“A powerful story about second chances, all the more devastating because not everyone gets one.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Tag: Young Adult Fiction
ADULT FICTION
“At Home on Marigold Lane” by Debbie Mason — “Returning to Highland Falls after a disastrous divorce, family and marriage therapist Brianna MacLeod is reunited with her first love who sets out to convince her that risking her heart again might give them exactly what they both need–a second chance.” — Baker & Taylor
“Chain-Gang All-Stars” by Nana Kwame Adjel-Brenyah — “Like Orwell’s 1984 and Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Adjei-Brenyah’s book presents a dystopian vision so…illuminating that it should permanently shift our understanding of who we are and what we’re capable of doing.” —The Washington Post
“Children of Memory” by Adrian Tchaikovsky — “On Imir, Captain Holt founded a new colony on an empty world. In the process, he created hope and a new future for humanity. But generations later, his descendants are struggling to survive. … explorers from the stars had arrived in secret to help this lost outpost. Confident of their superior technology, and overseen by the all-knowing construct of Doctor Avrana Kern, they begin to study their long-lost cousins from Earth. Yet the planet hides deeper mysteries. It seems the visitors aren’t the only watchers. And when the starfarers discover the scale of their mistake, it will be far too late to escape.” — ONIX Annotations
“Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries” by Heather Fawcett —
“Emily herself is delightful, brilliant but flawed, and often darkly funny. Her frustration with her feckless but charming colleague Wendell Bambleby is the perfect spark, and the romance is light but hits surprisingly hard when it chooses to.”—The New York Times (Editors’ Choice)
“In Search of Lost Time: In the Shadow of Young Girls in Flower: A Graphic Novel” by Marcel Proust adapted by Stanislas Brezet and Stephane Heuet –“…the second volume portrays the narrator’s foray into adolescence, set in the opulent seaside resort of Balbec. Preserving Proust’s original dissection of the spontaneity of youth, translator Laura Marris captures the narrator’s infatuation with his playmates-his memories of their intoxicating afternoons together unfolding as if in a dream. Featuring some of Proust’s most memorable characters-from mysterious Charlus to beguiling young Albertine-this second volume becomes a necessary companion piece for any lover of modern literature.” — ONIX Annotations
“River Sing Me Home” by Eleanor Shearer — “[T]he heart of the novel lies in its celebration of motherhood and female resilience. This is a tender exploration of one woman’s courage in the face of unbelievable cruelty.”
—The Observer
“Slaughter House-Five (Graphic Novel Adaption)” by Kurt Vonnegut adapted by Ryan North and Albert Monteys — “Slaughterhouse-Five, an American classic, is one of the world’s great antiwar books. Centering on the infamous World War II firebombing of Dresden, the novel is the result of what Kurt Vonnegut described as a twenty-three-year struggle to write a book about what he had witnessed as an American prisoner of war…” — Amazon.com
“System Collapse” by Martha Wells — “…ART’s crew and the humans from Preservation are worried that Murderbot is facing a System Collapse-just when they need to protect a newly colonized planet from the Barish-…” — LIBRARY JOURNAL, c2023
“The Bee Sting” by Paul Murray — “Murray’s latest is a comedy of errors, emphasis on both the comedy and the errors. The novel follows the reversal of fortunes of the Barnes family, a decline sparked by the Irish financial crash, yes, but perhaps set in motion by fateful moments in the family’s past.” ―The New York Times
“The Echo of Old Books” by Barbara David — “Rare-book dealer Ashlyn Greer’s affinity for books extends beyond the intoxicating scent of old paper, ink, and leather. She can feel the echoes of the books’ previous owners—an emotional fingerprint only she can read. When Ashlyn discovers a pair of beautifully bound volumes that appear to have never been published, her gift quickly becomes an obsession. Not only is each inscribed with a startling incrimination, but the authors, Hemi and Belle, tell conflicting sides of a tragic romance.” — Baker & Taylor
“The Fragile Thread of Power” by V. E. Schwab — “Schwab cleverly builds on her existing worlds, introducing new threats and expanding the magic system. The new characters captivate and the plot twists shock.” ―Publishers Weekly
“The Future” by Naomi Alderman — “The book’s most impressive quality is its vivid, tactile imagination of our ultra-computerized future…Alderman’s encyclopedic knowledge of everything from cryptographic history to biblical hermeneutics lends the novel a savvy, scholarly gravitas.” —New York Times Book Review
“The Reformatory” by Tananarive Due — “A gripping, page-turning novel set in Jim Crow Florida that follows Robert Stephens Jr. as he s sent to a segregated reform school that is a chamber of terrors where he sees the horrors of racism and injustice, for the living, and the dead.” — Publisher Annotation:
“The Wishing Game” by Meg Shaffer — “Shaffer blends tragedy and triumph in a whimsical and gratifying debut about what makes a family. This is wish fulfillment in the best way.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Watership Down: The Graphic Novel” by Richard Adams adapted by James Sturm and Joe Sutphin — “A beautiful and faithful graphic novel adaptation of Richard Adams’s beloved story of a group of rabbits on an epic journey in search of home.” — Random House, Inc.
“Welcome Home Stranger” by Kate Christensen — “A deeply endearing story about confronting one’s past and constructing a new future—under extreme duress . . . . Welcome Home, Stranger . . . arrives at the most lovely ending of a novel I’ve read all year.” — The Washington Post
“Yellowface” by R. F. Kuang — “After the death of her literary rival in a freak accident, author June Hayward steals her just-finished masterpiece, sending it to her agent as her own work, but as emerging evidence threatens her success, she discovers just how far she’ll go to keep what she thinks she deserves.” — Atlas Publishing
ADULT MYSTERY
“Blood Lines” by Nelson and Alex DeMille — “..Special Agent Scott Brody, a wise-cracking and irreverent investigator out of central casting, and his partner, the milder Maggie Taylor, are sent to Berlin to investigate the murder of a colleague whose very presence in Germany is something of a mystery. While the German authorities attribute the agent’s murder to Islamic terrorism, Scott and Maggie discover something far more sinister: a eugenics-fueled conspiracy. Though descriptions of the political intrigue tend to drag on, there are also striking twists and a cinematic finale with Odin revealed and the evil exposed. Readers can relish a beautifully written narrative that displays the crushing power of the past.” — Don Crinklaw. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2023.
“Duel to the Death” by J. A. Jance — “Settling into a quieter life a decade after a career scandal, a once-high profile newscaster is approached by someone from her past who compels her to choose between helping and jeopardizing her future.” — Atlas Publishing
“No Strangers Here” by Carlene O’Connor — “Set in Ireland’s striking, rugged countryside, Carlene O’Connor’s dark, atmospheric new crime fiction series combines the eerie atmosphere of Tana French and Louise Penny with the compulsively taut plotting of Dervla McTiernan and Lucy Foley, as an Irish veterinarian grapples with life, death, family dynamics, and the secrets at the heart of her small community…” — Publisher Annotation:
“Robert B. Parker’s Blood Feud” by Mike Lupica — “Robert B. Parker’s iconic and irresistible PI Sunny Randall is back, and the stakes are higher than ever as she races to protect her ex-husband–and his Mafia family–from the vengeful plan of a mysterious rival. Sunny Randall is “on” again with Richie, the ex-husband she never stopped loving and never seemed to be able to let go, despite her discomfort with his Mafia connections. …” — ONIX Annotations
“Robert B. Parker’s Fallout” by Mike Lupica — “When two seemingly unconnected mysterious deaths occur on his watch, police chief Jesse Stone must pull out all the stops to unravel the truth and stop a killer from striking again.” — Publisher Annotation:
“The A List” by J. A. Jance — “Settling into a quieter life a decade after a career scandal, a once-high-profile newscaster is approached by someone from her past who compels her to make a difficult choice.” — Atlas Publishing
“The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon — “The narrator of Ariel Lawhon’s The Frozen River is another stalwart heroine. . .detailed descriptions of the routines of village life give this narrative its intimate sense of connection — and set [the narrator] up for a pivotal confrontation.” –-The New York Times Book Review
“The Only One Left” by Riley Sager — “Propulsive … a dizzying Gothic whodunit.” —New York Times Book Review
“The Secret” by Lee and Andrew Child — “In 1992, when eight respectable, upstanding people are found dead across the US, Jack Reacher, assigned as the Army’s representative, must discover the link between these victims and who killed them, navigating around the ulterior motives and deciding if he should bring the bad guys to justice the official way—or his way.” — Atlas Publishing
ADULT BIOGRAPHY
“Can’t You Just Get Over It: A Memoir” by Angela Kehler — “A coming-of-age memoir set against the backdrop of isolation and extreme belief. A bit of cult intrigue, abuse survival, and an unlikely love story.” — Amazon.com
“Horse-Drawn Yogurt: Stories from a Total Loss Farm” by Peter Gould — “Total Loss Farm in Guilford, Vermont, was and is a wordy place. Its hilly acres and flimsy buildings provided a refuge from a riven country, a place to grow paragraphs and stanzas, among the tilled rows of the market garden. … Peter left the farm to pursue love and work. In Horse-Drawn Yogurt, Peter returns to offer his take on how we lived in times that seem exotic, yet oddly familiar…” — Amazon.com
“My Name is Barbra” by Barbara Streisband — “A 970-page victory lap past all who ever doubted, diminished or dissed her. . . . Exuberant and glorious. . . . There are just so many scintillating Streisands to contemplate over so many years: singer, actress, director, producer, philanthropist, activist, lover, mother, wife, friend, autobiographer.” —Alexandra Jacobs, New York Times Book Review
“The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness and the Tragedy of Good Intentions” by Jonathan Rosen– “Acclaimed author Jonathan Rosen’s haunting investigation of the forces that led his closest childhood friend, Michael Laudor, from the heights of brilliant promise to the forensic psychiatric hospital where he has lived since killing the woman he loved. A story about friendship, love, and the price of self-delusion, The Best Minds explores the ways in which we understand—and fail to understand—mental illness.” — Amazon.com
“The Morse Code: Legacy of a Vermont Sportswriter” by Brendan Buckley
— “… chronicles the life of a veteran sports editor whose contributions to the youth of a small community echo across the Green Mountains today. He was a widely respected reporter, and an ever-willing conversationalist, yet few readers know of his obstacles in life. Dave Morse overcame trauma and heartbreak and was admired for his empathy, kindness, and generosity.” — Amazon.com
ADULT NON-FICTION
“A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators: Creating Habitat in the Northeast, Great Lakes, and Upper Midwest” by Lorraine Johnson and Sheila Colla — “If you’re a gardener (or aspiring gardener) in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, or Great Lakes region, this beautiful 4-color guide will become your go-to reference to the most beneficial plants in your area. It includes profiles of more than 300 native plants, featuring lovely illustrations and photos, information on blooming periods, exposure, soil moisture, and good plant companions, as well as how each species supports specific pollinators.” — Amazon.com
“Chaat: Recipes from the Kitchens, Markets and Railways of India” by Maneet Chauhan & Jody Eddy — “A sumptuous whistle-stop tour of India’s diverse food ways. Maneet has penned a love letter to the best of Indian food.” —Padma Lakshmi, host and executive producer of Top Chef and Taste the Nation
“Engines: The Inner Workings of Machines that Move the World” by Theodore W. Gray — “… Theodore Gray explores how everyday things work in great detail, going so far as to build some of them himself . . . What Gray did in his previous books about elements, molecules, and reactions, he has now done for the mechanical systems that run our world, and the result is a beautiful appreciation for systems we all often overlook.”―Ars Technica
“Fighting for Space: Two Pilots and their Historic Battle for Female Spaceflight” by Amy Shira Teitel — “Breathtaking…If you come to this book without any knowledge of the nascent days of spaceflight, Teitel’s writing will immediately immerse you in this foreign landscape, making you feel like you’re experiencing the personal journeys of these remarkable characters right alongside them. If you do have a knowledge of many of the events, her writing will likely only deepen whatever your opinion was going into the story.”―Forbes
“For the Love of Vermont: The Lyman Orton Collection” by Anita Rafeel — “… the book tells the story of how Orton assembled the collection over many years while still running The Vermont Country Store. It is also packed with photographs of the paintings, as well as stories of the artists and their love of Vermont.” — Bennington Museum
“India is Broken: A People Betrayed, Independence to Today” by Ashoka Mody — “A provocative new account of how India moved relentlessly from its hope-filled founding in 1947 to the dramatic economic and democratic breakdowns of today.” — Perseus Publishing
“Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears” by Michael Schulman — “Chronicling the remarkable, sprawling history of the Academy Awards and the personal dramas that have played out on the stage and off camera, this entertaining exploration of the Oscars features a star-studded cast of some of the most powerful Hollywood players of today and yesterday.” — Baker & Taylor
“Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism” by Rachel Maddow– “Maddow’s book is a ripping read—well rendered, fast-paced and delivered with the same punch and assurance that she brings to a broadcast. . . . Prequel is a valuable window into the authoritarian mind-set—and the process by which self-professed patriots turn against democracy . . . the parallels to the present day are strong, even startling . . .”—The New York Times
“Quick and Legal Will Book” by Denis Clifford — “The most streamlined, yet thorough information available on how to write a valid will quickly and safely without a lawyer.” — Long Beach Press-Telegram
“Sailing True North: Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character” by Admiral James Stavridis — “[An] earnest mixture of biography, memoir, and pop psychology . . . readers will absorb some significant naval history . . . Stavridis, the former Supreme Allied Commander at NATO and current chairman of the U.S. Naval Institute, has done his research in the works of popular historians . . . [These] biographies make good reading.” —Kirkus
“Some People Need Killing: A Memoir of Murder in My Country” by Patricia Evangelista — “Evangelista makes us feel the fear and grief that she felt as she chronicled what Duterte was doing to her country. But appealing to our emotions is only part of it; what makes this book so striking is that she wants us to think about what happened, too. She pays close attention to language, and not only because she is a writer. Language can be used to communicate, to deny, to threaten, to cajole. Duterte’s language is coarse and degrading. Evangelista’s is evocative and exacting.”—The New York Times
“Souls of the Black Folk: A Graphic Interpretation” by W. E. B. du Bois, adapted by Paul Peart-Smith — “The preeminent Black intellectual of his generation, Du Bois wrote about the trauma of seeing the Reconstruction era’s promise of racial equality cruelly dashed by the rise of white supremacist terror and Jim Crow laws. Yet he also argued for the value of African American cultural traditions and provided inspiration for countless civil rights leaders who followed him. Now artist Paul Peart-Smith offers the first graphic adaptation of Du Bois’s seminal work.” — Amazon.com
“The Half Known Life: In Search of Paradise” by Pico Iyer — “Reading Mr. Iyer’s book in the depth of winter, in a troubled world, it’s heartening to think that paradise—or at least a glimpse of it—might be available from where we sit.” –Wall Street Journal
“The Iliad” by Homer translated by Emily Wilson — “The culmination of a decade of intense engagement with antiquity’s most surpassingly beautiful and emotionally complex poetry, Wilson’s Iliad now gives us a complete Homer for our generation.” — Amazon.com
“The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of American History” by Ned Blackhawk — “Even as the telling of American history has become more complex and nuanced, Native Americans tend to be absent. Blackhawk, a professor at Yale, confronts that absence in this sweeping account of how Native Americans shaped the country legally, politically, and culturally.”—Washington Post
