Library News
Good Books Display
"Can you recommend a good book?" This is a question we hear often at the Adult Services desk. Sometimes it's a tough one to answer, as everyone's tastes vary. So we decided to answer this question in the form of a display.

More Library News
View All PostsNew Fiction
-
Howl
From critically acclaimed Shaun David Hutchinson comes a gritty and raw portrayal of the oftentimes traumatic experience of growing up.
Virgil Knox was attacked by a monster.
Of course, no one in Merritt believes him. Not even after he stumbled into the busy town center, bleeding, battered, and bruised, for everyone to see. He’d been drinking, they said. He was hanging out where he wasn’t supposed to, they said. It must’ve been a bear, or a badger, or a gator—definitely no monster.
Virgil doesn’t think it was any of those things. He’s positive it was a monster. But being the new kid in a town where everybody knows everybody is hard enough as it is without being the kid who’s afraid of monsters, so he tries to keep a low profile.
Except he knows the monster is still out there. And if he isn’t careful, Virgil’s afraid it’ll come back to finish him off, or worse—that he’ll become one himself.Added by Hailey M.
-
Breathe and Count Back from Ten
In this gorgeously written and authentic novel, Verónica, a Peruvian-American teen with hip dysplasia, auditions to become a mermaid at a Central Florida theme park in the summer before her senior year, all while figuring out her first real boyfriend and how to feel safe in her own body.
Verónica has had many surgeries to manage her disability. The best form of rehabilitation is swimming, so she spends hours in the pool, but not just to strengthen her body.
Her Florida town is home to Mermaid Cove, a kitschy underwater attraction where professional mermaids perform in giant tanks . . . and Verónica wants to audition. But her conservative Peruvian parents would never go for it. And they definitely would never let her be with Alex, her cute new neighbor.
She decides it's time to seize control of her life, but her plans come crashing down when she learns her parents have been hiding the truth from her--the truth about her own body.
Added by Hailey M.
-
Gideon Green in Black and White
Gideon's short-lived run as a locally famous boy detective ended when middle school started, and everyone else--including his best friend, Lily--moved on while Gideon kept holding on to his trench coat, fedora, and his treasured film noir collection. Now he's sixteen and officially retired. That is, until Lily shows up suddenly at Gideon's door, needing his help.
He might be mad at her for cutting him off with no explanation, but Gideon can't turn down a case. As a cover, Gideon joins Lily on the school paper. Surprisingly, he finds himself warming up to the welcoming, close-knit staff . . . especially Tess, the cute, witty editor-in-chief.
But as the case gets bigger than Gideon or Lily could have anticipated, Gideon must balance his black-and-white quest for the truth with the full colors of real life--or risk a permanent fade to black.
Added by Hailey M.
-
Twin Crowns
A high-stakes fantasy rom-com about twin princesses separated at birth--one raised as the crown princess, and the other taken as an infant and raised to kidnap her sister, steal the crown, and avenge the parents' murders--the first novel in a new YA duology from bestselling UK authors Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber. Perfect for fans of The Selection, My Lady Jane, and Caraval.
Wren Greenrock has always known that one day she would steal her sister's place in the palace. Trained from birth to return to the place of her parents' murder and usurp the only survivor, she will do anything to rise to power and protect the community of witches she loves. Or she would, if only a certain palace guard wasn't quite so distractingly attractive, and if her reckless magic didn't have a habit of causing trouble...
Princess Rose Valhart knows that with power comes responsibility. Marriage into a brutal kingdom awaits, and she will not let a small matter like waking up in the middle of the desert in the company of an extremely impertinent (and handsome) kidnapper get in the way of her royal duty. But life outside the palace walls is wilder and more beautiful than she ever imagined, and the witches she has long feared might turn out to be the family she never knew she was missing.
Two sisters separated at birth and raised into entirely different worlds are about to get to know each other's lives a whole lot better. But as coronation day looms closer and they each strive to claim their birthright, the sinister Kingsbreath, Willem Rathborne, becomes increasingly determined that neither will succeed. Who will ultimately rise to power and wear the crown?
Added by Hailey M.
