Youth Services Staff Picks
Debbie’s Picks November 2020:
Morris Mole by Dan Yaccarino - E YAC
For Grades: preschool - 2nd; Published May 2017
Synopsis: Food is running short so Morris's big brothers dig down deeper, but Morris tries digging up instead and discovers a beautiful new place, filled with delicious treats and new friends.
Debbie says: You can do big things even when you’re small.
Debbie also suggests:
Today is Monday by Eric Carle - E CAR
Bear Wants More by Karma Wilson - E WIL
Kelsey’s Picks November 2020:
Primer by Jennifer Muro -J GN PRI
For Grades: 3rd - 7th, Published 2020
Synopsis:Thirteen-year-old Ashley Rayburn is an upbeat girl with a decidedly downbeat past. With a criminal father in prison, Ashley has bounced from foster home to foster home with trouble always finding her along the way. Finally settling in with loving and supportive foster parents, Ashley's world is turned upside down again when she stumbles upon a set of body paints that grant the wearer a multitude of superpowers. But the government agency that made those paints wants them back, and now she has to make hard choices to protect her new family while overcoming the shadows of the past.
Kelsey says: This is such a cute story! I loved Ashley’s relationship with her new parents. All of the characters really stand out, and the illustrations are gorgeous. Definitely check it out if you are a fan of graphic novels!
Kelsey also suggests:
Anti/Hero by Kate Karyus Quinn - J GN ANT
Lois Lane and the Friendship Challenge by Grace Ellis - J GN LOI
Zatanna and the House of Secrets by Matthew Cody - J GN ZAT
Regina’s Picks November 2020:
Bella’s Fall Coat by Lynn Plourde-E PLO
For Grades: Preschool - 3rd; Published 2016
Synopsis: Bella, a little girl who has outgrown but does not want to give up her favorite coat made by her grandmother, and how she deals with the inevitable change to something new"
Regina says: Celebrate Fall!
Regina also suggests:
Mouse’s First Fall by Lauren Thompson - E THO
The Bear in the Book by Kate Banks - E BAN
Roben’s Picks November 2020:
Mabel: A Mermaid Fable by Rowboat Watkins- E WAT
For Grades: Preschool - 2nd; Published 2020
Synopsis: Meet Mabel, a mermaid who is different from the rest of her family, and the seven-armed octopus who becomes her friend and helps her see that she is just right the way she is.
Roben says: I love Rowboat Watkins’ quirky sense of humor and keen insight!
Roben also suggests:
Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins - E WAT
Pete with No Pants by Rowboat Watkins - E WAT
Big Bunny by Rowboat Watkins - E WAT
Stephanie’s Picks November 2020:
The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert- J F COL ordownloadable Ebook from OverDrive/Libby
For Grades: 4th - 7th; Published 2020
Synopsis: In a predominately white California beach town, the only two black seventh-graders, Alberta and Edie, find hidden journals that uncover family secrets and speak to race relations in the past.
Stephanie says: This is such a fun and cute book! Alberta is dealing with all the friendship drama that goes along with middle school, but she and Edie also embark on solving a town mystery! What a wonderful read!
Stephanie also suggests:
Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson - J F WAT or downloadable Ebook on OverDrive/Libby
Everything Sad is Untrue: (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri - J F NAY
Swaneet’s Picks November 2020
The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag - J GN WIT
For Grades 4th-7th; Published 2017
Synopsis: In thirteen-year-old Aster's family, all the girls are raised to be witches, while boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled. Unfortunately for Aster, he still hasn't shifted and he's still fascinated by witchery, no matter how forbidden it might be. When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help -- as a witch.
Swaneet says: I loved the art style of this series, I feel like it’s perfect for the magical storyline. The Witch Boy series showcases the necessity of love and acceptance, and how those qualities make the world better for everyone.
Swaneet also suggests:
The Hidden Witch by Molly Ostertag - J GN WIT
The Midwinter Witch by Author - J GN WIT
Veronica’s PIcks November 2020
Incredible Jobs You’ve (probably) Never Heard Of by Natalie Labarre - J 331.7 LAB
For Grades: 4th & up; Published 2020
Synopsis:From taste testers to dinosaur dusters, there are all kinds of ... jobs that you've probably never heard of, and one of them might be just right for you"
Veronica says: I loved this book because I learned about jobs that I didn’t even know existed and found a couple I would like to explore once I retire. I do wish the book gave more information on how to get one of these obscure jobs.
Veronica also suggests:
Behind the Scenes at the Museum - J 069 BEH
Josephine Baker by Isabel Sanchez Vegara- J B BAK
Whitney’s Pick November 2020:
Aru Shah and the End of TIme by Roshani Chokshi – J SER PAN 
For Grades: 3rd - 7th; Published 2018
Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has the tendency to stretch the truth to fit in at school. One day, three schoolmates show up at Aru's doorstep to catch her in a lie. They don't believe her claim that the museum's Lamp of Bharata is cursed, and they dare Aru to prove it. But lighting the lamp has dire consequences. Her classmates and beloved mother are frozen in time, and it's up to Aru to save them.
Whitney says: I’ll read whatever fantasy I can get, but it’s so refreshing and eye opening to read it in a setting I’ve never before. Unique and powerful, this series is sure to hook you.
Whitney also suggests:
Aru Shah and the Song of Death by Roshani Chokshi – J SER PAN
Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi - J SER PAN
Yentl’s Picks November 2020:
The Egg by Britta Teckentrup - J 591.468 TEC
For Grades: 2nd - 6th; Published 2017
Synopsis: Beautiful, whimsical, and entertaining, this book of illustrations by Britta Teckentrup shows eggs in all their fragility, complexity, and variety.
Yentl says: This book is so pretty and full of awesome information about eggs. If you’ve always wanted to learn about eggs, this is the book to read. The illustrations are beautiful and make it even more appealing.
Yentl also suggests:
What Will Hatch? by Jennifer Ward - J 591.468 WAR
Peep and Egg: I’m Not Hatching by Laura Gehl - E GEHThe Odd Egg by Emily Gravett - E GRA