“The Undertow: Scenes from the a Slow Civil War” by Jeff Sharlet — “Poetic descriptions of America’s landscape and history punctuate Sharlet’s unsettling insights into the undercurrents of fear, isolation, and anger coursing through the country. It’s a jaw-dropping portrait of a country on the edge.” ― Publishers Weekly
“The Vegan Chinese Kitchen: Recipes and Modern Stories from a Thousand-Year-Old Tradition” by Hannah Che — “Through stunning photography, stories and recipes, the creator of The Plant-Based Wok draws upon a fascinating subset of Chinese cookery that emphasizes umami-rich ingredients and can be traced back over centuries to Buddhist temple kitchens to introduce readers to a whole world of flavors and ingredients.” — Atlas Publishing
“The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder” by David Grann — “The most gripping sea-yarn I’ve read in years….A tour de force of narrative nonfiction. Mr. Grann’s account show how storytelling, whether to judges or readers, can shape individual and national fortunes – as well as our collective memories.” — Wall Street Journal
“The Wisdom of our Hands: Crafting, a Life” by Doug Stowe — “Woodworking craftsman and educator Doug Stowe makes a passionate case for reintegrating mind and body in both education and life in his new book The Wisdom of Our Hands: Crafting, A Life.“—Australian Wood Review
“Tools: A Visual Exploration of Implements and Devices in the Workshop” by Theodore W. Gray — “Similar in format to a woodland field guide, each entry provides high-quality color photos by Nick Mann and concise, thoughtful, explanations of history, design, and function. Gray’s attitude about tools is candid and frequently playful. . . . Although unquestionably authoritative, it does not take itself too seriously, and the author’s droll humor will help even the most timid workshop novice get comfortable with tools.” ― Booklist
“War at Sea: A Shipwrecked History from Antiquity to the Twentieth Century” by James P. Delgado — “A detailed and well-documented global tour of the history of lost warships over 3,000 years of prehistory and history . . . an incredible piece of research by one of the pioneers of underwater cultural studies . . . a masterpiece that will be a benchmark for understanding the significance of shipwreck history for decades to come.”- The Naval Historical Foundation
“What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World’s Most Enigmatic Birds” by Jennifer Ackerman — “[Ackerman] offers an absorbing ear-tuft-to-tail appreciation of the raptor that Mary Oliver, a poet, called a ‘god of plunge and blood.’ Owls, it seems, know a lot. Ms. Ackerman draws on recent research to explain what and how.” —The Economist
BLUE/DVD MOVIES
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”
BOARD BOOK
“Little Blue Truck’s Christmas” by Alice Schertle
PICTURE BOOK
“A Delicious Story” by Barney Saltzberg
“A Family Like Ours” by Frank Murphy
“A Head Full of Birds” by Alexandra Garibal
“A Practical Present for Philippa Pheasant” by Briony May Smith
“Bright Winter Night” by Alli Brydon
“Don’t Worry, Wuddles” by Lita Judge
“Fix and Stitch” by Barbara Naas
“Frank and Bert” by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
“From Here to There: A First Book of Maps” by Vivian French
“Hello, Mister Blue” by Daria Peoples
“If I Was a Horse” by Sophie Blackall
“Just Like Grandma” by Kim Rogers
“Merlina and the Magical Mishap” by Daniela Drescher
“Nell Plants a Tree” by Anne Wynter
“Over and Under the Waves” by Kate Messner
“Remember” by Joy Harjo
“Runaway Pond” by Nancy Price Graff
“Say My Name” by Joanna Ho
“Stacy’s Remarkable Books” by Stacey Abrams
“The Artivist” by Nikkolas Smith
“The Book from Far Away” by Bruce Handy
“The Christmas Book Flood” by Emily Kilgore
“The Family Tree” by Sean Dixon
“The Storytellers Rule” by Christy Mandin
“This Book is Banned” by Raj Jaldar
“Too Much! An Overwhelming Day” by Jolene Guiterrez
“We, the Curious Ones” by Marion Dane Bauer
“What Can You Do with a Rock?” by Pat Zietlow Miller
“Wheels: The Big Fun Book of Vehicles” by Tom Schamp
“Winter: A Solstice Story” by Kelsey Ebben Gross
EASY READER
“Bramble and Maggie: Snowy Day” by Jessie Haas
“Cornbread & Poppy” by Mathew Cordell
“Fergus and Zeke” by Kate Messner
JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY
“The Girl Heard the Music: How One Pianist and 85,000 Bottles and Cans Brought New Hope to an Island” by Marni Fogelson and Mahani Teave — ” Accompanied by vibrant, delightful visuals, this upbeat and fascinating story will leave readers feeling as though they, too, can make a difference when it comes to helping the planet.” ― Kirkus Reviews
“The Little Books of the Little Brontes” by Sara O’Leary and Briony May Smith — “In a deeply sensitive work, O’Leary (Gemma and the Giant Girl) and Smith (The Mermaid Moon) focus on the diminutive volumes that Charlotte, Anne, Emily, and Branwell Brontë made for each other as children living in austere circumstances.” —STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly
JUVENILE DVD
“Oddball”
JUVENILE FICTION
“A Sky Full of Song” by Susan Lynn Meyer — “In 1905 North Dakota, eleven-year-old Russian immigrant Shoshana is bullied for being Jewish, but after listening to the music of her homeland, she is reminded of the resilience and traditions her people have brought all the way to the prairie” — Baker & Taylor
“As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows” by Zoulfa Katouh — “Katouh’s lyrical prose, combined with a moving portrayal of first love, unflinchingly depicts both the costs of revolution, and the strength it takes to fight for one’s beliefs.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Attack of the Black Rectangles” by Amy Sarig King –“Mystical, fablelike… just right for a sensitive sixth-grader with a growing self- and world awareness trying to navigate the troubled waters of uncertain friendships and demeaning bullying. A finely wrought, magical coming-of-age tale with a convincing message.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods” by Rick Riordan — “Percy Jackson’s hope for a normal senior year is shattered as the gods present him with three quests, beginning with the retrieval of Zeus’s goblet, in order to get the necessary three letters of recommendation for college.” — Baker & Taylor
“Remember Us” by Jacqueline Woodson — “Exceptional. . . . Written in lyrical prose, Remember Us is a poetic time capsule from the 12-year-old Sage, an African American girl living in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn during the 1970s. . . . What struck me about this novel was not only its commemoration of those horrific Bushwick fires . . . but also how Woodson conjures such a captivating, elegiac story from their ashes. . . . Will help tweens process their grief after trauma.” —The New York Times Book Review
“The Skull” by Jon Klassen — “Jon Klassen’s signature wry humor takes a turn for the ghostly in this thrilling retelling of a traditional Tyrolean folktale. …The Skull is as empowering as it is mysterious and foreboding.” — Publisher Annotation:
“The Storyteller” by Brandon Hobson — “From National Book Award finalist Brandon Hobson, a kaleidoscopic middle-grade adventure that mixes the anxieties, friendships, and wonders of a Cherokee boy’s life with Cherokee history and lore.” — Amazon.com
“The Swallowtail Legacy: Wreck at Ada’s Reef” by Michael D. Bell — “Fans of mystery will enjoy how Lark goes all out to solve this case. . . . Main characters are well fleshed out, and the author does a wonderful job of bringing this island and its inhabitants to life. . . . An entertaining mystery for fans of Sammy Keyes and Nancy Drew about family, loss, and the importance of friendship.”—School Library Journal
“Yonder” by Ali Standish — “Set in small-town Appalachia during WWII, Standish’s (The Mending Summer) uplifting mystery tackles big themes of abuse, bullying, heroism, mental health, and prejudice…Through an elegant voice and a series of flashbacks, the mystery of Jack’s disappearance unfolds alongside the story of Danny’s friendship with him, the increasing clarity with which Danny sees life as far from perfect, and the small but meaningful steps he takes to discover what bravery means.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
JUVENILE GRAPHIC NOVELS
“Cat Kid: Comic Book Influencers” by Dav Pilkey — “Cat Kid Comic Club is back in session in this groundbreaking graphic novel narrative by Dav Pilkey, the worldwide bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator of Dog Man.” — Amazon.com
JUVENILE NON-FICTION
“Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods” by Grace Lin — “Newbery and Caldecott honoree and New York Times bestselling author Grace Lin delivers a groundbreaking, lushly illustrated, and beautifully written full-color book that explores the whimsical myths and stories behind your favorite American Chinese food.” — Publisher’s Annotation
“Colonization and the Wampanoag Story: Race to the Truth” by Linda Coombs — “When you think about the beginning of the American story, what comes to mind? Three ships in 1492, or perhaps buckled hats and shoes stepping off of the Mayflower, ready to start a new country. But the truth is, Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, and the Colonists didn’t arrive to a vast, empty land ready to be developed. They arrived to find people and communities living in harmony with the land they had inhabited for thousands of years, and they quickly disrupted everything they saw” — Publisher’s Annotation
“Different Kinds of Minds: A Guide to Your Brain” by Temple Grandin — “The author, with her knack for making science easy to understand, explains different types of thinkers and how all minds need to work together to create solutions to help solve real-world problems. Simultaneous eBook. Illustrations.” — Atlas Publishing
“Dogs: A History of Our Best Friends” by Lita Judge — “A tail-wagging tribute. The heartwarming narrative is more than matched by the intense appeal of the cheery, alert, eminently pettable looking four-legged cast in the illustrations. Sweeter than a scratch behind the ears.”―Kirkus Reviews
“History Smashers; Christopher Columbus and the Taino People” by Kate Messner and Jose Barreiro — “…Columbus never actually set foot in what is now the United States. His voyages took him to islands in the Caribbean and along the coast of South America. The truth is, when Columbus first arrived, Indigenous peoples, including the Taino, had been living there for thousands of years, raising their families, running their societies, and trading with their neighbors. He didn’t “discover” the lands at all! And his name? Not even really Christopher Columbus!”– Baker & Taylor
“How to Build a Human: In Seven Evolutionary Steps” by Pamela S. Turner — “An acclaimed science writer breaks down human evolution into seven important steps, in this funny and fascinating book vetted by experts at the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program.” — Atlas Publishing
“So You Want to Be a Frog: Everything There is to Know about Frogs!” by Jane Porter — “Fabio Frog gives readers the scoop on how they can be fabulous frogs…and a clever dose of frog facts to boot. . . . Fabio breaks down the 10 rules of being a frog and encourages readers to attempt many, giving them kudos for the skills that humans will have an easier time handling. . . Croaking, frog paleontology, keeping cool, and eating habits are also covered along with some random facts that are sure to amaze and astound any audience.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The Astronaut’s Guide to Leaving the Planet” by Terry Virts — “In this exciting book, a former NASA astronaut inspires the next generation of space travelers with answers to all kids’ questions on how people become astronauts, how they prepare for space travel, and what it’s like to live and work in space.” — Grand Central Publishing
“The Handbook of Forgotten Skills: Timeless Fun for a New Generation” by Elaine Batiste and Natalie Crowley — “An illustrated step-by-step guide to classic fun and handy skills for a new generation….Each chapter includes clear, illustrated step-by-step instructions as well as information about the history of that skill. For example, did you know that lemonade is credited with helping fight the plague in Paris? Or that paper airplanes became popular during World War II because traditional toys weren’t available?” — Publisher’s Annotation
“The Kid’s Book of Elements: An Awesome Introduction to Every Known Atom in the Universe” by Theodore Gray — “In this very special kids edition of Theodore Gray’s The Elements, budding scientists, ages 6 to 9, will learn all about every element in the periodic table from the first element, Hydrogen (1), to the very last element, Oganesson (118). Filled with great big colorful photographs and fun facts for every element, The Kid’s Book of The Elements is the perfect introduction to the fascinating world of chemistry and visual/tactile-based STEM/STEAM learning.” — Grand Central Publishing
“What Goes on Inside a Beaver Pond?” by Becky Cushing Gap — “… What Goes on inside a Beaver Pond? takes kids ages 8 to 10 on a journey through a year in the life of a young beaver (called a “kit”). Throughout the seasons, vibrant illustrations and descriptions reveal the hidden inner-workings of a beaver lodge, how beavers fell trees with their teeth and create a wetland habitat, how they collect food and ward off predators, and what daily life is like within a beaver colony”– Baker & Taylor
“What the Eagle Sees: Indigenous Stories Rebellion and Renewal” by Eldon Yellowhorn — “What do people do when their civilization is invaded? Indigenous people have been faced with disease, war, broken promises, and forced assimilation. Despite crushing losses and insurmountable challenges, they formed new nations from the remnants of old ones, they adopted new ideas and built on them, they fought back, and they kept their cultures alive. When the only possible “victory” was survival, they survived.” — Publisher’s Annotation
“What’s Inside a Caterpillar Cocoon? And Other Questions about Moths and Butterflies” by Rachel Igntofsky — “With warm and heart-fluttering illustrations, discover the next nonfiction picture book about butterflies and moths from the creator of the New York Times bestseller Women in Science! Butterflies soar in the sunlight. While moths flutter under the moon and stars. Find out more about these mysterious and majestic insects — Publisher Annotation
“What a Map Can Do” by Gabrielle Balkan — “An accessible and humorous introduction to maps for budding navigators. A raccoon narrator embarks on a big adventure in this exciting exploration of maps for the youngest readers. Traditional maps of cities, roads, and parks are joined by some less conventional ones such as inside the body, each one methodically introduced with humor and clear explanation. A clever, colorful, and engaging first look at constructing and decoding maps.” — Publisher Annotation
“Wombats are Pretty Weird: A [not so] Serious Guide” by Abi Cushman — “[An] informative field guide that professes not to take itself too seriously . . . Adorable, cartoonish illustrations of all three kinds of wombat, a snake sidekick named Joey (just like a baby wombat), and speech-bubble dialogue lend a layer of humor and reinforce the concepts introduced by the text.” — Booklist
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
“Gather” by Kenneth M. Cadow — “A resourceful teenager in rural Vermont struggles to hold on to the family home while his mom recovers from addiction in this striking debut novel.” — Amazon.com
“Murtagh: World of Eragon” by Christopher Paolini — “Master storyteller and internationally bestselling author Christopher Paolini returns to the World of Eragon in this stunning epic fantasy set a year after the events of the Inheritance Cycle. Join Dragon Rider—and fan favorite—Murtagh and his dragon as they confront a perilous new enemy! The world is no longer safe for the Dragon Rider Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn. An evil king has been toppled, and they are left to face the consequences of the reluctant role they played in his reign of terror. Now they are hated and alone, exiled to the outskirts of society.” —Publisher Annotation:
“The Marrow Thieves” by Cherie Dimaline — “Just when you think you have nothing left to lose, they come for your dreams. Humanity has nearly destroyed its world through global warming, but now an even greater evil lurks. The Indigenous people of North America are being hunted and harvested for their bone marrow, which carries the key to recovering something the rest of the population has lost: the ability to dream. In this dark world, Frenchie and his companions struggle to survive as they make their way up north to the old lands. For now, survival means staying hidden – but what they don’t know is that one of them holds the secret to defeating the marrow thieves.” — ONIX Annotations
ADULT FICTION
“Great Circle” by Maggie Shipstead — “Transcendent . . . A rolling, roiling epic . . . Through the interwoven stories of impetuous flyer Marian Graves and flavor-of-the-month actress Hadley Baxter, Shipstead ponders the motivating forces behind acts of daring defiance, self-fulfillment and self-destruction. An ambitious, soaring saga—[Shipstead] takes her characters to dizzying heights, drawing readers into lives of courage and mystery.”
