Youth Services Staff Picks

Andrea
Just Like That by Gary D. Schmidt — J HAH (Way Back When)
For Grades:  5 — 8; Published Year 2021
Synopsis: In this poignant, perceptive, witty novel, Gary D. Schmidt brings authenticity and emotion to multiple plot strands, weaving in themes of grief, loss, redemption, achievement, and love. Following the death of her closest friend in summer 1968, Meryl Lee Kowalski goes off to St. Elene's Preparatory Academy for Girls, where she struggles to navigate the venerable boarding school's traditions and a social structure heavily weighted toward students from wealthy backgrounds. In a parallel story, Matt Coffin has wound up on the Maine coast near St. Elene's with a pillowcase full of money lifted from the leader of a criminal gang, fearing the gang's relentless, destructive pursuit. Both young people gradually dispel their loneliness, finding a way to be hopeful and also finding each other.
Andrea says:  Beautiful story about forming new friendships and starting over.
Andrea also suggests:
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L Holm — J F HOL (Way Back When)
The Year I Flew Away by Marie Arnold — J F ARN (Fantasy)

Debbie
The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade — E WAD
For Grades: Pre-K — 2nd; 2020
Synopsis: Lance Cottonwood is the best and brightest in his class, but when it is time for his final exam, he is afraid to fall like the rest of the leaves.
Debbie says: Can Lance Cottonwood put aside his fears and fall from his tree like all his friends?
Debbie also suggests:
Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson — E MAT
Little Tree by Loren Long — E LON

Hannah
Lockwood & Co. Series by Jonathan Stroud —  J SER LOC
For Grades: 3 — 7; 2014 — 2018
Synopsis: The plucky and talented Lucy Carlyle teams up with Anthony Lockwood, the charismatic leader of Lockwood & Co, a small agency that runs independent of any adult supervision. After an assignment leads to both a grisly discovery and a disastrous end, Lucy, Anthony, and their sarcastic colleague, George, are forced to take part in the perilous investigation of Combe Carey Hall, one of the most haunted houses in England. Will Lockwood & Co. survive the Hall's legendary Screaming Staircase and Red Room to see another day?
Hannah says: Surprise! Spooky month is never over. Try the audiobook versions!
Hannah also suggests:
Hide & Seeker by Daka Hermon —  J F HER (Scary/Spooky)
The Forgotten Girl by India Hill Brown — J F BRO (Scary/Spooky)
The Dark-Thirty by Pat McKissack —  J F MCK (Classics) 

Kellie
The Last Bear by Hannah Gold —  J F GOL (Adventure)
For Grades:3rd — 5th; 2021
Synopsis: An instant classic with a bear-sized heart, Hannah Gold's debut novel is a touching story of kindness, adventure, and forging your own path--perfect for fans of Pax and A Wolf Called Wander.There are no polar bears left on Bear Island. At least, that's what April's father tells her when his scientific research takes them to a faraway Arctic outpost.But one night, April catches a glimpse of something distinctly bear shaped loping across the horizon. A polar bear who shouldn't be there--who is hungry, lonely and a long way from home.An excellent choice for readers in grades 3 to 7, this fierce celebration of friendship includes full-page black-and-white illustrations throughout, as well as information about the real Bear Island and the plight of the polar bears. 
Kellie says: This is a sweet story about the friendship between a girl and a polar bear.  Readers will learn about Bear Island and the struggles of the polar bear as their habitat changes along with the climate.
Kellie also suggests:
Polar Bears by Christina Wilsdon —  J 599.786 WIL 
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, what do you hear? by Bill Martin — E MAR 
Polar Bears : Survival on the ice by Jason Viola—  J GN SCI 

Kelsey
Bon Appetit! The Delicious Life of Julia Child  by Jessie Hartland — J B CHI
For Grades: Pre K —  3; Published 2012
Synopsis: Follow Julia Child—chef, author, and television personality—from her childhood in Pasadena, California, to her life as a spy in WWII, to the cooking classes she took in Paris, to the publication of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, to the funny moments of being a chef on TV. This is a comprehensive and enchanting picture book biography, told in many panels and jam-packed with lively, humorous, and child-friendly details. Young chefs and Julia Child fans will exclaim, "ooooh la la," about this book, which is as energetic and eccentric as the chef herself.
Kelsey says: Julia Child is one of my personal heroes, and November is National Inspirational Role Models Month! Plus, with Thanksgiving approaching, what better way to celebrate than by reading about the life of one of our most celebrated chefs and personalities! 
Kelsey also suggests: 
Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix by Jaqueline Briggs Martin — J B CHO
George Crum and the Saratoga Chip by Gaylia Taylor — J B CRU

