Angeline Boulley
[isbn]
A companion novel set in the same world as Firekeeper’s Daughter is a reason to celebrate! Ten years after the events of the first book, we meet Daunis’s niece, Perry Firekeeper-Birch. Perry’s summer takes an unexpected turn when she accepts an internship at the tribal museum and soon realizes that she wants to help recover her tribe’s stolen history. With the help of her friends, she decides to take matters into her own hands. I really... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Seimone Augustus and Kate Fagan and Sophia Chang
[isbn]
I am so excited for this cool, comprehensive history of women’s basketball! It covers just about everything, from Senda Berenson, the first woman to discover the game, to Candace Parker returning to Chicago and winning the 2021 WNBA championship. On top of all the history and info about the best teams, players, and coaches, the book is full of awesome illustrations by Sophia Chang. One of my favorite sections is The Movies That Should Have Been... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Brendan Slocumb
[isbn]
Dr. Bern Hendricks has landed his dream job, authenticating a lost manuscript by his favorite musician. While researching the piece of music by Frederick Delaney, Bern and his friend Eboni discover that the revered composer might not be the musical genius everyone believes him to be. I loved the alternating timelines, one modern and one during the jazz age, both populated with fascinating characters. As more secrets are uncovered and the drama... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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B. B. Alston
[isbn]
Amari and the Night Brothers is one of my new favorites for young readers and I am thrilled that book two will be available soon. Alston has created a fun and fresh supernatural world populated with imaginative creatures and a great hero in Amari. In this installment, Amari is looking forward to summer camp at the Bureau where she will be a Junior Agent and learn more about her magical abilities when an unauthorized time freeze stirs up... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Ruth Ozeki
[isbn]
I love this heartbreaking, inventive story about teenage Benny, who hears voices from the objects around him, and his mother Annabelle, who has a hoarding problem. The eclectic group of friends that Benny makes along the way adds a richness to this story that made it a true pleasure to read.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Richard Osman
[isbn]
I absolutely love the Thursday Murder Club series. Four pensioners living in a retirement community in the English countryside meet every Thursday to discuss unsolved crimes. Once they make friends with a local police constable and her boss, they start putting their detecting skills to work in the real world. The charming characters, the clever plots with just the right amount of twists and the idyllic setting, make this series one of my new... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Emmeline Duncan
[isbn]
I’m looking forward to reading the second installment of this cozy mystery series set in a food cart pod in Portland. This time, master barista Sage has brought her coffee cart to an eco-friendly music festival, where she finds the body of one of the band’s managers. I expect this story will bring the same great cast of characters and very real Portland vibe that made Fresh Brewed Murder so much fun to read.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Nina LaCour
[isbn]
I’m a fan of Nina LaCour’s young adult fiction, so I was thrilled to learn that she has written her first novel for adults. I was not disappointed. The writing is beautiful and feels both dreamlike and matter of fact at the same time. This story follows Sara and Emilie and alternates between their two narratives. Exploring family dynamics, grief, and finding oneself, it is an ultimately hopeful love story.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Sosuke Natsukawa, Louise Heal Kawai
[isbn]
I really enjoyed this wonderful adventure story about the power of books. Rintago’s grandfather just died, leaving behind his secondhand bookstore Natsuki Books. One day a tabby cat walks into the store and asks for help freeing imprisoned books. Rintago agrees to help and the two of them start their journey by heading into the first mysterious labyrinth. This magical, illustrated novel is a must have for book and cat lovers alike.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Seaerra Miller
[isbn]
My favorite paranormal investigator is back for a second book! Mason and Iris are celebrating Halloween by going to the cemetery, hunting for monsters, and entering their school’s Halloween costume contest. When they notice someone who looks just like Mason, they are on the case to find out where they came from. This adventure is funny, spooky, and beautifully illustrated.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Wanda M. Morris
[isbn]