—Booklist
“In Love’s Time” by Kate Breslin — “MI6 agent Marcus Weatherford lives by the principle of duty before love, but with WWI nearing its end, he hopes to finally fulfill his promise of forever to Clare Danner …. Set in 1918 in England, In Love’s Time features the tender rediscovery of love amidst the high-stakes danger of wartime espionage tied to the Russian Empire in WWI. Clare embodies emotional vulnerability, resilience, and faith in the face of the unknown. Readers will be thrilled by the race-against-the-clock conclusion and the palpable passion between Marcus and Clare that is simmering below the surface.” — Kate Campos, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2022.
“The Lies I Tell” by Julie Clark — “Intriguing…Clark skillfully fleshes out the strong, multifaceted characters. The story nicely mixes brisk plot points with slow burning reveals as it builds to a satisfying conclusion. Clark doesn’t disappoint.” ― Publishers Weekly
“The Mother-in-Law” by Sally Hepworth — “A deliciously entertaining novel about one woman’s complicated relationship with her mother-in-law that ends in death. This one is perfect for fans of Big Little Lies.” ―Good Morning America
ADULT MYSTERY
“Bloody Soil” by S. Lee Manning — “…the action rarely lets up…riveting, energetic…with lead characters worth rooting for.”-Kirkus Reviews
“The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections” by Eva Jurczyk — “Who doesn’t love a mystery involving rare books and bad librarians? This clever, deftly written story has all that and more. A great pleasure from beginning to end.” ― Karen Joy Fowler, New York Times bestselling author
“The Rising Tide” by Ann Cleeves — “A friend of mine once joked that the work of Ann Cleeves is the closest the crime-fiction genre comes to evoking ASMR ― the euphoric, pleasant, spine-tingling sensation that’s all the rage on YouTube. The books never get too dark, never venture too far into dangerous territory, but aren’t outright cozy, either…. This is the work of a pro ― a diverting, solidly crafted mystery that’s guaranteed to entertain.”―New York Times Book Review
ADULT BIOGRAPHY
“The Revolutionary Samuel Adams” by Stacy Schiff — “This enthralling biography is a persuasive exercise in rehabilitation. Through stylish prose and a close reading of Adams’s career as a canny propagandist, Schiff suggests that he may have done more than any other founder to prime colonists for armed rebellion and deserves to be better known.”―Gregory Cowles, New York Times, Editors’ Choice
ADULT NON-FICTION
“American Midnight: The Great War, a Violent Peace, and Democracy’s Forgotten Crisis” by Adam Hochschild — “A sweeping look at the years between World War I and the Roaring Twenties, when conscientious objectors to the war were maltreated and conflicts over race and labor were at a high pitch. Hochschild draws direct lines between events of that time and the unrest of today.” — New York Times, 15 Works of Nonfiction to Read This Fall
“Breathe In Breathe Out: Restore Your Health, Reset Your Mind and Find Happiness Through Breathwork” by Stuart Sandeman — “[The exercises] offer a variety of ways to try breathwork… [Breathe In, Breathe Out] gets the job done.” –Publishers Weekly
“Solar Power for Beginners, 2 in 1 bundle: A DIY Guide to Solar Energy, Designing and Installing Grid-tied, Hybrid, and Off-grid Solar Systems for Your House, RV, Camper Van, Boar, Cabin and Tiny Home” by DIY Source — “Are you willing to cut your electricity bill in half by adding a solar setup to your house?
If yes, then this 2 in 1 solar power DIY bundle book is written for you!” — Amazon
“The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture” by Gabor Mate — “In The Myth of Normal, Gabor Maté takes us on an epic journey of discovery about how our emotional well-being, and our social connectivity (in short: how we live), is intimately intertwined with health, disease and addictions. Chronic mental and physical illnesses may not be separate and distinct diseases, but intricate, multilayered processes that reflect (mal)adaptations to the cultural context that we live in, and the values we live by. This riveting and beautifully written tale has profound implications for all of our lives, including the practice of medicine and mental health.”–Bessel A. van der Kolk MD, President, Trauma Research Foundation, Professor of psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, #1 New York Times Bestseller: The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma
“The Progress Illusion: Reclaiming our Future from the Fairytale of Economics” by Jon D. Erickson — “Erickson’s powerful new book shows how flawed economic thinking has shaped not only our economy but also our society and politics. The story is both deeply disturbing and hopeful, as Erickson describes an emerging brand of economics that shifts focus from GDP to well-being. Highly recommended.” — James Gustave Speth, former Dean, Yale School of the Environment; author of “America the Possible: Manifesto for a New Economy”
“The Woodchip Handbook: A Complete Guide for Farmers, Gardeners and Landscapers” by Ben Raskin — “Ben Raskin’s wide-ranging work in varied locations makes The Woodchip Handbook a really useful overview of the possibilities afforded by woodchip. It’s good for soil and good for plants, once you understand how it can work best for you, as he explains in this book.”―Charles Dowding, author of Charles Dowding’s No Dig Gardening
“Why Fish Don’t Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life” by Lulu Miller — “Riveting. Surprising. Shocking, even! Why Fish Don’t Exist begins with a mesmerizing account of the life of distinguished biologist David Starr Jordan—and then, quite unexpectedly, turns into so much more. Narrated in Lulu Miller’s intimate, quirky voice, this is a story of science and struggle, of heartbreak and chaos. This book will capture your heart, seize your imagination, smash your preconceptions, and rock your world.” — Sy Montgomery, New York Times bestselling author of The Soul of an Octopus
PARENTING
“Sewing Quiet Books for Children: Easy to Make, Easy to Customize: 18 Step-by-Step Page Projects with Patterns” by Lily Zunic — “…Zunic shows how to construct two different types of cloth books–one for babies and one for toddlers–that will spark a sense of textile learning that can’t be matched by technology. Information on materials and basic techniques prefaces the project instructions, which feature how-to information on fabrics, zipper sewing, and pattern transfer as well as hands-on, step-by-step instructions for fabricating either a sewn-spine or ring-bound activity book. … Includes 14 full-size templates.” — Barbara Jacobs. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2022.
“The Sears Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know about Your Baby from Birth to Age Two” by William Sears, M.D. — “The million-copy bestseller by “the man who remade motherhood” (TIME) has now been revised, expanded, and bought thoroughly up-to-date — with the latest information on prenatal vitamins, breastfeeding practices, daycare, midwifery, hospital births, preventing and overcoming postpartum depression, and infant development.” — Amazon.com
BOARD BOOK
“Poppy’s Feelings”
“Poppy’s Shape Search”
“Where’s Poppy”
PICTURE BOOK
“After the Snowfall” by Rich Lo
“I am Human: A Book of Empathy” by Susan Verde
JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY
“Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter” by Christine McDonnell — “Author Christine McDonnell, who has taught English to immigrants at Rosie’s Place, adeptly conveys the narrative arc of Tiernan’s life. . . . Victoria Tentler-Krylov’s atmospheric illustrations draw readers into Tiernan’s surroundings with immediacy and emotion. . . . This thoughtful book conveys a powerful, important message: ‘When you listen to others, you show respect; you learn who they are and what they need.'” —BookPage (starred review)
JUVENILE FICTION
“The Door of No Return” by Kwame Alexander — “Interweaving moments of joyful exuberance and heartbreaking sadness via sensate lines by turns sweet and stinging, Alexander’s sweeping novel conjures a captivating, resonant world of African tradition, life, and ancestral wisdom.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review
JUVENILE GRAPHIC NOVELS
“Claire and the Dragons” by Wander Atunes — “Claire and the Dragons is a female-centric fantasy adventure comic book series set in a Dark Ages-like world written and illustrated by Brazilian creator Wander Antunes and published by Scout Comics’ all-ages imprint Scoot. — Amazon.com
“Extraordinary” A Story of an Ordinary Princess” by Cassie Anderson — “While her sisters were blessed at birth with exceptional skills, Princess Basil’s “gift” is to be ordinary. But can a princess be ordinary? Inspired by M. M. Kaye’s beloved novel!” — Amazon.com
“Fish Girl” by David Wiesner and Donna Jo Napoli — “The triple Caldecott winner David Wiesner brings his rich visual imagination and trademark artistry to the graphic novel format in a unique coming-of-age tale that begins underwater. A young mermaid, called Fish Girl, in a boardwalk aquarium has a chance encounter with an ordinary girl. Their growing friendship inspires Fish Girl’s longing for freedom, independence, and a life beyond the aquarium tank. Sparkling with humor and brilliantly visualized, Fish Girl’s story will resonate with every young person facing the challenges and rewards of growing up.” — Onix Annotations,
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
“Big Boned” by Jo Watson — “Big Boned is an optimistic novel whose warm cast subverts convention, and whose heroine learns to take risks.” ―Foreword
“I was Born for This” by Alice Oseman — “A funny, wise, and heartbreakingly true coming of age novel. I Was Born for This is a stunning reflection of modern teenage life, and the power of believing in something — especially yourself.” — Amazon.com
YOUNG ADULT GRAPHIC NOVEL
“Unfamiliar” by Haley Newsome — “Based on the wildly popular webcomic from Tapas, Unfamiliar is an endearing and whimsical story full of magical mayhem, offbeat outsiders, and the power of friendships and found family. …” Onix Annotations
ADULT FICTION
“After Lives” by Abdulrazak Gurnah — “An appreciation for quiet, ordinary forms of heroism runs throughout. . . . One can take away lessons and meanings from this novel, yet such things are perhaps less significant than the sheer seeming realness of the characters, whose presences Mr. Gurnah has faithfully crafted into existence, with all of their dreaming, their sorrow and their resilience.”—Wall Street Journal
“Four Treasures of the Sky” by Jenny Tinghui Zhang — “Fierce and moving…Zhang delves into the history of violence and prejudice against Chinese people in the U.S. with her debut, a lyrical and sweeping Bildungsroman…The author skillfully delineates the many characters and offers fascinating details on Chinese calligraphy and literature, along with an unsparing view of white supremacy.” ―Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“No Land to Light” by Yara Zgheib — “Zgheib’s prose is sensory, piquant with the scent of spices even as it captures the sorrow of living in exile while war destroys your homeland. But the novel’s real power is in humanizing the cruelties and injustices visited on migrants caught up in the travel ban.” ― Library Journal (starred)
“The Book of Goose” by Yiyun Li — “This is a novel of deceptions and cruelty . . . But within this somber mood is something brilliant. With characteristic poise, Li depicts the intricacies of ordinary lives: childhood friendship, growing up, and existences as slow as the passively ‘floating’ geese Agnès watches.” ―Francesca Peacock, The Spectator
“The Boys from Biloxi” by John Grisham — “John Grisham returns to Mississippi with the riveting story of two sons of immigrant families who grow up as friends, but ultimately find themselves on opposite sides of the law. Grisham’s trademark twists and turns will keep you tearing through the pages until the stunning conclusion.” — Amazon.com
“The Dead Romantics” by Ashley Poston — “Romance, chaos, and complications are central components in Poston’s refreshingly fun, spirited rom-coms, and The Dead Romantics is no exception. The beauty and charm of Poston’s storytelling continues to make miraculous happy endings out of the messes in which ordinary people often find themselves entangled.” —Shelf Awareness
“The Dreamtime” by Mstyslav Chernov — “Chernov is a singular voice writing about Ukraine today, and The Dreamtime is essential reading to understanding the ways that war has infiltrated people’s everyday lives far beyond the front lines. It is an ambitious novel that draws together diverse perspectives to reflect the raw emotions of life and death.” ― Emily Channell-Justice, Director, Temerty Contemporary Ukraine Program
“The Flight Portfolio” by Julie Orringer — “Magnificent . . . a deeply researched, almost unbearably tense, bruised-knuckle hybrid. Part real history and part love story, it’s also a deeply moral work, asking tough questions about what matters most to us personally—and to the world.” — The Boston Globe
“The Latecomer” by Jean Hanff Korelitz — “If this novel is funny, it is also cutting, a nearly forensic study of family conflict. Husband and wife are at odds; children pull away not only from their parents but from one another. Nimbly, Korelitz juggles the stories of each parent and child, weaving a tapestry of secrets, antipathies and private quests. … It’s testament to Korelitz’s achievement that her novel leaves us wanting more.” ―New York Times Book Review
“The Light Pirate” by Lily Brooks-Dalton — “A formidable young woman’s coming-of-age . . . Brooks-Dalton creates an all-too-believable picture of nature reclaiming Florida from its human inhabitants, and her complex and engaging characters make climate disaster a vividly individual experience rather than an abstract subject of debate.”―Kirkus, Starred Review
“The Rabbit Hutch” by Tess Gunty — “Ambitious . . . Despite offering a dissection of contemporary urban blight, the novel doesn’t let social concerns crowd out the individuality of its characters, and Blandine’s off-kilter brilliance is central to the achievement.”—The New Yorker
“The Reindeer Hunters” by Lars Mytting — “…Pastor Kai Schweigaard is haunted by the past; he was responsible for the loss of the village’s ancient stave church and its sister bells cast in the 1600s in memory of two famous weavers, conjoined twin sisters. These twins created the Hekne Weave, a tapestry depicting Skrapanatta, the end of days. While Schweigaard searches for the Weave and what it might portend, Jehans, a Hekne and son of Schweigaard’s lost love, struggles to make his way. Butangen lingers in the grip of feudalism, but change is inevitable. This novel explores themes of modernization and identity on various levels: national (Norway’s separation from its union with Sweden), familial, and religious (Norse myth and Christianity). The world Mytting creates is immersive, including descriptions of reindeer hunting and the feel of a scythe on a whetstone. The result is a fascinating story with centuries-old echoes, their muted peal resonating like the separated sister bells.” — Bethany Latham. AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, c2022. — Booklist
“The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” by Shehan Karunatilaka — “Comic, macabre, angry and thumpingly alive… [Maali’s voice] has bite, brilliance, and sparkle… Still, the furious comedy in Mr. Karunatilaka’s novel never courts despair.”― Economist
“The Whalebone Theatre” by Joanna Quinn — “What’s remarkable, especially for a first novel, is Quinn’s deft way of depicting this lost world—whether a subsiding seaside aristocracy or a training school for British agents or a Parisian theater in wartime . . . Her vision is so fine and fully realized that it’s hard to imagine her doing anything else—and hard to have to wait to see what that might be.” —Washington Post