-
Search for the Astral Dragon
This fast-paced YA space opera (reminiscent of Star Wars) follows a strong female protagonist, Megan, on an interplanetary search for her mother. On her journey, Megan witnesses the horrors of child trafficking and slavery and joins with a group of other teens to fight against corrupt systems and stand up for the vulnerable.
Full of unusual characters and daring escapes, Search for the Astral Dragon draws readers into a world of snarky spaceship computer systems, a variety of different sentient species, spaceship tech, and magical elements. Megan is smart and quick-thinking, competent with spacecraft technology, and a person of strong character who's experiences give readers difficult questions to consider.Added by Hailey M.
-
The Noh Family
A sparkling K-drama inspired debut teen novel by Grace Shim, THE NOH FAMILY introduces irrepressibly charming teen Chloe Kang, who is reunited with her deceased father's estranged family via a DNA test, and is soon whisked off to Seoul to join them...
When her friends gift her a 23-and-Me test as a gag, high school senior Chloe Kang doesn't think much of trying it out. She doesn't believe anything will come of it--she's an only child, her mother is an orphan, and her father died in Seoul before she was even born, and before her mother moved to Oklahoma. It's been just Chloe and her mom her whole life. But the DNA test reveals something Chloe never expected--she's got a whole extended family from her father's side half a world away in Korea. Her father's family are owners of a famous high-end department store, and are among the richest families in Seoul. When they learn she exists, they are excited to meet her. Her mother has huge reservations, she hasn't had a great relationship with her husband's family, which is why she's kept them secret, but she can't stop Chloe from travelling to Seoul to spend two weeks getting to know the Noh family.
Chloe is whisked into the lap of luxury, but something feels wrong. Chloe wants to shake it off--she's busy enjoying the delights of Seoul with new friend Miso Dan, the daughter of one of her mother's grade school friends. And as an aspiring fashion designer, she's loving the couture clothes her department store owning family gives her access to. But soon Chloe will discover the reason why her mother never told her about her dad's family, and why the Nohs wanted her in Seoul in the first place. Could joining the Noh family be worse than having no family at all?Added by Hailey M.
-
The Many Half-Lived Lives of Sam Sylvester
In this queer contemporary YA mystery, a nonbinary teen with autism realizes they must not only solve a 30-year-old mystery but also face the demons lurking in their past in order to live a satisfying life.
Sam Sylvester's not overly optimistic about their recent move to the small town of Astoria, Oregon after a traumatic experience in their last home in the rural Midwest.
Yet Sam's life seems to be on the upswing after meeting several new friends and a potential love interest in Shep, the pretty neighbor. However, Sam can't seem to let go of what might have been, and is drawn to investigate the death of a teenage boy in 1980s Astoria. Sam's convinced he was murdered--especially since Sam's investigation seems to resurrect some ghosts in the town.
Threatening notes and figures hidden in shadows begin to disrupt Sam's life. Yet Sam continues to search for the truth. When Sam discovers that they may be closer to a killer than previously known, Sam has a difficult decision to make. Would they risk their new life for a half-lived one?Added by Hailey M.
-
Nate Plus One
Boy plus boy. Two weeks in Johannesburg. A summer of music, adventure, self-discovery . . . and definitely not love. What could go wrong?
Nate needs a date to his cousin's wedding. Jai is Nate's best friend and secret crush. Could Jai be Nate's plus-one--and only?
Nate Hargraves is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy. That's why he dreams of being a songwriter instead of a singer. But things change the summer after junior year as Nate gets ready to fly to South Africa for his cousin's lavish destination wedding. The trip is bound to be epic. Except--Nate just found out that his ex-boyfriend will be at the reception. Ugh. He does not want to face this one solo.
Jai Patel, Nate's best friend (and secret crush), has his own problems. The lead singer of Jai's band, Infinite Sorrow, quit weeks before a contest that promised to be their big break. But Nate rocks Jai's world when he agrees to sing with the band. Even though Nate's not one for the spotlight, he knows this is the kind of stuff you do for . . . friends. In return, Jai volunteers to be Nate's travel buddy around South Africa, a buffer against his ex, and his plus-one at the wedding.