Ellice Littlejohn is a corporate attorney in Atlanta, who goes into the office for a meeting and finds her boss dead. She is offered his job, but can she trust the others in the executive circle? This debut thriller is a page-turner full of twists you won’t see coming.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Ben Detrick, Andrew Kuo
[isbn]
This is a highly opinionated and entertaining illustrated encyclopedia of all the things that make the NBA so fun to watch. It contains player profiles, historical tidbits, statistics, and colorful graphs. It is sure to be a hit with every kind of basketball fan.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Dwyane Wade
[isbn]
This is a gorgeous and inspirational memoir from beloved three-time NBA Champion and Olympic gold medalist Dwyane Wade. Full of color photos, it covers his personal journey from growing up on Chicago's South Side, to his college career at Marquette, to his very successful NBA career. He also talks about the people that have supported him along the way, his focus on family life, his thinking about the legacy he is leaving behind, and his love of... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Cherie Priest
[isbn]
Hugo and Nebula Awards nominee Priest has written her first mystery novel, and I hope it is the first of many. Leda is a travel agent and inconsistent psychic. Based on a very strong feeling, she rebooks a customer’s flight and accidentally saves them from an airplane that catches fire. When that customer, detective Grady Merritt, returns to Seattle, he tracks down Leda and recruits her to help with a case he can’t crack. I look forward to... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Carmelo Anthony
[isbn]
If you are a fan of the NBA, then you know all about Carmelo Anthony’s playing career. In this memoir, he opens up about his childhood in Red Hook, NY, and Baltimore. I enjoyed this opportunity to get to know Anthony a bit better off the court.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Angeline Boulley
[isbn]
Wow, this debut novel is so well crafted, I cannot recommend it enough! After Daunis loses her uncle, she is approached by an undercover agent to investigate a drug ring in her community. On top of the mystery, there is romance, exploration of family, community, and the Ojibwe culture.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Ben Golliver
[isbn]
I was obsessed with the NBA Bubble when the league restarted in Florida last summer. While I was thrilled to be able to watch basketball again, I was worried for the health and safely of my favorite (and least favorite) NBA players. The experiment was a success, and I cannot wait to read Ben Golliver’s insider account of what life was like living and working in a Disney World hotel for three months covering the most unusual NBA playoffs ever.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Nicola Yoon
[isbn]
A new book from Nicola Yoon is a reason to celebrate! Her third novel brings the romance we expect with a touch of the supernatural. Evie is not interested in love after she starts having visions of how other people’s relationships end. But when she meets X at the dance studio she must decide if she is willing to take a chance. This one is at the top of my to-read pile.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Dwayne Reed
[isbn]
Fifth grader Simon loves rhyming, just not in front of other people. His new teacher is young and raps (cool) but the first assignment is a presentation (not cool). This fun and original novel is about a young man finding the courage to show the world who he is.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Renée Watson
[isbn]
A summer romance and a young woman’s journey to self-acceptance; what’s not to love? Watson has created a beautiful, charming, and relatable main character in Nala. Through the ups and downs with family and her new boyfriend, I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in her world.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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David Levithan
[isbn]
I loved this mysterious, fast-paced novel for middle readers. Lucas’s brother Aiden goes missing for six days and then he just appears back in the family’s attic. Where has he been all this time? The answer that unfolds is fascinating and so much fun to read.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Rajani LaRocca
[isbn]
This #ownvoices novel in verse follows Reha, who feels like she has two lives: one Indian and one not. The poems address her experiences at school, her family, culture, and her mother’s cancer diagnosis. Stunning writing and a moving story make this one a must-read.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Michael Slack
[isbn]
Three adorable wide-eyed kittens have learned to climb. After conquering the cat tree, a real tree, and an ancient litter box in the trees, they set their sights on the dinosaurs on Dinosaur Island. The determined kitties devise many silly plans to conquer the dinosaurs. This book is so much fun. I love the art, the narration, and it makes me giggle every time I read it.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Ben Philippe
[isbn]