ADULT MYSTERY
“A World of Curiosities” by Louise Penny — “Penny delves into the nature of evil, sensitively exploring the impact of the dreadful events she describes while bringing a warmth and humanity to her disparate cast of characters that, unusually for a crime novel, leaves you feeling better about the world once you’ve finished.” ―The Guardian
“All Good People Here” by Ashley Flowers — “All Good People Here has enough twists and layers for three novels. Ashley Flowers has taken a premise familiar to true-crime fans and created a story that’s compelling and psychologically rich, with an ending that’s as unnerving as it is satisfying.” —Lou Berney
“City on Fire” by Don Winslow — “A masterwork of mob fiction. . . City on Fire does for Rhode Island what David Chase’s The Sopranos did for New Jersey. . . It’s Winslow’s ways with character, as well as his fluid narrative and highly visual scene-setting, that suggest this novel, the first in a planned trilogy, could well end up in the American-mob canon along with the works of Puzo, Scorsese and Chase.” — Washington Post
“Going Rogue” by Janet Evanovich — “Full of surprises, thrills, and humor, Going Rogue reveals a new side of Stephanie Plum, and shows Janet Evanovich at her scorching, riotous best.” — Amazon.com
“The Bangalore Detectives” by Harini Nagendra — “The first in an effervescent new mystery series by the ecology professor Harini Nagendra, The Bangalore Detectives Club turns the clock back a century. This is a treat for historical mystery lovers looking for a new series to savor (or devour).” — Sarah Weinman ― The New York Times Book Review
“The Bullets that Missed” by Richard Osman — “The Bullet That Missed hits on every front. Its quandaries stymie, its solutions thrill, its banter is worth reciting and its characters exemplify an admirable camaraderie. One can only hope that the Thursday Murder Club’s next outing appears before long.” —Wall Street Journal
“The Secrets of Winter” by Nicola Upson — “A truly brilliant twist…yet, it is the quality of writing that makes this pulpy novel not just for Christmas but for life.” —The UK Times
“The Twist of a Knife” by Anthony Horowitz — “In New York Times bestselling author Anthony Horowitz’s ingenious fourth literary whodunit following The Word is Murder, The Sentence is Death, and A Line to Kill, Horowitz becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation—and only one man can prove his innocence: his newly estranged partner in solving crime, Detective Hawthorne.” — Publisher Annotation
“The Unkempt Woman” by Allison Montclair — “Exemplary… Montclair’s capable, funny, and fully developed leads set a gold standard.” –-Publishers Weekly (starred review)
ADULT BIOGRAPHY
“Alzheimer’s Canyon: One Couple’s Reflections on Living with Dementia” by Jane Dwinell & Sky Yardley — “… Jane Dwinell and Sky Yardley take us on a journey with them into the uncharted world of Alzheimer’s Disease. They bravely navigate the depths of Alzheimer’s Canyon, shining a light in a disorienting landscape. Their unflinching honesty about their lived experience serves as an emotional road map for anyone facing an unexpected challenge. Out of her grief, Dwinell offers this gift, and hope.” –David Goodman, bestselling author and host of The Vermont Conversation
“And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle” by John Meacham — “Biography at its best, the great historian Barbara Tuchman wrote, paints an intimate portrait of an individual which simultaneously provides a sweeping view of history. With this deep, compelling work, Jon Meacham has achieved this gold standard. Written with wisdom and grace, his story of Lincoln’s complex moral journey to Emancipation mirrors America’s long quest to live up to its founding ideals.” —Doris Kearns Goodwin
“Sigh, Gone: A Misfit’s Memoir of Great Books, Punk Rock and the Fight to Fit In” by Phuc Tran — “Funny, poignant, and unsparing, Tran’s sharp, sensitive, punk-inflected memoir presents one immigrant’s quest for self-acceptance through the lens of American and European literary classics. A highly witty and topical read―an impressive debut.” ―Kirkus (starred review)
“The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times” by Michelle Obama —
“Obama’s road map for uncertain times resonates in ways that other self-help books do not. . . . Through her stories, experiences and thoughts, we’re finding the light with her.” —The New York Times
ADULT NON-FICTION
“15-Minute Ink Landscapes: Simple, Striking, Soothing Lineart of Forests, Mountains, Beaches and More” by Rosa Hoehn — “15-Minute Ink Landscapes is a great guide for beginners looking to get comfortable with drawing different nature-based designs. Rosa offers solid tips and guided examples along the way. I highly recommend this book!” ― Jason Yates, artist and founder of @Jy.Ink
“Best Road Trips Ontario & Quebec: Escapes on the Open Road” by Shawn Duthie & others — “The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s Ontario & Quebec’s Best Road Trips is perfect for exploring Ontario and Quebec via the road and discovering sights that are more accessible by car.” — Amazon.com
“Dorie’s Cookies” by Dorie Greenspan — “Dorie has written the perfect book to satisfy the Cookie Monster in all of us. These recipes are both classic and inventive and totally delicious.” — Ina Garten, Barefoot Contessa cookbooks and television
“From Scratch: Adventures in Harvesting, Hunting, Fishing and Foraging on a Fragile Planet” by David & Jon Moscow — “This is delicious, adventuresome entertainment for the mind, soul, heart, and stomach. A dynamic, ruminative journal for food lovers and armchair globe-trotters.” — Kirkus Review
“Psychology of Positive Aging” by Ellen Heuven — “While it is undeniable that certain physical functions start to decline from a certain age, both the life stories of the interviewees and scientific literature show that psychological functioning can become more robust into old age. The women in this book are inspiring role models who show how you can grow, live a fulfilling live and achieve goals, not so much DESPITE but WITH or THANKS to aging.” — Amazon.com
“Turning Bowls with Richard Raffan” by Richard Raffan — “The worlds pre-eminent woodturning teacher provides everything you need to know to turn bowls. Richard Raffan draws upon his 30 plus years of experience to lead you through the key elements — from planning to completion.” — Amazon.com
PICTURE BOOK
“You Are Never Alone” by Elin Kelsey
JUVENILE FICTION
“Mapmaker” by Lisa Moore Ramee — “This is an exciting adventure full of friendship and heart with a likable nerdy-Black-kid protagonist…. Readers will enjoy the well-drawn characters as well as the fantastical landscapes and imaginative creatures in Walt’s magical world.” — Horn Book Magazine
JUVENILE GRAPHIC NOVELS
“Bobo and Pup-Pup: Let’s Make Cake” by Vikram Madan — “This hilarious and relatable graphic chapter book will have kids ages 5-8 laughing out loud while gaining confidence in reading.” — Amazon.com
“Bobo and Pup-Pup: The Funny Book” by Vikram Madan — “A super funny book has Pup-Pup literally laughing out loud!! Bobo wants to read it so he can laugh too, but he must wait till Pup-Pup is finished. But the more Pup-Pup laughs, the harder it is to wait! All kids know that waiting is not easy!! What happens when Bobo’s patience runs out and he takes matters into his own hands?” — Amazon.com
“Bobo and Pup-Pup: We Love Bubbles” by Vikram Madan — “Grab some bubble mix and join Pup-Pup and Bobo for a good read.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Bunnicula” by James Howe — “Before it’s too late, Harold the dog and Chester the cat must find out the truth about the newest pet in the Monroe household — a suspicious-looking bunny with unusual habits… and fangs!” — GoodReads
“Cat Kid: Comic Club Collaborations” by Dav Pilkey — “Excitement and imagination run wild as Naomi, Melvin, Poppy, Gilbert, Curly, and their siblings get back to making comics with originality and laughter. But wait — have they cleaned their rooms yet?!” — Amazon.com
“Cat Kid: Comic Club on Purpose” by Dav Pilkey — “…. Here exploring the concept of purpose, Pilkey lets characters and readers ponder its complexity–with butt jokes keeping the tone light. While its theme is not as clearly developed as the previous volume’s, this episode nevertheless presents the series’ now-trademark winning mix of sibling hijinks and club members’ comics, rendered in a variety of styles.” — Kirkus Media LLC
“Cat’s Cradle: The Golden Twine” by Jo Rioux — “At times vividly hair-raising, the book never overwhelms the reader, making it a worthy entry in the too-small category of scary fun for middle grade readers… Thanks to Rioux’s crackerjack pace and dramatic panel composition, The Golden Twine is hard to put down.”―New York Times
“Crush” by Svetlana Chmakova — “Jorge seems to have it all together. He’s big enough that nobody really messes with him, but he’s also a genuinely sweet guy with a solid, reliable group of friends. The only time he ever really feels off his game is when he crosses paths with a certain girl… But when the group dynamic among the boys starts to shift, will Jorge be able to balance what his friends expect of him versus what he actually wants?” — Amazon.com
“Deep into the Amazon Jungle” by James O. Fraioli — “Vibrant and dramatic illustrations accompany this riverside adventure that introduces young readers to the diverse populations that reside in the Amazon. Kids will also learn about the consequences of deforestation for our entire planet—as well as the numerous ways that every person can do their share to preserve our forests, reduce waste, and help the environment.” — Amazon.com
“Enemies” by Svetlana Chmakova — “Felicity’s sure she’s going to do something big. Exactly what is still a mystery, but she’ll figure it out. Her sister, Letty, teases Felicity that she never finishes stuff, but that’s just because Letty is so perfect. Still, life is good with plenty of friends—drawing with the art club and playing games with her buddies keep her busy. But when she decides to join a contest to show Letty that she can get things done, Felicity begins to wonder if friends becoming enemies is easier than she thought. Are they really enemies, though…? What does it even mean to be enemies? And…who is it that she needs the most on her side…?” — Amazon.com
“Freestyle” by Gale Galligan — “A visually kinetic, emotionally complex story of finding a sense of self while navigating relationships and expectations. Fun and full of heart.” — School Library Journal, starred review
“Frizzy” by Claribel A. Ortega — “In the creators’ graphic novel debut, themes of anti-Blackness, colorism, and self-acceptance are explored with nuance and honesty. The subject of internalized racism is discussed in a way that will resonate with kids and families grappling with it for the first time.” ―School Library Journal, starred review
“Great White Shark Adventure” by James O. Fraioli — “This series opener will appeal most to young shark and science enthusiasts.” ― Booklist
“Green Lantern: Alliance” By Minh Le — “Tai Pham struggles with balancing school, his work in the family business, his friendships, and his new Green Lantern responsibilities. But Kid Flash arrives on the scene to become the super-hero partner Tai just might need.” — Amazon.com
“Hawai’i Sea Turtle Rescue” by James O. Fraioli — “Dive deep into this colorful and informative graphic novel adventure that brings readers up close and personal with the sea creatures of the vast and beautiful Pacific Ocean. Along the way, kids will also see how pollution and climate change can impact entire underwater ecosystems and find actionable steps that they can take to reduce waste and protect these precious reefs.” — Amazon.com
“I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944” by Lauren Tarshis — “… Lauren Tarshis’s New York Times bestselling I Survived series takes on vivid new life in this explosive graphic novel edition. Includes nonfiction back matter with historical photos and facts about World War II and the Holocaust.” — Amazon.com
“Investigators: Heist and Seek” by John Patrick Green — “Mango and Brash go undercover and under canvas as internationally renowned painters to expose a crook who has truly mastered the art of CRIME! Can they recover the missing masterpieces and save the city art museum’s fundraising gala before it’s too late…and they run out of appetizers? Find out in this latest pièce de résistance of action-packed illustrated fun.” — Amazon.com
“Invisible” by Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriela Epstein — “Invisible celebrates individuality and community while transcending language barriers.” – Bookpage, starred review
“Journey Under the Arctic” by James O. Fraioli — “Join the team on this deep-sea expedition, and learn how the changing climate affects the ocean and its inhabitants, and discover what you can do to help save the planet!” — Amazon.com
“Leon the Extraordinary” by Jamar Nicholas — “In the city where Leon lives, superheroes — and supervillains — are commonplace. So how does an ordinary kid like Leon, who has no superpowers himself, become the superhero he wants to be? When all his classmates suddenly become obsessed with a new phone app that turns them into zombies, Leon gets his chance to prove that using his brain and following his heart can save the day.” — Amazon.com
“Miles Morales: Stranger Tides” by Justin A. Reynolds — “Miles Morales has just about gotten used to this being Spider-Man thing. Keeping Brooklyn safe, taking down bad guys, and finishing his homework―he’s got this! But when Spider-Man is invited to a launch for a brand-new video game, things go sideways fast. Anyone who plays the game is frozen, and it’s all because of a villain named the Stranger. He’s judged humanity and found it lacking, and his idea of justice is extreme.” — Amazon.com
“My Aunt is a Monster” by Reimena Yee — “Safia is an irresistible lead, and her innate sense of wonder and longing for adventure… is heartwarming to the very last page.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Nat Enough” by Maria Scrivan — “What elevates Maria Scrivan’s graphic novel is the refreshing honesty with which it approaches its subject matter. The tone is instructive but not preachy, as Natalie develops her talents as a cartoonist and discovers her individuality, which brings her not only the acceptance of others but, more importantly, self-acceptance.” — Financial Times
“Nico Bravo and the Cellar Dwellers” by Mike Cavallaro — “Orcus mistakenly unleashes a dangerous ‘Misery’ from the God of Misfortune’s pouch, threatening everyone in the Supply Shop, but also discovers the missing link between Nico, the Unicorn Wars, and Reality itself! What will happen to Nico and his friends when all their troubles converge in a desperate battle for the fate of the Universe?” — Amazon.com
“Nico Bravo and the Hound of Hades” by Mike Cavallaro — “But Nico’s world is about to be turned upside down, and it’s all thanks his latest customer: Eowulf, the pint-size descendant of the monster slayer Beowulf. Determined to carry on the family business, this would-be warrior plans to slay Cerberus, the terrifying, three-headed hound of Hades. There’s just one problem―Cerberus is the only thing preventing the hordes of the Underworld from entering the land of the living. Can Nico stop Eowulf from unleashing a zombie apocalypse?” — Amazon.com
“Nico Bravo and the Trial of Vulcan” by Mike Cavallaro — “Awesome fight sequences, imaginative onomatopoeia, and nonstop hilarity make for a brightly colored, fast-paced saga…Another on-brand entry in this fun, melting pot of mythologies.”―School Library Journal
