Another book club read! THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ. 

Truly, this book had me wanting to write critical theory essays like I was back in undergrad. I was post-it-noting and annotating all over the place. And then I forgot to go to book club...so I've been talking to everyone who will listen about this book. It is absolutely deserving of all the awards and attention. A masterful retelling of an American story. 

I especially loved the inclusion of code-switching and discussion of Black English and Standard English as they  existed in the Antebellum South and how Everett reimagined their use. Enslaved people speak Standard English amongst one another in this story, code-switching to a dialect deemed acceptable by their "masters" when in earshot of white folks. It's a play not only on the assumption that Black English dialects are lesser than Standard English (how white people speak and write) but also on respectability politics if they were flipped on their head: the less human you seem to the people who enslave you, the safer you are around them. This book should absolutely join the literary canon, shoving aside white perspectives that have dominated learning about this time for a century or more.

(Olivia's pick)

Sometimes we read adult books! I LOVED this colorful, cultural, queer fantasy romance based on the hit webcomic. Features a full spectrum of queer characters who are all so interesting. The art style is gorgeous. Super cute love story. Can't wait for the next one. 

(Olivia's pick)

I joined a book club! I've been trying to read more adult fiction and leave the house more (which I hate). The first book we read upon my joining is one of the better books I've read all year. This historical fiction novel centers women, indigeneity, witch-hunts in Norway in the 1600s, and survival. It's not an easy or pleasant read but it is gripping and memorable. Admittedly, this book was my first introduction to the Sami people, indigenous to Norway. Witch-hunts were global, folks. Anywhere Christian colonization was happening, so was the persecution of women and indigenous peoples. Read this book.

(Olivia's pick)

Compelling novel in verse featuring Maddie who is left behind while everyone else has been evacuated and must survive on her own for years. Her only companion is her neighbor's dog, George, and the local library. Themes of loneliness and survival. Filled with wit. The second in the series, Away, is my next read.

(Katelyn's pick)

We've included this book in reader's advisory brochures for years but Olivia had not read it (even though Kacen Callender is one of their favorite authors). But this book has renewed its "timeliness." A young Black, gay boy has just lost their teenage older brother. While dealing with his grief of loss, he is also dealing with the grief of not being accepted. His used-be-friend is the white, gay son of the local sheriff. The two boys are united in difference and conflict as well as their shared experiences of being gay. A beautiful story about the intersections of race and queerness.

(Combined pick)

Another recent evaluatory read for our reader's advisory brochure updates. A verse novel about a kid who wants more than anything to tell their secret to the people in their lives: they're gay. The poetry is both visual and literary art. A spectacular little book that captures the big feelings of queer kids.

(Olivia's pick)

Every once in awhile I read YA! I picked this one up to evaluate for our reader's advisory recommendations surrounding tough topics like abuse. This verse novel tells the powerful story of a gay teen trying to piece together the events of the night he was sexually assaulted. This book does not shy away from the realities of the aftermath of abuse. The poetry is stunning and inspiring. A quick, gut-wrenching, necessary read.

(Olivia's pick)

A gripping middle grade apocalypse story about step-siblings surviving and caring for their baby brother after the death of their parents. This one has many pertinent discussions about greed, climate disaster, and common coming-of-age experiences that still ring true even after the sun explodes. The first page of this book is a scene in which the siblings are burying a parent, so be warned. It's an intense read but one I think many middle-grade readers will find some story element to relate to. I really enjoyed the incorporation of indigeneity, transness, and found family into this action-packed survival story.

(Olivia's pick)

This laugh-out-loud graphic novel about a slightly contentious sibling relationship is a stellar follow up to Alison Mcghee's well-known Dear Sister. I loved the illustrations and the inclusion of a bearded dragon pet. This one is sure to be well-received by graphic novel readers.

(Olivia's pick)

Reading this book was a beautiful experience that propelled me into thinking about tiny worlds within our own. What if an entire world of magical beings was encapsulated in a tree in the middle of your house!? Awesome premise. Sibling relationship is the focus. Surprising ending! 

(Olivia's pick)

A lovely little graphic novel about Emily Dickinson's life as a girl. I've always loved Emily Dickinson's poetry and the story of her long-time companion, Carlo, the very large, very fluffy Newfoundland. I was happy to learn more about her deep interest and connection to nature which inspired much of her writing. 

(Olivia's pick)

This cute little hamster would never hit anyone! He does. 

This simple story with laugh-out-loud illustrations is a fantastic board book for addressing hitting in a reassuring and adorable way. I am loving all of the board books in the Life's Little Lessons series from Boxer Books. These can even work for storytime, especially one aimed at a toddler audience. Add these to your collection immediately!