Sometimes, I need a good rom-com to escape into, and this second novel from Ben Philippe hits the spot. Henri is currently charming his way through his prestigious high school, trying to keep his parents happy, and earn some money walking dogs in order to reach his goal of being accepted into Columbia University. Things are going to plan until his classmate Corinne discovers that the dog walking company he works for is not what it seems. What... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Seaerra Miller
[isbn]
This graphic novel from Portlander Seaerra Miller is gorgeous! The full color brings the quirky and fun illustrations to life. Mason Mooney is a wannabe paranormal investigator who is often outshined by the Paranormal Society led by heartthrob Trent Reilly. Mason finally lands a haunted house case that just may be his ticket to the fame he knows he deserves. Can he and new friend Iris find out who or what is haunting her older sister? This book... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Kelly Yang
[isbn]
I loved Kelly Yang’s previous book, Front Desk, and am so excited for this second book about life at the Calivista Motel. Things are looking up now that the Tang family and their investors have bought the motel, but problems arise for Mia and her best friend Lupe when they go back to school. The girls have a mean new homeroom teacher, and a proposed law cracking down on immigration is on everyone’s mind. I look forward to seeing how... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Sabaa Tahir
[isbn]
At last, the fourth and final book in the An Ember in the Ashes series is almost here! This series has it all: expansive world-building, complicated characters, intense action, steamy romance, and now an approaching apocalypse. I can’t wait to see how this series wraps ups and what happens to Laia, Elias, and the Blood Shrike. Since it is being released December 1, I have plenty of time to go back and reread the first three books to get ready for... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Trung Le Nguyen
[isbn]
I love the art and inventive storytelling in this stunning young adult graphic novel. Tien has a secret that he wants to share with his parents and he's trying to find the right words for it. Tien speaks mostly English, while his parents speak mostly Vietnamese. They connect as a family by reading stories together. Using a beautiful color palate, Trung Le Nguyen weaves together the family’s past and present with the fairy tales they share,... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Ramiza Shamoun Koya
[isbn]
I have just begun this debut novel by Portland author Koya and am really enjoying it. Amina moves to DC to further her career and be close to her family in the years following 9/11. There, she develops a relationship with her nephew, who is fascinated by their East Indian heritage and is searching for answers. This is a well-crafted story about second-generation Americans finding their place in the world.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Kawai Strong Washburn
[isbn]
I admit, the gorgeous cover on this one drew me in and I’m so glad it did. The Flores family is struggling to survive in Hawaii even as one of the kids has a gift from the gods. All three kids end up moving to the mainland to try to find a better life, but can’t seem to shake the hold the island has on them. This book is beautiful, heartbreaking, and I can’t stop thinking about it.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Gene Luen Yang
[isbn]
I was so excited when I heard that one of my favorite graphic novelists was writing about basketball, and Dragon Hoops does not disappoint! Yang chronicles the Dragons' varsity basketball season as they pursue the state championship, mixing in his own experiences writing and learning to love the sport. If you love graphic novels and/or basketball, add this one to your TBR list.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Karen M. McManus
[isbn]
A school-wide text game of Truth or Dare brings trouble back to Bayview High. A new group of students are on the case, trying to find the person running the game and spilling secrets. This is a suspenseful thriller with lots of twists and turns. It’s a great read.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Jen Wang
[isbn]
Jen Wang’s newest graphic novel for the 8+ crowd is so good! It’s about a new friendship and the ups and downs that come with it. Christine and Moon have a lot of differences, but they grow close when Moon and her mother move into Christine’s family’s guest house. This one hits all the emotional notes of childhood friendship perfectly.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks
[isbn]
I’m so excited that two of my favorite creators have come together to create Pumpkinheads! Deja and Josiah have been partnered up at work every fall, but now they are looking at their last shift together. Instead of sticking to the usual plan, Deja wants to make this last shift the best one ever. Exploring the pumpkin patch and the friendship between these two was a ton of fun.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Karen Thompson Walker
[isbn]