“Prunella and the Cursed Skull Ring” by Matthew Loux — “This fun and spooky adventure has a twist that readers do not want to miss, and it serves as an effective and playful reminder to not judge based on appearances, encouraging young readers to be their most authentic selves.”―Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Shark Princess” by Nidhi Chanani — “A finny, funny foray that encourages inclusivity even when it comes to play.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Sir Ladybug” by Corey R. Tabor — “Visual humor, tongue-in-cheek declarations, and knock-knock jokes add to the fun absurdity of a story that subverts the natural phenomenon of a bird eating a bug. An endearing testament to the joys of friendship.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Sir Ladybug and the Bookworms” by Corey R. Tabor — “Tabor keeps the laughs coming in this new addition to his wonderful graphic-reader series. Though the bookish jokes and underlying message about everyone being welcome at the library will make it a particular favorite among librarians, kids will get a kick out of the story’s elevation of a common scenario…into a full-blown quest.” — Booklist
“Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee” by Corey R. Tabor -“A gentle but fiercely loyal ladybug knight is joined by his faithful herald (a roly-poly bug who gets a little nervous sometimes but loves to loudly tell anyone who’ll listen how great his friends are) and his steed/squire (a snail with a surprisingly spacious shell and a love of adventure) in Tabor’s first two installments of a graphic-novel series for the early-reader set. …” — The Horn Book-
“Smaller Sister” by Maggie Edkins Willis — “The accessible tone and format allow a difficult topic to be gently revealed with painful honesty balanced by humor and silliness… Compassionately approaches the stigma and mystery surrounding eating disorders.” ―Kirkus, starred review
“The Bad Guys in the Others?!” by Aaron Blabey — “This 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 Cardboard Kingdom” by Chad Sell — “Readers may be inspired to craft their own cardboard kingdom after finishing the book. A must-have.”—School Library Journal, starred review
“The Cool Code” by Deirdre Langeland — “A humorous exploration of cracking the middle school social code for anyone craving more personified snarky llamas in their lives.” — School Library Journal
“The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza” by Mac Barnett — “Readers looking for the outer space high jinks and gentle humor of Brockington’s Catstronauts and the imaginative and fantastical worldbuilding of Andrews’s This Was Our Pact need look no further than this laugh-out-loud tale of the first cat in space.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“The Wondrous Wonders” by Camille Jourdy — “This is a must-buy for any library, packed with humor and heart.” ―School Library Journal
“Wings of Fire: Moon Rising” by Tui Sutherland — “Peace has finally settled on the kingdom of Pyrrhia. The former “dragonets of destiny” have started an academy for young dragons like themselves. One promising student, Moonwatcher, begins to discover her own secret powers and must decide if she should use them when the academy is threatened.” — THE HORN BOOK, c2015.
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
“Anne of Greenville” by Mariko Tamaki — “Every page of this glittery disco ball of a book explodes with imagination, effervescence, and joy ― prepare to find a kindred spirit in this thoroughly modern Anne Shirley.”―Sarah Kuhn, author of From Little Tokyo, with Love
YOUNG ADULT GRAPHIC NOVEL
“A Quick & Easy Guide to Asexuality” by Molly Muldoon & Will Hernandez — “This is a clear-cut primer for readers looking to support an ace person in their own life or those questioning their own identity.” ― Publishers Weekly
“Arden High: Twelfth Grade Night” by Molly Booth — “High school pranks, youthful dialogue, and a bright color palette make for a fun and inviting comedy to dive into, and a charismatic supporting cast offers plenty of material for more Shakespearean hijinks in future volumes.” ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
“Coming Back” by Jessi Zarbarsky — “A beautiful story of two young women who are so focused on proving they’re meant to be together that they end up hurting each other in the process. This gorgeous graphic novel is an LGTBQ+ romance about young love and how it can grow into something strong no matter what obstacles get in the way.” — Amazon.com
“Demon in the Wood” by Leigh Bardugo & Dani Pendergast — “An absolutely vital addition to the Shadow and Bone world…centering on the Darkling when he was just a boy, this tragic and beautiful story adds layers to the villain we know and the scared child he once was.” ― Nerdist
“Dinosaur Sanctuary” by Itaru Kinoshita — “A richly detailed manga about a rookie zookeeper learning how to care for dinosaurs of all shapes and sizes, sure to delight dinosaur lovers!” — Amazon.com
“Giantess: The Story of the Girl who Traveled the World in Search of Freedom” by J. C. Deveney — “A giant baby girl is found and adopted by a local family who bring her back to their village. She grows to become an even bigger giant, learning lifeâs lessons complicated even further by her enormous size and uniqueness. Can she weather a society that faces her with frightened hostility and prejudice to find live and, ultimately, the freedom to be herself? A wonderous, fantastical tale of feminism, difference, love, freedom, and the quest to be oneself.” — Publisher Annotation:
“Lore of Olympus: Volume Three” by Rachel Smythe — “If eyes could eat, [Lore Olympus] would be a feast. Smythe’s artistic style features bright washes of color and bold, suggestive lines. . . . It’s paced as a soap opera, all drawn-out tensions and long-simmering secrets, and I, for one, am thrilled to be along for the ride.”—New York Times Book Review
“Passport” by Sophia Glock — “A rare peek behind the curtain into life as the daughter of U.S. intelligence officers, this is a story full of secrets that expertly unfold one by one. …”―School Library Journal
“The Heartstopper Yearbook” by Alice Oseman — “Realistic yet uplifting, this tale of self-discovery will make readers’ hearts skip a beat.” — School Library Journal
“Tuki: Fight for Fire” by Jeff Smith — “Fans of classic adventure will not be disappointed… Smith (BONE) goes prehistoric in this fabulously drawn anthropological fantasy…. the characters and scenery remain consistently stunning to gaze at, page after page.” — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
YOUNG ADULT NON-FICTION
“Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer — “With informative sidebars, reflection questions, and art from illustrator Nicole Neidhardt, Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults brings Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the lessons of plant life to a new generation.” — Amazon.com
ADULT FICTION
“Hester” by Laurie Lico Albanese — “”This thoughtfully researched tale shines a light on the barriers faced by 19th-century women who did not conform.” ––Washington Post
“Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six” by Lisa Unger — “Embedded in a riveting novel of suspense is a revealing examination of the dangers inherent in public DNA sharing…[Lisa Unger] is in good form here, in her twentieth outing, and her fans will be eager to dive right in.” —Booklist
“The Inn at Tansy Falls” by Cate Woods — “A heartfelt contemporary about life, loss, and love that will utterly charm and delight readers and leave them clamoring for a follow-up.”―Booklist, Starred Review
“The Last Chairlift” by John Irving — “Here the consistent pleasure is an extended family whose distinctive voices deliver thoughtful messages of tolerance, understanding, and affection for those who are different.”—KIRKUS REVIEWS
“The Passenger” by Cormac McCarthy — “A rich story of an underachieving salvage diver in 1980 New Orleans… This thriller narrative is intertwined with the story of Western’s sister, Alicia… He dazzles with his descriptions of a beautifully broken New Orleans… The book’s many pleasures will leave readers aching for the final installment.” —Publishers Weekly
“The Perfect Assassin” by James Patterson — “Grandson of action hero Doc Savage, nerdy professor Brandt Savage is pressed into a top-secret training program that re-creates him mentally and physically as The Perfect Assassin…” — LIBRARY JOURNAL, c2022.
ADULT MYSTERY
“The Butcher and the Wren” by Alaina Urquhart — ‘Urquhart has crafted a thriller that is necessarily graphic but not exploitative. The crisp detail, the narrative brevity and the blade-sharp connections between the pathologist and the killer all bode well for future installments.” —Sarah Weinman, New York Times
ADULT BIOGRAPHY
“A Place Called Home” by David Ambroz — “[A] captivating debut…Galvanizing and compassionate, this personal account of survival should be required reading.”―Publishers Weekly
“Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of Disability Rights Activist” by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner — “Consider this book an inspiring call for inclusiveness, courage, equity, and justice as well as a reminder of people’s power to change the world for the better.” —Booklist
“Dying of Politeness” by Geena Davis — “Academy Award winner Davis makes an engaging literary debut with a candid, appealing memoir recounting her evolution from self-effacing young woman to feisty activist … An entertaining and ebullient memoir.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Invisible Storm: A Soldier’s Memoir of Politics and PTSD” by Jason Kander– “Kander displays a level of vulnerability not often seen in political memoirs, offering a bracing portrait of untreated PTSD and an insightful psychological profile of political ambition. Readers will appreciate the candor of this harrowing tale.” — Publishers Weekly
“Path Lit by Lightning: A Life by Jim Thorpe” by David Maraniss — “In the new biography Path Lit by Lightning, David Maraniss details the enormous odds that a Native American hero had to overcome. . . . He insists that taken as a whole, Jim Thorpe’s story is not one of prejudice, nor the hypocrisy of others. . . . [And] emphasizes that whatever life took from him, Thorpe persisted and trained and worked and learned and succeeded.” — Keith Olbermann ― The New York Times Book Review
“Somewhere Sisters: A Story of Adoption, Identity, and the Meaning of Family” by Erika Hayaskaki — “Hayasaki explores the many dimensions of transracial and transnational adoption in this moving account of families torn apart.” ―The Cut
“Stay True” by Hua Hsu — “A moving portrait of friends, death, doubt, and everything in between. . . Hsu writes with tenderness but scorching precision. . . Genuinely one of the most moving portraits of friendship to have come out in recent years.” —The Nation
“Uncertain Fruit: A Memoir of Infertility, Loss and Love” by Rebecca and Sallyann Majoya — “A candid, unflinching look at a couple’s struggle to have a child of their own…By taking turns telling their story, moving back and forth in time and place, they have produced a skillfully woven narrative.” — Linda Peavy, poet and co-author of Frontier House
ADULT NON-FICTION
“A Girlhood: Letter to my Transgender Daughter” by Carolyn Hayes — “Hays here presents a different view of God—as a being of pure love that would never consider her daughter a mistake, but instead, a gift.”—Oprah Daily
“Art of Knitting Hats: 30 Easy-to-Follow Patterns to Create Your Own Colorwork Masterpiece” by Courtney Flynn — “This is a knitter’s dream introduction to colorwork! The designs in this book are whimsical, fun and sure to keep any knitter engaged from start to finish.” – Tif Neilan, creator of Tif Handknits
“Best Bike Rides in New England: Backroad Routes for Cycling the Northeast States” by David Sobel — “The Northeast provides some of the most exciting cycling in the United States: sweeping vistas, seaside towns, fall colors, and more. With this comprehensive guide, New Hampshire local David Sobel offers up rides in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.” — Amazon.com
“Ejaculate Responsibly: A Whole New Way to Think About Abortion” by Gabrielle Stanley Blair
“Forever Home: How We Turned our House Into a Haven for Abandoned, Abused and Misunderstood Dogs and Each Other” by Ron Danta — “… unforgettable, gut-wrenching story of how authors Robertshaw and Danta opened their hearts, homes, lives, and wallets to rescue over 13,000 dogs…. These two angels disguised as humans offer so much hope and love for animals—and invaluable lessons for readers.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Glucose Revolution: The Life Changing Power of Balancing Your Blood Sugar” by Jessie Inchauspe — “I hugely enjoyed reading this book; Jessie offers a detailed understanding of the problem which faces so many of us – how to balance our blood sugar levels – along with simple and accessible science-based hacks which really could help you transform your health.” —MICHAEL MOSLEY, M.D., #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fast Diet
“No Choice: The Destruction of Roe V. Wade and the Fight to Protect a Fundamental American Right” by Becca Andrews — “Necessary in its racial and gender inclusivity, this thoughtful book will appeal to anyone looking to understand the way forward in a post-Roe world…An important book on a timely topic.”―Kirkus
“Playing God in the Meadow: How I Learned to Admire My Weeds” by Martha Leb Molnar — “A thoughtful tale of making a meadow, from a gardener who is not afraid to struggle with questions botanical and environmental.”―Sydney Landon Plum, author of Solitary Goose
“Smitten Kitchen Keepers: New Classics for Your Forever Files” by Deb Perelman — “Smitten Kitchen is not just a food blog: it is the food blog.” —The New Yorker
“Space Craze: America’s Enduring Fascination with Real and Imagined Spaceflight” by Margaret A. Weitekamp — “Weitekamp has produced an important book on the first great pillar of space travel: science fiction and the power of imagination. In a readable yet detailed manner, Weitekamp cleverly employs museum artifacts to reveal the ways objects capture elements of national identity and confirms once again that modern space travel is as much about the past as about the future.”—Howard McCurdy, author of Space and the American Imagination
“The Complete Modern Pantry: 350+ Ways to Cook Well with What’s on Hand” — “Flexibility is at the core of pantry cooking—when every cook needs to improvise. This unique guidehelps you get the most out of your own pantry by showing how ingredients add crunch, acid, umami, or spice to a dish.” — Amazon.com
“The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary” by Paul Newman — “Raw reflections from a movie icon…a revealing memoir of a life marked by pain, grief, and regret…Intimate reflections on an extraordinary life steeped in sadness.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The Sleep Prescription: Seven Days to Unlocking Your Best Rest” by Aric A. Prather, PhD — “The Sleep Prescription is a practical guide to improving your sleep and enhancing your life. Prather offers a set of transformative and doable changes in sleep habits that can make you healthier, happier, and more productive.” —Tom Boyce, MD, author of The Orchid and the Dandelion
“Wind Trees” by John Freeman — “With this collection, Freeman compels us to feel, in turns of turbulence and stillness, the longing and rage and wonder that visit anyone keenly and tenderly paying attention to the passage of human life in an uncertain landscape and time. Freeman’s poems become all at once like eulogy, like instruction, like acts of love.” —Pitchaya Sudbanthad
PICTURE BOOK
“Berry Song” by Michaela Goade
“Keepunumuk: Weeachumun’s Thanksgiving Story” by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry and Alexis Bunt
“Kimchi, Kimchi Every Day” by Erica Kim
“More than Peach” by Bellen Woodard
JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY
