonders if he can take on his destiny, save the world and become the new Magical Boy.” — Atlas Publishing
“Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy” by Rey Terciero — “[…] this tale offers a contemporary vision of sisterhood that will appeal to a diverse audience.”―Kirkus
“Mooncakes” by Suzanne Walker — “This graphic novel is the joyful fantasy romance we all need right now, and it might just restore your faith in magic.” — Charlie Jane Anders, author of All the Birds in the Sky
“Mouse Guard: Volume 3, The Black Axe” by David Petersen — “This prequel, set in 1115, fulfills the promise the wise oldfur Celanawe made to tell Lieam of the day his paw first touched the Black Axe. The arrival of distant kin takes Celanawe on an adventure that will carry him across the sea to uncharted waters and lands all while unraveling the legend of Farrer, the blacksmith who forged the mythic axe.” — Publisher’s Annotation
“Other Boys” by Damian Alexander — “Damian Alexander traces with poignant accuracy the story of boys who find themselves erased at a certain age. This book should be read by queer kids and parents alike.”
―Garrard Conley, New York Times–bestselling author of Boy Erased
“Shang-Chi: Brothers and Sisters” by Gene Luen Yang — “THE MASTER RETURNS! An ancient and evil secret society has stayed in hiding since the death of their leader, Zheng Zhu. But now his successor has been chosen to shift the balance of power in the world…Zheng Zhu’s son, Shang-Chi! Witness the Marvel Universe’s greatest fighter return to a world of death and destruction he thought he left behind long ago…and discover the secrets to Shang-Chi’s past that will change his world forever.” — Grand Central Pub
“Shang-Chi: Shang-Chi vs. the Marvel Universe” by Gene Luen Yang — “…The martial arts master and his family are back — and this time, they’re colliding head-to-head with Earth’s biggest and best heroes! Shang-Chi has finally taken his place as the leader of the Five Weapons Society. But using a secret evil organization as a force for good won’t be easy. And it’s about to get a lot harder when Shang-Chi’s fellow super heroes — including the amazing Spider-Man — start to see him as the bad guy! …” — Publisher’s Annotation
“Solo: Leveling: 1” by Chugong — “Known as the the Weakest Hunter of All Mankind, E-rank hunter Jinwoo Sung’s contribution to raids amounts to trying not to get killed. Unfortunately, between his mother’s hospital bills, his sister’s tuition, and his own lack of job prospects, he has no choice but to continue to put his life on the line. So when an opportunity arises for a bigger payout, he takes it…only to come face-to-face with a being whose power outranks anything he’s ever seen! With the party leader missing an arm and the only healer a quivering mess, can Jinwoo somehow find them a way out?” — Publisher’s Annotation
“Solo: Leveling 2” by Chugong — “ARISE! Once dubbed the Weakest Hunter of All Mankind, Jinwoo is now…well, something else entirely. Armed with his mysterious system, he’s currently powerful enough to single-handedly clear dungeons that once would have proven life-threatening. He just has to ready himself to take on the Demon’s Castle—and what better way to do so than finishing a quest? Exclusive new weapons and skills from an assassin-class job may be just what Jinwoo needs… but the system seems to have other plans for him!” — Publisher’s Annotation
“Spinning” by Tillie Walden — “Tillie Walden’s Spinning is an engrossing, gorgeously quiet look back at the 12 years she devoted to figure and synchronized skating.” ―New York Times
“Teen Titans: Beast Boy” by Kami Garcia — “Author Kami Garcia (Beautiful Creatures) and artist Gabriel Picolo, the creative duo behind the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller Teen Titans: Raven, take you on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, while reminding us the value of true friendship–especially when life gets wild.” — Publisher’s Annotation
“Teen Titans: Raven” by Kami Garcia — “Picolo’s spare, effective use of color and slightly edgy art helps situate the story in a supernaturally tinged world of high-school drama. …Garcia’s exploration of the connection between memory and identity offers a promising entrée to the Teen Titans series.” —Publishers Weekly
“The Enemy Delusion” by Claudia Gray — “In this second book of a graphic novel trilogy, two teenagers on opposite sides of the same extinction-level event get drawn deeper into conspiracies that could doom them–if the planet doesn’t self-destruct first.” — Random House, Inc.
“The Greatest Thing” by Sarah Winifred Searle — “Set in an era when landline phones were still in use, the story explores sexuality, mental health, and the messiness that goes with understanding of self in ways that will resonate with contemporary readers.”―Kirkus
“The Magic Fish” by Trung Le Nguyen — “A sparkling debut…about the child of Vietnamese immigrants who teaches through fairy tales—yet wrestles with how to come out to his family.” —The Washington Post
“The Mars Challenge: The Past, Present, and Future of Human Spaceflight” by Alison Wilgus — “Travel to deep space and back again with The Mars Challenge, a nonfiction graphic novel for teens about the science and logistics of a manned mission to Mars.” — Amazon.com
“The Prince and the Dressmaker” by Jen Wang — “Leave it to such a gifted artist to create this love letter to aesthetic design set against the story of a relationship blossoming between seamstress and prince.” ―Washington Post, from their “10 Best Graphic Novels of 2018”
“The Shadow Threat” by Claudia Gray — “Welcome to a brand-new vision of one of comics’ most famous tragedies, from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray and illustrator Eric Zawadzki. In this first graphic novel in a trilogy, explore Krypton like never before: through the eyes of two young people on opposite sides of the same extinction-level event. ” — Amazon.com
“The Subtle Knife” by Stephanie Melchior-Durand — “In this graphic adaptation of Pullman’s classic, Will, a boy from our world in search of his father, stumbles upon a window into another world. There, he meets Lyra and her dæmon, Pantalaimon, who have traveled from their own world, leaving behind both allies and enemies, in search of answers about the ineffable Dust. The art shines when depicting the fantastical worlds the characters inhabit, including sweeping landscapes and cityscapes.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Wake: The Hidden History of Women-led Slave Revolts” by Rebecca Hall — “A vividly illustrated account of Black women rebels that combines elements of memoir, archival research, and informed imaginings of its subjects’ lives…. An urgent, brilliant work of historical excavation.”—Kirkus *starred review*
“Witch Hat Atelier” by Kamome Shirahama — “A beautifully-illustrated story about a girl who longs for magic in her life and learns that, on the inside, she already is what she wishes she could be. Reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, this lushly-drawn story has captured the hearts of fantasy fans worldwide.” — Amazon.com