In a California college town, a young woman falls into a deep sleep and won’t wake up. This sleeping sickness spreads to more and more people until the town is quarantined. The Dreamers is eerie, beautifully written, and the pacing is spot-on. This book absolutely captivated me.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Raina Telgemeier
[isbn]
Hooray, a new graphic novel from Raina Telgemeier! In Guts, she brings her recognizable illustration style and storytelling skills to the topic of anxiety and stomachaches. It is funny, relatable, and encourages kids to talk about their feelings. This may be her best book yet.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Jacqueline Woodson
[isbn]
Red at the Bone tells the story of a multigenerational Brooklyn family. Told from alternating viewpoints and various timelines, we learn about each family member and how their lives came together. Woodson’s writing is spectacular, packing so much detail and emotion into each short chapter.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Akwaeke Emezi
[isbn]
This is a fast and powerful read, which I highly recommend. Emezi has created a fascinating world where monsters don’t exist anymore. Jam has believed this her whole life, until a winged creature emerges from her mother’s painting and tells her that her friend is in danger. Jam must then figure out who to trust and how best to protect the people she loves.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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David Yoon
[isbn]
This YA debut blew me away! Frank Li is a Korean American high school senior who is navigating his identity, family, growing up, and falling in love. His parents expect him to date a Korean girl, but Frank has other plans. This smart, funny, coming-of-age story is very well done and the cast of characters make this book really special.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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John Green
[isbn]
John Green fans rejoice: the wait is over! Aza, who suffers from obsessive thought spirals, and her best friend Daisy are in search of a fugitive billionaire and the reward money for his capture. I loved this tale of adventure and friendship.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Colleen AF Venable, Ellen T Crenshaw
[isbn]
Amanda (aka Mads) enjoys normal teenage stuff: hanging out with her best friends Cat and Amanda and attending minor league baseball games with her dad. After her eighth kiss, her entire life gets turned upside down. While confronting her own sexuality, she learns of a big family secret that alters everything she's ever known. The story is engaging and the art compliments it perfectly. It made me cry in all the best ways.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Kwame Alexander and Melissa Sweet
[isbn]
Newbery medalist Kwame Alexander wrote this wonderful poem about the joys of books and reading. Bright, collage-inspired illustrations bring this poem to life. Current and future book lovers will find happiness inside these pages. I can’t help but smile each time I read it.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Yamile Saied Mendez and Jaime Kim
[isbn]
A young girl is often asked, "Where are you really from?," so she turns to her abuelo for guidance. He provides her with a lovely and unexpected answer. The beautiful prose and colorful illustrations combine for a very powerful message about love and family.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Justin A Reynolds
[isbn]
Jack meets Kate at a party, they fall in love, and then she dies. After her death, Jack time travels back to the exact moment they meet. He repeats this loop again and again until he makes all the right decisions for his friends and family. Great characters and a sweet love story make this debut YA novel a must-read.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Hanif Abdurraqib
[isbn]
This book is a love letter to ’90s hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest. Abdurraqib explores the era, the art of sampling, and how their songs have impacted his life. The writing is amazing and has inspired me to dig out my old Tribe cassettes to immerse myself in their music once again.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Jedidiah Jenkins
[isbn]
Jedidiah Jenkins’s memoir is his story of bicycling 14,000 miles from Oregon to Patagonia over the course of 16 months. Readers follow along with Jenkins’s travels, experiencing the people and places he encounters while he reflects honestly on his personal life and struggles.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Kate DiCamillo
[isbn]
When Louisiana’s Granny woke her up at 3 a.m., saying they had to leave immediately, she had no idea they were leaving for good. She is heartbroken to learn that she may never see her best friends Raymie and Beverly again. Can she find her way home?
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Rachel Ignotofsky
[isbn]
Explore our planet with this beautifully illustrated guide from the author and illustrator of Women in Science and Women in Sports. Readers will travel the globe to learn about ecosystems, the animals that live there, and how they interact. It is both fun and educational!