“Finding My Dance” by Ria Thundercloud — “A moving picture book about the resilience one can find in one’s cultural inheritance.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The Eagle Huntress: The True Story of the Girl who Soared Beyond Expectations” by Aisholpan Nurgaiv with Liz Welsh — “Nurgaiv’s love for and pride in her homeland, culture, and family come through with quiet, persuasive power. An intriguing memoir from a girl who’s become a cultural icon.”―Kirkus
“The Vast Wonder of the World” by Melina Mangal — “Ernest Everett Just was not like other scientists of his time. He saw the whole, where others saw only parts. He noticed details others failed to see. He persisted in his research despite the discrimination and limitations imposed on him as an African American. …” —ONIX Annotations
JUVENILE FICTION
“Hear Me” by Kerry O’Malley Cerra — “Asterisks replace unheard words of dialogue in this moving middle grade novel, based on the author’s own life, that follows an adolescent girl’s struggle with both progressive hearing loss and her parents’ insistence that she get cochlear implants.”―The New York Times Book Review
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
“A Girl’s Guide to Love & Magic” by Debbie Rigaud — “Rigaud explores many elements of Haitian and Afro-Caribbean culture thoughtfully and with an admirable vulnerability as Cicely adventures down Eastern Parkway navigating stigma and magic, devils and allies, family legacies and shame en route to a rich, magical sort of self-discovery. Steeped in the magic of first kisses, family bonds, and joyful community.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe”by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland — “Amazingly realistic, this book is the coming-of-age story that teens need, wrapped in a gorgeously poetic package” — Booklist starred review
“Lakelore” by Anna-Maria McLemore — “An astonishingly beautiful love letter to neurodivergent and nonbinary teens cast amid a magical lake setting that will pull you in right along with the characters.” ―Booklist, starred review
“List of Ten” by Halli Gomez — “Told in the first person, this powerful novel takes readers into the emotional and physical depths of TS, feeling every pain and twitch. . . .This #OwnVoices novel gives insight into living with these conditions, and readers will ponder how friendship means more than being “perfect.”—School Library Journal
“Love from A to Z” by S. K. Ali — “In Love from A to Z, S.K. Ali once again takes an unflinching and moving look at the intricacies of life as a Muslim teen in an imperfect, multi-cultural world. Beautiful.” ― Shelf Awareness, starred review
“Meet Me in Mumbai” by Sabina Kahn — “Thought-provoking . . . compassionate . . . hopeful.” – Publishers Weekly
“Patron Saints of Nothing” by Randy Ribay — “Passionately and fearlessly, Ribay delves into matters of justice, grief, and identity.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen” by Isaac Blum — “A sharply written coming-of-age story whose protagonist, like any teen, is figuring out where he fits in, under circumstances that are thought-provoking and at times heart-wrenching.” –Horn Book Magazine, *STARRED REVIEW*
“The Words in my Hands” by Asphyxia — “Part coming of age, part call to action, this fast-paced #ownvoices novel about a Deaf teenager is a unique and inspiring exploration of what it means to belong.” — Amazon.com
“TJ Powar has Something to Prove” by Jesmeen Kaur Deo — “In [a] poignant debut…Deo delivers a refreshing take on the familiar self-love narrative, portraying characters across the Indian diaspora whose determination to be themselves, irrespective of Western cultural perspectives, drives home the idea that the perception of oneself through a singular lens is often incomplete.”–Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Where Angels Pass” by Ellen Gable — “Ellen Gable tells a very personal and difficult story, Where Angels Pass, with such gentleness, love, and heartfelt honesty. What I expected to be an uncomfortable story ended up being a love story of a daughter for her father, a father who suffered the lifelong effects of something no young person should ever experience. Thank you, Ellen, for sharing this deeply moving story that will surely touch readers in a very profound way.” — Jim Sano, author, The Father’s Son
ADULT FICTION
“Civilizations” by Laurent Binet – “An ambitious and highly entertaining novel of revisionist history from the author of the international bestseller HHhH, Laurent Binet’s Civilizations is nothing less than a strangely believable counterfactual history of the modern world, fizzing with ideas about colonization, empire-building, and the eternal human quest for domination. It is an electrifying novel by one of Europe’s most exciting writers.” — McMillan Palgrave
“Cloud Cuckoo Land” by Anthony Doerr – “Doerr builds a community of readers and nature lovers that transcends the boundaries of time and space … This is just one of the many narrative miracles worked by the author as he brings a first-century story to its conclusion in 2146. As the pieces of this magical literary puzzle snap together, a flicker of hope is sparked for our benighted world.” —Kirkus, starred review
“Crossroads” by Jonathan Franzen — “Franzen returns with a sweeping and masterly examination of the shifting culture of early 1970s America, the first in a trilogy . . . Throughout, Franzen exhibits his remarkable ability to build suspense through fraught interpersonal dynamics. It’s irresistible.” ―Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Light from Uncommon Stars” by Ryka Aoki — “Aoki’s novel is an exciting, wild web of an adventure, an unputdownable book about music, found family, and identity. Diving into the tough subjects, Aoki’s book emerges with a joyful, queer, radical ballad of a story. . .”―Booklist, starred review
“State of Terror” by Hilary Rodham Clinton and Louise Penny — “Consistently entertaining….Penny and Clinton demonstrate a sure hand at international intrigue and narrative pacing….The real key to ‘State of Terror,’ though, is its secret weapon: female friendship.” ― The Washington Post
“The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles — “[A] playfully thought-provoking novel . . . [Towles] juggles the pieces of his plot deftly, shifting from voice to voice, skirting sentimentality and quirkiness with a touch of wistful regret, and leading up to an ending that is bound to provoke discussion.” —Booklist (starred)
ADULT MYSTERY
“Nerve Attack” by S. Lee Manning — “Manning writes with such authority about the shady world and shifting loyalties of the intelligence community, it’s a wonder her novels aren’t riddled with redactions. At once terrifying, unpredictable, and all too believable, NERVE ATTACK will leave you breathless.” –Chris Holm, Anthony award winning author of The Killing Kind.
“To Kill the Messenger” by Philip S. Cook — This is the story of Russell Griswold—an itinerant newspaper editor—who came to northern New Mexico after the Civil War to start a weekly newspaper in the small town of San Miguel. He hoped to earn a modest living and help build a thriving and vibrant community.
Griswold’s published comments on activities that he finds unlawful or inappropriate were often cruel and demeaning. Ultimately this leads to a sudden and violent attempt on his life.
There is any number of possible suspects whether aggrieved or not. … So, who would want to kill a newspaper editor?” — Blurb, Inc.
ADULT NON-FICTION
“My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies” by Resmaa Menakem — “My Grandmother’s Hands is full of wisdom and understanding. In it, Resmaa Menakem offers a new way to understand racism and, more importantly, to heal it. This book lays out a path to freedom and peace, first for individual readers, then for our culture as a whole. A must-read for everyone who cares about our country.”―Nancy Van Dyken, LP, LICSW, author of Everyday Narcissism
“Peril” by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa — “Woodward and Costa make a powerful case that America has had a narrow escape. It leaves all Americans, in particular the Republican Party, with some thinking to do”—Justin Webb, The Times, UK.
“To Save The People From Themselves”: The Emergence of American Judicial Review and the Transformation of the Constitutions” by Robert J. Steinfeld — “… Robert Steinfeld examines how the distinctive US form of constitutional review emerged from a background tradition in which legislatures and executives assessed constitutionality in their regular work. Combining institutional, political, and intellectual history, Professor Steinfeld shows how the transformation was both rapid and strongly contested. Seeing judicial review as part of a conservative counterrevolution against the democratic excesses of post-Revolutionary legislatures, this is an important new contribution to long-standing discussions about judicial review in the United States.” — Mark Tushnet, William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law Emeritus, Harvard Law School
“Voices from the Pandemic: Americans Tell Their Stories of Crisis, Courage and Resilience” by Eli Saslow — “Saslow has done a sterling job of capturing real people’s experiences of the start of the pandemic.” –Tampa Bay Times
VERMONT NON-FICTION
“Vermont History: Volume 89, No. 2, Summer/Fall 2021”
PARENTING
“Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans” by Michaeleen Doucleff, Ph. D. — “Hunt, Gather, Parent is full of smart ideas that I immediately wanted to force on my own kids. (I wish I’d read it at the start of the pandemic, when I made their chore charts.) Doucleff is a dogged reporter who’s good at observing families and breaking down what they’re doing.”
—Pamela Druckerman, The New York Times Book Review
“Parenting 4 Social Justice: Tips, Tools, and Inspiration for Conversations & Action with Kids” by Angela Berkfield — “Berkfield, a social justice training facilitator and cofounder of the Root Social Justice Center, has written this volume with five co-authors…. Each chapter starts with questions for reflection that can be used as starting points for further conversation with kids. The book teaches how to build seven social justice principles into discussion and action, then shows how to apply these principles to racial, economic, gender, and disability justice. Berkfield asserts that people gain personal power when their basic needs are met; then violence, addiction, or isolation can begin to abate.” — Julia M. Reffner. LIBRARY JOURNAL
“The Life of Fred: Edgewood” by Stanley F. Schmidt Ph. D. — “This is a child-directed course. The student reads the adventure story, does the math problems that occur as a natural part of the story, and checks their answers (the solutions are right there for the looking.) And learns to love math in the process! You will not get the detailed formula explanations that you get in a traditional math book. I am still amazed that kids can read the story and learn the concepts, but they do!” — Amazon.com
“Zillions of Practice Problems: Fractions” by Stanley F. Schmidt Ph. D. — “Practice problems for the first book in the Life of Fred Upper Elementary/Middle School Series. Need more practice with fractions? Zillions of Practice Problems Fractions has you covered” — Amazon.com
ITEMS
Orion StarBlast Telescope
PICTURE BOOK
“A Day with Yayah” by Nicola I. Campbell“
“All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything” by Annette Bay Pimentl
“Bodies are Cool” by Tyler Feder
“Bright Star” by Yuyi Morales
“Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” by Amanda Gorman
“Einstein: The Fantastic Journey of a Mouse through Space and Time” by Torben Kuhlmann
“How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?” by Margaret McNamara
“Listen” by Gabi Snyder
“Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest” by Phoebe Wahl
“Over and Under the Canyon” by Kate Messner
“Peace Train” by Cat Stevens
“The First Blade of Sweetgrass: A Native American Story” by Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey
“The Memory Box: A Book About Grief” by Joanna Rowland
“The Rhythm of the Rain” by Grahame Baker-Smith
“The Tree in Me” by Corinna Luyken
“They, She, He, Me: Free to Be!” by Maya and Matthew Smith-Gonzalez
“Tomatoes for Neela” by Padma Lakshmi
“Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too)” by Keith Negley
JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY
“Chance: Escape from Holocaust” by Uri Shulevitz — “Though touching on many dark and serious topics, this story is totally focused on the fears, triumphs, and sensibilities of a child. It is truly a portrait of an artist as a young man thrust into a maelstrom of a world gone mad and relying on chance to decide his fate.” ―The Horn Book, starred review
JUVENILE FICTION
“365 Days to Alaska” by Cathy Carr — “Carr’s heartfelt debut features classic middle-school problems, like dodging mean kids, as well as Rigel’s vivid feelings of displacement and deep love for nature.” ― Booklist
“Ara Shah and the End of Time” by Roshani Chokshi — “In her middle-grade debut, Chokshi spins a fantastical narrative that seamlessly intertwines Hindu cosmology and folklore, feminism, and witty dialogue for an uproarious novel for young readers. Chokshi comes into her own in this novel, reminding readers of the power of language and of stories.”―Kirkus (starred review)
“Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna” by Alda P. Dobbs — “Historical fiction that is as relevant as ever…A timeless and timely tale of one girl’s journey to save her family and discover herself.” ― Kirkus Reviews
“Eugenia Lincoln and the Unexpected Package” by Kate DiCamillo — “As in the earlier books, believable (if eccentric) personalities, sophisticated vocabulary, and polished prose make this an inviting title for emerging chapter- book readers. Fans of this series and the earlier Mercy Watson books will be amazed by Eugenia’s partial redemption and delight that the results are merely temporary.” —Booklist
“Finding Junie Kim” by Ellen Oh — “She seamlessly provides insight into Korean history and culture for the unintroduced and captures the human condition during wartime through frank portrayals of Junie’s modern-day struggles…Oh’s powerful novel sheds light on the devastating effect racism can have, and tells a history often overlooked.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“Healer of the Water Monster” by Brian Young — “The deeply grounded and original perspective of this story brings readers into both the worlds of Navajo blessing songs, rain songs, and traditional healing and everyday family relationships. Hands readers a meaningful new take on family love.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Kaleidoscope” by Brian Selznick — “Selznick and Serlin take the easy reader format to new creative heights….The sharp pacing and charming humor also make it an excellent read-aloud choice….as funny as it is elegant. This will be enjoyed equally by youngsters and their grown-ups.” — School Library Journal, starred review
“King and the Dragonflies” by Kacen Callender — “Callender masterfully balances resonant themes of grief, love, family, friendship, racism, sexuality, and coming-of-age…deeply affecting, memorable.”-The Horn Book, starred review
“Let’s Mooove!” by Courtney Sheinmel — “Travel around the United States of America with twins Finn and Molly in this new chapter book series that highlights a different state in each book! … We must be dreaming! That’s what twins Finn and Molly Parker think when they discover a camper in their driveway–and it talks! When the RV transports them to a cattle ranch in Colorado, the twins know something magical has happened. Then the camper disappears, leaving Finn and Molly to wonder . . . how are we going to get home?..” — ONIX annotations
“Long Lost” by Jacqueline West — “In a spooky middle grade love letter to libraries and the mystery genre, West crafts a spellbinding exploration of sisterhood. . . . Alternating a contemporary third-person narrative with the found book’s parallel telling, West draws readers into a supernaturally tinged dual story, simultaneously offering an authentic portrait of sibling angst.” — Publishers Weekly