(Olivia's pick)

A cute, spooky story focused on friendship, with a smattering of musical theater, and of course, vampire hunting. Lots of not-too-preachy lessons about fatness and acceptance. Lots of magical things going on at summer camp. I think I would have preferred a focus on vampires but I assume the introduction of ghosts (and possible werewolves) is going to be further explored in the series. 

(Olivia's pick)

This book was recommended to Olivia by Katelyn many times and it has sat on their TBR for too long. Finally, Olivia picked it up. 

This is a stellar grief middle grade novel. Great example of non-traditional caregivers and the connections we make with people outside of our blood relatives. This book moves quickly and is divided into parts that pack a punch. One of our favorites.

(Combined pick)

A quick, light-hearted read with big themes of family, friendship, fairness, and meteorites! I enjoyed the voices in this novel and the description of the desert landscape. The story feels like a shooting star, somewhat fleeting, memorable, beautiful to witness. 

(Olivia's pick)

An absolutely beautiful story we found while cleaning and weeding picture books. In a single day, a life is lost and another is brought into the world. Illustrations and text are a perfect match. A great book to start conversations about pet loss, homebirth, and neighborhoods.

(Combined pick)

As I was conducting my yearly fall weeding of our children's collection (after spring cleaning and summer chaos), I discovered this lovely book with an intriguing cover. I took it home and read it in one night! This book reminded me of the Series of Unfortunate Events books with its macabre storyline and fast-moving plot. Warning, there is death involved. No gore. I'll be reading the second and third books next.

(Olivia's pick)

As a former precocious child who talked too much, I feel very seen in this charming early chapter book. This book is also a lovely example of how teachers can crush spirits even with the best intentions. Illustrations add humor and context, they are in black, white, and red. Even though I relate to this character, Bibsy is literally Katelyn as a child. 

Can't wait to read more from the series!

(Olivia's pick)

Ever wondered how astronauts do their business in zero gravity? Informative and silly with an interesting art style. I really enjoyed sharing the facts I learned with coworkers and friends against their will.  We love informational texts. This one would be a great addition to a Space or NASA unit in school or for home learning.

(Olivia's pick)

I burst into tears after reading the first two pages of this heartwarming book about women and their cats. In honor of "childless cat ladies" making the news because of weird people's politics, I thought this would be a perfect recommendation for this month. I don't like the term "lady/ladies" when used to describe myself, but I do love a cinematic story about rescue cats.

(Olivia's pick)

A fantastic picture book about making a poor choice and being forgiven. We also appreciate that the poor choice is one that goes on for awhile...and there's some anxiety about that, particularly anxiety about losing a friend because of something you did. It's realistic and it's the kind of thing we don't see discussed a lot in this category. 

(Combined Pick)

A collection of subversive responses to common things kids may be told by their grown-ups.   We really love this sweet reminder that kids are kid-like because they're kids and that's how it's supposed to be.

(Combined Pick)

We are plant people. At our library we have at least 15 plants (probably more but we've never counted). At our homes we have fewer plants (because cats) but we each still have a large collection. Katelyn is also an avid gardener. We came across this book and immediately knew it would be a favorite and a storytime success! Main character Manny comes from a long line of plant people. When he is gifted his first plant, a Monstera, he has trouble at first with the finicky plant. So, he heads to the library for some books about plant care and grows his baby plant into a massive Monstera forest. Goals.

(Olivia's Pick)

We are huge fans of Walter Dean Myers! Anything he has written is something we recommend. If you or someone you know is looking to get into writing or has dreams of being a writer, this book is a great place to start. It's written for teens but the advice inside works for adults and could also work for elementary schoolers. As I work on writing my own books, this one is a go-to for tools and tips.

(Olivia's Pick)

In case you haven't had the opportunity to meet us in person, we are both ADHD and it's rather obvious. I recently completed the process of a formal ADHD diagnosis (at age 27) and I am committed to learning more about myself. This is the first book about ADHD that I have actually enjoyed reading. The design and layout are focus-friendly and I enjoyed the emphasis on the unique awesomeness of ADHD. There are also tools for almost every symptom an ADHDer may experience. I highly recommend this title, especially those who have been diagnosed in adulthood!

(Olivia's Pick)

Big name and lesser known Latinos make up this beautiful, informational poetry collection from 2017. Many countries and backgrounds are represented to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of these people to our world.

(Katelyn's Pick)

Lucky Duck is so excited to make soup for her new friend, Wolf. But things don’t go as expected. A fun read for storytime!

(Combined Pick)

This spin on the classis song and tale has been transformed into a delicious text filled with vegetable specific vocabulary and a recipe. Focused on community, this a perfect pick to read at storytime!