Priscilla
Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Sweet, Melissa —  J B SAR (Juv Biography)
For Grades: Pre-K — 3rd; 2011
Synopsis: From Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet comes the perfect Thanksgiving Day read, the story of Tony Sarg. Meet the master puppeteer who invented the first balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Melissa Sweet, author of Girls Think of Everything, brings to life the inspirational story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who invented the giant balloons floating in the sky during the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Caldecott Honor artist brilliantly captures the essence of Tony Sarg, a self-taught immigrant with a fascinating imagination. The collage illustrations coupled with Sweet's storytelling portrays Sarg's joy in his childhood inventions and his ingenious balloon creations that still bring delight to viewers around the country. This nonfiction illustrated book will capture the hearts of all ages sitting around the dinner table on Thanksgiving Day. 
Priscilla says: I always wondered how the huge balloons at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade came about and this book tells the whole story.  I found it very interesting and it’s something you can read with your kids before or after you watch the parade.  It will help them learn more about the American tradition that wasn’t started by an American or even for Americans.  
Priscilla also suggests:
Katie Saves Thanksgiving by Manushkin, Fran —  R MAN Yellow (Juv Reader)
Thanksgiving Reunion by White, Jamie — J SER MAR (Juv Series)

Regina
Sleepover at the Museum by Karen LeFrak —  E LEF
For Grades: 3rd — 7th;  2021
Synopsis: During Mason's birthday sleepover at the natural history museum, friends enjoy a scavenger hunt but Mason has a hard time choosing the gallery in which they will sleep. 
Regina says: Discover the wonders at the museum. 
Regina also suggests:
Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner —  J SER KEE
Behind the Museum Door : poems to celebrate the wonders of museums by Lee Bennett Hopkins — J 811.54 BEH

Stephanie
Go Show the World by Wab Kinew — J 155.9 SEE
For Grades: K — 4th; Published 2018
Synopsis: Celebrating the stories of Indigenous people throughout time, Wab Kinew has created a powerful rap song, the lyrics of which are the basis for the text in this beautiful picture book, illustrated by the acclaimed Joe Morse. Including figures such as Crazy Horse, Net-no-kwa, former NASA astronaut John Herrington and Canadian NHL goalie Carey Price, Go Show the World showcases a diverse group of Indigenous people in the US and Canada, both the more well known and the not-so-widely recognised. Individually, their stories, though briefly touched on, are inspiring; collectively, they empower the reader with this message: 'We are people who matter, yes, it's true; now let's show the world what people who matter can do.'
Stephanie says: Learn about and celebrate Indigenous people and their culture.
Stephanie also suggests:
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Mallard — E ML
Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Jake Swamp — E SWA
We Are the Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom — J CALD LIN

Veronica
Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame by Supriya Kelkar — J FIC KEY (Way Back When)
For Grades: 5th — 8th; 2021
Synopsis: In 1857 India, 12-year-old Meera escapes a life she has no say in - and certain death on her husband's funeral pyre - only to end up a servant to a British general in the East India Company. When a rebellion against British colonisers spreads, she must choose between relative safety in a British household or standing up for herself and her people.
Veronica says: This is a great story that celebrates knowing and being proud of who you are and the friends who support you. 
Veronica also suggests: 
India by Thomas Streissguth — JNF 954 STR 
Living in India by Chloe Perkins — R LIV (Green)
A Gift for Amma: market day in India by Meera Sriram — E SRI

Yentl
10-Minute Upcycled Projects by Tammy Enz — J 745.5 ENZ
For Grades: 3rd — 5th; Published 2021
Synopsis: Looking for clever ideas to reuse and recycle the materials in your makerspace? You're in luck! From earbud bracelets and bottle cap fireflies to tin man wind chimes and cell phone slings, these amazing 10-minute upcycled projects will have kids making in no time!
Yentl says: I love making crafts!! I think it is so fun to work on different projects. This series is perfect for kids wanting to create different things!  
Yentl also suggests:
10-Minute Engineering Projects  by Sarah L. Schuette — J 620.007 SCH
10-Minute Duct Tape Projects by Sarah L. Schuette — J 745.59 SCH
10-Minute Origami Projects by Christopher L. Harbo — J 736.982 HAR
10-Minute Science Projects by Sarah L. Schuette — J 507.8 SCH
10-Minute Art Projects by Sarah L. Schuette — J 745.5 SCH