“Paradise on Fire” by Jewell Parker Rhodes — “Placing biracial boyhood and the struggles of colorism at its center, the novel challenges readers to pursue their own self-definition.”―Kirkus
“Rez Dogs” by Joseph Bruchac — “Hidden throughout this moving novel in verse, old stories are discovered like buried treasures.”—Kirkus, starred review
“Set Me Free” by Ann Clare LeZotte — “Full of adventure and twists, and LeZotte never shies away from addressing racism, ableism, or sexism…the book’s themes resonate today, as Mary fights for the rights of all people and offers hope to readers facing challenges. A gripping tale of historical fiction.” — Booklist
“The Beatryce Prophecy” by Kate DiCamillo — “The incomparable Kate DiCamillo offers a lovely fable of a girl, a monk and a goat, a tale that is a testament of the power of love (as so many of her books are) and the power of the written word to change the world for the better.” —The Buffalo News
“The Ickabog” by J. K. Rowlings — “Once upon a time there was a tiny kingdom called Cornucopia, as rich in happiness as it was in gold, and famous for its food. From the delicate cream cheeses of Kurdsburg to the Hopes-of-Heaven pastries of Chouxville, each was so delicious that people wept with joy as they ate them. But even in this happy kingdom, a monster lurks. Legend tells of a fearsome creature living far to the north in the Marshlands… the Ickabog. Some say it breathes fire, spits poison, and roars through the mist as it carries off wayward sheep and children alike. Some say it’s just a myth… And when that myth takes on a life of its own, casting a shadow over the kingdom, two children – best friends Bert and Daisy – embark on a great adventure to untangle the truth and find out where the real monster lies, bringing hope and happiness to Cornucopia once more.” — Publisher Annotation:
“The Last Fallen Star” by Graci Kim — “From a compelling and endearing supporting cast to the rich and tantalizing Korean cuisine explored in its pages, this pays homage to traditional Korean magic and mythos while infusing it with a contemporary story line and characters readers will fall in love with in an instant. Riley’s unmistakable voice and her relatable search for and exploration of her identity will connect with readers at their cores, offering a truly promising start to a fantastical series.”―Booklist (starred review)
“The Storm Runner” by Jennifer Cervantes — “J. C. Cervantes is about to take you on a trip you will never forget, through the darkest, strangest, and funniest twists and turns of Maya myth. You will meet the scariest gods you can imagine, the creepiest denizens of the Underworld, and the most amazing and unlikely heroes who have to save our world from being ripped apart.”―Rick Riordan
JUVENILE GRAPHIC NOVELS
“Draw a Comic!” by J. P. Coovert — “…With Maker Comics: Draw a Comic! you’ll learn to create and print your own comics books! Follow these simple steps to sketch out your story ideas and ink a comic page. Learn which art supplies are best for drawing comics—you can use a pen, a brush, or even a computer! With the help of photocopy machine, you can even self-publish your own comics and share them with your friends!” — Amazon.com
“History Smashers: The Titanic” by Kate Messner — “Critical, respectful, engaging: exemplary history for children.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Snapdragon” by Kat Leh — “Snapdragon invigorates a classic hero’s journey with magic and heart.”―The AV Club
“The Girl from the Sea” by Molly Knox Ostergag — “Fifteen-year-old Morgan has a secret: She can’t wait to escape the perfect little island where she lives. She’s desperate to finish high school and escape her sad divorced mom, her volatile little brother, and worst of all, her great group of friends…who don’t understand Morgan at all. Because really, Morgan’s biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets, including the one about wanting to kiss another girl. Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. The two become friends and suddenly life on the island doesn’t seem so stifling anymore.But Keltie has some secrets of her own. And as the girls start to fall in love, everything they’re each trying to hide will find its way to the surface…whether Morgan is ready or not.” — Publisher Annotation:
“The Golden Compass: The Graphic Novel” by Stephanie Melchior-Durand — “Now, in this graphic novel adaptation of The Golden Compass, the world of His Dark Materials is brought to visual life. The stunning full-color art will offer both new and returning readers a chance to experience the story of Lyra, an ordinary girl with an extraordinary role to play in the fates of multiple worlds, in an entirely fresh way. This volume collects the full journey of Lyra to the far north, her rescue of the kidnapped children at Bolvangar, her escape via hot-air balloon, and her crucial role in Lord Asriel s ambitions to build a bridge to another world.” — ONIX Annotations
“The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee’s Story” by Jay Hosler — “Graphic novel fans, lovers of nonfiction, budding ecologists, and readers looking for their next great obsession will be buzzing around this title for years to come.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“This Place: 150 Years Retold” by various authors — “Ambitious in scope and strong in execution, this collection succeeds in prompting readers to remember (or learn) Indigenous history “ — Elisa Gall ― The Horn Book Magazine
“Tom’s Midnight Garden: A Graphic Adaption of the Philippa Pearce Classic” by Edith — ““[Edith’s] fine-lined figures, sketchy shading, stylish shapes, and muted palette of natural tones balance a modern look with the old-fashioned story. Perfect for fans of time-travel adventures or fantasies with a smidgen of historical fiction.” — Booklist
“Treasure in the Lake” by Jason Pamment — “This story is astonishing enough to leave people speechless.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
JUVENILE NON-FICTION
“Design like Nature: Biomimicry for a Healthy Planet” by Megan Clendenan —
“The approachable text, supported by lots of captioned photos, spotlights some of nature’s more remarkable innovations and some engineering feats inspired by nature.” ― The Horn Book
“Mad for Ads: How Advertising Gets (and Stays) in Our Heads” by Erica Fyvie — “This upbeat, up-to-date look at advertising helps young readers understand just how insidious marketing can be.” ―Booklist
“Master of Disguise; Camouflaging Creatures & Magnificent Mimics” by Marc Martin — “Martin highlights the lives and disguises of one dozen animals hailing from habitats from every continent but Antarctica, with camouflaged-animal searches. Captivating watercolor art immediately draws you in. . . Both art and text enhance scientific accuracy with beauty and playfulness—a rare feat. Sturdy pages, too. Do not hide this book!”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Our World Out of Balance: Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do” by Andrea Minogloi — “A great starting place to understand climate change and its effects.” —Booklist
“Out of the Blue: How Animals Evolved from Prehistoric Seas” by Elizabeth Shreeve — “This short book guides the reader from the beginnings of life eons ago through to the present day, beginning with an Earth devoid of life and following water-dwelling, single-celled creatures that develop and change as they move “out of the blue” and onto land. The text explains the adaptations that were necessary for animals to live out of the water, as well as how some animals survived (and how others didn’t) during the several extinction events that Earth has suffered.” —School Library Connection
“Pearl Harbor” by Kate Messner — “Kate Messner serves up fun, fast history for kids who want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Absolutely smashing!” —Candace Fleming, award-wining author
“Pie for Breakfast: A Baking Book for Children” by Cynthia Cliff — “A beautifully illustrated baking book for children featuring recipes for delicious treats along with a powerful message about family, diversity, and helping others.” — Random House, Inc.
“Rescuing Titanic” by Flora Delargy — “This gorgeously illustrated tale of heroes and hope amid one of the most well-known marine tragedies of all time is a must buy for collections serving curious readers of all ages fascinated by the Titanic.” ―Emily Beasley, Omaha Public Sch., NE, School Library Journal, starred review
“Stamped (for Kids): Racism: Antiracism and You” by Sonja Cherry-Paul — “Readers who want to truly understand how deeply embedded racism is in the very fabric of the U.S., its history, and its systems will come away educated and enlightened. Worthy of inclusion in every home and in curricula and libraries everywhere. Impressive and much needed.”―Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“The American Revolution” by Keat Messner — “Critical, respectful, engaging: exemplary history for children.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“The Guide to Woodworking with Kids: Craft Projects to Develop the Lifelong Skills of Young Makers” by Doug Stowe –“… This comprehensive guide offers step by step instruction for teachers, parents and grandparents to offer safe woodworking opportunities to their students and kiddos as a way of developing a wide range of valuable life-skills. … The Guide to Woodworking with Kids is more than a woodworking book, it’s gives parents, grandparents and teachers the confidence, encouragement, and the insight needed to safely engage children in life-enhancing creative arts.” — ONIX annotations
“The People Remember” by Ibi Aanu Zoboi — “This immaculately illustrated picture book walks through a vast swath of history… Zoboi’s poetic retrospective breathes life into Black history narratives and reverently celebrates Black lives.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
“Call Me Athena: Girl from Detroit” by Colby Cedar Smith — “This story of an immigrant girl growing up in Detroit in the 1930s hits every mark. Woven into the story are her parents’ histories and all the love and loss the family has faced. It will tug your heartstrings.” — (American Booksellers Association)
“Defy the Night” by Brigid Kemmerer — “The slow-burn romance-between an idealist with straightforward moral beliefs and a pragmatist trapped by duty-will keep the pages turning, as will the scheming of the king’s consuls and the rebellion brewing in the background . . . . The personal and the political intertwine in this engaging series opener.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Lobizona” by Romina Garber — “In a timely work of magical realism featuring references to Borges and Garcia Márquez, Garber tackles issues of nationalism, identity, and belonging…This layered novel blends languages and cultures to create a narrative that celebrates perseverance.” – PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (Starred Review)
“Me (Moth)” by Amber McBride — “This searing debut novel-in-verse is told from the perspective of Moth, a Black teen whose life changed forever the day a car crash killed her family. … Each free verse poem is tightly composed, leading into the next for a poignant and richly layered narrative. The story builds softly and subtly to a perfect, bittersweet ending. Fans of Jacqueline Woodson won’t be able to put this one down.”―School Library Journal, starred review
“On the Come Up” by Angie Thomas — “With sharp, even piercing, characterization, this indelible and intricate story of a young girl who is brilliant and sometimes reckless, who is deeply loved and rightfully angry at a world that reduces her to less than her big dreams call her to be, provides many pathways for readers.” — Horn Book (starred review)
“The Dead and the Dark” by Courtney Gould — “Gould’s supernaturally spooky debut is filled with all manner of creepy inventiveness…an intriguing read.” – Publishers Weekly
“The Last Legacy” by Adrienne Young — “In this sumptuously rendered historical novel, Young deftly explores concepts of family, loyalty, and growing into one’s destiny.” – Publishers Weekly
“The Dead and the Dark” by Courtney Gould — “Gould’s supernaturally spooky debut is filled with all manner of creepy inventiveness…an intriguing read.” – Publishers Weekly by Charlotte Nicole Davis
“The Wild Ones: A Broken Anthem for a Girl Nation” by Nafiza Azad — “A powerful feminist account of sisterhood, the longevity of pain, and the reclamation of power.” ― Kirkus Reviews
“There Will Come a Darkness” by Katy Rose Pool — “[S]et apart by its immersive worldbuilding and compelling narrators.” ―Shelf Awareness, STARRED review
YOUNG ADULT NON-FICTION
“I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives” by Caitlin Alifirenka — “The remarkable tenacity of these two souls pulled like magnets across the world by their opposite polarities – one committed to helping, the other to surviving – is deeply affecting…It’s quite a little miracle of unexpected genuineness.”―New York Times Book Review
YOUNG ADULT GRAPHIC NOVEL
“A Girl Called Echo” by Katherena Vermette — “Henderson’s realistic art and perfect pacing, particularly in the pages of wordless panels depicting Echo’s daily routine, highlight her silent nature and hint at the source of her unspoken sadness. Solitary teens are likely to strongly identify with Echo and look forward to more of her adventures. ― Booklist
“Nubia: The Real One” by L. L. McKinney — “… with endearing and expressive art by Robyn Smith, comes a vital story for today about equality, identity, and kicking it with your squad.” — Amazon.com
ADULT FICTION
“All the Lost Places” by Amanda Dykes — “Discovered floating in a basket along the canals of Venice, Sebastien Trovato wrestles with questions of his origins. Decades later, on an assignment to translate a rare book, Daniel Goodman finds himself embroiled in a web of secrets carefully kept within the ancient city and in the mystery of the man whose story the book does not finish: Sebastien”– Amazon.com
“Bird Cottage” by Era Meijer — “A novel based on the true story of a remarkable woman, her lifelong relationship with birds and the joy she drew from it” — Random House, Inc.
“Georgie, All Along” by Kate Clayborn — “Clayborn’s stories always feel equally specific and universal, written with vulnerability, humor, and empathy, and this latest is no exception. Georgie and Levi each have an incredibly charged presence on the page as the story explores their individual narratives, but their differences allow them to forge an entirely perfect whole. A modern yet timeless love story.”—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“Go As A River” by Shelley Read — “Read delicately unfurls the growing attraction between Torie and Wil, set against vicious bigotry toward Native Americans. Their love is the “small fateful twist” that forever changes the trajectory of Torie’s life. With delicate precision, Read evokes both Colorado’s rugged wilderness and the landscapes of her characters’ troubled hearts. An auspicious debut.”―Kirkus Reviews(starred review)
“The Enemy of My Enemy” by W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth” — “Special agent James Cronley Jr. finds that fighting both ex-Nazis and the Soviet NKGB can lead to strange bedfellows, in the dramatic new Clandestine Operations novel about the birth of the CIA and the Cold War.” — Amazon.com
“The War Librarian” by Addison Armstrong — “Armstrong’s dark and disturbing tale of prejudice, discrimination, determination, and bravery will resonate with readers caught up in the same issues today.” —Library Journal
ADULT MYSTERY
“Murder at the Serpentine Bridge” by Andrea Penrose — “Fascinating and well-researched historic events… a colorful depiction of Regency England.”