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Jeff Tweedy
[isbn]
This is the book I’ve been waiting for this fall! In his new memoir, beloved Wilco front man Jeff Tweedy talks about his childhood, his musical journey, and his artistic process. His smart and honest writing will connect with music fans of all kinds.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Deborah Harkness
[isbn]
Harkness’s newest novel is a love story full of magic and the supernatural. It follows vampire Marcus and soon-to-be vampire Phoebe through their pasts and present. Fans will recognize the characters from the All Souls Trilogy, but this book stands on its own.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Kazu Kibuishi
[isbn]
Finally, the eighth volume of Amulet is here! Will Emily be able to escape the influence of the Voice? Can Navin and the Resistance stop the approaching Shadow forces? Fans will love the latest adventures in this highly anticipated graphic novel.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Sy Montgomery, Amy Schimler Safford
[isbn]
This is the story of Inky, an octopus who found his way back to the ocean from an aquarium in New Zealand. Bright, colorful illustrations bring this fascinating true story to life. It’s perfect for curious kids and budding naturalists.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Hank Green
[isbn]
This book is so much fun. April May stumbles across the first Carl, which she initially thinks is an art installation. It turns out these giant statues turned up overnight in major cities around the globe. Due to the viral video she made with her friend Andy, April May finds herself in the middle of a worldwide conversation and trying to manage her newfound celebrity status. Green is an excellent storyteller and has delivered a great... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Jewell Parker Rhodes
[isbn]
Ghost Boys is an amazing book! For a story based on a violent act, the author’s message of peace and understanding for others is very powerful. It is beautifully written and very much needed in our world today. Rhodes delivers an emotionally moving book that everyone should read.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Jacqueline Woodson
[isbn]
Every Friday, all six kids in Mrs. Laverne’s class go to the ARTT room to talk about real issues in their lives, including immigration, racial profiling, and bullying. I was moved by the honesty expressed by these students and the friendships they form.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Caz Frear
[isbn]
Detective Constable Cat Kinsella has always suspected her father had something to do with the disappearance of a young woman back in 1998. Investigating the recent death of a woman found near her father’s old pub is bringing back all her old suspicions. This whodunit is riveting, full of great characters. plot twists, and family drama.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Hiro Arikawa and Philip Gabriel
[isbn]
I loved this gentle, quiet novel about a stray cat named Nana and Satoru, the human who takes him in. One day, the pair starts taking road trips around Japan to visit Satoru’s friends. The relationship between these two characters is very sweet and will resonate with anyone who has ever been devoted to a pet.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Sabaa Tahir
[isbn]
The third installment in the An Ember in the Ashes series is action-packed from start to finish. As war approaches, our heroes attempt to save the people of the Empire, stop the Nightbringer, and keep the ghosts at bay. Great characters and excellent world-building make this a must-read.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Wendy Mass, Rebecca Stead
[isbn]
Livy is in Australia visiting her Gran when she discovers a small green creature dressed like a chicken in her closet. Strangely, she can’t seem to remember him from her last visit. Bob is a sweet and magical adventure about friendship and finding your way home.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Aaron Reynolds, Peter Brown
[isbn]
Jasper Rabbit is afraid of the glowing green underwear he begged for. He tries multiple ways of getting rid of the monstrous briefs, but they keep coming back. This picture book is odd and hilarious.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Philip Pullman
[isbn]
Returning to the world Pullman created in the His Dark Materials series is so satisfying and worth the long wait. Malcolm Polstead, son of an innkeeper and helper to the nuns at the Priory of St. Rosamund, takes it upon himself to help baby Lyra when the town experiences a major flood and shady people are after her. He, Lyra, and Alice head downstream in a boat, La Belle Sauvage, in search of Lyra’s father. Readers of the series will recognize... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Sandhya Menon
[isbn]
Dimple is excited to attend a camp for web developers and get started on her dream career. At home, her parents are looking for her “Ideal Indian Husband” and are pressuring her to do the same. So she is very surprised to meet Rishi, with whom her parents have been trying to set her up, at camp. This charming romance story is a very fun read.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Shea Serrano and Arturo Torres
[isbn]
From the author of The Rap Year Book comes this funny, smart, and illustrated collection of basketball debates. Including topics like "Who’s Your Frankenplayer Made out Of?" and "The Disrespectful Dunk Hall of Fame," it is a must-have book for basketball fans.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Chris Harris, Lane Smith
[isbn]