Maybe this summer will be epic after all. Now that Nate's crush is on board, will love crash the party?Added by Hailey M.
-
Dead End Girls
Two girls fake their deaths only to face mortal danger in this YA thriller.
In one week, Maude will be dead. At least, that's what she wants everyone to think. After years of research, Maude has decided to fake her own death. She's figured out the how, the when, the where, and who will help her unsuspectingly. The why is complex: revenge, partly. But there's also l'appel du vide, the call of the void, that beckons her toward a new life where she will be tied to no one, free and adrift. Then Frankie, a step-cousin she barely knows, figures out what she's plotting, and the plan seems like it's ruined. Except Frankie doesn't want to rat her out. Frankie wants in.
The girls vault into the unknown, risking everything for a new and limitless life. But there are some things you can never run away from. What if the poison is not in the soil, but in the roots? This pulse-pounding thriller offers a nuanced exploration of identity, freedom, and falling in love while your world falls apart.
Added by Hailey M.
-
The Swimmers
NATIONAL BEST SELLER * From the best-selling, award-winning author of The Buddha in the Attic and When the Emperor Was Divine comes a novel about what happens to a group of obsessed recreational swimmers when a crack appears at the bottom of their local pool. This searing, intimate story of mothers and daughters--and the sorrows of implacable loss--is the most commanding and unforgettable work yet from a modern master.
The swimmers are unknown to one another except through their private routines (slow lane, medium lane, fast lane) and the solace each takes in their morning or afternoon laps. But when a crack appears at the bottom of the pool, they are cast out into an unforgiving world without comfort or relief.
One of these swimmers is Alice, who is slowly losing her memory. For Alice, the pool was a final stand against the darkness of her encroaching dementia. Without the fellowship of other swimmers and the routine of her daily laps she is plunged into dislocation and chaos, swept into memories of her childhood and the Japanese American incarceration camp in which she spent the war. Alice's estranged daughter, reentering her mother's life too late, witnesses her stark and devastating decline.Added by Ann R.
New Non-Fiction
-
A Loved One with Dementia
A Loved One with Dementia: Insights and Tips for Teenagers offers insight into what dementia is and how you can interact positively with and assist someone who has dementia. Featuring personal anecdotes from young people who have gone through this themselves, and with thoughtful advice from professionals, it is a much-needed guide for those who want to help someone they care about. You will learn The personal impact of a devastating disease Suggestions for activities throughout the different stages of dementia Ways to understand and deal with feelings of helplessness, anger, grief, and frustration that often affect those who love someone with dementia. With helpful tips and a list of resources, this book provides practical advice and supportive suggestions for how you can understand and grow from the difficulties you and your family may face. It shows how you can not only help someone with dementia, but also find understanding and joy in loving them.
Added by Hailey M.
-
Friendship
In this age of social media, where many interactions with friends occur online, Friendship: Insights and Tips for Teenagers explores the greater meaning of friendship as a deeply significant and fulfilling area of life. Featuring lively and thoughtful anecdotes from young people who reveal their own expectations and experiences with friendship, this is a much-needed guide for those who want to find and hold on to true friends. You Will Learn the long-term benefits of friendships where and how to find friends how to cope with shyness or social anxiety how to recognize and maintain genuine friendships how to identify and step away from hurtful or toxic relationships With helpful tips, expert advice, and a list of resources, this book provides valuable insight into how to gain social confidence, initiate friendships, and navigate the often-confusing and anxiety-producing terrain of making strong and sincere social connections.
Added by Hailey M.
-
The Adventures of Dr. Sloth
True or false: Sloths are lazy. Answer: False! True or false: Sloths are mysterious. Answer: True! Scientists are only beginning to discover how sloths live in the wild.
Sloths spend most of their lives in trees, and until recently scientists didn't know very much about them. But Dr. Rebecca Cliffe was determined to discover their secrets. To find out more, she fitted sloths with special backpacks containing a device to track their activity. She learned how to climb trees in the Costa Rican jungle so she could take sloth hair samples and test their DNA. And she's helped create sloth crossings and plant trees to ensure the sloths aren't trapped in shrinking territories. Along the way, she earned the nickname Dr. Sloth.Discover the story of how an animal-loving kid in England grew up to become one of the world's leading sloth scientists, and learn how Dr. Sloth is using her discoveries to help keep sloths safe. Author and professional wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas brings readers up close to the action with engaging text and fantastic photos. Scan QR codes throughout the book to see her videos of sloths in the wild!