—Publishers Weekly
“The Perfect Daughter” by D. J. Palmer — “When the abandoned girl she adopted years earlier is locked in a decaying psychiatric hospital amid murder allegations, Grace embarks on a desperate search for the origins of her daughter’s multiple-personality disorder.” — Atlas Publishing
ADULT BIOGRAPHY
“London’s Number One Dog-Walking Agency” by Kate MacDougall — “With gentle humor, this charming coming-of-age story captures the ups and downs of a young woman defining life on her own terms…warmly uplifting and wise.” — Kirkus Reviews
“The Hard Parts: A Memoir of Courage and Triumph” by Oksana Masters — “Oksana Masters’ riveting journey of survival, perseverance, and triumph is much more than an uplifting sports story. From the darkness and despair of life in a Ukrainian orphanage to the top of the Paralympic medal podium, Masters has written a story for our times. She is a remarkable athlete. She is a heroic and trailblazing woman. She is an American treasure.” —Christine Brennan, USA Today columnist, author of Best Seat in the House, and commentator for CNN, ABC News, and PBS NewsHour
ADULT NON-FICTION
“High: A Journey Across the Himalaya Through Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Nepal, and China” by Erika Fatland — “Excellent. Fatland’s a superb reporter, with an engaging personality and boundless curiosity. The English versions of her books convey her immense vitality and charm. Ideal for armchair travelers, packed with information and entertaining anecdotes.” — Michael Dirda ― The Washington Post
“It’s OK to be Angry About Capitalism” by Bernie Sanders with John Marshall — “The U.S. senator and former presidential candidate offers a progressive takedown of the uber-capitalist status quo that has enriched millionaires and billionaires at the expense of the working class, and presents a blueprint for what transformational change would actually look like.” — Baker & Taylor
“Lennon, Dylan, Alice & Jesus: The Spiritual Biography of Rock and Roll” by Greg Laurie and Marshall Terrill — “A nationally best-selling author and pastor draws lessons of hope and transformation in the perils of excess, the agonies of repentance, and the wonder of redemption found in the life stories of several icons of pop music and rock and roll.” — Simon and Schuster
“Made in China: A Prisoner, an SOS Letter and the Hidden Cost of America’s Cheap Goods” by Amelia Pang — “Journalist Pang debuts with a vivid and powerful report on Chinese forced labor camps and their connections to the American marketplace. Cinematic . . . Engrossing and deeply reported, this impressive exposé will make readers think twice about their next purchase.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“No Ordinary Dog: My Partner from the Seal Teams to the Bin Laden Raid” by Will Chesney with Joe Layden — “Former U.S. Navy SEAL Chesney offers an inside look at life in the Special Forces and pays tribute to his canine partner Cairo in this heartfelt debut….Dog lovers and fans of military history will be enthralled.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Papa Goose: One Year, Seven Goslings, and the Flight of My Life” by Michael Quetting –“I so enjoyed this charming and sensitive story about a man who sets out to study the behavior and flight patterns of seven young geese and then realizes, to his great surprise, that his goose family is teaching him important lessons about why nature matters and what it means to be human.” —John Aitchison, author of The Shark and the Albatross
“Running with Sherman: The Donkey with the Heart of a Hero” by Christopher McDougall — “Sherman’s transformation from dying donkey to confident runner involved a circle of family, friends, neighbors, and a few feisty donkeys, each of whom McDougall portrays in affectionate, vivid detail . . . A charming tale of a resilient donkey and a community’s love.” —Kirkus Reviews
“The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect” by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel — “Of the many books that have been written about reporting the news, this one best captures the shortcomings, subtleties, and possibilities of modern journalism. It deserves to become as indispensable to journalists and journalism students as The Elements of Style.”— Tom Goldstein, Dean, Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University
“The Hawk’s Way: Encounters with Fierce Beauty” by Sy Montgomery — “An] impassioned introduction to falconry… Heartfelt and informative… just right for adventure- and animal-loving readers.” —Publishers Weekly
“The Ship Beneath the Ice: The Discovery of Shackleton’s Endurance” by Mensun Bound — “A renowned marine biologist presents this extraordinary firsthand account of the discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance–a century to the day after Shackleton’s death–that captures the intrepid spirit that joins two mariners across the centuries, both of whom accomplished the impossible.” — Baker & Taylor
VERMONT NON-FICTION
PARENTING
ADULT AUDIO BOOK
BLUE/DVD MOVIES
“The Fabelmans”
KIT
ADULT MUSIC
ITEMS
BOARD BOOK
PICTURE BOOK
“A Song of Frutas” by Margarita Engle
“I Eat Poop: A Dung Beetle Story” by Mark Pett
“Kapaemahu” by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hammer and Joe Wilson
“Mel Fell” by Corey R. Tabor
“Someone Builds the Dream” by Lisa Wheeler and Loren Long
“The Capybaras” by Alfredo Soderguit
“The Midnight Fair” by Gideon Sterer
“The More You Give” by Marcy Campbell
CHILDREN’S KIT
JUVENILE AUDIO FICTION
JUVENILE AUDIO NON-FICTION
JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY
“The Golden Thread: A Song for Pete Seeger” by Colin Meloy — “Meloy’s ode to Pete Seeger celebrates his life as a performer, songwriter, union organizer, civil rights advocate, ship builder, sailor, carpenter, and environmentalist. This makes a good introduction to Seeger and his many contributions to American music.” — Booklist
JUVENILE FICTION
” A Long Road on a Short Day” by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney — “A tender story of a father-son adventure with themes of community and kindness, in short chapters with vivid full-color illustrations, by bestseller and Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt and acclaimed artist Eugene Yelchin.” — Houghton
“Amber & Clay” by Laura Amy Schlitz — “Two children from vastly different backgrounds—one common as clay, artistic and bright; the other precious as amber, wild, and forceful—share stories of hardship and hope, life and death in this historical fantasy told as a Greek tragedy. . . . Told from multiple perspectives, mostly in verse with some prose sections, Schlitz’s latest novel is a beautifully crafted, complex masterpiece. . . a thoroughly researched, epic tale.”—School Library Journal
“Definitely Dominguita: Knight of the Cape” by Terry Catasus Jennings– “Longing to make a difference like the heroes in the classics she reads with her Abuela, Dominguita follows the examples of Don Quixote to do good deeds for her neighbors while proving to a class bully that girls can be knights, too.” — Atlas Publishing
“Egg Marks the Spot” by Amy Timberlake — “Skunk and Badger are lovely books, beautifully written, often laugh-out-loud funny, a winning combination of science and whimsy, with wondrous, droll, sepia-shaded ink illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen.” —The Buffalo News
“Flight of the Puffin” by Ann Braden — “The narrative develops each individual’s story, gradually providing clues about their homes, families, and schools. . . . Braden sensitively demonstrates how isolating it can be to live with people who, despite good intentions, force their children to fulfill expectations that run counter to their own senses of self. . . . All the characters find ways to encourage each other, be less alone, and connect.”—Booklist, starred review
“Flipping Forward Twist Backward” by Alma Fullerton — “An authentic portrayal of children with learning disabilities. Readers will empathize with Claire as she struggles with feeling ‘stupid’ and will support her journey. The quick-moving plot comes with a satisfying ending, and the free-verse narrative provides plenty of helpful white space for reluctant readers.”—School Library Journal
“Jennifer Chan is not Alone” by Tae Keller — “The emotionally absorbing story is full of thought-provoking explorations on self-confidence, forgiveness, and friendship while illuminating parallels between alien and human struggles.” —Booklist, starred review
“Pony” by R. J. Palacio — “Readers in search of fast-paced historical fiction with speculative elements should look no further than Pony. The twists and turns of Silas’ odyssey are both stunning and satisfying.” —BookPage, starred review
“Roll With It” by Jamie Sumner — “Drawing on her own experiences with her son, who has cerebral palsy, debut author Sumner doesn’t sugarcoat Ellie’s daily challenges—social, emotional, and physical—including navigating showers and crowded classrooms. . . . Ellie is easy to champion, and her story reminds readers that life’s burdens are always lighter with friends and family—and a good piece of pie—at the ready.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Temple Alley Summer” by Sachiko Kashiwaba — “Imbued with a delightfully old-fashioned atmosphere, Temple Alley Summer gives its readers a wonderful glimpse of Japanese culture and traditions. And while the inner story has its scary moments, the outer one does not. The two tales form a satisfying and surprisingly deep whole that addresses questions of life, death, meaning, and friendship, all wrapped up in a supernatural summertime mystery.”―Nanette McGuinness, Global Literature in Libraries Initiative
“The Barren Grounds” by David A. Robertson — “Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia stories, this fantasy is very much its own tale of ruptured Indigenous culture, of environmental reciprocity and care.” —Toronto Star
“The Great Bear” by David A. Robertson — ““A cliffhanger ending compels a return to this absorbing Indigenous fantasy.” —STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews
“The Lost Language” by Claudia Mills — “Told through Betsy’s delicate voice in verse, this title addresses issues such as parental depression, the aftermath of attempted suicide, cultural ramifications of indigenous languages, controlling friendships, and alcoholism. . . . [Betsy] discovers a healthier friendship with another classmate and . . . her surge of maturity brings her belief in her own inner strength and ability.”—School Library Connection
“The Stone Child” by David A. Robertson — “For a combination of adventure, time travel and Indigenous culture, few series will challenge the Misewa Saga . . . Robertson weaves a tale that is part myth, part fantasy and wholly intriguing.” —Winnipeg Free Press
“When the World was Ours” by Liz Kessler — “Three young friends—Leo, Elsa, and Max—spend a perfect day together, unaware that around them Europe is descending into a growing darkness and that they will soon be cruelly ripped apart from one another. With their lives taking them across Europe—to Germany, England, Prague, and Poland—will they ever find their way back to one another? Will they want to?” — Publisher Annotation:
“Yusuf Azeem is not a Hero” by Saadia Faruqi –“Faruqi effectively probes complexities of radical activism vs. peaceful accommodation as Muslim response to prejudice, as well as the non-Muslim community’s deep discomfort in stepping beyond a bystander role in defense of their neighbors.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
JUVENILE GRAPHIC NOVELS
“Katie the Catsitter” by Colleen A. F. Venable and Stephanie Yue — “Sight gags, sly humor, pop-culture references, and a dollop of animal-rights activism combine to make Katie’s story a fun one.” —Booklist
“The Legend of Auntie Po” by Shig Yin Khor — “On the surface, this story is the birth of a folktale, but the author explores much deeper topics: grief, family, loyalty, racism, and self-discovery. … Watercolors are beautiful and illustrations are clean and simple, conveying a childlike air while tackling serious subject matter.” —Booklist
JUVENILE MOVIES
JUVENILE NON-FICTION
YOUNG ADULT AUDIO BOOK
YOUNG ADULT BIOGRAPHY
YOUNG ADULT FICTION
“A Snake Falls to Earth” by Little Badger — “Themes of magic, family, asexuality, and traditional storytelling dominate in Lipan Apache author Darcie Little Badger’s delightful and uplifting second YA novel. A Lipan girl named Nina collides with Oli who is from the land of spirits and monsters. But some people will do anything to keep them apart. This is a wholesome, elegantly written read guaranteed to warm your heart!” ― Autostraddle
“All My Rage” by Sabaa Tahir — “Tahir brilliantly shows how interconnected societal forces shape communities and people’s lives through the accumulated impact of circumstances beyond their control. A deeply moving, intergenerational story. An unforgettable emotional journey.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Blackout” by various authors — “In Blackout, young Black love with all its insecurities, mistakes, emotion, honesty, and humanity makes for a lush read. Even amidst their fears, these characters are wonderfully respectful of each other’s choices. You will root for them all to find their own right love at their own right time. And though it was written for young adults, Blackout is a must-read for all generations.” — NPR
“In the Wild Light” by Jeff Zenter — “A moving and rich novel about friendship, loss, kind strangers, the blindness so often present in the pursuit of love, and love itself. His protagonists have their eyes raised to the sky.”—Daniel Woodrell for The New York Times Book Review
“Iron Widow” by Xiran Jay Zhao — “The action-packed plot, involving battles both physical and mental, is original and incorporates queer themes and Zetian’s unwavering, cathartic feminism.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda La — “This queer coming-out and coming-of-age story reverberates with dangers, dilemma and a dream deferred.”—San Francisco Chronicle
“Love in English” by Maria E. Andrew — “The novel, focusing on Ana’s experience as a documented immigrant, effectively explores the character’s struggle to navigate unlike cultures and languages while she learns to communicate in English, discovers different facets of herself, falls a bit in love, and ultimately finds her footing—and her voice—in the U.S. A wholesome immigration story with a healthy dose of romance on the side.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Obie is Man Enough” by Schuyler Bailar — “A heartfelt coming-of-age tale about a young trans athlete; readers will be rooting for every one of Obie’s wins, in and out of the pool.” –School Library Journal
“Six Crimson Cranes” by Elizabeth Lim — “After unleashing forbidden magic, being banished by her stepmother and unable to speak or her brothers will die, Shiori’anma must find a way to save them with the help of a paper bird, a mercurial dragon and the very boy she fought so hard not to marry.” — Atlas Publishing
“Starfish” by Lisa Fipps — “Affirming representation of fatness. . . . Fipps’s use of verse is as effective as it is fitting; Ellie dreams of becoming a storyteller and poet ‘to help people feel what it’s like/ to live in/ someone else’s skin.’ A triumphant and poignantly drawn journey toward self-acceptance and self-advocacy.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“The Ones We Burn” by Rebecca Mix — “Ranka and Aramis’ slow-burn romance is rewarding. Some worldbuilding questions are left unanswered, as the story’s more concerned with narratives about betrayal of trust and untangling abuse and manipulation from love…[a] relationship-driven fantasy with much to offer.” — Kirkus Reviews
YOUNG ADULT NON-FICTION
YOUNG ADULT GRAPHIC NOVEL
“In Limbo” by Deb JJ Lee — “A raw, relatable memoir exploring mental health and immigrant experiences.” ―Kirkus
YOUNG LOCAL AUTHORS