Youth Services Staff Picks

Debbie’s Picks 
Story Boat by Kyo Maclear - E MAC
For Grades: Preschool - 2nd; Published 2020
Synopsis: When a little girl and her younger brother are forced along with their family to flee the home they've always known, they must learn to make a new home for themselves.
Debbie says: Imagination can be a wonderful survival tool. 
Debbie also suggests:
The Treasure Box by Margaret Wild - E WIL
Sugar in Milk by Thrity M. Umriger - E UMR

Brie’s Picks 
The Princess and the Pit Stop by Tom Angleberger - E ANG
For Grades: K - 2nd; Published 2018
Synopsis: Join Her Royal Highness in the driver's seat for a mad dash to the finish in this exciting ode to auto racing. With appearances by fairy tale favorites including the Tortoise and the Hare, the Frog Prince, and ALL of the Wicked Witches, this rollicking mash-up of race cars and royalty is a true celebration of both girl power and horsepower.
Brie Says: To celebrate Women’s History Month, enjoy these books with strong female leads.
Brie Also Suggests: 
Don’t Call Me Grandma by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson - E NEL 
Carmela Full of Wishes by Matt de la Pena - E DEL 

Kelsey’s Picks 
Shark Detective! by Jessica Olien - E OLI
For Grades: Preschool - 3rd; Published 2015
Synopsis: Poor Shark. High above the city, he sits in his hotel room, watching detective shows on TV, munching potato chips, and dreaming of a life as a real detective. In the cold reality of early morning he is "just a lonely shark in the city." A missing pet poster nudges him to grab for his fantasy, and Shark thoughtfully begins a quest to find the missing kitty of the poster, a search that begins with research in the library and developing inner strength through Tai Chi. Nothing slows the determination of chip-munching Shark in this lively romp through the mean streets. He's one cool sleuth.
Kelsey says: A lot of children’s books make me laugh out loud, but are they also about detectives who are also sharks? NO. This book is clearly the best then. 
Kelsey also suggests: 
Silly Doggy! By Adam Stower - E STO
I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry - E SHE

Regina’s  Picks 
Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson - J F WAT (Bluebonnet) 
For Grades: 2nd - 4th; Published 2020
Synopsis:  The Hart family of Portland, Oregon, faces many setbacks after Ryan's father loses his job, but no matter what, Ryan tries to bring sunshine to her loved ones.
Regina says: Brighten your day with a little “Sunshine”.
Regina also suggests:
Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina - J NEWB MED
What Momma Left Me by Renée Watson - J F WAT

Andrea’s Picks 
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai - J F LAI (Classics)
For Grades:  3rd - 7th; Published 2013
Synopsis: For all the ten years of her life, Hà has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope. In America, Hà discovers the foreign world of Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of its food . . . and the strength of her very own family.
Andrea says: This book made me feel so many emotions.  It was funny, sad and often made me angry at the way Vietnamese refugees were treated after the Vietnam War.  It’s a powerful story of what it’s like to come to a new place, with a new culture and figure out how to adapt as well as hold on to your own culture and relationships.
Andrea also suggests:
They Call me Guero: A Border Kid’s Poems by David Bowles - J F BOW
Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes - J F GRI

Stephanie’s Picks 
Sewing Stories: Harriet Powers’ Journey from Slave to Artist by Barbara Herkert  - J B POW
For Grades:  Pre-K - 3rd; Published 2015
Synopsis: Harriet Powers learned to sew and quilt as a young slave girl on a Georgia plantation. She lived through the Civil War and Reconstruction, and eventually owned a cotton farm with her family, all the while relying on her skills with the needle to clothe and feed her children. Later she began making pictorial quilts, using each square to illustrate Bible stories and local legends. She exhibited her quilts at local cotton fairs, and though she never traveled outside of Georgia, her quilts are now priceless examples of African American folk art.
Stephanie says: Read about how Harriet , who was never taught how to read or write, became a storyteller with her quilts!
Stephanie also suggests:
The Quilts of Gee’s Bend by Susan Goldman Rubin — J 746.46 RUB
Stitchin’ and Pullin’: A Gee’s Bend Quilt by Pat McKissack — J 811 MCK
Art From Her Heart: Folk Artist Clementine Hunter by Kathy Whitehead — J B HUN

Veronica’s Picks 
Amelia Rules: Superheroes by Jimmy Gownley - J GN AME
For Grades: 2nd - 5th; Published 2010
Synopsis: Meet Amelia Louise McBride. She's been forced to move out of Manhattan after her parents decided to get divorced, and is now living in a small town (who cares which one) with her mom and her aunt, Tanner. Not to mention the fact that she's dealing with being the new kid in school, many trips to the principal's office, first kisses, etc. But you know what? She's got her friends Reggie, Rhonda, and Pajamaman, and everything's going to be okay. Except, of course, when it isn't.
Veronica says: I have been on a superhero kick this month and in this book Amelia struggles with lots of changes and everyday woes. As life becomes more and more difficult she realizes who better to help you get through your struggles than your not so average superhero.  
Veronica also suggests: 
Supertruck by Stephen Savage - E SAV (Wheels)
How to Draw Comic Book Heroes by Mark Bergin - J 741.51 BER
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World by Shannon Hale - J F HAL (Audiobook)

Whitney’s Picks 
Super Sons. Book 1, The Polarshield Project by Ridley Pearson - J GN SUP
For Grades: 3rd - 7th; Published 2019
Synopsis: The polar ice caps have nearly melted away, causing devastation to coastal cities. Jon Kent and Damian 'Ian' Wayne are opposite in every way except one--they are the sons of the world's greatest heroes. To uncover a global conspiracy, this unlikely dynamic duo will need to learn to trust each other and work together to save the Earth.
Whitney says: With legacies like Batman and Superman to live up to, Ian and Jon are bound to overcome any challenge. Right?
Whitney also suggests:
Super Sons. Book 2, The Foxglove Mission by Ridley Pearson - J GN SUP
Super Sons Book 3, Escape to Landis by Ridley Pearson - J GN SUP

Yentl’s Picks 
Beavers by Rachel Poliquin - J 599.37 POL
For Grades: 2nd - 5th; Published 2018
Synopsis: Humorous and engaging, Beavers is the first book in the new highly illustrated nonfiction Superpower Field Guide series, inspiring readers to laugh, think, and view the world around them with new eyes.
Yentl says: I love this cute non-fiction series! This book contains amazing facts about beavers and their unique superpowers. The illustrations are informational and silly too. You’ll learn and laugh!
Yentl also suggests:
Eels by Rachel Poliquin - J 597.43 POL
Ostriches by Rachel Poliquin - J 598.524 POL
Moles by Rachel Poliquin - J 599.335 POL