(Added by Jenna)
-
Zhang Heng and the Incredible Earthquake Detector
When thousands of people die in China's earthquakes, Emperor Shun Di does not know what to do as it takes days for a city to communicate the news to the Emperor. He assigns his wisest advisor, Zhang Heng, to create a device that will tell the Emperor and his court where an earthquake took place. Can Zhang Heng accomplish this impossible task?
Award-winning puppeteer Randel McGee who has studied the ancient art of shadow puppetry and performed all around the world brings his artistic prowess to the dying art of Chinese shadow puppetry. This beautiful picture book preserves both a remarkable true story and an incredible art form for generations to come.
(Added by Jenna)
-
A Trip to the Library with Sesame Street (R)
The Sesame Street friends go to the library and invites readers along to discover how libraries play an important role in communities. Readers learn how to sign up for their own library cards too!
(Added by Jenna)
-
All about Weather
Welcome to the wonderful world of weather! From the warm, balmy days of summer to the cold, crisp nights of winter, kids will learn all about the four seasons, as well as how clouds form, why it rains, what causes a rainbow, and so much more. Read along and wow your child with the meteorological magic that's happening around them every day.
Go beyond other weather books for kids with:
- A whirlwind of info―Help toddlers and preschoolers understand how weather works through simple explanations.
- Sunny illustrations―Colorful and adorable images help kids better understand and engage with what they're learning.
- A rain of fun facts―Keep older readers interested with neat info, like the fact that wind can be used to create electricity.
If you're looking for weather books for kids, this illustrated guide provides your tot with an extraordinary weather adventure!
(Added by Jenna)
-
Little Leonardo's Fascinating World of Astronomy
Join author Sarafina Nance, a real-life astrophysicist and one of Forbes magazine "30 inspirational women," as she guides you through 22 fascinating pages of fun facts all about the universe. Get lost in captivating illustrations and text about that big wide-open space above us. Did you know that everything you can see, touch, taste, and smell is actually just a teeny tiny part of the Universe? Or that even though Earth has only 1 moon, Jupiter has 79 and Saturn has 82? Or did you know that there is a planet that’s made of diamond? Little Leonardo’s Fascinating World of Astronomy joins the Little Leonardo Fascinating World of series, illustrated by Greg Paprocki.
(Added by Jenna)
-
Refashion, Restyle, Restitch
Upcycle unwanted clothes, and learn how to restitch them into 20 stylish home accessories and garments
Are you trying to cut down on clothing and fabric waste, but short on ideas of what to do with unwanted garments, bedsheets or curtains? In a brand-new collaboration between sewing superstar Debbie Shore and her dressmaker-blogger daughter, Kimberley Hind, here are 20 unexpected but amazingly practical, stunning ideas for upcycling and repurposing pre-loved fabrics to make accessories for both you and your home!
Beginning with invaluable guidance on choosing your fabrics, as well as the essential notions and extras you'll need, discover a stunning, contemporary collection of projects to create using old garments and fabric around the house, or saved from thrift/charity stores: a boho-style lampshade made from an old dress; pillows made from men's shirts; a fabulous Mid-century handbag cut from pre-loved ladies' jackets; a chic shirt-sourced throw... There are a whole range of designs to sew and inspire you!
Every project includes easy-to-follow instructions and illustrated step-by-steps. The variety of techniques used for the projects, such as English paper piecing, piping, fitting zips, dying and felting, are also explained clearly and with photographs, helping you create professional (and enviable) results.
The beauty of working with pre-owned fabrics is that you won't get shrinkage or risk colour running, as these items will already have been laundered; you'll also have a fabulous choice of unique fabrics that you just wouldn't be able to buy new. And, of course, you're keeping that fabric from going into landfill!