(Katelyn's Pick)

Agnes is throwing a tea party to make friends in her new town. She’s sent out invitations, each with a plus one. When Dave from next door shows up without a plus one, she does not allow him to come in. So, Dave brings a plus one that is not up to Agnes’s standards. Cute chaos ensues and both kids end up with a friend.

(Olivia's Pick)

Like Riley, we often take unsolicited advice as criticism, because it feels like that! This book is a great lesson for grown-ups and kids that encouragement and learning from mistakes can be more meaningful than having help or taking someone's advice.

(Combined Pick)

Ellen Oh has done it again with a wonderful collection of short stories from some of my favorite authors. In this book, twelve young Asian Americans navigate a busy Chicago airport. Their stories of identity and belonging are intertwined beautifully.

(Olivia's Pick)

Yes, this incredibly famous book was written over twenty years ago, no Olivia had not read it. 

Allow me to explain: I was a scaredy-cat child and I still identify as a scaredy-cat adult. As a child the scariest books I read were about wizards. Now, I read horror but I can never watch it. So, with insistence from Katelyn and my spouse Elliott, I read the book and watched the movie. I enjoyed both immensely, especially the creepy illustrations by Dave McKean in the version I read and the videos about the making of Coraline (the movie) on LAIKA's YouTube.

I would recommend the book/movie pairing to folks who are not easily kept awake at night by incredibly vivid nightmares. I am most nights but I made it through and am now a fan. 

(Olivia's Pick)

The beautiful story of Queen Harish was thankfully honored with a Stonewall this year. 

Levine Querido (the publisher) has an excellent write-up so I will say no more, instead please visit their site.

(Katelyn's Pick)

This one has been on my TBR (to be read) list for years. Many of these authors are favorites of ours. I greatly enjoyed these short stories, even more than this year's Printz Award winner Collectors edited by A. S. King which is also short stories. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to reluctant readers or for a classroom read-aloud. 

(Olivia's Pick)

Funny, realistic, honest. Olivia read this aloud to Katelyn from start to finish and it made our day SO MUCH BETTER. We're thrilled this book was award this Schneider this year!

(Combined Pick)

I love when Carole Boston Weatherford's text is paired with Frank Morrison's art and this book is no different. This is the tale of Magnolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee. In 1936, she became the first African American to win the Akron, Ohio, spelling bee. I'm so thankful to Candlewick for publishing this compelling story.

(Katelyn's Pick)

This necessary text is accessible, inclusive and needed in our world. The thing I appreciated most was the author's respect for the reader. Complex ideas are broken into digestible parts and the design is exceptional. Even grown-ups may learn a thing or two from Yassmin!

(Katelyn's Pick)

We're not quite sure how we missed this one in 2023 but we're glad we've read it now. What a beautiful story of community and kindness.

(Combined Pick)

Wow! I started reading this book while searching for more stories written by Isabel Quintero (she’s one of my must-read authors) and I just kept reading. These short stories do exactly what the subtitle states and are brilliantly told.  

(Katelyn's Pick)

This board book is a favorite of mine for baby/lapsit storytime. Coregulation is hard and this book assists grown-ups (and their babes) at navigating daily life. 

(Katelyn's Pick)

A wonderful, cozy mystery set in a semi-fantastical world. Milo, a transracial adoptee, lives in the Greenglass House, a favorite inn for smugglers run by his mom and dad. The inn's remarkable stained glass windows, secret history, and unusual guests send Milo on a hunt for missing objects and answers to age-old questions. Takes place during the week of Christmas. Great for fans of role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. 

(Olivia's Pick)

We both love the Mermaid Days series by Kyle Lukoff & Kat Uno. Titles thus far include The Sunken Ship, The Sea Monster, and A New Friend. This is an inclusive, imaginative series for early readers the entire family will enjoy. 

Bonus: You learn how to draw characters at the end of each story!

(Combined Pick)

I knew nothing about this story before reading Nicholas Day’s wonderful telling of it. Sure to keep readers of all ages engrossed in this informational tale. The story is further enhanced by Brett Helquist’s exceptional art. 

(Katelyn's Pick)

An atmospheric tale about a lost girl who happens upon a seemingly abandoned castle. But inside the castle is its caretaker—a talking skull whose body comes looking for it in the night! An unlikely pair, the girl and skull become fast friends. Spooky and sweet. Also, read the author's note!

(Olivia's Pick)

If you're the type of person who sees a movie in your head while reading (like we are), then this is a cinematic masterpiece. Which makes sense because Alan Barillaro is no stranger to big-screen work. A brilliant story about a girl who must spend the summer with her grandparents as her mom and dad navigate a high-risk pregnancy of twins. 

(Combined Pick)