This collection of funny, witty poetry is sure to be a hit with kids (and immature grown-ups). Lane Smith’s illustrations add a delightful dose of extra silliness. Expect many rereads and lots of giggles, guffaws, and belly laughs.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Celia C. Pérez
[isbn]
Malu loves hanging out at her dad’s record store, listening to punk rock and making zines. She does not love moving to Chicago with her mom, leaving behind her home and everything she knows. In order to adjust to her new life she needs to follow the first rule of punk: Be Yourself. I love Malu’s spunk and individuality; she is a super cool heroine. This is a wonderful coming-of-age story about finding your people while figuring out who you are.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Rachel Khong
[isbn]
Ruth has recently broken up with her fiancé and decides to spend a year at home taking care of her father, who has Alzheimer's. Goodbye Vitamin is a story about memory and loss, but also about finding your way through the unexpected things life throws at you. My laughter and tears came in equal measure. Full of humor, heart and sadness, Goodbye Vitamin is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Rachel Ignotofsky
[isbn]
I love this beautifully illustrated, inspiring book. It was very eye-opening to read about these 50 women (from the late 1800s to now) who fought against the stereotype that women’s bodies are weak. These strong, courageous women paved the way for all girls who want to play sports.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Thi Bui
[isbn]
Not only is The Best We Could Do a beautiful story about family; it is also a great overview of the history of Vietnam. Thi Bui is about to have a child of her own, so she sets out to try to understand her parents and their history. Their stories of living in a war-torn country are full of struggle and loss and hope as they escape to the United States, where they strive to start their lives over. I highly recommend this moving memoir.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Lisa Ko
[isbn]
When Deming Guo is young, his undocumented Chinese immigrant mother leaves for work and never returns. Deming is adopted by a white family and renamed Daniel, and grows up to be a troubled young man. As he tries to find his place in the world, we learn more about his personal journey and his mother’s journey. Leavers is a powerful story about family and an eye-opening look at the American immigrant experience. I was so moved by this... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Elizabeth Kostova
[isbn]
Alexandra travels to Bulgaria to teach English and fulfill the dream she and her late brother had of seeing the country. Once there, she accidentally ends up with someone else’s bag containing an urn and human ashes. With the help of a friendly taxi driver, she attempts to track down the bag’s owner. Things get progressively creepier as it seems they are being followed by persons unknown. I love how the mystery builds, and I could not wait to... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Sara Blaedel
[isbn]
The Lost Woman is another masterful mystery starring Detective Louise Rick. Investigating the murder of a woman her partner reported missing 18 years ago brings up many questions about who he really is and their relationship. Diving into the ethics of what people will do for those they love, The Lost Woman is a compelling read.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Sy Montgomery
[isbn]
I loved learning so much about octopuses in this wonderful book! These creatures may look like aliens, but they are smart, curious, and full of personality. Sy Montgomery’s engaging storytelling made me feel like I was right there with her behind the scenes at the New England Aquarium and diving in the Pacific Ocean to study these fascinating creatures.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Sabaa Tahir
[isbn]
This exciting sequel picks up right where An Ember in the Ashes left off. I was thrilled to read a second book following Laia and Elias through the twists and turns of attempting to escape the Empire. This is a fantastic read full of adventure, unexpected peril, questions of loyalty, and a little bit of romance.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Rick Yancey
[isbn]
Wow! The final installment of the 5th Wave trilogy is as heart pounding and action packed as the previous books. I found the series conclusion to be surprising, completely satisfying, and well worth the wait.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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MK Reed
[isbn]
Wonderful art and great writing earn Dinosaurs: Fossils and Feathers, a new Science Comics volume, an A+! I love how the story focuses on the scientific discovery of dinosaurs and how people are continuing to discover and learn new things about them. Reed's humor and Flood's art make this nonfiction comic truly special. I'm going to buy copies for all the kids I know.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Schachner, Judy
[isbn]
Holy hot tamales! El Skippito is my favorite Siamese cat, and in his fifth adventure he is off to Mars. Judy Schachner created another excellent read-aloud full of imagination, silly songs, and Spanish vocabulary. I dare any kid on your holiday list not to love it!
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Mike Lupica
[isbn]
Lupica pulls the reader directly into the action with detailed football play-by-play and just the right amount of off-the-field drama. A timely plot, real life struggles, and big sports dreams make this novel relatable to almost anyone. How would you deal with one shot to win big?