So be inspired to give it a go! Take a look in your wardrobe, salvage your old favourites and give them a new lease of life.Edited by Kate
-
Mayo Clinic: The Essential Diabetes Book 3rd Edition
From the diabetes experts at Mayo Clinic comes a new 3rd edition of this practical, comprehensive guide to understanding and managing your diabetes. VALUABLE NEW MATERIAL ADDED: New chapters on Using Technology to Manage Diabetes, Living Well with Diabetes, and Traveling with Diabetes provide additional resources and make this revised edition an even more comprehensive tool for patients.
Whether you or a loved one are living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, Mayo Clinic The Essential Diabetes Book is a practical manual for learning the ins and outs of the disease—why it develops, how it affects your body, how it’s treated, and what you can do to live well in spite of it. Each chapter delves into specific topics like how to monitor your blood sugar, how to incorporate healthy eating and exercise to lose weight, how to stay active and maintain a healthy weight, and how to get the most from your medications and treatment program.
The newly revised third edition also outlines the most up-to-date information on new medications, advances in insulin delivery, and the latest diabetes technology being used by medical experts. You’ll learn about different diabetes technology options and how they may benefit your diabetes management routine, as well as how to avoid the distress and burnout many diabetics face.
If you have a child with diabetes, there’s help for you too. You’ll learn how to recognize the key signs and symptoms of childhood diabetes, set your child up for a healthy future, implement new diabetes technology that works for you and your child, and support your child’s emotional well-being.
Diabetes is a serious illness—and it’s becoming increasingly common. But with the collective knowledge and wisdom of a team of Mayo Clinic experts provided in Mayo Clinic The Essential Diabetes Book, you can be on your way to not just managing your illness, but thriving.Edited by Kate
-
The Movement Made Us
"The Movement Made Us takes literature to a momentous Southern Black space to which I honestly never thought a book could take us. This is literally the Movement that made us and both Davids love us whole here with a creation that is as ingenious as it is soulfully sincere. Stunning."--Kiese Laymon, author of Heavy
A dynamic family exchange that pivots between the voices of a father and son, The Movement Made Us is a unique work of oral history and memoir, chronicling the extraordinary story of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and its living legacy embodied in Black Lives Matter. David Dennis Sr, a core architect of the movement, speaks out for the first time, swapping recollections both harrowing and joyful with David Jr, a journalist working on the front lines of change today.
Taken together, their stories paint a critical portrait of America, casting one nation's image through the lens of two individual Black men and their unique relationship. Playful and searching, anxious and restorative, fearless and driving, this intimate memoir features scenes from across David Sr's life, as he becomes involved in the movement, tries to move beyond it, and ultimately returns to it to find final solace and new sense of self--revealing a survivor who travels eternally with a cabal of ghosts.
A crucial addition to Civil Rights history, The Movement Made Us is the story of a nation reckoning with change and the hopes, struggles, setbacks, and triumphs of modern Black life. This is it: the extant chronicle of why we live, why we move, and for what we are made.
Edited by Kate
-
The Healing Garden
A comprehensive and lushly photographed guide to growing and using healing plants, including recipes, from the founder of the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine
This is the ultimate reference for anyone looking to bring the beauty and therapeutic properties of plants into their garden, kitchen, and home apothecary. Both informative and accessible, it covers how to plan your garden (including container gardening for small spaces); essential information on seed propagation, soil quality, and holistic gardening practices; 30 detailed profiles of must-know plants (including growing information, medicinal properties, and how to use them); foundational principles of herbalism; step-by-step photographic tutorials for preparing botanical medicine and healing foods; and 70 recipes for teas, tinctures, oils, salves, syrups, and more. Packed with sumptuous photography, this book will appeal to home gardeners who want to branch out to culinary and medicinal herbs, home cooks and those interested in natural wellness, and novice and skillful herbalists alike.Edited by Kate
-
Korean American
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED COOKBOOKS OF 2022--Time, Food52, Eater, Food & Wine, Thrillist, Book Riot
An homage to what it means to be Korean American with delectable recipes that explore how new culinary traditions can be forged to honor both your past and your present.
