Youth Services Staff Picks

Yentl’s Picks:
The Rat by Elise Gravel - J 599.352 GRA
For Grades: 2nd-4th; Published 2014
Synopsis: One in a series of humorous books about disgusting creatures, The Rat is a look at the black rat. It covers such topics as the rat's long, agile tail (it's good for balancing and picking noses), long teeth (they can chew through anything, including books) and disgusting taste in food (delicious electrical wires in tomato sauce, anyone?). Although silly and off-the-wall, The Rat contains real information that will tie in with the curriculum.
Yentl says: I love this series by Elise Gravel! She has the best illustrations and the animal facts for each book are great.
Yentl also suggests:
The Worm by Andrea Antinori - J 592.3 GRA
The Slug by Mark Leiren-Young - J 594.3 GRA
The Spider by Mark Leiren-Young - J 595.44 GRA
Head Lice by Andrea Antinori - J 595.7 GRA
The Fly by Mark Leiren-Young - J 595.77 GRA
The Toad by Andrea Antinori - J 597.87 GRA

 
Whitney’s Picks:
The Storm Runner by Jennifer Cervantes - J F CER (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
For Grades: 3rd-7th; Published 2018
Synopsis: To prevent the Mayan gods from battling each other and destroying the world, thirteen-year-old Zane must unravel an ancient prophecy, stop an evil god, and discover how the physical disability that makes him reliant on a cane also connects him to his father and his ancestry.
Whitney says: Percy Jackson meets Mayan mythology? Yes please! 
Whitney also suggests:
The Fire Keeper by Jennifer Cervantes – J F CER (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
The Collectors by Jaqueline West – J F WES (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)
A Storm of Wishes by Jaqueline West – J F WES (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)

Swaneet’s Picks:
The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket - J SER SER
For Grades: 6th-12th; Published 1999
Synopsis: After the sudden death of their parents, the three Baudelaire children must depend on each other and their wits when it turns out that the distant relative who is appointed their guardian is determined to use any means necessary to get their fortune.
Swaneet says: A Series of Unfortunate Events may seem sad, but they’re actually really funny. The mystery will have you flying through the pages. 
Swaneet also suggests:
The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket - J SER SER
The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket - J SER SER 
The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket - J SER SER 

Stephanie’s Picks:
Night Witches at War: the Soviet women pilots of World War II by Bruce R. Berglund — J GN AMA
For Grades: 3rd-9th; Published 2020
Synopsis: Describes the creation of an all-female squadron of Soviet pilots, known as the Night Witches, in World War II and some of the major battles they fought in during the war. Provided by publisher.
Stephanie says: This graphic novels series is so cool. All three books tell true stories about events during World War II.
Stephanie also suggests:
U.S. Ghost Army: the master illusionists of World War II by Nel Yomtov-J GN AMA
Navajo Code Talkers: top secret messengers of World War II by Blake Hoena-J GN AMA


Roben’s Picks:
Survivors of the Holocaust: True Stories of Six Extraordinary Children by Kath Shackleton-J 940.531 SHA
For Grades: 4 and up; Published October 1, 2019
Synopsis:  In a time when people were ruthlessly persecuted and killed, some were able to make it through alive. Whether it was thanks to lucky twists of fate or the loving sacrifices of others, they lived to tell their stories, which serve as reminders to never allow such a tragedy to happen again. This is a collection of the true stories of six children, in their own words, of how they survived one of the darkest times in human history.
Roben says: Each Holocaust survivor has a different story to tell. I always learn new things about how the Holocaust impacted people everywhere and how important it is to tell these stories.  We must never forget. 

Roben also suggests:
Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust by Loi�ˆc Dauvillier - J GN HID
Broken Strings by Eric Walters - J F WAL (Way Back When)
The War Below by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch J F SKR (Way Back When)

Kelsey’s Picks:
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman - J New GAI
For Grades: 5th-6th; Published 2008
Synopsis: Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place—he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their ghostly teachings—such as the ability to Fade so mere mortals cannot see him. Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead?
Kelsey says: Neil Gaiman is a beautiful writer, and I can come back to his books again and again and find something new in them each time. The Graveyard Book is a Newbery winner for a reason. Part haunting fantasy, part meditation on death, it’s a wonderful book for mature middle grade readers.  
Kelsey also suggests: 
Coraline by Neil Gaiman-J GAI (Spooky/Scary)
Fortunately, The Milk by Neil Gaiman-J GAI (Humor)
Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman-J GAI (Sci-Fi/Fantasy)

Debbie’s Picks:
Hungry Bunny by Claudia Rueda-E RUE
For Grades: preschool-K; Published August 2018 
Synopsis: In this interactive picture book, the reader must help Bunny as he gathers apples to eat, and uses his red scarf to climb a tree or create a rope bridge.
Debbie says: Apples! Yum!
Debbie also suggests: 
Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson — E MAT
Old Misery by Sage James— E JAM