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Chuck Klosterman
[isbn]
Klosterman quotes the late Kurt Cobain as saying, "Give the kids what they want," and this book does just that. Eating the Dinosaur includes entertaining pieces about pop-culture subjects from Ralph Sampson to Weezer. Also, Klosterman gets bonus points for using the word "goofballedness" in an essay.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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George Dohrmann
[isbn]
Play Their Hearts Out is a must-read book for basketball fans at all levels. Pulitzer Prize winner Dohrmann presents an engrossing saga of an AAU team as its players grow up and try to achieve their basketball dreams. In addition to following the boys from age 10 through high-school graduation, he shows how the grassroots youth-basketball system works. I had no idea how these kids are scrutinized and pressured to succeed, like Demetrius... (read more)
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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DK
[isbn]
Jump on board this around-the-world exploration of nature's fiercest predator. It covers all kinds of sharks, from the giant whale shark to the smallest pygmy shark. Full of color photos, diagrams, maps, and a poster, this book is sure to satisfy.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Selznick, Brian
[isbn]
Wonderstruck is a treasure of a book. A master artist and storyteller, Selznick beautifully weaves together the lives of Ben and Rose. Set 50 years apart, their stories, one told in pictures and one in words, each take them on journeys that lead to the Natural History Museum in New York. It is an emotionally moving story that was a joy to read.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Jess Walter
[isbn]
An epic story moving from the Italian coast in 1962 to current-day Hollywood, Beautiful Ruins is an absolutely wonderful novel. It reminds the reader that life really is both sad and lovely at the same time. Walter skillfully weaves together the lives of his many characters that span generations and countries to a very satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this stunning and original novel.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Rainbow Rowell
[isbn]
This is the perfect teen romance. Set in 1986, the characters bond over mixtapes, comic books, and feeling like outsiders. Both sad and hopeful, this is my favorite book of the year. I've been recommending it to all of my YA-reading friends.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Laura Marx Fitzgerald
[isbn]
This charming middle-grade novel is a mystery surrounding art and family with some history thrown in, too. I love quirky Theodora and her assortment of friends that help her figure out what is under the egg.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Nelson, Blake
[isbn]
Cali is enjoying being hired to find people on the streets of Venice Beach, until he meets a young woman who causes him to question the morality of finding people who don't want to be found. This is an exciting mystery, perfect for your summer reading list.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Lemony Snicket
[isbn]
Crime is afoot again in the town of Stain'd-by-the-Sea, and this time it's arson. Is the villain Hangfire? Where are all the schoolchildren? Will our young investigator ask the right questions in time? Find out in the third installment written in Snicket's signature voice with art by Seth.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Rick Riordan
[isbn]
This is the book Percy Jackson fans have been waiting for, the fifth and final volume in the Heroes of Olympus series. The action is nonstop as the demigods attempt to stop the earth mother Gaea from waking while protecting Camp Half-Blood. Fans won't be disappointed with this thrilling conclusion.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Schachner, Judy
[isbn]
It's time to make some hot catnip cocoa and join Skippito Friskito in his newest adventure. Skippyjon Jones braves the snow, kisses, and tights to make his own "fuzzy tale." The songs are my favorite part, and there are plenty here to make this the perfect winter read-aloud.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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A S King and A. S. King
[isbn]
Having lost her mother to suicide when she was young, Glory O'Brien is not sure what life has in store for her post–high school. After drinking the dust of a dead bat, she starts to see people's past and future just by looking at them. These visions give her new insight on matters of family, feminism, and taking action. Glory is a strong character that you can't help but root for. This is young adult at its best.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Eoin Colfer and Oliver Jeffers
[isbn]
Fred and Sam are the best of friends. They both love to read and play music and make comic books. But how long can an imaginary friend stick around? This funny and sweet picture book reminds us of the power of true friendship.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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Robert Galbraith
[isbn]
The third installment of the Cormoran Strike series starts off with a delivery containing a severed leg. Strike and his assistant, Robin, must figure out who sent it before the killer can get to Robin. If you enjoy a good mystery, you’ll love this smart and plot-twisting novel.
Recommended by Jennifer H.
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