"This is such an important book. I savored every word and want to cook every recipe!"--Nigella Lawson, author of Cook, Eat, Repeat
New York Times staff writer Eric Kim grew up in Atlanta, the son of two Korean immigrants. Food has always been central to his story, from Friday-night Korean barbecue with his family to hybridized Korean-ish meals for one--like Gochujang-Buttered Radish Toast and Caramelized-Kimchi Baked Potatoes--that he makes in his tiny New York City apartment. In his debut cookbook, Eric shares these recipes alongside insightful, touching stories and stunning images shot by photographer Jenny Huang.
Playful, poignant, and vulnerable, Korean American also includes essays on subjects ranging from the life-changing act of leaving home and returning as an adult, to what Thanksgiving means to a first-generation family, complete with a full holiday menu--all the while teaching readers about the Korean pantry, the history of Korean cooking in America, and the importance of white rice in Korean cuisine. Recipes like Gochugaru Shrimp and Grits, Salt-and-Pepper Pork Chops with Vinegared Scallions, and Smashed Potatoes with Roasted-Seaweed Sour Cream Dip demonstrate Eric's prowess at introducing Korean pantry essentials to comforting American classics, while dishes such as Cheeseburger Kimbap and Crispy Lemon-Pepper Bulgogi with Quick-Pickled Shallots do the opposite by tinging traditional Korean favorites with beloved American flavor profiles. Baked goods like Milk Bread with Maple Syrup and Gochujang Chocolate Lava Cakes close out the narrative on a sweet note.
In this book of recipes and thoughtful insights, especially about his mother, Jean, Eric divulges not only what it means to be Korean American but how, through food and cooking, he found acceptance, strength, and the confidence to own his story.Edited by Kate
-
Now Is the Time for Trees
“Celebrates the power of trees to oxygenate the planet, purify water and air, lower city temperatures, provide habitat, nurture the soul, and provide essential food sources.” —Booklist
Trees and forests are the number one nature-based solution for reversing the negative effects of a changing climate. If ever there was a time to be planting trees, that time is now.
Inspired by a collective sense of urgency, a global movement to plant trees is gaining momentum. To move the needle, we need to act on a massive scale and plant millions of trees today to have a measurable and lasting impact on billions of lives tomorrow. In Now Is the Time for Trees, the experts at the Arbor Day Foundation will inspire you to do your part by showing you everything you need to know to plant trees at home or in your community. From advice on choosing the right size and type of tree to tried-and-true tips for planting success, this book will help you plant a tree today and leave your own legacy of hope.
Equal parts inspiration and advocacy, Now Is the Time for Trees is a rousing call for environmental action and a must-have book for nature lovers everywhere.Edited by Kate
-
Make Your First a Line Skirt
Create the classic A-line skirt with one easy pattern.
An A-Line skirt can be professional or casual, classic or whimsical, simple or elaborate, colorful or muted--and that's with one pattern! Use this great-fitting pattern and a few simple skills to create your dream skirt. Make one of 17 projects by mixing and matching layers, fabrics, hem variations, and trims and embellishments. Plus, learn how to insert a zipper like a pro, and add ruffles, pockets, and patchwork.
The A-Line skirt is a forever fashion favorite, so stitch a beautiful and flattering wardrobe that will stand the test of time. 17 A-line skirts from one basic pattern create endless possibilities. Fit will flatter all figures! Includes sizes 0 to 20. Simple construction and a no-waistband silhouette make it a cinch (and beginner-friendly) to sew a skirt in a day.
Edited by Kate
-
Beautiful Landscape Painting Outdoors
Outdoor painting tips and more from the best landscape painters working today.
Many painters enjoy working outdoors when the weather is good, but they also need to know how to deal with it when the weather changes! This book includes the best instruction on the special challenges of painting landscapes outdoors from a variety of the best plein-air artists working today in all major media--oil, pastel, watercolor, acrylic, and gouache. It includes:
- Materials, site selection, and practical tips
- Values, shapes, composition, color, and elements of landscape painting
- Bringing outdoor studies back into the studio
- Complete start-to-finish demonstrations
- Hundreds of gorgeous images
- A wealth of knowledge from a variety of instructorsEdited by Kate